Rest in Peace Mr. Spock

Aside from being an avid Star Wars fan and collector, I also love the Star Trek movies and collect the books, action figures (shown in the photos) and other items. 

Among my favorite characters is Mr. Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy. Rest in peace Mr. Spock!

A New Shelf for the Star Wars Books

I love Star Wars that's the reason why I collect SW items such as action figures, key chains, books, comics, magazines, videos, posters, games, bottle caps etc.

Having accumulated a lot of Star Wars books through the years, I decided to come up with a specialized shelf for my SW books and other printed items. My son Jerald Kervin is game enough to pose beside the shelf.

Happy Birthday George Lucas!

My favorite filmmaker, producer and screenwriter celebrates his birthday today! Thanks George for Star Wars..

Below is a borrowed fan art photo of George Lucas and Star Wars. 

Two Star Wars Darth Vader Additions

The fearsome Darth Vader is among my favorite Star Wars figures. My collection of this Sith Lord includes stickers, figures, bobble heads, books, mugs, etc.

Just last week, I was excited to see two Darth Vader toys up for auction in Ebay so I wasted no time in bidding. Lucky me, there were no other bidders so I won the items.

The toys were delivered to my house last Saturday to my heart's delight.

What struck me with the new additions to my Star Wars collection is the Darth Vader figure from POTF2. Anakin Skywalker's face is shown once the helmet is removed. The other figure from the Bespin Duel comes with a cape made of cloth.

A Star Wars Trick or Treat at the White House

More than 2,600 children from 11 area schools arrived at the White House for Trick or Treat on Saturday, October 31, 2009.

This is President Barack Obama's first Halloween celebration at the White House. Together with the First Lady, he handed out to the children packets containing Presidential M&Ms, orange White House Halloween cookies, and dried fruits prepared by his chef.

What's exciting about this occasion is that White House staff and personnel were dressed in Star Wars costumes. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs was in a Darth Vader attire.

Buying Philippine Stamps Online

There used to be a time when stamp collectors had a hard time finding the stamps to add to their collections.

With the advent of the internet, things became easier. With just a click of a finger, one can already buy stamps or things right at the comfort of one's home.

The most popular and safest venue to shop online is Ebay. Books, collectibles, computers, toys, stamps and furnitures are just some of the things one can buy. I have bought a lot of Philippine stamps and Star Wars items there and I never had a problem receiving them.

There was only one instance when I bought some miniature figures for my HO scale mini city from a Hong Kong buyer and the items did not arrive. I believe it might have been lost in transit so I informed them about it. Immediately thereafter, they shipped a similar item and this time, I got it. You can call me one of Ebay's satisfied customers.

Among my favorite Philippine stamp sellers in Ebay is Henry Chua. He goes by the name "Stamp Addict" and has lots of cool stamps in his site. Henry is also a lifetime member of Cebu Stamp Club, Incorporated. Start checking his site for the missing stamps in your collection.

Star Wars Episode II Secret Bottle Caps

The Star Wars Episode II Pepsi Cola Bottle Caps Collection included two hard to find caps intended for the Japanese market way back when the promo was ongoing in 2002.

These two bottle caps include a back to back head of Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader (#53) and Clone Trooper and Jango Fett (#54).

I never expected that Cedric, my favorite Ebay seller could come out with the two rare items. Of course, I didn't waste time buying it early this week.

Star Wars Miniatures

Kinda bored today so me and Kervin decided to play around with some of my Star Wars miniatures that I got from Ebay. The figures are composed of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, R2D2, Yoda, and a Storm Trooper. The small figs measure around an inch and a half.

The background is from a scene in Star Wars Episode IV that I photoshopped and printed.

The Star Wars Clone Wars Keychain Collection

Everytime I go to malls and toy shops to scout on items that catch my fancy, I always notice the Star Wars Clone Wars keychain figures being prominently displayed. Maybe it isn't a hot item with lots of stocks being displayed in Toy Kingdom, Gaisano Metro, Toys'R'Us and other stores since last year.

Seeing that I could still be able to complete the whole set with lots of stocks available, I decided to start buying them this week. The complete set consists of only 21 figures as seen in the box.

I was curious about the manufacturer of the products so I did some research. The keychains were made by The Promotions Factory, Australia. The TPF website reveals that the figures are grouped in three series, and there are three figures not included in the back portion of the items I bought. These are Jabba the Hutt, Darth Maul, and Count Dooku.

