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Manila Hobby Shops

Manila Hobby Shops: Destinations for the Hobbyist on Vacation

Located in one of the world’s largest shopping malls (Manila’s Megamall), your spouse will be in no danger of feeling neglected while you're stocking-up your stash at Lil’s Hobby Centre.

Though Tamiya is king here, Lil’s is the biggest stockist of all the other major brands, including: Hobby Boss, Trumpeter, Dragon and Revell, to name a few. Though after market resin conversion sets are not as popular here as at home, Lil’s is a great source for Eduard photo-etched sets: I was able to leave with a fistful of the new pre-coloured aircraft update sets for far less than I’m accustomed to paying.

As well as a varied selection, great prices, and knowledgeable staff, the chance to talk with Mr. Shakespeare Chan is well worth the trip. As the first retailer in Asia of Tamiya products and a personal friend of Mr. Tamiya himself, Mr. Chan is one of the few in a unique position to provide an insight into the thinking behind the Tamiya brand. Chan’s relationship with Tamiya and his products goes back over 40 years, when he first established his name.

My first question, “Why are Tamiya kits so expensive?” is answered simply by Chan: “Aside from the fact that the Japanese Yen has substantially devalued over recent years, the expensive tools used in the moulding process are constantly renewed, resulting in the crisp detail and unparalleled quality for which Tamiya is known. New contenders, like Hobby Boss of China, with their variety of subjects and affordable prices, are rising up to challenge Tamiya’s share in the market. In Chan’s opinion, Tamiya will need to stay acutely aware of the desires of hobbyists, if it is to compete with these emerging manufacturers. To that end, we will continue to see more innovative and diverse offerings, such as Tamiya’s recent 1/35th scale JSU-152 and the 1/48th scale G40 Bulldozer kits –future releases should be very interesting.

My sincere thanks to Jun Villion of IPMS, Manila.

LIL'S HOBBY CENTRE: Megamall (Bldg A) Julia Vargas Avenue , Ortigas Center 1550 Mandaluyong, Metro Manila Phone: +63(2)6336358 There are two other branches of Lil’s, also located in Manila: Level 2 Trinoma Edsa Corner, North Avenue Quezon City, Metro Manila Phone: +63(2)9166340

G/F Park Square 1 Theater Drive, Ayala Center Makati, Metro Manila Phone: +63(2)8191646

If time permits, a trip to JMN’s Hobby Square in the Metro area shouldn’t be missed. A friendly little place off of the beaten path, JMN stocks Italeri, Revell, and Dragon kits.

JMN: 2nd floor of the Harrison Plaza Mall, Manila.