Life lessons from a prized collection

How Entrego HR Head Edwin Velayo learns about teambuilding, synergy, and purpose from his favorite tabletop wargame

AVID collectors find satisfaction and joy in their treasured possessions. These might be movie merchandise, new pots and plants, rare coins, antiques, or even basketball legend Michael Jordan’s limited edition shoes.

If you’re the kind of person with a practical attitude towards money, you may find collecting an expensive and tedious hobby. Nevertheless, this perspective can change if you look at it from the viewpoint of Entrego Human Resources (HR) Head Edwin Velayo. Edwin has been a serious collector and an enthusiastic player of Warhammer 40k for over two decades now.

First released in 1987, Warhammer 40K is a miniature tabletop wargame, which became the most popular tabletop game in the world. It is played on tabletop terrains with assembled and painted models. A rule book, dice, and measuring tape are all you need for the game. The goal is to strategize tactically to defeat the opposing team.

From collecting and painting magnificent miniatures and pitting them against other armies in a tabletop battle, to exploring the selection of novelties and animations and engaging with the active online community of fellow enthusiasts, there are many activities that Warhammer hobbyists can be immersed in.

“Mahilig ako sa games like Warcraft, Starcraft, sa mga novels and stories about sorcery or science fiction, at mahilig rin ako magbasa ng mga comics,” says Edwin. “So, geek ako in that sense. A friend of mine introduced me to the world of Warhammer 40k, and I immediately got hooked. I found the backstories interesting, and appreciated how three hobbies—painting, playing, and reading—are bundled into one. Kung gusto mo talaga siya, you can learn to play it and even create a set to play in a week.”

Each piece has a story

Edwin bought his first Warhammer 40K army set or “faction” 22 years ago. To date, he’s halfway to completing the 24 different factions, with each faction having over 10 units. Each piece he bought has a story—when and where he ordered it, how it got to him, and the circumstances surrounding those moments. He gets nostalgic every now and then from simply looking at his collections.

Edwin understands the importance of making teams work together well. “It’s always about building teams. I’m an HR practitioner, and part of my job is talent management. I ensure a balanced composition of groups and unity among the people we hire. Similar to Warhammer, if you have too much of one thing, magiging unbalanced yung army mo, it will not work. You will not win any games, and there will be no synergy. If you don’t utilize the right resources at the right time and in the right place, magkakaroon ng disharmony and you’ll lose your objective. The different groups must work with one another in an organization to perform each critical role.”

In his work role, he focuses on maintaining harmony among all teams by developing each individual’s potential. He adds, “My enthusiasm for the game is also connected to my life’s purpose, which is to make people around me more of who they are.”  

For Edwin, his hobby is a passion, a commitment, and a building block for his personality and work ethic, fueling his purpose and giving him an edge in his career. He never considered it an expensive hobby, because spending time with his collections leaves him feeling peaceful and less stressed, even in the most challenging times. He says, “Collecting Warhammer 40K for me is like a form of meditation. You get lost in the process…This kind of hobby is hard to let go of. Of course, you’ll have to have a very understanding wife, so that even when you’re at a certain age, she accepts your hobby.”

Purchasing and equipping units for a good game can cost a player P23,000 or more; if you’re only collecting and painting miniature models, the cost is around P10,000. You can create a team and start playing in just a week, depending on your perseverance and interest.

Beginners’ guide

Here’s what to do to get started on Warhammer 40k:

1. Read and learn about the game. The most fundamental thing in collecting is knowledge about the item. You’ll need to research Warhammer 40K, read the rulebook and codex of armies, and decide which army is right for you. You can visit their official website and watch YouTube vlogs for additional information.

2. Build your arena and army. You will need a battlefield and miniatures to represent your army on the tabletop. For raw beginners, it is advisable to purchase Warhammer 40k: First Strike. It includes everything you need to start playing, such as a rulebook, history book, double-sided gaming mat, dice, and a measuring ruler.

3. Create better representations. Once you’ve settled with your first collection, it’s time to get some paint and brushes. Give your army a better aesthetic presentation by painting it! Pro tip: It’s highly recommended that you put effort into painting your miniatures, as some players might get offended and choose not to play with you.

4. Engage with the community. Join forums, Facebook groups, and Discord channels. Find the best group of people with the same interests as you, and challenge them!

5. Do proper care and maintenance. Keep your collection in a box or door cabinet. Dust each unit regularly using a small dry brush. You can also use an air blower for easier cleaning.

“As an HR practitioner and collector, I always believe na kailangan lifelong learner ka,” says Edwin. “I’m completing my second training in coaching. I also have my advocacy for mental wellness, which led me to be part of some national advocacy programs for mental health awareness. I’m slowly bringing elements of the programs to Entrego. So that’s what’s next for me, and wherever I go, whatever I do, I keep in mind my ‘why,’ my purpose.”