PinoyLUG: "Building with Passion and Pride"

The acronym in PinoyLUG stands for "LEGO® User Group" - but perhaps only LEGO® enthusiasts would be aware of that. LUGs are informal hobby groups who share the same interest in LEGO® and meet at certain places to connect with each other and visit LEGO® exhibits and conventions if there are any. Some LUGs formalize their group and establish regular meetings where members can have more interactive activities as LEGO® hobbyists. There are only two RLUGs (Recognized LUGs) in the Philippines and one of them is PinoyLUG. It started with a few core members back in 2014 and its numbers have grown steadily through the years especially after it was recognized by the LEGO® group as part of its global network of RLUGs. It's founding President, Leslie Leshen Araujo remembers the difficulty of holding the group together without a permanent meeting place - "we communicated mainly through FB group chats to plan sporadic meet-ups or visit LEGO® displays and other events."

PinoyLUG's Project AMORsolo

The Order of National Artists (Orden ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts; namely, Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Film, Broadcast Arts, and Architecture and Allied Arts. The order is jointly administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and conferred by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation by both institutions.  

The country had its first National Artist in Fernando C. Amorsolo. The official title “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art” was bestowed on Amorsolo when the Manila Hilton inaugurated its art center on January 23, 1969, with an exhibit of a selection of his works.

#PinoyLUG in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation, Inc. proudly present Project AMORsolo; a unique and original concept of PinoyLUG transposing three great works of Fernando Amorsolo into remarkable masterpieces in LEGO® bricks mosaic art. The exhibit is part of the CCP’s commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Amorsolo’s proclamation as the first National Artist of the Philippines in Visual Arts.

PinoyLUG's Project AMORsolo - Dalagang Bukid

This LEGO® bricks mosaic was executed by an all-female team from PinoyLUG. Inspired by Amorsolo’s idea of a beautiful Filipina – one with a “rounded face, exceptionally lively eyes, and clear skin like that of a blushing girl”. The mosaic is a reflection of what a Filipino woman can bring to our homes with her free spirit and joyful demeanor. Amorsolo iterated his painting several times through different generations and now, PinoyLUG has turned it into a bricks mosaic for the LEGO® generation.

PinoyLUG's Project AMORsolo - Bayanihan

Each member of the PinoyLUG team that worked on this project practiced the “Bayanihan Spirit” in building the mosaic together without expectations - only the realization that they have actually re-created a great masterpiece from the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art” who brilliantly portrayed the bayanihan custom of coming together in times of need, creating a sense of nationhood that is vital in the Pilipino’s continuing formation of his own national identity.

PinoyLUG's Project AMORsolo - Early Traders

The biggest and most challenging LEGO® Bricks Mosaic Artwork in this exhibit is patterned after an anecdotal painting that depicts the trade between the West and the Philippine Islands through the Spanish Galleons. PinoyLUG similarly experienced Amorsolo’s course in creating one of his rarest works which involved extensive research, attention to detail, and several preliminary studies before completion.

BRICK PROOF | The Artist Series: PinoyLUG x Quiccs x Ian Sta. Maria

From one of the most recognized and most active toy groups in The Philippines, PinoyLUG (*to know more about us, click here - Pinoy LEGO User Group) redefines the golden era of world-renowned talent and artistry through a collaboration with two exceptional creators: international toy designer, Juanito Maiquez a.k.a. "Quiccs"; and author and illustrator of Salamangka, Ian Sta. Maria.  

 

TDKPH x PinoyLUG | BatCon 2019 Experience

Batman is 80 Years Old and 2019 kicked off with DC publishing Detective Comics #1000 that went sold out globally. Around the world the Dark Knight Detective is one of the popular characters from DC Comics.

In the Philippines alone there have been passionate fans like The Dark Knight Philippines community that is not only celebrating Batman and its Mythology, but also the community teaming up with PinoyLUG in Bringing the “BatCon Experience” this October 2019!

Diyalogo + PinoyLUG | Bricktastic Sticker Set

When Pop Art, Diyalogo, and bricks collides, then you got a fresh look at PinoyLUG latest community merchandise that could be your collectible sticker that you represent this group that you so much appreciate to be part of.

PinoyLUG Represent at SBLUG Meet!

PinoyLUG Welcome the Rooster for Chinese New Year with MOC themes representing this celebration at Lancaster Hotel in partnership with the LEGO® Trading Group, while in South Australia there was also a celebration with SBLUG. SBLUG short for Southern Bricks LEGO® Users Group is an RLUG community based in Adelaide, which held its very first meet-up for 2017. They organized a photo walk bringing their SigFigs and favorite sets for their first ever LEGO® Photography.

