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Posted June 9, 2016 by Ica Hontiveros-Cheng in Collectibles
 
 

A Throwback to the ‘TOYCON’ that was

June 21, 2014 - Ribbon Cutting

June 21, 2014 – Ribbon Cutting

With the weekend just within our grasp and only five days of school or work probably the only way standing in the way, “geeks” of all fandoms and different hobbies are getting ready for a bigger re-vamped Toycon.

Before we all troop over to a brand new spanking Toycon allow me to do a little throwback to the Toycon that was, at least what it was for me.

For the past fourteen years (yes, 14 YEARS!) Toycon has been the go-to convention, not only for toy collectors and aficionados but for fans of pop culture as well.

Toycon has always found its home within Megatrade Halls 1, 2 and 3 at SM Megamall but just like a teenager moving out of their parent’s home, Toycon is now leaving these familiar halls and going to the “big league” venue of SMX in Mall of Asia in Pasay.

I started blogging about our annual Toycon trips since 2012 (and according to my notes and research, I even went on Cosplay in 2011) and here some of my memorable moments through those years.

June 21, 2014  - Ruruoni Kenshin Movie Exhibit

June 21, 2014 – Ruruoni Kenshin Movie Exhibit

I have always said that Toycon has always been a family affair for us, coming from a very “geek” family, my siblings and cousins always make it a point to meet up during Toycon for one (or more) round/s around the halls and getting to go experience Toycon with my family has always been one of my favorite things about it. Throughout the years, we have met new friends in the geek community and running into them during Toycon for a hug, a short exchange and even a photo has been a pleasure in the past few years.

I remember last 2014, we were present during the Ribbon Cutting and there was so much anticipation in the air, that year, Toycon had an estimated 27, 975 attendees! I don’t have the numbers for the other years but this one should give you an idea how many people spend their precious weekend at Toycon.

One of the highlights for Toycon 2014 for me was getting to see the Rurouni Kenshin Movie Exhibit where in fans got to be within inches of the actual costumes used in the movie, if you know me I’m a big fan of the franchise so that was a unique treat for me.

In 2014 I also got to experience what it was like to be behind one of the booths, as we were helping out my cousin Luis (not my cousin on paper but it’s a long story) with his SuperElite Props booth, they create movie accurate props from Star Wars, such as Storm Trooper Helmet and armor, ROTJ Lightsaber, TK E-11 Blaster all of which is locally made with the best materials and is as close to the original as possible.

I got to be on “tindera” mode, you can say as I answered inquiries on the different props. It was fun to see the dads oggle at the props and their wives give them stern looks that says “Don’t even think about it.”  This year, SuperElite Props won’t have a booth of their own but watch out for one of their helmets which will be on display in one of the booths for Toycon 2016.

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June 20, 2015 – members of the Philippine 501st, which is always a staple during Toycon.

We always look forward to the different folks on cosplay as well as the jaw dropping toys on display.

June16, 2012 -Transformers Exhibit

June16, 2012 -Transformers Exhibit

One of my favorite things about Toycon is seeing whole families connect through the experience, a Dad will be a kid himself and proudly show his children the characters and toys that he enjoyed as a kid.

June 21, 2014

June 21, 2014

SE Props booth

June 21. 2014 -With my sister and cousins at the Super Elite Props Booth

For 2015, it was our first year covering Toycon along with duties as Flipgeeks Contributors so we had the honor of showcasing local artists at the Flipgeeks booth. 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 where they can be appreciated.

During last year’s Toycon, I was also excited to find a booth that sold vinyl, most especially since I just acquired a Motorino player at that time. See – there’s always something new and unexpected at Toycon!

June 20, 2015 - Flipgeeks booth

June 20, 2015 – Flipgeeks booth

All of these are of course my own personal experience of Toycon throughout the years. I am certain that different people will have their own different experiences like a Cosplayer would probably treasure memories of changing in the most challenging of spaces and walking around the mall in full costume, drawing attention of curious onlookers and the admiration of fans and sometimes even getting the usual request for a picture.

A toy collector’s favorite memories from Toycon, would probably be of finding that long sought after toy after years and years of searching for it.

I have always written about looking for that ultimate Toycon experience and while I am still looking for it- who knows that might just come along with the new and upgraded Toycon this year!

For a list of guests gracing Toycon 2016 click here.


Ica Hontiveros-Cheng

 
Geek mom to a little Jedi. Freelance writer. Writes and vlogs thoughts, and reviews on movies, series and pop culture.