Toycon 2016: Reaching Unprecedented Heights

We have been attending Toycon for the past few years and when it was announced that Toycon will be moving from its home of 14 years at the Megatrade Halls in SM Megamall to the SMX Convention Center, I was admittedly a little bit sad since Megamall is close and traveling to Pasay would definitely be longer but I knew it was all going to be worth it and needless to say, Toycon delivered!

Hodor in Manila

Now those are word is never thought I would get to say or write down. I'm a big "Game of Thrones" fan, I've read all the books and consider "Game of Thrones Monday" as sacred and holy. So just imagine my seeking when Toycon announced that they would be bringing Kristian Nairn, who plays the gentle giant in the bit TV show to Manila! 

Not only will Nairn be holding panels, taking pictures with fans and signing autographs but he also played a couple of DJ sets for his Filipino fans. You see, aside from acting, the 6'11 native of Belfast is also a musician, he sings and plays the guitar as well.

As a result of the popularity of "Game of Thrones", Nairn has been traveling the world, playing DJ sets aptly called "Rave of Thrones" and I still pinch myself when I realize that I have been to one, thanks to Toycon 2016 and Pop Life Fan Experience.

Super Man Indeed 

I grew up watching "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" in the 90's. (The series ran from 1993-1997) They used to show it on ABC 5 (before it was TV 5) and yes, before they dubbed everything in Filipino. 

I was really surprised when I saw Dean Cain in person because damn! 

(Ang gwapo parin niya!) - I actually said out loud when he got up on stage. 

He was so nice to the PRESS and Media, remembering each name of the Press who came up to ask him a question. He would address them by name and you can tell that he really wanted to give a personal experience to everyone that was there. Giving hugs and kisses and even a recorded greeting. 

Local Heroes Make Debut in Toycon 

For the longest time, Toycon has been bringing the spotlight to our local talent as well by featuring artists and comic book creators. This year's Toycon was extra special as they were able to celebrate real life heroes in history through the cast of Heneral Luna, where in John Arcilla and Mon Confiado even appeared on the stage dressed as their counterparts, Heneral Luna and Emilio Aguinaldo. The crowds cheered and applauded at them as it was also June 12, Independence Day where they made their appearance-how timely indeed. 

The cast was also present to promote the exclusive DVD launch of Heneral Luna. 

Toys, Toys and Furniture?! 

Of course, a Toycon staple is the many impressive toy displays and there were a couple of new ones this year, such as Stan Lee's very own personal collection being on display and a whole lot of life sized Funko Pops! A booth that I found very interesting was Space Coaster which featured furniture and art pieces inspired from our favorite pop culture movies and TV shows! 

I'd love to have that Star Wars couch in our living room! 

I love that there was actually extra leg room to walk around in and places to sit and rest. Going around Toycon can be tiring but always fun. 

It was nice to see friends all around Toycon, of course each was busy with his or her Cosplay or helping out in a booth and despite being a tiring and challenging experience each and every year, it's something that we all do for the love of our hobbies and passion. 

Congratulations Toycon you really set the bar high up! Can't wait for next year! 

Click HERE for MORE Photos! 

Filbar's brings exclusive Toy Collectibles for Asia Pop Comic ConManila 2015

It's not a convention without mouth-watering toy collectibles and Filbar's-the country's one stop shop for all pop-culture needs is sure to bring it's A game to Asia Pop Comic Con Manila 2015 on September 17-20, 2015 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. 

The Hot Toys Booth, powered by Filbar’s or Booth K#19, will delight action figures hobbyists with four Hot Toys 2015 Toy Fair Exclusives—the Iron Man Mark XXIV Tank, Maria Hill, Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper Disguise Version), and Metal Gear’s Raiden (Inferno Armor Version). Special Edition Hot Toys based on Marvel and Star Wars properties are also available for preorder in limited quantities during the event.

Known for its realistic diecast figures, Hot Toys fittingly found its Philippine distributor, Filbar’s, in showcasing its detailed and high quality products. It previously partnered with Filbar’s for its “Avengers: Age of Ultron” exhibition last May.

Exclusive Filbar’s products available at Asia Pop Comicon Manila 2015 include:

Hot Toys

Iron Man Mark XXIV Tank

Expand your House Party Protocol and add this Iron Man armor to your collection. This Heavy Combat Suit features metallic brown and gold-colored armor, Unibeam and thruster effects accessories, LED light-up functions, a dynamic figure stand, and Mark IX and Mark XXVII (Disco) mini collectible figures that are perfect for recreating the iconic Iron Man 3  poster where the House Party Protocol Suits are flying into action. Php14,000

Maria Hill

A great addition to your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection, this movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill in the film featuring a newly developed head sculpt, finely tailored outfit, weapon and accessories. Php 10,500.

Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper Disguise Version)

Based on Luke Skywalker’s disguise in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope,  this features a newly painted head sculpt, finely tailored Stormtrooper armor, an interchangeable Stormtrooper helmet with mechanically detailed interior, weapons and accessories, and a figure stand. Php11,000

Metal Gear’s Raiden (Inferno Armor Version)

From “Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance,” this figure comes with a highly detailed head sculpt, specially applied metallic red and gold colored armor, meticulously constructed body, a high-frequency blade, a HF Murasama with sheath, an assault rifle, a newly designed visor with digital pattern, and figure stand. Php14,000

Beast Kingdom

Floating Iron Man Mark III 

Shellhead is a flashy, new updated color variant of Beast Kingdom's Floating Iron Man Mark III featuring red and chrome markings. The statue includes an arc reactor base, with Iron Man floating above it in a flying pose. Php 8,500

Star Wars Egg Attack Action Darth Vader

This six-inch limited edition Beast Kingdom rendition of the iconic villain is constructed with compound materials and painted with expert techniques that perfectly capture the texture of Darth Vader's armor and clothing. It also features a light-up LED lightsaber and life-supporting device on the chest.Php 5,500

Funko

Science Bros 

Set of 2: Iron Man Unmasked and Glow-in-the-Dark Hulk

If you love the friendship between Iron Man and the Hulk on screen then you should grab the Science Bros set. This includes two Filbar’s Philippine Exclusives Iron Man Unmasked and Glow in the Dark Hulk.Php 1,600

Keep updated for more surprises from Filbar’s on Facebook (www.facebook.com/filbarsonline) and follow us on Instagram and Twitter (@filbarsonline). Join the conversation using the hashtag, #FilbarsAPCC.

About Filbar’s

Filbar’s, the country’s premier store for pop culture goodness since 1979, carries toys, comics, magazines, and young adult novels from both local and international publishers. Filbar’s is an official Philippine retailer of Hot Toys, Diamond Comic Distributors, Marvel, The Wand Company Ltd., Dark Horse Comics, RubberToe Replicas, Beast Kingdom, Funko, Wizards of the Coast, infoThink, Star Ace and Badali Jewelry.  Under the management of Collecticons, Inc., Filbar’s now operates seven major stores and three magazine stands in malls across Metro Manila. 

Always Something New At Toycon

We've been going to Toycon for the last few years now and despite the annual trip I have discovered that there are always new sights and sounds that give a refreshing take on this annual celebration of our inner child.

While the usual toys, displays, cosplays are always there, I never get tired of looking at them and pointing at finds that either bring back childhood memories or drool in envy. Although lacking the physical strength to stay an entire day at Toycon, since we would come from Friday night we still make the trip and go through the jam packed halls, you might think that it's an inconvenience but we love it. It's like having all your favorite stores and shops in one place. :) you get to see so many different things, some a blast from the past, hard to find old toys bearing their age with pride, others advancements in technology like that 3D printer we've been seeing for the past two years.

Vinyl Hunt at Toycon 2015. 

This year, Paul and I were ecstatic to find Vinyls being sold at the event! And with our recently acquired Motorino Record Player we immediately looked through the records. They were already old and pre-owned but there were classics nonetheless. Thanks to my sister and cousin for my advanced birthday gift which was my Vinyl haul :) that was definitely something new for me at Toycon :) 

As I was going through the different stalls and booths I realized that Toycon is always a great place to swing by every year for geeks and pop-culture lovers alike. Why is that? It's because you get a chance to see everything that is up and coming in the second part of the year. From Coming Soon movies to new apps that will keep your geek heart satisfied you get to see everything at Toycon.

Local Comic Book Artists at the Flipgeeks Booth. 

My Flipgeeks team has their own booth which features our very own local comic book artists. Their works are on display and you can also have drawings and sketches commissioned. This is just another way that Toycon features our very own local talent and in a venue wahere they can be appreciated.

"I'll Be Back." 

We've been going toToycon for the past few years but I can say that we haven't had that ultimate Toycon experience yet. There are always regrets of I should have stayed longer, I should have gone to this booth or I should have watched that band perform. This just makes me more determined to come back the following year ready and prepared to have that ultimate Toycon experience. Of course having an ample budget to go on a satisfying shopping spree is definitely a must to. So no, Toycon isn't the same thing year after year. In fact there are always new things to see and experience. Who knows next year I might finally be able to write about that ultimate Toycon experience. 

