GE on Pinoy Gamers!

I got a text message last night from the peepz at Pinoy Gamers that they were going to air the GE Launch Party segment in their show, and so I rushed home early to watch the said program over at Makisig Network (Ch. 82/76 on Sky Cable).

I was quite surprised that they devoted quite a number of air time for their coverage of the event, starting from the press conference, down to the party itself. I was able to capture some parts of the show, but my digicam had limited space...so please pardon the low quality of the videos, ok? ^_~

And yeah, don't mind the Idge person on the 3rd clip. Hahaha. (I look fugly! XD)

featuring e-Games' President and COO, Steve Tsao

featuring GE's Product Manager, Ivee Feria

featuring..err..never mind XD

GE Events: The tale of the long-delayed post

The 9-hour server maintenance today proved to be the right time for me to update this 'lil 'ol blog of mine. Anyway, most of you were either present in these events or have heard/read it from those who were. And since I was part of the team that organized these GE events, the following accounts are a bit subjective to some extent. Then again there's NineMoons' blog, Reclusion, and others who've blogged about these events.

GE Commercial Launch Party @ 1Esplanade

That morning was weird. For one, the weather seemed be uncooperative as it rained that time, prompting some of the folks to change the arrangement of the tents and the stage at the foyer. I arrived sometime at 12nn, and I already saw a handful of familiar faces and a long line awaiting the opening of the event. I was busy helping with the preparations, mainly in arranging the program script I wrote the previous night (huhuhu fried brains) as well as with pacifying the crowd when things started turning chaotic.

Sometime after we opened for registration (and when people started filing up to claim their angel wings), we heard a commotion coming from the crowd. Apparently our models have already gone out wearing their Scout uniforms, drawing attention from the predominantly male crowd. Meanwhile, everybody was busy flocking to the merchandise booth to get their hands on the much-coveted GE Limited Edition Box as well as other GE-related goodies.

'Bout some time that afternoon I morphed into Idge, while pCM Veya was dressed as Emilia the Sage. With a few perfunctory pictures (and a few remarks on how uber huge teh Castor Sword was), the program was in full swing. On my part, my attention was divided in making sure the program was going as planned and coordinating with my friends from the cosplay community.

And speaking of cosplays, there were only 3 GE cosplayers that day: a Brunie Etienne, a Female Elementalist and a cute little Catherine the Summoner. I'm actually hoping for more, but hopefully in the next GE events we'll have more great cosplays.

Perhaps what was the highlight of this event was the much-anticipated Liberty's Wrath 5 on 5 PvP tournament. A few friends actually made it to the finals, which was really great. I met some of the GE Team PH from Cebu and Cagayan de Oro who were here last June. Watching the matches in itself was exhilirating, as I unceremoniously cheered for my friends and rejoiced in their successful matches.

The matches following the semi-finals was truly nerve wracking. Each time a pair of teams would sit opposite each other to compete, tension was apparent, and everyone would watch with bated breaths which team will be the last one standing.

For those who'd want to know about the breakdown of the matches and the winners, NineMoons has provided an entry dedicated to Liberty's Wrath. Do check it out. ;)

I'd just like to personally congratulate the winning group, the Cebu team, for a straight win from prelims all the way to the finals. You guys rock!

Special mention to Welling and the Adeptas boys for placing fourth.

That night though, was the perfect time for me to par-tay along with my good friend (and Brunie cosplayer), Ligaya. The Bigfish party was packed and bursting at the seams past midnight, so we did what we could and partied like there was no tomorrow.

Too bad the CARNAGE boys, save for a few, preferred the booze rather than dancing. Arc and the boys from Cebu needed a jolt as well. But yeah, generally we had a blast at the night party. Wooohooo! Already got home at almost 5am, so yeah...fun fun fun!


e-Games Evolution roadshow

This event was held the following day after the launch party, which was why I surmised that there would be less people attending, but I was floored with the sheer number of people flocking the GE booth. And yes, I saw a couple more familiar faces who were there the day before.

Part of the GE booth activity was the Triple X Triple PvP tourney, in which some friends participated in. Kupz, who recently joined the Adeptas group, was one of the guys who won in this tourney. As for other activities, GE Product Manager Ivee Feria gave away some angel wings and GE merchandise in a trivia contest after her presentation on what to expect on the upcoming game patches.

I didn't stay that much long in this event as I had to meet someone *ahem* and cover the week's Colony Wars over at Caravaggio. As for my report on that, I'll post the details tomorrow.

But for now...it's browser killing time!

GE Launch Party Pics:

Hanging out with Team Cebu & Cagayan de Oro

Mr. Victor Ngo from Cyberworld Corporation-Vietnam is a big fan of teh Castor Sword.

