Puttering about with Potter

A pleasant surprise greeted me as I hurried to the studio this morning. Unang Hirit, GMA's morning news and talk show, featured Hogwarts Philippines just as the last Harry Potter movie opened in cinemas last night. Hogwarts Philippines started in 2001 and bills itself as "the first and only wizarding school for the Filipino witches and wizards." The taping had just finished but I came across a setup of books, memorabilia, ephemera, statues and toys. The members of Hogwarts Philipiines were already packing up their stuff so I only managed to snap a few pix. Here are a few of the NECA figures.

NECA really does a good job in capturing the actors' likeness. And the paint job on their figures are levels above those of the regular run-of-the-mill action figures.

I really dig this toy of Robby Coltrane as Hagrid, Hogwart's gentle giant. Incredible texturing and above average painting really are hallmarks of NECA! The downside to NECA's approach though is that the likeness comes at a price -- limited pose-ability and articulation. I could see that the neck, shoulders and torso seem to be articulated but posing may result in some rather awkward poses since the figure was sculpted with a specific stance in mind. So, better to leave the figure in that pose IMHO.

Thanks to the members of Hogwarts Philippines for sharing their collections with the public. With the completion of the Harry Potter series both in books and in film, the continued support of fans will ensure that the Harry Potter franchise will live on and maybe deliver some more surprises and magic in the future! Above are the gracious ladies of Hogwarts Philippines Jovan and Danielle who accommodated my impromptu picture taking. Thanks so much!

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