MANILA, Philippines - During the Star Wars Force Friday event held in SM MOA on September 4, we stumbled upon a collector who admitted to having a Star Wars collection worth two brand new cars.
"Mga collections ko? Oh my God. Kumalat na in three rooms," Earl Madriaga said when he was asked how many Star Wars items does he own.
"I don't even want to think about it. I just collect. Siguro mga worth two brand new cars!" he added.
Madriaga is just one of the Star Wars enthusiasts who endured long hours in the queue just to witness the unveiling of the never-before-seen Lucasfilm-inspired toys in a global event known as "Force Friday," where select toys and merchandise inspired by the latest Star Wars film were revealed across 12 countries and 15 cities in 18 hours, including the Philippines.
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Growing up with Star Wars, Madriaga said he's an active member of an organization called Pinoy StarWars Kolektors, a group of Star Wars collectors founded by Manny Mendoza, one of the members of 501st legion Philippines.
Members of Pinoy StarWars Kolektors during the Force Friday in SM MOA Atrium. Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo
According to their website, 501st Legion is a non-stock, not-for-profit volunteer organization, with more than 6,500 members in over 50 countries.Their activities include the building and wearing of Star Wars costumes, volunteering for charity and attending related conventions.
In the Philippines, the group has been existing as early as 2007.
"When we started here in the Philippines, around 30 lang ata ang members," Eral said as he recalls the beginning of the group.
"Now we are at 700," he added.
Collections of Madriaga include statues and numerous figures.
"I stick with action figures, vehicles and also comic books," he said when asked about how he chooses what he collects.
The most expensive Star Wars merchandise that he has is a Darth Vader premium format, an 18-inch statue that costs around P20,000, which he got in a toy shop in Greenhills in 2006.
Aside from having quite pricey collections, he also has something rare in his collection.
"I have this action figure na exclusive sa New York Toy Fair. It's a Darth Vader action figure na silver. I think konti lang yung naproduce and I got one from the trade."
According to Madriaga, the story and special effects of Star Wars are the reasons why he developed his fandom. "Return of the Jedi" was the first movie he saw in theaters
RELATED: Spotted: Star Wars costumes at #ForceFriday