Visiting a Muji (無印良品) store in PH!

 I have been a fan Muji products, when a friend of mine introduced it to me in 2018. Since then, I became a Mujirer, a term used by Japanese people who are fans of Muji products. I always visit Muji every time I am in Powerplant Mall. But this time, I visited a branch Muji branch in Greenbelt 3 with my mother.

Muji's facade in Greenbelt Mall, Makati City

I helped my mother in her Christmas gifts for her friends. She bought a number of water-repellant Sacoche bag and shirt, and a pen. I only a pair of Black Blue ink refill to her gel pen as my pen will ran out soon. Filipinos liked Muji's stationary items such as gel pens and notebooks. My Muji favorite item are the shirts, because they are breathable (cotton made) and has simple designs. Their gel pens in 0.7 thickness which makes my writing smoothly.

What my bought at Muji!

I really liked Muji's "no-logo, no-brand' concept, in minimizing product noise, lessening consumer waste, and advocating the beauty of small space. Muji is cheap in its home base in Japan, pricing in the Philippines is some what pricey. Though, they are frequently dropping the price to meet the consumer market. The only difference from the Japan's Muji store to Philippine Muji stores is that, Muji stores in the Philippines doesn't sell food products. They also sell electronics but a limited number of items. I think they don't sell food products is maybe Filipinos may not like the food items and might be expensive when sold here.

Filipino loves stationary items

They also sell high quality kitchen items

I do hope they will add more products in their Philippine lineup such as food, some home appliances such as LED flash light, and powerbanks.
As of this time, Muji has five stores in the Philippines. Four of which are near in my house. I do hope they would add stores especially in the provinces who are craving for their items. 

Muji sneakers!

Muji's home organizer and cleaning systems!

Muji's clothing lineup!

My Experience from a Pinoy Proxy in Japan

Last June 2020, I ordered Gunpla kit for my birthday through a Filipino proxy in Japan. I ordered a pair of Gundam Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics kit. The Filipino proxy sells it for 1,300PhP per kit (2,600PhP total). After I placed my order and paid half of the items, he confidently affirm that the arrival of the kits will be on the second week of July. As the month of June ends, he informs me that the arrival of the kits will be moved to End of July. But after days of follow up, it was moved again to August, and moved again to September. According to the proxy, the boxes was apprehended by the Japanese Customs because of vast number of toys inside the box and they have to pay penalties, otherwise, those boxes will be confiscated.  It finally arrived in our office this October after 4 months of waiting. 

The GunPla kits I ordered through a Pinoy Proxy

Filipino residents in Japan are considering it as a sideline on top their work and I believe it does earn a lot, as they convert 1 yen as 1 peso. Meaning a 1,300JPY Gunpla kit is 1,300PhP! A 100 percent profit! By the way, they don't limit in selling toys and collectibles, they also sell branded goods and beauty products as well. These Filipino proxies are using the Balikbayan boxes in sending the items to the Philippines. As every OFW knows that they can squeeze items inside the box regardless of size and weight, as long as the goods can fit inside with a fixed shipping fee. I think there are some Pinoy proxy is having a hard time in filling up the boxes, deferring deliveries as supposed to be.

My advice to collectors in the Philippines is to check the reviews of the proxy. Some of them might be a bogus proxy and putting up bogus social media page. Check the prices online such as Yodobashi and BicCamera. Some proxy may overprice the items by more than 100 percent, Google is your friend! And a lot of patience in waiting as there might be logistic difficulties during transit, especially at this time of pandemic. This will be my first and last transaction with a Pinoy proxy, I would rather buy thru Mandarake's online shop or Buyee, as they are more faster than Pinoy proxy.

Owning a PlayStation 3 launch model in 2020

This week, I was able to score a first model of PlayStation 3 (CECHA00) through Facebook marketplace. Owning the first model is what the retro collectors are hunting, especially when the unit is in pristine condition. This console is what I dreamt of when it was launch wayback in 2006.

PlayStation 3 CECHA00 60GB model

Why I think the first PS3 model special? Because of the console's backwards compatible with PS2 and PS1. Another selling point of the console is capability of upscaling the PS2/PS1 games thru HDMI output, making game graphics of previous consoles more clearer in modern TV's (up to 720p resolution). Second generation models used software emulation of the PS2, until it was removed on models CECHGxx and up. The launch and second generation models are the only units that has 4 USB ports.  