Teh scouts

The Adeptas boys (amp nawala si Kryz sa peekchur! XD).
Their motto? Manalo, matalo cute pa rin kami! XD

DeSanggria with Lord Darrick of Casa Reclusion.

Hanging out with the peepz from CARNAGE

GE Cosplayers: Brunie, Idge, Catherine & Female Elementalist

The Idge Brigade

Liberty's Wrath Champions! Spot teh Arc in teh pic!

Dance boys, dance! XD

e-Games Evolution pics:

Kick-ass GE insignia

Officemates looking dangerous. :P

NineMoons and Nate Reclusion quizzed by Ivee.

Never mess with a Wiz in Le Blanc.

Zoned out..for now

As the title to this post says, I'm still zoned out from the activities last weekend (GE Launch Party & e-Games Evolution). I'll get back to posting this week when I've regained some of my SP & HP points. LOL.

On a side note, there was this conversation at NineMoons' chatbox, so I couldn't resist posting this:

Teh proof that we farking partied so bad!!! ^,...,^

That's me and Ligaya teh party animals during the Bigfish Night Party. Man, I've never gone bonkers for eons. I'm still feeling the after effects of it all, but 'twas fun nonetheless.

I'll be back for my take on those two events! But in the meantime...must. Rest.

Shopping craze + useful tidbit

Look who just got a makeover!

Discounts on female costumes (for Elementalist, Adelina Esperanza, Grace Bernelli, Emilia Guliano) end today! I'd probably be expecting a lot of these RNPCs decked in their pretty regalia. Monsieur Janzur's bound to be traipsing on his dreaaamzz and fantazzzieezz~!

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Oh, I'm not sure if the contenders for this Saturday's PvP finals know about this little tidbit:

Granado Espada International Challenge (Malaysia vs The Philippines)

If you've been monitoring the sGE site, it was announced that our counterparts in Malaysia will also have their own launch party from Sept. 14-16! Whoever will emerge as the Philippine Champions in the Nationals will challenge the winning Malaysian team on the 15th!

I'm hoping that our local champs will give their opponents a hard time. Mwehehe. Good luck to all on Saturday! And yes, good luck to us.

Colony Wars (9/9/07): The brotherhood cometh + launch party microsite

Raquim DeSanggria: I'm too sexy for this server. XD

I decided to ditch the server hopping thingamajig in yesterday's Colony Wars in order to focus my sights on the war in Caravaggio, specifically for the newly-formed faction, AdeptasFraternas (Latin for Brotherhood of the Adept), headed by none other than Welling. The faction was a product of the merge of some Unholy and PasawayProphecy members who wanted to give ReBorn a run for their money.

And in this week's CW, they did just that. But then again, it wasn't going to be a walk in the park, since they were starting from scratch. And with a strong force such as ReBorn, it was definitely going to be a fight to the finish.

Although the DeSanggria boys were in no shape to join the war at that time, I nonetheless took them out of Al Quelt Moreza to focus more on what was happening in the faction's discussions. At that point, it was made clear that AF will try to take 6 colonies owned by ReBorn, which were in Rio Albi, El Canon de Diabolica, Porto Bello Quay, Desolate Cliff, Old Port of Coimbra and Katovic Snowfield. Save points were needed by each member who were to participate in the war.

An hour before the battle commenced, Welling was distributing high level valkyries as well as organizing squads and assigning members for each group. The Katovic plains was the first target, and with only a few minutes left before the official war starts, everyone was instructed to move to ch. 2 then wait for orders to go to ch. 1.

At precisely 8PM, the war notice sprang up all over Granado Espada, heralding the start of the colony wars. Contrary to NineMoon's observation in Cervantes, the war in Caravaggio saw a flurry of declaration notices as the first second of the war was announecd. The first 30 minutes of the action was rather "silent" in the sense that everyone had their focus on the colony target. A few moments thereafter, AF was successful in claiming Katovic, which then prompted the teams to head straight for Porto Bello Quay.

[On a funny note, someone broaded that colony takeovers took quite a long time, save for AF, who was the first to make a claim for more than 20 minutes after the war started.]

Checking out everyone's whereabouts, I noted that most of them have moved to the Cliff, which made me wonder if they've abandoned efforts in Quay. And all the while I was checking the map, I was surprised to find out that Katovic was once again reclaimed by ReBorn, although thankfully, the Deserted Cliff was branded by the AF name.

[And I've noticed once again that not many factions have become aggressive that day—everyone's apparently on a defensive position.]

Anyway, everyone in the group was just as shocked to have been KS-ed by Drow Faction who got Quay for themselves, thereby prompting Welling to declare war over their heads. At this time, the former tactic to overwhelm a particular location was changed. Squads took their places in various places to secure the sole colony as well as the other targeted territories.

ReBorn put up quite a fight as they once again reclaimed the Deserted Cliff, while AF suffered another KS in Rio Albi by the Zodiac Faction and in Quay by Ethereal.

