Strangers, Serenades, and Spotlights: An Intern's Exclusive Look Behind-the-Scenes of TOYCON 2025

Flashing lights, clacking cameras, and a sea of people in costumes blurred the line I see between reality and fiction for the 3-day TOYCON event. As an intern for FPS Media during TOYCON 2025, I wasn't a mere bystander—I was part of the team that broadcasted the magic that was unfolding in front of us to the world. 

We were in-charge of livestreaming the event—running back and forth across the halls of the SMX Convention Center just to find the perfect angles and get the right feed. But in the midst of all the fun and chaos, I found myself doing what I love the most; capturing the stories behind the scenes of this big event. Moments that were raw and unscripted that most people do not see in the camera.

SMX Turned into a Living Universe

From my perspective, TOYCON wasn’t just an event. It felt like I was transported into another universe built by fans for fans.

From the delicately crafted Gundam models, life-size Marvel displays, and anime statues that were as tall as me. I felt like a kid at heart roaming around the booths and seeing all the toys I wanted as a child. But this time, as an intern, I had a camera glued to my hand and a media pass around my neck.

The cosplayers, oh, they were truly in character. Not one cosplayer would shy away from the camera if I ever put it in front of them. Everyone had a smile on their faces—especially the children who were also having the time of their lives, giggling as their favorite characters were brought into life. The artists who were proudly signing their arts and merchandise, they were incredible… I wish I could’ve bought more from them. 

I tried to capture every memory behind the scenes—all the joyful, memorable, and every other moment in between.

When Their Music Played—It Will Hit You Right in the Soul

Of course, I knew TOYCON had performances from different musicians with different styles. But there were a few who truly stood out to me. 

First, ZIGA. They were explosive, completely unhinged, but in the best possible ways. Their energy was blasting throughout SMX as loud as their music was, and that energy was contagious. I’ve never seen someone perform who would interact with the crowd like they did. And because of that, I became a fan.

But I wasn’t ready for WANMINI. From the moment they stepped onto the stage, it feels like going back in time to when rock bands in the 70s were kings. Their style and music screamed that 70s rock band that you will love until today. Each and every member of the band was oozing with charisma. I couldn’t take my eyes off of them while they performed, even if I was manning the camera. I felt more like a fan than an intern. 

Lastly, KAIA surprised me. This emerging P-pop girl group left an impression on me. Maybe because their song was in Filipino, but something about them and their music urged me to support them even after TOYCON. Their music was comforting and they truly represent that “Filipino chakra” with their powerful voices. I think they brought in more fans from TOYCON… honestly? They deserve it.

That “One Piece” of My Heart

As interns, we had to take our tasks seriously, we were told we had to be professionals first before we were fans. But there was a brief moment where I forgot I was an intern—and that was when Yuriko Yamaguchi was up next for her interview.

Yuriko Yamaguchi is legendary. She is the voice actress of my favorite One Piece Straw-hat, Nico Robin. And hearing her voice live, for the first time, felt like a dream. Because I never thought that I’ll be able to see a Straw-hat in my lifetime. And what made it more interesting was they revealed the character that I’ve always looked up to was based off of Yuriko. To tell you the truth, it felt like Nico Robin was in front of me, it felt like she would take me on an adventure in the Grand Line. 

I love being reminded that despite the difficulties of this industry, I will always be stunned to see part of the world I love step out of the screen and into real life. 

That Time I Interned at FPS During TOYCON

While TOYCON 2025 was undeniably exhilarating, the reality was far from glamorous. We faced a lot of errors and difficulties along the 3-day event. I quickly learned that the excitement you get in the media industry also came with intense physical and mental challenges. We weren’t treated as interns; we had to be media professionals ready to embark on the taxing event of TOYCON.

From the moment we enter SMX, the pace would be relentless. If we couldn’t keep up with how intensely fast-paced the job was, we’d be left with nothing at all. Each and every one of us had to be quick on our toes—coordinating different camera angles, managing live feeds, and troubleshooting technical issues—all in real time. Especially us, as interns, we had to keep up with everyone on the team. There was no room for error. Everything had to be complete, in-sync, and perfect, or else, all is lost. 

The first day was particularly the most exhausting. I couldn’t even eat after going back to our transient house due to the extreme exhaustion I felt. My body felt like it was giving up every few minutes. Maybe I was still adjusting to the heavy workload of production, but the physical toll on my body left me feeling like I was some limp noodle to the point where every time I would lean somewhere my eyes would close.

I guess if there is something that was perhaps the most demanding aspect, it would be the long hours of work. I couldn’t even feel my legs anymore. We had to be at SMX before anyone did and leave when everyone had already left. The constant movement, carrying the equipment, and always staying alert left us drained. And even if we wanted to rest for a few minutes, the next segment is about to happen. Full hours of sleep were something I missed, it became a luxury, squeezed in-between the short hours we had in the middle of our hectic schedule. 

The pressure was equally taxing. One wrong move could disrupt the livestream. When live streaming, we require sharp focus and quick decision-making, especially when we have to anticipate what is coming up next. Sure, the adrenaline rush kept us going but the exhaustion was undeniable. 

Despite the fatigue—physically and mentally—these hardships taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, clear communication, and the sheer dedication to be able to pull through a large-scale event like TOYCON. It made me appreciate professionals working behind the scenes even more. Well, the exhaustion was probably just a small price to pay for being part of something so dynamic and memorable. And I have to admit that the reality check made my experience as an intern all the more rewarding and meaningful.

A Dream in Motion

Interning at FPS Media during TOYCON wasn’t just so I could have more to write for my resume. It was one of the most fulfilling, fast-paced, and exciting adventures I’ve ever been part of.

I didn’t just learn more about the technical side of media, but I learned how to feel a story while capturing that story, how to catch emotions in motion. I saw deeper into people—fans, artists, and even strangers—as part of a story that is TOYCON. That 3-day experience was worth all the exhaustion and stress. And if I could experience it all over again, I would. 

This wasn’t a job nor a requirement. This was living the dream, one frame at a time.