More Labbits on the Way!

Kidrobot has just released their 8-Deadly Sins Labbits when they surprised us with another set of Labbits! This time the Smorkin' Labbits, now with fried chicken.

The new18 enticing character designs by Frank Kozik feature Labbit at war, glossy, camouflaged, royal, hungry, clear, chatty, bolted, nuclear, detained, cut up, bloody, dotted, and of course, armed with chicken.  They're so outrageous, they're addictive!  I for one would get a case of these critters once they come out.

These will be available on August 9 at Kidrobot stores, kidrobot.com, and select retailers. Each of these Smorkin’ Labbits retails for $4.95 US.  Hopefully, they also come to our shores just like the Happy Mini Labbits.

(all images from kidrobot.com)

Two Rainy Days in Hong Kong

I just got back from a two days, two nights vacation in Hong Kong.  I planned this trip in February so I didn't have the idea what the weather would be like.  It turned out that my vacation would be a very wet one.

I arrived in Hong Kong the day after a strong typhoon hit the city.  We could not disembark from our plane for almost an hour because of the heavy rains and strong winds that buffeted the airport.  When I reached Mong Kok where I stayed during my vacation, the effects of the storm were still evident as broken umbrellas and other debris were strewn in the streets.

My trips to Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park Hong Kong were also rain drenched.  The rains were even worse on the second day when I was at Ocean Park that I wasn't able to shoot pictures  Some of the attractions were also closed thanks to the inclement weather. 

 But the rains did not stop people from visiting these places.  Perhaps they also set their trip way in advance just like what I did.  So lesson learned.  Do not visit Hong Kong during typhoon season which falls on July to November.

Kronk x Kozik = 8 Deadly Sins Labbit Series

I just got my Happy Mini Labbits last Thursday and look what Kidrobot revealed with this weekend! Another series for Frank Kozik's iconic smorkin Labbits, this time committing the 8 Deadly Sins!  (Hmmm... my memory says there are only 7 deadly or capital sins though.)

South African native designer Kronk makes the smorkin' labbits even badder by committing "the oldest sins, the newest kind of ways".  These 2.5-inch vinyl figures embody the vices that have plagued us all since creation.  Which is Labbit’s favorite: Greed or Lust? Pride or Wrath? Gluttony or Sloth? Envy or Dejection?

These will definitely be part of my collection!  They are bigger than the usual 1.5-inch mini Labbits and will come with a US$9.95 price tag per blind box.  Find your vice on July 26 at kidrobot.com, Kidrobot stores and select retailers worldwide.  

(all images from kidrobot.com)

Dolphy, 83

DOLPHY

1928-2012

Thanks for the gift of laughter. From Jack en Jill to John 'n Marsha to Home Along da Riles, you brought funny and familiar moments to many of us.  May you rest in peace.

Stache Labbit Plush Yellow and Purple

Look what Frank Kozik came up for Kidrobot this time! Two color variants of plush mustachioed labbits.  In yellow or purple, this cuddly labbits scream CUTE and I just want to get my hands around one of them.

Available in 7 and 14-inch sizes, these icons retail for US$17.95 and US$39.95 respectively, hopping on shelves at Kidrobot stores, kidrobot.com, and select retailers July 26.  I wish one of the local specialty toy stores bring them here soon.

Anyway, whether you are looking for some yellow sunshine or purple haze, these mustachioed and vibrant labbits are good clean fuzzball fun.  

(all images from kidrobot.com)

PH Finally Gets its iTunes Store

Apple announced this week the launch of iTunes in several Asian countries including the Philippines.  This is good news for us who have an iOS device or two as we now have access to songs, apps and movies that were previously unavailable to us.  These include music from local artists, of course.  Not only that, we can now also shop for books under the iBookstore.

It is only about time that we have our own iTunes Store.  Before this, I can only populate my iPod through ripping my CD.  The only way I can download music and books from iTunes is to ask my sister to get me an iTunes Music Store prepaid card or buy one from an online seller at a higher price.  Now, I can use my local credit card to gain access to all of the goods.

Moreover, Asia is one of the fastest growing markets for Apple products.  Since many of their gadgets now come sans optical drives, Apple users here have no option but to download iOS and Mac OSX software from iTunes or the Appstore.  

iTunes music store has been online since 2003 and after almost ten years, it's here.  Well, better late than never.  Welcome to the Philippines iTunes!