Since I wasn't there to experience the action for myself, it was Welling who told me that the lag was completely and untolerably horrible. Faction and squad chats were delayed, which was probably the reason why I saw the faction scattering about in most places. And perhaps due to my stupidity, I missed the entire group's discussions as I was busy monitoring the System Notice, instead of the Faction Chat tab. *headdesk*

Nevertheless, AF was able to finally bring the Katovic colony, Diabolica and the Deserted Cliff under its wing. They made a rush to get to the Old Port of Coimbra and actually managed to leave 1/3 of damage before the end of the clock. When the excitement died down, AdeptasFraternas resounded all over GE with 3 colonies (27% HP boost), which was not so bad for a newly formed faction (who reached lvl 52 status on the same day the group was conceived!).

The Brotherhood on Caravaggio server.

Having said that, I have a feeling that Caravaggio will never be the same again.

Congratulations to everyone for a well-fought battle! And just for the record, here is the list of factions who declared war on that night:

TheUltimate v. Symphony
AdeptasFraternas v. ReBorn
AdeptasFraternas v. HeavyMachines
Zodiac v. ReBorn
YouWithWho v. Symphony
Ethereal v. Zodiac
Azyr v. Symphony
Exodus v. ReBorn
Rebirth v. Ethereal
Drow v. ReBorn
Eclipse v. Ethereal
Leviathan v. ReBorn
AdeptasFraternas v. Drow
Ethereal v. Drow
Justice v. Symphony
Eclipse v. Symphony
Exodus v. Symphony
Cynic v. Drow
Symphony v. DivineSociety
DivineSociety v. Eclipse
YouWithWho v. Eclipse
Cynic v. ReBorn
YouWithWho v. ReBorn

===


We've finally uploaded this really cool microsite for the launch party!

View it here!

Colony Wars (9/2/07): Rise of the new factions + GE launch party news

Yesterday's Colony Wars was a big change for me. First, this was the first CW of the commercial phase of the game, hence, factions who managed to grab some colonies made their first marks in the history of GE. Second, Ravenloft decided not to participate in the war as the faction leader was AFK leveling around that time, and third, it was the most quiet CW coverage I ever had.

Reporting about the war has never been difficult, unless your faction decides not to join in the muck for the meantime. But since this particular CW was all about claiming territories first, the action would be saved until next week for the defense of these colonies (in my opinion, that's where the real action kicks in).

Surprisingly, a lot of people were offline that night. Many were unsure if there was any war at all, seeing that no prior announcement was made. I checked the sGE site today and the announcement was there, but I do swear I looked into it last night and there was nary a word about the event. But of course, those who thought otherwise stuck it out and true enough, CW pushed through.

In spite of Ravenloft's non-participation in the event, I managed to sneak a peek at CARNAGE, who was busy organizing members to get the colonies in Pradera de Ceniza, Porto Bello's Deserted Quay, El Lago de Tres Hermanas, El Tejado Verde and El Canon de Diabolica. I heard that they had about 40+ people online that night (which wasn't so bad), and managed to get 3 out of 5 colonies that they earlier planned.

Meanwhile, Dominion has tipped the scales by conquering 8 COLONIES! O_O Meanwhile, the Cervantes map has produced new faces in the war zone in the names of Fenrir, WrathOfGod and DarkCrusade factions! I'm expecting more and more factions to emerge on the map now that everyone's gaining strength and showing more force when it comes to faction-on-faction wars.

Surprisingly though, ChocoPoring, the new faction where former Yakisoba junkies moved into after Tsubaki stepped down, had an initial colony before being wiped out at the end of the 2-hour war. I'm also expecting these guys to make a comeback in the future.


Anyway, congratulations to all factions who won their own colonies! See you all in next week's war!

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More news about the upcoming GE PH Commercial Launch Party...


We're giving away FREE tickets to the Big Fish Night Party to the 1st 100 people who can present their e-Gamer Loyalty Cards! For those who don't have their own cards, fear not! You can apply for your own during the event itself! Remember, only the first 100 people to present/sign up for the Loyalty Cards will have their free entrance to this exciting Night Party!

*edit*

This just in. The Big Fish Night Party tickets are pegged at Php 600. GE cosplayers and the 1st 100 people to present/sign up for the e-Gamer Loyalty Card get the tickets for free! Note that tickets can only be claimed strictly at 10PM.

P.S.: Don't mind the typo. XD I didn't make that banner. Hehe.

Family updates + GVC news & launch party

A lot's been happening to the DeSanggria family these past few days. Following my temporary departure from CARNAGE, I'm happy to announce that I've finally moved to a new Pinoy faction, Ravenloft! Mad props to faction leader sotelo for bringing in the stray. Hehe.

