PORTRAIT OF A MODERN COLLECTOR

Miguel Romulo opens the doors to his personal space and shows his growing collection of modern and contemporary art

- JAYMAR AQUINO

As you step into Miguel Romulo's place, you're greeted by a wide-open space that feels both roomy and carefully curated. It's not cluttered, but every corner holds something special that catches your eye. It's what his girlfriend, content creator Rei Germar, teasingly calls a "man cave" or a typical bachelor pad. Look around, and you'll see his unit adorned with contemporary artwork, Bearbrick toys, and skateboards, among other things. While the team is setting things up for the shoot, Romulo, out nowhere, casually asks, "Do you watch anime?" It's a simple question that peels back a layer of his personality.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

"I started collecting toys at an early age," he reflects. "I think my taste for it just evolved overtime, from anime figures to hot toys and now to more collectibles like Bearbrick. Maybe this is me healing my inner child." Romulo takes a trip down memory lane, sharing that at 12, he began doodling and displaying his anime-inspired drawings in his room. At the time, it was merely a pastime, but little did he anticipate that these childhood pursuits would stay with him indefinitely.