I spent the last four days (22-25 August 2024) at the amazing toy convention, Pop Toy Show held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, hanging out with the talented Designer Toy Artists and fabulous Event Organisers. Meeting old friends and making new ones. 22nd August was the setting-up day.
In July, I received a Whatsapp text from Alex Solis to say he’ll be in Singapore for the Pop Toy Show and asked whether I wanted to hangout at his booth.
My buddy Alex Solis (above image).
A crazy, extroverted Mexican living in a reclusive farm in Wisconsin, USA, go figure. Oh yes, and he breakdances as well.
I met Alex at a 2023 Toy Convention, we were instantly artistic soul-mates (above image).
Armed with my “Artist” pass, I’m ready to rock the toy convention! (Above image).
My buddy Tan Tong Hong, the founder of Action City chain of toy shops (above image).
I’ve known Tong Hong since the 1980’s. A mystery and a low-profile toy kingpin, many artists wanted to meet him but didn’t know what he looked like. I was happy to have made a few lucrative introductions.
Kaori Hinata and Teresa Chiba (above image).
I jokingly asked Kaori whether she’s one of the girls from the Baby Metal band.
Teresa Chiba with my signed cute figure (above image). I bought her figures before, I finally meet the creator.
RYU and Human Robot of Swing Toys (above image). My new-found Japanese toy comrades!
Julien / Juce Gace (above image).
Juce Gace’s Pinocchio black metal figure, an awesome collaboration with Flabslab.
A well rested Pinocchio who always wakes up perky at every crack of dawn.
Sheldon / Poohbrezzy (above image). A name to watch, folks! You have been warned!
A) Me signing my ACCESS book to Sheldon / Poohbrezzy (above image).
B) Sheldon / Poohbrezzy signing his art masterpiece to me (above image). Life Is Fair!
Hebz of Wasa Toys (above image). I have been collecting his rock-and-roll-themed toys and got him to sign them.
Finally we meet! Better late than never!
Hebz (Wasa) signed his awesome rock and roll toy figure to me (above image).
A Gracious Signed Rocking Gift from Hebz of Wasa Toys (above image).
Lang of Hirono Toys (above image). I love his Hirono Voyager toy figure so much, I bought two! Lang graciously signed on both figures.
Lang has a new upcoming collaboration with Gary Baseman. Lang promised to send it to me when it comes out. Thanks, Lang!
Jade Kuei (Mumbot), above image.
Toy Convention Artists from all corners of the far-flung world enjoying a scrumptious late dinner at the famous Two Chefs restaurant, graciously hosted by Messr. Jeffrey Koh of the Flabslab empire.
Me, Luke Chueh and Kaori Hinata lazing at the toy tycoon Jeffrey Koh’s Flabslab secret toy fortress after a scrumptious dinner at Two Chefs (above image).
More post-convention Dinner with Toy Convention Artists at Black Tap restaurant (above image).
Me, Alex and Yeo Hon Beng (above image).
Hon Beng’s a formidable toy collector with exquisite Japanese fashion taste, with an equally formidable expenditure appetite.
Always great to introduce great artists, Juce Gace and Alex Solis, to each other (above image).
My buddies Mark Chang (Taiwan) and Alex Solis (Wisconsin, USA) (above image).
With Merry Makers from the Star Wars 501st Garrison, in front of the Flabslab booth (above image).
Elvis and Levi’s (above image). The atmosphere at the Toy Convention was an electric and friendly one. I noticed this shopper dude’s familiar looking T-shirt and got him to pose with me.
Me putting the almost-finishing touches to an exclusive one-of-a-kind Alex Solis masterpiece, urged on by Alex himself who took the picture.
Signed cool figurines from Toy Convention Artist Buddies, old and new ones (above image).
Alex Solis and I bid you A Fond Adios at the successful conclusion of a fun and exciting 2024 Toy Woodstock (above image)!
See You Next Year!
Rock On!
