Blog, Gaming, Career, and Other Drugs

It's been a while since I visited my blogs and actually "blogged". It has already been what almost two to three months of hiatus in my blogs, and some of those blogs really needs some updating. I really can't say if I am back or what. For now I am taking my sweet time with work and gaming.


I think I mentioned before that I am working as another BPO agent with some flashy sub-name "Game Master". Currently, we are now handling an MMOFPS which I will end at that. Well, can't really chose what genre to pick as we are all just corporate slaves here in the end. Well, I start to appreciate shooters now more than before, maybe I'll try out various FPS on Xbox 360 now.

I've finally decided to join the dark side and modify (JTAG) mg Xbox 360. I had always the options to do so, but back then I was still digging the whole online connectivity thing. Well, I grew tired of it and most of the games I purchase are lengthy single player (RPG) ones, so what's the use right. Currently I am now playing 2013's Tomb Raider from Crystal Dynamics which is really kick ass. I haven't had the chance to play the uncharted series, but seeing the videos posted online, I think the reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise is much more like Uncharted which is not a bad thing. I am also playing the Ultimate Adventure (story mode) of Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 3, which is great as usual. Not to mention, I have unlocked a number of characters for multiplayer. Can't wait to play with friends once I've unlocked all the characters. Thanks to my new JTagged Xbox360, I can now play those games which I haven't had the resources to play before ;-)

I only got two days every week to continuously play Xbox 360 games, but that doesn't mean I can't play on the road. I recently purchase PSP 3000 which I play in trips to and fro to work. Yes, it is modified as well, currently enjoying Valkyria Chronicles II, Persona 4 Portable, and Duodecim Final Fantasy 012. So is there anything else a geek like me can ask for? More time to enjoy these perhaps? Every once in a while I think of romance, but then I remember what possible life I can give them and I immediately snap out of that dream. Maybe someday when I have more than enough (financially) to give myself and my parents. For now, romantic relationships are out of the picture.

I will probably share my thoughts on relationship next time. Recently had a talk with a good bud of mine about this, and i think it is worth talking about and oh boy I have a lot in mind about that issue.

SM Cybezone and Data Blitz' EA Arena Featuring Dead Space 2 Launch Weekend Game Break Experience

Over the weekend yours truly attended the Cyberzone and Data Bltz' Electronic Arts Arena featuring the Philippine launch of Dead Space 2 in Cyberzone, SM North Edsa. Although I already have a good idea of what to expect on Dead Space 2 being a gamer myself, nothing beats the real thing. This is why I've traveled all the way from my beloved hometown here in Cavite to have a first hand experience playing the phenomenal survival horror title, Dead Space 2.





It was a Sunday which only means one thing, no traffic. But even so, I left Cavite early to cover more stuff in the SM Cyberzone event. I arrived early and was able to try out a fifteen-minute gameplay of each EA featured games available in the event without much competition. The games include NBA Jam for the Nintendo Wii, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit for the Sony Playstation 3, and Dead Space 2 which has its own Plystation and Xbox 360 booth. I was looking for EA Sports Active 2 but I guess it wasn't able to make the event. I was hoping to try out some Wii or Kinect motion action, but I guess the big three EA titles are more than enough.





I first tried Dead Space 2 fifteen minute game play for the Xbox 360 which was just a real big tease if you ask me. Fifteen minuet won't be enough to fully experience the sheer horrific awesomeness of a game like dead Space 2, but it is a pretty good way to convince its testers to purchase the game themselves which will eventually happen to me. First thing's first though, I need to have my hand on the original Dead Space before purchasing the second one.



I then tried out NBA Jam for the Nintendo Wii. The first minute was familiarization to the waggling controls the Wii became famous and infamous about. I am not a fan of the Wii nun-chuck controls but I have to admit that the Wii motion control slowly grows on you, thanks to the enjoyable cartoon-y presentation of NBA Jam. Playing NBA Jam reminded of a game with a similar name back in Sega Genesis days.





After getting my stamp on Dead Space (Xbox 360), NBA Jam (Wii) and all of the other games. Yes, beautiful booth babes stamps on your arm after every game play to avoid repetitive play and give opportunity to those who haven't experienced the EA Arena titles.



