Herbert Chavez of Calamba, Laguna went under the knife to look like Superman. But it was not just his jaw-dropping transformation that gave him worldwide attention. In its 2013 edition, Chavez has set record for having the Largest Collection of Superman Memorabilia in the world.
At the age of 16, Herbert Chavez was an average-looking lad who had a penchant for anything ‘Superman’. He started collecting Superman memorabilia in 1990–rummaging through Baclaran and Divisoria stores for items worth keeping. Then in 1995, Chavez decided to bring his fanaticism to a whole new level: He signed up for a series of cosmetic surgeries to imitate Superman’s chiseled look.
To make his dream possible, Chavez had to undergo a total of 13 surgical procedures including lip injections, chin augmentation, thigh implants, nose job, and even skin bleaching. By looking at his facial structures today, one could admit that the cosmetic surgery didn’t turn out a total disaster. Chavez may now resemble the “Man of Steel” but to achieve this feat, he had to say goodbye to his pimpled, teen-aged self from years back.
With 5000 pieces of Superman memorabilia out of which 1253 got listed in Guinness’ official list of licensed collections, Herbert became the owner of “the Largest Collection of Superman Memorabilia” in 2013.
From a normal looking guy to the look-alike of the man of steel; the Superman, Herbert had to make life-changing decisions.
Chavez now gets his fulfillment by making these sick kids happy. His decision to change his face drew flak but for Chavez, what he did was “turning out to be good” for him.
It seems that “superpower” is what Chavez only needs to finally make him a full-fledged Superman.
Through his dedication, he has become a role model for those who dream big and want to make their dreams come true. His last goal is to become as tall as Superman and look like him in every sense. His wish is to have abilities and superpowers like Superman which seems impossible at the moment but who knows with technological advancement this wish of his might come true in the future.
The best thing he thinks he is doing right now is meeting the sick children at the hospitals as Superman and enjoying them get excited for having met Superman in person. In a way he imagines himself being the savior of humanity.
Herbert Chavez, the Philippine Superman, is currently getting $600 – $1000 for one appearance at a show. He is mostly appearing at charity shows organized for children. He visits orphanages in his Superman attire to surprise the children. He is also attending fundraising events to help raise money for various social causes. Being a graduate of Laguna College of Business and Arts, Herbert is currently running a Talent Workshop that offers event management services and talent management for those who want to participate in pageants.
