Wow, such a long time I haven't write anything on this space. This is nothing but a story of a person who likes toys, and how it all started.
At first, the kind of toys that I played with when I was a kid were trucks, construction vehicles, and some wood puzzles. However, that all changed when I watched my first ever mecha animation, Macross. Yes, I watched the original Macross series that was Cantonese dubbed back in the early 80s, where it was a norm to rent VHS tape from video rental shop, at this part of the world. I was fascinated by it, and glued to it, and eventually not only the mecha but also managed to pick up Cantonese just by watching the show. Probably the younger the person is the more easier for the person to adapt & learn? Hmm...
I used to have those toys; the Macross VF-1J & VF-1S, the Orguss, Godmars, Transformers, Baxinger, and even the old RX-78 Gundam chogokin toys. All these toys happened to be available at local supermarkert or specialized shop at the same time that I watched the Cantonese dubbed animation. My father used to buy these toys for me as either my birthday present, or Christmast present. Bragging here? Well, yes. I was considered a good & obedient young kid back then, with good results in study, hence I was able to have the toys, without asking for them. Later year, not so much, which I must confessed because of various reasons like I was not taking good care of the toys, of which I can blame it on someone else for that, but when I think it through now, it was me who did not being responsible for it, can't blame other people.
I do treasure my toys, and it was a shame that I was not able to keep most of them in good condition. Hence, when I was much older, I was able to at least make sure that my new found interest, plastic model kit, that all the kits that I have built during secondary school years, be stored in good shape. Now, those are inherited by my younger sibling.
There are stories to the toys that I currently shown in this post. The God-Sigma (second row, left most), I used to have the old one, where it was purely toys but with a lot of gimmicks esp. the combination. My late father, I still remember it very well, that one of the night back in the late 80s, when I was only primary school year 3 or year 4, my dad saw in the newspaper that a supermarket was going to close for good, so it helds a clearance sale. My dad, who was about to leave to work at night, saw it, with a little time left, he actually went to the supermarket to see if he could buy something. Later that night, dad called home to tell my mum that he managed to get something for me, and asked her to wake me up early in the morning tomorrow. So, I did. When I saw what he bought me, I was really happy. I heard that dad bought that for only RM50. Back then, RM50 was considered a lot of money. I really treasure that toy, but as time goes by, something happened and it was no longer in good shape. Hence, when Bandai was releasing the God-Sigma as part of its Soul of Chogokin lineup, I did not think twice & proceeded to order it. This was to remind myself, not only that I liked it, but also the night, of what my late father did for me.
Then, Godmars (second row, far right), I used to have the old one as well. I got that as a Christmas present when I was in primary school year. That time I was really into the Godmars animation (Cantonese dubbed too). Hence, when I got it as a Christmast present, I was happy & surprised! Again, I didn't ask for it, but it was my father & my elder sisters, who knew what I like, that has enabled me to have it. That's why, again, when Bandai released it as part of the Soul of Chogokin lineup during late 2000s, I bought it from a local toy store, as a remembrance of that moment.
Lastly, the VF-1J Valkyrie from Macross. That was the first mech toys that I have owned. I still remembered that my dad bought me the VF-1J, and then my eldest brother bought me the VF-1S. I treasured them to the extent of carrying them around during my kindergarden days (yes, I got the toys at that young age). As I think back, it was a very unbelievable act for dad and eldest brother to buy me toys because it was considered luxurious back then, of which I did not know about, and I thought that it was normal for people to have toys. I was wrong after learning about it as I am getting older (not really wiser). So, this VF-1J, is to remind me of that moment, the moment where my late father, who is a very strict & stern person, was willing to buy toys for me.
And, the saddest things of all, as I think back, I can't recall if I have ever say "thank you, papa, I love you". There can be many excuses that I can give, but if I have never say it, then so be it & bear the regret. These are all reminders to me, making sure that the importance of appreciation & showing gratitude esp. to those who are blood related be in checked all the time. Although things may turn sour with the conditions that we're currently in at the moment, nevertheless, have to strive for it because true life is never easy, which I believed.
That, concludes my toy stories.
