Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Star Wars Episode II Pepsi Bottle Cap Collection

The success of the Star Wars Episode 1 Pepsi Cola Bottle Caps in Japan in 1999 was the reason that Pepsi decided to release the Episode II Bottle Caps in July of 2002.

Just like my Episode I, completing this set composed of 52 figures took me more than 3 years. The complete list follows:

1. Anakin Skywalker
2. Obi-Wan Kenobi
3. Padme Amidala (battle)
4. Padme Amidala (senator)
5. Mace Windu
6. Yoda
7. Saesee Tiin
8. Plo Koon
9. Kt Fisto
10. Luminara Unduli
11. Shaak Ti
12. C-3PO
13. R2-D2
14. Dexter Jettster
15. Zam Wesell
16. Jango Fett
17. Boba Fett
18. Count Dooku
19. Poggle the Lesser
20. Geonosian
21. Battle Droid
22. Super Battle Droid
23. Chancellor Palpatine
24. Darth Sidious
25. Senate Guard
26. Taun We
27. Lama Su
28. Clone Trooper
29. Tusken Raider
30. Captain Typho
31. Ric-920
32. Jar Jar Binks
33. Mas Amedda
34. Orn Free Taa
35. Wat Tambor
36. Anakin Skywalker (head)
37. Obi-Wan Kenobi (head)
38. Saesee Tiin (head)
39. Plo Koon (head)
40. Kit Fisto (head)
41. Luminara Unduli (head)
42. Shaak Ti (head)
43. C-3PO (head)
44. Dexter Jettster (head)
45. Zam Wesell (head)
46. Jango Fett (head)
47. Count Dooku (head)
48. Geonosian (head)
49. Senate Guard (head)
50. Taun We (head)
51. Clone Trooper (head)
52. Mas Amedda (head)

Monday, September 7, 2009

Star Wars Episode I Pepsi Bottle Cap Collection

Sometime in 2006, I came across some items in eBay that caught my fancy. These were the Pepsi Cola Star Wars bottle caps. Immediately thereafter, I fell in love with them and immediately bid on them. Lucky for me coz I won the bid.

After the items arrived, I did some research on the net and learned that there were a lot of them released by Pepsi in different dates exclusively in Japan to highlight the movies featuring Episodes I, II, and III.

Trying to collect the complete set of these 2.25" figures was not easy. It was only this year that I was able to complete Episode I and Episode II. My Episode III still lacks 11 figs to complete.

The Star Wars Episode I bottle caps collection was released by Pepsi in 1999. Photos above are from my personal collection to show the reader how beautiful these figures are. Here is the complete list of characters included in that set.

1. Anakin Skywalker (1)
2. Anakin Skywalker (2)
3. Anakin Skywalker (head)
4. Padme Naberrie
5. Queen Amidala (1)
6. Queen Amidala (2)
7. Queen Amidala (3)
8. Queen Amidala (head)
9. Princess Leia
10. Senator Palpatine
11. Chancellor Valorum
12. Mace Windu
13. Mace Windu (head)
14. Obi-Wan Kenobi (1)
15. Obi-Wan Kenobi (2)
16. Qui-Gon Jinn
17. Jar Jar Binks
18. Jar Jar Binks (head)
19. R2-D2
20. C-3PO
21. Darth Vader
22. Darth Vader (head)
23. Darth Maul (1)
24. Darth Maul (2)
25. Darth Maul (head)
26. Darth Sidious
27. Battle Droid
28. Nute Gunray
29. Nute Gunray (head)
30. Yoda
31. Yoda (head)
32. Ki Adi Mundi
33. Watto
34. Watto (head)
35. Sebulba
36. Sebulba (head)
37. Boss Nass
38. Boss Nass (head)
39. Tuscan Raider
40. Captain Tarpals (head)

Sunday, September 6, 2009

ABS-CBN Cebu's "MagTV Na" Comes To Visit

Yesterday was quite a hectic day. The night before, I got a confirmation from Venice Polancos and Lindo Mark Mayol of ABS-CBN Cebu that they will be dropping by to do a segment featuring my stamps and Star Wars collections in the top rating Cebu television show called "MagTV Na."

It was in August 2005 when I got invited by ABS-CBN Cebu to guest in Jude Bacalso's "Jude Morning" at Ayala Center Cebu to talk about our exhibit highlighting the stamps of Pope John Paul II. The TV network was one of the sponsors of the event.

