J's Chimes: Single On V. Day...

Once again the much dreaded Valentine's Day has come once again to haunt all singles out there and making people like us emo for the next 14hrs (Time may differ from different countries...) So what the heck could you do to make this a pleasant day without worrying over something like this? Perhaps this 10 tips may help you...

1. Stay Home, Stay Home And Stay Home

Perhaps the most effective way of not getting all emo is to stay at home... Valentine's Day is definitely not a day for singles to be walking around crowded streets filled with loving, hugging couples. There is no temptation at home, only your own stuff to keep you from having crazy thoughts.

2. Play A Game, Surf The Internet, Watch Some Videos

Things like playing a game or just surfing the internet for your favourite stuff might keep you from thinking about Valentine's Day. Time flies when you do just that and you'd realize that there are some things better than V. Day... Spoil yourself and play for longer hours to keep yourself occupied...

3. Avoid The News Or Any Other Forms Of Media On This Day...

I for so am 100% sure that something in regards to Valentine's Day would be aired on tv or any other forms of media, whether it is the news or some advertisements. So do stay away from such for just a day and your thoughts will not go wild then.... Rent a video, or just watch YouTube for some other forms of entertainment.

4. Get Busy With Your Hobby

Whether it's watching an anime, fixing up your Gundam model or taking photographs of your anime models, do something you like and continue to indulge in your hobby so that your spirits are lightened. It's never a dull moment playing with your passion...

5. Pamper Yourself, Order Pizza And Do Some Self Maintenance

Pamper yourself for today. Order some expensive food to eat, go to a spa, enjoy yourself as much as you can so that you know you are worth it. Make yourself happy instead of sulking on this ordinary day.

6. Buying Something Expensive For Yourself

Been saving your money for a rainy season? This is the one so it's ok to spurge now and buy something expensive for yourself so that you'd be happy. Get that item you'd always dream of... Pre-order your favourite toys or accessories. So now you'd have something to think of instead of some day like today...

7. If You Have A Pet, Play With It...

Your pets will bring you bundles of joy on this very day because when you show affection to it, it loves you more in return. Perhaps one of the best substitute for the crave of love for the time being. What other living things could give you joy now that you are alone on this very day being single?

8. Clean Up Your Room, Learn A New Skill, Do Something New

A good day to do something new for a change. Learn to cook, clean the house or even do some DIY for your own home. Learning to do something new is fun and obtaining a new skill could help you in your future endeavors through life... You may never know when you gonna need them and could come in handy...

9.Count Sheeps, Take A Nap Or A Good Sleep...

The best way to get through this dreaded day? Sleep! Yup... Time flies real fast when ya sleep. Forget about this ordinary day. Dream something nice. Rest your body well to prepare yourself for the next day....

10. Tell Yourself It Only Lasts For 24 Hours And Nothing More...

What the heck... Let's get this over and done with... Valentine's Day only last for a day and nothing more. It's just an ordinary day, a day that only happens once a year. Ya still got another 364 more days to be happy so why not just ignore this day for once? Perhaps this might straighten you up and look forward to the coming days ahead instead of just this...

J's Chimes: STGCC Loot

The Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention is over... Time does flies and you waited and waited and waited for it, and now its gone! However so, the STGCC this year is much to my disappointment because there really wasn't much in the event that got my attention. Not to mention the hefty price tag for the entrance. The loot is somewhat of better quantity I must say which somehow makes up for it.


Was one of the first 500 visitors to grab this Ghostbusters figurines... Though it wasn't of my tastes to collect monsters, but it's free so what the heck... Got plenty of comics too and especially so when you enter the convention again and again just to get these freebies... Comes with some capsule toys in it and one of the toys I adore most is this green Mario keychain which makes a sound when pressed.


A couple of postcards here and there from various shops that showcases their artwork and comics. The Breadou toy is one in which I got it from voting for the Cosplay competition performances on stage. It gives a bread scent and you could use it as a stress ball or something...


Got a couple of gaming magazines free... Well, it's free because its last month's issue... At least its better than nothing and it's still new nonetheless. Also got a Notebook and Iphone casing from Animax and a traditional fan with some bushiroad card game prints on it. Well, thats about wraps up all the freebies given in STGCC. Let's hope that these events get bigger and better next year to come...

