If you guys have been looking for me, try looking at the local newspapers to see any basketball schedules of Ateneo or Ginebra.

Lately I've been busy -- with live basketball games that is. With Ginebra making a big run in the PBA playoffs lately (by sweeping their last assignments in the classification phase, the quarterfinals vs. Sta. Lucia, and the semifinals vs. Red Bull), this Ginebra fan tried not to miss any live Ginebra game, whether in Ynares Center in nearby Antipolo or the Araneta Coliseum (the only games I missed watching live were the games held in Cuneta Astrodome). So far I've watched the first three finals games of the Ginebra-Air21 series, with a courtside tickets in Ynares to boot. Unfortunately, Ginebra seems to be in disarray and has lost two straight games. Bah. This will not be a finals analysis blog as I have been reserving my thoughts in the result of the PBA Fiesta Conference finals -- whether Ginebra wins it or Ginebra wins it.

This writer too has been spotted in the Philsports Arena (ULTRA) watching the game between Ateneo and FEU last Saturday. I initially went to the ticket booth to find out that there aren't lower box tickets (at 100 each). I went to a scalper and asked how much he sells his tickets and I got a whopping 500 for two tickets. "Hindi na no." "Sir, 300 nalang." I gave him a "sus" sign with the hand, and approached the ticket booth again. Lucky for us, someone returned his/her lower box tickets and we were able to buy it for the original price. I wanted to rub the ticket on the face of that scalper who makes a career in making false ticket demands. May they rot in hell with the toy hoarders.

Yeah, it's crazy. Ynares Center in Antipolo last Friday, Philsports Arena/ULTRA in Pasig last Saturday, and Araneta Coliseum last Sunday.

And so this coming Wednesday until Sunday, I will be busy again with Ginebra and Air21 trying to resume their finals games. Ginebra better win it this coming Wednesday, or else I will stop watching from hereon: It's impossible to win the series without a healthy Jayjay Helterbrand if they would fall in a 3-1 deficit. I feel Jayjay's hamstring injury may be the turning point of the series. Also, there's Ateneo vs. UST this coming Thursday (something I feel I shouldn't miss) and Ateneo vs. Adamson this coming Sunday (plus a PBA game if Ginebra wins this coming Game 4 Wednesday and Game 5 Friday).

My pocket has been hurting from tickets, but then it's something unavoidable anyway. Do I ever get tired? Yeah, I've been busy too lately with work and extra-curricular stuff. But then I got to be the workhorse that I should be anyway.

I've been in a little emotional roller coaster last week that I tried to look for something to amuse me. Whenever I have such moments, I look for something to aid me -- maybe a little mango shake, a new purchase (whether a toy, jersey or a shoe), a game of basketball, or watch cartoons. It's a good thing that I still had the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles videos on my PC. They're quite handy. I tried securing the first season for three freaking months and ol' high school buddy Allan helped me with the other seasons in a matter of days.

Yeah, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leo, Don, Raph, and Mike. They always have a spot in my heart. I need not elaborate since I wrote about them about two years ago. But nope, I'm not watching the 1987 series, rather I'm watching the new Ninja Turtles cartoons that came out in 2003.

For starters, the 1987 series is more for kids. The turtles are pictured as cute smiley turtles, April O'Neal is an irritating newscaster for Channel 6 news, and Shredder (with Krang's aid) mutated his two dumb assistants Bebop and Rocksteady. Although I have 2 DVDs of that series and a complete video collection, I don't feel watching them. It's really for the five year old guys (unless you're a kid named "Jacob" -- that boy genius son of my ex-officemate Ross who can memorize all species of dinosaurs).