Click HERE for MORE Photos!

Funko-POP Haul!: Fisher Mall Edition

The Haul from (L to R) Raven (Teen Titans Go!) Daryl Nixon (The Walking Dead), Hannibal Lecter (Silence Of The Lambs/Anthony Hopkins), Hannibal Lecter (TV/Mads Mikkelsen), Will Graham (Hannibal TV/Hugh Dancy) 

Remember our Big Boys Toystore Funko Escapade at Fisher Mall? (Blog post here)

Well here is our haul from the event - I say haul but actually only Daryl is really ours, the rest are my sisters' and cousins'. Yes we're one big geeky family :P

Generic photoshoot only using a simple white cartolina backdrop. We have been having fun with our more personalized Funko shoots (Daenerys, Daryl and Hatsune Miku - they're up on the Facebook page) maybe we can revisit some of these and get to experiment more :p

Batwoman Bishoujo Statue by Kotobukiya

Released in January 2015 the Batwoman Kotobukiya statue comes with two portraits, with and without Kate Kane's mask and wig and strands.

It stands about 25cm tall or at a 1/7 scale.

My sister is actually the owner of this beautiful statue. Becoming the avid toy collector herself, she's always been a big fan of the Batman franchise. 

She pre-ordered this beauty from Big Boys Toystore and she immediately wanted us to do a photoshoot :)

I've always wanted to own a Kotobukiya statue. The bishoujo take on our favorite Marvel and DC heroines just turns my knees into jelly - look at her! So beautiful!

While the budget has me confined to buying one Funko Pop at time, maybe in the near future I'd a proud owner of a Kotobukiya figure :)

On the technical side: Flash head(Canon 430 EXII) was positioned left of the camera pointed directly on the right side of the statue. White styrofoam board was positioned camera right allowing light from the flash to bounce back to the opposite side of the statue. All of these were shot on white cartolina. As for exposure, most of the time I've exposed only the flash and killed ambient light to get the grey effect of the background.

Big Boys Toystore: Funko Weekend: Fisher Mall

The Funko Weeekend Fever continues and this time we hit Fisher Mall, we've actually never been but for the love of Funko we made the trip after work :p Again, we were with my sister who's becoming the avid toy collector I must say and with some bilin from my cousin (the certified toy collector-who couldn't make it coz of work) we were on our way.

When we got to the event, there was already a long line, they were only letting people in by batches, I guess for crowd control and let me tell you, standing in line while you see the Funko on the shelves was nerve wrecking, especially when they were only two or three left. 

With nail biting suspense and a little patience we made it in and my sister made a bee-line for the Raven Funko Pop (there was only about two left). Raven has been her favorite since the first Teen Titans series came out. :) 

I was originally planning to get Mikasa Ackerman (Attack On Titan) or Princess Leia (Star Wars) but Princess Leia was at P1,000+ so that wasn't happening. My sister is a big fan of Hannibal (TV series) so of course she had to have Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham because according to her they should go together. My cousin got the Hannibal Lecter Anthony Hopkins-Silence Of The Lambs version. With our haul we made our way to the counter to pay then I saw The Walking Dead figures and picked up a Darly Nixon Pop, after much debate I got Daryl instead of Mikasa (could only get one). Even if Mikasa was just released I went for Daryl since The Walking Dead finale was just around the corner. I'll just be back for Mikasa :P 

My cousin originally wanted The Colossal Titan (Attack On Titan) unfortunately it was already all out when we came and this was just around 11:00 AM. A kid behind us at the line had one, I asked to see it, the kid obviously didn't trust us, I had to convince him that I just wanted to look at it :p

"Now you're being rude, and I hate rude people." -Hannibal Lecter
Preview photo from our Funko Haul Photoshoot.
Hannibal Lecter (TV-Mads Mikkelsen) and Hannibal Lecter (Movie-Anthony Hopkins) 

At P850.00 it was really cute :) and I've read the manga and watched the series and I would never, ever say that a Titan is cute but the Funko version of the Colossal Titan was. Unfortunately for my cousin, he would have to wait before adding that to his growing collection :p 

Since our bill reached P3,000.00 we were given a free stub to try the Big Boys Games which were set up. Think arcade games where you put in a coin and try to get a Funko Pop. I was aiming for Princess Leia after a near success at getting it (the machine let's you think you're about to win) I bought another stub for P50.00 who knows right? Unfortunately I wasn't so lucky that day :(( but three lucky Funko fans did win prizes so congratulations to them! Even Chico Garcia whom we are fans of by the way (been listening to The Morning Rush since we were in High School) :p tried the machine - he's also an avid Funko Pop collector. 

