Shelf Sightings | Tuff Selections

Sometimes, the unexpected things you did not envision happen when you’re already heading back. It’s no surprise, but rather not what you thought would present itself when things are winding down.. Earlier this evening, without knowing what was really happening, there was a mini marketplace event happening at the Ayala North Exchange. The place is a mixed-use twin tower building with small business shops and food establishements occupying the first two levels of the building. But has enough space temporarily occupied by these gift shops.

TK Toy Expo 2024 | Hot Wheels: Let's Race

Hot Wheels has been on top of its game when it comes to affordable die-cast models that have been universally adored by kids and adult collectors for more than fifty years and even continue to be the most glorified brand when it comes to toy cars. Of course, Hot Wheels is no doubt the most familiar brand when it comes to toy cars as “Colgate” is a toothpaste brand. Every child who lives in the mid-80s has known the “blue” brand as that was the era it asserted itself to be known for “edgy” cars with bright colours and ridiculous modified cars.

Shelf Sightings | Hot Wheels at 7 Eleven

Hot Wheels has become widely known in the Philippines because of its availability through retail channels in department stores, toy stores, and convenience stores. For those unaware, 7-Eleven has been carrying Hot Wheels since the 2000s.The earliest sighting of Hot Wheels cars on pegs started being seen in 2005. It’s almost 20 years since it happened. But not consistently as you’d expect. The idea of seeing Hot Wheels assortment at a convenient store like 7-Eleven in the Philippines is inconsistent. They never actively stocked, unlike in foreign countries, where not only does 7-Eleven get some die-cast cars, but they also get a wide assortment of toys.

Mattel Games | Rodger Dodger

The Rodger Dodger is an iconic Hot Wheels casting that is based on a depiction of a modified ’73 Dodge Charger SE with a blown V8 poking out of the hood, one of several variations on the Bye-Focal design. It has been one of the most familiar “generics” or Hot Wheels Originals that is still produced today. In 2021, the Dodger received a minor change on the base due to the subtheme that was released for that year that features Mattel’s popular games. This version of the Rodger Dodger features the deco/livery of the Magic 8-Ball and certainly there we a lot of variations of the same casting released.

Hot Wheels Legends | Manila Tour

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour was announced months before the upcoming event, which was a weeklong festivity that was held at the Main Atrium of the SM Mall of Asia that features some of the best custom vehicles that entered this contest that was graced by a Hot Wheels designer Brendon Vetuskey during the duration of the event. Leading to the event, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour has ten custom real-life vehicles showcased at the busiest shopping centre in the country. The crowd continued to grace the event since it opened and certainly gave the Hot Wheels brand street cred not just as a die-cast brand, but also as acknowledging the interest in real vehicles.

HW Nightburnerz | '68 Corvette - Gas Monkey Garage

The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic car and currently, there have been eight generations in design. But in the world of Hot Wheels, there have been several variations and iterations of this beloved car from General Motors. All of them have their own stories and that’s what makes this car legendary. This featured model is based on the third generation or known as the “C3,” which was produced from 1968 to 1982. The aesthetics and overall appearance maintain the consistency and design carried over from the previous generation with a new body style.

MIAS 2023 | Hot Wheels & Matchbox Booth

If you happen to be at this year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) or just about to plan for the weekend you might want to check out what else is the event is offering aside from seeing cars and models that are being highlighted as being part of their showcase in the main area. There is also the East Wing area, where you can check out car accessories, and for the ones who are into the hobby of collecting die-cast cars, there’s one of the two vendors who happen to set up their booth for the enthusiast. This is where you’ll find the Hot Wheels/Matchbox booth by Richwell or Richprime Holdings.

HW J-Imports | '70 Toyota Celica

Japan is known for its electronic products, Japanese Anime, and its fuel-efficient popular cars. Toyota is one of the carmakers that have expanded their reach all over the world through their affordable cars, and competition in motorsport through their TRD (Toyota Racing Development) program to Gazoo Racing. There’s no doubt, Toyota is one of the global brands from Japan that is seen all over the world not only commonly populating Asian streets, but also in Western countries as well. Hot Wheels have taken that advantage in producing more iconic models in die-cast form including the very first generation of the Toyota Celica.

HW Graffiti Rides | VW Beetle Convertible

The Classic Volkswagen Beetle is as iconic as its name and aesthetics were initially known as the “People’s Car.” It was produced in so many iterations and variations even outselling the Ford Model T. It is a beloved car produced in diecast that became a favourite. Hot Wheels produced an original that was part of the “Sweet Sixteen,” and then Larry Wood designed the one released in 1989 that was known as the “VW Bug” but changed to Volkswagen Beetle. Then there was a convertible version that was introduced in 2006 with no roof or hardtop, and this is the featured spotlight.

HW J-Imports | Nissan Maxima

Hot Wheels has been dominant in the diecast collecting industry and continues to expand its concepts, designs, and even being edgy with its licensed cars. The rise and popularity of the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars have been forthcoming at the same time very popular to the point some of the releases have become rare. With every Hot Wheels mainline release, the majority would look forward to the next JDM-licensed car or vehicle that came from Japan. On top of that Hot Wheels also produce premium editions for a specific alone and that ta captures their market interest.