Cover image via SAYS Philippines
Filipinos in Malaysia recently held a benefit concert for our favorite Pokémon soft toy seller, Uncle David
Uncle David was best known for selling quality Pokémon soft toys in Malaysia, to be exact at the HSBC Bank in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya.
In some ways, Uncle David is a superstar because a lot of people from Klang, Puchong and Shah Alam visit him to buy his popular Pokémon toys
Even the Filipino community is greatly touched with his story, that's why OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Malaysia organized a concert for Uncle David, where he can sell all his plush toys. The event was held at The Other Side owned by Wynton Soliano a Filipino-Malaysian businessman.
Soliano also volunteered his restaurant so that the Filipino community can hold their concert for free, as the event is for charitable purposes
"We do have charity events every year. So, this is one of the ways we can give back to the community and to the less fortunate. Basically, I am a christian catholic as well, and God himself would do that," says Soliano in a SAYS Exclusive interview.
Filipinos both young and old danced, and bought plush toys from Uncle while the vivacious bands played music with all their might. Uncle can't help but sing as the ladies danced.
The band of Frequency 9, a Filipino-based band in Malaysia happily posed and performed for Uncle David along with the 1Unity band, who danced and cheered as they gave away stuffed toys to the attendees
Uncle was even generous enough to give some of his toys for free!
"I'm very blessed. I didn't expect such reception. It has caught me by surprise, actually. I think it's one of my best birthdays that I have celebrated – ever. During my younger days, back in 2002, I used to manage musicians. So music is actually…my life. And the thing is…the number of Filipinos around here, brings back the days where I work with musicians even in Singapore, that are also Filipinos, especially *Fredo* who can imitate Elvis Presley.
"When I was in East Malaysia and Sabah most of the clubs I manage are also looking for Filipino bands. I have plenty of memories about the Filipino community," he says smilingly.
"I never expected it to be like this. I feel so welcomed… and it really caught me by surprise!" adds Uncle David.
Uncle David also claims that he has been healed by the power of God, and even his doctors are surprised of his progress
"Even though the doctors said that I'm ill, i feel like I am healed. Because the healer is God! In fact, when I last visited my doctor, he was surprised because I am better. Then he asked me if I am taking any medication, and I said 'What medication?' and I said it's **PRAYER**.
A lot of churches prayed for me and I feel very blessed. The Lord is the real healer. As long your faith is there, whatever sickness you have… go on and pray. I want to be a living miracle, how God is working on me and my life," he says in a SAYS exclusive interview.
He is also thankful for the people who kept on supporting his business, but also felt bad that there are people who sell his toys at a higher price because of the virality on social media
"Before this Pokemon thing became viral, I sell 150 toys in a day, and I'm already happy with that. I didn't really expect that I would go viral, and I feel bad that people are selling my toys at 25RM or 30RM, because I only sell it at 10RM. And people would call me and ask me if I am sure that I sell it at 10RM because some people who order from him sell it at a doubled price," he retells.
He also rekindled how he got the viral on social media "This was after a person put me on Facebook, and in less than two hours, 90 toys were sold. I have never experienced that! Even after that, there are also customers who want to buy all 250 toys, but I have to said no. I want all people to see it and buy it… from all walks of life. Even people from Hong Kong, Singapore and Brunei are contacting me and asking if they can buy my Pokemon toys and meet them," he smilingly details.
He's also thankful for the Filipino community who came and helped him, and even held a benefit concert for him
"When they invited me to come, I really didn't expect this. I am so blessed already. When I came here, I'm surprised that they even have posters outside the venue. I didn't expect anything. I'm just very happy and grateful about this," says the happy Uncle David.
**Uncle David gave some of his toys for FREE to thank the Filipino community who helped him.**
