By Vhey Dela Cruz Tapia
Who says adults can’t go crazy over Disney characters?
This man from San Manuel, Pangasinan takes his admiration for the Disney characters Lilo and Stitch to the next level!
Since 2018, 29-year-old Jango Soliven Balmediano has been filling up his room with Lilo and Stitch figurines, stuffed toys, charms, footwear, name it—he has it all!
According to Balmediano, it all started when he bought just one Lilo and Stitch stuffed toy in a live selling online. Before he knew it, he has accumulated thousands of merch.
“Hindi ko po aakalain na magiging ganito po siya karami, naging addiction na po,” he said in an interview with The Philippine STAR.
Balmediano, who started collecting toy memorabilia from fast-food chains at a young age, has already spent an estimated P1 million on his collection.
“Super happy kasi ‘pag galing ko sa work, nakakawala siya [Lilo and Stitch collection] ng stress. Makikita mo na ang ganda kasi sa mata,” he said.
Balmediano also shared that scouring for rare and limited edition pieces has been a challenge for him, especially since he had to purchase some abroad.
“Sa mga nagbabalak na magtayo ng sarili nilang koleksyon, huwag silang mahiya. Anumang edad maaari kang magkolekta, dahil walang edad sa pangongolekta ng Disney o laruan,” he added.
Balmediano still has plans to expand his room-filled Lilo and Stitch collection.
