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!

Cosplay Mania 2017!

This Saturday is 2017 edition of Cosplay Mania held at SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Got the chance to see the event due to 4 day vacation from work. Went to the Convention Center past 12pm. The lines are hefty from ticket line up to the entrance door. The price of the ticket varies from 399.00Php for Silver ticket, 799.00 for Gold, and 1,999.00Php for VIP guest.

A CosplayMania 2017 tarpaulin inside SMX

Long lines outside

As I entered the event, I went straight to the Quantum's area to see the latest BEMANI additions, the DanceDanceRevolution A and GITADORA Matixx (DrumMania). Present in the event is the cabinet of beatmaniaIIDX24 SINOBUZ, jubeat clan, and Sound Voltex IV Heavenly Haven. The event also held a tournament for Sound Voltex, which is the grand prize is an artist signed Sound Voltex IV poster and a special edition e-amusement card signed by an artist.

DanceDanceRevolution A

beatmaniaIIDX24 SINOBUZ

GITADORA Matixx (DrumMania cabinet)

jubeat clan

Sound Voltex IV Heavenly Haven

Got the chance to play DDR A, but the player can only play once. After that, you can sign up again to play. Although its FREE PLAY! Wasn't able to play GITADORA, the good thing is there is one here in the Philippines.

While waiting for my turn to play, I had the chance to look around. There are a few anime merchandise exhibitors.

Because of this latest additions, the BEMANI community is in rage to play BEMANI games, old and new.  In my opinion, with the presence of Sound Voltex for over a year, it garnered a lot of new players and attracting more players to try other BEMANI games. I think Quantum really did a good job in participating the event and it adds exposure to the games they have. I hope more BEMANI games will add here in the Philippines.

To the organizers, to prevent long queues, add more booth to accommodate guest because the lines are hefty and chaotic. People have to wait for over an hour just to get inside the event.

Also, a K O N A M I  are displayed in front of the Quantum area.

The First Location Test in The Philippines: SOUND VOLTEX -GRAVITY WARS III- and MUSECA!

Last sunday, I went to the very first location of BEMANI game in The Philippines, the SOUND VOLTEX -GRAVITY WARS III- and MUSECA.

Quantum SM North EDSA

The location test held at Quantum SM Norh EDSA in Quezon City. I was able to play SOUND VOLTEX but not the MUSECA due to long queue. Both machines are connected at the e-AMUSEMENT network, meaning e-AMUSEMENT PASS card holders can utilize it. For those who don't, e-AMUSEMENT PASS cards are available at the cashier counter for 200.00php a piece. The location test is until April, rumors have it that beatmaniaIIDX23 copula will have its location test here ,but no confirmation as of the press time.

SOUND VOLTEX -GRAVITY WARS III- and MUSECA

Good thing that KONAMI gave the Philippine arcade a second look if they can setup its network here. Hoping that our local operators and KONAMI would agree on the Operator - KONAMI profit sharing as I believe, one of the big hindrances in putting up the said network, and of course the latest games that KONAMI can offer.

The Unofficial instruction manual for SOUND VOLTEX

MUSECA Arcade game

SOUND VOLTEX cards