Pa Canton Ka Naman Show! EF Toys solo show at >Space Encounters Gallery!

EF, whose childhood nickname inspired his artist name, taps into the charm of nostalgic Filipino pop culture through art toys that are both humorous and relatable. By using objects that hold sentimental value for many Filipinos—like the Good Morning towel, katol, and pancit canton—EF crafts playful, collectible figures that immediately resonate with the audience. The clever use of these everyday items reflects a deeper connection to Filipino identity, creating a bridge between art and childhood memories.

The journey began during the 2020 pandemic, a time when EF found inspiration to pursue art toy design. This challenging period led to the birth of Boy Canton, the artist’s first release, launched on September 9, 2020. As the pandemic forced lockdowns, many households turned to instant noodles for sustenance, with pancit canton becoming a star in every “Ayuda” package. EF captured this reality with humor, transforming the simple noodle into a quirky character with four unique variants. In Boy Canton, we see not just a nod to the times but also a deep-rooted love for self-deprecating humor as means to survive.

EF’s body of work continues with other creations like the Boo Morning Series, SkeleO, Dragon Katol, Penoy Rocks!, and SkullBuckz. Each figure carries with it a distinct personality, blending wit, nostalgia, and the ordinary objects that have become woven into the fabric of everyday Filipino life.

With this collection, EF invites the audience to reflect on the simple joys of the past and rediscover the humor in those shared cultural icons that have become a part of our day to day lives. Check out the show HERE right now at Space Encounters Gallery!