The 2003 series has a better taste for the action loving person in me. I mean it has a lighter story which wouldn't require much thinking, it has great action scenes but not too much of it, and it's got comedy too (don't mistake it for a typical Filipino movie though). The Turtles are "meaner" (with no pupils on their eyes!), they act like real ninjas, and the action scenes are way cool! The stories are better too! No kidding! Shredder is an ultrom, triceratons are a race, and the ninja turtles are kicking some shell (as Raph would say "We came, we saw, we kicked some shell"). I'm not kidding, there are episodes that are chopped into parts, and I couldn't stop watching them! It's one thing I've been looking forward whenever I get home for the past days. In fact, last Saturday I watched about 8 episodes straight from bed while trying to rest my tension-headache-ridden head after a basketball game with the CS Stromboys. I was supposed to sleep at 10PM but ended up sleeping a little over midnight.

My most favorite part in the series is not Leo's leadership (bah, why do top dog leaders like Cyclops have to be portrayed as some serious emo guys who have no space for fun), rather it's Michaelangelo's antics. Funny turtle! His sense of humor is one thing that makes me laugh out loud on my chair. I always find it funny (although it's slapstick-ish) whenever Leonardo and Raphael give him a little slap in the head for Mikey's "hirits." It's something that the lighthearted will probably appreciate. Mikey always gets into Raph's nerves, at one point Mikey bragged about being the "Intergalactic Nexus Champion" ("Big Brawl" series in season 2) and Raph was about to slap Mikey in the head. Leonardo stopped Raph from doing so but Leo did it himself. haha. I kinda suck at describing the events but maybe if you guys will watch it, you'd probably appreciate it.

Anyway, I don't know if it's a sign. Lately I've been tinkering with my three "modern" Leonardo toys (including a "Fast Forward" Leo which Rocky bought home for me after her trip in the US in the summer of 2007), displaying and posing them on my computer table. I have this urge to buy another one or two Leonardos, but I've been resisting the urge to do so, as it may spawn another collection and it will definitely wreck my budget and eat my savings. Yeah, in fact I gathered all pictures of Leonardo toys (35 vintage toys of them so far; I haven't done the Leo figs from 2003 onwards). But I've been in a hunt for this elusive Leonardo below. I tried looking at eBay already but haven't had luck in finding a bargain price.




I don't know if I'm regretting that I didn't buy any Leo movie-based figures from the movie in 2007. At that time I was still concentrating my funds to Cyclops figures that I didn't have space for any other collection. In fact, I haven't watched the movie yet! I missed two good movies (TMNT and Rocky Balboa) simply because I wanted to watch it with Rocky (the girlfriend, not the boxer). I want to own a region-1 DVD of it, since it has more features and worth the money than the region 3 in here (besides, region 3 discs aren't playable in my PC anymore).




Anyway, let's not get into those toys yet please. :P I better work on my PHP coding again... G, help me get seasons 5 & 6! :D

I think it's every toy collector's dream to have his collection showcased, in one way or another. Seeing the Captain America collection of PTK's "mightyshield" (or Francis) displayed in the 6th ToyCon and the Transformers event last year was my inspiration to say to myself that maybe someday, I'm going to share my Cyclops collection to the public. As a completist collector myself appreciating a completist Captain America collection, it took me a lot of time viewing Captain America in various shapes and sizes.

That opportunity finally came when PTK's founder and administrator "unleashed" (or Dan) invited me to display my Cyclops action figures collection for the Super Hero Fest last July 19-20, 2008 in Robinsons Galleria. Prior to the invitation, I already told Dan that should he need display volunteers, he can count me in as long as the place is accessible. Although it was given in a short notice, I didn't hesitate in accepting the invitation. Besides, for all that PTK has given to the Filipino toy collecting community, it's nice to give something back in return.

Accepting the invite meant facing logistics challenges too. Packing the figures in my two containers (an office box and a plastic ware) was one challenge wherein I had to write an inventory of my figures (yes, I lost count. They're over a hundred plus), pack them efficiently without wasting any space and at the same time avoiding damage to the figures due to overcrowding. I even thought of bringing my Cyclops statues also but that would be too much of stuff to carry with me. I had to bring the two containers on two separate occasions while commuting to work and stored them on a nearby location to Robinsons Galleria. Finally on the day itself of setting up wherein I had a few hours sleep and the ingress is 7:30AM (although I begged for 10:00 but actually came at 10:45AM), I carried two boxes and a big bag to the mall!

