Polychromatic

Finally

2009-04-02T16:35:00.003+08:00

It's over! Finally. I can breathe. I can sleep. I can cosplay. Rawr! I haven't opened my social networking accounts since 2nd week of March. I haven't slept for days. (I did sleep a maximum 3 hours a day) I also ate too much fast food everyday. No time to cook. No time to sleep.

For the month, I submitted/did: (majors only)
1. OC104 - Interpersonal Communication:

integration paper 2: Expectancy Violations Theory in Sweeney Todd
case study interview (from Bulacan)
case study integration
case study creative video
group report: Ideal Relationships in the Workplace
interview for report

2. OC140 - Theories in Communication:

Organization and management paper (which we had to do twice because we failed the first one): Sexual Harrassment in the Workplace
group report: Organizations as Political Systems
interview of orcom graduate
case study: DPWH vs Senate Cartel

3. OC107 - Intercultural Communication:

thesis proposal (which i had to do twice because the first one didn't satisfy proffy): Learning and Teaching Styles in International Schools
duo report: Intercultural Learning in International Schools

4. Ling100 - Introduction to Linguistics:

group report: Systemic Functional Grammar
final paper: Uses of Ling100 in the future

5. Comm3 - Speech Communication:

interview: Hon. Isko Moreno (Manila Vice Mayor)
extemporaneous speech: Scuba diving
extemporaneous speech outline
group/panel discussion: Alleviating/Preventing tension between Street Vendors and MMDA
group/panel discussion outline

Anyone, say DEAD MEAT?

I feel like I'm gonna fail OC140. My raw grade is 40.33, the lowest in my batch. Passing (3.0) is 60 points. I need 20 points more to pass. Which means, I need to pass 50% of my final exam (and I felt I did bad). OMG. Help me. Pray for me. I don't want to repeat the subject. I don't want to be left behind by my batchmates. I don't want for my scholarship to be gone. I can't have my mom pay for my tuition and ask for additional living expenses. Oh no..

It's April 2. Supposed to be the last day of exam. But damn NatSci professor for not showing up. Though I did not study much, I wanted the hell week to end. We went home with a note to wait for the take home exam to be uploaded. Ugh. Essay in the night. And tomorrow is Ozine Fest day 1.

Speaking of Ozine. I won't be able to go on day 1. Since I have to submit my printed exam tomorrow. And my Ciel Phantomhive costume isn't ready yet.

I have to jet now. Cosfriends will arrive for the sleepover & pancit canton party. I can't wait. This will be fun. I'm looking forward to ease my depression.

Love of Siam

2009-03-22T00:02:00.002+08:00

^ official 2007 movie poster

I just finished watching the 2007 Thai romantic-drama film Love of Siam, written and directed by Chookiat Sakveerakul. The story is about two teenage boys' gay romance, their family problems, and friendship. This is the most touching gay film I have ever seen and the soundtrack of the movie is absolutely wonderful. You don't have to know the language to understand what the music is trying to convey. You can feel it the moment the song starts. And when you get to read the English translation of the lyrics, you'll be more enthralled.

^ Official movie trailer 2007

The movie.... Here's the pv of the song Together "กันและกัน" (Kan Lae Kan)

if i say that i wrote this song for you
would you believe me
it might not be as well-written
or beautiful like other songs
i want you to know that a love song
can't be written if you're not in love
but for you i can write this song so easily

you might have heard hundreds
or thousands of love songs
they might be meaningful
but their meanings are for anyone
when you listen to this song
it is written only for you
if you understand the meaning
our hearts will be together forever

let it be the song on the way along
with only your and my voice
that we'll be together for all time
just like a verse that's in a poem
as long as you love, you still have hope
every time i feel your love shining in my heart
i can see my destiny

there are so many truths in our love
in the past i spent too much time
looking for the meaning of it
but now i know that every time you are near
that if our lives are a melody
and you are the lyrics that make my life meaningful
then together we make beautiful music

Hannah Fraser: Mermaid + Underwater Fashion Photography

2009-03-18T23:33:00.005+08:00

I received an e-mail informing me that underwater fashion photographer, Mick Gleissner, has an iStudio account. Thinking of new pictures from him, I hurried to his site. I found behind the scenes clips of his underwater photography and tips & techniques in underwater fashion photography.

I'm so jealous. This is my ultimate desires combined: scuba diving, photography, and fashion. Today's feature is Hannah Fraser. This clip was shot in Cebu, Philippines. I wish I knew this back then, I would have spent 5k airfare to see the shoot live - underwater. I'd love to assist - to be the one handing the octopus/regulator to the models. *swoon* Anyway, here goes:

She's so famous as a living mermaid model that she was featured in this news program:

Now I want a mermaid tail of my own. I just need to find out where to buy wetsuit material cloth like neoprene? or Lycra? around 1.5 mm thickness? and old fins.

I am looking forward to summer. I will meet Kenzo-san (I forgot his whole name errrr) again for another group dive at Sta. Cruz islands. Maybe this time, I can go with them to Malamawi? or Tawi-tawi? Hopefully. This time, we can discuss photography and scuba diving. Maybe I can convince him to lend me his gears for an underwater fashion shoot? Or maybe he'd just make me his model. Whichever.

Hurrah for scuba diving! Hurrah for photography! Hurrah for fashion!

Goals this summer:

enroll in Nihongo class
continue violin lessons at Manila Philharmonic Orchestra
work with pro fotogs in Zamboanga
conceptual & glamour shoot with friend models
prepare Kanda, Hinata, Grell, Katsura, Kagura cosplays
dive at Cebu
read manga (Bleach, Naruto, KHR, DGM, Gintama)
watch anime (Jigoku Shoujo, KHR, DGM, Gintama, Naruto)
buy a HOYA CPL and polarizing filter
and forget about HIM (dang boy!)

High and expensive goals... I hope I can reach them... Go go go!!!

Cosplay Mania 2009

2009-03-18T10:24:00.002+08:00

What: Cosplay Mania 2009
When: September 13, 2009

Source: cosplay.ph

Schneizel

2009-03-12T21:57:00.005+08:00

Weeh! I know I said I hate Mondays and Thursdays, but I love this Thursday. I was on my way to K.Ron's dormitory at Intramuros and I had to pass through the underpass. I saw the rabbits again which I saw last pre-Valentine's day. I didn't buy the rabbit though they kept calling for me through their sweet round eyes. On my way to SM Manila with K.Ron this time, I bought my first rabbit: Schneizel.

Isn't she cute? She's so energetic and she kept hopping around and falling off the sofa along the way. It seems like she likes my laptop. What did she see? Perhaps the inspiration to her name:

This photo used to be GG Subs' home page (which has now been changed to a blog interface). It's Prince Schneizel of Britania - a character from the manga-anime Code Geass. Schneizel is so cute. Like a bunny. Sleepy schneizel.

I wanted to name my bunny, SHIRO. But Sleepy Schneizel is so cute. It's like he's begging me..

Casual Attire

2009-03-11T17:20:00.002+08:00

Ohayooo! Uhm, it's already afternoon... I did wake up to a good morning though. After my daily rituals, I headed to the bank to withdraw the moolah mom sent. I had to pay the reservation fee for the October 10, 2010 wedding at the Manila Cathedral before anybody else takes the slot. Too bad, I can't pay without attending a seminar. So for those planning to get married at the Manila Cathedral, do this:

Visit the Chancery.
Obtain a list of requirements.With the complete list and birth certificate of bride/groom and authorization letter (if the attendant is neither the bride nor groom), take the seminar which they give every 2pm of Thursday.
With a certification from that seminar and the list from the chancery, you may now pay your reservation fee.
Note: Bride and groom must be in the Philippines a month before the wedding for a couple seminar...With a certification from that seminar and the list from the chancery, you may now pay your reservation fee.

So I went to see Chippy and Monique at Adamson University after that defeating purpose in going to the Manila Cathedral.. I just wasted precious taxi-money (I didn't know how to get there). We went to Divisoria to look for our cloths but we ended up not finding the right one and eating at Jollibee. Then we took the Sangandaan jeepney to Malabon. During the ride, we talked about funny text messages and anime... That was a fun ride. Back at the seamstress' house, I asked for the swatches of the cloths and buttons I needed.

I saw the cute kittens again. *swoon*

Monique has a 3pm class so we took the LRT back to UN Avenue. We were supposed to go to SM Manila for a DDR session. She was supposed to teach me how to play that. I haven't tried it - ever. But there wasn't any more time. As she headed to her class, I tried to go inside the campus by pretending to inquire about a transfer into the school. Unfortunately, I didn't have any of my IDs with me. In the end, my English accent was useless and I wasn't able to go inside. Instead, Chippy and I went with Kuya Von and Kuya Richard to play random games at the arcade. Fun fun fun!!

Back at the school, K.Von and K.Richard went in for their org meeting and Chippy went with me to Kalaw Avenue. We passed by the canteen and I bought lotsa sweets including an egg pie which later on gave me a headache. K. Art said it was due to the heat. I have a feeling it was because of the egg pie.

And if you're wondering who's gonna get married, it's me. My parents had me engaged to someone already when I as still young and I just found out. He's a cute guy but not the one I love. Ugh. But it won't hurt to try and love him neh? No. I just can't. Anyway, I'm just following my parents' wish. I owe my life to them. By 2010, I might quit university and move to another country with the guy's family. So goodbye. And by the way, the wedding is not mine. It's of my beloved aunt to her beloved guy. Did I get you?

^_^ Listening to: Monochrome Kiss - performed by SID

Birthday Boy

2009-03-10T16:16:00.000+08:00

Hello crappy Tuesday! Another day I don't want. It's Comm3 and Ling100 day and I am scared of my Comm3 professor. I've never passed a quiz - ever. And I am always sleepy in class despite my active recitations. In Linguistics class, I was nervous cause I haven't finished reading the given fotox. God saved me when our Ling100 professor asked us to help her check our Blue Books from last exam. Holy morphology. Almost everyone failed - almost - including me: I failed by 20 points. Those damn 20 points. Over all item is 206 and passing is 60%. I wish the earth would open up and swallow me. Erase my existence!