PS3's font is based from the movie SPIDERMAN

The first model has its share of cons and problems such as; very expensive launch price at $599, a heavy unit, I had difficulty in carrying the console while commuting. It weighs around 5 kilos. And lastly, the infamous YLOD or Yellow Light Of Death. The cause of YLOD is still unknown but some say that it was caused by too much heat in the motherboard that makes the console to stop working and produced a yellow light in its indicators. I must admit that I have to careful in using the console, as I have bought it second hand. I have no idea if this console had a history repairs regarding YLOD or other defects. 

PS3 launch model is the only PlayStation console with four USB ports

Nowadays, the first PS3 model in good condition is rarely seen in the local Buy and Sell market. I have seen an abundant number of first model, but it is located in the Junk section of the second hand shops in Japan. Luckily, I was able to snagged it for less than 60 USD locally. I was able to play music games through PS2 to USB adapter from Elecom, as most music games in PS2 do not use USB ports. I have plans of upgrading the storage, as I have an extra HDD with 500GB capacity.

Buying this console in 2020 is already retro as every gamer called it, but its features coincides with the current standards of eighth generation of consoles. Fortunately, the console can still use the PSN directly, although no new games was being released despite it was officially discontinued in 2017. In November 2020, Sony will released the PS5 (PlayStation 5) console.

Which is better: Full service or Low Cost carriers?

 Every time I fly international, I always look for the best prices that airline company can offer. Anticipating seat sales and promotions of every each airlines. But which airline suits your budget? A full service airline or a budget / low cost carrier. In the Philippines, there are a lot of Full service and Low cost airlines that serves the country. Our country have two full service airlines, while 3 carriers are low cost that serves international routes. 

All Nippon Airways Check-in counter in MNL

Full service airlines are airlines that offers complimentary inflight food, selection of onboard entertainment, baggage allowances, and amenities (for Business / First Class or for long haul). If you have extra money your class can be upgraded from economy way up to First class. Low Cost Carriers (LCC) are no frills airline, you are only charged the basics, beyond that you have to pay extra. Seats in LCC are cramped, short legroom, and one class in one aircraft. Filipinos are price sensitive when it comes to air travel. They intend to booked their dream destination during seat sales and travel dates are months prior without too much pain in their wallets (In which I am guilty of). In rare occasions, there are some routes that LCC serves that are more pricey than the Full service.

Air bridge view of parked aircrafts in MNL (2018).

During my international trips, I never tried Low Cost because I just wanted to enjoy my travels without too much hassle and I don't want to worry in regards to my baggage limits (because a buy a lot of things). A friend of mine told me that they had a problem to this Low Cost airline pertaining to bulky baggages. They bought a quite number of Gunplas in Narita Airport, upon check-in, the agent said that they have to flatten the Gunpla boxes. That friend had no choice but to follow instructions however, the Gunpla kits will be vulnerable in breakage, as these parts are brittle and small. As for full service carriers, they have no problems with the luggage as long as the passenger abides with linear dimensions and pieces of luggages with assigned weight per class. 

ANA's Inflight entertainment screen. PAL uses a mobile app to avail its inflight entertainment.

Full service airlines offers frequent fliers mileage to passengers, once hit a certain mileage they can redeem it for free flights or class upgrades. Full service airlines has codeshare partners in which you can earn and redeem miles as well. Normally, LCC doesn't offer such mileage. Nowadays, passengers can accumulate points even you are flying LCC (i.e. Cebu Pacific and AirAsia).

An ANA fragile tag.

It doesn't matter what kind of airline you choose, as long as it fits to your budget and needs.

We are all hoping that this pandemic ends, as of now, all airlines around the globe are suffering from this pandemic and hoping global tourism returns to normalcy.

Uniqlo's Airism Face mask!

Today, I received my Uniqlo Airism face mask which I bought from a friend who are into selling of Japanese goodies. Uniqlo's Airism face mask became a hit in the land of the rising sun, as locals swarmed to the nearest store to buy the mask. So popular Uniqlo have to increase production of the Airism mask as most of the Uniqlo stores in Japan ran out of stocks fast.

