During the week, I received the following press release email from Transformers Cybertron Convention (TFCC) 2012:

“Dear Friends of the Media,

With close to 22 days remaining to the first ever Southeast Asia RWS Singapore Transformers Cybertron Con 2012, Autobot heroes, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, have arrived in Singapore to prepare for the region’s inaugural Cybertron Con. The two wasted no time in getting to know the locals and soaking up the local flavour in a special tour of our Lion City.

Please find attached and below, a peek at their pre-Con tour of Singapore.

Thanks,
CybertronCon”

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“IT IS OFFICIAL: TRANSFORMERS MANIA HAS BEGUN!
Optimus Prime and Bumblebee Take Singapore Ahead of Cybertron Con 2012

Singapore, 17 February 2012 - Singaporeans were greeted by a surprising yet familiar sight earlier today as two iconic characters from popular entertainment franchise, TRANSFORMERS, took to the streets in their pre-Cybertron Convention 2012 tour of Singapore. Autobot leader Optimus Prime and his trusted brother-in-arms, Bumblebee, arrived early into Singapore and wasted no time in getting to know the Lion City, their home for the next three weeks.

Here for the Resorts World Sentosa Singapore Transformers Cybertron Con 2012 (’Cybertron Con‘) due to take place from 11 to 14 March, the two began their tour of Singapore ahead of the event’s Southeast Asian debut with a visit to locations such as the Old Airport Road Food Centre, the market at Kallang Centre, Chinatown and even Raffles Place, stopping to rub shoulders with the locals who have made such locations a common feature in their daily lives.

Indeed, there was more than meets the eye at Old Airport Road Food Centre this morning for breakfast regulars as Optimus Prime and Bumblebee sat down to a hearty traditional local breakfast complete with Kaya Toast, Kopi, and fried dough, known to many a Singaporean as ‘You Tiao’.

A tradition breakfast: Kaya Toast, Kopi and ‘You Tiao’.

Captivating onlookers with their sudden and unexpected appearance, the two posed for pictures with eager TRANSFORMERS fans who recognised the two almost instantly.

Said Daniel Tan, 30, designer, who was ecstatic about the Autobots’ visit, “Who are they? Optimus Prime and Bumblebee of course! The TRANSFORMERS was a programme that I grew up watching. I had their toys and almost never missed an episode”.

Referring to the upcoming Cybertron Con, Tan added, “It will be amazing to see what the upcoming Cybertron Con will bring. It’s something that will be hard to miss”.

Here’s a quick look at Optimus Prime and Bumblebee’s journey through the streets of Singapore.

Lunch at Maxwell Food Centre.

Optimus and Bumblebee thrilled by the selection of food.

Even long queues fail to deter our two heroes!

Patience finally pays off with a bagful of yummy goodness!

Next Stop, Chinatown.

A Quick Ice-Cream Sandwich Stop.

Followed by a Mid-Afternoon Trishaw Ride.

And Finally Raffles Place MRT Station to meet their adoring fans!

————

Fans who wish to attend 2012 TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con are encouraged to reserve their packages and tickets fast through the Resorts World Sentosa website at http://www.rwsentosa.com, ticketing booths located at Universal Studios Singapore, RWS Ticketing and Membership Hub and MEM, via reservation hotline +65 6577 8888, or through authorised travel agents now. Tickets for the Cybertron Con are priced at $12 for day ticket and $68 for VIP 4-day package.

For regular updates on Cybertron Con, please join the Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/transformerssingapore or visit http://www.cybertroncon.com.”

————

That is all for now, happy waiting for TFCC 2012 everyone!

ASMzine.com just did a coverage of Toy Fair 2012 (being held in the US this week) and have posted the photos online.  The Hasbro photos section is now available for viewing and some of the popular Hasbro Toylines featured there are:

G.I.Joe

Littlest Pet Shop

Marvel

My Little Pony

Star Wars

Kre-o

Transformers

Enjoy viewing all the photos at http://toyfair12.asmzine.com/gallery/hasbro/ & some more at http://toyfair12.asmzine.com/gallery/hasbro/press-kit-images/index.html

(Note: Just refresh the ASM links if the pages do not load).

P.S. I haven’t viewed all the toy photos yet though.  There are so many of them to cover!

Transformers Cybertron Convention 2012 Mystery Exclusive Toys.  © Hasbro

Following my earlier blog post on the same event, this is a photo print out that I received with my Media Kit from the organisers of the upcoming Transformers Cybertron Convention (TFCC) 2012.

I have no idea if the silhouettes of the above mystery TFCC 2012 exclusive toys have been updated for 2012, or are reused from the promotional materials for the TFCC 2010 held in Shanghai.  But one thing’s for sure is that there will indeed be exclusive TFCC 2012 toys available for purchase.  Here are their official FAQ replies:

“Will there be TRANSFORMERS merchandise for sale at the event? What are the merchandise available and prices? Are there any exclusive items?”

