About two or three years into collecting Pinkys some fellow collectors in Kalye Pinky (the Philippine Pinky:St. community) talked me into starting with another doll line. This time there were 1/6th scale and came with freakishly huge but ultimately freakishly adorable heads — the Pullip, Tae Yang, Dal,and Byul lines.

I am now the proud momma of two Tae Yangs (a Jade and an Andrew) and have become part of another doll community — Pullip Pilipinas. Today, three outstanding members of the Philippine Pullip community have graciously shared their doll experiences and collections with magnetic-rose.net. First up is April, science geek and owner of arguably one of the largest collections in Manila — and possibly South East Asia.

      

How did your Pullip collection start?

I have always been a doll lover. I started collecting dolls (Bratz mostly) when I was in college. But I came to know about Pullips through a bag with Blythe photos that I bought 4 years ago. At that time, I didn’t know what kind of dolls they were so I tried researching. I didn’t have any luck till I saw them in person during
our Christmas family trip in HK. As soon as we got home, I researched about these dolls immediately. Unfortunately, there are no local stores selling them.

One day, I randomly told one of my colleagues to go to Japan and help me buy a Blythe doll. It didn’t occur to me then that her boyfriend works in Japan. Then she told me that her boyfriend was coming home and she could ask him to buy one for me. The next day, she told me that her boyfriend agreed. I just need to tell them which doll I would like to get. As soon as I got home, I searched for the names of different Blythe dolls that I liked. In one of the searches, Pullip came out.

I didn’t know what it was so I clicked the link and found the most beautiful dolls I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure which release it was because they were already customized. I did some research again and fell in love with Pullip Nina and Taeyang Sage. They aren’t my first dollies though since my colleague’s boyfriend said they were out of stock but I still managed to get them at a later date. Hehe~ My first two dollies arrived last April 2, 2007 and the rest is history (lol).

      

For you, what is the best thing about collecting?

For me it is primarily being able to use and expand my imagination and creativity that I cannot show in my profession. Secondly, it is being able to meet people that have the same interests as I do. ^_^

Which release was your favorite?

Nina and Sage. Since they are the first Pullip and Taeyang that I fell in love with. I also love Prunella and Horizon because their stocks and face ups are amazing. And of course ASSA <3, my grail, because she’s really cute and sweet.

What is the hardest part about collecting? Have you dealt with any problems?

I think it’s my lack of self control (which I am trying to exercise now) and the never ending temptation that new releases give. XD And how I will hide or bring home a new dollie without my parents knowing. XD

What advise would you give to others who want to start collecting Pullips?

Collecting isn’t just for fun. It also comes with responsibilities just like any other hobbies. You aren’t really required to buy your dolls expensive wigs, clothes and other accessories. Simply giving proper handling, storage and protection is good enough. It doesn’t matter if you have only one or few dolls but you take good care of them than having many but you just dump them anywhere after playing or you don’t even care what happens to them afterwards. Also it’s good to remember that how they look reflects what kind of person you are. 🙂

Continued in Pullip Pilipinas Triptych — Featuring Kaoko.

To ogle the rest of April’s lovely doll collection, head on over to her Flickr account. Thanks again to April and the rest of Pullip Pilipinas for agreeing to be interviewed 😀