From hobby to history

Chris Hernandez and the Philippines' first licensed Hot Wheels convention car

- By IAN MAGBANUA

When Chris Hernandez first fell in love with small toy cars, he never imagined it would lead to the kind of community building that helped shape one of the country's most significant collector movements.

For years, he was a passionate collector, one of many Filipinos who scoured stores for toy cars, swapped those with friends, and searched endlessly for elusive models. Decades later, his journey has taken him far beyond the thrill of the chase.

A passion forged from play

Like many enthusiasts, Hernandez's passion for diecast cars began with childhood nostalgia and a fascination for cars. Growing up, his father worked overseas and would send toys home as gifts. Among those packages were Hot Wheels cars, which left a lasting impression and planted the seeds of a lifelong hobby. Those early experiences tied collecting not only to play but also to family and memory, shaping his appreciation for the brand in a deeply personal way.

After finishing his engineering degree at Mapúa University, Hernandez moved to the United States shortly after college. His professional career has centered on GPS satellites and products for the positioning industry, a demanding day job he has balanced alongside his dedication to the collecting community.

What set him apart was his drive to transform that passion into something larger than himself. He was not content with simply building his personal collection; he wanted to build opportunities for others. Over the years, he put his personal resources and credibility on the line to elevate the local hobby, creating gatherings and events that gave Filipino collectors a stronger sense of community and belonging.

The value of collectibles

One striking measure of how much passion drives this hobby is the value attached to certain cars at international conventions. Hernandez pointed to a rare 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Gasser that currently fetches as much as $10,000.