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

'GOLIALIZZE GOLI MATSUMOTO ARCHIVES' GOLI's BEMANI Artworks

While cleaning my containers, I unearthed a book that wasn't opened for years. Back in 2005, Goli Matsumoto an illustrator and designer for KONAMI released GOLIALIZZE GOLI MATSUMOTO ARCHIVES. An artbook for his artworks for beatmaniaIIDX. The artbook consist of most his artworks starting from beatmaniaIIDX Substream to IIDX HAPPY SKY. The art book also includes an DVD that contains a ALFARSHEAR music video and mini posters from Substream to HAPPY SKY. Up to this day, GOLI is still working for the company.

Front cover

The one I have doesn't have the mini posters nor the DVD, but I think the book is itself would suffice. As of writing, online sellers from Ebay sells it from $29.00 up to $180.00 depending on the completeness and condition of the item. I couldn't say that the book is a rare item yet, but I think as time goes by, the value would rise up and fewer sellers will sell the item. If you are in Japan, try looking for it in nearby BookOffs / HardOffs or Mandarake stores you might score one.

Book staff roll

Here are a few of his artworks inside GOLIALIZZE;

Online transaction is the new normal in managing your of daily needs amidst pandemic

Amidst the Corona virus pandemic, countries around the world are in lockdown, and the Philippines is one them. Many businesses are closed at this time, except for essential establishments such as supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and banks. Although restaurants and banks are open, restaurants are open for take-out or delivery and banks are in limited workforces with shortened work hours.

Right now, banking institutions are encouraging their clients to download their mobile application to transact with their finances. I have been using my banks mobile banking services for years, but during this pandemic that I was able to maximize the features of my bank's online services. I was able to transfer my salary into my personal account and pay bills. For international payment transactions I always use PayPal, nothing else.

Aside from mobile applications in my financial accounts, I was able to order food online using the app ordering services. Most of the contact centers of the largest fastfood chains in the Philippines are closed or in limited workforce (this cause long queue on phone), this is an alternative way in getting your food to your doorstep.

Online transactions is a convenient way in getting your daily needs at the tips of your fingertips during this pandemic crisis and to prevent from being infected. Always bear in mind to be vigilant in using this services. Avoid responding to emails that asking for information from you. Hackers are taking advantage of the situation to steal money and information digitally.

Collector's perspective: Taking care of your collection

Overtime, we collect more and more video games, controllers, and consoles, thus, they pile up in our cabinets and containers. Taking care of them properly is one our responsibility to ensure preservation.

Cleaning BEMANI controllers during summer

Here are my basic helpful tips on how I take care of my collections;

1. Store your collection in a dry, and dust free place. Moisture absorbing desiccants can be used.

2. Avoid contact your collection with wet hands or any kind of liquid. In case of unexpected contact, immediately wipe and inspect for liquid intrusion. Liquids cause corrosion especially in consoles and may cause short-circuit. For games, it may cause box art discoloration and water stains in discs.

3. Avoid direct contact with sunlight. Prolonged exposure may cause console and box art yellowish discoloration especially in white console and controllers. Also, storing your game discs in dark places prevents data rotting.

4. After gameplay, always clean your controllers with damped cloth. Alcohol with cloth can be used to sanitize and remove grease. Keep it mind to apply in minimal amounts.

5. Avoid reaching it by children.

6. When cleaning discs, use microfiber cloth (used in cleaning eyeglasses). Make sure to wipe it vertically, not in circular direction. Check if there are signs of scratches especially in the reading side of the disc.

7. Wrap your large controllers in large plastics or bubble wraps if your controller doesn't have a box.

8. Avoid hitting your game cartridges. When we are young, when a console can't read game carts (i.e. Family Computer) we usually blow the connector thru our mouth or hitting the cart with great force. Frequent trauma to the cartridge can cause severe damage and malfunction. Cleaning the cartridge connector with microfiber will suffice.

Passport Etiquette: The Do's and Don't's of your passport

Nowadays, travel is one of the bucket list of many people either domestic and international. Wanting to see, explore, and experience the best of their destination from scenic places to local cuisines. Some Filipinos wanted to travel internationally and having a passport is a vital prior to your dream destination. Whether you are frequent or occasional traveller we must always take care of our passport as it may ruined your trip.

Using a Muji EVA Clear Case for my Passport

Here are some of my do's and don't's in taking care of your passports;

DO's ✅✅✅:

1. Always keep your passport in a secure and dry place. Storing it with a liquid may cause unexpected leaks, cause distortion of your passport details. especially in biographical page. If cannot be avoided, secure your passport with a ziplock. I keep my passport secure by using a Muji's EVA Clear Case. Using a passport cover is fine, but make sure it can easily be removed. There will be instances that the border control officer may check the integrity of the presented passport. Avoid touching / holding your passports with wet / greasy hands as well.

2. Always check your passport if has an ample validity in your travel. As stipulated in the DFA website, each traveler must have more than six (6) months validity from the date of your departure (make it 1 year just to be sure). Less than that will not allow you to go out of the country. I think passport extension is no longer given to all holders unless DFA sees your reason is exceptionally valid. DFA allows holders to renew your passport a year ahead of your expiration to prevent travel inconvenience. Passports recently issued by DFA were given ten (10) years validity except for minors.

3. After your travel, make sure to remove tax refunds / travel information attached to your passports as it may turn your passport bulky and susceptible for page creases and worst, being torn.

4. While traveling abroad, always put your passport in your bag, not in your pockets. I would recommend using a small sling bag for your cash and passport. Don't forget to make photocopies of your passport and visas with you. In case of lost, make a police report and immediately report to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General to facilitate an emergency passport.

5. When your travel requires a visa and the visa is in your old passport, I think it's better to carry only the old passport with a valid visa of your destination. Because many travelers are bringing their old passports since when they are young. For me, It's too bulky to carry more than 5 passport every time you go out of the country. Philippine Immigration Officer already knew you are a frequent traveler once you presented your passport.

DON'T'S ❎❎❎:

1. Do not write any thing in your passport except in pages 3 (holder's signature) and 44 (Emergency details). Only Immigration officers are allowed to stamp and write into your passports. In some cases, merchants in your destination might put receipts in your passport for Tax-free purposes. Have you heard a news that a child deliberately turned his father's passport into a sketchbook and stuck in South Korea? If you haven't, click here.

2. Do not use stapler wires in combining your new and old passports. Newer passports has chip embedded to our passports (DFA will never disclose the location of chip within the passport). Once we accidentally hit the chip, border officer will be unable to read it and we might be suspected of falsified document regardless you are holding an authentic one. Use thin and elastic rubber band instead. Some people use "sanrio" rubber bands. They are thin, but not elastic.

3. Do not attempt to travel when your passport has major signs of mutilation. Immigration officers will not allow you to leave the country. You have to replace your passport first.

4. Avoid posting pictures of your passport details and visas in internet. Fraudulent acts is rampant in cyberspace and social media is one of them. They will use your details to hack bank accounts or use your details for identity fraud.

TAKE NOTE ⛔⛔⛔:

After your trip, make sure to properly dispose your print out tickets and boarding passes. Details on these documents can use to hack on your itinerary details and credit card (if purchased online) and avoid posting it on social media as well.