December wouldn't be complete without the annual Christmas Toy Fair hosted by ToyCon PH. It's like the yearly fiesta where you simply had to go even if you don't plan on buying anything or have no budget for a new collectible. As a friend said, it's the feeling of community between like-minded hobbyists that makes the event more appealing than any toy sale.
Despite arriving nearly at noon on a Saturday, the parking was still quite spacious.
The entrance likewise seems uncongested. The toy shoppers may still be waking up from Friday's hard work (I went on Saturday, the second day of the event).
I became hungry early on, so I headed to the supermarket. (Apologies for the weird pictures; I couldn't seem to make the panorama shot work despite several attempts.) My problem with the food stalls is that as I decided on something to eat and ordered it, I saw another type of food that I wanted more than the last one. This happened four times!!! The result: I was bloated with food. So I had to walk this off a lot at the convention.
COFFEE is always a MUST. And I am getting well used to Dunkin's 32-oz. Spanish Latte as my ultimate favorite, both in taste and price.
The number of attendees are very manageable despite it being the weekend.
Below are some of the toys I especially liked. Didn't buy any of them, since either I already have a copy (Shinobu, Peely, and Jordan); I don't collect statues (Kasumi and WW); or because it's not within my current line (Sakamoto).
Just when I was leaving and was about to survive the event unscathed (translation: no purchases), I saw that small Clayface at the booth near the exit, which was an automatic must-buy. Cheap, cute, small, and perfect. This year's Christmas Toycon is a landmark event: I only have a single haul! Next year's goal: no haul at all!
No mall visit would be complete without paying a courtesy call to the official toy store. Lots of good items in there which I didn't bring home.
As for funny puns, I found two. The first one reminded me of a different word.
And as for the last accomplishment of the day, I managed 6,325 steps. Still a long way away from 10,000.
Being healthy enough to enjoy hobbies makes me happy to be alive!
!ALIVE !INDEED