If you’ve ever been in a bustling city like Manila, Las Vegas, or Singapore, you’d know that the art of the haggle can either net you an amazing deal – or make you completely broke (and look like an idiot). Sharp-eyed father-and-son Rick and Corey Harrison – main cast members of the hit reality television series Pawn Stars – shared some of their experiences in the art and science of managing their now world famous pawnshop. 

The Pawn Stars Asia Tour 2013

Manila is the first stop for the duo, as they will be going to Tokyo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and New Delhi in the following weeks. Currently promoting Seasons 9 and 10 of their TV show (aired by HISTORY), Rick and Corey took some time to answer some questions from some fans, as well as appraised a couple of objects – one of mine, included! But first…

 

Who’s Rick? And who’s that tattooed guy Corey?

Rick Harrison, nicknamed “The Spotter”, started out with the pawnshop business young. 13 and already hustling, he has nearly 30 years’ experience in the art of negotiation and has developed a keen eye for spotting fakes and stolen goods. He’s a second-generation haggler; fans of the show would recognize “the Old Man” (Rick’s dad) too as a regular eagle-eyed appraiser. According to Rick, his dad is back in Vegas manning the shop.

Rick (left) and Corey Harrison

Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison started his haggling career at the tender age of 9; we can only wonder what he was appraising back then. He’s the “operations guy” of the business, managing both employees and clients. He is the son of Rick and friend of show favorite Chumlee, who Corey says is currently in Canada for “a show he can’t miss”.

The four of them – three Harrisons and Chumlee – form the main cast of Pawn Stars, currently on its fourth year and HISTORY’s top-rated television series.

 

When in Manila, Haggle Like the Pawn Stars

This Saturday, August 24, the two will be meeting and greeting their fans at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati. Beginning noon, fans of the show can check out games and contests as well as raffle draws to win prizes and merchandise courtesy of HISTORY. Take this once in a blue moon opportunity to meet these two awesome and funny guys!

It wouldn’t be right to the Pawn Stars Asia Tour if they didn’t appraise something that we at WhenInManila.com could say was ours. I had a shirt appraised, and the verdict was pretty good. Back in 2011, when I first got into boxing, a certain world champion was kind enough, as a birthday present, to give me an autographed pre-fight shirt. According to Rick, given the context of the shirt and where we are (the Philippines), the shirt “was priceless”. This isn’t the first time they’ve done that too; in their shop there are Olympic medals and full uniforms of sports greats that they just can’t put a price tag to.

Glad to know this shirt is priceless!

There you have it, all you need to know about the Pawn Stars Asia Tour in Manila. Don’t forget to head over to the Glorietta Activity Center THIS Saturday at 12nn and experience the hit show in the real!

 

Some fun facts about Pawn Stars:

1. The original name of the show was supposed to be Pawning History.
2. The most expensive item in the shop is John F. Kennedy’s cigar box, valued at $125,000.
3. Rick is no longer allowed in some garage sales because of his uber negotiation skills.
4. Rick has bought a Quizno’s franchise before and it was managed by both Corey and Chumlee.
5. Corey has a brother, Adam, who used to work at the shop but now has work elsewhere.

 

Images courtesy of HISTORY and the author. Pawn Stars is on HISTORY every Monday at 10pm.

HISTORY’s Pawn Stars Asia Tour partners are:

• Department of Tourism
• Fairmont Hotel
• Glorietta
• Holiday Inn & Suites
• Raffles Hotel

Fanboy mode!

The Pawn Stars Asia Tour – Manila Leg