All in all it was another Fun Funko Weekend :) Looking forward to the next - just need to replenish our funds though :p

More photos on our haul here! 

Funko Weekend at Tiendesitas

When the Funko toys first came out, I thought that they looked cute but I didn't immediately jump on it. Fortunately or unfortunately my cousin was starting his own collection and it was growing and growing and growing and of course I saw all of his posts on Instagram and Facebook and slowly I think I wanted to start collecting, then last Christmas my cousin got me a Daenerys Targaryen Funko (Number 25) and well she looked so lonely up on the shelf I thought that getting her a little company would be alright :p

Last weekend, Big Boys Toy Store had their Funko Weekend at Tiendesitas, Paul and I decided to check it out with my sister, of course my cousin gave us his 'buy me the following Funko list'. When we got there at around 11am on a Saturday I was surprised by the number of people there, carrying boxes and putting Funkos in- as if they were candy!

I immediately called my cousin to tell him what were the available Funkos, around me people were also on their cellphones talking and giving reports of what designs were available. My cousin asked for THE BRIDE - from Kill Bill. The rest of The Kill Bill characters were also available. 

The whole cast of Big Hero 6 was also in stock. There was a lot of Baymax Funkos available. It's usually bigger than the the other Funkos, personally I think the Bay,as in the box doesn't look so good but when you bring it out that's where the cuteness comes in! Will definitely get one in the future :) The Staypuft Marshmallow Man from The Ghostbusters is definitely something to get in the future.

Our haul for the day. 

I ended up getting a Hatsune Miku Pop- it was in a glass case and was around P650.00, while my sister got a Batman from The Dark Knight Trilogy around P750.00. It was also in the glass case, which meant it was also only the one there. It was my sisters' very first Funko (she has an order for a Raven that's still in transit). 

We probably won't be grabbing Funko Pops left and right anytime soon, given our working budget and the bills that we have to pay but might be buying/getting a Funko every so often :p 

When people come up my workstation, they ask me why I have my figure on display (Rei Ayanami) I tell them it makes me happy looking at them and helps remove the stress that the demands of the daily workload can give. Yes- a cute reminder of one of your favorite characters can definitely make you smile :p Don't ask me how it works, it's just one of the mysteries of being a Geek I guess :p

And then there were two. Girl Talk between Hatsune Miku and Daenerys Targaryen. 

Click HERE for MORE Photos!

Christmas Toyfair 2014

Toys, toys and more toys

We actually weren't planning on going to Christmas Toyfair this year - blame that on Paul's late 13th month pay (it came out on the 19th) but my baby sister who is a big geek like us - convinced me to go. She even said - "Ililibre Kita" (I'll treat you.) Hahahah! ^_^ I guess that's a good change since being the elder sister I used to be the one to always treat my younger siblings out but now that my baby sister has a job she can treat me so - yeay! :D

Due to our weird schedule - we work the night shift, we decided to go to Christmas Toyfair - Sunday evening (and watch The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies after) this was also so we can avoid the Holiday Traffic. It's a good thing that even if it was already the evening of the last day of Christmas Toyfair we were still able to see a lot of great toys and finds.

I always tell people that if you really want to go out and shop for toys, geek stuff, that Christmas Toyfair is the better choice than Toycon (which happens in June), there is not that many people compared to Toycon, which is an event that is flocked not just by the toy enthusiasts but Cosplayers as well and there is just more stuff going on during Toycon I guess.For safe measure my cousins and I go to both :P

There were also other fun activities during Christmas Toyfair like the Toyfair Auction (proceeds go to Charity) I saw a pretty nice Rurouni Kenshin framed poster that was auctioned and I would have liked to see that hung up in our house :P

There was also the Christmas Toyfair Toy Photography competition - Paul and I were planning to join but due to our hectic schedule we weren't able to submit an entry T_T but we saw the entries submitted and they were pretty darn good, just imagine Naruto and Woody (from Toy Story) sharing gifts under a Christmas Tree! Hopefully next year we'll be able to join!

We were able to pick up some items for Christmas gifts for our geek cousins and a cute hat for Paul's niece (that she loved by the way). We always get great gift items during Christmas Toyfair, I guess it helps that we have geeky relatives too! :P

Rebel Leia and Rebel Solo - will shoot with the Leia shirt soon! 

