Five Things I Loved About ToyCon 2024 and Two Things I Want To See in the Future

ToyCon has come and gone this year; and for those of you who were lucky to attend one day or more, it was truly an evolution of one of the biggest pop culture events in the Philippines. Since I am still on a geek high, here are five experiences I loved about ToyCon 2024, and two things I hope to see in future iterations of this event.

Firstly let’s get this out of the way, what’s a toycon without toys, right? Whether you’re windowshopping for toys, buying them, taking pictures, or simply enjoy basking in the sea of toys that converges with the mass of humanity attending toycon, there is always this to expect: toys are at the center of ToyCon. And ToyCon 2024 lived up to the hype. Your experiences will be full with the toys that populated the event grounds at the SMX Mall of Asia.

Deadpool and Wolverine

Harley Quinn

Next, you have the cosplayers at ToyCon. You know your event has exploded on the pop culture scene when the cosplay community comes in troves. Not only was the community ever present for three days with various fandoms represented, there was even a cosplay competition held on the last day for aspiring cosplayers to compete. So everywhere you go, you’d better be ready with your camera to take shots at these fans who express their love for pop culture in cosplay.

Here’s something that I thought I’d never say at Toycon: I enjoyed the performances. That’s a first for me. This part of ToyCon showed me that it is truly evolving. The highlight of the performances for me was when Krage performed on stage songs from two recent anime: Raven of the Inner Palace, and Solo Leveling. The surprise performance for me was the one made by Chicken Blow the Idol. They went down to the crowd on the second day, and performed an acoustic version of one of their songs. Talk about meet, and greet. This made me an instant fan, and follower. I know that ToyCon has had musical performances in the past, but I’ve always set those aside for the toys. This year is my first year inhaling the performances onstage.

If the musical performances surprised me, here’s one aspect of ToyCon that didn’t: guest interactions onstage. There were a slew of panel discussions at ToyCon, but one in particular stood out for me. That happened on the third day when we got to see the director and cast of FRIENDLY FIRE, a new Filipino movie coming out on October 23, 2024. Not only did we get to see the return of Alodia Gosiengfiao to ToyCon (who revealed that she is expecting a child soon, congratulations!), but we also got to see Director Mikhail Red along with the rest of the cast talk about the film. Also, the first trailer reveal was shown to visiting patrons on the third day. It’s always nice to see these juicy bits of info on upcoming shows at ToyCon. ToyCon 2024 was no exception.

This might be redundant since I mentioned it in the beginning, but I’m going back to it because I am a toy collector. Part of the joy of ToyCon (some might even argue that this is the first thing they do at the event) is hunting for that one toy (or several?) that will complete their collection. Collectors, am I right? Sometimes there’s never enough room for the toys you love. And I think toy collecting has no true age limit. As such, the hunt for these toys that will add or complete your collection forms part of why you visit ToyCon in the first place. Did I find anything for myself? Most definitely. I’m sure I’m not alone in agreeing that hunting for toys is ingrained in the culture of ToyCon…whethere this be voluntary or not.

ToyCon 2024 was a blast, but there were a couple of things that I missed from this year. Yes, there were toy discussions. But, I think ToyCon missed a golden opportunity to invite personalites related to toys considering that some of these toylines are celebrating milestone years this year. For example, the Transformers franchise is celbrating its 40th year. They could have invited, let’s say maybe Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime to the event. I mean, we got comicbook legend Neal Adams a few years back, so why not a celebrity related to these milestone year toylines?

Also, missing from ToyCon are roleplaying tabletop games. There was a Yu-gi-oh! table at SMX. There was Magic: The Gathering, and Warhammer. and even video games at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. BUT…no tabletop. No Dungeons and Dragons. As a long time tabletop player and game master, I was so looking forward to sitting down, and maybe interacting with some like-minded individuals. I was able to spot a stall selling dice in the merchant area, but that was it. Hopefully, I’ll get to see tabletop games represented in future ToyCons.

Overall, ToyCon 2024 was truly an evolution where we see the event expand far beyond just being a marketplace for toys. It has become a celebration of pop culture fandom in the Philippines as it continues to grow. In 2025, ToyCon is slated to be from June 13 to 15. What are we to expect? More of the same, and still much more. See you again then.

