Sometimes, you stumble upon something that hits you with a wave of pure nostalgia.
That’s exactly what happened when I walked into the Beyblade X Freeplay event hosted by Gamer Girls Philippines at SideQuest: Café + Hobby Lounge in Capital Commons.
A Trip Down Memory Lane with a Passionate Community
Once the Beyblade X Freeplay event kicked off, I was transported back to my childhood. Watching the spinning tops clash in the arena brought back so many memories, but this time I wasn’t playing alone. I was surrounded by a passionate community of bladers – both new and experienced – all sharing the same enthusiasm.
The venue buzzed with excitement, and GGP members like Mimi, a true Beyblade enthusiast, helped fuel that energy.
Many attendees brought their collections to share, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and discovery. It wasn’t just about playing; it was about connecting with others who loved the game just as much.
Organized by the Pros: Courtney and Alliana
The event was co-organized by Courtney, co-founder of Gamer Girls Philippines, and Alliana (@beefmami), a Beyblade expert and gaming pro. Alliana is a Beyblade expert with a wealth of knowledge! She’s a pro at both Call of Duty: Mobile and Beyblades, and she generously shared her collection with us.
From the newest Beyblade X models to classics from past generations, her collection was on another level. Each spin, launch, and crash brought out a level of excitement I hadn’t felt in years.
The Resurgence of Beyblade in the Philippines
Courtney and Alliana ensured that the event ran smoothly, fostering a welcoming space for everyone – whether they were seasoned bladers or curious newcomers.
Communities like Gamer Girls Philippines are key to fostering growth in hobbies like Beyblade, both online and at events like this.
The resurgence of Beyblade in the Philippines is largely thanks to content creators like Dreigaspar, along with millennials and Gen Zers still holding on to their 2003 Beyblade collections.
Platforms like TikTok helped reignite interest, especially with the 2023 release of the Beyblade X anime. The series introduced a game-changing twist – the ability to combine parts from the 2015 Beyblade Burst series, adding a new level of excitement.
This surge in popularity even led to a brief shortage of Beyblades in the market!
From Tournaments to Tropa Tuesdays
The tournament held on October 20 was an absolute thrill to watch.
There’s hope that it will evolve into a weekly event called Tropa Tuesday, initiated by Jego from the Beyblade Philippines community. Held at SideQuest, this regular meet-up could become the perfect spot for bladers to challenge each other and hone their skills.
Ready to Let it Rip?
If you’ve ever been curious about Beyblades or want to give it a try, it’s easy to get started.
A starter pack with a winder launcher costs around ₱800-₱1200.
For those looking to mix and match parts, an additional Beyblade build costs around ₱600, though individual parts aren’t sold separately in stores. Luckily, online stat sheets exist where enthusiasts share insights on different combos. Whether you’re looking for a fun, casual activity or aiming to join future tournaments, Beyblade offers a great way to meet new people and relive some nostalgic magic.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a starter pack and let it rip!