Before I forget, Happy 20th Birthday to my super buddy JHOMAROE ZMED TAN!!! I miss you lots you silly boy... You don't come by our house anymore when I go there. *sob* The last time I saw you was January 4, 2008. Can you believe that? You even forgot my birthday, twice already. I'm gonna get you for that.

Alright, back to my timeline.

1-3pm. PE time. I had 4 games and I had it alone in one lane. Imagine not having any waiting time - its a continuous throwing. Continuous striking. Continuous sparing. And not to forget the continuous canal.

I headed home and died. My left leg and right arm hurts a lot. REALLY. A LOT. T_T

Sweat and Laughter

2009-03-09T22:41:00.000+08:00

Hello Monday! I hate Mondays. And Thursdays. Why? Because MTH means 8:30-4pm class – all of which are major subjects, except NatSci5 which is practically a nonsensical class. I don’t learn anything in NatSci5 except the confirmation of my stock knowledge. Monday classes include OrCom 107 (Intercultural Comm), OrCom 140 (Theories in Organizational Comm), and OrCom 104 (Interpersonal Comm). The only subject I like is OC104 because we get to watch porn interesting films. I also enjoy OC140 but only because BURN is our instructor and I get to use my laptop in class without being caught that I was going online. See, I’m a no-good student. I wonder how I got into this prestigious university when I don’t have the will to study. Laziness always kicks in. I just want to eat, sleep and be a couch potato.

At lunch, I ate at KFC Faura-Taft with my friend Chippy. We talked about his issues and my issues – mostly my issues *evil laugh*. It’s always fun to talk to Chippy, serious issues become funny while still maintaining a level of seriousness. How he does that? Ask him.

My PE2 TPBW class had their final exams last week. But I was absent because of financial issues. I didn’t have the money to pay for the bowling at Paeng’s. I contacted my ex-classmate and decided to join their section for my finals. Their class begins at 3pm and ends at 5pm. This means I had to be absent from my NatSci5. Thank God for my good classmate – Patty de Chavez. She offered to sign my name in the NatSci5 attendance since one more absence will get me a grade of 5. Nooooo~!!!

I went home and contacted my instructor in PE, informing him that I’ll be joining his 3-5pm class for my finals and completion of 20 games in a semester. But his reply came late, telling me that I’ll have my finals tomorrow instead. So much for skipping NatSci5 for PE finals.. Hello free time.

At 5pm, I met Chippy at Kalaw Avenue. Along the streets, we saw Misa waiting to cross the pedestrian lane. We had a little more time in our hands and got some drinks for ourselves. 6pm, Chippy and I met Monique and Kuya Jan at Adamson University so we could go together to Malabon to have our cosplay stuff done.

CRAP! I’ve never seen the LRT line so full of people. We waited really long till we were able to ride the train. Luckily, the people I was with were fun. We talked about many things, from languages, to songs, anime, and people who were sleeping inside. Time flew by and we found ourselves at the seamstress’ home *time travel*. We walked to the LRT Monumento station and off our own stops. I arrived at my house by 10pm and I fell asleep almost instantly.

P.S. The kitties at the seamstress’ house were so cute. I wanted to take home one but I can’t have a pet at home since no one would care for the poor kitty when I’m gone.

MMDA 28 + ZX + CPG

2009-03-08T22:21:00.000+08:00

Click here to view full album.

It’s another Sunday again. And just this March, a Sunday means filming day. Last week, March 1, I first appeared in a local TV show as a co-host. I feel I didn’t perform well despite having memorized my lines. But apparently, they liked me – so they called me back for another episode. This time, episode 28, season 3 of MMDA on the Road will air on Friday, March 13 at 7-8pm on NBN Channel 4. This episode I think is highly political. The fact that a law enforcer / politician is the main person in the show.

For this episode my co-host was Kuya Mark, a fellow SYVAP member. At 39.5 degree Celsius, we had our filming at Luneta Park, the side near Quirino grandstand. Boy! I got sunburned. Filming ended by 2:30pm and we ate at Chowking care of Direk. Meow! Sago’t Gulaman in this heat is the best.

Afterwards, the group went back to the studio to film another show (I think it was Convergence) while I rode the jeepney back to my house. At home, I took my Potassium and went to Robinson’s Place Manila Midtown Atrium – a commercial launch of ZX Online Journey to Immortality was being held there. Far from what I expected, there were a few people gathered – all of them gamers rather than cosplayers / fanboys. Of course it wasn’t a cosplay/anime/game/toy/manga convention, but the Gosiengfiao sisters were there and in cosplay too! Hmm, I wonder what I am implying here but perhaps they already went home since it’s already 3pm.

^ Miss Alodia Gosiengfiao (Dark Side)
^ The Gosiengfiao sisters
^ Miss Ashley Gosiengfiao (Light Side)

At the event, I met up with Ronal Ramos because he needed to borrow my 18-105mm VR AF-S Nikkor lens. With him were the other CPG (Cosplay Photographers’ Guild) photogs whom I was supposed to meet with that morning at UPD for a CPG. We had a small shoot outside Midtown and we used Ron’s tripod and my Potassium (camera). By 5pm, they had to go to Roxas Boulevard for a photowalk while I went to have my nails done. Yey! I believe the last time I had my nails done by a professional was November. Nyaw..

^ CPG Photographers

Bon Odori

2009-03-08T01:43:00.008+08:00

Perfect. No other word can describe what happened on March 7, 2009 (at least the 5pm onwards). I was invited by Kami-chuu days ago to the Manila Japanese School annual festival. A lot of things happened. And when I say a lot, I mean a lot! But before sharing an awesome experience, let me rant about how my morning went...

Oh so, it's another academic-related thing: a meet-up at UP Diliman Main Library at 10am. This will be for our OrCom104 interview requirement regarding Subordinate-Boss relationship in the Workplace. Anyhoo, our interviewee arrived late - really 1pm late. Our interview ended at 2pm and my camera was being nasty the entire time. I dunno what it's problem was. It can't seem to take on the live view mode for more than 30seconds.

^ L-R: Zid, Lara, Patsy
We didn't have anything to do, so while waiting, we did the usual camwhoring.

^ L-R: Patsy, our interviewee, Zid, Lara
Just posing for documentation purposes..

I took the taxi back to Manila (cause dang! my head felt like splitting - blame it on me and my mom's sensitivity to the heat) and arrived by 3pm. Then I had to shower and remove the dust of the day and freshen up before I change into my cross-dressing attire. Hurrah! While I was showering, pics and vids from my Potassium (camera) were being transferred to Calcite (laptop).

Right after showering, the doorbell buzzed. I was expecting Chippy to come in since I didn't lock the main door (I did lock the room and the shower). It was good that he didn't - since with him were Kuya Von, Kuya Raph, and Kuya Janno (should I be calling Raph and Janno as Kuya?). I can't believe Chippy brought them to my doorstep. Not that I mind, but I was surprised cause he didn't say anything. He was just supposed to fetch me and bring my purchases from yesterday.

Right. I was feeling lazy so we took the taxi to Adamson University. These days, I am always lazy. Plus I needed to put on my wig and final touches to my 'boy' look - a good excuse to ride the taxi. At their school, we met up with the others who just finished their classes and together we rode the LRT from United Nations Avenue to EDSA and the MRT from Taft Avenue to Guadalupe and finally, the jeepney from Guadalupe to Market! Market!

We got lost for a bit since we didn't know where the Manila Japanese School is located exactly. Kuya Jan fulfilled his external-something (I forgot, *slaps forehead*) position in the organization and asked the security guards for direction. We finally found the area, and boy there where lots of cars in line around the school it was just so hard to miss.

^ It super felt like Japan!

^ Group shot. Just them. My gifts.

Anyhoo, inside, we were greeted in Japanese and I felt lost. I understood very little words but can't open my mouth in response even in Tagalog or English out of my awe. I'd say I was culture shocked. Studying OrCom107 (Intercultural Communication) certainly isn't enough to be prepared for cultural encounters in the future. We should really have cultural immersions. Bah! In my university, it will never happen. Budget. Crap!

^ L-R: Masada-sensei, Misa, Kami-chuu

It was as if I entered another dimension. Okay that was too much. Specifically, it was like I was in Japan. Not that I know how it feels to actually be in Japan. But I was certain that we weren't in the Philippines anymore. The buildings, the field, the adults, the kids, the food, the music, and the dancing were so Japanese. *jawdrop* I can't wait to try every food on sale. But they were expensive. I had to hold on to my purse or else I won't have any budget left for cosplay. Worse, I might not be able to buy a plane ticket to go home this summer.

^ Kami-chuu fed me noodles!! Jeeb is jealous. He wants noodles too. XD

We roamed around, ate noodles (from Kami-chuu), some ate corn, I ate my favorite Japanese cake with cream inside - they were like cream puffs! even at 20pesos each for that small size, they were worth it - others were able to buy a less expensive barbeque and rice meal. Not to forget, we had green tea and strawberry milk. If I remember correctly, I got jealous because Misa was drinking the peach-flavored one before I finally bought one. 60pesos - expensive. But then again, yummy! *nomnomnom*

^ L-R: Mikko, Kamil, Misa, Jeeb

At night, Matsuda-sensei went home. Too bad, she missed seeing us dancing (what was it called? tell me!!!) with the Japanese in that big circle. I remember Chippy counting the claps and saying something about 7 down claps and 8 up claps for good fortune.. Running around the field was so fun. It felt like I was back in the province where my friends and I would run along the shores. The wind blowing directly on my face brought back childhood memories.

^ *points at wooden sandals worn by granpa*
We danced on this very circle.

We took photos of kids, of ourselves, ate more, drank more, laughed more, danced more till we ran out of batteries - at least in my case. Yes. I ran out of batteries - both my body and my Potassium. Why oh why! During that most spectacular fireworks display I've ever seen in my entire life. People were frozen, everyone was staring up the night sky watching the firecrackers light up the heavens. It was as if time froze. I forgot about my problems in school as I was enthralled by the beauties in the sky. Hanabi, as it is called.

Warning: Emo ahead. You may chose to skip.

