Hello There!

I’m Jay, and I’ve been online since 2006. I write for VTuberNewsDrop.com, and have written for several websites in the past. Welcome to my space, where you can find the stuff I’ve shared over the years.
Photo by Chad Ramos

KING OF PERFORMAI the 7th

I’ve had fun watching KING OF PERFORMAI the 7th tournament, especially with maimai DX and CHUNITHM. Yours truly hosted the MAXBEAT Philippines Watch Party at MX Gaming Grounds at the heart of Manila’s University Belt Sunday, March 1. I was joined by fellow rhythm game players and Team MX colleagues Kurohime and Tenshi, and I had fun asking them about their experiences playing maimai and CHUNITHM respectively, their reactions to songs the players will compete against, and the new song charts that they will sightread. ...

March 1, 2026 · 2 min
maimai DX cabinets at Q power Station Podium are now upgraded to the latest version, CiRCLE. Its price per game has also increased to Php60 from the previous P45.

First weeks of maimai DX CiRCLE in the Philippines

I drafted this piece this after I played maimai DX PRISM+ for the last time… only to finish this after CiRCLE hits our arcades. Anything marked 🆕 is an addition to this piece written after February 1. I’ve already seen fellow players complain to Quantum about the price increase for a single game credit. Here’s what I was thinking as I try my best to understand and sympathize with the rest of the player base: ...

January 22, 2026 · 5 min

You Are a Few Clicks Away From Being Misinformed

X/Twitter gave a present to everyone this holiday season: The ability to edit (read: manipulate) photos in many ways without your consent. Its ‘Imagine’ function lets you edit any image posted on the site — whether if it’s your IRL photo, your artwork, et cetera. Generative AI is becoming more and more inevitable at this point. It’s not just people who are affected by this — brands, companies, newsrooms will also be dragged into this whether they like it or not. For example, The New York Times posts photos on the platform similar to how they do it on Instagram (minus the ’link in bio’ note). I’ve taken one sample from their media tab and used a prompt to make the text different. ...

December 25, 2025 · 2 min

100 Pesos Arcade Run

I’ve been enjoying playing in the arcade nowadays that I eventually gained a circle of friends who are also just enjoying maimai. I’m thankful I discovered maimai, and at the same time I wish I could have discovered it before the pandemic so I can have a way to de-stress. There are other rhythm games to explore in the arcade, and with the release of the NIJISANJI Dance Club collaboration on Dance Dance Revolution WORLD, I decided it’s time to use my Aime card to play BEMANI games. That’s where I dabbled on DDR, GITADORA and Sound Voltex (SDVX). So far, I’m able to get over both DDR and Sound Voltex, but not GITADORA. ...

December 4, 2025 · 2 min

Miku Expo Manila 2025

My first introduction to VOCALOID was a long time ago — I can’t remember exactly when, but I remember listening to Yellow. That kz(livetune) song s a core memory for me, so much that I joined a Pikarmy song cover to bade Pikamee Amano farewell (thanks Rentikoy)). I also recall reading commentary on the first Miku Expo in Indonesia through Ahotaku (who, through his posts, introduced me to J-pop culture in Indonesia). ...

November 24, 2025 · 2 min

No to Gambling Brands inside Pop Culture Events

I am about to return to my usual business after spending 4 days outside: First was the three-day Philippine Game Show in Taguig, second was the long-awaited Miku Expo Manila 2025, and lastly the three two-day rally at Luneta. We talk about the PGS’ debut first. I’ve yet to gather all the stuff that have happened during the three-day smorgasbord of games, cosplay, and J-pop, but there’s an elephant in the room which needs to be addressed: There was a gambling brand facing the stage area. I do not know why they’ve been placed there, I don’t know why it’s there, but I am made aware of who put them there. ...

November 18, 2025 · 3 min

Maimai DX

I did my best documenting my journey into this washing machine-looking arcade game. Ever since Madekuji-san taught me how to play maimai DX in Cebu (of all places!) last February, it has become my go-to hobby. Maybe it’s because of the top-load washing machine jokes. Maybe it was because of the memes posted on Music Game Hell. ...

October 9, 2025 · 7 min

Website Migration

Long time no see, I guess? I was so focused with VTuber NewsDrop that I only blog here sparsely. Now that you’re here, allow me to welcome you to my new website. I lost track of what version is this on, but I’ll put this on v6. This time, we’re on a different platform – Hugo. My friends use it, VTubers use it, and now I’m using it. It’s been a journey learning how to deploy v6 online, and I’m thankful for every small wins I earned throughout. ...

October 2, 2025 · 5 min

SetsuAni lured me into watching the latest Demon Slayer movie before everyone else

Those who have followed the manga prior to the film have seen how it’s adapted, while those who are new to the popular anime franchise were immersed into the series’ universe on the spot. A handful of scenes were a critical hit with the audience, and some of them have become emotional watching things unfold in front of their eyes. —Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Kept Fans, Moviegoers Glued to their Seats (August 19, 2025)

August 19, 2025 · 1 min

Bushiroad Expo Manila 2025 held alongside Anisama Manila leg

Fans of Bushiroad’s mixed-media projects gather at the Quantum Skyview area of Gateway Mall 2 in Quezon City on the weekend of June 7-8, 2025 for this year’s Manila leg of Bushiroad Expo. Last year, we saw voice actress Rin Tateishi and Cardfight!! Vanguard commentator DifferentFight at Ayala Malls Trinoma. It’s understood that this year’s Expo was set up alongside the Manila leg of the Anisama World concert tour wherein Bushiroad star Ave Mujica performs songs alongside FLOW, nobodyknows+, ASH DA HERO, Toshiya Miyata, Hiroshi Kitadani, Mayu Maeshima, and MindaRyn. ...

June 9, 2025 · 6 min