Collectors and enthusiasts began lining up as early as 6 a.m. to get first dibs at the inaugural Pop Mart pop-up store in the Philippines, which opened its doors to the public on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Those who secured items said the pop-up in Pasay City made their hobby more convenient, as they no longer needed to travel abroad for hard-to-find pieces.

“May hot items nirelease, instead of going overseas, dito nakabili kami. Mahirap hanapin lalo na malaki, hirap din dalin sa bag. Dati maghuhunt ka pa talaga sa ibang bansa, mahirap kasi makita,” Dustin Yap, who collects figurines with his girlfriend explained.

It also allowed collectors to save a significant amount of cash as they no longer have to pay for tax or the inflated prices of resellers.

“Mas mura dito. Mabibili sa SRP. Yung Labubu, sa labas P2,000-P3,000. Pero dito P900 lang. Kaya pinilit talaga namin nakabili dito,” Gabby Recto explained.

“If you try to buy overseas, pag over P10,000, may tax na. Unlike dito covered lahat. Marami dito,” Yap added.

Interested shoppers, however, must first book a slot as walk-ins will not be entertained until Nov. 6.

Pop Mart currently has over 500 stores, 2,300 Robo Shops, and distribution in more than 30 countries and regions.

According to SEA executive Jeremy Lee, he hopes to set up a permanent shop in the country as well as branch out.