Nerdy collectibles

CEBU, Philippines – Seen either wearing superhero shirts or clenching smartphones dressed in game character-themed cases, today's nerds are no longer as introverted as the nerds of the past were - as the contemporary generation of this social clique now treads at the skip and pace of sports fans who proudly wear the jerseys of their favorite teams and players.

As such, the global retail scene is experiencing a growing interest in nerdy collectibles and memorabilia - a state that's defined by the ready availability of limited edition collectibles and rare finds in online and offline retail outfits.

If you happen to know someone whose interests are in tune with the "nerd culture" bill, you may want to bring their attention to the "nerdy collectibles" we're touching up on today, as these are actually pop-culture icons in and by themselves.

If one stops to think about it, these "nerdy collectibles" are actually interesting accents to have at home.

A Star Trek "Communicator"

From: Star Trek: The Original Series

Of-interest to: "Trekkies"/"Trekkers"

"Star Trek" fans have long had a reputation for crafting DIY accessories - bringing such items to hobby conventions and similar events.

Though known to own homemade communication badges or self-tailored Starfleet uniforms, true blue fans of the adventures of "Captain Kirk" (played by William Shatner), "Captain Picard" (played by Patrick Stewart) and "Captain Archer" (played by Scott Bakula) have at least one piece of "Star Trek" memorabilia that's officially recognized by the "Star Trek" franchise.

For fans who wish to beef up their "Star Trek" collection, a recently unveiled replica of the "Communicator" from the original series would be an interesting addition. This replica is actually a die-cast aluminum Bluetooth speaker that can be paired with a smart device to answer calls or to listen to music.

Announced to be available by January next year, fans who can't wait to get the Bluetooth "Communicator" can opt to get another "device" with has been available since last year - a replica "Phaser" which is actually a TV remote control - from online retail channels.

Who says collectibles can't double as functional home entertainment accessories, ey?

The Sakuma Drops "Grave of the Fireflies" Commemorative Edition

From : The 1988-released animated "Grave of the Fireflies"

Of-interest to : Anime/movie aficionados

Fans of the Japan-based animation company Studio Ghibli have long praised "Grave of the Fireflies" as one of the studio's obra maestras. Based on a semi-autobiographical short story by Akiyuki Nosaka, the movie is widely considered to be one of the best anime titles of all time - with Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times including it in his "Great Movies List" in 2000.

Set in the city of Kobe after World War II, the movie tells the story of young war survivors Setsuko and Seita - documenting the siblings' trials in surviving without their parents after a firebombing attack. One of the movie's memorable elements takes shape in a daily "ritual" where the older of the siblings "rewards" the younger with a piece of fruit candy from a Sakuma Drops-branded tin - a luxury which the older brother spoils his younger sibling with.

Given the movie's critical success and following fanbase, a commemorative tin resembling the one that was featured in the movie has been produced by the Japanese Sakuma Drops brand over the years.

Here in Cebu, there are retail venues that sell Sakuma Drops candies - with a number of Cebuano collectors waiting for one particular store to offer the commemorative Sakuma Drops "Grave of the Fireflies" edition.

An "iDroid" Smartphone Case

From    : The game "Metal Gear

Solid V: Ground Zeroes"

Of-interest to   : Fans of the "Metal Gear" game series

Developed by Kojima Productions and published by Konami, "Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes" holds a special place among the fans of the hit "Metal Gear" game series.

Essentially a story-driven single-player action-adventure game, "Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes'" players are very much familiar with what the "iDroid" is - which is a type of multi-functional handheld communication and mapping device used by players in the game.

Last year, a Japanese brand released an iPhone 5/iPhone 5S case that's based on the "iDroid" device. This particular smartphone case "converts" a regular iPhone 5/iPhone 5S into a physical "iDroid" - making it more than the average game-themed case.

Though a bit outdated (it was made for the iPhone 5/iPhone 5S, after all), there are Cebu-based hobby/collectible stores that carry the novelty item, as well as a number of online-based retailers.