J's Chimes: STGCC Photographs

And so the Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention had come to a close yesterday. Finally here are the photographs that I've taken in the convention and they can be viewed by clicking on the links given below... Or you can also simply find the link located on the right taskbar labeled photographs and video clips.

Photograph links:
General Event
Cosplays

Unfortunately the End Of Year Cosplay Event 2010 clashes with the STGCC. Hopefully some passionate photographers will be able to post for us some photos online so that we could take a little peak at what's going on there...

J's Chimes: EOY 2010

Amidst the Singapore Toys, Games and Manga Convention, the End of Year cosplay (EOY 2010) is held today from 10am to 6.30pm at the Republic Polytechnic Singapore. Tickets for door entry is $16 while VIPs are $29. It is truly saddening that it has clash with another major event. I truly believe many cosplayers will migrate to this event instead of STGCC so if you are truly interested, you might wanna visit the EOY 2010 now! For more details please visit the site here.

J's Chimes: STGCC Day 2

And so today would be Day 2 of the Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention. This time the convention starts at 11am and I would believe that there would definitely be a bigger crowd today because of the weekends. Having said that, the STGCC 2010 has been quite overly hyped up with its publicity and advertisements. However in my opinion, there weren't really much to see than last year. Hopefully I'm wrong as the major events will be held this weekend that will boost back my morale again soon... More info on STGCC coming soon.

J's Chimes: Preview Of STGCC

A little sneak peek at the layout of the Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention. The convention will be opened today at 12nn so by the time you see this post, I should be there lining up for the entry... In any case, the location seems bigger than before but only time will tell once we reached there... (Click on pics to enlarge)


And here are the stage performances for the convention... Does seem nothing of interest though until I've seen it. This is for day 1 and there certainly are a lot of programmes going on on Friday. Guess it's bad luck for those who are working that day...


There are also a couple of freebies up for grabs in the STGCC so you might wanna take a look at the main website for more of these details by clicking here. Hopefully its enough to satisfy your entrance fees though...


For those still interested to go, I suggest you'd leave your house now and go line up for the tickets at Suntec City Convention Center. Might be a big crowd lining up for it. It would cost a bit more than expected thus be prepared with some extra bucks for your shopping too...

J's Chimes: Countdown To STGCC 2010

It's finally coming!! The Singapore Toy, Games and Comics Convention will be opened tomorrow at 12nn which is approximately 26hrs left... Still yet to buy your tickets? Then this is seriously your last chance,else it would tough getting one and then lining up again just to enter the convention. Hopefully this year would be a better one and more stuff to see too... And to all my friends out there, see you at the convention!

J's Chimes: Anime Facebook

Fiddling around in your facebook these days and realized that some of your friend's pictures are replaced by animation characters instead? That's because a new social media campaign known as Childhood Cartoon Faces hopes to raise awareness of violence against children by encouraging Facebook users to ditch traditional pictures in favor of the cartoon images. This campaign would end on the 6 Dec 2010 which is today. Hopefully you too get to replace your pictures for an anime version type in support of this campaign. And then again who says anime are childish? Now this may be a big step towards spreading the wonders of anime. At least you know who likes anime in your friend's lists in Facebook now...

J's Chimes: Have You Bought Your Tickets Yet?

The Singapore Toys, Games And Comics Convention is drawing near and will start on the 10 - 12 Dec 2010. You can get those tickets online at Gatecrash or call their hotline number to order one. Also, you can actually purchase them at AXS or SAM machines located around Singapore. Had mine purchased yesterday and it cost a whooping $25 for 3 days entry. Well, this event only happens yearly so I guess we do not really have a choice... Buy now to avoid disappointment and lining up over at the convention area just to get the tickets for entry...

J's Chimes: The Singapore Toy Games & Comic Convention

With the end of the Anime Festival Asia this month, another big event will be held once again at Suntec City Singapore on the 10 - 12 December 2010. Known as the Singapore Toys, Games & Comic Convention, this event once again showcase the various toys and stuff from all over the world. Then again there will also be cosplays and special guests which includes AKB48 who will be coming for the event. Somehow or rather, the entry fee is $10 per day and $21 for all 3 days into the event. Interested viewers can preorder their tickets online at the nearest AXS or SAM in your neighbourhood or simply visit their website here for more details...