Anime and manga culture always show that you have to watch the fireworks with your special someone. 'He' wasn't beside me, but with me are special people whose friendship I won't exchange for that single person's love. I was with my friends from Adamson University. We've known each other for a few months only, some I only met a few days ago, others just a while ago. Somehow its feels like a big family. Warm and happy. Everytime I think about it, it stirs something inside me. It feels funny and painful. Like the feeling when you're inlove. It runs through me like electricity. Oh yes, I am in love with someone. But I forget about that kind of love when I'm with these wonderful people. They surely are my God-given gifts. I hope I could be God-given to them too.

Yosh! Emo-time over. You may read again from here.

The night had to end - too bad neh?! I wish it would last forever. But we had to go home. In the bus were, Misa, Chippy, me, Jeeb (chip-X-dale), Mikko(-sama), and Kuya Jan. I fell asleep for for a while and felt something weird, turns out, Chippy was about to take a photo of me sleeping. Noooooooo!!!!!! He said, I had a smile on my face. But before we rode the bus, I was almost hit by it. Mikko told me that 'it'll be sweeter next time', a line he took from the song which was playing inside the bus at that time. When we got off the bus, a stranger came up to us and returned my phone, turns out, I left it on the bus - fell out of my pocket. *slaps forehead again* I'm such a clumsy girl. Talk about a Series of Unfortunate Events. I'm not in some Lemony Snicket novel am I? And Mikko piped in, "I told you I'll be sweeter next time". LOL! That one made me laugh inside, I just wasn't able to show it on the onset of what just happened. He's definitely Mikko-sama, and God. XD

Jeeb suddenly disappeared. No, he went home ahead. Misa was fetched by her mom (or was it grandma). Kuya Jan and Mikko-sama walked on to their house somewhere near EDSA-Taft Avenue while Chippy and I headed to Ermita. Walking along the streets of Faura, we got hungry and decided to eat at Jollibee as inspired by a text message which came through Chippy's mobile from Kuya Jan. It says they (Mikko and Jan) were eating together. *flash YAOI theatre*

I got home around 11 or 12 or was it 1am already? I don't remember. I haven't had this much fun in months already. I was just too exhausted. Need to charge my body and Potassium. Another MMDA shoot tomorrow.

Tomodachi. What a nice word. Oyasumi...

View full Bon Odori album here.

Perya Fashion Gala & Cosplay Event

2009-03-07T02:07:00.004+08:00

View album here.

Friday, March 6 2009. Happy Andrada had her fashion gala for a charity with the theme PERYA. It's a Filipino word which means carnival and of course it has several features which can only be seen in Philippine carnival scenes. For this event, Mr. Azrael Coladilla pushed for the inclusion of a cosplay competition and I volunteered for this along with volunteering for the ToyCon this June.

^ Mr. Azrael Coladilla

Earlier, I went to Greenhills with Chippy. I introduced the Zamboanga version of the Malaysian satay which is called Satti - a beef/chicken with rice meal overflowing with rich and thick spicy sauce. *typing this made my mouth water* Afterwards, he went with me to Lynelle's to purchase a wig for my Ciel Phantomhive cosplay and a plastic 'head' mannequin for my wig so I can style it with wax myself.

Much much earlier than that, I bought a mini fan that runs on batteries at Japan Home Center, a regular-sized vase for the flower -blank- gave me last March 4 and peanut butter. I had the craving to eat butter that time. But I had my lunch at KidoManga, and ordered a chicken curry croquette which I didn't finish even after 2 days and a strawberry milk tea which left me wanting for round 2.

Going back to the proper timeline...

The meet up for the Perya volunteers was supposed to be at 5:30pm, so I rushed to A.Venue Hall without a sweat via taxi and I arrived on time. I feel bad that I had to leave behind Chippy, who has an org meeting at school and leaving my purchased goodies with him. Anyhoo, at the venue, people were still fixing up several things. And I got to chat nonsense with a GMA-7 cameraman. Hit me with a lightning rod, I didn't even know who Happy Andrada was. My phone died - no battery. So I frantically looked for a place where I can charge my mobile. Luckily, I brought my charger and flashed my not-so-killer smile and fluttery eyelashes at the guards who took me to the warehouse entrance behind the hall and allowed me to plug my charger there while telling me how responsible I am for being a student-volunteer in this event. "This experience will help you a lot in your resume" said the guard.

Back to the main hall, I went inside the comfort room to find 2 pretty girls in Aerith and Tifa get-ups. I commented on the heat and her lack of make-up since I noticed the stage was so wide and the lights would over-expose their skin tone and they need more eyeliner. later on we became friends and I helped Maddie (Aerith cosplayer) braid her wig and applied eyeliner to Maan (Tifa).

^ L-R: Maan (Tifa cosplay) & Maddie (Aerith cosplay)

Outside, I saw familiar cosplayers. Ones that I saw at TAGCOM, others at APC, and others via Multiply. Somehow, by my 'kapal muks' and 'feeling close' attitude, I became their 'mom' and kept hair (white wig) out of Kenso's face, gave food stubs to Mystique cosplayer, and took photos of my 'kawaii children' at the photo wall.

^ Man (Kenso) in armor can't hold a cup of iced tea...

^ Luffy (Ayz) was jealous, so I had to feed him too

The cosplay competition didn't have a catwalk but a photowall instead. There, they were judged by Mr. Ronald Guanzon on their costume, props, and how they portrayed the character they were cosplaying through poses and etc while Mr. Coladilla was supervising us. There were other volunteers too but I din't get the chance to meet them. They were all on the photography and documentation team while I was on the Cosplayers' Guide team with my Potassium (D90) - I think I was the only person herding the cosplayers?

^ Mr. Ronald Guanzon

Speaking of cosplayers, I don't know all their characters. But I saw a very significant cosplay which made me leap in joy: Zero (Code Geass) and Pitts (Dream of Doll), because I love the character of Lelouch as Zero in Geass and I cosplayed Petsha from Dream of Doll during the Hataw Hanep Hero Amped Edition last November. I don't have the BJDs (they're damn expensive at 26k++) but I love ze fashionable clothes and lovely features.

^ Bebe (Pitts cosplay)

During the show, there were free flowing drinks and food. And the boys, including Ralph who is underage, drank cocktails and wine/beer(?). I didn't get to eat. Nyaw.

^L-R: Ayz, Ralph, Kenso

At the end, we had a snake painting applied near our wrists and called ourselved Snake Sentai team. We stayed behind and got to know each other more while a lot of people poured out of the hall into their waiting cars. Too bad, Maddie and Maan and Bebe and Edd went home early. A little while later, we offered water and pain reliever to Guy Singson who was experiencing some kind of piercing headache. And someone (Jameer) treated us to hotdogs at 7-11 and we went our separate ways - I with Mark Louie and Ralph in the same direction, and Jameer and Ayz to the other.

^Snake Sentai

To sum, it was a Happy night. Though there were only around 10-20 cosplayers, getting to knoe them was fun. I gained more friends (and more textmates at that to add to my GM roster). I went home late and super tired but it was all worth it. Thank you to Sir Az for having me as volunteer.

^ My children...

Happy 18th Klicky

2009-03-05T23:20:00.002+08:00

Here's a birthday greeting to one of my first best friends in Pilar College when I transferred during grade 4...

^ Patsy (me), Nushi, Klina

^ 3 Justice Advanced Chemistry class with Ms. Rafal

^ STEP Division Level team: L-R: Patsy, Klina, Demi, Joanne, George, Jacob
Congratulations on advancing with us to the National Level!

^ 4 Peace retreat. L-R: Chee, Nikki, Patsy, Trotie, Klina
We'll be friends for a long long time...

^ Patsy & Klina
Even in college, the bond is strong..

^ 4 Peace class sembreak reunion Oct 2007 @ La Vista del Mar
PAXIES.

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY
kling-kling
klicky
kling
klina
klicks
klick
miss photogenic
miss senator
plakits
duquillo
tvxq
hero
arirang
miss artistic
painting
oil pastel
watercolor
nursing
salutatorian
piano
negs
...
KLINA SARMIENTO REYES
!!!

Accidental Modeling and Flowers

2009-03-04T23:24:00.003+08:00

Wednesday. It's supposed to be a rest day for me. I have no classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays according to my lovely schedule. Unfortunately, our good professor had to be absent for 2 weeks to attend a scholar's convocation something at Hawaii and Nevada. So we had to have a make-up class. The usual 1hour and 30 minute class became a 3 hour class which started 1pm and ended 4pm that day.

I was late for the photoshoot with Kuya Ron and Kuya Jethro. We had a new model today - err, its the first time I met her - Susan. Our make up artist for this shoot was Stephanie 'Sumi' Go. I was asked to bring a black gown since I mentioned the night before that I have one. I didn't expect that I'd be the one wearing it.

So I brought my Potassium (my camera) with me, the lens was borrowed by Ron the day before and I wasn't able to be a photographer that day. I became instant model. Blah.

^ Susan and Patsy (me)

^ Patsy (me)

It wasn't that bad. Being a model gave me the chance to 'feel' my co-model. Hahaha! Yuri mode: ON. *zing!! ~SFX* Seriously, she's pretty, but my heart still beats for *~insert name here* ^_^

See the entire album here.

After the shoot, we ate at our usual Photog's Favorite: McDonald's (seriously, McDo should pay us already for patronage and advertising).

When I arrived home, I received a bouquet of pretty flowers from someone with a Domo-kun caricature. Later that night, I found out who it was from. And I won't say it here. I'm glad for the flowers. But I'm freaked out. I'm not the kind of person who usually receives flowers or gifts from someone.

P.S. If it's from *insert name here*, I would be super happy to receive even just the sepals of a gumamela flower. That's how special you are to me.

3rd TAGCOM Experience + MMDA Shoot

2009-03-01T23:35:00.003+08:00

See MMDA Shoot album here.

See 3rd TAGCOM Day 2 album here.

6am – Waking time

7am – LRT + MRT

8am – Hello GMA-Kamuning Station… ate at Jollibee.

9am – Met Sir Choy and Kuya Charles at GMA-Kamuning station and walked to the MMDA office down the street

^ Sir Choy

^ Kuya Charles and Me

11am – Chairman BF arrived with his convoy and we left for Tondo for the usual street raid.