I then proceeded to the Dead Space 2 Playstation 3 booth and yes I just can't get enough of Dead Space. This time I take control of the fully armored Isaac as I am instructed o learns hacking machines and the stasis field skill which was frustrating because I wasn't really familiar with the controls... that is what anyone gets for picking up and playing other people's game. Last but definitely, not the least is Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit for the Playstation 3 and Windows which was visually stunning and beyond realistic... okay I am obviously exaggerating on the last one but check this out and you'll be the judge:







Fellow bloggers Jonel, Vince and Carl were also in the event to cover and experience EA games.

SM Cyberzone was jam-packed with people from all walks of life, families to gamers alike. This is the reason why the EA Arena was generally success in terms of creating awareness and buzz for SM Cyberzone has always been a perfect venue to find the latest gadgets, technology and related events.

See what surprise awaits you with the Cyberzone



http://www.smcyberzone.com/

Also Check out their official Facebook Page here:

http://www.facebook.com/smcyberzone

Cyberzone and Data Blitz Presents EA Arena Featuring Dead Space 2 Launch in SM North Edsa

SM Cyberzone together with Data Blitz will be hosting a whole day of gaming event on SM North Edsa this January 30, 2011 with EA Arena, featuring the Philippine launch of Dead Space 2. Whether your mom hates Dead Space 2 or not, it doesn't matter as you have literally a whole day (mall hours) this Sunday, January 30, 2011 to experience featured games from Electronic Arts. Try out game play trials of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, EA Sports Active 2, NBA Jam and the much awaited sequel of the phenomenal space survival horror Dead Space with Dead Space 2 for the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360 on Cyberzone Citystyle (Annex) 4/f of SM City North Edsa.



Yours truly will be covering the event and I am pretty excited myself to get my hands on Dead Space 2. I haven't played the original one but that hasn't stop me from seeing how phenomenally good the first one was.Since I just got my Xbox 360 last year, I haven't tried out many classic games that was offered on the seventh generation console. Dead Space 2 is right up my alley for I am a big fan of horror films and video games. So see you tomorrow in SM North Edsa guys.

There is a Need for Xbox Live Support for the Philippines

I won a Microsoft Xbox 360 from Winila auctions last year which converted me into an instant Xbox 360 gamer. I have always been a gamer and this seventh generation video game console was a welcome addition to the entertainment system here at home.



Once I finally received my console, two options have now been offered to me, to modify (altering the firmware and hardware to lift the restrictions of the hardware or to simply pay cheap pirated games) or to stay legit and left it as it is. I chose the latter that time which I didn't regret. Sure it was expensive but it is my part of helping the hardworking publishers, developers, and generally the video game industry to keep on doing great games. I also played by the rules because of the various online connectivity, features, updates, premiums and exclusives of having an unmodified NTSC-US Xbox 360 console. There was and still "is" a dilemma though, a lack of Xbox Live support in the Philippines.

Little did I know that there is no full Xbox Live support for Xbox 360 here in the Philippines which was really frustrating. There is a decent number of Xbox 360 gamers who are legitimately subscribed on Xbox Live services but can't seem to access established services right of the bat. Many legitimate Xbox 360 and even Playstation 3 owners have been clamoring for support from the international companies, but it seems like those petitions have yet to be considered.

One of the biggest complaints I have with the limited (if not lack of) support of Xbox Live services here in the Philippines is the lack of Paypal account integration on doing various digital transactions in the system. Even though I wanted to buy Microsoft Points, (in-game currency bought with real money to download various premium digital content) at the comfort of my own living room using my Paypal Account, I just can not because Philippines is not part of the supported countries. I don't know if Xbox or Paypal has problems integrating their services in the country, but there is a need to satisfy customers outside their targeted market. We are still part of the big picture. We are already in the information age and with the Philippines being as globally competitive as most countries out there, I believe that it is only reasonable for intenatrional companies like Paypal, Sony (Playstation) and Microsoft (Xbox) to invest and expand on countries loyally using their services. The should provide full support of their services here in the Philippines.

The iPod Touch Gaming Experience

Last April 21, 2010 I claimed another Winila won item, the iPod Touch 8 GB MC model which I have installed with quite an arsenal of "kick-ass" mobile games and here is my iPod gaming experience.