Series 1 consists of Darth Maul, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen Amidala, Qui Gon Jin, C3PO, Princess Leia, R2D2, and Storm Trooper.

Series 2 has Darth Vader, Jango Fett, Mace Windu, Super Battle Droid, Boba Fett, Chewbacca, Han Solo, and Count Dooku.

Series 3 features Anakin Skywalker, Clone Trooper, General Grievous, Emperor Palpatine, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Wicket and Jabba the Hutt.

The Anakin Skywalker Toy Figure

As my Star Wars collection grew, I started to have favorites.

Although I consider my Pepsi Japan Star Wars Bottle Cap collections as among my faves, I kinda have one figure that always reminds me of my son Kervin when he was around three years old. This is the Episode 1 Anakin Skywalker figure.

When the ABS-CBN Cebu tv crew came to the house two Saturdays ago to do a video shoot of my Star Wars collection and my stamps, the first thing they asked was the Anakin toy.

Their researcher Venice Polancos later told me that they read the feature that came out in Sun Star Daily Cebu regarding my Star Wars collection. The newspaper article mentioned about my favorite toy, the little Anakin Skywalker. You may read the Sun Star article by clicking here.

Now 5 years old, Kervin and I still love to play with it along with the other Star Wars figures and vehicles we have. Playing with the toys together has made father and son more closer than ever. Thanks to Star Wars!

Today at 10:45am, ABS-CBN Cebu's "MagTV Na" will be on air and will feature my Star Wars and stamp collections. Thanks again to Lindo Mark Mayol (Segment Producer), Blinky de Leon (Host), Reggie Molina (Director), Vince Moree Polancos (Researcher), Daki Bolutano (Cameraman), Tata Poligrates (Cameraman), Randy Berrame (Lightman), Ronald Albaraccin (Audioman), and Nick Nadela (Production Driver).

My Hobby Buddy

When I started the hobby of collecting stamps, Star Wars, Justice League and die cast cars, I was practically collecting alone.

It was just me accumulating things to satisfy my interest. My older son and daughter never bothered to check the things I collect. Maybe they were just not interested.

In 2004, a new baby came into the family. At the age of one, Jerald Kervin showed an interest and loves to tinker with my action figures. That's when I realized that he is the one I have been waiting for.. my hobby buddy.

He enjoys playing with my Star Wars items. I couldn't imagine my boxes being opened and played but I opened it for him and we play the toys together. He likes stamps too and has an album filled with dinosaurs.

I am glad to have a son who is my hobby buddy. It makes collecting more enjoyable and fun!

Star Wars Episode II Pepsi Bottle Cap Collection

The success of the Star Wars Episode 1 Pepsi Cola Bottle Caps in Japan in 1999 was the reason that Pepsi decided to release the Episode II Bottle Caps in July of 2002.

Just like my Episode I, completing this set composed of 52 figures took me more than 3 years. The complete list follows:

1. Anakin Skywalker

2. Obi-Wan Kenobi
3. Padme Amidala (battle)
4. Padme Amidala (senator)
5. Mace Windu
6. Yoda
7. Saesee Tiin
8. Plo Koon
9. Kt Fisto
10. Luminara Unduli
11. Shaak Ti
12. C-3PO
13. R2-D2
14. Dexter Jettster
15. Zam Wesell

16. Jango Fett
17. Boba Fett
18. Count Dooku
19. Poggle the Lesser
20. Geonosian
21. Battle Droid
22. Super Battle Droid
23. Chancellor Palpatine
24. Darth Sidious
25. Senate Guard
26. Taun We
27. Lama Su

28. Clone Trooper
29. Tusken Raider
30. Captain Typho

31. Ric-920
32. Jar Jar Binks
33. Mas Amedda
34. Orn Free Taa
35. Wat Tambor
36. Anakin Skywalker (head)
37. Obi-Wan Kenobi (head)
38. Saesee Tiin (head)
39. Plo Koon (head)
40. Kit Fisto (head)

41. Luminara Unduli (head)

42. Shaak Ti (head)

43. C-3PO (head)

44. Dexter Jettster (head)

45. Zam Wesell (head)

46. Jango Fett (head)

47. Count Dooku (head)

48. Geonosian (head)

49. Senate Guard (head)

50. Taun We (head)

51. Clone Trooper (head)

52. Mas Amedda (head)

ABS-CBN Cebu's "MagTV Na" Comes To Visit

Yesterday was quite a hectic day. The night before, I got a confirmation from Venice Polancos and Lindo Mark Mayol of ABS-CBN Cebu that they will be dropping by to do a segment featuring my stamps and Star Wars collections in the top rating Cebu television show called "MagTV Na."

