DCPH Origins

Today, it is perhaps the largest diecast toy collectors organization in the Philippines, but it has had humble beginnings over 20 years ago.  Its first official swap meet occurred in May 1, 2004, with some 70+ people attending...

It even got some printed (newspaper) publicity, as it was included in a Manila Times article, which can be seen below

It wasn't really the first "DCPH Swap Meet"... for a few years we organized swap meets every two months, meeting up at fastfood chains where there are not many people eating.  We often go to the old Burger King joint along Ortigas Ave., w/c I believe is no longer existing.  In addition to being not frequented by people, it had a good amount of parking space.  On occassion we meet at someone else's house, like in this occassion where we celebrated Christmas 2002...

Before that time, the local importer of Hot Wheels & Matchbox, Richwell Corporation (now known as Richprime), organized swap meets, but only every 6 months or so.  We collectors deemed it was too far apart... every month seemed too much... so I pegged the frequency at every 2 months, which seemed perfect, and this was proven right as time goes on...

Online conversations first started through emails, and later a yahoogroups account was created.  Then later a dcph website was created, so members can now easily log in, exchange ideas, updates, and even sell items... it was heavily patterned after the old MCCH (Matchbox Collectors Community Hall) of which I was also a member. 

The advent of social media (namely fb) eventually killed the website, but today the fb page of DCPH, I was told, is going strong.  I do not have an fb account so I have no idea.