Manila, Philippines – ToyconPH 2023, the Philippines’ premier convention for toys, comics, and collectibles, reached a significant milestone in 2023 as it celebrated its 20th anniversary. The annual event was held from July 7th to 9th at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
To make the occasion truly special, ToyconPH welcomed a star-studded lineup of guests, including the cast of Voltes V Legacy and two Japanese tokusatsu legends, Ryousuke Kaizu and Tetsuo Kurata.
The Cast of Voltes V Legacy
The 20th anniversary of ToyconPH was made even more memorable by the presence of the beloved Voltes V Legacy cast, who attended both Day 2 and 3 of the event.
Director Mark A. Reyes and the Voltes crew, including Miguel Tanfelix (Steve), Ysabel Ortega (Jamie), Radson Flores (Mark), Matt Lozano (Big Bert), and Raphael Landicho (Little Jon), attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Day 2 of Toycon PH.
Fans were delighted to see the cast members who portrayed the iconic characters of the hit 1970s anime series. They engaged in question and answer discussions, autograph sessions, and photo opportunities, bringing joy to fans of all ages.
The announcement was made that Voltes V Legacy will participate in the San Diego Comic-Con this year.
Japanese Tokusatsu Legends in Manila
In a tribute to the rich history of Japanese tokusatsu, ToyconPH 2023 featured two legendary actors on stage Ryousuke Kaizu and Tetsuo Kurata.
Ryousuke Kaizu, famous for his portrayal of Takeru/Red Mask in the Super Sentai series Hikari Sentai Maskman, charmed attendees with his charisma and shared personal anecdotes from his tokusatsu career.
Tetsuo Kurata, known for his role as Kotaro Minami / Kamen Rider Black in the Kamen Rider series, also attended ToyconPH 2023. Kurata’s appearance at the event sparked joy among tokusatsu enthusiasts, who appreciated his contributions to the genre.
These esteemed guests were welcomed with thunderous applause and genuine excitement from the audience when they performed their legendary transformation pose on stage.
Fans had the opportunity to interact with both actors at the Tokuspirits booth, where they were also selling merchandise, including photos and replica helmets.
Attendees eagerly engaged in Q&A sessions, gaining insights on their experiences as tokusatsu icons.
Big thanks to TokuSpirits for bringing the two Japanese actors to Manila.
More Guest
Filipino actor Michael V., who is also a toy collector, attended Day 1 of ToyconPH 2023.
Also part of the guest performers are J-pop cover idol group, Pastel Mix, from Davao City, the 6-member male group ToBeRadical, the Japanese girl group HImegotozettaichi, and Chicken Blow The Idol.
ToyconPH Experiences
Aside from the headline guests, ToyconPH 2023 offered an array of captivating experiences for attendees. This included exhibitors who showcased an extensive selection of toys, comics, and collectibles from various eras and fandoms. Collectors had the opportunity to expand their collections, while enthusiasts delved into the dynamic world of pop culture.
Exclusive ToyconPH figures releases are also available for attendees.
The event also featured exclusive merchandise, cosplay competitions, artist alleys, interactive workshops, and gaming zones, ensuring that there was something for everyone. Fans eagerly participated in these activities, immersing themselves in the spirit of ToyconPH and forming connections with fellow enthusiasts.
Congratulations again to ToyconPH, and we are looking forward to your next event. Thank you for letting us cover your event.
Photos by JD Lapuz and Richard Esguerra
