Walking into Toby's Sports Robinsons Tacloban always feels like stepping into an athlete's sanctuary. I've been shopping here for over three years now, and what keeps me coming back isn't just the impressive selection—it's the philosophy that seems to permeate every aisle. That Filipino basketball quote they've adopted as their mantra, "Naglalaro kami nang maayos, at trabaho naming 'to, parte ng basketball ang matalo" (We play well, and this is our job, losing is part of basketball), perfectly captures the authentic sports mindset this store embodies. It's not just about selling equipment; it's about cultivating the right attitude toward sports.
The moment you enter, you're greeted by what I'd estimate to be around 2,500 square feet of meticulously organized sports paradise. Basketball takes center stage—as it should in the Philippines—with dedicated sections for everything from premium leather game balls to those affordable rubber ones perfect for street games. I remember when I bought my first serious basketball here, spending roughly ₱2,800 on a Molten BG3800 that's lasted me through three competitive seasons. What struck me was how the staff, many of whom are former athletes themselves, genuinely understand the equipment. They don't just point you toward products; they'll actually demonstrate proper shooting form or explain why certain shoe soles work better on indoor courts versus concrete. This practical knowledge transforms shopping from a transaction into an education.
What truly sets Toby's apart, in my opinion, is how they've integrated that basketball philosophy into their customer experience. I've witnessed staff comforting a young player who was upset about losing a big game, reminding him that "parte ng basketball ang matalo"—losing is part of basketball. That cultural understanding creates an environment where you're not just buying gear; you're buying into a community. Their footwear section demonstrates this perfectly, with options ranging from budget-friendly ₱1,500 training shoes to professional-grade basketball kicks approaching ₱8,000. I've personally tested at least seven different basketball models here, and I can confidently say their mid-range options around ₱3,500 offer the best value for serious amateur players.
Beyond basketball, their diversification is impressive. The fitness section stocks everything from basic 5kg dumbbells to advanced resistance bands, while their outdoor department features camping equipment that has served me well on three separate hiking trips in the Leyte mountains. I particularly appreciate their tennis wall, where you can actually test rackets before purchasing—a feature I've only seen in about 15% of sports retailers nationwide. Their swimming section deserves special mention too, with goggles priced between ₱350-₱1,200 that have survived both chlorined pools and saltwater beaches in my experience.
The store's layout cleverly guides you through different sporting worlds, each section staffed by people who actually participate in those sports. Last month, when I was looking for badminton rackets, the staff member who helped me turned out to be a regional tournament player who gave me twenty minutes of invaluable string tension advice. This level of expertise makes Toby's feel less like a retail chain and more like a specialized sports hub. Their seasonal promotions are worth watching too—I typically save around 20% during their June and November sales, which is significant when you're investing in quality equipment.
Having visited numerous sports retailers across the Visayas region, I'd rank Toby's Robinsons Tacloban among the top three in terms of both selection and service quality. They've mastered the balance between commercial retail and genuine sports culture, creating a space where that basketball mantra about accepting defeat as part of the game feels lived rather than just displayed. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first proper basketball or a seasoned athlete needing specialized equipment, this store delivers not just products but the wisdom to use them properly. In my book, that combination is what makes it the ultimate sports shopping destination in Eastern Visayas.