Cebu and the rest of Central Visayas were still recovering from the recent disasters. The region had faced an earthquake at the start of October, followed by two typhoons that caused heavy flooding. Many families were dealing with damaged homes, lost belongings, and the stress of back-to-back calamities.
With this situation, no one expected TOFICON 2025 to move forward with the same energy and heart that the community was used to.
On December 6 and 7 at Lyf Cebu, the event pushed through, not with loud celebration but with the hope that people could find some comfort among friends and fellow hobbyists.
This year’s TOFICON chose a different direction from previous years. The team wanted the event to feel warm, calm, and intimate. Even with only four weeks to prepare, the goal was to create a space where everyone could breathe and reconnect. The familiar parts of the convention were still present. The toy exhibit remained the highlight, and many regular toy merchants and artists returned to the artists' alley. Seeing familiar faces and displays helped bring a sense of normalcy that many visitors needed.
The toy and hobby communities showed how strong their bond was. Collectors, hobbyists, and fans came together not only to look at toys but to appreciate that they were still here and safe. The event became a space to enjoy shared interests and simple moments. It reminded everyone that even after difficult times, joy can still be found in the things they love.
The program, while scaled down, was still filled with activities that brought people together. There were games that featured toys and several workshops that gave guests something fun and relaxing to try. MainQuest held casual DnD sessions. There were casual Crush Gear and Beyblade tournaments where players enjoyed friendly matches. Toy photographer Kevin Bono led a workshop that helped guests learn how to take better photos of their collections.
The panel talks also continued as part of the TOFICON tradition. Bryan Onglatco shared about his art and passion for toy collecting. Phyl, Komochitu and Tom discussed competitive play and shared insight from their experience. Omoni and Kevin talked about toy photography and how the hobby continues to grow in the community.
What made TOFICON 2025 stand out was the resolve to help. The team added a toy auction to the program where donated toys were sold through live bidding. All proceeds went to the event’s chosen charity. It was a simple but heartfelt way for the community to support those who were still recovering from the recent calamities.
In the end, TOFICON 2025 was a reminder of why this community continues to grow stronger each year. Even with only four weeks to prepare and even with the weight of recent hardships, everyone came together to end the year on a good note. Visitors left Lyf Cebu with lighter hearts, grateful for a space that brought comfort, camaraderie and a sense of togetherness when it was needed most.
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