What Am I Looking Forward To Seeing in ToyCon 2024?

ToyCon in the Philippines is just around the corner, and if you are as excited as I am, then you’ll make your way to the SM Mall of Asia grounds from June 14-16. There are a lot of toy related experiences to devour with your visit, and here are some of the events I’m looking forward to seeing this weekend.

Firstly, there will be new toylines, and limited edition collectibles released at ToyCon. Among them, two new toybrands will be released by MNDSTYL and the creator of Funko Pop. Toy exclusives from Solid Toys, RLux Custom, Armored Komodo, Devil Toys, Omo Collectibles and more than 50 other Designer toy artists will also be available. I’ll at least take a look at them, and save pictures. Maybe something will show up that I will be willing to spend my funds on? I can only hope.

Voltes V Display

Also, there will be a celebration of the Philippines favorite super robot, Voltes V. Telesuccess Productions, the producer of Voltes V: Legacy will be revealing a twenty foot Voltes V Legacy display at Toycon. And since GMA Network is celebrating its 74th anniversary, expect cast members from the GMA series to show up at the event. Of course, you’re sure to have other Voltes V displays at the event grounds as well.

Speaking of displays, there will be a lot more of these toy displays from your favorite pop culture characters. Whether these be from local cultural icons or foreign, there will be people showing their own collections from Darna to Wonder Woman to Arcee. Want to find out exactly which characters will have a toy display? Visit ToyCon to find out.

ToyCon is also a venue for cosplayers of different fandoms to share their love of their favorite characters. It’s always a visual feast when the cosplay community graces ToyCon. So, be ready with your cameras for photo ops. The photos will surely add more layers to your digital or physical pop culture collection.

There will also be displays, and spotlight presentations for upcoming movies. Some of the movies lined up include “Alien vs. Predator: Romulus”. “A Quiet Place: Day One”, “Deadpool and Wolverine”, “Friendly Fire”, “Horizon: An American Saga”, “Inside Out 2”, and “Transformers One”. Of these movies, I’m most looking forward to the Alien movie, and the Transformers movie, being a long-time Transformers fan. So, if you’re a movie buff, there’s also something for you at ToyCon.

Last but not the least, visiting the toy marketplace is a MUST for me. I enjoy the hunt even if eventually I don’t find anything I need. The interactions I get from sellers, and collectors are priceless. These interactions also provide you with some networking opportunities. In fact, I’ve made a lot of friends at previous ToyCons who are still part of my life now. It’s an excellent opportunity to create more ties in a community that I love.

ToyCon 2024 has many activities to offer to fans on this side of pop culture. These are just the ones that I will hunt down and participate in. Find out more about ToyCon and what caters to you by checking out their official social media sites where you can find them. See you there.

ToyCon is Back Live in 2022

One of the most important experiences in my geek pop culture life has returned with a vengeance. After almost a two year hiatus due to COVID, ToyCon, one of the Philippines premier pop culture conventions, has returned in a live face-to-face venue last July 8-10 at the Mega Trade Hall in Mandaluyong. I’ve already attended a local comic book convention earlier this year. However, ToyCon has always been done in a much grander scale, and its return heralds pre-pandemic geek convention normalcy.

With Omi Remalante Who Colored This Cover

Of course, one of the biggest reasons I join conventions is to meet people of the tribe. Imagine YEARS of not interacting with like-minded people. Sharing your passions with them is a breath of fresh air to a weary geek soul. In my case, I got to catch up with artists that I know, and commissioned some great art from them. For one, I wanted to have this beautiful sketch of Nightwing and Starfire colored, and I had a chance to do so at ToyCon with one of our premier Filipino colorists, Omi Remalante. Thanks, bro. Hope to see you in the basketball courts soon.

With Kumu Artillery Artists Thirdportraits and Enjiepedia

I didn’t stop there with my art fix. I also passed by the Kumu Artillery booth where I asked two artist friends of mine to sketch me their renditions of some of my favorite anime ladies. Nowadays, who isn’t familiar with Yor Forger from ‘Spy Family’, and Marin Kitagawa from ‘My Dress-Up Darling’? For more seasoned anime fans, who isn’t familiar with Jamie Robinson from ‘Voltes V’, and Milia/Miriya from ‘Macross/Robotech’? Comics and Anime fixes done.

