Recap of Events @ 10th Anniversary Philippines ToyCon 2011
[Above video from Reimaru Files]
Folks in Philippines celebrated the recently concluded 10th Toys, Hobbies, & Collectibles Convention - known popularly as the Philippines ToyCon (as organized by Collectibles Unlimited headed by founder/organizers Vic Yap & Cholo Manlillin / info by Mark Cerbo) - and we managed to score a couple of reveals, namely of Secret Fresh's Topsy Turvy Croc from Amanda Visell, and The Color Bringer from Bjorn Calleja. As well we managed to have a pre-event look at Mighty Mugg-customs from Likhang Pinoy Customs. Truth be told, I am constantly (if not daily) amazed that we are able to partake of events like this across the ocean, even just by simply being able to view and share it - due to the interwebs!
My personal impressions of the event in the past (while looking thru online images) were predominantly of Cosplay - which has always been a strong element to the event -and today, we bring you thru a recap of the festivities, via images and words from a trio of folks who attended the ToyCon! My thanks to both event-exhibitors Bigboy Cheng (of Secret Fresh), Nico Deacosta (of Likhang Pinoy Customs) and attendee Miko for their time in sharing with TOYSREVIL their impression of ToyCon 2011!
TOYSREVIL: What was your impression of this year's ToyCon? (Compared to previous years)
MIKO: It was awesome! I didn't think the crowd was going to be that big on a first day. I didn't think toy enthusiasts here was that big...young and old. Plenty even came in full toy and character costumes! I couldn't even walk a straight line. There were plenty of exhibitors and some of the best local artists, so you can just imagine the support.
[22 x images in slideshow above of the Toys @ the ToyCon]
BIGBOY CHENG: It was greater than ever, seeing there's a lot more shops now focusing in dealing with art/designer art toys which means that people are becoming more aware of the artists doing these kind of toys, showcasing their talent especially local filipino artists. And that toys, especially art toys, is one way of appreciating their art.
[Secret Fresh Booth & "Live" Mural Demo by NEMO, EPJEY and PSP]
BIGBOY CHENG: The toycon has proven that the toy scene here has become a real phenomenon. People of different ages and classes walking around in costume and not being shy about being photographed like celebrities. Their creativity in making their own costumes were also exercised as prizes were handed out to cosplayers who had the best costume.
[5 x images above of the Likhang Pinoy Customs Display]
NICO DEACOSTA: This year was very special coz of so many reasons that the TOYCON team gave to the attendees. The place is bigger, and way organized than the past TOYCONs, collectors and cosplayers have their own halls to gather hence they can concentrate on their own groups. The gallery area was also bigger than before which is great because this gave some groups the chance to display bigger scale dioramas like the alien vs. predator vs. humans diorama and the gi.joe diorama.
[4 x images in slideshow above of Aliens vs Predactors vs Humans in 1/6th-scale!]
NICO DEACOSTA: Tickets were also sold in two entrances unlike before there is only one hence you will no longer have to wait on the line for an hour. I (have) already read positive feedbacks on the event and I'm sure next year there will be more improvements!
[5 x images in slideshow above of The Dark Knight's "Temporary Cave" in 1/6-scale!]
TOYSREVIL: What was the highlight of the ToyCon, for you guys, personally?
MIKO: That would be the Amanda Visell Topsy Turvy Croc toy since it's a collab between her and SECRET FRESH. I've been waiting for quite a while to see how it will actually look like. And of course the local artists.
NICO DEACOSTA: There were lots of activities. Like the actual shoot of the Cosplay Nation movie that will be released in China. A Filipina cosplayer, Ms. Alodia, is included in the cast.
Warner Bros also brought 4 costumes from the Harry Potter movies. Included were the costumes of Harry, Bellatrix, Slytherin Quidditch uniform, and I think the last was Hermione's costume.
Hot Toys is also great enough to let us see the actual figures of Thor, Odin and Kevin Flynn. Secret Fresh also brought Amanda Visell's 17" Topsy Turvy Croc.
For my own favorite, I think my display was the highlight of the event. hahaha.. just kidding. haha.. I think it's the Cosplay Nation. I thought I'm going to see Linda Le. haha.. oh well.
BIGBOY CHENG: I think the highlight of the toycon was the Cosplay Nation produced in part by Mindstyle. As it chose this year's toycon to be the venue for their first day of filming for this film documentary about the cosplay phenomenon in asia and it stars our very own Alodia Gosengfiao.
[5 x images of Cosplay Nation-filming on stage - in slideshow above]
- All Alodia Gosiengfiao images via Facebook
- All event images via Facebook here and here.
