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Christmas Toyfair 2013: A celebration of a season of heroes
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Crowds flocked to the Christmas Toyfair from Dec. 13 to 15 at Megamall.
The 8th Christmas Toys and Collectibles Fair came and went like the brightest and most colorful of Christmas sparklers. Held at Megatrade Hall 1 at SM Megamall from December 13 to 15, Toyfair celebrated “a season of heroes,” reminding all that one can be an avid toy hobbyist and help those in need at the same time.
Chief mascot and virtual spokesperson of the event was none other than Superman. Commemorating 75 years of the granddaddy of all superheroes was most fitting, given that one of the major themes of the event was “Toy Fair for a Cause”, with the goal of raising funds for those victimized by Typhoon Yolanda.
For this purpose, Toyfair held several charity auctions and other relief drives for the survivors alongside more regular Toycon and Toyfair activities such as the display and sale of toys, dolls, cards, manga, and other pop memorabilia. There was also a raffle, two cosplay competitions, an animated Superman fan film contest, and more.
Overall, there were over 110 exhibitors present at the event, including retailers, dealers, and sponsors.
Celebrating 75 years of Superman in style
Thanks to DC Comics and Pacific Licensing, Superman was everywhere during the Toyfair, in the form of action figures, posters, standees, a wall filled with Superman imagery and a cosplay event.
There were also film viewings of fan-made Superman short films, the best of which was awarded on December 15. These films were created using 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, with a sprinkling of live action thrown in. The screening of these films—as well as Warner Brothers’ cartoons based on DC Comics characters and other animated shows on Toonami—was made possible by major sponsor Toonami, which provided the stage, a large LED display wall, and the sound system. This was most high-tech any local Toyfair or Toycon has been.
Chief mascot and virtual spokesperson of the event was none other than Superman. Commemorating 75 years of the granddaddy of all superheroes was most fitting, given that one of the major themes of the event was “Toy Fair for a Cause”, with the goal of raising funds for those victimized by Typhoon Yolanda.
For this purpose, Toyfair held several charity auctions and other relief drives for the survivors alongside more regular Toycon and Toyfair activities such as the display and sale of toys, dolls, cards, manga, and other pop memorabilia. There was also a raffle, two cosplay competitions, an animated Superman fan film contest, and more.
Overall, there were over 110 exhibitors present at the event, including retailers, dealers, and sponsors.
Celebrating 75 years of Superman in style
Thanks to DC Comics and Pacific Licensing, Superman was everywhere during the Toyfair, in the form of action figures, posters, standees, a wall filled with Superman imagery and a cosplay event.
There were also film viewings of fan-made Superman short films, the best of which was awarded on December 15. These films were created using 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation, with a sprinkling of live action thrown in. The screening of these films—as well as Warner Brothers’ cartoons based on DC Comics characters and other animated shows on Toonami—was made possible by major sponsor Toonami, which provided the stage, a large LED display wall, and the sound system. This was most high-tech any local Toyfair or Toycon has been.
Cosplayers were on parade at the Toyfair.
Toonami had another surprise to offer: a cosplay parade featuring cosplayers dressed as characters from the network's many animated series. Of course this included DC Comics characters like Green Lantern and Poison Ivy as well as Marvel's Deadpool, Spiderman, and War Machine. War Machine was particularly impressive, sporting spinning shoulder miniguns, missile launcher boxes that opened and closed, and a working faceplate.
Aside from these main activities, there were numerous minor ones. One was the trivia game, in which a contestant’s knowledge of everything related to Superman and Toonami was tested. In the more difficult of these activities, people were given the opportunity to win prizes.
'Anyone can be a hero'
Toy aficionados didn’t have to don Superman’s cape or wear their underwear over their pants to be heroes this season; all they had to do was participate in the Toyfair’s numerous activities designed to provide assistance to those affected by the typhoon.
A minimum of three charity auctions were held every day of the fair, with toys and other collectible items up for grabs. Bidding usually started at an extremely low P1.00, but as the bidding wars escalated, prices would go up to the hundreds and even thousands of pesos. All the proceeds, in turn, went to the fundraising pool. Attendees could also directly donate money to the cause.
In addition, the toy drive accepted donations of toys, books, school supplies, clothes, and other relevant items for the benefit of the youngest survivors. The donation boxes were located near the stage and the entrance, where they could be easily spotted.
There was also a special “Sketches for a Cause” all-day event for all three days, where talented local comic book artists did sketches for the attendees to be auctioned off for the benefit of the typhoon survivors. Some of the artists present were Allen Geneta, Norvien Basio, and Dan Borgonos.
Aside from these main activities, there were numerous minor ones. One was the trivia game, in which a contestant’s knowledge of everything related to Superman and Toonami was tested. In the more difficult of these activities, people were given the opportunity to win prizes.
'Anyone can be a hero'
Toy aficionados didn’t have to don Superman’s cape or wear their underwear over their pants to be heroes this season; all they had to do was participate in the Toyfair’s numerous activities designed to provide assistance to those affected by the typhoon.