2pm – We began shooting at the University of Sto. Thomas (Episode 27, Season 2, MMDA On The Road, which airs at NBN Channel 4 on Fridays 7pm). Funny thing was, my last line was a lie. “Tara Chairman, pasyal tayo sa aking paaralan! (Come Chairman, let’s wander around my school)” Yeah right. As if I study in UST. Funny really. I wonder if there were UP professors or students who know me and saw that on tv. Uh-oh. After that, we ate at Chowking, courtesy of Chairman BF. Oh yes, FOOD. Don’t you just love free food?!

^ L-R: Me, Chairman BF, Sir Choy

2:45pm – Friends (Chippy, Kuya Ron, Kuya Jet, Kuya Vincent) were texting me on my whereabouts. I was supposed to be at the 2^nd day of the 3^rd TAGCOM Convention at Robinson’s Midtown. But there was still another shoot on the list. Luckily, they cancelled that part and so I was able to leave and speed via taxi to Rob.

3pm – The first acquaintance I saw was my crush. So lucky for me to see him first. How thrilling. Next I saw the Ouran group.. Then Kuya Vincent.. Then Michael who was cosplaying someone I didn’t recognize (it’s been months since I last watched Naruto and I’m still stuck at ep 120). I took photos of Michael and his friend outside near MOMO and my crush was gone out of site.

Crush? Yes, in front of him (not him ^), I am a girl. When he’s away, I become a boy. Nyaw.

Geki-violet-D90-version loves you that much!

The rest of the day, I was with Chippy. I was with Ate Zai for a while, took photos of Jin Joson for a while and took funneh shots of Kuya Von and Kuya Art. Around that time, I received a Byakuya keychain from Matt [Thank you!!] (a friend I’ve met through cosplay who is also the friend of my photographer friend Kuya Ron).

^ Jin Joson

Memorable part. BKK people sang me a birthday song despite the day itself having passed already. I received a chocolate cake from Kuya Ward too. [Thank you!!] I had lots of fun taking yaoi photos and talking with Ate Nica, Miko, the Twins, Kuya Von, Kuya Jan, Kuya Art, Kuya Ward, and Chippy. Too bad Kamichuu and Misa weren’t there... After more photos and more talk and more playing with Chip/Dale (whoever was that toy hanging from the bag) and more yaoi and more laughter, we ate ice cream at Mini Stop. All hail Mini Stop.

^ Kuya Art + Kuya Von = AnbuLove

^ Real twins, share the Hikaoru love.. Twincest. Nyaw

The day came to a close and we had to part ways. I hope to see you all again. It was the best convention I’ve ever been to. Not because of the convention, but because of the people I was with. If everyday is this fun with them, I’d seriously consider transferring to Adamson University. Though I’m not saying that my friends in UPM are less, but the company of cosplayers is extremely fun. I completely forget that I have academic problems. Anyhoo, tuition at Adamson is pricey – hello private school. While tuition at UPM is free – thank you scholarship + stipend. I guess I’ll have to put up with seeing these wonderful people every con.

^ Ouran cosplayers (incomplete)

8th Philippine Toy Con

2009-03-01T22:28:00.002+08:00

source: Azrael Coladilla

Pinoy A*ko, Oversoul, & Audition 2 Launch

2009-02-28T07:46:00.000+08:00

When: March 7, 2009

For this coming 7th of March, we have three events:

Event: Pinoy A*ko 2009 Venue: Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Gymnasium Ticket: Php 80.00

List of activities:

Cosplay Catwalk
Anime Music Concert
Palarong Pinoy
Drawing And Coloring Contest
Yu-Gi-Oh Battle
Please help us Telling your friends about this event.

For more information and Inquires you may contact us at 09104553270-Julius De Ramon or at pinoyanimekon09@yahoo.com

For the band please contact 09227719370- aileen

Source: Cosplay.ph
----------

Event: Z-Zone On Line Philippines launching of OverSoul, Courage for Supremacy Venue: EGG Netopia in SM Mall of Asia

Cosplayers are invited to take part on their cosplay competition where a cosplayer could win as much Php25,000 worth of prizes.

COSPLAY CONTEST:

A Cosplay Competition will also be held. For the costumes, they should be based on OVERSOUL only. Attendees may wear other costumes but they will not be included in the contest.

Registration for the contest will be upon entry.

Criteria for judging will be as follows:
20% - Similarity of costume to the OS character portrayed
20% - Short Presentation/Performance
30% - How he/she carries the costume
30% - Audience Impact
Prizes will be as follows:

Champion
1 Mind Movers Review Scholarship (worth Php25,000)
OS Hoodies
1 Million In-Game Gold
1,000 Z-Points
1ST Place
1 Informatics Short Course (Online) Scholarship (worth Php2,500)
OS T-Shirt
500K In-Game Gold
500 Z-Points
2ND Place
1 Informatics Short Course (Online) Scholarship (worth Php2,500)
OS T-Shirt
300K In-Game Gold
100 Z-Points
Top 5 Consolation Prizes
1 Informatics Gift Certificate (worth Php500)
OS T-Shirts
10K In-Game Gold
50 Z-Points

Source: Cosplay.ph

More info www.oversoul.ph

----------

Event: Audition Dance Battle Season 2 Launch
Venue: Robinson's Place Manila Midtown Atrium
Ticket:

^ click to see larger image

Source: E-Games Grapevine/Gamevine

ZX Online: Journey to Immortality Commercial Launch

2009-02-27T09:15:00.000+08:00

What: ZX Online: Journey to Immortality Commercial Launch
When: March 8, 2009 Sunday
Where: Robinson's Place Manila Midtown Atrium

ZX Online: Journey to Immortality is going commercial and this happens on March 8. It’s going to be big as it will have an old world china backdrop, lion dance and wushu exhibitions. Both events are giving away a lot of in-game items that amounts to tens of thousands of ePoints and more.

^ click on the image for a larger view

Author's note: In no way am I affiliated with these companies or persons. I am just spreading the word. I see Miss Alodia Gosiengfiao's career is going steady... I wish her luck and guidance. May she make good decisions and inspire others to cosplay as well and understand the Otaku culture.

Source: E-Games Grapevine/Gamevine

Birthday Week

2009-02-26T22:27:00.005+08:00

February 24 Tuesday

I exchanged lenses with Kuya Ronald Ramos. I met him at the gate of UPM CAS. My university is located along the street where the Supreme Court, Department of Justice and Court of Appeals are located. Rallies are a common sight; only this time, I caught it on my dslr.

February 25 Wednesday

I was expecting a package from my mom - containing my favorite home-cooked seafood. I went to 2 branches of LBC with my friends (Erose and Marie) to claim my package. But it wasn't here yet. I sent an SMS to my mom asking for the tracking number and she ordered me to call her via landline. So we all headed to my house. Inside the elevator, I was depressed because it was already 3pm and we haven't taken our lunches yet (we were at the library the entire morning till 2pm to do my OC107 thesis proposal and our group management paper for OC140). When I opened the door to my house, my mom's inside! Apparently, instead of a package, she came to see me personally for my 18th birthday - travelling more than 700 kilometers to see me. *love*

We had sea shells for our lunch and Erose and Marie loved eating the pastilles and mango. Yum!

February 26 Thursday

Its my 18th birthday. I woke up late. Waited long at ALVA to have the unreasonably expensive acetate for my OC107 thesis proposal. So I arrived at school late. By 10am, the class was over and we headed to my house to do the OC140 management paper. Due to the time constraint and lack of manpower, Erose, Marie and I had to skip the 1pm OC104 class to finish doing the Framework and Methodology of our group study. I arrived late for my supposed-to-be-2:30pm NatSci5 class because I forgot my waiver at home. In class, I just talked to my seatmates, replied to tens of SMS and responded to e-mails on my laptop. Yes, there is WIFI in school, albeit, a weak one. But its enough.

After class, I saw Marie and Erose outside the door. Marie's class follows mine and she has a quiz to take; Erose's presence was questionable because she said earlier that she's heading home. Unexpectedly, they presented me a super big birthday card for someone named PACHICHARON with messages from my closests college friends (I didn't see Preky's note. BOO). Another thing, I was given the Code Geass Lelouch Lamperouge figure which I usually ogle at Toys R Us. OMG! I love it.

I went to the post office, my aunt from Ireland sent me a small parcel with a Guinness tank top and a big birthday card with her greetings and Lauri's greetings. Then I proceeded to the Japanese Garden at Lunet Park to return the lens to Ronald Ramos, only to find out that they moved to Chinese Garden, still at Luneta Park, but a long walk in between. We shared small talk and I quickly went home to my mom who's waiting at home.

^ L-R: Bday card from aunt, pink one from Tish Girls also the Geass figure.

I carried electronic stuff for my mom to the nearby mall and after a while, we went to eat at Secret Recipe. We had Vietnamese Beef Noodles, Marble Cheesecake, Strawberry Milkshake, and Kiddie Burger Platter. Too bad I wasn't able to bring my camera. I didn't have my bag with me - just my mobile phone. We ate quickly and caught a movie: Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Nice movie. The actors and actresses were not all that gorgeous as those in The Devil Wears Prada, but its a good fashion movie. Anyhoo, I had fun. In the end, I was brought down by a bad flu by nighttime. BOO.

Thank you to all who greeted my a happy birthday, Tish Girls, (Erose, Aven, Marie, Kitty, Precky, Lara, Nadz, Shun) OrCom friends (block 8, block 9, Jerick), UPM friends (KR), SYVAP (Kuya Byron) AHC, cosplay friends, high school friends, Nikki, Chee, Kriss, Karen, Crunchyroll friends (Zijing, Yi Ling, Mami Terry) and BKK friends...

Weeh!

UPD 70's Foto Shoot

2009-02-23T21:15:00.006+08:00

When: February 20, 2009 Friday
Where: University of the Philippines Diliman

Models: Deniel Frank, Kathlyn Joane, and Diane
Photographers: Samuel Anthony, Ronald, Jethro, Patsy (me)

I had a really great day. I finished my interview for the OC140 project (although it was moved to a later time). I ate donuts (yay!) Good shoot. Good theme. Good camera. Good models. Good location. Bad Lightroom. It did everything swiftly for me but in the end it gave more work since I had to crop everything again.

Some real photos from my own:

Behind the scenes: (Pictures courtesy of Agnes and Joy from Deniel's site)
>> Im the one in black top with grey skirt, silver belt and purple socks.

