Thursday, December 28, 2017

Nothing But Brick #minifigme Challenge!

Happy Holidays, folks! You've all been probably waiting for this entry so let's get to it! Today, I'll be announcing the blog's year-end giveaway: the Nothing But Brick #minifigme Challenge! Sounds bold? Not really! As you all know, I'm a huge sucker for mixing and matching figs. I really enjoy doing it and I want you guys to have a go at it! Challenge accepted?!



Monday, December 25, 2017

MOC Post: Christmas Village Wine Stall

Merry Christmas, folks! To get into the Christmas spirit, allow me to share my MOC, which was included in PhLUG's Christmas Village display a couple of weeks ago. Check it out! 
























Wednesday, December 20, 2017

A Look At Toy Kingdom's Christmas Toy Sale

Christmas is just around the corner and I'm really glad the Waifu and I already finished buying gifts for the boys. We dropped by Toy Kingdom's Christmas Toy Sale which was held at the SMX Convention Center in the Mall of Asia Complex. Check out  some of the stuff we found there! 

















Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Building The Lego UCS Snowspeeder with PhLUG's Force Legion

Guess what? I got to build a Lego Star Wars UCS set! One of my favorite events I attended this year is the live build session hosted by the Lego Certified Store at Park Triangle BGC.  Through PhLUG, I got to participate in this awesome event along with the masters of the Force Legion, PhLUG's Star Wars SIG. Let's get on with the show! 






















Wednesday, November 29, 2017

PhLUG's MOCers Workshop

One of the perks of being a member of PhLUG is you get to attend workshops where noob builders like me get to learn neat stuff from the veteran MOCers of the group. I got to attend 2 out of 3 sessions this year and both focused on urban or city building. I really learned a lot from these activities and I actually look forward to the next one. Check out some of the techniques I picked up. 























Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Nothing But Brick's Top 5 MOCs @ PinoyLUG's Bricktober 2017

Hi, folks! For this entry, I'll be featuring the top 5 MOCs at PinoyLUG's Bricktober 2017, which was held last October at the Promenade Hall in Greenhills. As expected, PinoyLUG, in collaboration with AFOLMNL and Pinoy Bricksters, brought their A game as they shared their love for the brick with their jaw-dropping displays. 






















Friday, November 17, 2017

Arthur Tanseco's Voltes V MOC

My siblings and I were huge fans of Voltes V when we were growing up. I remember faithfully watching the series back in the '90s, trying not to miss a single episode. Several localized versions of the highly influential super robot series were shown in local channels then. There were English and Filipino dubs where names of the characters were changed to make them more relatable to the local audience. The show actually influenced several generations of Filipinos particularly the kids who lived during the Martial Law era giving them ideas like oppression ain't cool and freedom is something worth fighting and even dying for.

Daimos, Voltes V & Mazinger Z on display at Brick Burger (Photo Courtesy of Arthur Tanseco)

Thursday, November 16, 2017

A Look At Lego's Ninjago Minifigure Series

The Lego Ninjago movie just hit the screens a couple of months ago. Unfortunately, the fambam and I were unable to catch it due to conflicts in our schedules. Despite not seeing the movie, I made it a point to get myself a complete set of Lego's Ninjago Minifigure Series. Honestly, I'm not really a fan of the Ninjago line and I don't really follow the animated series. I do think it has plenty of neat sets and elements useful for MOCcing, army building and mixing and matching, which is probably the main reason why I got hold of this special minifigure series. 



Disclaimer: This is not a serious review! Just a quick look at all the minifigures from the series, with a little commentary here and there. Enjoy! 


Sunday, October 22, 2017

Trombones And The Marvels Of 3D Printing Technology

I had a dilemma earlier this year. If you have been following the blog and its Instagram account, you may be familiar with one of my recent projects, The Bricktones. You see, the Bricktones is a 20-piece minifig big band composed of a rhythm and horn section. You can read about the Bricktones and the inspiration behind them here! Check it out!





















Saturday, October 21, 2017

MOC Post: The Ranger's Watchtower

Hi, folks! Today's entry is about one of the MOCs I made last year, which is my entry for PhLUG Kingdom's Watchtower contest. It's supposed to be a forest ranger's watchtower. Check it out!





