I am a big role playing game fanatic so most of the game titles I got for the iPod Touch are mostly RPG-related. The best RPG yet to come out for the iPod Touch or iPhone is Square Enix' Chaos Rings which according to iPod gaming review sites has explored the full potential of what the iseries can come up with in terms of graphics. Want to know what is Chaos Rings like then watch this promotional trailer for Chaos Rings:

Square Enix' Chaos Rings for the iPhone and iPod Touch





And just when you thought you had enough of the epic clash between plants versus zombies then think again. Plants Versus Zombies is perfect for the iSeries (iPod Touch and iPhone), If you ever wondered what is it like to strategize on the fly using your own finger tips then Plants Versus Zombies is definitely a must have.

Here are other roleplaying games available for the iPod Touch/iPhone:

AppVee's Review on Zenonia for the IPod Touch/iPhone



AppVee's Review on Zenonia 2 for the IPod Touch/iPhone



Square Enix' Final Fantasy for the iPod Touch/iPhone



Tap Critic's Review on Plants versus Zombies for the iPhone and iPod Touch



and just when you though one plant and zombie mash up was already enough then wait until you see Play Forge's Zombie Farm. Want to have zombies and plants in your farm then here is the game for you. Playable both online and offline:

Play Forge' Zombie Farm



There are also quite a number of tower/castle defense available on the iSeries and here are some of them installed on my iPod:

Classic Game Room's Review on Defense Chronicles



ApVee's Review on Crystal Defenders for iPod Touch/iPhone



Me and my brother would often have an argument about taking turns on who to use the desktop computer so the arrival of the iPod is really essential. Instead of being stuck with the same old repetitive television programming, (that the local television companies are kept throwing and recycling over and over again out at the Filipino televiewers) we now have the option to slack off and spend our desktop computer-away time by playing great games on the iPod Touch.

These are just the tip of the massive ice berg so to speak as there is already a mountain of iPod Touch/iPhone games available in the market. Check the largest listing of games on iPod's AppStore on Itunes or see the game titles classified by genre, rating or popularity with Gamespot's iPod Games Homepage

Winila is Legitimate! Claiming XBOX 360 at the Winila Philippine Office

Just a few days ago, I stumbled upon a new promising auction website from a fellow Filipino blogger in Plurk, the site is Winila (http://www.winila.com). Skeptic as usual, I started asking questions about the legitimacy of Winila even though there is already a fellow Filipino blogger won a PSP Go on Winila, Leira. She was out of the town for the week that is why she haven't claimed the item she won. Imagine PSP Go for the price of $0.56! I was partially convinced about the idea of spending small and yet winning big, so I eventually visited the Winila booth on e-Games' Domination IV at SMX Convention Center SM Mall of Asia last April 10, 2010. I think that is the only reason why I went to the e-Games Domination IV which was a frustrating experience game event experience for me, but as they say no pain no gain.



Chris A. with his XBOX 360 at the Winila Office in Makati City. To have a clearer knowledge of How Winila works, you can check it out here

The Story

When I entered the SMX Convention Center in the domination IV I immediately went to the Winila Booth to buy bid credits. Winila Bid credits through Bid Vouchers is a whole lot cheaper than buying the bid credits online. This is why I gambled a good sum of money to have an initial 120 Winila bid credits back at the Domination. Actually I was targeting Winila's auction item the PSP Go for its mobile gaming purposes but eventually the last PSP Go was auctioned out after I bought my bid credits.

Later that night, I tried my very first Winila bidding, I was aspiring to win the 8GB iPod Touch which eventually was won over by a fellow blogger, Carlo. So there are now two bloggers that I personally know who have already won Winila items. The next day, I told my friends regarding the winila auction thing and as always they were all too suspicious about the whole thing. I think this is why I am a skeptic myself, it is because of my two friends, Dan and Al. They found it promising yet still consider it as a hoax, and they will only believe me if I win and claim my prize. So the challenge was on! Proving that Winila is the real thing!, A couple of walks from my friend's house, I rented out a pc to bid for the Acer Aspire One. It was intense and ate over one hour of my time, after an hour I decided to call it quits and eat dinner with my three friends and my goddaughter. We continued monitoring the Acer Aspire One bidding which was closed 15 minutes after I left the internet shop.