I arrived barely an hour after Robinsons Galleria has opened, and all the other invited collectors were almost finished setting-up their Batman-related collections. Except for Jojo's Green Lantern collection and my Cyclops collection (which was lost in a DC themed collection), everything else were centered on Batman due to the movie "The Dark Knight." A horizontal, two-shelf cabinet was given to me, which turned out just right for my collection. Another challenge laid ahead: how to arrange the collection such that everyone stands out. I wanted everyone to get known, especially my customized Cyclops figures by Don (of Rateeg Creations) and Virgil. I had to group them logically too, with the PVCs and random Cyclops figures on the lower shelf at the right side, the "modern" Cyclops figures at the lower shelf left side, and all Toybiz Cyclops figures and playsets of the 90s on the upper shelf. I had to unload the toys pack by pack and piece by piece at the same time keep a watchful eye for my box as some opportunists may steal some of my hard-earned figures. Also, I've been used to arranging the figures from back to front with my shelves, but on that time I had to do it from front to back. I even had to stop, go to the front and check if I've tilted the head enough or is the posing good enough.




The last challenge was to make each action figure stand-up. The last thing I didn't want is to re-arrange them after they've fallen like dominoes. Good thing Virgil lent me his scissors and double-sided tape wherein I cut strips of tape and stuck the on the foot of those figures that are hard to pose. I'd say that's the most tedious challenge since it took me two hours (from 11AM to 1PM) to fix all of my collection in that shelf, with a little back strain to boot! I should have done that prior to packing my figures so that I could have saved some time.




It was a bit funny though how people from outside observed the way I arranged my figures. I felt like being a fish in an aquarium and kids and adults would stare and point at some specific toys in my collection. Others too started a random conversation about Cyclops and how the 90s Toybiz Cyclops figures reminded them of the good ol' days of Jim Lee and the X-Men cartoons. It's a bit uncomfortable too how observant people can be (maybe the way I acted when I viewed Francis' collection before), even if I haven't finished arranging them yet. Kinda makes me conscious too. Haha.




Nothing beats the feeling of having finally finished arranging all of them and look at the action figures from outside and say to yourself, "Yeah, that's my comprehensive Cyclops collection!" It was fulfilling to see kids and adults staring and scrutinizing every figure in the display -- who knows, I might have inspired collectors out there to have theirs displayed soon. I even had a chance to meet a few people from the forums too. Finally, the keys were given to me and I locked the cabinet made out of hard transparent plastic. It's a good thing that no one has attempted to crack the cabinets. Those who have experienced showcasing their figures to the public can attest to the safety of the toys. I was also given a "nameplate" to indicate my "ownership" of the collection, but the organizers misspelled my name (yeah, I always had problems with that). Another mental note: prepare a good nameplate next time. I brought back the boxes back to the storage area and headed to Rocky's place to get a little rest, before Rocky and I headed to Robinsons Galleria again at nighttime to double-check on the figures.




I was back the next day to watch over my collection and meet a few visitors in Bit, Gots, and Virgil. Mic and Anj dropped by in the morning too. The collection stayed for the public's view, wherein the main event for the super hero fest happened: lots of games for the kids , cosplays, contests, and other promos. We packed-up at 8:30PM, just after Rocky and I have finished watching "The Dark Knight." Suddenly, all the hardships that I went through in bringing those toys and displaying them -- it's done. Another challenge to arrange them back to the boxes. Big thanks to Rocky for helping me bring back my collection back to the storage area until I've brought them home last Tuesday.




No, there weren't any freebies given except a PTK commemorative mug out of Dan's pocket and a certificate by the organizers (Hobbyworx and Toys 'R Us) with my misspelled name. It was a pure volunteer effort, but I didn't mind all the challenges that I had to face. It was worth the experience of having scored a milestone for my collection.




Displaying my collection in public gave me a little pride in the hobby that I'm in. Other people won't probably understand it though, given the cost and the effort I've put in the collection. It's not everyday too that you'd see a collection dedicated to a lesser popular character in Cyclops. I still lack about 10-15 PVC figures in my collection too, plus a few statues. Hopefully I'll get them and hopefully more Cyclops figures are on the way.