Aren't my models lovely? XD

JPop Anime Singing Competition

2009-02-17T16:10:00.002+08:00

Press Office - PR#12–2009, February 9, 2009

The Embassy of Japan invites J-Pop and Anime fans to participate in the J-Pop Anime Singing Competition, in celebration of the 2009 Philippines-Japan Friendship Month.

The Singing Competition is open to all Filipino amateur singing groups composed of three to ten members. Application forms are available at the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) Library, Embassy of Japan , 2627 Roxas Boulevard , Pasay City or can be downloaded at www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp .

A duly accomplished application form along with a CD or cassette tape demo of the participant's rendition of two (2) Japanese songs can be hand-carried or mailed to the JICC Library. Registration starts on February 9, 2009 and ends on April 20, 2009 .

The ten (10) best groups who pass the screening process would be invited to perform in the J-Pop Anime Singing Competition Grand Final, scheduled to be held on July 25, 2009 at the Activity Center of Market! Market!. The competing groups will perform one (1) Japanese song popularized in anime or J-Pop. Embassy of Japan Certificates and Japanese Language Scholarships from the Nihongo Center Foundation await the top three winners.

The J-Pop and Anime Singing Competition
is co-organized by the

Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation Manila
in partnership with

HERO TV,
TOEI Philippines, Inc.,
Max FM103.5,
Ayala Malls Market! Market!

and
Nihongo Center Foundation.

The J-Pop Anime Singing Competition aims to further promote appreciation of the Japanese language and culture among Filipinos and to strengthen the long-standing friendship between Japan and the Philippines .

For contest mechanics and further details, please visit www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp or email jicc-mnl@japanembassy.ph or call 551-5710 local 2318.

Application Form (doc format) (pdf format)

Info source: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/pressandspeech/press/pressreleases/2009/12.htm

V-Day

2009-02-15T03:16:00.002+08:00

I had the most tiring Valentine's day evah! And I'm already sleepy. Hello 3:16am! I'll blog about this tomorrow.. Gotta take it off my system... tomorrow. Promise.
---

Alright. Got a bit of free time in my hands... Update! Update! Update!

February 14, 2009 - Saturday; Valentine's Day
0600 - Woke up
0700 - Met models at Intramuros
0830 - Breakfast courtesy of Kuya Samuel at McDonald's Quezon Ave
0900 - UP Diliman grounds, make-up + strobe set-up
0930 - Shoot time!
1100 - break
1120 - Shoot again
1200 - Bye bye. Back to Intramuros
1300 - Lunch at McDonald's Intramuros
1330 - To SM Mall of Asia, 1st day of job
1400 - Arrived at the Picture Company just in time
2200 - End of the day's job
2300 - Met with Ward-nii and Art-sama near the bay
>February 15, 2009
0200 - heading home
0230 - arrived home
0300 - slept
1000 - woke up
1130 - off to work again at SM Mall of Asia
1200 - arrived just in time for time in
2030 - work ends, overtime for 30 minutes
2100 - arrived home
2330 - sleep

I really enjoyed the shoot last Valentine's Day. It was my first shoot with strobe. So cool. But I wasn't satisfied with the photos I took. There's still a lot I need to learn from Potassium (name of my dslr). I did the models' make up and directed some of the poses. Haha... I wish I can enroll in cosmetology class at De La Salle University - College of Saint Benilde. I wanna do glamour shots.

Thanks to the following:
Mr. Samuel.. for everything you taught us (and the free breakfast too).
Kuya Biboy.. I'm not sure how to spell your name.
Stephie.. you were lovely.
Che.. fabolous hair.
Kuya Ron.. thank you for inviting me to the shoot.

Here are some outtakes from the shoot:

^ Che, Patsy (me) & Steph; Patsy's watch by Ariane

^ photographer Patsy (me) posing with the models

^ models giving their make-up artist a kiss ~nyaa

Visit their sites for the other pictures from the shoot:

So that was it. I was so tired last weekend. I wasnt able to study for the OC107 exam and my powerpoint presentation for OC140 isn't done. I haven't even read the topic yet. Anne and Sharyl will kill me. The pics from the shoot last Thursday haven't been uploaded to deviantART and the pics from the Valentine shoot not yet edited. Too many things to do. I don't mind. But I need more time. Extend the hours to 30 hours a day please?

Blogging done. Shall go back to my other things. Got to clean my super dirty house. *cries* Oh yeah, I got a perfect grade for the OC104 Integration paper which I posted here a few days ago - PBS Frontlines: Growing Up Online. Yey!!

Here's a tag post which I got from Zijing and answered too:
I've done 78 out of 132. At 59%, I'm pretty stupid. Hahaha

YOUR HOMEWORK IS:

You are required to answer ALL the following questions.
Tag 16 people and repost it with the title:
I've done __(score)__ out of the 132 stupid things.

99/132 means you scored a distinction for doing stupid things! (although that's not really an achievement hahaha)

NOT STUPID
Level 1
(X) Smoked A Cigarette (mom offered it)
( ) Smoked A Cigar
(X) Kissed A Member Of The Same Sex (its fun to see the shock in people's faces)
(X) Drank Alcohol (Aunt offered and I discovered my allergies)

SO FAR: 3

Level 2
(X) Are / Been In Love
(X) Been Dumped (damn you!)
( ) Shoplifted
( ) Been Fired
( ) Been In A Fist Fight

SO FAR: 5

Level 4
(X) Had A Crush On An Older Person (1month-5 years older)
(X) Skipped School (especially Natural Science class - boring!)
( ) Slept With A Co-worker
(X) Seen Someone / Something Die (I shoot rats and bats, naturally I saw them dying)

SO FAR: 8

Level 5
( ) Had / Have A Crush On One Of Your Facebook Friends (I have few FB friends)
( ) Been To Paris (I wish)
( ) Been To Spain (Grant me)
(X) Been On A Plane (often, 6x a year)
( ) Thrown Up From Drinking

SO FAR: 9

Level 6
(X) Eaten Sushi
( ) Been Snowboarding
( ) Met Someone BECAUSE Of Facebook (I'm not that active)
( ) Been in a Mosh Pit (what's this?)

SO FAR: 10

Level 7
( ) Been In An Abusive Relationship
(X) Taken Pain Killers
(X) Love/loved Someone Who You Cant Have (either he is fictional, or taken)
(X) Laid On Your Back And Watched Cloud Shapes Go By
( ) Made A Snow Angel (No snow here)

SO FAR: 13

Level 8
( ) Had A Tea Party
(X) Flown A Kite
(X) Built A Sand Castle
( ) Gone mudding
(X) Played Dress Up (A LOT)

SO FAR: 16

Level 9
( ) Jumped Into A Pile Of Leaves
( ) Gone Sledging
(X) Cheated While Playing A Game
(X) Been Lonely
(X) Fallen Asleep At Work / School

SO FAR: 19

Level 10
(X) Watched The Sun Set
(X) Felt An Earthquake
(X) Killed A Snake

SO FAR: 22

Level 11
(X) Been Tickled
(X) Been Robbed / Vandalized
(X) Been cheated on
(X) Been Misunderstood

SO FAR: 26

Level 12
(X) Won A Contest
( ) Been Suspended From School
( ) Had Detention
( ) Been In A Car / Motorcycle Accident

SO FAR: 27

Level 13
( ) Had / Have Braces
(X) Eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night
(X) Danced in the moonlight

SO FAR: 29

Level 14
(X) Hated The Way You Look
( ) Witnessed A Crime
( ) Pole Danced
(X) Questioned Your Heart
(X) Been obsessed with post-it-notes

SO FAR: 32

Level 15
(X) Squished Barefoot Through The Mud
(X) Been Lost
( ) Been To The Opposite Side Of The World
(X) Swam In The Ocean (I am a scuba diver)
(X) Felt Like You Were Dying (when I'm down with fever)

SO FAR: 36

Level 16
(X) Cried Yourself To Sleep
(X) Played Cops And Robbers
(X) Recently Colored With Crayons / Colored Pencils / Markers
(X) Sang Karaoke
(X) Paid For A Meal With Only Coins

SO FAR: 41

Level 17
(X) Done Something You Told Yourself You Wouldn't
(X) Made a Prank Phone Call
( ) Laughed Until Some Kind Of Beverage Came Out Of Your Nose
( ) Kissed In The Rain (I was kissed underwater though ^_^)

SO FAR: 43

Level 18
(X) Written A Letter To Santa Claus
(X) Watched The Sun Set/ sun rise With Someone You Care/Cared About (my class 4/5!)
(X) Blown Bubbles
(X) Made A Bonfire On The Beach or anywhere (with my family)

SO FAR: 47

Level 19
( ) Crashed A Party
( ) Have Traveled More Than 5 Days With A Car Full Of People
(X) Gone Rollerskating / Blading
(X) Had A Wish Come True
( ) Been Humped By A Monkey

SO FAR: 49

Level 20
(X) Worn Pearls
( ) Jumped Off A Bridge
( ) Swore at the teacher, in front of them
( ) Swam With Dolphins

SO FAR: 50

Level 22
( ) Got Your Tongue Stuck To A Pole/Freezer/ice Cube
( ) Kissed A Fish (urgh)
(X) Worn The Opposite Sex's Clothes
(X) Sat On A Roof Top

SO FAR: 52

Level 23
(X) Screamed At The Top Of Your Lungs
(X) Done / Attempted A One-Handed Cartwheel
(X) Talked On The Phone For More Than 6 Hours
(X) Recently stayed Up for a while talking to someone you care about

SO FAR: 56

Level 24
( ) Picked And Ate An Apple Right Off The Tree
(X) Climbed A Tree
(X) Had/Been In A Tree House.
(X) Been scared To Watch Scary Movies Alone

SO FAR: 59

Level 25
(X) Believed In Ghosts
( ) Have had More Then 30 Pairs Of Shoes
( ) Gone Streaking
(X) Visited Jails

SO FAR: 61

Level 26
(X) Played Chicken
( ) Been Pushed into a pool with all your clothes on
(X) Been Told You're Hot By A Complete Stranger
( ) Broken A Bone
(X) Been Easily Amused

SO FAR: 64

Level 27
(X) Caught A Fish Then Ate It Later (i'd never!)
( ) Made A Porn Video/got asked to make one
(X) Caught A Butterfly
(X) Laughed So Hard You Cried
(X) Cried So Hard You Laughed

SO FAR: 68

Level 28
( ) Mooned/Flashed Someone
( ) Had Someone Moon/Flash You
(X) Cheated On A Test (Sensei, don't read this)
(X) Forgotten Someone's Name (A LOT)
(X) French Braided Someone's Hair
( ) Gone Skinny Dipping
( ) Been Kicked Out Of Your House
( ) Tried to hurt yourself

SO FAR: 71

Level 29
( ) Rode A Roller Coaster
(X) Went Scuba-Diving/Snorkeling
(X) Had A Cavity
( ) Black-Mailed Someone
( ) Been Black Mailed

SO FAR: 73

Level 31
(X) Been Used
( ) Fell Going Up The Stairs
( ) Licked A Cat
(X) Bitten Someone (and bitten too)
(X) Licked Someone (my momma)

SO FAR: 76

Level 32
( ) Been shot at/or at gunpoint
( ) Had sex in the rain
( ) Flattened someones tires
(X) Rode your car/truck until the gas light came on
(X) Got five dollars or less worth of gas

78/132X100 = 59.09091%

I'm tagging Yi Ling, Rei, Mama Terry, Erose, Shun, Aven, Precky, Nadz, Marie, Kitty, and Lara
The rest, go tag if you wanna.

