IPMS Philippines - Bert Anido

IPMS Philippines was established in June 1968 by Alberto “Bert” Anido. Bert was an executive in one of the top companies in the Philippines and a Reservist in the Philippine Air Force. He was also a member of both IPMS-UK and IPMS USA and he served as the first president of IPMS Philippines.

The club attracted Filipino individuals who had a passion for plastic scale models. Its first “headquarters” was the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) which was originally located along Taft Avenue. This would become the regular venue of its meetings and other activities, such as contests and exhibits. The PCA then had a very large space and it was appropriate enough to hold such activities there until it was sold. (–it would be relocated to its present site in Paco, Manila). Due to this, the activities of IPMS-Philippines diminished and coupled with the onset of Martial Law in 1972, prices of model kits as well as the public safety became a primary concern.

In 1982, IPMS-Philippines went back into action when they were tapped to provide model kits in what would be dubbed the “First Philippine Modelers Show” sponsored by the Alumni of Ateneo de Manila University (spearheaded by Rolando Ledesma). During its launching, it was attended no less than by then Presidential Daughter (now Congresswoman) Imee Marcos. One of the showcases of the exhibit was the menagerie of the late actor Alfie Anido. It was also the time when the membership was growing as the exhibit aroused the appeal of the hobby to individuals.

Between the 80s to the early 90s, IPMS Philippines had its shares of ups and downs. This was brought about by social and political factors that plagued the country within that time period. Events such as the EDSA Revolution and the 1987 and 1989 military uprisings brought about a slow down on scale modeling activities and this was further aggravated by the slow economic growth. The Philippine Peso steadily devalued and prices of scale model kits and accessories suddenly became a little more than what the ordinary Filipino scale modeler can afford. However things were not all that bad, by the early 90s, innovative manufacturers such as Academy came out with affordable kits that became alternatives choices to the well known and high end brands. Tamiya, Inc. invested in the Philippines and started re-issuing it’s older line of kits that became affordable to the market.

In 1992, in commemoration of Operation Desert Storm, IPMS-Philippines held an exhibit dubbed “Plastic Storm” at the Ayala Museum. This event was a proverbial shot in the arm for the club after experiencing a rather long lean season since the EDSA Revolution. From then on IPMS Philippine was more active and was starting to hold regular meetings.

In 1995, thanks to the valuable contribution of one of its members Mel Silvestre, IPMS-Philippines has found a new “home” at the Bartlett Hall of the UP College of Fine Arts in Diliman Quezon City.

2IPMS-Philippines members, through the efforts of Bert Anido were able to participate in competitions sponsored by IPMS-USA. Hermie Landayan won first prize with is 1/48 Aloutte Chopper and Jim Gonzales’ 1/48 Grumman Skyrocket won 2nd Place in its category. The works of Jim and Hermie were a testament that Filipino modelers are at par with the best scale modelers in the world.

From then on IPMS Philippines was more visible, holding more scale modeling contest and exhibits. Membership started to grow and it has attracted several members from all walks of life.

On May 27, 2003, IPMS Philippines suffered a great loss. Its past club president and founding member Bert Anido passed away. His departure was mourned not only by his family and friends but by the entire scale modeling community in the Philippines. In commemoration for his efforts, dedication and valuable contributions, IPMS-Philippines renamed itself to IPMS Philippines: Bert Anido Chapter in honor of the man who started it all, who inspired us to be creative and to be innovative, who shared with us his knowledge in building and collecting scale models but most especially for being such a great friend and mentor to all of us.

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