When Chris Hernandez first fell in love with small toy cars, he never imagined it would lead to the kind of community building that helped shape one of the country’s most significant collector movements. For years, he was a passionate collector, one of many Filipinos who scoured stores for toy cars, swapped those with friends, and searched endlessly for elusive models. Decades later, his journey has taken him far beyond the thrill of the chase.

Like many enthusiasts, Hernandez’s passion for diecast cars began with childhood nostalgia and a fascination for cars. Growing up, his father worked overseas and would send toys home as gifts. Among those packages were Hot Wheels cars, which left a lasting impression and planted the seeds of a lifelong hobby. Those early experiences tied collecting not only to play but also to family and memory, shaping his appreciation for the brand in a deeply personal way.

After finishing his engineering degree at Mapúa University, Hernandez moved to the United States shortly after college. His professional career has centered on GPS satellites and products for the positioning industry, a demanding day job he has balanced alongside his dedication to the collecting community.

What set him apart was his drive to transform that passion into something larger than himself. He was not content with simply building his personal collection; he wanted to build opportunities for others. Over the years, he put his personal resources and credibility on the line to elevate the local hobby, creating gatherings and events that gave Filipino collectors a stronger sense of community and belonging.

One striking measure of how much passion drives this hobby is the value attached to certain cars at international conventions. Hernandez pointed to a rare 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Gasser that currently fetches as much as $10,000. Other sought-after pieces regularly sell for several thousands of dollars, underscoring how toys that once sold for pocket change have evolved into serious collector investments. These soaring values also explain why convention exclusives, produced in very limited numbers, are so highly prized and fiercely traded in the community.

According to Hernandez, there are about 80,000 diecast collectors in the Philippines, yet no one had ever attempted to mount a Mattel-recognized convention until he took the first step.

Hernandez’s path toward organizing a Mattel-recognized convention was nearly a decade in the making. From 2015 to 2019 in Southern California, he immersed himself in the U.S. collector scene, learning how conventions operated and building networks with Mattel designers and fellow enthusiasts. The pandemic pause in 2020 and 2021 put large gatherings on hold, but he continued cultivating relationships and laying the groundwork for a Philippine event. A breakthrough came in 2023, when Hot Wheels lead designer Brendon Vetuskey visited Manila for the Legends Tour. Hernandez hosted an exclusive dinner for 25 top collectors and commissioned a limited-run, custom 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Gasser souvenir called the METRICS Gasser.

In our conversation, Hernandez recalled how his wife once questioned his devotion. “She said, why would you even invest in this? Filipinos will buy essentials before spending ₱28,500 for a dinner package,” he admitted. Her words echoed a practical reality in the Philippines, where hobbies like this are often seen as luxuries.

The 2024 Philippine Collectors Convention drew international attention but faced criticism when its souvenir car lost the Hot Wheels logo due to licensing issues. Early marketing material showed the Hot Wheels logo on the souvenir car, but licensing complications meant the final version came without it. Collectors were disappointed, and Hernandez was left with a difficult choice. “Either we remove the Hot Wheels logo and continue the event, or no event at all,” he said. He chose to continue, and the criticism that followed became a lesson and a promise. “That’s what I promised to our collectors now. That this is the very first Philippines Hot Wheels Collector Convention car. Official and licensed. So that’s the redemption.”

Through the growing pains, Hernandez persisted, convinced that if he shouldered the risks and delivered memorable experiences, collectors would respond. He shouldered the risk in full, committing a seven-figure sum from his own savings to make the 2025 Philippine Hot Wheels Collector's Convention a reality. That conviction became a hallmark of his approach. He promised redemption, which arrived in August 2025 when Okada Manila hosted the country’s first official Mattel-licensed convention car.

The 2025 convention delivered on that promise. Its centerpiece was the Official Licensed Philippine Convention Car, a Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8. The model is part of a five-car global series, with each version released at a different international convention. When all five are collected, the packaging forms the Hot Wheels flame logo, symbolizing how collectors from different parts of the world are connected by the brand. For Hernandez, securing this license was not just about prestige; it was about proving that Filipino collectors deserve recognition equal to their peers in the United States, Japan, and other established markets.

Hernandez highlighted how meaningful it was for Filipino collectors to finally have their own licensed Hot Wheels convention car, describing it as a long-awaited milestone that placed the Philippines firmly on the global map of collectors’ events.

By the time the convention closed its doors on Aug. 24, large crowds of collectors, families, and international guests had come through the Crystal Pavilion at Okada Manila. The venue was filled with competitions and displays that showcased the creativity and energy of the community. From custom diecast showdowns to the worldwide photography contest, participation was strong and the talent on display was evident. The presence of international collectors reinforced the event’s reach and placed Manila clearly on the convention map. On the night of the gala dinner, one of the Philippine Convention cars that were auctioned off sold for $4,500, bought by a local collector who wanted to remain anonymous.

Attendees also welcomed the chance to meet Michael Guevarra, a Filipino Hot Wheels designer from the Artshop Team, while acclaimed artist Ronald Ventura displayed four of his RWB Porsche builds at the venue. These elements added cultural depth and broadened the convention’s reach beyond traditional collecting circles.

The Philippine Hot Wheels Collectors Convention validated the passion of Filipino collectors who have long been constrained by limited local availability and high import costs. For the first time, they had access to a convention car officially tied to their country and bearing recognition from Mattel. The success of the 2025 edition showed that Filipino collectors are not isolated, but part of a global movement that values their contribution and celebrates their passion.

Hernandez was keenly aware of how much this meant to the community. “Slowly, they’re being educated,” he said, noting how Filipino collectors are beginning to appreciate the long-term value of convention exclusives. The event marked a turning point for him personally and for the wider community, proving that Manila can host a convention equal in scale and prestige to its international counterparts.