I saw  this great "Rebel Leia" (Star Wars) shirt from Planet Geek and my baby sister bought it for me for Christmas! :D They also had Geeky Underwear (panties) for sale. Wonder Woman, Harry Potter (the back of the undies say - "I swear that I am up to no good" and I just had to LOL at that. There was also this awesome Princess Leia towel - I mean where can you find a Star Wars towel right? It was really pretty cool.

We picked up a couple of art work (from local artists) from Poop Shop that I picked up for my cousins. (Star Wars Cards, Joker Poster).

Joker Poster from Poop Shop. 

Hopefully we'll be more prepared for Christmas Toyfair - next year - definitely better budgeting :P But before Christmas Toyfair is Toycon in June - soo... Save! Save! Save! :D

Click HERE for More Photos! 

More Cadbury Chocolate Please!

Cadbury? Rei is tempted.... 

I was fortunate enough to have won a runner up place in the Nuffnang and Cadbury Guardians of The Galaxy Movie Premiere Blog Contest :) You can read on my blog post here.

While this happened way back in August - we were only able to pick up my prize which has been waiting for me in the Nuffnang offices since winning the contest last November - during Thanksgiving long weekend.

My prize was two boxes of Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate - in different sizes! ^_^ The grand prize was actually an iPad mini. :) - I know! Cadbury is just so damn generous! :)

Well - with all of these chocolate goodies - we made sure to give to our family and friends. Now Paul's nephew is also a Cabury monster like him. When I asked him what he wanted for Christmas he told me it starts with the the letter "C".

I tried to guess with 'Cash?' or 'Cards? - (playing cards - Cardfight Vanguard) but then he says:
"No. I'm thinking if I want Cadbury for Christmas" - True Story :)

Thank you again for this Sweet Ending Cadbury! :)

Rei is stuck in an avalanche of Cadbury - now I wouldn't mind being stuck in one of those! :P

What's In Store for You at: Toycon 2014

While most kids get excited because of the start of school in June; the kids at heart (no matter what height, shape or size) get excited once the month of June appears in all our calendars and that's because of Toycon! 

The annual Toy Convention has become a haven for geeks and different enthusiasts alike. And now on it's 13th year - The Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention or better known as TOYCON will once more be the place to be for frenzied fans or even the casual onlooker. Needless to say, whichever you are - you will definitely have fun as there is so much to see and so much to do during Toycon! 

Paul and I have been going to Toycon for the past two years - you can check out the blog posts for 2012 here and 2013. 

Toycon is recognized as Asia's biggest and longest running convention for collectibles, toys, anime, comics, cosplay, gaming and anything and everything related to hobbies and collections. -- Simply put it is the biggest pop culture event in the country. 

While most would expect to see the amazing toys on display and the jaw dropping cosplayers strut their stuff. There are certain highlight each year for Toycon and this year, they will highlight the 75th Anniversary of none other than DC's caped crusader - Batman! There will be a huge Batman display area, as well as a life sized Batpod, a kid's activity area as well as exciting new Batman Merchandise as well as a gallery of art and collectibles of the Dark Knight Detective. Puts a whole perspective to that vernacular saying 'Bahala na si Batman!' eh?  

And since everyone is all a buzz with the Rurouni Kenshin Live Action Sequels, there will be a display of original costumes that were used in the movie! 

Another feature for Toycon 2014 will be Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - there will be awesome displays, sneak peeks at the movie's trailers as well as behind-the-scenes features. There will also be fun fan activities as well as a Marvel roster of superstar artists such as Leinil Yu, Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, Roy Allan Martinez and Kim Jacinto. 

Paul and I always look forward to the toy exhibits during Toycon and for this year there will be displays from the following prominent toy exhibits: 

The G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary exhibit, Philippine Lego Users Group exhibit, the Coca-Cola Collectors exhibit, One Sixth Republic and Pinoy Sixth Scale collectors exhibit and of course the awesome Toycon gallery exhibit area which showcases the best and local toy group community. 

If you have been following us you would know that Star Wars has a special place in my heart, especially since I have cousins who are part of the 501st Philippine Outpost. (You can read all about my interview with a Storm Trooper here.) Well they will be present during Toycon as they also celebrate their 10th year Anniversary. There will be a parade of those timeless Star Wars characters: Stormtroopers, Jedi Knights, droids, and of course, the Dark Lord of the Sith himself - Darth Vader! 

I also suggest that you guys check out SuperElite Props booth at Toycon! 

They produce locally made movie props (with the best materials and is made to be as close to the original as possible) so you can actually own your very own Storm Trooper Helmet, ROTJ Lightsaber, TK-E11 Blaster! :)