Toy fans ‘transform and roll out’ to ToyCon 2007

By Alex Villafania, hackenslash Reporter
INQUIRER.net

WITH only two weeks left before the opening of the highly anticipated “Transformers” movie, comic fans, collectible fanatics, hobbyists and casual geeks were treated to the year’s biggest toy and hobby fare, the Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention 2007 (ToyCon).

This year’s ToyCon at the SM Megamall saw the biggest number of exhibitors and sponsors, many of whom are involved in the preparation for the opening of the live action flick “Transformers,” which will be shown on June 28 in the Philippines, almost a week before the worldwide premier showing.

The ToyCon website even offers video streaming to highlight this year’s activities.

“It’s more of a Transformers event than anything else but that’s OK because everyone loved the cartoon series and the toys that came with it. Many of the hobby shops that sold Transformers merchandise already ran out of some stock,” according to Azrael Coladilla, head of the organizing committee for ToyCon.

Some of the merchandise from the “Transformers” movie as well as the older versions of the series sold just slightly higher than in some shops, though that did not stop fans from buying the more popular Transformers toys, particularly the movie version of Autobot leader Optimus Prime, which sold between P3,000 to P3,500.

There was also a booth where nearly all of the toys from the series were displayed, some of which are as old as the 1984 series and a rare few that have not been removed from their boxes yet, making them extremely expensive to purchase.

Here’s a snapshot of the exhibit that showed off the artwork of legendary Filipino comic book artist Alfredo Alcala.

Meanwhile, the live performances gave their rendition of the catchy Transformers theme music. One band in particular, Elite Star Pilots, did a hip hop version of the Transformers opening sequence.

There was even a group of participants in the cosplay competition who donned elaborate Transformers costumes, particularly the classic Optimus Prime design and a well-detailed Decepticon Constructicon suit.

Nevertheless, many of the exhibitors still sold numerous action figures from different brands, both popular and cult classics. There were characters from Marvel and DC comics, anime TV shows, and video games.

Here’s a photo of life-size versions of DC’s Justice League together with some Marvel heroes.

Some shops were also giving discounts and promos, including buy one, take one offers. Specialty shops from Greenhills, Makati and Alabang were among the exhibitors who were enticing potential buyers with special promos.

“We’ve exceeded expectations. Just for the first day, we already had 8,000 visitors and about 168 participants in the cosplay games. We expect more on the second day,” Coladilla said.

Coladilla said the community of toy collectors and enthusiasts in the Philippines continues to be stable through the years, especially those who grew up with fond memories of the characters they read or watched.

He said the high cost of the collectibles could not deter fans from purchasing. Even having families of their own would not stop them from being fans. Some of them even go as far as saving up for months to buy an item.

“It’s a very good market for toy and specialty shops in the Philippines because there are collectors here who are willing to pay premium for the toys that they buy. This would continue to go as more kids now become fans of the toys that they are growing up with,” Coladilla said.

After ToyCon 2007, Coladilla said he is preparing for another toy event on June 29, also in Megamall. This time it would be all about the “Transformers” movie.

“This will be a niche event but we’re expecting fans of all ages to come,” he said.

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