This one's for Virgil and Enad, Rocky, the customizers (Don, Bino, and Virgil) and all those who have helped my collection in one way or another. Thanks too to unleashed, jmmodeler, and the other people at HobbyWorx for the opportunity to have my collection displayed. It was a pleasure to be part of the Super Hero Fest event.

The ongoing 2008 San Diego Comic Convention is the hottest thing in the toy threads right now, as toy companies showcase previews of the upcoming toys in their line-up. Yesterday was the "preview" night, and I've been quite busy surfing for pictures and posting my own "coverage" of the event in the toy forums. After all, these pictures are fresh from the event, like pandesals fresh from the oven or a Marvel Legends figure with paint that's so addicting, fresh from its packaging!

Anyway, while there are other toy lines that showcased their upcoming figures, I was mainly concerned with Marvel-related figures. It's a bit disappointing that the upcoming figures are too Spider-man, Hulk, and Iron-man collectors friendly. Not much for the Cyclops fan.

It's nice to see Hasbro's Marvel Legends future line-up (although a bunch of exclusives) which includes the "Ares" wave which consists of "Heroes Reborn" Iron Man, "Ultimate" War Machine, Vision, Guardian/Vindicator, Scarlet Spider-man, and Crossbones. BAFs (Build A Figure) are getting smaller and smaller, and it's way different from the humongous BAFs Toybiz had. Well, I can't help but compare Toybiz and Hasbro. Unfortunately for Hasbro, they have to gain profit out of paying for the license to produce Marvel figures, plus the rising cost of oil. Their paint job still isn't comparable and the scale of the figures are a bit inferior compared to their predecessors Toybiz. Since then I've been resorting to customized figures since they're better in every way than Hasbro figures. Anyway, other figures include the HasbroToyShop exclusive Age of Apocalypse Sunfire, the very delayed "Nemesis" wave, the "Red Hulk" wave that's a Target shop exclusive, and their upcoming ML two-packs with interchangeable heads which includes a neat Stealth Iron Man the "regular" Iron Man version (with SHIELD agents). For the pictures, click here.

Other Hasbro figures showcased include Spider-man Classics, Spectacular Spider-man figures (from the current TV series), more Iron-Man Movie toys which are just a bunch of repaints from the Mark 2/3 figure with weird names (Torpedo Armor, Stealth Striker, etc), Marvel Legends Unleashed (which includes another Iron Man, Spider-Man and Green Goblin), the delayed Marvel Legends Icons, and Marvel Mighty Muggs (it's just unfortunate there still isn't Cyclops that's coming up. Future line-up include Red Skull, Human Torch, Thanos, Galactus and Silver Surfer).

What made my day though is the word that "leaked" out of the convention, announcing the new Super Hero Squad spotted in the convention. These are really cool 3 inch cartoonic renditions of Marvel characters -- something which Hasbro has greatly pulled off. The Collector's Pack Series 2 was just announced which includes a repainted "Astonishing X-Men" Cyclops (plus Xavier, Kitty Pryde, and more repaints which include Wolverine, Juggernaut, Chrome Silver Surfer, Spider-man, and Iceman). Cyclops is just a repaint (a darker or ligher shade, I'm not sure) of the Cyclops/Sentinel Mega-Pack, but for the completist collector, I can't miss this out.




Word that leaked out included a Rachel Grey/Classic Cyclops (they call it with a condom head). I couldn't find it at first, and I thought that was a bluff until I saw the pictures from MarvelousNews. Other Super Hero Squad spotted include Iron Man repaints plus a Mark 1 rendition and an Iron Monger. Looks like Super Hero Squad collectors will have their hands full.




