In the heart of Bacolod City, amidst the vibrant energy of a rapidly developing city, lives a man whose passion for a little yellow electric Pokemon that has sparked a global phenomenon. Godfrey Murillo, or better known in the region as the collector Pikafrey, isn’t your average Pokemon fan. He’s a custodian of history, a curator of joy, and quite possibly, the owner of the largest Pikachu collection in the Philippines, if not the world!
This 2024, Pikafrey’s electrifying dedication has landed him a coveted exhibitor spot at Pokeverse, the biggest Pokemon convention the Philippines has ever seen. His presence isn’t just an honor for Bacolodnons – it’s also a testament to the sheer scale and dedication he poured into his collection.
A Spark in the Making: How Pikachu Stole Godfrey’s Heart
Godfrey’s journey with Pikachu began in his childhood, when the Pokemon anime was becoming popular across the world and has captured the hearts of many of its audience. He, like countless others, fell under the spell of Ash Ketchum and his loyal electric companion Pikachu. However for Godfrey, the connection went deeper — Pikachu’s unwavering loyalty, infectious friendship and electrifying charm resonated with him on a personal level.
“There’s something so pure and optimistic about the bond between Ash and Pikachu,” Godfrey shares. “It represents friendship, loyalty, and the power to overcome any obstacle. It’s a reminder to never give up on your dreams, no matter how small or seemingly impossible they may seem.”
This childhood spark transformed into a lifelong passion as he grew older and became a successful business owner. Godfrey’s love for Pikachu translated into a desire to collect anything and everything related to the Pokemon. From plush toys and figurines, to rare trading cards and promotional items. His collection has bow become so big that he might even be eligible for the Guiness World Records title of having the most number of official Pikachu merch collection in the world!
The Thrill of the Hunt: Building a Pikachu Empire
Building a collection like Pikafrey’s isn’t a walk in the park. It requires dedication, patience, perseverance, and a keen eye for spotting rare finds. Godfrey spends countless hours scouring online marketplaces, attending conventions and toy stores, and even going to different places around to world just to acquire some of the items that he has in his collection.
“The thrill of the hunt is half the fun,” he admits. “Finding a rare Pikachu item that I’ve been searching for months is an indescribable feeling. It’s like catching a legendary Pokemon in real life!”
Over the years, Pikafrey’s collection has grown to encompass an astonishing array of Pikachu memorabilia. His collection is composed of:
- Plush toys of all shapes and sizes, each with its own unique charm and story.
- Limited edition figurines from the smallest to the actual size of Pikachu that capture Pikachu’s dynamic poses and adorable expressions.
- Sealed and graded Pokemon trading card, some of which are very rare and highly sought-after.
- Promotional items, from keychains and phone cases
- Even a Pikachu PC build, has found its place in Godfrey’s electrifying collection.
More Than Just a Collection: A Story of Passion and Community
For Pikafrey, his Pikachu collection isn’t just about owning the rarest or most valuable items. It’s a testament to the power of nostalgia, a celebration of a beloved childhood companion, and a way to connect with a vibrant global community.
“My collection is a way for me to share my love for Pikachu with others,” he says. “It’s a conversation starter, a bridge that connects me with people from all walks of life. Seeing the joy and excitement on someone’s face when they see my collection is truly rewarding.”
Pika frey with Veronica Taylor, the original voice of Ash Ketchum in the English dub of Pokemon.
An EXciting and Electrifying Future
This year, Pikafrey took center stage at Pokeverse, not just to showcase his collection but to inspire others and share the joy of collecting. One can only imagine the electrifying atmosphere as attendees witness a sneak peek to Pikafrey’s Pikachu collection firsthand. Local Philipine celebraties also took a picture on Godfrey’s exhibit such as Myrtel Sarrosa.
Beyond Pokeverse, Pikafrey’s passion extends far beyond the world of Pokemon. He’s also an organizer of Bacolod’s largest tech and pop culture event, APEX, happening on November 16-17 at SMX Convention Center Bacolod. And… with his sights set on the Guinness World Records title, Pikafrey’s biggest adventure might just be on the horizon!