I regretted on going out too early. I think I would still get that item with 118 bid points. So I finally come to a game plan to win on Winila, which I will not share Bwahahaha! A few hours after that a Nintendo Wii was the next item for auction, in my frustration from the previous item I once again rented another hour of bidding but eventually the pc I sat on is slower than the last, so I lost for the second time. The last item for the night was a XBOX 360, the auction started at around 11:30 pm Philippine Standard Time. I don't know if the people who bid earlier ran out of bids or what , or I was just lucky to be the last one to win the item. Congratulations reigned that night on plurk from fellow bloggers.

"I WON! I WON! I WON!" said by the deranged man sitting in front of his pc as he repeatedly refreshed the past auctions winner hahaha. I was discreetly shouting like a sissy when I won. My brother was happy to hear me go nuts on my seat, father and sister was curious with what's all with the ruckus. I feel like I really hit the jackpot. My heart was beating so fast I thought I'll have an attack right there and then. I still can't believed it and slept at around 4 in the morning.

The first part was completed, winning an item at winila, the real big question is to whether I could claim the prize. I am almost convinced, just one more step which came into fruition a little while ago as I was rescheduled to claim my prize. Yup! yesterday I already claimed the item but for some technical reasons, Winila representatives weren't able to give me the item. So come 3:00 pm this April 14, 2010, I once again traveled from Dasmariñas City all the way to Funlabs Corp, Allegro Center 2284 Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City. I was warmly greeted by Miss Tanya of Winila and was introduced to one of the managers of Winila. After some photo op and discussion about my experience. I called it a day and was excited to "un-box" it at home.





After a torturing 2 and a half of traveling from Makati to Dasmariñas City with some random instances of paranoia (hugging the item like it was "my precious"), I finally arrived home to bring another device that would add up to our growing monthly utility bill hahaha. Prior to claiming the item, I decided to but two XBOX games for the price of P 150 each which I later found out that they do not work on XBOX 360. I later research in an all-Pinoy XBOX online community (http://www.pinoyxbox.com/), that the console does not play pirated or burned games, not unless it is modified. Various pros and cons are discussed when a gamer decides to keep his XBOX modified or not. Well I am just in between of that right now. Guess I will enjoy my XBOX 360 a week from now.





So all in all, Winila is legitimate! Winila is the REAL DEAL! I was not some paid Joe that would make all of this just to market their website. In the end, Winila is a promising auction and gambling website. Yes, and in gambling you win some and you'll probably lose more. I think I was just really fortunate enough to win such gadget because there are only limited people who knows and actually supports this form of gambling. You might be thinking that they are just throwing away valuable itemsin exchange for a few cents? Believe me that once Winila go nationwide and attracted the right market for them, they will earn back what they initially invested on just like any other businesses. I think this post will deserve a part two, not focusing on my story anymore, but to what future this may bring to its participants and the company itself.



For now, I am in "waiting mode" for the item to be auction, how about PS3 or a PSP Go for only a few hundred of pesos? Not bad huh? Hehehehe



http://www.winila.com/ph/

Memories of an Icon - Michael Jackson's Moonwalker

June 26, 2009 (Friday) - I woke up with and read a text message from a friend that the Michael Jackson died from a cardiac arrest at the age of 50. I was a bit skeptic until I saw the news myself. I am not that big of a Jackson fan but I share some interests in his music like the rest of us.



Some of my favorite music from the King of Pop includes Smooth Criminal, Billy Jean, and Thriller which was are all included in the Michael Jackson's Sega Genesis game, Michael Jackson's Moonwalker.



This is one of the game cartridges I had at around 1999 to 2002 in my Sega Megadrive game console...

One would never thought that some gaming company will try to make a game out of a singer's music but somehow they were able to pull it off. Michael Jackson's Moonwalker for the Sega Genesis features Michael Jackson on a quest to rescue a group of children abducted by a diabolical villain named Mr. Big.



The gameplay features Michael's signature dance moves to attack the thugs, zombies, aliens, and other creatures who aids Mr. Big in the abduction of the children. Michael Jackson uses his fedora (the type of hat Michael Jackson uses) as a boomerang to knockout the enemies. Holding the attack button long will make him spin and become invincible but with a price, his health which eventually depletes the longer you hold the attack button. Once the button gets release, it will make him throw his fedora, the longer one holds the button and finally releasing it will make a longer fedora boomerang radius. Hold the button long enough (until it reaches Jacko's health at a critical level) and releasing it will unleash a hypnotic dance move which will make the enemies dance with Michael Jackson who will later die (probably they can't keep up with the King of Pop's dance moves). See for yourself in this gameplay video:



Michael Jackson's Moonwalker Gameplay Video



I wouldn't want to spoil you about the game but you can still try to download the emulator and rom online. Owning this game is one of my most fondest memory of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, and then there is his music.

