One year after: Philippines' eamusement scene

One year after since the first location test of eamusement network here in the Philippines. Since then, many of the Quantum and Powerstation branches have arcade machines that requires an eamusement service.

A Disney Tsum Tsum in Quantum SM Baguio

Most of the branches have jubeat, MUSECA,Sound Voltex, and some Disney Tsum Tsum machines are in Metro Manila, but jubeat machine have spawn in Baguio down to Bacolod. It seems that Quantum is starting to spread in Visayas and Mindanao regions and adding more and more machines.

Quantum's announcement in their Facebook page

As of the moment, the only beatmaniaIIDX (SINOBUZ) here in the Philippines is located at SM North for 35Php (7 tokens). Rumors say that their will be more than one beatmaniaIIDX here and DDR A would be available soon.

jubeat Qubell in Quantum SM Bacolod

The eamusement network here in the Philippines, which I believe, boost the sales of Quantum that Timezone Philippines didn't realize that years ago, stagnated by Namco-Bandai's Banapassport service.  Although the service uses a profit sharing scheme unlike subscription scheme. Today, Quantum has Namco-Bandai and Konami's network service in their games. Many arcade gamers who loves rhythm games starts to play again and attracts new people to play.

Let's hope that eamusement service will last for years here.


* All photos posted in this page are from Quantum Amusement Corporation's Facebook page

Philippines' first GUNPLA EXPO!

A Gundam RX-78-2 pose

Today I went to SM Mall of Asia to see the very first GUNPLA EXPO in the Philippines. The Expo runs from February 25 to March 5, 2017. Due to hectic schedule from work, got the glimpse of the Expo on its last run.

The Expo consist of Gunpla's that are available in the Philippine market. They also sell limited edition, but all limited edition Gunpla's were sold out. Though empty-handed, I enjoyed the event taking photos of the Gunpla's on display.

Gunpla fans will be delighted if there will be another GUNPLA EXPO for 2018

These are the photos;

GUNPLA EXPO Main entrance

On Display: Gundam Build Fighters Try

On Display: Perfect Grade (PG) Gunplas

Ver. Ka: Nu Gundam and Hi-Nu Gundam

Pinoy Gunpla creations on display

Gunplas for sale

Gunplas on sale

Mega size (1/48) Gunplas

Gundam Mk II in Titans and A.E.U.G. colors

Last year my cousin went to Japan from the United States, she asked me what kind of pasalubong I want from Japan. I told her to buy me a Master Grade Gunpla kit. At first, she is doubtful because the box is bigger, though, she managed to bought me one. November 2016, I received her pasalubong thru her friend, who is having a vacation. When I came home, I started building it, and finished it in 3 days without panel lining. She gave me a MG Gundam Mk II in Titans color.

Box art of MG Gundam Mk-II (Titans)

During the Christmas 2016, after our office released our 13th money pay, I rushed to buy a new Gunpla kit, that is the same kit as my cousin bought me, but different color. I bought an A.E.U.G color of MG Gundam Mk II from my 'Suki' hobby shop.

MG and HG Revive version of Gundam Mk-II (A.E.U.G.)

Interestingly though, a year early, a close colleague and a friend bought me a 'Revive' version of HG Gundam Mk II. If my memory serves me correct, she bought it around 680 JPY.

My cat sleeps over the Gunpla runners

It's funny that I have both version of the Gunpla, which I don't normally have. Right at this moment, they are at our living room, hoping someday that all of them would be in a glass cabinet.

On the other note, March 5, 2017 is the last day of the Philippines' first Gundam EXPO! Hoping I would be able to come.


UPDATE: Added pictures

Metal Gear Solid HD Edition for PS Vita.

Last Sunday, I met a seller who sells a Metal Gear Solid HD Edition for PS Vita somewhere in Greenhills. Fortunately, my extended family was having a lunch right now and never thought that I will meet him up on that place either. I took the chance to buy the game for only 500.00Php (originally 800.00Php).

Metal Gear Solid HD Edition  for PS Vita

The game is in Japanese, so I don't bother. And Japanese games are very rare and scarce unless you have to buy in second hand video game shops. I started to play the game, selected to play the Snake Eater. It took me 4 nights to finish in 'Very Easy' difficulty and earned at least 16 bronzes and a gold trophies.

My Game stats after finishing the game for Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

The Graphics is somewhat improved and adds touchscreen functionality to adapt the console's features. Never had the chance to use the Transfarring because I don't have the HD edition for PlayStation 3, maybe in the future.

Right now, I am currently playing the Sons of Liberty game and the MSX versions of Metal Gear.

pop'n music アニメーションメロデ

A few weeks ago, I posted a looking for item in a retro video game group. A hours after, someone responded and he have that game. I was looking for a pop'n music ANIMELODY
for PlayStation 1. This game is one of the list that I gave to my friend when he went to Japan last November 2016, but no avail. The seller was selling it for 400.00Php but slash down to 300.00Php. I met him up somewhere in Northern Manila.

pop'n music ANIMELODY for PlayStation

The condition of the disc has many scratches, maybe due to long gameplay. Manuals is fine and spine card with torn parts. Regardless of the condition, still a good find. Because of its rarity and expensive price.

