Paul Christian Ocampo

EXCLUSIVE: Jed Madela considers toy collection as an escape: 'It’s something that takes me out of the stress of showbiz'

Article (news)

Clarence Roi Gillego

Push Team

Outside the music scene, OPM balladeer Jed Madela is an avid toy collector.  Did you know that his most expensive toy purchase was worth six figures? He made this revelation during the Star Magic Spotlight press conference on Monday, June 23. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750939374754Jed-Madela-1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>For someone who can spend thousands of pesos on toys, there must be a deep reason behind it.  “Hindi lang sila toys, they are more of collectibles na talaga and some of them are museum pieces na, kaya umabot siya ng ganon kamahal,” he told reporters.  In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Jed shared how toy collection serves as his escape when things get rough in the entertainment industry.  “It’s something that takes me out of the stress of showbiz,” he said. “‘Pag medyo pagod na ako sa mga ganap sa showbiz, I try to divert my attention sa ibang bagay which is through art.” “Just like my music, I express my emotions through my music. But sometimes kapag medyo toxic na ‘yung mga ganap, I try to change the scenery and divert to my art and change the emotions to somewhere else,” he added.  Although he did spend a lot on his toy collections, he clarified that it was never impulsive buying — he has his own criteria and limits.  “Ako kasi when I buy collectibles or toys, number one talaga is it has to speak to me,” he said. “I mean not literally na magsalita siya, but it has to speak to me in a sense that it has to make a connection — that’s when I buy toys.” “Normally, tinitingnan ko naman if it’s worth its value. Kaya ‘pag sobra namang mahal, pinag-iisipan ko naman. But more often than not, I think before I buy,” he added. Jed told entertainment reporters that his toys are numerous, occupying at least four rooms in his house. He views collecting toys as one way of healing his inner child now that he has the means to do it.  “I’ve always loved toys, (ever since) noong bata pa ako I love toys,” he said. “Pero siguro my mom and my dad, they [were] very practical when it comes to toys na hindi kami binibilhan just like that; you [must] really work hard for it.” “When I started earning my own money, isa sa mga unang-unang nag-splurge ako [was on] toys. [It’s like healing] your inner child na parang the things that I couldn’t buy before, now I can because I worked hard for the money that I spent for it,” he added. The OPM balladeer said toy collection is a good investment, saying &quot;every year, ‘pag tumatagal siya, mas tumataas ang value.&quot;During the height of pandemic, Jed, who also creates toys himself, started sharing his passion for toy making and designing.  <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2021/3/6/fresh-scoops/jed-madela-shares-new-passion-for-toy-making-and-d-192111" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: Jed Madela shares new passion for toy making and designing</a></div>“Lately kasi, siyempre nasa bahay tayo lahat. I’ve been trying to keep myself busy kaya I got into toy designing. From toy collecting naging toy designing na. So I design my own art toys,” he said in 2021. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2025/6/23/jed-madela-returns-to-the-concert-stage-with-superhero-1924" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: Jed Madela returns to the concert stage with ‘Superhero’</a></div>Jed will be having his birthday concert named after his song and album “Superhero” on July 5 at the Music Museum.

Jed Madela, an avid toy collector, shares how toy collection plays a vital role in his life as a musician in a pressure-packed industry.

Jed Madela, an avid toy collector, shares how toy collection plays a vital role in his life as a musician in a pressure-packed industry.