Turn your geek on: Here’s what to expect at TOYCON 2024
The king of Filipino pop culture conventions, ToyCon or The Philippine Toys, Hobbies, and Collectibles Convention, is back on its 21st year to delight fandoms on June 14-16 at The SMX Convention Center Manila, SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.
With MINDStyle and Funko launching two new toy brands to new releases from Hot Toys, Jada, Bandai, PopMart, and Toy City, it’s no surprise that the event is dubbed as TOYCON Evolution. In case you’re at a loss where to start at the jampacked three-day con, here is a list of the top things set to go down at TOYCON.
Unveiling of Voltes V: Legacy Masterpiece Series MS/01
Visual effects company Riot Inc. Post Production and local licensor Telesuccess Productions, Inc. are set to unveil the Voltes V: Legacy Masterpiece Series MS/01, an exquisitely detailed polyresin statue that faithfully replicates the iconic mecha from the hit live-action series Voltes V: Legacy.
"This licensed collectible stands as a testament to precision and craftsmanship, featuring interchangeable arms for dynamic display options between punch and sword modes," Riot wrote on its Facebook page. "Enhanced with back-lit eyes and an illuminated logo, this statue captures the essence of the legendary super robot. Perfect for dedicated fans and collectors, the Masterpiece Series MS/01 brings the power and glory of Voltes V into your collection."
Telesuccess Productions, Inc. is also setting up a Voltes V: Legacy display that stands 20 feet tall. This celebrates the successful run of the Filipino local live-action adaptation of the beloved mecha anime series Voltes V. Currently having reruns in the afternoon time slot on GMA, Voltes V: Legacy will also have a theatrical run in Japan on Oct. 18. Expect some celebrities from GMA to drop by as the network also marks its 74th anniversary.
Unleash the force with the Kawayan lightsaber
While a Filipino Jedi Knight is still yet to be born, Saber Source, a retailer of all retail custom, movie-inspired, and replica lightsabers, is set to launch its TOYCON-exclusive, limited edition lightsaber aptly named “Kawayan”.
“Like the folk tale of Malakas and Maganda who began their life emerging from a bamboo tree, the Kawayan custom saber is meant for those who want to start off their lightsaber journey humbly and without breaking the bank,” Saber Source wrote on Facebook. “The TOYCON logo is etched on the right side of the switch, reminding you of where you started your journey into duel-grade custom sabers.”
Only 20 units will be sold at TOYCON on a first-come, first-served basis for P3,900. The Kawayan lightsaber’s configuration is a base-lit model with changeable colors. It is also compatible with the Xenopixel system through an upgrade anytime in the future.
Launch of Quiccs x Jollibee figure
After its collaboration with Funko Pop, fast food company Jollibee has tapped acclaimed toy designer Juanito Filipino Maiquez, popularly known as Quiccs, to create new figures based on his eye-catching TEQ63 line. Curious how the cute bee mascot merges with Quiccs’ mecha and hip hop culture sensibilities? Get this dope collectible at Toycon.
Meet and greet talented Filipino anime voice actors
Collectibles store CaliCo Toys is putting the spotlight on Filipino voice actors at the Orange Cat Booth. Guests include Mark Ivan Uy (My Hero Academia’s Deku), Rean Delos Reyes (Naruto’s Hatake Kakashi), Elle Genovata (Cardcaptor Sakura’s Sakura Kinomoto), Nica Rojo (One Piece’s Nami), Elle Genovata, Alain Alfred (Bleach’s Ichigo Kurosaki), and Blair Arellano (Shoyo Hinata). An autograph with the Tagalog VA will cost P200, a character quote or an additional inscription for P50, and a TOYCON Certificate of Authenticity Sticker for P100.
Watch rising P-pop, J-pop, and K-pop groups perform live
TOYCON’s J-Pop lineup is packed with Bugvel, Ai Negishi, ZIGA, Chicken Blow The Idol, Kuroguro, and Tenohira EL all set to entertain the pop culture crowd.
Japanese singer-songwriter krage, who sang the ending theme of Solo Leveling (“request”), will perform live for the first time in front of Filipino fans. She joins K-Pop rookie boy group n.SSign in the MINDstyle FANX’s musical guest lineup. Also making its first public appearance in the Philippines, the 10-member n.SSign received the Y Global Special Award at the 2023 Seoul Music Awards.
CaliCo Toys, meanwhile, is bringing P-Pop sensation G22 on stage and to their booth for a promotional meet-and-greet raffle. The girl group recently appeared alongside BINI at the Chinese survival program Show It All. Apart from G22, CaliCo Toys is also hosting a live performance of OPM band I Belong to The Zoo.
Learn from the best of the toy industry
TOYCON’s event partner MINDStyle FANX will hold panel discussions on these various topics:
- The impact of technology on toy design
- Trends in the collectible markets
- Sustainable and eco-friendly toy production
- The role of nostalgia in modern toy collecting
Make sure to take some notes so you can also start your toy design and selling journey as well.
Experience a full geekgasmic experience at TOYCON Playgrounds
Over at the SM MOA Music Hall, attendees can enter the TOYCON Playgrounds for epic tabletop games from Mana Underground, mobile and console gaming from Garena, PUBG Mobile and Just Dance Philippines, diorama displays from IPMS, Pet Cosplay from Manila Aquatic Center and more live music on June 15-16.
Buy an exclusive Freddy Funko for a cause
Available at Freddy’s Sari-Sari Store, the Freddy Funko-Funko Philippines event-exclusive Funko Pop will be sold for P1,500. The item will be limited to 3,000 pieces. All proceeds will go to Funatics Gives Back charity drives.
Watch the trailer of esports movie Friendly Fire with the cast and director
Black Cap Pictures will launch the trailer of e-sports movie Friendly Fire at TOYCON with no less than cosplay queen and Tier One co-founder Alodia Gosiengfiao gracing the event. She will be joined by the rest of the cast including Loisa Andalio, Coleen Garcia-Crawford, Jan Silverio, Bob JBeili, and director Mikhail Red. The trailer unveiling is set for Sunday, June 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Stoked for Toycon 2024? A one-day ticket costs P500 while a three-pass is P1,300 at SM Ticket outlets. You can also book online at smtickets.com but do note that online tickets will be charged with the standard SM Tickets service fees. Tickets will also be sold at the venue during the event.