Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) — Simple childhood pastimes can definitely turn into successful ventures into adulthood. Just ask Christian “Bigboy” Cheng.
“My mom and dad used to always buy me toys from abroad. From there I began to love toys. And sneakers also, because my sister’s a Philippine National Basketball team player,” said the man behind Secret Fresh, which is among the country’s main hubs for artistic collaborations.
The toy shop-turned-art gallery continues to thrive even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with its apparel, toys, and artworks growing more popular among customers staying home even longer in light of quarantine rules.
Secret Fresh is also known for its collaborations with big names in the art industry like National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, with his art featured in merchandise like caps bags, and even a turntable, explained Cheng.
For the avid toy and sneaker collector, the process of marketing their products just comes naturally.
“Bale p-post ko lang yung toy na gusto ko, yung mga ginawa natin sa Secret Fresh, or sneakers na gusto ko. So parang for me, hindi marketing. Nage-enjoy din ako just by posting and sharing with people kung ano yung passion and hobby ko in collecting,” he said.
[Translation: So I’ll just post the toy that I want, our creations in Secret Fresh, or the sneakers I like. So for me, it doesn’t feel like marketing. I’m also enjoying just by posting and sharing my passion and hobby in collecting with other people.]
Cheng also noted that while one wouldn’t think of it immediately, collecting artistic outputs is a good investment move, too.
“Lahat ng art toys natin, art paintings, lahat magandang investment siya lalo na ngayon. Lahat tumataas naman. And also for y’know, future rin ng children mo, so di lang para sa’yo yan [it’s not just for you],” he explained.
[Translation: All our art toys, paintings, they’re all good investments especially now, everything becomes more valuable.]
This way of thinking that goes beyond oneself also helped Cheng get through the hardships his business previously encountered due to the global health crisis.
“Find a way, mag-isip ka to make ends meet for your people. Kasi iniisip ko lagi mga tao ko [Because I always think of my crew], family. Then help,” he said, adding that adapting is key to making it through the pandemic.
