The Philippine International Cards and Collectibles Convention was held last October 3 and 4 in the SMX Convention in SM Lanang Premier. This is the first time for PICCC to have an event in Davao and we have marked it on our calendar.
In Davao, we have a monthly local buy, sell and trade show which is being held at Gaisano Mall of Davao. The PICCC is totally different as it brings con-goers and collectors from all over the country to Davao. Which means, stocks beyond the local market are used to offer.
Personally, had started collecting NBA Cards since 1995, as a gradeschooler. Had kept decent cards from notable players like Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. I had marked the event of PICCC as I felt that it was gonna be a big day for my collection. I was looking to move it and call an end to my hobby. I had posted photos of my entire Iverson, Kobe and Jordan collection in an NBA Buy and Sell Facebook Page to see any interests from people coming to PICCC.
Day 1 – I went to the event alone but I was tracking a chatgroup of co-NBA collectors from Davao who planned to visit the event right around the time of my availability. I saw everyone at the event, Philipp Ang, Rjay Tulio, Earl Mikko, Richmond David, Ryan Montuya and Daniel Dango.
Met Ryan who owns 4th & 1 Sportscards, a foreign collector who has been living here in Davao for a long time. We had a nice chat about how he shares the hobby with his kid, where they rip a box during holidays to cap the season. I had my eyes on some of his cards, mainly the 2003 Bowman Lebron James RC and PSA Gem Mint Select Victor Wembanyama RC.
Also Met Sir Carlos the Organizer of the event and had a great talk with him regarding his collection. He owns two 1996 EX2000 Credentials Michael Jordan, two 1996 EX2000 Credentials Kobe Bryant RC, PSA Gem Mint 1998 Metal Universe Planet Metal Michael Jordan, 1997 Metal Universe Platinum Portraits of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant which are all displayed in the entrance of the event area.
To fully enjoy the festivities, we decided to get ourselves a pack of VivaMax Cards. Daniel, Ryan, Mikko and I decided to split eight cards among ourselves so each one can take two cards home. Daniel got the best pull by getting the AJ Raval but I got a set of Jela Cuenca cards.
Even got the chance to hold a 1997 Hoops High Voltage 500 Volts Michael Jordan which is one of the rarest cards in the 90’s.
The first day went great! I was kind of doubting myself in selling my collection as the event really made me nostalgic. But I got a few offers on my collection, which started at Php350K and ended at Php400K. I was not yet looking to close, not yet.
Day 2 – I had another offer for my collection and the buyer was straight forward, sent me an offer to close the deal. I had to make up my mind and yes, I accepted the offer. Ending my 30 years of keeping my entire collection. Buyers had a friend in the event who checked the cards and received it for his end. After the transaction, I saw and chatted with Rjay Tulio, Red Zeta and to my surprise Ark Hilario, a collector who I met way back in 2007.
The Philippine International Cards and Collectibles Convention truly gave a platform for new collectors, hobbyists and investors where they can acquire new grails or sell their prized possessions.