Changing times: Bakugan is "in", B-Daman is "out"!

From Bidaman Toys

T'was December 2007 when I wrapped a B-Daman toy ( pls see photo) as a Christmas gift. Honestly, I have no idea how the toy is being played nor where did it originated. I just want to make a kid happy! Since I want to find a good quality B-Daman , I made a quick research first before rushing to the toy shop. After a short "googling", I learned that "B-Daman is a marble shooting toy that can be customized to compete in various types of games. Originally produced in Japan by Takara, B-Daman became an animated TV series in 1993. In 2005, Hasbro sold the toy under the longer name of Battle B-Daman (one of the series of B-Daman). The toys launch a marble from their center and each contains different skills; power, control, balance, accuracy and rapid fire."

I was able to get an original B-Daman and this made my favorite recipient very, very happy! That was in 2007.

Christmas 2008 made me googling another unfamiliar toy - the Bakugan! Okay, I must admit I might be the only one in our place that have no idea what it is. Kids around the neighborhood seems to know a lot about this new hit. (I later found out that there's a local TV station that is airing its anime version). Being the "in" thing for the youngsters, it came to me that it can be another great gift for my favorite recipient! So, as in the previous year, I tried looking for the "original" version of Bakugan. After "googling" a little bit, I found the stores who are selling them and then even became fascinated by this new fad! I am playing it right now...with my young and energetic "playmate".

From Bakugan Toy

Bakugan (pls see picture) is based on a hugely popular strategic card game played with magnetic, spring-loaded marbles (from Sega Toys and Spin Master), The story centers on the lives of creatures called Bakugan and the battle brawlers who wield them. The cartoon is about small spheres from a distant universe that morph into powerful warriors. Young Dan and his friends use the Bakugan to fight for the future of mankind.

The "original" Bakugan toy I bought made my recipient very appreciative again. I myself is very satisfied as I have proven once more that it just take a trivial effort to make somebody else joyous especially on Christmas Day!

And so now, I wonder what toy will be "it" for 2009 ? I would appreciate it very much if anybody out there can help me here. I want to get ahead of everybody in predicting (and acquiring) the kid's latest craze this time! S.O.S! Maraming salamat po! -charlie

Malling on Christmas Day!

This is not supposed to be the very first topic I want posted for my personal blog. As a first time blogger, I wanted to be "very careful" in selecting my topics before posting them especially my very first one. As a result, I have drafted several topics which, by the way, are still all unfinished as of this date! My plan is to later choose which is the best topic for me to post first. However, this blog I am sharing now came to me so unexpectedly for two reasons: First, I just felt it should be immediately shared because of its timeliness; and second, I wonder if the question I have in mind can get answered.

I am just wondering if those young "inaanaks" (godchildren) nowadays still have a 100% mindset on those godly values of reaching for the hands of their "ninongs" and "ninangs" (godfathers/godmothers) and asking for their blessing on Christmas day? Yes, maybe there are still many kids who feel obliged into going into that routine for the first hour or two of that much-awaited Christmas day. Traveling to their godparents place, getting their blessings through the motion of "mano po" and later acquiring a wrapped gift or cash in return and then a little bit later, took off to a place called the MALL! Hmmm...and, maybe some kids will extend a little extra time "searching" for their "missing" godparents (some of whom prefer not to be found!) and if they are lucky to find them, shout "Eureka" and also got some cash rewards for finding their second parents! And, if they don't, they can just go back home to their own parents, ask for some bucks, and later, took off to that exciting place called the MALL!

Why am I having that thought (or is it a real fact)? Well, you see, as a certified godfather myself, I used to stay in the house the whole day on Christmas and wait for my godchildren (and other long-lost relatives?!) who will eagerly make the very early morning walk towards my house trying to beat one another just to be ahead of the pack! This year was no different. I was able to "fulfill" my own obligation. Hoorah! However, for a change, I left my house after lunch and rushed to the nearest mall just to check on a few things I missed buying before Christmas. To my surprise, the road to the mall is so full of vehicles...both private and public. On ordinary day, I can reach the place in just under 30 minutes. On this very day,December 25, it took me two hours to reach it. (The trip back home is even longer. I even needed to refer to a local map to search for "shortcuts" because the traffic on the regular route is really very heavy!)

Surprise, surprise! Even the mall's queue at the cashier counters is also very long! And, hey, aren't those kids lining up at the counter, paying for their personally chosen favorite toys that are just recently released from the shelves. And, their parents? Oh, they are also with them -sharing the same thrill of spending a little more for their beloved children (from their kid’s own earnings, maybe) and, perhaps, buying something for their own "inaanaks" whom they missed putting on their list but suddenly popped up on their front door!

Oh well I just thought. Maybe after all, this is one of the most exciting reasons why an adult and responsible person (like me!) is always thrilled by this "unforgettable" long holidays - saving some money before it came, and then, figuring out how the saved money can fit in to the holiday's expense requirements! I tell you, there's really a lot of tension in doing this (just an opinion, so please pardon me)!

And so, the question I have in mind right now in which I will appreciate getting answered is that – is malling now really become a part of the young kids (and the old ones too!) itinerary on Christmas Day instead of spending the greater part of the day visiting their godparents or being with their grandparents who missed them throughout the whole year? Calling all mall operators, please help me out here! Do you have some statistics of the total numbers of mall visitors during this Christmas? I would certainly appreciate some numbers. Thank you very much! And, to my fellow godparents, can you share me your thoughts or observations too? Did you miss some "inaanaks" this year? Try checking out the mall nearest your place too!

( Oh, by the way, the mall I went into that day opened their stores at 12 Noon. I arrived at about 1:30PM and, believe me – every store inside the mall, including the fast food stores, are almost all jam packed with kids and adults alike! Say, I almost forgot, I went to the mall because I also missed buying something for my latest "inaanak"...Hmm, I wonder was he my 29th or the 30th godchild? Need to check my long list again. I don't want to get embarrassed by a young man approaching me on the mall and asking for his "aginaldo" (gift) in front of the big toy shop! Happy New Year everyone!)