Teen Fashion Photo Shoot

2009-02-13T15:27:00.005+08:00

Update! Update! Update!
I forgot to blog about this..

What: Teen Fashion Photo Shoot
When: February 7, 2009 Saturday

Where: Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Quezon City, Philippines

Photos:

Kuya Jethro Ibarrola invited me to join him for a fashion shoot as photographer. The meeting time was supposed to be 8am at the park, but I arrived at 9am and still early. The models arrived so much later after that.

I met new new friends: models and photography enthusiasts and otakus: Jethro Ibarrola, Ronald Ramos, Nilo, Gian, Ishi, Angel, Sora and Tintin.

Here are outtakes from the shoot:

^ L-R: Jethro, Ishi (sexy back), (me) [photo by Ron]

^ L-R: Gian, (me), Angel, Jethro [photo by Ron]

^ (me) and Angel

^ Gian and Tintin (stolen shot)

^ Nilo and Ishi (stolen shot)

I had a fun time. It was my first ever photo shoot with such models and poses... And I learned a lot. That same day, we (Jethro and I) bought pop-up flash diffusers for our DSLRs. It was introduced to us by Ron. I dunno if its cheap or not. I guess it is. We bought them at Hidalgo (a place known for really cheap camera stuff) for only 350 pesos each.

And because I posted selected shots at my deviantART, I've gained a lot of watchers and favorites and reached the 1000th page views with a total of 60 deviations.

Magna Kultura: Thanks To Those Who Joined

2009-02-12T21:35:00.002+08:00

Re-post from e-mail.

We would like to thank the contacts, organizations and individuals who joined Magna Kultura Foundation's social networking site here at Multiply. We are glad to receive your support in our advocacy as we take arts into the heart of communities, to transform people and places.

As you have previewed in our homepage, we conduct cultural programs at the grassroots of society using arts and creative methods to steer the passion of fellow-Filipinos towards change, and starting right at their communities. We are using social marketing and creative arts to recruit advocates, and build an ecosystem for transformation. We use art (and enjoy using it) as vehicle, and we use culture as an 'economic engine' to spur livelihood among people, to make programs sustainable in all areas visited. We combined cultural and social entrepreneurship. And all our public events and activities are free to the public.

Our activities have been acceptable --- the Larong Pinoy, the theater arts workshops, the kite workshops --- simple, yet effective "Trojan horses" that have been openly welcomed in communities, nationwide. Through these activities we were able to network Barangay Councils, Sangguniang Kabataan, Schools, Sari-Sari Stores, tricycle drivers organizations, and other sectors in city-districts. We have created social purpose enterprises in communities along with all the arts & cultural activities.

While we multiply-ers are linked on-line, at the grassroots, we have networked a database of citizens and sectors (with no internet) for our community programs and social enterprise --- public schools, barangay councils, 43,000++ sari-sari stores in NCR, Laguna & Cavite, including 745 TODA lines (each line having 100++ tricycle drivers). We are creating advocates at the grassroots and building an ecosystem of transformation. We are now capable of launching a strong grassroots communication operations, social mobilization and community engagement.

Last 2008, people have seen our brand of "cultural revolution" , our approach to societal transformation. Our volunteers have experienced the use of creative arts in activating citizens. They have seen how we could engineer "tipping points" and implement social entrepreneurship doing it the "Disney Way" . We have influenced people right in their barangays, without using the power of media and street mobilization. Art is in the details.

Currently we are looking into the different arts with some sort of "cultural brand management" approach, so that we can take it to the grassroots and build a "people's arts council", to build the capacity of cirizens in communities so that they could run our programs sustainably.

To all our new contacts who joined the Magna Kultura site here at Multiply, we look forward to hearing from each and everyone of you We hope to hear ideas and suggestions that will help us do a better job in transforming our society to a better place to live in.

Just email at: magnakultura.admin@gmail.com. We will appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. You donâ€™t have to leave your PCs to make a difference in society, you can simply drop a line.

You can join us at the front-lines. Or, be a quiet supporter by sending us idea-input on how we could improve our advocacy, how we could do better in touching the lives of our fellow-Filipinos. Your opinion matters to us.

There are two ways of spreading light:
to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

______________________________________________________________________

When convenient and if you have the surf-time,
do join our Group Site here at Multiply:

Advocacy for Philippine Arts & Culture
http://asiancenter.multiply.com

In this site, organizations and individual can freely post
news, articles and event announcements.
Join now.

______________________________________________________________________

OUR SPECIAL THANKS
TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE WORKED WITH US

We would like to specially thank the following organizations and individuals who have shared their talents and efforts in our grassroots activities. We had fun working with them.

THE COMMUNICATION SOCIETY (COMSOC) OF P.U.P.
Special thanks to Jet Lindell Montebon (President, ComSoc) and to Tanee Nono (VP, ComSoc). And to all the members of their organization who have enthusiastically joined our workshop trainings and outreach projects in schools, at Intramuros, and other areas.

THE U.P. TOURISM MANAGEMENT SOCIETY, Maia Caireen Buena with all the members of the society, assisting in the month-long Larong Pinoy at WOW Philippines last December

THE STUDENTS FROM U.P. COLLEGE OF ARTS & LETTERS, headed Mai Saporsanto wjo joined Magna Kultura in the UNSECO project for the children of the Lahar victims, held at U.S.T. Salamat sa suportang binigay ng mga taga U.P. sa mga taga-USTe

THE STUDENTS FROM THE COLLEGE OF ST. BENILDE, led by Kendrick Yu and Celine Yao for joining the Kite Workshop at the U.S.T Makabata. Thank you for supporting our fellow advocates from U.P. and UST.

THE ROTARACT CLUB OF MALATE, led by their President Clarice Joy San Jose. For hosting the Larong Pinoy workshop at the Phil. women's University, and joining us Larong Pinoy outreach at WOW Philippine, Intramuros.

MGA KABATAAN NG MAKATI, headed by Voltaire Moratin pulling hundreds of youth volunteers from District 1 & 2 in outreach projects in Makati and other cities.

SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN NG MAYNILA, with Benjie Prada coordinating the SK Federation of Manila, with all the SK Presidents participating in actual training of children.

CECILE ARTATES of Hands-On Manila, for her tireless support for Magna Kultura, as well as bringing in Paul Zialcita (of Kalayo Band) to conduct an amazing Ethnic Drum Workshop for all the Larong Pinoy kids at Intramuros.

To AKEMI AIDA, President of UST UNESCO for making Magna Kultura a partner in bringing joy to the children of Lahar during the Makibata at the University of Santo Tomas. We made a lot of children happy there by giveing them a kite-making workshop.

J.R. PATRON of Greater Good Philippines for advocating our ideals, and promoting our advocacy.

AND ALL THE VOLUNTEERS, who signed-up at our web-based form, came to our events and shared their talents, like Michael Osinada (Animator), C.J. Collegado (Student), Sheryl N. Peral (Student), and Randy De Guzman, etc, etc., we could go on with countless of volunteers.

AND, TO ALL THE NEW VOLUNTEERS WHO JUST RECENTLY SIGNED-UP AT OUR WEB-BASED FORM ---- STAND BY!

We have over a hundred new volunteers who signed up at our web-based form here at the Magna Kultura site: artists, business professionals, students, civic workers, barangay councils, etc.

We'll get in touch with you soon. It's only the beginning.

THANKING YOU ALL IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR OPEN-HAND
OF SUPPORT, IN JOINING MAGNA KULTURA.

Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!

DICKIE AGUADO, Executive Director - Magna Kultura Foundation
http://dickieaguado.multiply.com
http://christianpilgrim.multiply.com

Victorian Valentine II

2009-02-10T15:25:00.002+08:00

What: Victorian Valentine II
When: February 21, 2009, Saturday
Where: McKinley Hill Showroom, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio
Tickets: 300 (non-student) 200 (student / please bring ID)
Attire: Formal/ Cosplay (Victorian, Pirate, Goth, Lolita)

~~~~~~Activities~~~~~~

Important Note: VIP guests will have priority to enter at 7PM. The Lord of the Ball will pre-select those that can enter early based on how fitting their attire is for the 1500 to 1800s ball (This pre-selection will happen if there is a long line for the tickets at 6PM).

Human Auction
Couple Challenge
Ball Dancing
Best in Costume Awarding Ceremony
- Lord and Lady of the Night
- Couple of the Night
Special Activities:

Poetry Reading (intermission)
Ballet Dance Number (intermission)
Tarot Card Reading (side activity)
Photo Booth (side activity)

~~~~~~House Rules~~~~~~

Picture-taking is allowed but only official photographers are allowed in the showrooms.
Food can be brought into the venue but it is recommended that guests consume their food at the dining tables provided in the venue parking area for the guests’ comfort and convenience.
Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the venue.
Guests are not allowed to rearrange the furniture, table arrangements, props and displays in any of the model rooms inside the venue.
It is recommended that guests arrive at the venue in their costumes.
The venue is accessible via a Megaworld transit bus with pick up points at Eastwood City Cyberpark (beside Dell building) and Market! Market!.