A minimum of three charity auctions were held every day of the fair, with toys and other collectible items up for grabs. Bidding usually started at an extremely low P1.00, but as the bidding wars escalated, prices would go up to the hundreds and even thousands of pesos. All the proceeds, in turn, went to the fundraising pool. Attendees could also directly donate money to the cause.
In addition, the toy drive accepted donations of toys, books, school supplies, clothes, and other relevant items for the benefit of the youngest survivors. The donation boxes were located near the stage and the entrance, where they could be easily spotted.
There was also a special “Sketches for a Cause” all-day event for all three days, where talented local comic book artists did sketches for the attendees to be auctioned off for the benefit of the typhoon survivors. Some of the artists present were Allen Geneta, Norvien Basio, and Dan Borgonos.
Comic book artists took part in "Sketches for a Cause."
On December 15, the ceremonial turnover of accrued donations to the Typhoon Yolanda representatives was held. This included over P27,000 in funds raised, along with more than five boxes of toys, clothes, and other supplies.
More than just toys
Of course Christmas Toyfair 2013 had no shortage of toys for sale. Participating retailers included Big Boys Toy Store, Hobime Toy Shop, Wasabi Toys, Metro Toy Works, and Cool Republic.
The retailers’ booths sold everything from old to new action figures, from the common to the hard-to-finds. There were Hasbro items such as My Little Pony, Transformers, Star Wars, and G.I.Joe; Mattel products such as Masters of the Universe, Barbie, and Hot Wheels; import brands such as Figma, Revoltech, and Bandai; and even building blocks giant Lego. There were also high-quality 1/6th scale figures such as those from Hot Toys.
But it wasn’t only about toys; there were also comic books, video games, DVDs, statuettes, stuffed animals, posters, cosplay accessories, and pillow cases and blankets featuring anime characters.
Some of the items were even being offered at discount prices. Needless to say, Christmas Toyfair 2013 was jam-packed with people scouring every corner of Megatrade Hall 1 for their favorite action figure, statuette, or colored wig.
Arigatoys Collectibles was present on all three days to display figures from Revoltech Yamaguchi, Kotobukiya, and NECA. For two hours each day, they opened the Mystery Bag event to the public. The lines for this specific event were long (with some lining up as early as 10am), as the possible prizes included the fantastic exclusive Revoltech Gurren Lagann set of four figures, and the excellent, newly-released Revoltech Metal Gear Rising Raiden.
Spreading good cheer to all
After three fast-paced, chaotic, exhausting, yet meaningful and fun-filled days, Christmas Toyfair 2013 came to an end, officially signing off at 8 p.m. of December 15.
The success of the charity auctions, toy drive, and other relief efforts was a triumph for the Toyfair and Toycon event organizer, Collectibles Unlimited, as they have always wanted to use these special occasions as venues for charity donations. They hope that future events will continue this tradition. This way, the local toy community will cultivate a culture not only of collecting the figures they love so much, but also of sharing that joy with others and having fun while doing it.
Though the official dates have yet to be announced, expect the 11th Philippine Toycon to happen sometime in the summer of 2014. — BM, GMA News
More than just toys
Of course Christmas Toyfair 2013 had no shortage of toys for sale. Participating retailers included Big Boys Toy Store, Hobime Toy Shop, Wasabi Toys, Metro Toy Works, and Cool Republic.
The retailers’ booths sold everything from old to new action figures, from the common to the hard-to-finds. There were Hasbro items such as My Little Pony, Transformers, Star Wars, and G.I.Joe; Mattel products such as Masters of the Universe, Barbie, and Hot Wheels; import brands such as Figma, Revoltech, and Bandai; and even building blocks giant Lego. There were also high-quality 1/6th scale figures such as those from Hot Toys.
But it wasn’t only about toys; there were also comic books, video games, DVDs, statuettes, stuffed animals, posters, cosplay accessories, and pillow cases and blankets featuring anime characters.
Some of the items were even being offered at discount prices. Needless to say, Christmas Toyfair 2013 was jam-packed with people scouring every corner of Megatrade Hall 1 for their favorite action figure, statuette, or colored wig.
Arigatoys Collectibles was present on all three days to display figures from Revoltech Yamaguchi, Kotobukiya, and NECA. For two hours each day, they opened the Mystery Bag event to the public. The lines for this specific event were long (with some lining up as early as 10am), as the possible prizes included the fantastic exclusive Revoltech Gurren Lagann set of four figures, and the excellent, newly-released Revoltech Metal Gear Rising Raiden.
Spreading good cheer to all
After three fast-paced, chaotic, exhausting, yet meaningful and fun-filled days, Christmas Toyfair 2013 came to an end, officially signing off at 8 p.m. of December 15.
The success of the charity auctions, toy drive, and other relief efforts was a triumph for the Toyfair and Toycon event organizer, Collectibles Unlimited, as they have always wanted to use these special occasions as venues for charity donations. They hope that future events will continue this tradition. This way, the local toy community will cultivate a culture not only of collecting the figures they love so much, but also of sharing that joy with others and having fun while doing it.
Though the official dates have yet to be announced, expect the 11th Philippine Toycon to happen sometime in the summer of 2014. — BM, GMA News
