| TThe Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) has been an annual event, where ‘Gear Heads’, a casual group of families or friends spend time appreciating the wonders of automotive technology that some of them will find inspiration in acquiring or learning to be part of the growing community.
Speaking of communities, MIAS is not only known for cars, pageantry, and fun about anything that you see in the streets it is also about hobbyist that is inspired by the real cars that they collect these tiny die-cast miniature models that have become their own society of passionate individuals appreciating anything about the vehicle in 1/64 scale. |
“MIAS” organizers are dedicated to capturing the interest, and they have dedicated a section for Die-Cast Car Collectors that have been part of the event identity since their early days of putting this car show year in and year out. This is also has become the convention's identity.
Local communities participate and share their enthusiasm about collecting tiny die-cast cars as well as get to invite those who want to be part of the ever-growing group that is dedicated to their craft and hobby. For this year, the displays continue to be seen at the tent pavilion where you buy the tickets.
You pass the hallway with standing glass cabinets featuring participating local groups who have become part of this car show for more than a decade now. You can see hard-to-find vintage pieces as well as customized vehicles based on real-world ones that you may see in Manila streets or around the country.
There have been exhibits in this part of the event that really stands out that deserves a shout as their collections have been remarkable and not as common as most you might already have seen last year.
Retro Toy Collections
When you enter the pavilion the first two cabinets on your left you will find something nostalgic about their display. RTC is a known seller of vintage hard-to-find collectibles from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and even the early 2000s. Their presence is known in the local hobby market.
But for MIAS 2023, their collection is dedicated to Matchbox cars of old going back to the Lesney era, where they competed against the Hot Wheels brand by Mattel with notable vintage castings including their original boxes. They also have the older Tonka bulldozer on the bottom of the display.
Certainly, the old Matchbox display including the Universal-era castings is here and showcased. For the kid who grew up in the 70s and 80s, there’s nothing like the classics from the Lesney era of Matchbox prior to being acquired by Mattel through buying Tyco Toys who held the ownership in 1997 and this was a time capsule.
Minila Miniature Collection
Passed by a couple of cabinets, there’s this sea of white vans with various decos and liveries that a local would stop to keep staring at the customs that adorn these utility vehicles. It is rare that a passionate group would go to great lengths in customizing a 1/64 or smaller vehicle into a familiar one that you see in the local streets in the Philippines.
Only Filipinos or even, ex-pats who have come to live in this country would be familiar with them. From news vans to food trucks the lineup in all its details are quite absurd to think they have recreated those familiar signs and livery in all those vans and they can make one for you too if you have an idea or two.
Bensan Customs
Clearly at the far end of the hallway before you make your ticket purchases there are three glass dioramas that you might have noticed. They are a group of customizers who have slowly made a name for themselves, and their great group of talented artists that customized die-cast cars into masterpieces.
Their works have been featured and have been exhibited at Secret Fresh Gallery last year with limited edition dioramas aching compared to limited edition one-to-one paintings are just phenomenal with the setup for their Diecast Toy Fair, and this year’s car show is no exception for you to have the time to explore their display.
There are passionate fans in the community that really made their presence known to adore the hobby as collectors and not as those thinking of the hobby as a future investment to earn from. But those who just enjoy creating and making them are quite a treat to see and get inspired to end up in this realm of toy collecting.
Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is happening from 13 until 16 April 2023 at the World Trade Center Manila and opens from 10 AM to 9 PM with an Entrance Fee got Adults & Kids at ₱ 100.00 pesos ($2.90 AUD | $1.84 USD**), while Senior Citizen & PWD at ₱ 80.00 Pesos ($ 2.32 AUD | $1.47 USD**)
For more about the event follow MIAS on Social Media via Facebook or visit the site at ManilaAutoShow.com
** - Currency converter via Google.com
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