TOY NEWS: 10th Philippine TOYCON Haul

The 10th Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention 2011 has drawn to a close and what a weekend it was. I met great new friends in person for the first time whom I've only known for quite some time on Facebook - found out one of them was a ten year old; I had my first exhibit; and I had a great haul over the two day period. 

Admittedly it is hard to find (Sometimes dig for) bargains amid a crowd that can't decide whether it's browsing the stalls or browsing for photo opportunities with the plethora of Cosplayers (It's even harder when you're over six feet tall and have to shoulder your way through the throng instead of squeeze your way through).  I have to say the Cosplayers are getting more and more intricate with their costumes with ever year that passes, kudos to you all! Except for that guy walking around without a shirt on. I mean seriously? How'd you get into Megamall? And who the hell are you supposed to be? Maybe next year I should go as Randy Orton and see if they let me in. 

But I did find quite a steal while I was there and most of these will go on review soon. These include:

• A complete G.I. Joe Sigma Six Night Ops Vamp - that we recently reviewed on Toys on a budget for PhP 600 - PhP 150 more than what I paid for the incomplete one (US$ 13.63 vs US$ 10.22). After day one I found out that it was incomplete and missing the missile launcher. I went back the next day and there was the missile launcher sitting by its lonesome. Apparently the vendor was looking for me and gave it to me no questions asked.
• Halo Reach Commander Carter-A259, leader of Noble Team, (UNSC Special Warfare Command Group Three) Noble 1 - PhP 450 (US$ 10.22)
• Halo Reach Lieutenant Commander Catherine "Kat" B320, Noble 2 - PhP 450 (US$ 10.22) - all I need now is Noble 3 - Jun A266 & the 2010 Comicon exclusive Noble 7 to complete Noble Team.
• Leonardo, the Turtle. Leader of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I've been looking for him for three years now - PhP 300 (US$ 6.80) originally priced at PhP 350. Now my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle squad is complete
• G1 original Topspin (First released in 1985). I just did a review on the DOTM Topspin so when I found this for PhP 150 (US$ 3.41) I had to have it. Topspin is missing his blaster and all his stickers (Most of which I can probably recreate), but is a fine item to show just how far 26 years can go in toy development. 
• G.I. Joe Pursuit of Cobra Destro: Weapons Supplier - for a bargain of PhP 400 (US$ 9.09) - because I need the weapon support arm for my POC Iron Grenadier
• Star Wars Legacy Comic Book 2 pack with Imperial Intelligence Director Ysanne Isard and Baron Soontir Fel for PhP 500 (US$ 11.36). The pair is a wonderful addition to my Star Wars Rogue Squadron collection. 
• And a Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Sideswipe for PhP 500 (US$ 11.36). I have plans for this and it's a really nice figure.

My only real regret in the Toycon was that I was not able to purchase a complete G.I. Joe Rolling Thunder that was being sold for PhP 5,500 (US$ 125). But I will be saving up money - and space - for it.