It was a one hot Sunday in Quezon City when I visited the other end of Maginhawa St. in Quezon City. In Quezon City, if you want to pig out, you take note of this area, where a lot of specialty restaurants popped out, making it among the destinations for foodies. Just a long walk away from the UP Diliman Campus is the Red Monster Shop + Cafe. I’ve heard of Red Monster in conventions before as a merchandiser, but it’s really great that they have their own physical shop as well — many themed fan-gathering events are held on this space, some of which are related to either LoveLive! or Yuri!!! on Ice. Heck, they even have an upcoming Osomatsu-san themed cafe there. ...

Last weekend, I went to another (sorta) out-of-town visit and checked out the Pinoy Otaku Festival at the Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces in Quezon City. I’ve experienced many two-hour trips to Bulacan, to Alabang, to SMX Manila and other faraway places; and I’m pretty sure I’m getting used to these kinds of trips (I hope). Fairview Terraces is the Ayala Mall for the people residing in the Novaliches area. I had to speak this out: In just a few walks away you’re either at SM City Fairview or Robinsons Novaliches. I also think these three malls have a hierarchy of target markets, but that’s another story altogether. ...

A narrative of “Kantai Collection Movie Sequence” as I watched its one-day screening at the SM Megamall Cinema 11 last May 6, 2017. (with Spoilers) One Saturday, I told my boss that I’ll be out for a moment. A few words later, he asked me if the “time machine” I had is working, so I said, “Yes sir, it’s working, and it will transport me to 1942, where the ships are females.” Yep. ...

Sundays are very hot. No exceptions. But if you imagine yourself at the newest Japanese food court, eating a big bowl of ramen and talking among your friends, it feels OK. I went to Victory Food Market’s Yokocho Japanese Food Court not just to have a quick food trip but to check up on the venue’s first otaku event, Nihonfest 2017. Yokocho is located at the 4th level, and is a long walk away from the LRT Baclaran station, just facing the Redemptorist Church compound. Just established this year, they have a gradual flow of visitors, according to one staff I spoke to. ...

https://www.facebook.com/onegaioniichan/posts/1450127508365635:0 Onegai Onii-chan, as far as I can see, will be the most memorable hobby shop in today’s otaku community in the Philippines. Here’s why — they know what the market is like, and they act like the way most of the market does: no-holds barred, likes memes, and shitposts. Never in my life so far I’ve seen this kind of marketing where they mix in shitposting in probably every post about a new product, like the one I shared above. ...

Girl, we watch anime because we don’t want drama — so it feels awkward when you say this. A brief backgrounder on my watchlist Alrighty guys — here’s some of the series that I am watching after work, because anime is life. Let me know if you can guess my taste in anime for this season by responding here on Medium. Catch you all later! Ren’ai Bou-kun has a catchy opening theme (thank you Wake Up, Girls!), has a Nunu and Harami in it, and Yoppi has her own first main character debut aside from WUG and Scorching Ping Pong Girls. Its first few moments are enjoyable and funny, but I am afraid that the story might turn bland and repetitive — let’s see how long I will go for this. ...

Hi guys! I was able to get to Madrid Fusion Manila 2017 (or we can just call it as “Fusion Manila,” as per the invite) at the SMX Manila in Pasay City last Saturday. First, I’ll be showing you a lot of pics; then I’ll give some bullet points about this year’s event. There’s this gelato shop called “Manila Creamery” (they have a branch at the UP Town Center)which serves Burnt rice gelato (as in “Tinutong na Kanin”). I promised them I’ll go there to eat a full scoop. Sweetened cacoo nibs from Sikwate! are the best — I think the name is familiar to me though. My favorite Mindanaoan snack/bread Bulua is also visible in the Expo! Nestle Food Services is generous with its offerings — too bad I was only able to get a sample of their soft-serve concoction. There are other exhibits outside the Expo — there’s this Coconut Chips in salted and sweetened variations that are perfect for dressing desserts (or just plain snacking). What I like about the Expo is that I am able to taste a lot — no bullcrap, it’s like I went there for a grandiose merienda. Maybe the event’s not as grandiose unlike last year, but it’s still grandiose. Still looking forward to the next offering. Disclaimer: I got the invite from my boss who is managing the event’s security, same as last year’s. Many thanks, boss!

Berserk 2, DanMachi: Sword Oratoria joins Attack on Titan 2 as part of Aniplus’ April 2017 highlights Aside from the hype that is Attack on Titan 2, Aniplus has two new series lined up this April: Berserk 2 Season Premiere: 7 April, Friday 10pm (Double-Episode Premiere) New Episodes Every Friday 10:30pm Encore: Every Sunday 11pm *one hour after Japan’s broadcast Returning season of the ultimate dark fantasy series. Guts, known as the Black Swordsman, seeks sanctuary from the demonic forces that pursue him and his woman, and also vengeance against the man who branded him as an unholy sacrifice. ...

My thoughts on my childhood as I see how some creatives use advertising on print I’ve had my own share of embarrassing stories, but there’s one thing that one of my aunties like to tell me: When I was a tot, I used to read Manila Bulletin (and I think I remember that). Fast forward to when I was a young boy living in a cool subdivision in Antipolo, there was this ad for Disney’s “The Incredibles” by Globe. It’s a full-page ad, placed in the back of the newspaper’s A section. The ad has a mockup of a newspaper’s page A3, but then The Incredibles pop out, “tearing” though the middle of the page. The bottom part states that mobile content for the said movie is available for download. ...

Hi everyone! This week’s photo set is all about Ikebanas. You know, those intricate flower arrangements that help beautify a living space. There was this exhibit by the Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 in commemoration of its golden year of establishment. The exhibit was held at the Glorietta’s Palm Drive Activity Center (the more modest one) from March 10 to 12, and while I missed out on a lot, below are jut a few snaps from the said area. ...