Click here to check out the 2008 Victorian Valentine!

Information source: http://victorianvalentine.info/

PBS Frontline: Growing Up Online + Uses and Gratifications Theory

2009-02-09T20:52:00.003+08:00

Organizational Communication 104: Interpersonal Communication; Integration Paper 1

PBS Frontline: Growing Up Online

Uses and Gratifications Theory

>>> Click here to watch PBS Frontline: Growing Up Online.

The World Wide Web has been publicly used since the 6^th of August 1991 after Tim Berners-Lee created it in 1989. In a study by Coffman & Odlyzko in 1998, the internet grew by 100% per year from the 1990s and made a big boom during the 1996 and 1997. Back then, the internet was merely just a tool for world wide communication particularly focused on business groups and international trade dominated by adults. In contrast, Pascoe (2007) says that today, the internet is dominated by teenagers.

This internet is home to the many virtual activities that cater to millions of teenagers around the world. Through internet access, one can send messages to another who’s located at the opposite side of the globe in matters of seconds – a feat that will take regular written mail days to reach the receiver. The advent of the internet made communication more efficient in terms of chronic value. But communication is not the only use for the internet. Griffin (1994) summarizes that the Uses and Gratifications theory by Blumler and Katz in 1974, “views the members of the audience as actively utilizing the media contents, rather than being passively acted upon by the media” (p. 301). This means that, the media is being consumed by the audience to feed their personal needs instead of the media feeding on the audience.

In the documentary, PBS Frontline: Growing Up Online, different teens, teachers and parents were interviewed regarding their views on the effects of the internet to the kids today.

Many teens spend their free time online - after class, during lunch, sometime even during class hours – and they have different reasons for doing so. In New Jersey, 90% of the teens have an account in any social networks online; the most famous: MySpace and Facebook. From cheerleaders, jocks, nerds, Goths, and complete weirdoes, one can find any of those types online. The online community is a social place not just for the rich kids or the popular kids, but for everyone with internet access.

The availability of computers in the classroom made it possible for students to connect to the internet and disclose themselves to the world. While teens self-disclose, parents worry about the size of personal information their kids share to the world. On the other hand, teachers simply worry about the competition they have with the media in grabbing the attention of their students.

But what is the use of media? The Uses and Gratifications model of Blumler and Katz (1974) underscores five reasons for the gratification of media. The first tenet is Escape. Teens use the internet as an escape from the harsh realities of life (although the online battle game features violence, at least not directly inflicted on the audience). Kids find comfort in their own wonderland, a place where they can be free of their worries and just focus on their ‘kingdom’.

Another reason for the use of media is Social Interaction. Through the many online communities, teens can keep tabs on their friends (and enemies) and continue the life outside home in the comfort of their homes or internet cafes. Three teens relate that social networking used to be a contest of who can collect the most number of friends; but in the long run, you only have 50 out of 2000 friends and the rest, you’ve never met. In the documentary, Danah Boyd, a spokesperson from the Harvard Berkman Center for Internet and Society says that, “the internet is not a place to go but a continuation of their existence”.

This idea is related to the third tenet which is Identity. As teens self-disclose online, they can also opt to create new identities – similar or different from their real identities. Online, they can be a guru, a madman, a perfect positivist, and etc. It is easy to come up with fake identities since there is no need for a personal meet-up just to be friends with someone. Others take the identity creation seriously as they create an identity of who they want to be in the society.

The fourth tenet is to Inform and Educate. The internet, being the connection between people all over the world is also the connection between bits and pieces of information. Encyclopaedias and other printed reference books have begun facing out in the age of modernization. Companies that publish these reference materials turn to software production to keep up with the advancement of technology. And now, online encyclopaedias are more frequently used more than printed books or even CDs. Wikipedia alone contains millions of articles in different languages. Any student certainly has used Wikipedia as a source of their school work.

The final tenet is Entertainment. Most of the performing artists have their MySpace or Facebook fanpage aside from their official website. This is to reach to the audience more and make the distance between the artists and the viewers smaller. Teens use the internet to copy dance choreographies or ogle at their idols.

With the online activities listed above, parents are worried about how much information their kids post on the internet. Due to the rise of cyber-bullying, sexual predators and online stalking, a number of which resulted to suicide, parents are more wary about their children going online. Once again, Danah Boyd counters that real problem comes from what teenagers do to each other rather than what they do online. There were cases where parents meddled in their kids’ online life to find out the cause of certain behaviours, other cases lead to bigger mess in the campus life of their kids. In the end, parent-child trust is important.

The question is who or what is the negative aspect in the kids + internet versus parents + teachers? Both sides have their reasons for usage or non-usage of the media. Kids, having grown up in a technologically advanced environment can’t take away the need to use the media out of their system. Having grown in this age, they are more aware of the dangers posed in online activities. Parents and teachers are only concerned to what are the right amount of media usage and the safety of the new generation. The solution to this is to teach kids proper online etiquette and being vigilant, training their eyes and ears to arm themselves against the dangers of online predators.

----------

References:

Coffman, K.G. & Odlyzko A.M. (1998). The Size and Growth Rate of the Internet. Retrieved

February 9, 2009, from http://www.dtc.umn.edu/~odlyzko/doc/internet.size.pdf.

Griffin, E. (1994). A First Look at Communication Theory. USA: McGraw Hill.

Uses and Gratifications. Retrieved February 9, 2009, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uses_and_gratifications.

ADMU Shizen Orchestra Anime Convention

2009-02-07T22:17:00.008+08:00

NOTICE: This event was moved to a later date (unknown yet). Check back for details.

What: Ateneo's Shizen Orchestra Anime Convention
Where: SMX Convention Center, SM MOA, Function Hall 5
When: March 7, 2008, 11am

Warmest greetings from Touhou no Yuujin (Toujin)! We are an anime and manga organization based in the Ateneo de Manila University that aspires to unite local anime enthusiasts, develop their skills, and share with others what it is about the Japanese culture that inspires us.

We would like to invite you to our first major event of the year: Shizen Orchestra, a festival for the appreciation of East Asian music and an anime and manga convention, to be held on March 7, 2009 at the SM X Convention Center, Function Hall 5, from 11 AM to 8 PM. There will be live musical performances, a Maid and Butler café, an artist's corner, a cosplay competition, fashion contests, and general concession stands.

Concert ~ Various bands will perform Japanese, Korean, and Chinese music
Japanese fashion designing contest ~ Participants will design an outfit on paper inspired by Japanese fashion. There will to two categories: Traditional and Contemporary Design. The entries will be submitted before the Music Festival and will be judged during the event itself. Festival guests will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite designs.
Individual and Group Cosplay Competition ~
Plushie (stuffed toy) designing contest ~ Participants will design plushie or stuffed toy costumes inspired by Japanese fashion.
Artist's corner/commissions ~ Participants are artists whose works are inspired by the anime and manga styles.
Maid and Butler cafe ~ Convention guests will be invited to dine at this café with servers dressed as maids and butlers. The theme of this booth is inspired by the Maid and Butler cafes present in Japan. Towards the end of the event, the maids and butlers will have a music and dance presentation.
Music Fashion Show ~ Convention goers will be invited to participate in a show portraying the different fashions and their own interpretations of the East Asian music industry.
Food and Non-Food Concessionaires ~ Products of the concessionaires are sold to the guests.

For more information and for you queries, visit the Shizen Orchestra site.

Burn

2009-02-07T22:09:00.003+08:00

What: Burn: The Hottest Benefit Party of the Season
Where: Hierarchy Club, The Fort Strip, 3rd Floor
When: February 20, 2009 (Friday)

Doors open at 8pm
OPEN BAR from 8 - 10Ppm
Program starts at 9pm
Tickets @ php300

FEEL THE HEAT AND SHARE THE LOVE THIS MONTH OF FEBRUARY!

The Mu Sigma Phi Sorority of the UP College of Medicine presents

Proceeds will go to the
Burn Unit of the Philippine General Hospital

Getting There:

Contact:
Nikki (09175061486)
or Nani (09272381249) for tickets.

Underwater Housing for Nikon D90

2009-02-07T21:13:00.004+08:00

I got my Nikon D90 a month ago, and I was extremely happy. Now I saw this webpage, I'm extremely in need of money.

I have found 3 underwater cases released for the Nikon d90:

Aquatica D90 from Marine Visions.
Zillion Zap-D90 from Zillion Japan.
Ikelite D90 from Ikelite.

Of the 3 cases, the cheapest is the Ikelite. The best under pressure is Zillion Zap-D90 which can go up to 90meters as opposed to the other 2 which can only go till 60meters. But the 60m-depth is more than enough for me who have only gone up to 50feet (15meters) as my deepest dive since. I don't have my Nitrox or Deep Diver license yet. Hahaha

That's my only license yet. Going back, the Ikelite D90 underwater housing really made my mouth water...