At around 1:30pm the network's people arrived in our compound. There were nine of them! I was introduced to everyone, from the director to Blinky, the segment host. I couldn't accommodate the crew to my house as renovation work is ongoing so we had to use the house of Debbie Uy and Mark Uybengkee of Himlayang Pilipino Plans, Inc. who incidentally is my younger sister and brother-in-law. Their daughter Duchess Blythe Uybengkee is one of ABS-CBN's talents.

The crew took time to arrange everything - from my stamp albums, exhibit frames, star wars books, posters, action figures and bottle caps.

Once everything was done it was lights, camera, action! Blinky de Leon did an excellent job as host. She makes one feel comfortable in front of the cam although I am used to being on it occassionally.

The one person I admired most was the director, Reggie Molina. He's so down-to-earth and easy to get along with. He even helped in the setting up just to speed things up. Mark and Venice did great in the preparation and coordination. To sum it all, everyone was superb and very professional.

By 4:30pm, the interview was over. After a hearty snack of hamburgers and Coke, we said our goodbyes and thank yous. Mark handed me a bag with a "MagTV Na" mug inside. Another mug to add in my collection!

The "MagTV Na" experience was such a nice one that I will never forget! My special thanks to ABS-CBN Cebu, Lindo Mark Mayol (Segment Producer), Blinky de Leon (Host), Reggie Molina (Director), Vince Moree Polancos (Researcher), Daki Bolutano (Cameraman), Tata Poligrates (Cameraman), Randy Berrame (Lightman), Ronald Albaraccin (Audioman), and Nick Nadela (Production Driver).

"MagTV Na" will be featuring my stamps and Star Wars collections this month. If you're in Cebu, please take time to watch it on September 13, 2009 at ABS-CBN TV 3!

The photos featured above came from a video taken by Edwin Uy from a side angle. The network cams were in front of Blinky and I. Mark Mayol is also shown in the background.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Cory Exhibit Souvenir Cover

The latest exhibit poster I designed and made was for Cebu Stamp Club's "Selyo At Kasaysayan 2009... A Tribute To Cory Aquino" stamp and photo exhibit. I also decided to come up with the official souvenir cover that features the exhibit poster design.

The envelope carries a cache that depicts the exhibit poster. An "AUG 27, 2009" postmark is stamped that highlights the day of the exhibit opening. The words "CEBU STAMP CLUB, INC." and "AYALA CENTER CEBU" are also included. The stamp shown in the above photo is the Oath Taking of President Cory Aquino issued on March 04, 1987.

This limited edition souvenir envelope is a collectors item and available exclusively to Cebu Stamp Club members and friends.

Noynoy For President

It's all over the news these past days. Senator Mar Roxas announcing on national tv of his intention to withdraw from the presidential race in favor of Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

After many months of going around the country and touching base with the people, giving way to a fellow party mate is not an easy thing to do. I admire Senator Mar for what he did.

"Noynoy Aquino for president" is now the call of the masses. The son of Senator Ninoy Aquino and President Cory Aquino, I see in him a sincere and better president. If he finally decides to run and win, the country will be in very good hands. He will be our Barack Obama. (photo from yahoo news)

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Blessings For My Birthday

"I have a surprise for you tomorrow daddy" were the words my 5 year old son Kervin whispered to me before he went to bed. I could feel a slight pinch deep inside of me. Hearing him say those words made me more proud of him.

He never forgot my birthday! Yup, today September 2 is my natal day. I thank God for everything that came and will come my way. Blessings, good health, success, and a happy marriage. I welcome the bad too as these things make me a better person.

I always believe in the saying "What you sow, is what you reap!" Doing good things always bring good karma to my life. Thanks to everyone who have made my life meaningful and colorful.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Cebu Stamp Club members at the Tribute to Cory Aquino Stamp Exhibit


I was so touched to see Cebu Stamp Club members at the "Selyo at Kasayasayan 2009... A Tribute to Cory Aquino" exhibit at the Ayala Center Cebu.

Australian member Luke Ferrara flew in from Australia just to be with the group. Aidalyn Arabe left Dumaguete City to view the exhibit and so did Allan Bennett Uy Matiao.

Reina Tugot presented herself to be the official photographer during the duration of the event. Eyan Yu and his son Paul took photos too. Sharee Ann Trapa, Dinah Potolin, Richard Guimbarda, Aileen Liwat, Janus BariƱan, Dra. Eulalia Dy, Jerald Kervin Uy, Ricardo Teves and Julian Kael Uy came in different dates just to lend support. Edwin Al Cuizon and Emie Patalagsa helped tremendously in getting sponsors for the event.

I am truly blessed to have members who are always there to give their full commitment and support to Cebu Stamp Club, Incorporated. To them, I offer my gratitude and best wishes!