MY AWESOME LOVE FOR LEGO
We had a jaw-dropping Lego version of the Raffles and Fairmont hotel as a centerpiece, complete with all the details, including bellboys. A visiting prince wanted it for his son for P1 million.
Ihave a secret love. Not many people, even some of my friends, know about this hidden passion. I love Lego. I really don’t know when this love affair all began, but it has lasted for years. Perhaps all the unique Lego creations I’ve seen started the attraction. Folks, Lego is not only for kids. There are creations and reproductions that are on another level. There are lifesize cars (including a Bugatti Chiron); classical and modern artworks in 3D versions (think Van Gogh or Andy Warhol); mind-blowing sculptures; fashion, as in clothes and accessories, including a collab with Adidas and Crocs; and reproductions of cities and landmarks. There are even custom gold Legos. The toymaker’s bricks can make just about anything, as far as the imagination can go.
“Everything is awesome,” the theme song of The Lego Movie (which, by the way, was hilarious), is so true. What other word can describe the ultra-versatile Lego? In fact, musician and Louis Vuitton men’s creative director Pharrell just announced that a new documentary about his life, “Piece by Piece,” will be made of Legos. I can’t wait for that.
Back when I was a hotelier, I had a project which was a Lego-themed brunch called “Awesome Sunday Brunch.” We had a jaw-dropping Lego version of the Raffles and Fairmont hotel as a centerpiece, complete with all the details, including hotel bellboys. True story: a visiting prince saw it, and wanted to buy the hotel reproduction for his son for P1 million. Unfortunately, it was not for sale. There was also a five-foot display of Emmet Brickowski, the popular male Lego mini figure, but this time, he was a maxi figure. Lego roses donned all the dining tables. It was all so cute and unforgettable.
I have been to Legoland in Korea, which is the biggest in Asia, and second biggest in the world. Yes, I am an adult, but I was thrilled to be riding a Lego car being driven by a human-size Lego chauffeur. There was also a fun train, a 4D movie, and the major attractions of the country, all made with bricks. It was like a Lego fantasyland. I spent a few hours there, and could have stayed more. Personally, I prefer the flowers and plants sets of Lego. I completed the bouquet in a couple of hours. That dopamine hit made me high the entire day. It was very satisfying. I had also put together orchids in a pot, which was a little difficult to make, and a group of charming succulents. There is no need to water them, so very low in maintenance, but very high in the happiness index. I am now thinking of my next Lego project. What shall I pursue? The possibilities are endless in the Lego world. I know that I am not alone in this, and there are many others who share this love for Lego. I can’t explain it. But whatever it is, it feels awesome.