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.

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.