Friday, October 20, 2017

A Look At Lego Minifigures Series 17

Several months ago, Lego released another Minifigures series, which is currently in its 17th iteration. Just like last time, I made it a point to buy the set in one go as soon as a seller from either PhLUG's Brick Stores or PinoyLUG's BXB Trading Group posts one for sale. Fortunately, PhLUG member, Arthur Tanseco, who also builds awesome Super Robot mech MOCs, has them and I immediately jumped the gun. I absolutely have no regrets buying the set since each fig's cheaper than the local toy stores' SRP. Besides, my wife, Ava got dibs on two of them figs!



Let's get on with the show!

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Mixing And Matching: Fantasy Minifigs

Hi, folks! It's been a while! Hope y'all are doing great. I apologize for the lack of activity here on the blog. You see, I've been pretty busy with a lot of things lately which is why I've been having difficulty finding time to write new entries. I know it's a lame excuse but that's the sad truth. When you're busy with a 9 to 5 job on weekdays and family time on weekends, there's really little or no time to do other stuff. No complains though. I guess I just have to try to manage my time better. Though I haven't posted anything here lately, you can still check out some of the stuff I've been doing on the blog's Instagram account at @nothingbutbrick. You see, I've been doing a lot of mixing and matching with my minifigs and their accessories lately which is what I'll be writing about today. 


























Saturday, July 15, 2017

Nothing But Brick's April Builder Of The Month - Lendy Tayag

Hi, folks! We're back with another Builder of the Month feature here at Nothing But Brick. Our April (I know! I'm really sorry we're several months behind! But on with the show!) Builder of the Month caught the attention of every Voltron fan in the Internet when he submitted his Lego Ideas project last year. Meet Lendy Tayag, also known as len_d69 online. The highly detailed recreation of the Lion Force Voltron robot is truly a wonder to behold. The coolest thing about Lendy's Voltron is how it could be combined using the five lions just like in the famed 1980's cartoon.

Minifig Keith from Voltron Lion Force (Photo courtesy of Lendy Tayag)

Thursday, June 29, 2017

TOYCON Weekend!

After several months of patiently waiting, TOYCON Weekend's finally here! That's right, fellow toy collectors, enthusiasts and fanboys! TOYCON 2017 will be happening tomorrow until Sunday so you better stuff your pockets with some moolah and head on to the SMX Convention Center for the biggest toy event of the year. 


Last year's con was a massive success. I'm pretty sure this year's event will be more badass! Check out the cool list of celebrities you can catch at the con. Lucky fans will get the chance to interact with these folks through the live panels and meet & greet sessions.


Sunday, June 18, 2017

Nothing But Brick's Top 5 MOCs @ PhLUG's Abrickadabra 2017

Another Abrickadabra has passed and once again, I'm left with tons of pictures of amazing MOCs in my phone. I've always looked forward to these brick events since there's always tons of stunning cool stuff to see. Out of the multitudes of MOCs at these events, there will always be a handful that will stand out among the rest. So, without further ado, allow me to present to you Nothing But Brick's Top 5 MOCs at PhLUG's Abrickadabra 2017. 


















NOTE: As always, the MOCs are presented in no particular order. These are the MOCs that made my head turn a lot. On with the show! 


Monday, June 12, 2017

MOC Post: The Red Mage's Pylon

Hi, folks! Just a warning, this is a very late post. I was supposed to write this last year but due to my busy schedule, it got pushed to my backlogs. Sorry about that! Anyway, this features one of the MOCs I did last year when I joined PhLUG's Watchtower MOC Contest. Here goes! 


This MOC was supposed to be my entry for the contest but changed my mind on the last minute since I think I went overboard with it. This was inspired by the Arcane Tower from the Warcraft series. Initially, it sat on top of a rocky base as shown below but I decided to dismantle the base for my final entry, which I'll also write about soon.


Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Nothing But Brick's March Builder Of The Month - Gerald Cacas

Hello, folks! Welcome to another Builder of the Month segment here at Nothing But Brick. It's been a while since we've had this segment and I truly apologize for that. Like I said, I've been pretty busy the past couple of months that's why I didn't have the time to write more for the blog. I'll try to do better this time around. Anyway, I missed out on several months worth of Builders and I plan to make up for that by still writing the Builder of the Month entries for March, April and May. As always, thanks for sticking around!

