Tags: Games and Hobbies, Toys
By KC Santos
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA – Race car driver Gaby dela Merced is spearheading efforts to showcase the talents of Filipino artists in the field of vinyl toy customization.
Gaby, who is also an avid toy collector, has set up “Binil Custom Toy Exhibit” with some friends for the purpose of filling up for the lack of awareness on the growing urban vinyl toy scene in the country.
“During our visit to San Diego (in the US) for the Comic Con there, we saw how accessible vinyl toys are to the people and how the industry was greatly appreciated. We wanted to bring that sense of feeling here,” says Gaby.
The culture of creating designer toys began in Hong Kong where an artist named Michael Lau introduced the art of custom designing to fellow artists and avid toy collectors.
Gaby, who takes inspiration in what Lau has started, says she is eager to draw the scene closer to the people through exhibits.
When she’s not racing, Gaby says she and her friends are usually busy setting up events and exhibits to serve as platforms for the recognition of local talent in the field of toy customization.
Gaby explains that vinyl is more than just plastic. It is a medium that reflects the style of the artists.
“Some are graffiti based, some are pop-surrealist but ultimately it shows the kind of people these artists are,” says Gaby, adding that while some of the participating artists are highly celebrated abroad, they are not as recognized locally.
She says the “Binil Custom Toy Exhibit” serves as an “introduction” to the exciting field of toy customization.
“When you explore unfamiliar scenes like this, you’ll make yourself aware that something this ‘Filipino’ exists. There’s a lot of talent over here,” she says.
For artist Miko Punch, the exhibit is a culmination of Filipino works. “We’re really glad that there are now exhibits catering to artists like us because at least others are made aware that this scene is growing.”
“It’s a small family. Hopefully it will get bigger and bigger and we can get more people involved,” Gaby adds.
The Binil Custom Toy Exhibit will run until November 25 at B-Side located in The Collective in Malugay Street, Makati City.
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