I was able to join the group last night, and it's quite amusing to note that the guys from Ravenloft are likewise fun people to hang out with. I'm looking forward to more funny discussions (and perhaps a raid mission with the group? XD).

In other news, I've finally purchased my first G-Points! An officemate who bought the loot online sold me a couple, and I've already spent them on my first purchase: Pioneer's Kit - Strategy Package!

The only thing I'm quite excited about this package are the 10pcs of Andre's Costume Box! Right after getting the stuff, I immediately opened it and got some pretty cool stuff! Here are the girls wearing some of the accessories and costumes:

Bear-type Cyradis

Schoolmarm angel Verdandi
Mucho thanks to pCM Veya for the Divine Angel Wings! Yay!

Alaena the undead

I also got some stuff which the girls can never wear so I'm resorting to selling the following items:

• Clara Mago hair (lvl 84 female Wizard)
• Shaggy hair (male Musketeer)

I want more Andre's Box!!!

===

And I just got this mail from Sir Lyndon...

Great news, Pioneers!

The Office of Pioneering Support is pleased to announce that Granado Espada Game Value Cards (GVCs) are now available! Now you can further optimize your exploits in the New World with the much needed items for your quests, or to simply look good while strolling around the verdant forests and crowded cities.

Please check the list below to know where you can avail of the GVCs.

LUZON

PARK AVE.COM	2481 Park Avenue, Pasay City	831-2703 / 833-5219
G.MICK GAMERS ONLINE	1143 G. Masangkay St., Sta. Cruz, Manila	354-9250 to 51
WARZONE INTERNET CAFÉ	MAIN: 2436 Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila BRANCH: 749 Victoria St., Intramuros, Manila	523-7088 / 523-8590
PC QUEST	1345 Dapitan St., Sampaloc, Manila	731-3703 to 05 / 742-2078
Pinnacle Technologies	Balaga Luna Bldg. Catmon Malolos Bulacan	044-7912038
VISAYAS
Miranda Traders	N.Bacalso st. Duljo Fatima Cebu City	0920-8142048
MINDANAO
Herrera Brothers	Door 6 Phil Veterans Bldg Monteverde Davao City	082-7009588
Quagmire Computers	105 bonifacio st. Davao City	082-2258788
HD Financial Services	Cagayan de oro city	0917-7060303
PINS
Load Central	Unit 406 4th flr Verde Oro bldg Commonwealth Ave Q.C	932-4303

Please take note that more retailers will be added on the list as soon as it becomes available.

Meanwhile, here is the detailed breakdown of GVC amount and their corresponding game time and G-Point denomination.

Code Types for GVC	G-Points with Game Time	G-Points Only
30 days Unlimited Play GVC (Php 300)	5000	5800
10 Days unlimited Play GVC (Php 100)	1600	1800
5 Days Unlimited Play GVC (Php 50)	650	750

Signed:

Sir Lyndon
Chief
Office of the Pioneering Support

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Do check out the Granado Espada PH site for details on the activities for the launch party!

I LIIIIIIIVEEE!!! + big news!

Panfilo's glad to be back in GE.

Finally! After last night's server fiasco, I was finally able to log in to the GE world. It's still a painful chore for me to level the girls, so I took them all for a nice stroll around Reboldoeux and Coimbra.

In doing so I encountered new sights in those areas. In Reboldoeux for one, a costume exchange chest was located near master couturier Andre Janzur. By putting in some costumes (the ones bought from Janzur and not the armors), one will get a random item. A factionmate tried exchanging one this morning and he got an Auch Return Scroll. Cool!

Oh and for those who are wondering, items in the Market Manager are steadily going back to their exorbitant prices. You might want to purchase some stuff now, and unless you're fully loaded with Vis, getting armors and weapons will be a major pain in the family coffers.

Moving over to Coimbra, we noticed the add-ons as described by RCM Hrin.

Hrin's new bestfriend, the Item Mall NPC stands near the notice board, already selling goodies for those who have their G-Points (lucky people ).

No G-Points for the DeSanggria family just yet.

And while on the way to a rendezvous with Gracielo (hehe), we spotted Jonathon, the new Coimbra Pioneering Officer. Cyradis went on to engage him in a friendly conversation and to check out the quest issued by this NPC. To her surprise, Jonathon replied tartly, "We do not need your help."

Jonathon, the Coimbra Trooper Pioneering Officer

Ouch. Darned ingrate.

The girls likewise saw the ballot boxes for the upcoming Party Elections! It's just across Captain Ricardo. Neat stuff really.

Cast your votes here!

Oh, and RCM Hrin has posted some nifty info about Barons in her blog. Go check it out! Just don't baron me...yet.

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For those of you who've been curious for the nth time...

IP-Interactive will have the GE PH Commercial Launch Party on Sept. 15 (Saturday) at One Esplanade, near SM Mall of Asia!!!