The Christmas Toy and Collectibles Fair 2016!

Today I went to the annual Christmas Toy and Collection fair 2016. The fair is held at SM Megamall Trade Hall 2. I came early so that I won't mobbed by people, as today is the last day of the fair. The entrance fee is still at 100.00Php. Unlike the ToyCon last June which cost 500.00Php/ ticket. Although, the event is held at the bigger SMX Convention in Pasay City.

As I enter the Hall, I never thought that I will stumbled a Pastel kun head pillow from REFLEC BEAT! In my surprise, I didn't think twice and bought it right away for only 250.00Php!  I was happy that I found a BEMANI stuff on the event, a few booths away, I found a SigSig plush toy for only 50.00Php! It added excitement and no questions asked and bought it. I continued looking, there was a small booth which sells stuff and plush toys, as I looked to the items, another BEMANI stuff was found, a DJ YOSHITAKA! A few hours after, the seller who sells the Pastel-kun pillow posted their items for sale in their Facebook page and saw Erika, a character from beatmaniaIIDX. I tried texting them, but as of the moment, no replies from them.

This is the first time since 2008 that I have a wonderful experience in a Toy Convention, because everytime I participated that event, I am always empty-handed. I guess today is my lucky day. Bought some stuff I really like.

Asking my friend to buy me stuff in Japan (Part 2)

Last 2015, I asked my friend to buy me stuff in Japan. So this year, he visited Japan again and asked him the same. He went to Japan last November 2016, his stay is in Tokyo. Days before his departure, I gave him 13,000.00 Yen budget.

As he landed in Japan, we are in fluent communication on what are the BEMANI stuff he can see. According to him, there is a scarcity of BEMANI games in Tokyo especially in Akihabara, if available, the prices are expensive unlike outside Tokyo that are cheaper. During his 2 week stay, he managed to buy, a copy of beatmaniaIIDX14 GOLD for PS2, Otomedius Excellent for Xbox 360, and Time Hollow for Nintendo DS. He also bought a Hihumi and Celica Figure and lots of lots of Pocky of course! Most of his purchases he got it from BookOff or HardOff, a well known second hand shop Japan. Aside from scarcity of BEMANI games, special designs eAMUSEMENT cards are scarce as well. The only available is the generic silver and white-red colored card.

The stuff he bought are early Christmas gift to myself which I am very delighted to. My friend told me that he will visit Japan again on Spring 2017, I guess I should start saving on his next trip. It is funny that I never been to Japan, but my money does.

Postscript: Here are the pictures of the prices;

The missing piece: beatmaniaIIDX16 EMPRESS + PREMIUM BEST

Last week, I bought a beatmaniaIIDX16 EMPRESS + PREMIUM BEST for PlayStation 2, the last BEMANI game for the console. According to my friend, retro game shops in Japan sells this game for around 12,000 to 17,000 yen (¥) depending to the store. A two disc game with 198 songs overall ranging from the 1st beatmaniaIIDX to EMPRESS.

I bought this game to a seller here in the Philippines, he sold his copy for 3,500Php. The first owner was reluctant to sell, but eventually gave in and meet him up somewhere south of Manila. The game disc is in good condition, although game art has signs of old age.

The game completes my beatmaniaIIDX collection.

Hidden BEMANI Gems in Paranaque and Pasay

Last Saturday I went to the CMEC or Central Mailing Exchange Center of EMS to try my luck they would release my parcel. Unfortunately, no one and an officer told me to come back on Monday because my parcel needs to be checked by a Customs Officer (I only bought a IIDX 9th style game).

On my way home, I hailed a jeepney going to Baclaran Church. As the jeepney reached our destination, I saw a small Japanese surplus store. The store has a few items mostly household and used clothing items. I asked the saleslady if they have video games in store, while she was looking for those games, I stumbled a mountain of stuff toys, browsing until I found a similar character, It's Pastel-kun from REFLEC BEAT! These Pastel-kuns can be found as a price from UFO Catchers in Japan. The Pastel-kuns I found are the plush keychains not one but five of them! I bought them all for 250.00php, originally 75.00php a piece but the lady slash off 25.00php.

After that excitement, I went to a nearby Jollibee to grab lunch. After that fast lunch, I continue to walk towards the train station. On the nearby train station, I found another Japanese Surplus store. The shop has video games, so that I started browsing if there are games that interest me. There are two games, the PlayStation version of pop'n music 2 and pop'n music 4. The price was originally 200.00php but they gave me a 50% discount.

My day went well after all, regardless of the stress of going to CMEC. The thing is I went home not empty-handed.

