by Monchi Ampil | AUGUST 2026

Growing up in an Ilocano household, traditions and values were deeply ingrained in our family. From the language we spoke to the food we shared, I experienced many aspects of Ilocano culture firsthand. One stereotype often associated with Ilocanos is being “kuripot” or frugal. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand that this isn’t necessarily about being unwilling to spend, but rather about prioritizing necessities over luxuries. 

Because of this mindset, I didn’t grow up with many toys. My family preferred to save for more important needs, and I have no complaints about that. In fact, it taught me valuable lessons about responsibility and appreciating what I have. 

Still, I was always fascinated by toys and collectibles. 

I was fortunate to be surrounded by relatives who were passionate about different interests. One uncle collected toy trucks, while another was into comic books and NBA memorabilia. My family also loved movies, my grandfather was passionate about music, and my older sister introduced me to wrestling and basketball. Through them, I was exposed to a wide range of pop culture influences, both local and international. 

As I grew older, I realized that one of the best ways to celebrate the things you love is through collecting. 

My collecting journey began in 2018 with Funko Pop! figures, the popular collectible vinyl toys inspired by movies, sports, comics, and various pop culture icons. What started with a few figures quickly turned into a hobby. Back then, a standard figure cost around PHP 595, and I enjoyed hunting for characters that represented my favorite shows, films, and athletes. 

From there, my interests expanded to sneakers. Working at NLEX exposed me to a strong culture of sports and camaraderie. Our regular Monday games, along with a Friday basketball group organized by my high school friends, reignited my passion for the game and eventually for basketball shoes. One of the most memorable additions to my collection was the Kobe 6 “Grinch,” originally worn by Kobe Bryant during a Christmas Day game against the Miami Heat. When the shoe was re-released in 2020, I was fortunate enough to win the opportunity to purchase a pair through a raffle. It remains one of my favorite collectibles to this day. 

These days, my focus has shifted to LEGO sets and Pokémon collectibles. 

Building LEGO sets has become a weekend tradition for my wife and me. It’s a hobby that allows us to relax, spend quality time together, and create something piece by piece. Beyond the finished product, it’s the experience of building together that makes it meaningful. 

Meanwhile, Pokémon has made a strong comeback in my life. Like many millennials, I grew up watching the animated series and collecting trading cards with my cousins. While I would describe myself as a casual fan back then, I’ve recently rediscovered the fun of collecting Pokémon-related items. One of my closest friends has even been teaching me how to play the trading card game, making the hobby even more enjoyable. 

Although many people view collecting as an investment, I’ve always looked at it differently. I rarely sell the items I collect because each one represents a memory, a passion, or a meaningful chapter in my life. Every figure, sneaker, LEGO set, or card tells a story about how I became a fan of something, a moment I wanted to remember, or a friendship built through shared interests. 

I recognize that collecting is a privilege, and I never take that for granted. While some may see only the price tag attached to a collectible, what I see are the experiences, memories, and relationships connected to it. 

And for me, those are the most valuable collectibles of all.