UFO Catcher, Obsessively Good

Yeah guys you are right. I am Genesis and I'm admitting to be addicted with UFO Catcher. Well, let me explain why.

I love the thrill and fun. I like to win. I like it when I'm with friends too. For all those reasons, UFO Catcher has it all. I played with this UFO Catcher machines with like minded friends. It's winnable especially when you have the right skills and it's fun winning. It is full of thrill when the toy seemed to be dropped at the hole in any corner of the machine and it's all the more exciting when at the time of dropping the toy being caught, it bounces and do some somersaults and then slides itself to the hole. See my point? LOLS =))

Anyway, yesterday was "our" UFO Catcher day. Should I give emphasis on the pronoun "our" or the word "UFO Catcher"? Ah, never mind! After my one hour gym at Fitness First, I went home riding a taxi just to make it on time as my friends were waiting for me. To my surprise they were not that much ready. Well, I had to take a bath again as I did not have a good bath at the gym. My friends were actually done right after I finished on the shower and on the otherhand, Wengs our new recruit was furiously calling Jax already. What's the furious about? It's like this. Jax told Wengs to go to City Hall at around two and we will get her from there. It was already 2:30 and we were still at our flat. I had to jump up a bit so we could go and it was already 2:45 and Wengs has waited for like an hour already when we arrived at City Hall MRT station. Razel was also there. We then went together to Bedok and from there, rode a bus going to East Coast Park.

We've heard that, at the second level of a certain building where Burger King is situated, there is a UFO Catcher center, well not really a center but an arcade house. We checked that out first and found it to be true but the machines when we checked them were clearly rigged as stoppers were all over the place. I was so hungry by that time as I did not have my lunch yet so we decided to eat at Sub-Way. We took their cheapest combo meal except for Razel, as she had her lunch right before we came to East Coast Park. After the meal, well obviously everyone was excited as seen in our big fat faces. Wahahaha! Well our faces would have those disticnt features if we spoke of UFO Catchers and playing with it. We played this sureball machine and I won two toys, Yayen won three and Jason won one toy. Since we have spent like some hours in that machine, we headed to the beachfront. It was not the best beach front moments as Singapore is very poor in that aspect but it was still okay. We had some mini picture taking and ofcourse some chit-chat. After like 30 minutes of jest and tricks, we went back to the UFO Catcher center and since the toys were not in the right positions, we decided to just play bowling. We had to have bowling since everyone do not want to go for a bike and we also need to be hungry again because the plan was like UFO Catcher and eat-all-you-can at this steam boat food section nearby the UFO Catchers. I guess it's 200 meters away. So we headed for the bowling complex and played two sets of game. By the way, we had to purchase a pair of socks individually. When the first game ended, I ranked second from Jason and on the next game, I ranked first this time. Yayen's move amazed me because she can make a lette C with her serves. I would like to also know how to do that. Anyway, we actually knew how to play bowling because back in our college days at the Cebu Institute of Technology, we would play like twice or thrice in a month at this cozy bowling center at SM Mall in Cebu. I said cozy because their facility is way much better than the one they have at East Coast Park. We ended up a bit tired and so we decided to go to the steam boat. But, the place was still crowded so Razel got a reservation and then we went to the UFO Catcher center again. We played a bit and we won some small stuff toy. After that our reservation was ready and so we headed for our planned belly feast. I took lots of fish and shrimp. My friends took some great stuff as well. One thing I noticed is that they have less variety compared to the one I had at Novena. Anyway, as for the price of it of 13.90 SGD, not just your tummy will jump up of joy but also your wallet. It was fun cooking and eating and talking all sorts of things - hope people around us were not annoyed at our created noise. I guess people don't seem to care as nobody complained. We finished the meal with home made ice cream. After we were satisfied with that late dinner, we headed back to where else, but to the UFO Catcher machines. We had some few tries and we ended up winning toys for Razel and Wengs. Then we tried at this big stuff toy. I just learn a new trick with it watching the guy played. Jason told me that they had seen that technique at Iluma when they had a chance to play there. Well it was very much easy to understand the trick so I tried it myself and I won a Doraemon. Yayen tried it herself as well but left to four dollars in her purse. I volunteered to continue as she seemed to have lost her confidence. After the last penny I got her a brown Doraemon in that same UFO Catcher. Heheheehe. We decided to go home as it was very late. In fact, there were no buses already going to each of our places and that would include night buses. So we decided to take a taxi.

We came home a bit exhausted but full of smiles and fun. This is I think a serious case of being, shallow? No, I refute. This is a simple way of having fun with friends.

Sentosa Adventure and UFO Catcher at Iluma

I had so much fun yesterday. Aside from the fact that it's Olga's fabulous day, Agnes' brother arrived in Singapore which spells fun to the next level.

We had lunch first at this cozy and a bit pricey Marche but a well deserved one since the food are really gastronomically succinct.