Nothing But Brick's March Builder of the Month Gerald Cacas (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas)































Monday, May 29, 2017

Achievement Unlocked!

Three years ago, I attended my first Brickfast and was completely overwhelmed by the number of folks who share the same passion for the brick. Back then, I'm more of a minifig collector and the only thing I can do with my collection is to mix and match the parts and accessories of my minifigs (which I still do until now).

Before joining PhLUG, my only source of Lego entertainment was mocpages.com. Since most of  the members there are foreigners, I always thought those guys were really lucky to have access to all those bricks. Also, I admired their complex builds and often wondered if there were Filipinos who could do the same. Seeing the displays of PhLUG's members during the first few Brickfasts I attended answered that question and consequently drew me closer to the group.



















Friday, May 19, 2017

Nothing But Brick's Guide To PhLUG's Abrickadabra 2017

How's it going, folks?! It's been a while since I last posted something here on the blog. A lot's been going on with me for the past couple of months that's why I wasn't able to write new entries recently. 

The family and I have been going on fun trips in and out of the city to make the most out of the remaining weeks of the kids' break. I also had to attend a couple of occasions hosted by amazing friends which kept me fully booked for a couple of weekends. Also, my band Manaha had a gig recently after a long hiatus which also ate some of my time. Last but not the least, there were several new projects at work which kept me on my toes and made me just want to lie down on the bed every time I come home. Anyway, it seems things have gone back to normal and now, I have time again to blog. By the way, I have been putting up some neat stuff at Nothing But Brick's Instagram account while I took a break from blogging so make sure to check them out. Here's the link: https://www.instagram.com/nothingbutbrick/ On with the show!

Summer vacation's about to end and it's a real bummer. Let's end the season with a bang by going to the ultimate Lego convention this summer, Abrickadabra 2017! Hosted by PhLUG, Abrickadabra 2017 will showcase hundreds of MOCs built by the group's skilled builders. Lego creations from various themes ranging from city, medieval, fantasy, space and vehicles will be on display at the event and would surely entertain both kids and kids at heart. There's also some neat stuff in store for Star Wars, DC and Marvel fans so watch out for that! Aside from the awesome displays, the sellers of the PhLUG Brick Stores will be setting up shop. It's the best opportunity to land amazing deals on bricks and figs.



This will be my third Abrickadabra so allow me to give you several tips on how to enjoy the event fully. While you're at it, check out the pics from last year's Abrickadabra.


Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Legolopolis!

When I was a kid, I've always wanted to build my own Lego city. Back in the day, my siblings and I could only build a house or two with our bricks. There were instances when we were able to add other small buildings in our mini neighborhood but that's it. I've always wondered what it was like to be in a room or house with a vast Lego city just like Will Ferrell's basement in the Lego Movie. Now I know, thanks to Citizen Piper's Legolopolis!



















Sunday, March 19, 2017

Nothing But Brick's 2nd Giveaway Winner!

Hi, folks! It's been a while, right? I've been pretty busy with work these past couple of weeks so I haven't been able to do entries for the blog. So, to make up for my brief absence, allow me to announce the winner of Nothing But Brick's 2nd giveaway tonight! 

Eyes on the prize!



















Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Nothing But Brick's February Builder Of The Month - Piper Protacio

Hi, folks! Welcome to another Builder of the Month segment here at Nothing But Brick. Since it's my birthday month, today's episode will be a bit special since I'll be featuring none other than PhLUG's Randy "Piper" Protacio, the first Lego ambassador of the Philippines. 
My picture with PhLUG Ambassador Piper Protacio (left) and his very own Lego city, Legolopolis
























Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Celebrating the Chinese New Year at BxB 7.0!

My first brick event of the year came just in time for Chinese New Year. To celebrate the holiday, PinoyLUG and the Lego Trading Group made sure February's BxB event would be fun and festive for everyone. For starters, people were handed out fortune cookies and chocolate gold coins. How cool is that?! 



















Friday, February 17, 2017

MOC Post: The White Wind

Warning! This is a very late post! This was one of my MOCs last year which I was not able to write about due to having a very tight schedule with work and other stuff. Anyway, I'm really glad I'm able to do this entry right now. I really hope you guys like it too! On with the show!