Weekend Events: BxB5 & Collecticon 2016

This weekend is packed with events from Book Fairs to Motor Shows, but in-between these big events there are also the ones people don’t regularly hear about, that’s where most nerd enthusiasts go to mingle with like minded individuals. For PinoyLUG it’s where a small but growing community is known for doing the little things that turn into memorable ones. Not with extravagant conventions but well meaning to those who are passionate with this type of hobby that builds a thriving community like the BxB (Brick by Brick) and Collecticon participation.

M.A.T.C.H. 2016: PinoyLUG LEGO® Exhibit!

Event participation like exhibits has become part of the PinoyLUG’s (LEGO® Users Group) DNA, since its first participation at the 2014 Collecticon. This is the chance for the members not only to share their prized collection, but to tell their own story regarding their specific interest. Each featured LEGO® display is not just there for everyone to appreciate, but also to be inspired for others to pick up the interest of their chosen theme or licensed product. It also shares the story of each owner how they acquire the said LEGO® set.

BxB: Brick Buy Brick "Let's Build our Lego Dreams Together, Brick by Brick"

To our dearest Lego® enthusiasts, we heard your clamor for a regular meet-up and felt your need for a friendly venue to satisfy your brick cravings. You wanted an opportunity to meet and network with fellow AFOLs while indulging your Lego® desires. Well, here it is...

PinoyLUG & LEGO® Trading Group Members Meet-Up!

If last year’s Grand Meet-up by PinoyLUG was a one-time big extravagance guess again. This year PinoyLUG have something more to celebrate the community’s continued success, but also the growing family oriented building and collecting group has more to offer. With a bigger venue and a lot of activities it’s certainly something to be part of. From auctions, brick sorting, member’s collection display, and the occasional swap meet PinoyLUG continue to evolve into just a mere group of LEGO enthusiasts.

PinoyLUG Grand Meet-up on Feb 27, 2016

PinoyLUG (Lego Users Group) and LTG (Lego Trading Group) Philippines are partnering to provide the Filipino AFOLs (Adult Fan of Legos) with a Grand Meet-up this February 27, 2016 (Saturday) at the Magnolia Residences Tower B Function Room, from 8AM – 12NN.

PinoyLUG x Star Wars at Glorietta 4 Cinema!

Star Wars revival with “The Force Awakens” now in cinemas taking over the Holidays is the event for this year. It’s great to be a fan most definitely for LEGO® builders and enthusiast are also excited to see new sets based from the film. This is also their chance to share their passion for creativity and imagination in putting together their vision of what Star Wars meant to them growing up. LEGO® has capitalized this since acquiring the licence and they continue to build partnerships.

PinoyLUG on CNN Philippines' News Headline!

If you missed the CNN Philippines’ Headline News this morning which featured LUG Ambassador Leslie Araujo and some of his MOCs (My Own Creation) you haven’t missed it entirely. CNN Philippines has released that particular segment plus behind-the-scenes before it was aired right here…

PinoyLUG Member: Jeffrey Quillope 1978-2015

Jeffrey Quillope was a talented hobbyist of diorama and photography who is also a member of PinoyLUG who passed away early this morning. We mourn for the loss of a talented artist whose contribution for the group will not be forgotten. For those who is unaware of Jeff’s work he is known largely in the Philippine toy community as “Toy Photography Addict”, the talented photographer using homemade dioramas as his backdrop for some of his impressive scenes featuring action figures based on characters from popular culture has won him a cult following and awards participating in local contests held in toy events.

PinoyLUG's Bricktober 2015 is Almost Here!

The countdown is set for the FIRST EVER PinoyLUG’s Bricktober 2015 a two-day event happening on October 24-25, 2015 at the DK Collectibles a.k.a. Druids Keep located at the 3rd level of the old “The Fort Strip.” If you have spotted this flyer at Bo’s Café in Bonifacio High Street full details are available here…

PinoyLUG Awarded For Event Participation!

For the second straight year the Pinoy LEGO® Users Group (PinoyLUG) has been recognized by the organizers of Collecticon to award the group a certificate of participation in supporting the annual event as it looks forward to 2016…

Collecticon 2015: PinoyLUG at Day One!

Collecticon celebrate its 8th year and this will be Pinoy LEGO® Users Group’s second time to participate in this event. If you haven’t dropped by the hobbyist display area you can check out some of the ‘My Own Creations’ (MOC) from active members of the ever growing community and more…