Uniqlo's Airism face mask

My friend sells the mask for 850.00Php in white color. In Japan, it retails for 990 JPY + tax. In one pack, there are 3 washable mask with different sizes to choose from (Small, Medium, and Large). Tried the large size and it fits perfectly to my face. It also breathable (from my experience) and the ear lace doesn't irritate the ear over prolong use. The face mask consist of 3 layers that protects the user from Ultraviolet rays and bacterias and droplets.

In Japan, it retails for 990 JPY + tax. Pricing may vary from country to country

There are reports that some customers are having difficulty breathing while using the mask, the company made an update of their mask released last August 2020 with some changes and additional color variant (black). 

The Airism face mask is also available on selected countries such as US and Singapore. A report from Rappler last August that Uniqlo will introduce the Airism face mask in the Philippine market. Although, no confirmation as when it will be available nor official statement / advertisement from the retail giant. 

For the time being, online sellers sells these mask ranging from 800 ~ 1,000PhP or wait until Uniqlo Philippines finally made its announcement.

The first BEMANI game for home console: beatmania

After the successful released of the first beatmania in the arcades back in 1997, Konami released its direct arcade port for the PlayStation, released in October 1, 1998. The first beatmania game consist of two disc, a direct arcade port from beatmania 2ndMIX (ARCADE DISC) and an append disc (YEBISU MIX). The game is also the KEY DISC to all APPEND DISC in the beatmania games, explanation here. 

The beatmania box art

Nowadays, getting a used copy at Ebay will cost you less $10.00 (depending on the condition). However, looking for a sealed copy is rare and expensive. I wasn't able to play the first beatmania game, the earliest beatmania version I played is a beatmania 3rdMIX mini located in Morayta, Manila. I know big Game Centers in the Philippines like Timezone and Quantum had their beatmania arcade machines but their whereabouts are unknown, most likely they are in storage or scrapped. It's good to reminisce on how beatmania looks like in its early years and how it evolved thru the years with beatmaniaIIDX. 

The Arcade and Yebisu disc

Inside the game, includes a leaflet for the beatmania controller created by ASCII and Konami

At launch, the game costs 5,800JPY, while the BEST edition retails for 2,800JPY

Cheap Upscale converter for PlayStation 2!

Last August 8, 2020, Shopee held its 8.8 event. A site wide event for big discounts and free shipping to all their listings. On that day, I decided to buy the generic PS2 to HDMI converter for 162.00Php! According to the seller, the item will be coming from overseas (Shenzhen, China) and shipping fees will be waived, thanks to their 8.8 event. 

The listing where I bought the converter

Yesterday, the courier came, and delivered the item after 6 days after my order was placed. Tried the converter and it works! My initial observation were the resolution are refined than using the composite (Red, Yellow, and White) cable and our TV recognized it as 480i resolution (I don't know if the 480i is the standard resolution when using the composite). As the description says, the converter can give a 480p, 576i, and 576p video output.  Tried the converter to a PS2 game, the images are more sharper than composite. Unfortunately, PlayStation 1 games won't work for the converter. As lags are still present although more brighter than composite. I searched over the internet and found out that there are two variants of PS2 to HDMI converter.

The actual product

I also read reviews about this item and found out that the converter is a hit-or-miss product. Some buyers reported that they got a faulty item, some became faulty days after they received it, and some were works like a charm. Good thing I received a working unit but I don't how long it will last. Some buyers would expect buying cheap will give them a high quality product. There are other sellers who are selling the same product in Shopee's website and their prices varies, ranging from 162 to 250.00Php.

Aside from the generic converter that I bought, there is an another PS2 converter can be bought, from Pound. The converter from Pound, which I believe more powerful and more expensive than the generic ones. For me, I think the generic one will suffice my need to upscale the resolution of my PS2. Maybe I will buy the Pound brand if the generic converter becomes faulty. All I can say is that, even though, the console is 20 years old, there are still people who are using the world's best selling console.

drummania official controller

Back in 2000, Konami released a home version of drummania in PlayStation 2 (PS2). It is the counterpart of the arcade game of the same name.The game is also one of the launch game titles of PS2. 

box art of drummania controller

The controller is smaller than its arcade counterpart. While playing, there are many times that I don't hit the pads, mostly the red casing of the controller (or I think I need to practice more often). The pedals are made in plastic and thick cushion as a base. The pedal connects the main controller thru 3.5mm port jack. The drummania pedal can be used in beatmaniaIIDX controller (both KOC and ASC) as a foot scratch, similar to the beatmaniaIII gameplay. An another variant of drummania controller is released sometime in 2005, but lacks the stand and bundled game. 

drummania controller

The classic drummania arcade cabinet was discontinued after GFDMV8 in 2011 and move forward to the revamped cabinet with two additional pads and added one bass underneath. In the Philippines, it is rare to find a complete controller set in Japanese Surplus shops and often expensive (around 1,500.00php or more).  Having one the this classic drummania controller is a thing of the past and expensive online nowadays. In recent pandemic, playing console games will definitely kill your boredom at home and those people who misses playing drummania at game centers.

UPDATE (07/30/20): 

Found out that the drummania stand is also compatible with the KEYBOARDMANIA controller. Realized that the controller manual of KEYBOARDMANIA has instruction in connecting in the stand. The KEYBOARDMANIA controller comes with a dedicated bracket in connecting the stand. 

KEYBOARDMANIA controller connected to the drummania stand

A dedicated bracket for KEYBOARDMANIA

Seikyo: A Japanese grocery store in Makati

My friend from A Tokyo in Manila and I went to Seikyo, a Japanese mini-grocery shop located outside of Little Tokyo in Makati. As we get closer to the store, a note was posted on the steel shutter. The store has been moved to a newer location in Jupiter Street in Makati. We rushed to the new location and good thing they are open. 

A posted note outside the old Seikyo in Little Tokyo

Seikyo is a mini grocery store that caters Japanese food goodies such as Nissin Cup noodles, Kirin, Pocky, Frozen meats, and many more! I never thought that there's an another grocery store aside from Yamazaki, also outside of Little Tokyo before they relocated. 

New relocated Seikyo in Jupiter St., Makati City

As we enter the shop, we have doubts to take pictures inside, we might be asked to get out of the store. I noticed that the boxes of the goods have sealed packaging tapes from Donki (Don Quijote). It seems that the shop gets their items from Donki. Prices are a bit expensive but not that as expensive as Yamazaki. Seikyo only accepts cash, as a typical Japanese store which cash is king. I do hope they innovate to cashless payment such as credit cards and/or app-based payments.

What I bought

These Japanese mini-grocery shops are the answer to those people who are craving for real Japanese goodies, especially in this time of pandemic that all of us are unable to travel abroad.

What my friend bought

Buying items from Japan thru Buyee's proxy service!

Amidst of pandemic, a lot of sellers in Ebay were unable sell their items in a worldwide scale and limited for domestic buyers of their country, thus setting up exclusions to other countries. My friend and I were able to buy items from Japan thru Buyee's proxy service. This is our first time to try this service, although, this has been established years ago. There are a lot of establishments that provides proxy service to foreign buyers, but this time we tried Buyee first. 

Buyee's website

First is to look over websites such as Yahoo Auctions Japan to browse items we like to buy, and then, before we buy the items my logged in into his Buyee's account to confirm payment. Once order was taken place, the item must be paid right away (My friend used Paypal). Once payment is confirmed, the seller will send the item to their office. You can buy items to other sellers though. Once your items were received in their office, you can consolidate all your items in shipment and shipment options will be asked. My friend tried the DHL option because the DHL charges relatively close to EMS about 100php difference. Buyee sent the item last Friday and my friend received it Monday. My friend and I split the payment for consolidated and International shipping fee.

The parcel arrived in my friend's address

When using the proxy service, please do not that there will be fees to be paid on top of the item and International shipping fee. On Buyee's case, there are other fees such as Domestic shipping fee (Japan), Consolidated fee, and Buyee's fee. Charges and fees may be vary on other proxy company but always be prepare on other charges. Please be aware that Philippines Customs charges duties and tariffs if the total amount exceeds the 10,000.00Php de mini mis.

I bought a pop'n music 14 FEVER (PS2) Konamistyle edition

My friend bought some KitKats!

Proxy service is an alternative option in buying items in Japan during this pandemic, but please be mindful of the fees that you have to pay when you use this service. Ebay is relatively cheap than that of proxy service because you don't pay the service provider to buy your fave items and most Ebay listings are direct sellers. Next time, I will try the proxy service of locally residing Filipinos in Japan. If you want to try the proxy service please visit Buyee's website.

Postscript:

I would like to acknowledge my friend from A Tokyo in Manila for providing some photos in this blog entry. Please visit the A Tokyo in Manila Facebook page.

Konami's collaboration with Disney

In early 2000's Konami collaborated with Disney thru BEMANI games in licensing Disney's soundtracks. This collaboration created two arcade games and 3 home console games. Disney soundtracks were crossover in Dancing Stage (DISNEY'S RAVE) and pop'n music (MICKEY TUNES). The game has been crossover to PlayStation as well as Nintendo's N64 console (DDR Disney Dancing Museum). North American and European DDR version is also available for PlayStation version.

Konami continues its spin-off series for home console PlayStation (DDR Disney Channel Edition) in 2008 and Nintendo Wii (DDR Disney Groove) in 2009 for US Market. 

Dance Dance Revolution DISNEY RAVE and pop'n music DISNEY TUNES for PS1

I never saw an actual DISNEY related arcade game, however, a friend of mine was able to play the game.  The Dancing Stage DISNEY'S RAVE was spotted in Quantum SM Super Center in Las Pinas City years ago. Current whereabouts of the arcade machine is uncertain. Hoping that the game was transferred somewhere in the province and not being scrapped out.

Game centers in the Philippines during pandemic (COVID-19)

2020 is the year of struggles, as the world fights against the pandemic. The Philippines is also experiencing an overwhelming unemployment in almost all industries, that includes entertainment and recreation. All amusement and game centers in the Philippines are forced to halt their operations, as the national government mandates all leisure and entertainment industries should be close. As this kind of industry is highly susceptible in virus transmission. 

For more than three months Quantum, Timezone, and World of Fun are still close in major cities in the Philippines except for Baguio, as of writing, the city categorized as MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine). The Quantum branch in Baguio is allowed to open with social distancing in place. I read in social media posts that one branch of Timezone will be permanently close and maybe retrench employees to keep the company afloat during this crisis. I am afraid that other game centers will do the same if lockdowns is not lifted. 

I, myself, miss playing at game centers. I miss hanging out with my friends.  Good thing that I have console and games to play while they are close. I hope they survive this crisis and able to regain profitability right after this pandemic. If the national government lifts it in Metro Manila, I will definitely rush in a nearby game center and play games all day.

Old tech: PlayStation 2's internet connectivity and Hard drive storage

When PlayStation 2 released wayback in 2000, the world went gaga over it. Long lines at stores, supply shortages, and related crimes due to Sony's newest gaming console at the time. One of the features of this console is the capability to connect to the internet. Sony released it as an accessory, they call it PlayStation BB Unit (BB stands for Broadband). 

Sony brand HDD for PlayStation 2 (SCPH-20401)

Initially, the first three Japan only models used an external HDD with PCMCIA port while the later models (30000 to 55000 series) used an expansion bay slot underneath the console. PS2 models from 70000 to 90000 series omits the HDD features but broadband jack is built-in to the console. They using a software that they called the PlayStation Broadband Navigator that installs to the HDD. The console is using an IDE Hard drive which is jurassic and outdated in today's standards.

PS2 models (SCPH-50000 and 39000) 

The PS BB Navigator can be used to play games online, download demo games, browse game channels, check emails, and play audio files. Sony also released a video to promote it in Japan. The first time I saw this feature is when I used to have the PSX multimedia console. I think the PS BB Navigator is the predecessor of what is the PlayStation Store and other online offerings right now. Sadly, Sony killed the BB Navigator in 2016 lasting for more than a decade. 

Progress bar in installing the BB Navigator

Some hackers where able to exploit the software and patching it with English menus and able to use the software offline, as the software is meant for Japanese only consoles. They were also able to circumvent the restriction of using a Sony brand HDD and using any IDE HDD available in the market. Take note that regardless of a modified PS2 console with US/ Europe console, the software will not install, as the software will only boot to a for Japanese PS2 console. By the way, when I searched the net, I found a guide on how to install the software to your PlayStation 2, which is very helpful to retro gamers.

Error prompt while installation

Right now, I am looking for the original disc of the BB Navigator so that I could install the game caches of IIDX 5th style and GITADORA.

