Hero Angeles was among the celebrities and influencers who excitedly expanded their toy collections at Toy Kingdom – Sanrio and Pokémon Collectible Craze pop-up in SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Running until March 1, the pop-up features a wide range of Sanrio and Pokémon collectibles—from building blocks and figures to TNT Space items, including exclusive Rayan and Liita pieces.
At the event, Hero Angeles proudly showcased his cherished Pikachu bag charm, which he has kept for more than 25 years.
He said: "Nabili ko ito sa Toy Kingdom pa, more than 25 years old na ito. Toy Kingdom Megamall.
"Favorite ko talaga si Pikachu, kahit noong nag-aaral pa ako sa high school. Yung pinaka-first series ng Pokémon, pinanood ko rin.”
HERO ANGELES ON COLLECTING TOYS
Hero Angeles was grateful that he could finally buy toys with his “adult money”—something he couldn’t do when he was younger.
He recalled that, back then, he usually received toys only as gifts and rarely had the chance to buy them himself, often settling for window shopping just to admire the items he liked.
"Yung talagang collecting, recently lang. Pero nung bata ako, talagang gustong gusto ko na... pumupunta akong sa malls, tapos tumitingin lang ako parang window shopping.
"Usually, nagkakaroon akong ng toys pag may nagreregalo na sa akin pag birthday or pag Pasko.
"Pero yung collection talaga na as in maramihan, recently lang din talaga nakadadagdag, paunti-unti."
When asked if he thinks toys are only for kids, Hero answered instantly, "Hindi, ah!"
He explained: "Naniniwala ako na ang toys ay para sa lahat—for kids and for the kids at heart.
"Ito yung way para malibang tayo, para mailabas minsan yung stress natin kapag nagko-collect.
"Kahit hindi natin nilalaro, minsan dini-display lang natin, nakaka-relax siya pag nakikita."
But even though he now has the means to buy the toys he wants, Hero Angeles said that he still tries to stick to a budget.
Admittedly, he sometimes goes a little over, especially when purchasing toys he plans to gift to people dear to him.
Opening up about his budgeting struggles, he said: "Mahirap, sobrang hirap, kasi minsan, hindi siya kasali sa budget mo pag may nadaanan kang bago. Kagaya kanina, may nakita akong bago… pinag-isipan ko talaga."
He added that he tends to spend more when buying toys as gifts rather than for his own collection: "Minsan mas napapagastos ako pagbili ng laruan pag ibibigay ko sa iba. Pag pinangreregalo ko siya, more than pangdagdag sa collection ko."
'Still, the joy outweighs the challenge: "Sobrang hirap mag-budget talaga, pero masaya naman kasi may pinupuntahan naman. Hindi lang para sa akin, but para sa iba."
HOW MUCH ARE THE SANRIO AND POKEMON TOYS?
The pop-up also showcases a wide selection of Sanrio and Pokémon toys, all of which can be purchased on-site.
In the Sanrio section, the Keepplay Sanrio Summer Series block sets are priced at PHP599 per character, while the Keepplay Sanrio Skating Series block sets are available for PHP499 each.
Meanwhile, in the Pokémon area, shoppers can check out the Keepplay Pokémon Cone Building Blocks, priced at PHP599 each.
The Keepplay Pokémon Eevee Family Planet Series Building Block Sets are also on display and can be purchased for PHP599 per character.
PEP also spotted some Keepplay Pokémon model kits, available for PHP1,199 per character.
Available characters include Mew and Mewtwo; Charmander and Charizard, Bulbasaur and Venusaur; and Squirtle and Blastoise.
For TNT Space fans, Rayan and Liita figures are available for PHP599 at the pop-up store.
These items are likewise available online through Shopee, Lazada, and Toy Kingdom’s official website.
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