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For Althea Ablan, collecting designer toys is more than simply following a viral trend—it's a hobby that brings genuine joy and a way to reward herself after working hard.

The actress is among the celebrities who have embraced Pop Mart's sought-after figures, especially the popular Labubu.

"Yes, I do. I do collect Labubu. Yung Skullpanda and Hirono, nag-i-start na. And ngayon, si Dimoo, mag-start na rin akong mag-collect,” Althea said in a quick chat with GMANetwork at the opening of Pop Mart's pop-up store in Glorietta, Makati City, last Thursday, July 23.

The store opening also featured the new Dimoo World × Pixar collection, which brings together Dimoo and beloved Pixar stories in a series of collectible figures.

Like many collectors, Ablan remembers exactly when she became fascinated with Labubu. While the quirky character has divided opinions online because of its unusual appearance, she immediately found its charm.

"Noong time talaga na nag-trend si Labubu, sobrang nahila na ako sa kanya. Though merong mga ayaw kay Labubu, pero ako, I see na sobrang cute niya. And kakaiba yung face niya talaga."

Her enthusiasm even took her overseas when Pop Mart had yet to expand in the Philippines,

"Fun fact, nag-travel ako sa Thailand just to go sa Pop Mart store talaga kasi wala pa rito noon. And pumunta ako doon, wala rin akong nakuha kasi lahat out of stock. So, ending, napunta ako doon sa mga second na nagsi-sell na."

Related gallery: Local celebrities na nahihilig sa bag charms

For Ablan, the appeal goes beyond completing a collection. She says buying designer toys has become a source of happiness and a way to reconnect with her younger self.

"Parang totoo nga yung nag-heal yung inner child ko kasi hindi naman ako maluho. Pero pagdating sa mga Labubu talaga, 'pag may bagong collections, talagang gusto kong i-grab talaga siya. So, yun lang, yung satisfaction na parang yung pinagpaguran ko, dito napupunta sa mga happiness ko."

Asked whether she sets a spending limit for her hobby, the actress admitted that self-control is not exactly her strength.

"Sky's the limit talaga. Or nanay ko na lang yung nagtitigil sa akin, na tama na ate. Kasi, 'pag talaga pupunta kami ng Pop Mart, non-stop, parang ikot ka nang ikot. Walang titigil."

Althea Ablan shows her cute labubu bag charm during the opening of Pop Mart pop-up store in Glorietta, Makati City.

While she no longer keeps track of the exact number of collectibles she owns, she estimates that her collection has already grown considerably.

As for advice to aspiring collectors, Ablan laughed that she may not be the best person to ask since she said, “Kasi 'pag ako, kuha lang ako nang kuha or di kaya buong set na talaga yung kinukuha ko. Parang lahat ng gusto ko, makuha ko talaga."

With Pop Mart continuing to release new collaborations, Ablan already has another figure at the top of her wishlist.

“Ayun, gusto ko si Dimoo dahil nga collaboration siya with Pixar and favorite ko rin talaga Toy Story ever since bata pa lang ako. Gusto ko makuha yung secret na Buzz Lightyear,” she ended.

Related gallery: Celebrities and their cutesy toy collections