­(Advisory: No posting from 23 December to 26 December 2009 as all Operators will be going on holidays.) As expected, traffic took a toll on the start of operations. But nevertheless, it did not dampen the spirits of the combatants who fought it out like hell, and with smiles on their faces. The encounters at each stage were waged well and with great honour. The seriousness of both sides ensured that that the day was one to be remembered in their airsoft lives. All fought with determination: the attackers, to push the defenders until they had their backs against the wall; and the defenders delaying the attackers every step of the way and frustrate them from capturing Elias Morales and his cohorts.

The Ridge assault was the bloodiest, with the attacking forces taking heavy losses from the snipers, and their medics busy going up and down the slopes, forgetting about their own safety and made sure that their comrades were returned to the firefights in speed.

The Kin No Yuri represented by the Red Wing, and Black Gulaman, stood their ground well, and made good use of the terrain. They moved like ghosts, and used deception to the hilt. Hitting and fading to new positiions, but leaving behind well-concealed operators who took out the attackers from behind. The Black Gulaman seemed to have turned themselves into spider men, scaling cliffs that were impossible to climb (and we strongly won't recommend that you do the same). The Red Wing Snipers had their scopes turned dangerous, anything that moved was fair game.

Some of the best tactics ever seen in airsoft events were implemented in the game. With Sir Storm acting as a military advisor to the attackers, whipped up the groups of the PMC, AGLB, and Shadow Militia, into cohesive units. Snipers of the other side were taken down as the attacking forces slowly and surely moved into each stage. They moved from one firing position to another and making good use of cover whenever possible, all marks of well-trained units.

Elias Morales didn't stand idle. He led his security units up front, shooting it out, and shouting commands to his security units to do flanking maneuvers. By the time the attacking forces were pushing their way down to the river, and met with a ferocious barrage of firepower that can be brought to bear by the Kin No Yuri, they were able to scale down the slopes and up to their chopper waiting to evacuate them.

­Elias Morales gets to live another day, and the bounty on his head might be raised higher. He and the Kin No Yuri were able to protect the arms cache and documents for delivery to the Maharlika rebels. But the stakes have been raised higher. The allied forces going after him are more than determined to capture him, and next time, it's going to be dead or alive situation for him.

As the allied forces plan their next step. They will have to step up their intelligence efforts further to find and stop Elias Morales.

As for Elias Morales and the Kin No Yuri abandoned their nest at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains, which is now being combed by intelligence agencies to find the next steps, they are now setting up at another secret location to resume operations.

The saga continues... and standby for further instructions of a new and bigger operation in the MIDDLE OF 2010.

Popular Airsoft sends its heartfelt thanks to the following:

1. Tactical Sports Depot/Hobbie Depot
2. Kombat Solutions
3. XRL Hobby Shop
4. Tactical Labs

For sponsoring the raffle prizes. Many players went happy with the items they have provided, and early Christmas for the lucky winners.

The following teams for ensuring discipline, and showing kick-ass game plays:

1. Red Wing
2. AGL Brotherhood
3. Black Gulaman
4. Para Military Contractors (baptised yesterday as Puro Military Contractors)
5. Shadow Militia
6. Hammerheads (also for admin assistance)

As always, to XRL for the food and drinks, and keeping everyone well fed.

The lonewolves and guests who gamely and bore the brunt of our jokes and antics.

Sir Storm of RedWing, who unfolded the games well, and had done a brilliant job of ensuring that everyone's up to speed and making adjustments to make the day even more interesting.

Sir "I need more Electrolytes" Adeng of Kombat Solutions, for being the real combat medic in the field.

To the AGL Brotherhood, for the warm hospitality they accorded to everyone and being fantastic game hosts. AGL Park is great site for those who are wanting variety of terrain, stamina-breaking, and furious airsoft fights. Interested parties better contact Sirs Saldy and Swagger if you want to use the place.

To Filairsoft for endorsing the event and giving it front page/prominent page status.

To all those who have encouraged the Ratratan Series, which has always been a resounding success every year.

As for us at Popular Airsoft, we thank ourselves for being able to give smiles, fun, and a great story for those who follow the Ratratan series over the years. The camarederie, fun, the great after action stories, and beer shared after the event, are things that always get us going, everything's worth it.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and see you at RATRATAN 2010!

PHOTOS BELOW: