| 09.15.2012 - Toy Customizing is an underappreciated form of art as some of you may not even bother to take a look at some of the great things it might come out from an actual product that’s not even accurate to its media counterpart. For some, it’s not the most pleasing to the eye. But it is special when you are passionate about putting a spin on your action figure into something.
In the Philippines, there’s a growing community of customizers going back to the mid-2000s with individuals wanting to learn the process, but having no resources due to limited internet access. But there are some brave individuals out there who would take the chance to learn and grow with the process. |
A group from local toy forums slowly banded together as a community of customizers. Not just into action figures, but most of them are into Transformers and Super Robots. The name of the group is “Juan Dela Customs,” and they have their debut exhibit to showcase passionate creations in customizing robots. It’s their first time at the Best of Anime event, which is organized and hosted by the Manila International Book Fair.
The group was co-founded by Mon Ruiz, who has been customizing toys not only Transformers. But also into other robot genres like Gundam and Voltes V., They are probably the only toy group that has a table set up, which stands out having displays of their custom creations.
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This type of hobby is rarely accepted in the fan community. Based on some discussions with the members the reason they do this is not just because they want to express their creativity, but because the product themselves are not entirely “screen accurate” to the ones seen in the animation and live-action films.
The lack of accuracy allows some of these collectors to improve the product that was limited in application or not having the accessory that they appeared in media, which is also due to the limited budget for the figure to have certain limitations with regards to aesthetics.
Mon Ruiz has been an active guest in local toy-related events and has been featured and invited to panels talking about the reasons why he customizes his Transformers toys with the limitations of the actual product. Besides customizing existing Transformers toys, he also tries his best in restoring broken down toys or “Junkers” that have missing limbs or accessories into a new toy or character.
This interest might not be for everyone, but it gives reason for some to showcase their talent and artistry in making their toys or improving what was never accurate into what it should look like in animation, TV, and live-action.
You may catch Juan Dela Customs at Best of Anime 2012 or any upcoming toy-related event. But you can also search for them in local Transformers communities sharing their latest customs and creations as well as on other social media platforms online that also include local toy forums too.
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