Diamond Select Toys has showcased their upcoming figures, but there isn't a sign of Cyclops in their line-up (boo!) Marvel Select figures only include Iron Man (and a stealth variant), Hulk (and a Red Hulk variant), Captain Marvel (with its cosmic form). Not even the Minimates showcased included Cyclops -- only the SDCC-exclusive Iron Man Movie themed minimates, the X-Men skrull pack (which includes Wolverine, Phoenix, and Beast with alternate skrull heads), and the upcoming Minimates Spider-man wave.

Good thing though there are other toy companies which acquired license to do Marvel figures, like Funko, which has started to do Marvel Wacky Wobblers. Current line-up include Spider-man, Captain America, Vision, Thor, Iron Man (with Mark 1 and Mark 2 renditions), and Hulk. These figures have been out already in Maxicollectors or Comic Odyssey for about 550-700php each. I've known Cyclops to be released somewhere in October though, along with Storm, Collossus, and Wolverine.




Seeing Cyclops in skull-cap retro rendition opens more possibilities. That's open to being customized into a First Appearance Cyclops, X-Factor (Blue/Yellow and Blue/White), or Astonishing X-Men renditions!




Finally, this morning "spiderdudephil" (fellow LSGH alum Alex) of PTK (Pinoy Toy Kolektors Forum) who's into Spider-man universe collecting, texted me more news about the SDCC. He's more into the event than I do, and he just texted "check out the Koto thread at PTK." I thought he meant "BOTO" (or buy one-take one bargain thread), but it meant something else. The following shocked me:




I'm not really familiar with Kotobukiya, but seeing Cyclops in another stone is still a big welcome for my collection. Also included is his younger brother Havok. I don't know if it's a good thing that I already gave up my Havok collection way before. It's slated for release February next year for $80! Wha. It's still something to look forward to. What's cool is his visor lights up!




So far it's been great. Three new Cyclops in his retro blue/yellow costume which is reminiscent of his emo-ness, thanks to Chris Claremont. I'm always thankful that I'm just a Cyclops collector, I'm not obliged to get the latest Marvel releases for hardcore Marvel collectors out there.

Yes, it's been an Iron Man show, it's Virgil who will greatly benefit from the upcoming Iron Man movie releases for his Iron Man armory. There's the Heroes Reborn Iron Man and Ultimate War Machine from the Ares wave, more Iron Man movie based figures, the Iron-Man ML two-pack with SHIELD agents (plus a stealth variant), the Marvel Legends Unleashed Iron Man, plus the two Marvel Select Iron Man (with the variant). Oh, did I mention the Iron Man repaints from the Super Hero Squad brand, or the Iron Man Movie Minimates? His shelf is really lacking space, I don't know either about his plans about his armory or his Super Hero Squad collection. Too bad for the old man. :P (read: binubuyo kita Virgil)

Can't wait for the releases! Hopefully I'll blog them here as soon as I get my hands on these figures. I'm always raving about showcases and prototypes here in my blog.

Next: My Cyclops collection displayed in the Super Hero Fest in Robinson's Galleria. Still thinking of blogging the summer hauls and the toys I got from the balikbayan box, or the great basketball games lately. Anyway, off to Antipolo for Ginebra-Red Bull Semifinals!

Just a simple happy tool that I was able to assemble, thanks to gazoot's FCKEditor Smarty plug-in that I found in here.

A mini-run-through that I made:
1. Downloaded and installed FCKEditor and integrated with PHP (see instructions here.

2. Copy-paste-save as gazoot's code in
3. Inserted the following line in my PHP code

4. Inserted the following in my Smarty template

where InstanceName is the name of my form element, ToolbarSet is the toolbar that I defined in fckconfig.js and Value as the contents of my value field.

It's really as simple as that. Thanks to gazoot for making life easier for PHP developers.




I'm not sure if I would implement this on my blog, considering I'm using HTML tags in my "Add Blog" functionality. I don't know too how this will fit to my existing stylesheet classes. But maybe soon I'll experiment with an FCKEditor implementation on my blog.




Weekend has been a PHP development weekend. Heck, I couldn't even put the keyboard down as I was riding in so much momentum that I felt my butt burning on my chair and I realized it was 2:30AM. And I was supposed to blog on other non-geeky stuff. Haha