After the food feast, we then went to tower two of Harbourfront for we were going to Sentosa via it's cable car service. We arrived there a bit fidgety already. Actually the plan was to first checkout Da Vinci's exhibit but then we were not able to make hay earlier so had it cancelled. So let's proceed.... Out first stop was at the shooting house - Desperado, aka wanting to feel like a sheriff in the cowboy days. Ofcourse, we were not using any real guns as everything was electronic. It was fun shooting some gangster displayed in this huge monitor and it was so exciting. After the shooting activity, we had to take some breaks. We then went to have that great Luge Ride and Sky ride. It was fun speeding up and another fun of watching the great view from above. We did it twice for both combo ride as it was part of the summer package we had. After steep slope ride and back, we proceeded to the Tiger Sky ride. It was that exciting but the view is really good. You get to see the Singapore skyline in a different way as the ride would rotate at this manageable slow pace while it tried to ascend. After the ride we had take another break. Our next stop was to go feeding the birds but the not-so-good in directions in me who tried to check for the location of the spot lost it. We did not have much time and since we wanted not to be late for The Songs of the Sea, we decided to take that activity instead. The Songs of the Sea would have to start at 7:45 but then we arrived at the queue area about 45 minutes earlier. Since we still had calamares, so ate it. After the waiting it, was time for us to get inside. The clock was still on 7:30. We found our seat a few rows like on the 10th row from the front show area. When the show began, it was a bit of singing so the crowd wasn't that participative. Then the Fire Lord showed up and because of Lee's voice he was back to his powerful state. He then showed his fiery magnificence. I was amazed at how the fire balls were sent up to the air. Then some other characters showed up and finally the princess. the water and laser light show is really beautiful for beginner like me. I think they should change the story line from time to time so there would be variety and so it won't be boring for second or third timers. Anyway, we need to go back to the mainland as it was about dinner time already. The walking distance is a bit uphill so we arrived a bit long. we again rode a cable car and this time it was dark, obviously. It got scarier to those who are afraid of heights and not me hehehehe.... Well, the ride was fun. After that Sentosa adventure, we went for an MRT ride going to City Hall. Our next destination was to have dinner at Makan Sutra which is just beside the Esplanade. It was Olga's treat. The food were really tasty. I even ate this big crabs in sweetened chili sauce - I'm allergic to crustaceans you know. Anyway, some of our friends arrived. We had more fun talking and updating our individual lives.

Since the title has with it UFO Catcher, my hooked housemate went to Iluma all by herself. I don't know if I got the correct spelling of Iluma, a mall at Bugis district here in Singapore. But yeah she played there all alone. I tell you guys, my friend was able to harvest most of the toys in there and she got a bunch of them. She even gave a really cute toy to Olga as a present. This adds the list of UFO Catcher centers here in Singapore that's winnable and really not rigged. I'll be playing there some other time with the rest of the UFO Catcher addicts.

Note: Photos to follow as they were still on my friends' cameras :) Ciao!

Business Trip to France and UFO Catcher, again ?

My project lead buzzed me and since I was on my earphones, listening Jason Mraz's album, he went to my seat and called my attention. I then took out the earphones. He asked me if I have read the email and I simply replied, "No", to him. I then checked what was on the email.

The email said that my trip to France has been cancelled and according to the scripts, it will be moved on some other date. The trip was actually scheduled three weeks ago and my flight would be this coming Sunday, 21st of June. I felt a bit relieved. I did not know who to talk to other than my project lead. I told him that it's okay. He just said that we have prepared a lot already. I told him that it's fine with me. So my project lead just went to his seat.

I still do not know what to do so I sent a message to Jax about the cancellation. I would have told Agnes first but her status on her messenger was away. I then sent the message to Jax. He then called me if I was just joking or something else. I told him I was not joking.

Instead of going to the gym after the office hours, I went to church and just thank God and entrusted to Him the things I have no control over with. I went with Jax at a church in Bukit Timah. After that we ate dinner at Chua Cho Kang. This time we did not play UFO Catcher but instead just watched people playing. We hop from one machine to another. We actually saw the lady who we saw the last time we were there. She even recognized Jax and had a bit of fun talk with her. She was actually holding a stitch stuff toy which she won.
Jax and I were in control as we were not able to play UFO Catcher at that time. But wait, we have actually planned to go to Yishun to play there.... hehehehe.

Anyway, we arrived home a bit late as Chua Chu Kang is a bit far. I was at peace already and that fear and excitement all wrapped into one, in going to France was gone. But it was not totally cancelled so I will still be sent there probably next month. By that time, I will be more prepared, hopefully.

Tomorrow is a weeked and there lots and lots of things to do. It's a super blessing in disguise as my friends from the Manila and Cebu Philippines will be coming here in Singapore for a vacation. I'm actually glad that my business trip was cancelled as I will be able to join Gemalto's team building. Hehehehe. Thank God you are so kind to me... hehehehe.... Hmmm see you my great friends these coming few days :)

UFO Catcher at Lot One

Believe it or Not! Yes, my friend Jason and Analyn checked on me while I was in the office doing some software validation. It was like 7PM which was the right time for me to go somewhere. Indeed, the call to apply the knowledge in UFO Catcher machines has gone to an unstoppable queue of my itinerary of the night. I dropped the idea of going to Suntec City for the IT Show and did not go with Olga to the airport.

