Daniel “Zemogs” Gomez and His friend Line Up at 3am for the Pokémon Ascended Heroes Box Collection

For most people, 3 a.m. means deep sleep.

Legendary Daniel “Zemogs” Gomez known for winning raffles and waiting in line before the sun even shines, was determined to secure the Pokémon Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box (ETB). Whether it meant standing in line at the fifth-level car park of SM North EDSA since he’s used to this anyway.

This wasn’t just another mall visit. This was release day.

The Commitment

Daniel arrived before sunrise, fully aware that demand would be intense. Collectors, students, and resellers had already started gathering hours before opening. The goal was clear: get a spot early or risk going home empty-handed.

He and his friends positioned themselves near the entrance closest to Toy Kingdom – SM North EDSA. The wait stretched for hours. Concrete floors became temporary seats. Sleep deprivation mixed with anticipation.

But Daniel stayed focused.

The Build-Up

As morning approached, the crowd doubled. Rumors spread about which entrance would open first. People began tightening the line, trying to secure better positions. Some attempted to squeeze forward.

Tension filled the air.

Yet Daniel held his ground.

The Opening Moment

At 9:58 a.m., the doors opened.

The calm disappeared.

People sprinted toward the store. What had been hours of waiting turned into seconds of chaos. Only around 46 boxes were available.

Daniel ran.

And he made it.

The Result

After nearly seven hours of waiting, pushing, and uncertainty, Daniel secured the Ascended Heroes ETB.

Exhausted but victorious.

Seven hours.
One box.
Zero regrets.

Would he do it again?

When the next Pokémon release drops — probably yes.