Finally! e-amusement service is back!

As of yesterday, Konami's e-amusement service is now available in Quantum's Q Power Station in Rockwell Power Plant Mall and Club Synergy in SM Megamall. This is one of the first game centers in the capital where connection has been established since the start of the quarantine last year. 

Finally!

All e-amusement dependent games are outdated, it needs to be updated. As of this writing, although outdated, Power Station's beatmaniaIIDX, GITADORA, SOUND VOLTEX, and DDR are now playable. IIn the coming days, jubeat and DANCE RUSH will be available soon. 

Because today is a Saturday, there is an influx of mall goers going to the game center for entertainment, both adult and children, and of course, minimum health standard is strictly observed! 

jubeat needs to be updated

Good to see that the entertainment industry is finally attracting customers again!  Hoping that all Quantum stores will also restore e-amusement, Banapassport, and Aime connections. Let's hope that our country can maintain low cases, so that this kind of industry will keep running even though we are still in pandemic.

Claiming your Subject to Customs parcels at CMEC!

 Last week, I received a text message from PhilPost that my parcel that I bought from Japan was hold from Bureau of Customs in Port of NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport). I am in rage that my parcel I chose the EMS delivery to eliminate the hassle of going to Makati Post Office and expedite delivery. Out of my rage, I have no option but to go there. 

CMEC at Port of NAIA in Pasay City

This is my third time to go CMEC or the Central Mailing Exchange Center, located in Domestic Road in Pasay City. I know how to go there by city bus, but unfortunately, due to the pandemic, public transport in the nearby area will be an added burden. So I decided to go there as early as possible to avoid lines and crowds. Because of the heavy rain in early mornings, I took a taxi from my house to CMEC. 

Waiting

Before heading to CMEC, make sure to print out a copy of your invoices to prove the purchase and valid identification. When I got there forty minutes before it opens, a lady from PhilPost assisted me in facilitating the release. I gave all the infos she needs, gave me a card, and asked me to wait until Customs counter opens at 8am. BOC opens past 8am by the way. BOC officers opens the parcel and finds the video games I bought and immediately instructed me to pay the representative fee of 112.00PhP! I asked the officer who opened it why did they subject my parcel for examination, and said that electronic items are subjected for inspection (the pop'n music controller)! Good thing I always consider the de mini mis limit of 10,000.00PhP or equivalent foreign currency value.

While waiting for the BOC to open

Because the hassle it caused, I took a day of leave in my office and taxi took away my 200.00Php! It seems that it would be better to choose the DHL (for me) because aside from less than 10 dollars difference, their office is very near from work. Kudos to the PhilPost lady who facilitated me earlier than expected.  By the way, photo and videography inside the premises is not allowed, so i discreetly took photos on what they are giving. 

Released!

On my way home, I have to walk half a kilometer crossing the Domestic terminal until I reached Airport Road. From there, I took a jeepney going to MRT Taft. Luckily, the EDSA Carousel bus I rode is giving free rides to the public. Well, the good things in life are FREE!

When DDR went to consoles for four years: filling the gap in the arcades

After the release of DDR EXTREME back in Christmas of 2002, there were no DDR arcade releases back then. There were no press releases on why they halted the series. In 2006, Konami shocked the gaming community when they announced that DDR will have a comeback, ending the absence in the arcades.

DDR Party Collection ~ STR!KE! for PS2

It took them four years for the ninth installment. Many gamers would have thought that DDR EXTREME is the last arcade game and DDR will be more of a video game console. Because one of the pop-outs found on top the screen, "WE ARE STARTING OVER!" assumes the end of the series. In the same year, the original beatmania and beatmaniaIII made its last hurrah of the series. 

A "WE ARE STARTING OVER" pop-out on top the screen.
screenshot: Konami website

During hiatus, Konami continues to release console versions of the franchise in different regions. In Japan, for example, they have released DDR Party Collection (2003), FESTIVAL (2004), and STR!KE (2005) for the PlayStation 2. The difference between Japanese and North America and Europe releases is that American and Europe released console DDR in different consoles at the time, whereas Japan focused mostly on PS2. During DDR's absence, RoXor Games, an American game developer, released In The Groove (ITG) for the arcades and later for PS2. ITG was the answer for gamers who are longing to play the freshest songs and step charts at the time. In The Groove uses DDR's gameplay and cabinet, but resulted in a lawsuit by Konami. The lawsuit resulted in favor of Konami and acquiring intellectual property of the game.

BeForU members; Riyu and Noria at the back cover art of DDR FESTIVAL

The last DDR console game produced was released in 2011 as DDR II (North America) /DDR hottest party5 (Europe) for Nintendo Wii . Right now, Konami is in the works for the DanceDanceRevolution game for PC, similar to other BEMANI games such as IIDX, pop'n, and SOUND VOLTEX.

 

Timeless fighting game: Rival School!

 If you are going to ask, what is my favorite fighting game, my only answer is Rival School or Justice Gakuen/ 私立ジャスティス学園. When my first time to play the game around 1999 using a pirated disc. Since then, I never stop playing the game. Rival School is a fighting game that the characters are students from different schools. Originally, an arcade game with three iteration, due to its success, the first two was ported to the PlayStaton 1 and 3rd for Sega Dreamcast. Some of its characters were later ported to Capcom fighting game, StreetFighter.

The first Rival School game for the PlayStation (circa 2012)

I was able to try the PlayStation port of the first two games. My siblings and cousins play the game all day long. Never tried the Dreamcast version, but I was able to play it at the arcades wayback in 2002. I used to have the physical discs, but later sold in a bazaar 6 years ago. Fret not, as I bought a digital version of the game through PSN Store. 

Digital version of Rival School 2 

A few months ago, Sony announced that they will pull the plug the PSN for PS3, PS Vita, and PSP. However, due to public outcry, Sony reversed its decision except for PSP. Good thing that Sony realized that digital games are important in gaming community.

Konamistyle editions

 When PlayStation 2 console was launched back in 2000, Game developers started to develop new marketing strategies in gaining profit of their published games, aside from selling only the game itself. One of the marketing strategies is adding special merchandise bundled to the game. Special editions is still in practice in the console gaming industry up to this day. Well, Konami also have their fair share of these special edition. 

One of the Konamistyle edition I have

Konami's special editions are called Konamistyle, because most of the bundled products are usually sold online with the same name. The Konamistyle website sold different kinds of editions such as Metal Gear Solid, Zone Of The Enders, BEMANI line of the games and Arcade-Style Controllers (ASC). 

beatmaniaIIDX10th style Konamistyle edition (incomplete)

In BEMANI's Konamistyle editions, the stapled bundled in the game are V-RARE Soundtracks and/or exclusive mini-albums, Visual Emotions (for beatmaniaIIDX), and game posters. Normally, special editions are house in a special box with all goodies but bundles differ from game to game. From other Konami games such as Metal Gear, they bundled the game with a console on top of the goodies included.

Some beatmaniaIIDX Konamistyle edition in special canisters

As Konami is moving away from console (I think?) and the physical store in Midtown Roppongi was closed years ago. Right now, these old special edition from Konami is rare and expensive depending on the condition and completeness. Even in second market stores in Japan, special editions are placed in glass cabinet which defines as expensive and rare. 

DDR Hand Controller for PlayStation

A few months, I received the Dance Dance Revolution Hand Controller without a box that I ordered online. This controller was released around 2000 in Japan. 

DanceDanceRevolution Hand Controller for PlayStation 1 / 2

The controller design is like an arcade dance pad with SOLO buttons. The controller can be used as an alternative DualShock controller without the L and R buttons on the side. The controller is lightweight, because it doesn't have vibration. When I tried the controller for the first time, I felt an awkward feel, maybe because of the design but after a few songs, my palm and hand started to feel pain.

A few days after I bought the controller, posted it online. I realized that the design of the hand controller doesn't fit to my hand. Maybe if I will buy again, I would rather put it in display. Right now, it's a hard to find. I searched Ebay some listings and found seller that sells it for $85.00 without the box. 

How BEMANI gamers in the Philippines cope up with the pandemic

Almost a year since the Community Quarantine took place in the Philippines due to COVID-19 virus. Entertainment and Recreation establishments are still closed in most places especially in Metro Manila. How arcade goers cope up with pandemic? They bring the game at home, as simple as that! The first BEMANI game that ported to household consumers was first beatmania game in 1997. Since then, it evolved and ported to different consoles, created PC Simulators until KONAMI released an official PC and cloud game service, and mobile app game for Android and iOS. 

I have some friends who play their favorite arcade games thru simulator or console, so I asked my friends to share their game setup or current gameplay at home.

First, a friend from McYongers ordered a customized DDR setup at home thru local DDR pad maker (NUSHATV). He regularly shares his DDR gameplay in his Instagram and Facebook account. Aside from DDR, he has a Yamaha DTXplorer drum kit for drummania simulator. 

credit: McYongers

Also my friend from A Tokyo in Manila shares his way in coping up with the pandemic by playing his beatmania DJ STATION PRO in his PlayStation 2 console. He also have a pop'n music Arcade Style Controller which he loves to play! 

credit: A Tokyo in Manila

My friend with the initials GCOG took a photo of his beatmaniaIIDX controller (from DJDAO) during his downtime at home. He is currently working from home, so after struggle, he can instantly replace his WFH PC keyboard into a IIDX controller! By the way, he recently bought a DDR pad to his arsenal.

credit: GCOG

As for myself, I have different kinds of BEMANI controllers at home, I livestream my gameplay in Facebook page, but recently, I am digging in to pop'n music from PS2. The current pop'n music arcade cabinet (Fantasia?) we have is somewhere in Mindanao(I think?). 

pop'n music 11 with pop'n music ASC

The advantage of playing games at the comforts of your home is, you are safe while you enjoy the game, kills boredom, and cheap of course! 

Currently, only a handful of Game Centers are open nationwide, mostly from areas with lighter restrictions and some from Metro Manila with a green light from the City Government. As vaccination roll out is taking place around the world, I really hope that this pandemic ends soon. As everyone is really wanting to return to pre-pandemic lifestyle, with no mask and shields to wear, no curfews to consider, and go places without limitations.  

Checking out the MOS Burger restaurant!

 Yesterday, I went to SM Megamall to buy a pants at Uniqlo. It was past 3PM when I stumbled a MOS Burger branch. I have tried their burgers before but this is my first time to visit their restaurant. Where they cater burgers in a healthy way. By the way, MOS means Mountain, Ocean, and Sun. They started operation last year before Community Quarantine took in effect.

Welcome to MOS Burger!

I ordered the Family pack of MOS Cheeseburger, usually my mother orders the Yakiniku Burger Family Pack. While I am waiting for my take home order, I noticed that their are a few customers in line and dining in, it seems that Filipinos are really into Jollibee. Pricing might also be the reason, as one burger starts at 200PhP. Or Filipinos might think that MOS burger is fancy restaurant. This is like the Jollibee of Japan trying to snag a market share in the Philippines. 

MOS Burger's menu in display

The ambiance of MOS Burger here in the Philippines is different from ones in Japan, the restaurant here is like a cafe shop that you can chill and chat with your family or friends and well-lighted, while in Japan is usual come-and-go setting. No wonder that most restaurants in fast food in Japan are small and sometimes cramped spaces. 

Dining area

MOS Burger merchandise

Right now, MOS Burger has 2 restaurants open, Robinsons Galleria and Megamall, soon in Glorietta. I think in order gain more customers here they should advertise their products and review price (I think?). For me, the pricing is fair to me because goodness doesn't come cheap.  Because competing where flying bee's home base, will be difficult.

MUJI's Largest store in the Philippines!

 Last March 5, 2021, MUJI Philippines opens its largest store in the country. Located at the East Wing of Shangri-la Mall in Mandaluyong City. The Shangri-la branch had to close down last year as they prepare for the expansion.

MUJI adverts inside EDSA Shangri-la Mall

The opening of the expanded MUJI store is heavily advertised in various social media. Giving away freebies of its opening day to the public (A VIP selling was held a day early). Rushing to the store after work. As I came near to the store, the store was truly expanded, expands almost half of the 4th floor of the East wing and the more spacious unlike before that aisles are very narrow. Placement and display are now similar to the MUJI Ginza store. Customers with 2,500PhP on their bill will receive MUJI tote bag with goodies inside. Also for a limited slots (March 5), for every purchase of any products will give you a complementary 200PhP Gift certificate valid for one year. 

Facade of the store

The largest MUJI not only caters their staple products, they finally added some services that MUJI Japan is currently offers such as MUJI Labo, Open MUJI, and MUJI free water refill station (free, if you bought a MUJI Water bottle). They also added MUJI Advisors where they have an Interior Designer ready to assist.

With all the added services, hoping that they will start offering food products and to add more electronic products. As for electronic products, are limited to digital clocks, light sensors, and USB fans. Another thing, I know that they are regularly reviewing their pricing, let's hope that more products will be almost the same pricing as in Japan. And Lastly, more branches will open, I know the pandemic, stops most establishments to expand, but at least they would open outside of Manila. 

Shopping galore!!

Water refilling station

Glorietta's Japan Town

 This Chinese New Year, my mother and I went to Glorietta, a mall in Makati City to eat ramen for early dinner. We suggest to try the ramen shops in Glorietta's Japan Town, on top of the mall. My mother have no idea that there was such place in Glorietta. 

Marker going to Glorietta's Japan Town

Japan Town is located on the roof of the mall. You can access the area through Glorietta 4's cinemas or through the Holiday Inn side of the mall. In Japan town, there are a few restaurants like Coco Ichibanya, Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo, Ramen Nagi, and Hakata Ton Ichi. On the center of the area, there was a small picture attracting spot that resembles Japan. Many mall-goers are taking pictures of the area.

Japan Town's fascade

After we browse through the restaurants, we finally settled at Hakata Ton Ichi, a ramen shop. I ordered a Hakata Ramen with Chicken Teriyaki Donburi. We really like to wait for the sundown so that we could see how it looks like during night time, however, during pandemic, mall close early and we don't have the time to do other errands. 

One of Hakata Ton Ichi's Ramen Set

When we left the Japan Town, people are starting gather. I think because dinner time is the horizon. Also, I found a teaser that MOS Burger will have its branch in Glorietta as well. 

MOS Burger will soon to open in Glorietta

Japan Town is good place if you want to experience Japanese cuisine within the Philippines or you miss the Japanese atmosphere. It will be better if MOS Burger would be relocated in Japan Town and adding more attractions in the area. 

Official PlayStation accessories can be used in PS1/2 BEMANI games!

During the PlayStation 2 era, there are a lot of peripherals were made. Most games at that era were bundled with a dedicated controller because a standard PS2 controller will not fit for gameplay experience. However, there are some official PlayStation accessories can be used in BEMANI line of games. 

1. PlayStation 2 HDD and BroadBand (BB) navigator software

PS2 HDD logo at the cover art

Only two games supported this feature, GITADORA! GuitarFreaks 4thMIX & drummania 3rdMIX and beatmaniaIIDX 5th style. It installs game file into the HDD for fast loading. Accessing this feature will also unlock the special modes of both games. I wonder if it's possible to install the broadband navigator into the PS3 and unlock the special modes.

2. PlayStation 2 EyeToy Camera

EyeToy logo

The EyeToy camera was first introduced to BEMANI for FESTIVAL: DanceDanceRevolution in 2004 and became a mainstay feature until DDR X. The selling feature is to play DDR's mini games and of course as a camera while playing DDR.

EyeToy camera supported

3. PlayStation remote control

The only feature of the remote you can use is the direction buttons for DDR games. Because its a remote, you can play wirelessly.

4. PocketStation

Sony PocketStation

PocketStation was released in 1999 for the original PlayStation. DDR and pop'n music used this feature in PlayStation 1 version. Too bad that Sony never made a PS2 compatible PocketStation alike. I posted a blog about the PocketStation feature years ago.

5. PlayStation 2 USB Keyboard

Used in beatmania dadadadadada! for the PlayStation 2. A typing game with beatmania songs. The game is also bundled with a Konami brand USB keyboard but PS2 official keyboard is also supported. A PC game was released at the same time of the PS2 version.