The 6th Christmas Toy Fair 2011/1st Philippines Diecast & Custom Car Show at the SM Megamall

The 6th Christmas Toy Fair and the 1st Philippines Diecast and Custom Car Show concluded it's successful three-day event yesterday and I was able to make my pilgrimage that morning to the Megatrade Hall 1 located on the 5th floor of the SM Megamall. Luckily I was able to reach my point of destination in no time since I left early to avoid the horrendous Yuletide traffic that has become a huge nightmare for commuters like me for ages! Though the organizers for Toy Fair & Diecast Car Show managed to get hold of just one hall for its venue, the number of participating toy shop owners wasn't, in a way, that many unlike during the annual ToyCon being held during the month of June, but somehow it was enough to satisfy all toy enthusiasts with their insatiable craving for bargain toys up for sale. I immediately went inside and began scouting the place to check what's in store for me and for the other attendees as well. I never got to take photos at first since I noticed that morning there was not even one individual holding a camera and taking snapshots inside, so I dashed my way to every stall that I could find and began rummaging on their stuff and got hold of some goodies that I'll be needing as backup, I can say that I was now able to have more than a handful of toys in tow unlike last June during the ToyCon where I only got two items from that event. It was only shortly before lunch when I got to see camera flashes ring out from one spot to another and so it was time to take out my camera and shoot me some photos for both my Made in X Facebook page and for this blog as well.


The build up of people flocking to the Toy Fair was somehow bearable and close to normal so I was able to move around freely and took photos of those stalls who were gracious and kind enough to let me... but unfortunately, there were some who turned us down (I've given a hint on our Facebook page so you guys might as well check it out ü), but nevertheless I was able to take a good number of photos both from the Toy Fair and the 1st Philippines Diecast & Custom Car Show which catered to all car enthusiasts with a fairly huge number of toy cars, big and small, diecast and scale model kits... name it, they have it on display. Aside from toys and cars, the regular folks from the cosplay world were there and from time to time the organizers held toy auctions to the delight of the crowd. My friend and Made in X admin member Adrian and his brother Bryan followed shortly to the event and since I'm done with my business there, I accompanied the two as they did some rounds in checking out the stalls. Though tired, exhausted and somewhat "broke", we had a grand time the entire day and we're now bracing ourselves for the next main event which will happen this coming June for the 2012 ToyCon.


I have posted here some of the photos I took yesterday and if you want to check out the rest of the album, please do find the time to visit our Facebook page by clicking here. 'Til next time folks, stay safe always!


Credits: BigBoy's Toy Shop, Akihabara, Randy, Sir Bong of Bong's Collectibles for being so nice and accommodating after granting me permission to take some snapshots of his stall.


(*Click on the images for larger view and more photos inside)

10th Philippine Toy Convention 2011: Mission Accomplished!

My mission to attend my very first ToyCon event has been accomplished! It was truly an experience and somehow I have managed to make it through a mad crowd of enthusiastic toy collectors and cosplay lovers who came in droves and filled the entire three Megatrade Halls at the 5th Level of the SM Megamall even on its second and last day (June 19/Sunday), it was wild, crazy and very much tiring!... borrowing a quote from Resident Evil 3's Jill Valentine "... Somehow, I'm still alive..." According to ToyCon's Cholo Mallillin, the second day of the event summed up an attendance of 20,000 strong and no wonder this annual event is considered to be Asia's biggest toy convention to date.


The mere thought of having to escape the hustle and bustle of a huge crowd by going there on the second day wasn't really much of a good idea since it was literally filled to the rafters and it caused a huge frenzy even outside the premises of the event, and the mall's security personnel were having a bit of a hard time reminding the crowd of cosplayers and curious onlookers through their megaphones to clear the designated aisles for the other mall shoppers later that day. Having to arrive there shortly before lunch, the people inside were still manageable and not that crowded so I took the opportunity to take some photos for my blog and for my Facebook page and at the same time did a little toy hunting and shopping as well. Though it was a pity that I never got to purchase more stuff than what I had in my stash since the people started coming in and gradually we became like packed sardines in a can, and jumping from one booth to another was a struggle and you can't fully focus on the goods on display as well since people would bump into you from behind and you have to be mindful about your belongings... most especially your wallets! But nonetheless I still went home with a few souvenirs in tow to celebrate this first-timer's triumphant journey to the annual ToyCon event.


Despite having two sore legs and almost on the verge of collapsing from all the walking I did inside the venue, I can say it was truly worth it! Maybe I've learned a lesson or two from my first encounter with this recent convention and by the next ToyCon in 2012, I'm more prepared and I know now what to do next time so I can carefully map out my strategy in dividing my time for business and leisure. By the way guys, here are some of the photos I took during the event:


(*Click on the images for larger view and more photos inside)

Bearbricks, Munnys, Dunnys and designer toys galore at the Secret Fresh booth

Should I stay or should I go to Megamall for the 2011 ToyCon?

The Philippine ToyCon (Toy Convention) is one of the most anticipated annual events for all toy and cosplay enthusiasts who would want to get their hands on the greatest deals and rarest steals from a sea of toys to choose from while cosplayers strut their stuff and tease your senses with their best rendition of their favorite anime or cartoon characters through elaborate self-made costumes and whatnots. It was a pity for me since I used to work before at a company that is located very near SM Megamall and for all the almost three-years that I've worked there, not even once did I made an attempt to visit the annual ToyCon held at the Megatrade Hall on the 5th floor, maybe because I was just too tired from all the day's work and I would rather go home and get some rest... but in recent times as I look back at all the wasted opportunity, I kinda had that guilty feeling that I should have gone there even once while I had the chance to be near the venue. As they all say "Nasa huli ang pagsisisi" (Regrets are felt when it's just too late.)


Now that the 2011 Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention is fast approaching (approximately in 2-weeks time) and now I have to decide for myself if I'm ready and willing to take that bold step in going to SM Megamall and brave the humongous crowd of hungry enthusiasts ready to rock and roll inside the Megatrade Hall, I was thinking of this funny scenario that it may look like finding myself lost and alone in a sea of Orcs deployed for battle rushing towards Helm's Deep from LOTR! It may sound exaggerated, but now that I'm nearing my late-30's, I easily get irked and agitated when I'm in a very crowded and packed place that squeezing myself through a maze of people just to where I wanted to go is enough to unleash my dark side, so to speak. But thinking about it, since this will be my first time (I hope) to conquer the ToyCon event, I'm willing to keep my Mr. Hyde alter ego at bay and see for how long I can keep up with the maddening crowd... Maybe finding myself some nice and affordable toys to purchase would keep me pacified, but this is yet to be discovered.


It would be nice to be able to attend this year's ToyCon and I'm hoping that there wouldn't be any setbacks or hassles on my part since I'm now kinda bent on going there no matter what, all for the sake of experiencing the thrills and the chills of being there in the flesh during a big annual event like the Philippine ToyCon. Keeping my fingers crossed and hope to see you guys there soon!