Uniqlo's x Gundam: Gundam's 40th year anniversary

Today (8 June 2020), Uniqlo Philippines just released their new UT shirts despite of COVID-19 pandemic. This is in collaboration of Uniqlo and Gundam for it's franchise's 40th year anniversary. This is not the first time that Uniqlo and Gundam had a collaboration, but this is the second time that Bandai released a Uniqlo limited edition Gunpla kits for Free! Also, this is the first time that Uniqlo Philippines is part of free Uniqlo Gunpla kits. Only three stores in the Philippines offers Gundam UT shirts (Uniqlo Manila Flagship Store in Makati, SM Megamall, and SM Mall Of Asia). In Japan, Uniqlo advertised it as part of Spring lineup. Youtube link in Japanese.

Every customer who bought 2 Gundam UT's will get a free Uniqlo limited edition Gunpla kits. The featured kits are Amuro Ray's RX-78-2 Gundam and Char Aznable's MS-06S Zaku II, both are in 1/144 scale. These kits are in Uniqlo's red and white colors. The shirt cost 790.00Php each.

I rushed to the Uniqlo Manila Flagship Store after work. I went straight to the Gundam UT shirts that are located at the second floor. I bought a Gunpla runner and Nu Gundam design shirt. According to the sales crew, there was a long line outside the store and all them are Gundam enthusiasts. 

For Gundam enthusiats, Uniqlo will be giving free kits starting June 8 to 14, 2020. Get your UT's and kits before its gone.

DDR V for PC!

Konami today released the alpha version of the upcoming DDR game for PC, DanceDanceRevolution V for a limited time. This will be the second time that Konami released a DDR game for PC, the first one was in 2000. To be able to play the game, the user must register or logged on to his/her Konami ID at the e-amusement website. This Alpha testing doesn't have gameplay mods in this version but it does have the controller and timing options available. The 25 percent dark filter (I think) is available by default. Difficulties in all songs are available. 

DDR V downloading screen

Directional buttons in your computer can be used. I also tried playing the game using PlayStation 2 controller with USB adapter connected, unfortunately only the directional buttons can be registered for this alpha version. I think using the conventional PlayStation dance pad with USB adapter will do the trick. The jump arrows on this version counts as two combos. Grading seems lax, you can get a grade of AAA for less than 999+ score. For specifications needed in order to boot the game please see link (Kindly use google translate).

There will be a lot changes and bugs during its testing stages. We look forward on the next alpha version.

Song list at Alpha version

My first play

Controller and Timing options are only available

Let's play DDR EXTREME at home!

During this Enhanced Community Quarantine in the Philippines, everybody is in their houses to prevent exposure from infection. Some people does the house chores, working from home, and some are slacking off. To avoid boredom inside the house, I play console games. I livestream my gameplays recently (sorry for video quality and sometime weak connections) during this lockdown period and this time I choose to play DDR [DanceDanceRevolution].

Cover art of DDR EXTREME.

I picked up my most fave DDR game, the DDR EXTREME (CS). The console counterpart of DDR EXTREME was released back in 2003. I bought this game thru a Japanese Ebay seller in 2012. DDR EXTREME was the largest number of songs in one disc (111 songs to be exact) in all DDR console releases. That's forty-six percent of it's Arcade counterpart (240 songs). Part of the campaign of the game, Konami also released a bonus gift Music CD, DanceDanceRevolution EXTREME PREMIUM CD for people who bought the game early. I already featured that special CD in this blog years ago. Another thing that I liked this game is the staff roll, they used an unplugged version of Remember You during the staff rolling and they also feature all the DDR mainline console games.

back cover art

By the way, the game can also unlock previous games starting from DDMAX~MAX2 by means of System Data Support. Data Support for EXTREME is only available if you own a DDR Party Collection game. For more information regarding DDR's Data Support please click here. Prices for the game differs, depending on the condition for a used game. And because the game was released 17 years ago, it is rare to find a sealed one and if there is, it will be expensive. 

Game manual and game disc

How I wish there's still an available DDR EXTREME arcade in the metro, to relive the moments when DDR EXTREME is the current game during DDR's hiatus in making an arcade version. The last time I stumbled a DDR EXTREME arcade is in Centris Mall, Quezon City a decade ago. If there's one, it will be nostalgic to all old DDR players!

The seller includes the unused warranty card