Robotime Community Expands in the Philippines with Makati Meetup

MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES - The growing community of Filipino Robotime DIY builders gathered for another productive crafting event, this time at the Moshi Gran Cafe in the One Ayala Mall business district on March 8, 2026.

Hosted by Robotime Ambassador Jill Francisco (@Jill_Francisco), the Robotime Philippine Club Meetup was attended by 20 participants who filled all available slots way ahead of the scheduled event. Most were new to the global creative company’s line of DIY puzzles and kits.

“It was my first time hosting a meetup for such a big crowd,” said Jill, who had previously hosted two smaller gatherings. “But everyone was so friendly and welcoming that I quickly felt at ease talking and building with them.”

A Family Effort

The mother of two was not alone in organizing the event. Jill’s family, including her husband, children, nieces, and nephew, helped with the setup. Her daughter even prepared descriptions of the Robotime kits to read aloud following Jill’s introductory remarks.

“These meetups have become a family effort,” quips the Community Star.

Jill’s daughter reading Robotime kit descriptions to eager participants during the meetup.

Ever-Present Support

Supporting the event behind the scenes was Robotime, whose contributions extended beyond simply providing kits. The company supplied tools and materials for all participants, allowing even beginners to start building with confidence.

Participants chose from a variety of kits, including the Rolife Evergreen Pine Bonsai, ROKR Ocean Fisher Gravity Swing, Rowood Starry Night Wall Art, and Rolife Daily Fresh Flower story frame.

New and fully assembled Robotime kits on display at the Gran Moshi cafe during the event.

“Being provided with all the tools needed to build the kits takes the intimidation away from beginners that might feel overwhelmed with crafting,” says participant @Pola, who completed the Ocean Fisher Gravity Swing during the session.

@Elisha_Red and @nicslorenzo showing their kits and materials.

“I was actually both surprised and happy that I managed to finish it during the meetup and, most importantly, bring it home safely with my other kits,” she added.

Another participant, @khimmymade, highlighted the accessibility of the instructions. “A lot of people think high crafting skills are needed, but really, [the] 1:1 scale of sizes on the manuals [makes] everything easier for the builder.”

Huge Happiness With Miniatures

The group was a mix of newcomers and experienced builders, including @gerliet, who tried a wooden puzzle for the first time. Having previously worked only with Rolife’s Super Creator kits, she found the Ocean Fisher Gravity Swing both enjoyable and slightly challenging.

“It was satisfying to slowly see how the [parts] started to make sense as everything came together,” she said.

@suzaku, who built the Starry Night, shared a similar sentiment. “It’s well detailed and I’m amazed how the small the details are. I only built a few details but I’m proud of my achievements. I really enjoyed building one and keep my mind occupied. Thank you.”

The parts came together, and so did the community. Coffee, conversation, and collaboration filled the space. A few pieces snapped along the way, but with guidance from Jill, help from fellow builders, and a bit of super glue, participants pushed through.

“Building miniature pieces, sharing ideas, and enjoying every tiny detail of the process. Such a fun and inspiring experience,” observed @Lallygurl0108.

Jill’s niece @nicslorenzo admitted that starting was not easy. “Starting off was definitely a hurdle as someone who’s never built something like this. But as I continued building, I was able to enjoy my time with it.”

@Omskiesss added, “Some of the tiny parts can be a bit difficult to handle, especially for beginners, but overall the process was still very enjoyable.”

For @JGBLICERIO, the challenge came from the electrical  components of his Starry Night build. “The building experience was very fun and entertaining. It was difficult [with] the electrical parts but it was still overall fun. The products are very entertaining and fun to make. I feel pride every time I finish a build, and it makes me motivated.” He attended with his wife, @joy.licerio, and their children.

Photo by @shinjimasu

First Kit, Definitely Not the Last

The challenge proved to be a rewarding one. Most participants completed their builds within the three-hour session, while those working on the Daily Fresh Flower Story Frame looked forward to finishing at home.

“They proudly admired their finished pieces,” Jill shared.

Many were already thinking about their next builds.

Krys (@thesmallerstories) expressed excitement about starting new kits, while @khimmymade shared that her daughter encouraged her to purchase their first Super Creator kit after seeing her new hobby, noting how well it complements her toys.

Krys and Abby proudly showing their builds.

@Pola summed it up with a laugh: “I love Rolife so much that I think I’m officially addicted.”

“One of the strengths of your products is the creative design and the good quality of the materials, which make the finished build look impressive,” observed @Omskiesss.

The participants weren’t the only ones impressed. Even passersby took notice. With one side of the café visible from outside, curious mallgoers stopped to watch the builders at work.

@Pola with her Ocean Fisher Gravity Swing

That top-notch quality and enjoyable experience led everyone to ask when Robotime will open a Philippine branch. For now, the coveted kits are available at several toy chain stores across the metro.

A Great Atmosphere

The choice of venue contributed to the event’s success. The quaint Moshi Gran Cafe provided a calm and cozy setting, complete with Japanese-inspired décor and sakura accents that complemented the aesthetic of the Robotime kits.

The food and coffee added to the experience, allowing participants to relax while building.

The event made such a strong impression that the café’s marketing head approached Jill with a proposal.

“She asked if I could display one finished build in their café so customers could see it up close,” Jill said. After consulting the community, the Rolife Sakura Dreamy Tour was selected.

“I’ve donated this build to the café, and in return, they’ll be helping promote the Robotime DIY & Crafting Club Philippines through flyers and a QR code for anyone interested in joining our future meetups.”

Now displayed alongside other Japanese-themed pieces, the model serves as a visual introduction to the hobby for café visitors.

“It’s the perfect kit to match the aesthetic of the cafe,” agrees @khimmymade, noting the clean, whimsical vibe of the resto summed up as a Japanese escape.

Robotime applauds the decision: “What a lovely initiative to showcase the Rolife Sakura Dreamy Tour at Moshi Gran Café and foster community through the Robotime DIY & Crafting Club Philippines. Your donation is blooming into a beautiful partnership full of creativity and future meetups. We cannot wait to see more inspiring collaborations and shared moments ahead.”

Excited for More

The event’s success is reflected in the overwhelming positive feedback shared on the community board. Participants praised the relaxing atmosphere and welcoming environment, with many already eager to attend the next meetup. Some parents, including @khimmymade, even shared plans to bring their children along next time, acknowledging the gathering’s family-friendly experience. Others, like @marylarizza, were glad they took the chance to attend despite initial hesitation.

Participant @joy.licerio has even promised to assist Jill with the next event, which is already in the works. The next meetup, a Mother’s Day-themed workshop scheduled for May 9 at Vertis North in Quezon City, is already fully booked.

The Mother’s Day meetup happening in May, as posted by Jill on her Facebook page (@Jill Ann Francisco)

With all these triumphs, @serenebless_23 confesses she’s inspired by Jill, disclosing plans to follow in the Robotime ambassador’s footsteps by hosting her own crafting meetup soon. This time, Jill will be an attendee.

We celebrate the steady growth of the Robotime Philippine Club. Each meetup brings together people of different skill levels, backgrounds, and experiences, connected by a shared interest in creating something beautiful with their hands. We’re truly excited for more, and everyone is eager to share this quiet ritual of slowing down, building, and feeling truly fulfilled.

*Photos and video screenshots courtesy of @Jill_Francisco, @Gentoo_builds, @Elisha_Red, @nicslorenzo, @gerliet, @JGBLICERIO, @thesmallerstories, @Pola, @marylarizza

Updated on Apr 3, 2026