Hard Rock die-hards show off their pins collections

Some 80 enthusiasts of Hard Rock pins gathered for the third “Penang Pinfest 2017” at the Hard Rock Cafe recently to show off their valuable collections.

The participants came from all over the country with several coming from as far as Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Johor.

The event also enabled them to trade and exchange their valuable pin collections and expand their inventory with each other.

Penang Pinfest 2017 enthusiasts came from all over the country to gather at Hard Rock Cafe.

Proceeds from the event totalling RM4,000 was channeled to Pertubuhan Kebajikan Fokus Beramal Pulau Pinang (PKFBPP) and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kommuniti Cakna Pulau Pinang to help with food supplies for underprivileged individuals and families.

Also present was Cecilia Yeap representing the PKFBPP.

“We are very grateful to Hard Rock Hotel Penang for their empathy towards the underprivileged and needy,” added Yeap.

Lively programmes were lined up during the gathering with the likes of raffles, silent auctions and performance of Hard Rock Cafe band, Deviate, to liven up the gathering.

Each participant received a Pinfest 2017 T-shirt, pin and lanyard. Entertainment for the evening also included a Vibe Dance by the hotel’s Beach Club team and live band performance by the hotel staff.

Hard Rock -Guests participating in Silent Auction

Some of the collectibles were from Singapore, Osaka, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Philadelphia, Macau, and Bangkok. The silent auction offered limited edition pins, mini pins collection, spa packages and a three-day-two-night stay at the Lagoon Deluxe room inclusive of breakfast.

Among those present was Rizal Fauzi, 49, from Ipoh who has over 500 pins in his collection.

“I have not missed any of the pinfest gatherings since its inception and specialise in wing guitars which come from all over the world. My prized collection is the VIP 2003 Cardiff pin,” said Rizal proudly.

Another participant was Raffique Hashimi, 34, from Kuala Lumpur who was accompanied by his wife and three children. He showed off his denim jacket decorated with his vast collection of pins.

Raffique posing with his collection of pins on his prized jacket.

“I have been collecting the pins for over 20 years and invested more than RM20,000 over the years.

“There are around 1,000 pins in my collection and I specialise in guitar pins, city pins and girl pins. My wife also shares my passion,” he added.

The audio engineer’s passion has also taken him to the Hard Rock Cafe in Bangkok and Amsterdam in pursuit of the pins.

Another ardent collector was N. Durai, 58, from Johor who has over 300 pins in his collection.

“Most of the time I buy the pins myself or ask family members or friends who travel overseas to purchase the Hard Rock pins.  My collection also includes pins from Russia, Argentina and Europe,” said Durai.