With the 501st Legion

Another experience I missed at pop culture conventions was the presence, and interacting with cosplayers. So, I had my fill of pictures of, and with several cosplayers who congregated at the convention. One such encounter was with the 501st Legion of Star Wars. If you got to visit ToyCon last weekend, I hope you gave these guys a visit. They also take donations for charity which is a good way of giving back to The Force.

With Poison Ivy Cosplayer

Here’s me with one Poison Ivy cosplayer who was hanging around the Toy Museum. Fortunately, I was able to visit the venue early to get this photo. When I visited the museum just a few hours later, it was jam-packed with people. And, Toycon was littered with a variety of cosplayers who you could see were just as excited to showcase their costumes in, and outside of the venue.

Voltes V: Legacy cast with director

There was also a stage area at Toycon for a set program for each of the three days. In my case, I only visited on the second day, July 9. I picked that day specifically because the Voltes V: Legacy cast was there with the director. They talked about updates about the Filipino adaptation; and showed new images of sets, and costumes first revealed at ToyCon. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to record nor take photos of the revealed images. However, it was revealed that Voltes V: Legacy is slated to be shown next year, 2023. As an anime, and HUGE Voltes V fan, I’m excited to watch this new iteration of one of the most beloved anime series in the Philippines.

Voltes V Display at the Toy Museum

As such, it wasn’t a surprise that there was a Voltes V display at the Toy Museum. Voltes V is one of the toys celebrated by ToyCon as can be seen from its promotional banner. So, once you are done watching the live interview with the Voltes V: Legacy cast, you can go to the toy museum to take a look at the many iterations of this iconic super robot.

Darna, Captain Barbell, and Lastikman

If Voltes V isn’t your cup of tea, there are other toy displays in the museum. You can feast your eyes on some of Philippine comic characters in toys. Darna, Captain Barbell, and Lastikman were well-represented at ToyCon.

Lego Star Wars Display

Or, maybe Lego displays are more your thing? There was a lot of that as well at the museum. There was this Star Wars Lego display with Yoda, Grogu, and R2D2 that I absolutely loved. It also helps that the helmet figures that were displayed with them added more to the Star Wars mystique.

Alexandra Trese, and the Twins

If larger toys are what you prefer, there were a lot of those around the event grounds as well. They range from one-sixth scale to life-sized toys. The Trese display caught my eye with its accuracy to the comics, and the animated series. I’m looking forward to new installments of both the comics, and the animation in the future. Fortunately, I already have myself an action figure of Alex in my collection already, and I didn’t have to hunt for one here at ToyCon.

Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu from Evangelion

These life-sized toys of Rei, and Asuka from Neon Genesis Evangelion are not just life-sized, they are also life-like. This is outstanding work from the designers of these figure. All they need is some animatronics, and you probably wouldn’t notice the difference between them and real people. Who would’ve thought that there were toys that are almost this human-like already?

Inigo Montoya, and Dread Pirate Roberts from Princess Bride

Naturally,this being ToyCon, I was tempted to get myself some toys. For the most part, I wasn’t able to find anything to add to my extensive collection. Until, from the corner of my eye, I spied two figures that I had been wanting to get since they came out. I passed on them the last time. This time, I got them, and they were sold at a discounted price. Welcome to my shelf Inigo Montoya, and Dread Pirate Roberts. Patience was indeed very virtuous for me in this case.

ToyCon Event Stage Backdrop

So, how would I rate my experience in ToyCon on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest? I’d give it an 8.5. There were logistical concerns that could have been done better which involve the venue, and lines. It’s as if the organizers didn’t predict enough the number of people that would flock the event. I mean, come on. We’re talking about one of the biggest pop culture events in the Philippines. It should not be surprising that people attend Toycon en masse.

Space Battleship Yamato with the Voltrons

In spite of a few shortcomings, ToyCon was an event worth attending. Being one of the first, and one of the largest pop culture conventions in the Philippines, ToyCon gave what was experienced during pre-pandemic times. If you want any other indication that convention season is back to full throttle in the Philippines, then ToyCon just adds more much desired fuel to the engine. I’m looking forward to more geek conventions. See around the cons, fellow geeks.