J's Chimes: Best Little Things In AFA...

Sometimes, even the most minute thing in the event catches your attention. Especially when you began to reminisce about it when you scroll through your photos taken at AFA. There are a couple of them and some of it would probably be the amazing figurines that had bought during this convention. Nonetheless, Black Rocker Shooter catches my eye and went about buying even the figma on the second day of the event as it looks pretty cool in the display cabinet...


The other would probably be the Nendoroid for Balck Rock Shooter as it looks so really cute... Not to mention her poker face attachment which is interchangeable for her serious look. Both Black Rock Shooter Models are highly rank in the top 10 bestsellers when it was up on sale.


This T-Shirt which was hanging at the edge of the COSPA booth caught my attention becuase of its attention seeking designs of Ikaros from the anime Sora No Otoshimono. Because of her amazing blossom and chain tied on her neck, it seems pretty erotic in some sense or another. Which makes me wonder who would be brave enough to wear this outside without having weird stares on your T-Shirt. For better or worse, nobody would know...


Black Cat was actually an Amercian-based comic book character but it was later drawn into anime due to the influence of the Japanese culture and artwork. But somehow or rather I'd prefer the Japan version due to the fact that it looks much more beautiful compared to American art because they tend to draw girls as some other style in which my eyes couldn't very much accept... (Perhaps due to too much Japanese animes instead of American Animations)


Cosplayers are pretty up-to-date too and already you could even see people cosplaying as Panty and Stocking in the AFA Convention. Perhaps one of the most eye-catching characters around this season due to the fact that the art style animation, the comedic and explicit random ecchi-ness. Not to mention using undergarments as weapons of purification... The weapons catches my attention as it lights up and somehow or rather looks nice and heavenly...


I was actually taking the photograph of this booth instead but to my surprise, the cosplayers manning this booth began posing when they saw me holding up my camera... I was dumbfounded but then I thought to myself, ok so she wants a photograph so I decided to take lots and lots so that I wouldn't disappoint them as they are quite eager to... All is well because I got to have a couple more moe sailor uniform girls in my photo collection.


Perhaps one of the most long awaited figma models of all time, the Danny Choo Mascot Mirai Figma. Heard that it is up for pre-order very soon and would probably be ordering mine asap when it's up. Looks really nice...


Last but not least, it's got to be Danny Choo. It's a surprise to see him back in Singapore for this AFA event. Amazingly, I got a photo with him once again but it was more of a coincidence because we suddenly saw him just beside us when we were taking photographs of this Itasha. He's indeed a very friendly person and charismatic and bows politely to me when I shook his hand after taking a photo with him... really cool.

J's Chimes: AFA X Mini Tour

Here's a little video I've scrapped up for the Anime Festival Asia X. For those who did not went, maybe this would give you anidea of what AFA is about. And for those who had already been there, you might wanna take a look to reminisce your enjoyable moments there...

J's Chimes: AFA Event News & Photographs

This is it! The moment you have been waiting for. Photographs for the entire Anime Festival Asia Event. The photographs are split into 3 sections mainly the General Event, Cosplays and the Performances. You can view it by searching the link on the right side menus or simply click on the links here given below.

The Anime Festival Asia X Photographs:
General Event
Cosplays
Performances & Competition


The event was also reported in yesterday's Straits Times newspaper under the home section. However due to some reason or another, it was not aired in the News on TV. The event is finally over... However, we will be updating more news about AFA X for this entire week to commemorate those days of fun and excitement so please stay tuned...

J's Chimes: AFA Goodies And Stuff

Bought a lot of stuffs in the Anime Festival Asia X yesterday. Feared that I may even overspent more this year than the last... But all is well with the loot that I've harvested in this event. Ah, the joy of getting these is just so great but then again I didn't really have the time to appreciate it much because am so really tired after a whole day of 'shopping' and taking photographs...


The very first stuff that I grabbed was the copy of a picture book for the past AFA 2009. Really needed something like this to remember by... sort of like a souvenir for the Anime Festival Asia. Immediately make a dash towards GoodSmile to check out what they sell in their booth. Bought a couple of K-On! keychains before heading to the COSPA booth.