This here's my first attempt to create my very own spacecraft. I've always wanted to build one and I'm really glad how it turned out. I initially called this project, Project Mako, due  to its shark-like shape.  Eventually, I chose to name it as the White Wind for unknown reasons. Honestly, I just think it sounds catchy. But seriously, I think the name gives the ship the impression that it has the capability to be swift and stealthy.






















Sunday, February 12, 2017

Nothing But Brick's 2nd Giveaway!

Hi, folks! You read it right. To celebrate the milestone of hitting 20,000 views last month, Nothing But Brick will be hosting a giveaway this month. This is my way of giving back to the online community who has supported the blog since its inception last year. This time around, the raffle winner will be getting a sealed, Star Wars Clone Wars Darth Maul polybag! Sweet, right?!



















Monday, January 23, 2017

Nothing But Brick's January Builder Of The Month - Billy Lee

One of the things I look forward to when attending PinoyLUG and the Lego Trading Group's BxB brick events is seeing the MOCs of veteran Lego enthusiast, Billy Lee. The Man is a skilled vignette/diorama builder and also an army builder like myself. His builds, which typically features period and fantasy themes, are full of well-thought of details that give life to his creations. He's also adept at building minifig scale vehicles as you will see later on.

The Man himself, Billy Lee, in AC Pin's trademark pose. (Photo courtesy of Billy Lee)

























Monday, January 16, 2017

Checking out the Manila Hobbies & Collectibles Convention 2017!

Ever since we found out about the Manila Hobbies & Collectibles Convention last month, the Waifu and I made sure we'll get our butts to the Con no matter what! We were supposed to man her booth at a bazaar until Sunday, which was at the other end of the metro so we only had time to drop by the con yesterday morning. Our short stay at the event was truly worth our time! 



















Saturday, January 14, 2017

Chase Fernandez Presents PAY-PALS! Promo Buddy Bonanza!

Great news, PinoyLUG and Lego Trading Group members! Our good friend Chase a.k.a. "Cyrus The Virus" Fernandez will be hosting a special promo at his LTG brick store from January 13, 2017 until the end of the month. Go grab a buddy and check out Chase's stash so you won't miss out on the offered discounts! Continue on below to read the promo's full mechanics. Let's hear it from the Man himself:































Wednesday, January 11, 2017

The Bricktones!

Music has been an integral part of my being. I come from a family of musicians and it has greatly affected my life in many ways. For instance, my Dad made a living as a musician and he was able to put me and my sisters to school because of his profession. I'm proud he was able to travel and see the world despite the fact he wasn't able to go to college because he had to support his parents and his sisters at a very young age. 

It's interesting to note that both of my grandfathers were musicians as well. They both could play the trumpet really well though in different methods: my grandfather from my Dad's side, Keng was a proficient note reader while my grandfather from my Mom's side, Kiko played by ear. Also, both of them were band leaders during their prime: Keng, conducted for my family's marching band, Banda Zabat, which is also known as the oldest marching band in the Philippines while Kiko managed a big band called the Coconut Groove Orchestra, which made a name for itself back when American armed forces were still stationed at Clark Air Base.

What does this have to do with bricks you ask? Well, ever since I started playing with Lego, I've always wanted to do something to combine my love for music and for the brick and I think I've finally done it this time. Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce, the Bricktones! These guys will be Nothing But Brick's official house band! 



















Tuesday, January 3, 2017

A Look At Lego Minifigures Series 16

Happy New Year, folks! Welcome back to another year filled with cool stuff about bricks here at Nothing But Brick! Here's to more bricks and figs to each and every one of us Lego fans of all ages. 

To kick-off 2017, allow me to give you a quick look at one of the interesting acquisitions I made last year. As the title of this entry suggests, let's all have a quick look at Lego's Minifigures Series 16. 

This was my first time to buy a complete Minifigures Series set from one of the local online sellers and it was really bang for the back. The cool thing is, the figs are cheaper compared to their counterparts sold at toy stores. Also, the seller already labeled each fig without damaging the polybags. Thanks again to Sir Cres Abellada of brickventures2015. Check out brickventures2015's Instagram account here.