Cover (Photo by Brian McGowan/Unsplash.com)
(Photo by Brian McGowan/Unsplash.com)
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Collecting is more than just a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. David Pascua, the founder of the Star Wars Toy Collectors Philippines group, tells us more about his passion for collecting
From lightsabers and blasters to TIE fighters and the Millennium Falcon, these iconic weapons and ships have made their mark on everyone’s childhood. Whether you have a lightsaber or two lying around or a hardcore collector, there’s no doubt that these collectables are cool to have.
Though Disney has made most of the Star Wars merchandise in the past decade, the sought-after ones are made by Kenner. Depending on their condition, these could cost (and make) you a fortune.
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Above A part of David Pascua's Collection
A part of David Pascua's Collection
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To better understand the art of collecting, David Pascua shares his insights with Tatler. Pascua is a hardcore collector and founder of the Star Wars Toy Collectors Philippines group, with over 10,000 members.
Like everyone, Pascua’s passion for collecting started in his childhood. Watching the first Star Wars movie as a kid, he was amazed by the lightsaber and the battles. Whenever he’d receive toys as gifts for Christmas or birthdays, he wouldn’t open the box it came in. Admiring it behind the plastic case was enough, and its value has inflated significantly since then. After a decade, his girlfriend—now wife—gave him a Marvel ToyBiz Spiderman action figure, reigniting his love for collecting toys.
He has over 1000 toys now decorating his Star Wars collection and even more from other franchises. His favourite pieces are his 1:1 R2D2 figure and statues of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. He is always on the lookout for rare items and those that are still missing from his collection.
Above (Photo by Nick Fewings/Unsplash.com)
(Photo by Nick Fewings/Unsplash.com)
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But what should you be looking for as a new collector? It’s simple. Get what you like. While its monetary value is undoubtedly high if, in pristine condition, its value lies in how much you appreciate it. ‘‘As long as you are passionate about what you are collecting, keep going,’’ Pascua says.
As for where, the real vintage ones can be found in auctions or online selling platforms. Though most of them come from overseas, so getting your hands on those will be difficult. Otherwise, you can join his Facebook group and trade with the thousands of members there or attend conventions.
Let’s take off our nostalgia-tinted glasses for a second and assess if these items are worth anything more than sentimental value. The short answer? Yes, they do. Some toys in mint condition sell for over $20,000 in auctions. These aren’t just collector’s items but pieces of pop culture history about the most influential sci-fi movies in the 21st century.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
