Hot Wheels Designer Brendon Vetuskey Rolls in Nostalgia to Kingsford Hotel Manila

For many, a fond memory of Hot Wheels begins in childhood with a favorite car,  a first collection, or a race across the living room floor. For others, that childhood fascination never really went away. It simply grew into a lifelong passion for collecting, trading, and discovering the stories behind every diecast. 

That shared nostalgia took center stage at Kingsford Hotel Manila, where Hot Wheels diecast designer and Red Line Club design lead Brendon Vetuskey met with local and international collectors and enthusiasts during an exclusive private dinner held in partnership with Metrics Ph, organizer of the Philippines Hot Wheels Collectors Convention. 

More than a gathering for diecast enthusiasts, the evening brought together collectors, families,  business leaders, tourism stakeholders and hospitality representatives, showing how a shared passion  can spark meaningful connections across generations and communities. 

For Kingsford Hotel Manila, the event was also an opportunity to create an experience that goes  beyond the traditional hotel stay. As a family-friendly hotel, the hotel provided a fitting setting for an  experience that brought together different generations collectors who have been part of the hobby  for years, enthusiasts discovering new pieces, and kids and kids at heart who continue to find joy in  Hot Wheels. 

“Hotels can be more than places where people stay. We can become part of the destination experience  and create spaces where communities, businesses and visitors connect,” Jorold Montelibano, General  Manager of Kingsford Hotel Manila, said. 

“Partnering with Metrics Ph allows us to support the collector community while exploring new  opportunities for events, partnerships and experiences that can bring people to Manila,” he added. 

From childhood memories to a collector community  

Vetuskey’s participation brought an international creative perspective to the gathering. He joined  Mattel in 2007 and has contributed to numerous Hot Wheels designs, currently serving as the diecast  design lead for Red Line Club vehicles. 

During the exclusive dinner, Vetuskey shared insights into Hot Wheels design and the creative process  behind diecast vehicles, followed by an exclusive presentation and interaction with collectors and  invited guests. 

For Vetuskey, however, the appeal of collecting goes beyond the cars themselves.

“You might meet someone and start talking about your favorite Hot Wheels from childhood or the first  car you ever collected. Those stories and shared memories are what makes collecting special,” Vetuskey said. 

That sense of connection continues to shape the growing collector culture in the Philippines. Through  Metrics Ph, collectors and enthusiasts have opportunities to come together, exchange stories, share  their collections, and celebrate a hobby that crosses generations. 

Shared passion becomes a hotel experience 

The gathering also offered a glimpse into how specialized communities can create new opportunities  for tourism and hospitality. 

For collectors, a destination can become more than a backdrop to an event. It can be where  friendships are formed, stories are exchanged, and shared interests bring people together. For  Kingsford, it is another opportunity to create experiences that give guests and communities more  reasons to gather. 

For Hot Wheels fans, the appeal remains wonderfully familiar. Whether they are longtime collectors  or simply remembering the thrill of opening a brand-new diecast car as a child, the excitement is still  there. 

At Kingsford Hotel Manila, that nostalgia brought kids and kids at heart together, proving that some  childhood passions never really grew up. They simply find new ways to bring people together.