It was in August 2005 when I got invited by ABS-CBN Cebu to guest in Jude Bacalso's "Jude Morning" at Ayala Center Cebu to talk about our exhibit highlighting the stamps of Pope John Paul II. The TV network was one of the sponsors of the event.

At around 1:30pm the network's people arrived in our compound. There were nine of them! I was introduced to everyone, from the director to Blinky, the segment host. I couldn't accommodate the crew to my house as renovation work is ongoing so we had to use the house of Debbie Uy and Mark Uybengkee of Himlayang Pilipino Plans, Inc. who incidentally is my younger sister and brother-in-law. Their daughter Duchess Blythe Uybengkee is one of ABS-CBN's talents.

The crew took time to arrange everything - from my stamp albums, exhibit frames, star wars books, posters, action figures and bottle caps.

Once everything was done it was lights, camera, action! Blinky de Leon did an excellent job as host. She makes one feel comfortable in front of the cam although I am used to being on it occassionally.

The one person I admired most was the director, Reggie Molina. He's so down-to-earth and easy to get along with. He even helped in the setting up just to speed things up. Mark and Venice did great in the preparation and coordination. To sum it all, everyone was superb and very professional.

By 4:30pm, the interview was over. After a hearty snack of hamburgers and Coke, we said our goodbyes and thank yous. Mark handed me a bag with a "MagTV Na" mug inside. Another mug to add in my collection!

The "MagTV Na" experience was such a nice one that I will never forget! My special thanks to ABS-CBN Cebu, Lindo Mark Mayol (Segment Producer), Blinky de Leon (Host), Reggie Molina (Director), Vince Moree Polancos (Researcher), Daki Bolutano (Cameraman), Tata Poligrates (Cameraman), Randy Berrame (Lightman), Ronald Albaraccin (Audioman), and Nick Nadela (Production Driver).

"MagTV Na" will be featuring my stamps and Star Wars collections this month. If you're in Cebu, please take time to watch it on September 13, 2009 at ABS-CBN TV 3!

The photos featured above came from a video taken by Edwin Uy from a side angle. The network cams were in front of Blinky and I. Mark Mayol is also shown in the background.

Collecting Star Wars Books and Comic Books

Still talking about Star Wars, I collect Star Wars Books and Comics too! I can't help myself buy these items in bookstores here and in eBay.

Although at present I don't have the time to read all of them, just by looking at them transports me to a galaxy far, far away..

Star Wars: My Obsession

Collecting Star Wars items has always been a challenge for me. I collect anything that is Star Wars!

I still remember the first Star Wars memorabilia I had that include movie posters and promotional pictures. Of course, I got this from our moviehouse in 1977. I also had a large comic book of “The Empire Strikes Back” and a Marvel issue of the movie. It was in the late 90s that I started buying Star Wars items.

Presently, my Star Wars collection has grown, and it includes books published by Bantam, DelRey, Scholastic, Skylark and even Lucas Books. I have SW mugs, post cards, calendars, posters, videos, magazines and trading cards, and more than a handred action figures and vehicles. Lucky for me, I was able to get hold of the Star Wars stamps a few days after they were released by the US Postal Service in May 25, 2007. To date, Ebay sellers are selling this for Php 1000.00 per sheet.

What occupies me lately is the completion of my Star Wars Japan Pepsi Cola bottle caps collection. Just last month, I was able to complete Episode I which has 52 figures and Episode II which also comes with 52 figures. My Episode III composed of 60 figures still lacks 11 pieces. I see myself like a treasure hunter hunting for a long lost treasure. In due time, I believe I will be able to complete what's lacking. In my future blogs, I will be featuring these beautiful bottle cap figures.

Looking at my collection, I see myself transported to a galaxy far, far, away...

Click here for Sun Star Daily Cebu's article featuring my collections.