First priority in COSPA? Grab the Misaka Mikoto T-shirt straight from the shelf and began queuing... No questions asked. In fact, this was sold out early that afternoon. However the straps doesn't looked really appealing so had forfeit that to get something else instead...


Well in any Anime Festivals so as to say, it has got to be the scale models and figurines... Bought the Black Shooter Nendoroid because it's just simply irresistible. Not to mention Mio with her lovely guitar... (Together with 2 keychains bought from GoodSmile)


Saw someone holding a Miku fan and decided to grab one too... Kinda cute and makes you smile... Was then in the stage area watching the performances and the Gundam movie before deciding to buy something else... And thus saw this dakimakura from Code Geass which caught my attention and decided to buy it regardless... (Though I do not really have a good impression on Odex, this little thingy brought my attention to purchase the dakimaura too...)


Yup... This 3D poster of Nuranihyon No Mago is just so nice that had decided to purchase it. It would cost lesser to purchase it with the dakimakura so had decided to go with the flow~


And what's the first things first when you got home? Unwrapped your toys!! Love this Nendoroid a lot... Just gotta touch it... They are just so cute not too...


Finally, Black Rock Shooter comes alive and leap out of the box... Gives a glaring stare and then back into the box she goes... Too tired to display her as of now as am so groggy after a long day of 'shopping'.


The Nendoroid comes with a free Black Rock Shooter DVD too. Wow! Hopefully I have the time to watch and know what this anime is really about... This is perhaps probably the very first Nendoroid with a DVD as a free gift...


Mio is the next out of her confined box. Posed it a little and give her some fresh air before going back to her default display casing... Perhaps I should put her on my computer desk? Let's just leave it to after the AFA convention...


Day 2 of AFA X will commence once again this morning at 9am and will be there once more for some major phototaking and video recording of this festival. The AFA photos will be out from Monday onwards so do stay tune for a whole week of AFA updates...

J's Chimes: The Anime Festival Asia X Day 1

By the time you'd read this post, would be an hour inside the Anime Festival Asia X held at the Suntec City Convention in Singapore. Will there there for the whole 2 days of madness and so updates on the events and such will be posted next week. Being one of the biggest events this year, it is recommended that you also should visit the AFA X as this would also probably the last time that it may be held in Singapore after 3 long years. Hopefully updates will be up asap...

- Exclusive Highlights On AFA X -

Base on the photos as per uploaded by Danny Choo, it seems the layout of the AFA X would be something like this from the brochure. Thought the convention may look kinda small, but there are a couple of things worth looking for like for example AFA X has decided to bring in Itasha for display too. (Though am not really fond of Odex being in the event due to its previous incident.) Anime is to be enjoyed by others and brings in joy and happiness and without so, there wouldn't be stores selling anime goodies in Singapore now if people don't watch new animes.


For those interested to know of the programme highlights and performances, you can take a look at this event schedule. There are also a couple of exclusive merchandises for purchase and could be seen below...


First of all would be the AFA exclusives. This book features past AFA images and exclusive special guest images. It is a picture book with limited quantity and retails at $12.90 at the AFA shop located on the left of the convention hall... I will be grabbing this first as stocks are limited.


Another exclusives will be from the Good Smile Company which brought to you Nendoroids and scale models. They would be selling some straps, keychains (K-On!) and I believe posters of Black Rock Shooter. Would be trying for a Mio and Azusa Keychain and Black Rock Shooter posters... Prices are not shown so probably had to find it out right there...


Cospa will be selling some T-Shirts and keychains in their booth beside Good Smile. The Misaka Mikoto shirt is a must have... Prices are stated accordingly.


Other miscellaneous T-Shirts.


That Windbreaker with the Nerv Logo from Evangelion seems nice...


Some exclusive straps available at the Cospa's booth. Pondering whether to get the K-On! straps or those from Goodsmile.


Other exclusives would include School Days Cafe poster. Not not really sure whether you'd need to dine inside in order to purchase this.


AKB48 casts from the love dating simulation game will be performing today at 6.30pm at the Suntec City Convention. Enlarge the picture for more info. Tickets selling at $68 and $88.


Catch Danny Choo, Aira, Kaname, Clive, Alodia, etc at the main event and at the cosplay competition.