His art and passion will not be forgotten by the music industry and the billions of Michael Jackson enthusiasts out there. The Moonwalker has left for his final flight.



"Michael Jacskon's music shall live on
and the artist shall not be forgotten"

Yahoo Philippines Report on the Death of Michael Jackson

Stop Playing With Yourself - The XBX Interactive Opening

February 4, 2009 (Wednesday) - Yes, I've posted this coverage "a bit" late but it is still February, right? (Excuses!). Oh well, got invited by for the opening of this New Social Gaming Station at Kamuning, Quezon City... The XBX Interactive.





Like any other Wednesday it is our "Laundry Day" and the day before that I was asking around my blog friends on how can I get to Katipunan. It is another adventure for me because I've never been in that part of the Metro...again. I've asked Aerin of Pinay Ads for directions and she responded with a very accurate and detailed direction. a lot of thanks to her. Good thing that Jonel of Digital Manila or most popularly known for his Let's Go Sago is going to the event as well, at least if I get loss, I will not be alone hahaha. So here again is my short segment dedicated to the travelers out there who haven not and wanted to travel around the Metro:

A Dasmarineños Route To The Metro

Dasmariñas, Cavite to Katipunan, Quezon City
Take the usual bus to Pasay MRT/LRT route from the Dasmariñas Town Proper or at the Petron Gas Station and drop off at the MRT 3 at Pasay City. Get a train ticket going to Araneta Center - Cubao Station. Dropping off at Cubao Station, take the walkway from the station to Araneta Coliseum and through New Farmer's Plaza. Ask for the Araneta Center-Cubao LRT 2 Station and take another train ride from that station now going to Katipunan. And Voila, you're at Katipunan... (I like the looks and the feel of the LRT 2 Station. Hard to believe that "that well-kept" transportation facility and station is funded/subsidized by the government)


The Araneta Center - Cubao LRT 2 Station

- End of the Route To the Metro -

Me and Jonel first met at around the new Farmer's Plaza and took the train. After dropping off at Katipunan Station we walked and looked for the Mini Stop Store to take a tricycle going to Burgundy Place (Between Intermatrix and Robinsons Bank)

We arrived at around 3:30 and entered the venue. Tom entertained and told us everything there is to know about the XBX Interactive. For a more comprehensive look on what XBX Interactive has to offer for gamers and friends you can visit their website here:

XBX Interactive Ph Official Website


















Me with Sir Tom of XBX Interactive

- More Photos of the XBX Interactive Launching Here -

The Hardworking Demented Bum or Somewhere in That League Plus The Day Before The Pre-XBX Interactive

Ahoy Fellow Bloggers, dear subscribers and passers-by!
This is Chris A with a new blog update for the Love Month of February

I don't know what the right title for this blog is so I just stick with the hardworking demented bum hehehehe.

To Bum or Not Be



not just bum but a complete waste hahahaha a drunken shot from Vin's Birthday last January 20

...well, that is the question. Literally I am not a bum (I guess) because I still have this freelance online home-based writing thing which I daily do which generates income for me every week which only eats up around 4-5 hours of my daily time. After that freelance writing thing, the rest is just the same old repetitive watching T.V., eating, having irregular nap times, eating, and surfing the net (I think I forgot to mention taking a bath - wahahaha a true measure of being a bum hahaha). I missed going on Bloggers event and to see my blog friends personally. It is a good thing that there is going be another blog event...

XBX Interactive Launching Tomorrow

This would be the official launching of the XBX Interactive. Here is a poster for the event which I am excited about because I am a gamer myself, I wish I only have an Xbox of my own though. Though I am not new to Xbox. Thanks all again to the Azrael the "Main Man" for the heads up.



I like their catchy one liner:...
"Stop Playing with Yourself" hehehe

I will now leave you with a special song. Insert the token and I will sing....



Libyan on a Jet Plane
(Some funny typo I saw at the videoke music list last Jn. 20 at my friend's Birthday)