“Yes, there will TRANSFORMERS merchandise available for sales in a wide range of prices. There will also be exclusive Cybertron Con items. These items will only be revealed at the event itself.”

“Can I pre-order any of the exclusive Cybertron Con items?”

“Unfortunately, pre-ordering requests for Con Exclusive(s) before the event will not be available. However, fans can purchase them at the event.”

These are all I have from the info source I’ve got.  Were the organizers of the past Botcons in the US so secretive about their exclusive toys as well?  I remember that most exclusive toys of many other toy conventions were revealed (or leaked perhaps?) way before the events themselves.  Maybe the above mystery exclusive toys of TFCC 2012 will be unveiled soon before the event starts.  I really hope so!  Happy waiting everyone!

I received this package at my home today and at first I wondered what it was for I did not recall buying anything online recently.  Then when I looked at the package, I realised what’s it about!

Transformers Cybertron Convention (TFCC) 2012 Media Kit!

Transformers Cybertron Con 2012 Collectible Gift - KRE-ON Optimus Prime’s so cute!

Transformers Cybertron Con 2012 Poster.  © Hasbro

Transformers Cybertron Con 2010 Displays at Shanghai - We can expect to see such similar displays of the latest Transformers toys at TFCC 2012.  © Hasbro

Transformers movie Bumblebee - I hope to see this car on display at TFCC 2012!!  © Hasbro

Main Information:

Event: Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) Singapore Transformers Cybertron Convention (TFCC) 2012

Dates: 11-14 March 2012 (Sun - Wed)

Opening Times:

11 March (11am – 9pm)
12 – 13 March (10am – 9pm)
14 March (10am – 6pm)

Venue: Compass Ballroom at RWS Convention Centre

Where to buy tickets (available from 3 Feb 2012):

1) Online at www.rwsentosa.com;

2) At Universal Studios Singapore ticketing booths;

3) At RWS Ticket and Membership Hub;

4) Via hotline 6577 8888

Tickets Prices:

1) SGD 12.00 for a 1-Day Pass

2) SGD 68.00 for a VIP 4-Day Pass - c/w Unlimited event access (11-14 Mar 2012); Photo opportunity w/22-ft Optimus Prime; 1 x VIP Lanyard; 1 x Transformers KRE-ON figure (should be similar to the one I received with my Media Kit)

There are some promotional packages tied with Universal Studios Singapore as well.  You can check out the official RWS website to find out more.

Official Write Up: The TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con is a visually stunning exhibit celebrating the TRANSFORMERS brand. Fans can enjoy the full TRANSFORMERS experience via engaging activities and design workshops; extensive displays from the TRANSFORMERS toys; comics; entertainment franchise; as well as thrills from TRANSFORMERS: The Ride. This is the first ever TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con to be held in Southeast Asia.

Organised by branded play company, Hasbro, the TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con is a visually stunning exhibit celebrating the TRANSFORMERS brand which has taken the world by storm over the course of four decades, garnering a wide international fan following.

The bi-annual event aims to provide a platform for TRANSFORMERS fans from all over the world to unite and come together to collectively celebrate the love for the TRANSFORMERS brand with other lifelong fans and new fans alike. In addition to a colourful and interactive exhibition of stories, characters, art, action figures, and entertainment surrounding the TRANSFORMERS franchise, fans will also enjoy the ultimate TRANSFORMERS experience as they interact with, and meet the makers of the TRANSFORMERS franchise, as well as receive the latest news regarding the brand.

This is the second edition of the TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Convention with the inaugural convention held previously in Shanghai in 2010.

More on the TFCC 2012 info can be found at their official website, or you can also find them on their official Facebook page.

———–

LEon of Open The Toy also blogged about this event and our blog post formats are so similar (purely coincidental!).  He referred the organisers to me.  Thanks LEon!

Other local toy bloggers who have posted about this event are Katsuden, LittlePlasticMan, Shaun & desmond.  See you all there too!

I look forward to attending this exciting toy event next month.  Hope to see lots of local and overseas Transformers fans and collectors there too!  Happy waiting for TFCC 2012!

Tomorrow will mark the start of the Chinese New Year of the Dragon, and what better way for Hasbro to cash in on the fans’ excitement by releasing a Transformers Dark of the Moon (DOTM) Ultimate Optimus Prime toy that is adorned with images of the Chinese Dragon on it!

It’s selling now at a discounted price at Singapore Toys ‘R’ Us (TRU) at SGD 139.90 (usual price at SGD 169.90).  Take a look at the multiple detailed photos of this toy in the video review above and see if this toy is to your liking.