When the clock struck sharp 7PM, I hurriedly locked my PC and turned off my flatscreen monitor. I said good bye to my officemates and off I went to Choa Chu Kang. The mall called @Lot 1 Mall has these unrigged UFO Catchers. I was in a hurry so I went to the bus stop just in from of the company. I was there waiting and di not see the Bus 91 so I checked for the company bus. It was there parking and some Gemalto employees were beginning to camp already. I decided to ride the company bus. Note that it was raining a bit so I wished that it would stop somehow. I made a phone call to Jason, checking them where were they. They were already in the mall. Excited that I was, I couldn't hide the feeling to already jump off the bus. Heheheh just kidding... just to get to any of the UFO Catchers. The company bus arrived at the Buona Vista Station after 7-10 minutes I guess and I hurriedly went my way up to ride the train. Just few minutes of waiting, the train arrived and I get inside the train so quick. It was a 20 minute ride going to Choa Chu Kang Station. When I arrived at the station, I made another call to Jason. They were waiting for me at the food court already... I could not deny the fact that I was hungry as bear so I made no protestation as the UFO Catcher machines won't run :D.

I went to food junction was it and there I saw Jason and company. I saw Michelle a friend from Cebu and one of their friend. Analyn was with them also. I can see in her face that excitement so we did not waste any time and ordered our food for dinner. We ordered he same food and that is roasted chicken rice. I was satisfied with the food I ate but then my mind was focused on playing those UFO Catchers. After some photo snaps, we moved to our main goal and that is to play. We need to go one floor up and off we went. We tried our first try on the UFO Catcher and failed. Analyn gave a try on the penguin stuff and failed. She then try a bit more and tada she won it. I tried the machines at the back and lost 5 SGD. I had no more coins so I had my 10SGD changed into coins. I then saw these huge Stitch toys. I dropped the first coin and nothing happened. A tried another one and still nothing happened as it only moved the toy a few millimeters. I did not give up and on the fifth try I won a Stitch stuff toy on that UFO Catcher machine at the far left side. I still have 5SGD and try again but lost my 3 Singapore dollars. Jason gave a try but lost. Analyn gave a try and lost. I only have 2 Singapore Dollars left and the Stitch stuff toy on that UFO Catcher is so near the hole and I gave my all. With that last penny, I won my second Stitch toy.

We went out of the mall with smiles in our face and really had a bit of fun... We were not over yet as we were still talking about what happened while we were going out of the mall and while going for the train ride home. We were not over of this UFO Catcher stuff as we are going to hit Bugis some other time or even the very far Yishun on the red line.

UFO Catcher Tips

I'm not over yet with UFO Catchers. In fact, the link which my friend told me about was there on youtube and so the most logical thing for me to do was see the video myself. She is a Japanese lady who I think lives and breathes with UFO Catchers.

To those who are very much eager to learn UFO Catcher strategies, this is a better watch :



This UFO Catcher is designed from Japan so it might be totally different with the ones designed in America. Actually, I so happened to see the machines in the US where in it is doomed to fail for a certain number of tries like 10 tries. Doomed to fail here would mean that the catcher grip is so loose that it would be impossible for the player to pick the toys. But then, after that specific number of tries, by the eleventh count the grip becomes tight and with the right skill, one can abduct those adorable toys.

The one at East Coast Park was of a Japanese design. That was the reason we got so many toys. It so happened that we were able to discover some few tricks of our own which actually is close to what the video from above has shown. We actually tried the UFO Catcher at Plaza Singapura and they were a bit rigged. You can't make a full control of the UFO Catcher as there were like an inch or two long stoppers at every edge of the levers - too bad.

My friend will be actually checking the UFO Catchers in IMM or in Centerpoint, malls in Jurong East and Boonlay respectively. We are also planning to check-out the machines in Vivo City. I might have another post regarding these machines if we can give them a good try, probably this weekend :)

UFO Catcher at East Coast Park

Last weekend, my housemates and I went to East Coast Park. It was the first Saturday of June. The itineraries would be biking, bowling and having dinner. There's no fun if there's no blooper. In fact, we rode bus number 48 to East Coast and we were kind of lost because we were not able to stop at our destination. So we decided to stop at the terminal and then got a cab going to the East Coast Park B I think where the most conspicuous mark would be McDonalds. Anyway, we rented an overnight bike for ourselves. We rode from one end to the other. There were too many people out there all coming in different ages, color and size?

Anyway, the highlight of our trip was playing at this UFO catcher machine. The first try was a lucky one because we won an elmo stuff toy. The next succeeding tries brought home like 10 very cute stitch stuff toys.

I think we were hooked already of the game simply because we have never tried this one when we were in the Philippines. In fact, my housemates are actually searching at Youtube for all the tutorials on techniques of playing this machine, and I will be checking them out myself.

My coming home to the Philippines will have to be spent at any big mall in Cebu playing UFO Catcher machine. Come to think of it, in Singapore it's worth 1SGD which is 30 PHP and in the Philippines, one token would cost 6PHP. Just do the math :)