Stitch was here in the Philippines!

A collaboration between Disney and leading toy collectible company MINDstyle brings a unique product to life.

The partnership resulted in a line of customized vinyl figures patterned after the fictional alien character from Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch” series.

This Stitch Experiment 626 project features custom art toys now on an international tour. In this initiative, the uniquely cute alien gets to have different looks as renowned artists are empowered to reinvent and create their own rendition of Disney’s most mischievous character. The ongoing tour has already been to Hong Kong, Orlando and Manila. Next in line for the tour as destination will be Taipei.

Too bad the toys didn’t really get to have their own day via the MINDstyle launch that was supposed to happen before the Manila Toy Convention. Sadly, that event is currently postponed and is still to be rescheduled.

Fortunately though, MINDstyle still had a part during the recently concluded Manila ToyCon 2009 where they launched and displayed their Stitch toy series . I wasn’t able to photograph any of the main activities. But I still did manage to get a few snaps of the customized Stitch that were on display during the convention.

I recognized one of the toys on display (black ninja Stitch) as one that Gaby dela Merced designed herself.

I am not aware who designed the other figures but the collection was very diverse. From the absurdly funny to weirdly cuddlesome, all were uniquely artistic.

The annual toy convention for the year is now over. And as was with previous years, it must have been a success based from the number of people who participated and went to the event.

I visited Megamall for the 2 days the convention was on last weekend. I purposely didn’t bring a camera during the first day expecting not being able to shoot because of the crowd size. As an afterthought now, maybe I should have just brought a camera along and not miss out on taking snaps of the opening day activities.

The event had a good mix of regular exhibits and new ones as well. As usual, perennial displays like the Voltes 5 team were there to greet everyone. What was noticeably distinct this year were the considerable number of people wearing surgical masks. I guess it could very well be one of the latest fashion trend with all the news about the H1N1 virus spreading. Anyway, I found a lot of people wearing face masks during the event that only needed a little more accessory to blend pretty well with the cosplayers at the venue. hehehe

Here are just some of the pictures I managed to take during the second day.

Recognizing these days as rather hard times, I intentionally left most of my money and all ATM cards at home to help prevent myself from buying anything I didn’t really need right now. Cleverly though, a lot of sellers in the convention offered credit card payment facilities. To that, all I can say is… damn them! hahaha

I’m planning to take pictures this coming week of things I got from this year’s toycon. Hopefully I get the chance to actually do so. I’ll post pictures as soon as this pushes through.

One of the best brands in collector’s toys is officially coming to Manila.

MINDstyle is a global brand recognized for fostering creativity through its line of art toys. Their products are unique and feature works from internationally acclaimed artists like Doktor A, Ron English and Michael Lau among others. 

And they are setting up their pronounced presence locally by opening a store within a store in the concept shop of Bratpack at Greenbelt 5. The event is going to be held this coming Friday (June 12) with the opening ceremonies slated to start at 6pm.

click for a larger image

Yes! You saw the invitation right. The occasion is going to be hosted by our very own Philippine racing Goddess and celebrity Gaby dela Merced.

As it turns out, Gaby is also an avid art toys collector. Her interest for accumulating vinyl figures started out around 7 years ago with one of Michael Lau’s creations.

The products from the “Collectors Toy Box” are basically designer vinyl art toys. And they can literally be toys for collectors since they are available only in really limited numbers. Because of their rarity some have been known to fetch prices from hundreds to thousands of US dollars.

Aside of course from the lovely Ms. dela Merced, I’m also excited to see the initial batch of toys MINDstyle would be releasing and showing during the launch.

One of the most awaited event by collectors, gamers, cosplayers, hobbyists, comics and anime fans is coming again in just a few days. 

It’s the 8th Philippine Toy Convention.

Poster by popazrael

Surprise! Surprise! Troy is also into toys for the not-so-big-boys. hehehe

Well, you know what they say… boys will always be boys.

Unlike some friends, my stash isn’t nearly enough to even be called a collection. And just like a typical little jealous boy, I’m often left drooling whenever I see what others have in their stock.

Since I’m also into photography, whenever possible, I love taking pictures of toys as well. So I am hoping to “meet” my newest subject for the next shoot in the convention . hehe

There are far too many possible things to witness and experience in this event. Toy conventions are also usually an opportunity for cosplay practitioners to display their often elaborate and entertaining art.  And did I mention the aesthetically pleasing girls normally posted on the various booths?

According to news, another sweetener for the event is a collectors’ exhibit and merchandising display for both upcoming movies Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and GI JOE: Rise of Cobra. Now, that should be reason enough for any avid fan to go. 

You can just imagine why festivities like these would be short of paradise for me.

I always try to go and visit whenever my schedule permits. But I missed going to last year’s toycon. So this time around, I’m clearing up my calendar for this one. Hopefully, I get to visit for the 2 days it’s going to be on.

See you all on June 13 and 14, at the SM Megatrade Hall!