For me I’m not keen on getting this limited edition of Optimus Prime, but for the completist DOTM toy collectors, this may be for you.  And with this, I wish everyone who celebrate Chinese New Year, a Happy and Prosperous Dragon New Year!!  Huat Ah!!!

I thought I had posted the toy review of Transformers Dark of the Moon (DOTM) Human Alliance (HA) Soundwave on my blog but it looks like I haven’t, despite the toy being available in local retail stores for over a month already.  Hence here is the toy video review:

DOTM HA Soundwave toy review (rather long but detailed review here)

Selling at SGD 39.90 each at TRU & local departmental stores here, but very hard to find.  If you are still at it, happy DOTM toys collecting to you!

Transformers Prime Optimus Prime vs. Megatron Gift Set

Expected worldwide retail release in January 2012.

Updated on 1 Dec 2011: SGD 79.90 each at Singapore Toys ‘R’ Us (TRU).

This is a nice gift set that should appeal to many Transformers fans (both children and adult collectors)!  The robots look to be Deluxe class figures.  Here’s their online product description:

“Exciting robots and people from the HUB TV series Transformers Prime!

• First-edition packaging and the first versions of these characters on sale anywhere!
• Transform from vehicle to robot and back again!

Freedom is the right of all sentient beings… and toys are the right of all Earthlings! Direct from Hasbro comes this exciting batch of heroes and villains fromTransformers Prime. Join Bumblebee and his friends as they defend Earth from Decepticons and otherworldy menaces. Each robot measures 5- to 6-inches tall and features awesome accessories like snap-on cannons and awesome guns!

This Transformers Prime Optimus Prime vs. Megatron Media Set includes Optimus Prime, Megatron, and the human heroes from the show Jack, Miko, and Raf.

Each human figure has a display base and limited articulation. Each Transformers figure can change from vehicle to robot and back again, plus includes a weapon.”

Here are the wave 1 Transformers Prime Voyager class figures that are based on the latest Transformers Prime animated series. I’m not a fan of non-movie Transformers but many other fans and collectors are still keen to have this toyline in their collections.  Further updates on their prices and local availability will be made known here soon, so stay tuned!

Transformers Prime Voyager figures - wave 1

Expected worldwide retail release in January 2012.

Updated on 1 Dec 2011: SGD 54.90 each at Singapore Toys ‘R’ Us (TRU).

Transformers Prime Voyager Optimus Prime figure

Expected worldwide retail release in January 2012.

Updated on 1 Dec 2011: SGD 27.90 each at Singapore TRU.

If you have been following the latest Transformers Prime animated series shown on our local Okto channel recently, you would be familiar with its related Transformers Prime toyline.  Once again everyone’s familiar Transformers characters have gotten new looks and here are their latest incarnations, as seen in the cartoon!

Transformers Prime Deluxe figures - wave 1

Expected worldwide retail release in January 2012.

Updated on 1 Dec 2011: SGD 27.90 each at Singapore Toys ‘R’ Us (TRU)

Top: Starsream & Bumblebee.

Bottom: Arcee

Transformers Prime Deluxe figures - wave 2

Expected worldwide retail release in January 2012.

Updated on 1 Dec 2011: SGD 27.90 each at Singapore TRU

Top: Starsream & Bumblebee.

Bottom: Arcee & Cliffjumper

Price reduction on this class of Transformers movie 3 - Dark of the Moon (DOTM) toys is here at last!  Clearance sale of DOTM Cyberverse Commander figures is currently exclusive to Toys ‘R’ Us (TRU) Singapore only, but other departmental stores may follow suit soon! Go get them while stocks last, and happy DOTM toys shopping!

Transformers Movie 3 - Dark of the Moon (DOTM)

DOTM Cyberverse Commander figures - wave 1

2 for SGD 25.00 at Toys ‘R’ Us (TRU) Singapore

Original retail price: SGD 19.90 each

DOTM Cyberverse Commander figures - wave 2

2 for SGD 25.00 at Toys ‘R’ Us (TRU) Singapore

Original retail price: SGD 19.90 each

Top row (from left): Sentinel Prime, Ironhide & Powerglide.

Bottom row (from left): Optimus Prime & Blackout.

DOTM Cyberverse Commander figures - wave 3

2 for SGD 25.00 at Toys ‘R’ Us (TRU) Singapore

Original retail price: SGD 19.90 each

Top row (from left): Sentinel Prime, Megatron & Ironhide.

Bottom row (from left): Battle Steel Optimus Prime (repaint) & Decepticon Hatchet.

DOTM Cyberverse Commander figures - wave 4

2 for SGD 25.00 at Toys ‘R’ Us (TRU) Singapore

Original retail price: SGD 19.90 each

Top row (from left): Autobot Guzzle (Wreckers), Dark Sentinel Prime & Megatron.

Bottom row (from left): Optimus Prime (repaint) & Blackout.