Nokia's first 3G; Nokia 6650

In the late months of 2002, Nokia, released their first ever 3G enabled phone; the Nokia 6650. The phone is a GSM dual band with WCDMA (3G) capabilities, compatible in the Europe and Asia, specifically in Japan, where 3G network is implemented.

Nokia 6650 in the flesh

When I was in college, I was able to have this kind of phone in a short time, although 3G is not yet supported in the Philippines. During that time, Nokia 6650 is not available in the Philippine market, but in luck, I found my first in second hand shops such as Greenhills in San Juan City. However, local telecoms such as Globe, have this as an exclusive service unit to those travelers going to Japan. This unit also available in Japan as well during its reign.

The battery still has the telecom's warranty sticker

Years after, I am eagerly searching for this phone again. Until one seller, posted the unit thru online shop and without doubt bought the phone for 2,000.00 pesos. When I saw the phone again, feeling of nostalgia suddenly emerged. I took pictures, made phone calls, play JAVA games, and send messages in a 9 keypad. I was surprise when the pictures I took when transferred to a smartphone gives a pretty good resolution in a very small kilobyte size in a VGA camera.

Although, old fashioned it still useful to me compare to the super smartphones of today. Right now, I am using the phone as a back up unit or rather a work phone so that they won't call me up often in my personal number. The phone's battery won't anyone last a day, but hey, a local shop still has the battery for sale.

The Pokemon Go Craze in the Philippines

Last August 7, 2016, Niantic, creator of Pokémon Go, opened its servers for the Philippines. Avid Pokémon lovers got its long waited hype. Most of them (including me) went to various locations that has Poke stops. I even bring my IPad and hotspot phone to work (I took the advantage of going elsewhere because of my work).

Venue: Bonifacio High Street

But today is different, My colleague and I went to Bonifacio High Street to catch some Pokémon although a sudden trip. Ayala Malls organized a Nationwide event for Pokémon Go from August 12 to 14. Other malls such as SM and Robinsons have this kind of event as well. When I got to the venue, the place is full of people playing the game, standing near the luring Pokestop. When my colleague met up, we walked around and catch them. It's surprising that many Filipinos are playing regardless of the age.

During our quest, I caught a Meowth, Scyther, Voltorb, Tangela, and Sandshrew. Evolved Kakuna into a Beedrill and hatched an Abra Egg. And of course increased Combat Power (CP) of my current creatures.

People playing Pokémon Go.

When I started to feel the hunger we tried to look for a place to eat, however, almost all restaurants around is almost full, luckily we found one. Good thing is that the there is a so close Pokestop in the restaurant, playing while eating that is.

This is the place my colleague and I had a bite.

A Pokestop signage.

Pokémon Go hype is overwhelming, it caused a worldwide craze. Niantic, might add beyond the original 151, because as of the press time, there are around over 700 creatures. It remembers me when I was in 5th grade, I was dying to have a GameBoy Color to play Pokémon and collect playing cards and compete with my friends.

pop'n FEVER and 8th style!

Last week, I received my purchase that I bought from Ebay. They are the CS versions' of pop'n music 14 FEVER and beatmaniaIIDX 8th style. I bought another IIDX 8th style because the first copy I have has many scratches and it causes lags and hangs during gameplay. I consider this a birthday present to myself as my natal day nears.

pop'n music 14 FEVER and beatmaniaIIDX 8th style for PlayStation 2

On the side note, I have completed the core pop'n music console versions that are direct port from the arcade, that also includes the pop'n portable 1 and 2. Although, I still need the pop'n music Wii, Utacchi for Nintendo DS, and the pop'n ANIMELODY for PlayStation to complete the entire collection.

I was thinking that if I already completed all the games for BEMANI, I guess the next to collect is the game soundtracks, artist albums, and merchandises.

A short visit to Shangri-la Mall and its Disney Tsum Tsum

Last Sunday is Labor Day, May 1, holiday on a weekend. I visited another Quantum Power Station nearby, situated in Shangri-la Mall in Mandaluyong City, where I could play arcade games. When I got there, there are only four people are playing. There is a jubeat Qubell and Dance Evolution ARCADE and its newest addition to their that is uses e-AMUSEMENT PASS, the Disney Tsum Tsum.

Disney Tsum Tsum is created by KONAMI where you have to link 3 or more Disney characters within 60 seconds. Per credit is 45.00Php for 2 tries and 7 credits for premium play with a NFC figurine that you can use during gameplay. Never tried the premium play because it's more expensive for normal game unlike the other BEMANI games. Disney Tsum Tsum is also available for iOS created by LINE Corporation. DISNEY TSUM TSUM is also available in other neighboring countries such as; Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand.

jubeat Qubell and Dance Evolution ARCADE

It seems that Quantum is taking advantage of the e-AMUSEMENT NETWORK by adding more games to its game centers. Although a bit pricey, local gamers doesn't bother as they enjoy the privilege of the online game.