Buying Online at Mandarake!

I have been an Ebay buyer for more than 10 years. Ebay has been my site to buy video games and figures for my collection whose sellers are from Japan. For the first time, I tried the Mail-Order service of Mandarake. Mandarake is a well-known store in Japan where you can buy vast items of video games, figures, costumes, and toys. I have been to Mandarake store in Akibahara and Shibuya branches and they never ceased to amaze me.

Mandarake's English website

I saw a Megasize Gundam RX-78-2 ANA Original Color Ver. for 7,000.00 JPY. Before I check out the item I sent an inquiry to the item and they sent a response less than 12 hours. Before checking out be sure that all items you are buying are the on the same store just be sure. Although, never tried it, they might charge you an additional shipping fee due to different store location of the item and they might send it separately. Upon check-out in their online store, they will asked your preferred payment and shipping mode. After confirmation, they will check the location of item of its availability. Because most of the items listed in the website is being sold at their stores as well. If availability of the item is confirmed, they will sent the total cost. I opted to pay thru Paypal and EMS (Express Mail Service). In less than a week, I received the item.

EMS tracking from Mandarake to our office

Received the item!!

Good thing that Mandarake offers worldwide shipping. Other shops like Suruga-ya has online shopping only on selected Asian countries and US buyers. Another good point for Mandarake is that they have multi-language website for English, Korean, Chinese, and Spanish. Unlike Suruga-ya is limited to Japanese and you have to use web translation for those buyers who can't read and understand Japanese. When I received the item, the parcel is securely packaged to prevent from damaging the item and the item is wrapped with bubble wrap. I am looking forward to buy another items from their online store.

Before buying anything online be sure to ask the seller if they missed out some description or verify the item and always pay securely.

Japan Fiesta 2019!

This Saturday I went to the Japan Fiesta 2019 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Taguig City. It is a two-day event organized by the Japan Nation Tourism Organization Manila office, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. This event is free admission, everyone can enjoy the fiesta.

Japan Fiesta signage in front of SMX Convention Center, SM Aura

Registration area

As you enter the events area, various Japanese companies are present such as Don Quijote (Donki), Japan Railways (East, West, Kyushu), Kirin, Yakult Philippines, Fuwa-Fuwa, Airline companies (Philippine Airlines, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Cebu Pacific, JetStar Japan, and Philippines AirAsia), local travel agencies (JTB, Rakso, Travelbook.ph, Attic, Discovery, etc.), and local tourism offices of Tohoku, Hokkaido, and Okinawa.

Schedule of events

Don Quijote (Donki) booth 

They don't sell products during the event

Glico's Pocky booth

They are selling Pocky! Three boxes for 100Php! They sold out fast and they have to wait for two hours for stock replacement.

All Nippon Airways (ANA/ NH) booth

They have a mini game inside the booth

I won the Second Prize! An ANA file folder! I hope for an ANA original keychain

A Philippine Airlines booth (PAL / PR)

JR East booth

JR Central booth

local tourism office of Okinawa

JR Kyushu booth

Yakult mascot at the Yakult booth

At the opening ceremony, an opening drum performance by the Japan Drum Club Soon after, the Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines, Koji Haneda made his opening speech, as well as Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. Right after, a Kagami Biraki (opening of the lid) officiated by the Japan and Philippines officials. A special singing performance by Sarah Geronimo. Mascots of Pikachu and Eevee at the stage and take pictures to the children.

Drum performance by the Japan Drum Club

Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary

Pikachu and Eevee on stage

Due to foot pain (Plantar Fasciitis) I have to force myself to leave the event area to relax my feet (Seats inside the event are occupied).  I also took the opportunity to take my late lunch at the nearby Food court because I haven't eaten that morning. 

Garlic Beef with Miso soup and Kani Salad lunch at Pepper Lunch

To those people who missed the first day, you can still catch up on the Day 2 of the event. I do hope that more Japanese companies would participate on the next event next year. Enjoy the Japan Fiesta 2019!