Price
$1,400.00 US market suggested retail *I bleed*
Durability
The heavy duty thick wall dSLR housing is molded of corrosion free clear polycarbonate, features full capabilities, and operates safely to 60m (200 feet). The housing "O" ring seal is a masterpiece in fail-safe simplicity compared to designs that require stuffing the "O" ring into a groove. You can see that the "O" ring is sealed.The housing size and weight provides neutral buoyancy and superb handling underwater. Camera installation is quick and simple. The dependable controls are conveniently placed at your fingertips, and kept water tight with Ikelite pioneered Quad-Ring® seal glands proven to be the most reliable method for sealing controls.
Functionality
The Ikelite Super-Eye magnifier provided with the housing offers enhanced viewing while wearing a diving mask. Controls for all camera functions are provided with the exception of focus selector lock and diopter adjustment control. AE/AF lock can be activated with your thumb while holding the housing's handle. All camera modes including D-Movie and Live View can be accessed through the housing. The camera's media card and battery can be removed and replaced without removing the camera from the housing tray. The proven reliable Ikelite bulkhead allows for fail-safe connection of external strobes. Right-angle positioning relieves stress on the sync cord even when the housing is laid on its back.
TTL Flash Compatibility
The housing includes iTTL conversion circuitry that puts perfect exposure at your fingertips. The TTL mode provides four 1/3 f/stop increments over or under flash compensation that is added to or subtracted from any compensation entered into the camera. Seven manual power settings in half-stop increments allow for complete creative control. All choices are obtained by simply rotating a knob on the housing back. The special TTL conversion circuitry operates perfectly with current model Ikelite DS digital SubStrobes. Non-Ikelite strobes can be used, but they can not provide TTL or be manually controlled through the housing back. Mount and sync cords for Nikonos strobes and sync cords for Inon or Sea & Sea strobes are available.
Versatility
All ports from our SLR systems can be utilized, allowing use of most macro, wide angle, and zoom lenses. This system allows you to see that the port is sealed. See the Nikon Port Chart to find the appropriate ports for most popular lenses. The Release Handles allow easy attachment and removal of SubStrobe mounting arms at the touch of a button. Two screws remove the handle and tray assembly for traveling. Adding the #9571.3 1" (2.5cm) ball at release handle allows for attachment of most non-Ikelite arm systems.

Information Source: http://www.ikelite.com/web_two/nik_d90.html

Happy Birthday Lara!!

2009-02-06T20:28:00.003+08:00

This is a late post. Cause I misplaced the SD card containing the pictures.. I just found it a while ago.

Lara's 19th birthday was last January 21, 2009. Wednesday. And I don't have a Wednesday class, so I gave her my present on Tuesday. I prepared modified maki for her and onigiri!

Ingredients & Materials

nori
maki roller
knife
regular rice
ground beef
Maggi Magic Sarap
salt-water solution
scissors

^ modified maki..

^ beef onigiri

^ a happy Lara...

P.S. I had the same thing for breakfast. And we ate them together during lunch.

A Note For -blank-

2009-02-04T21:37:00.002+08:00

Just dropping by.
I can't believe I'm in love.
Or maybe not.
I swore not to be obsessed with a guy.
But I think I am now.
I just talked about him for consecutive hours.
Noooo..
We're friends.
But I don't think he likes me.
Rather, I don't think he likes girls.
But I'm a boy.
Maybe he likes me?
YAOI HEAVEN!
What the heck am I saying.
Of course my a girl by sex.
By gender, I can be a boy or girl depending on the person I see.
I bet he's been coughing or choking the whole day.
If you're reading this and you were coughing this afternoon...
You know it's you. Love me. Hahaha
Seriously. I think it's impossible for me to be in a relationship.
Don't give me hopes. I know you don't really like me.
You just find me interestingly weird.
Everytime you go online and buzz me with a hello or hi,
although I know you send that to everyone on your list,
it makes my heart go *dokidokidoki*
And I tell mama Terry that -blank- just sent me a pm.
You're not so handsome, you're not that tall, you're probably not that smart.
But you HOLY CRAP take my breath away - always.
You already probably know.
Everytime you come in close proximity, I forget to breathe.
If you know who you are or you feel that this is you,
drop me a note via ym. Don't hesitate. Tell me directly.
If you like me or not. In the way that I like you a lot.

My mom just called. She was crying. The doctors found something bad in her ovary.

*bangs head on the wall* why?
im running out of time

Meow. Roar. More ROAR and ROAR.

2009-02-02T17:40:00.005+08:00

I can't think of any title since this post will be about a lot of things. 'Random' for a title is just too plain. Then I saw the tokidoki cat.. hence...

Anyhoo, I just found out that in the most anticipated otaku convention of the year (Ozine Fest), Creativoices is one of the sponsors. Which means, SYVAP (Society of Young Voice Artists of the Philippines) which I am a member of [thanks to the Voiceworx Voice Acting Workshop], will be hosting the event - for the duration of 3 days! Not only do I get to host and be the booth mascot (I love this role), I also get a free entrance.. yey! Sadly, I won't have a ticket, which means that I don't get to participate in the raffle draw, missing the chance to win a PSP and etc.

*listening to First Sight (Exclusive Edit) by Kagami Seira feat. Ryohei*

February. Its gonna be a busy month. No dates. No cosplays - although there are lots of events. Its all because of acads. Can't believe that for one subject, we have at least 2 things to do.

*Warning: Jargons ahead*

For OC140, we have a team report, which requires us to present a case study, interview an OrCom graduate, and report on the Nature of Organizations as Political Systems. This will be on February 26, which is coincidentally, my 18th birthday. Hopefully BURN will give our team a grade of 1.0 as a birthday gift. Hahaha.

Then for OC104, we have another groups report on theories plus a case study that must involve someone anonymous, and another interview. No exact date yet, but this will be within the month of February.

I also have a report to do for OC107 about the Intercultural Learning Methods on February 5, Thursday. And I haven't read my topic.

On the same day, I have a job interview at the Picture Company at 2:30pm which requires me to be absent for my OC104 and NS5 classes. What's worse, I need to do a creative letter and compile a portfolio, which I will be preparing on Wednesday February 4 yet.

And my schedule says, Wednesday Feb4, is the schedule for the OC140 case study personal interview. It is also the day of the APC Cosvent that I really wanna attend. And of course I need to review my OC107 report. God pity my schedule.

This morning, we also found out that the due of the OC107 Intercultural Communication proposal topic is on February 5 Thursday. And then, the submission on the OC140 Organizational Management proposal draft is on February 27 at 11:30am. The only good thing about my academic schedule was that the submission of the OC104 integration paper was moved to February 9 Monday instead of February 5 Thursday.

*now my laptop is blasting Holidays by The Brilliant Green... oh it just ended, its now Monochrome Kiss by SID from the anime Kuroshitsuji*

Talking about ^ I really love the story of Kuroshitsuji. Its a common plot of daily detective-like adventures with a twist. About a kid who has a pact with the demon, who serves as his butler. I like it when the demon reasons "It's expected of the Phantomhive servant, I'm just one hell of a butler" everytime he is questioned because of his superhuman abilities.

Today, after class, I paid the cable bills. They were due for two months already. FINANCIAL CRISIS! And I bought some healthy food: potatoes, tomatoes, corn, peanuts, and bread. I wanted to buy frozen shrimps but they don't look good and they're already peeled. I want the big shrimps that are not yet peeled and still alive. I want to cook them fresh.I've been eating fried kikiam, fried egg, fried luncheon meat, and everything fried since 2 weeks ago because I have no more time to cook a proper meal; and it wasn't healthy - too much oil and frying.

So tonight, I'll be having baked potatoes for dinner and a bit of corn. Short cooking time + healthy food. Yay!

*off to cook dinner while downloading anime... song now is Flower by Back On*

APC Cosvent '09

2009-02-01T20:40:00.004+08:00

What: APC Cosvent '09 (for SOMA celebration)
When: February 4, 2009 Wednesday
Where: Auditorium, 11th floor, Asia Pacific College, #3 Humabon Place, Magallanes, Makati City
Ticket Price: P 30.00; Free for APC students/professors/staff

SCHEDULE:
10:00 – 12:00: Registration
12:00 – 01:00: Cosplayers Preparation
01:00 – 01:30 Cosplayers Assembly
01:30 – 02:30: Cosplayer Parade
02:30 – 02:55: Preparation
03:05 – 03:40: Individual Cosplayer
03:40 – 04:00: Group Cosplayer
04:00 – 04:45: Band Performance
04:45 – 05:00: Awarding

CATEGORIES:
Individual Cosplay
Group Cosplay (Minimum of 3 members and maximum of 15)

INDIVIDUAL COSPLAY CRITERIA:
Costume - 30%
Characterization (how in-character you act) - 30%
Over-all Impact - 40%

GROUP COSPLAY CRITERIA:
Costume - 25%
Theme - 25%
Choreography - 20%
Over-all Impact - 30%

NOTES:
-We follow “No Pre-registration, No Registration Policy”. So if you don’t submit registration form via e-mail you don’t have a chance to register at the event.
-Participants should be at APC MPH2 at 12:00 p.m.

Pre- registration format
- Real Name
- Gender
- Age
- Email Address / contact information
- Category
- Name of character/group
(also include a picture of character you will be cosplaying)
- Name of Companion:
- Email add/contact
- School (if any)

send to: apc_cosplay@yahoo.com

House Rules:

For those participating in the cosplay, group and individual, refer to the list below:

General Cosplay Guidelines:

APC COSVENT cosplay event is open to all event attendees.
APC COSVENT cosplay event will be an OPEN CATEGORY event where participants could cosplay any character that they want from any genre whether it’s from an anime, manga, games, comics, movies, western animation, visual kei, harajuku fashion, etc. Pls. be advised that Original Cosplay will not be allowed.
Pre-registration starts on January 24, 2009 and it will end on February 3, 2009. Interested participants are advised to comply with the pre-registration, otherwise, pre-registration on the day of the event wouldn’t be allowed.
All entries / concerns about APC COSVENT must be send via email: apc_cosplay@yahoo.com
Registration will be held outside the lodging area (MPH2 10th floor) from 10:00pm – 2:00pm. Those who fail to register within the allotted time will no longer be accepted to join the event.
All registrants are required to submit a reference picture (See: Picture reference submission) of the character that they will be cosplaying upon pre-registration schedules.
Fanservice (ie. yaoi, yuri, etc.) is allowed but should be “General Patronage”. Any kind of extreme kind of fanservice (ie. kissing, PDA, etc.) that is deemed inappropriate for minors are strictly prohibited. Keep in mind that the APC COSVENT is a wholesome and a General Patronage event.
Costumes that are too revealing (ie. exposes private parts) are prohibited. Scantly clad and/or sexy costumes are allowed but are not encouraged. The APC COSVENT cosplay team has the right to disqualify any participant on this ground.
All kinds of costume props must be handled with outmost care and must not be harmful to his/her fellow cosplayers, event staff and event attendees. Any kind of sharp and/or bladed objects that will be used as costume props that could cut human flesh are strictly prohibited. Any kind of pyrotechnic equipment/s that will be used as costume props that could render damage to the venue and/or property is strictly prohibited.
The APC COSVENT cosplay team, APC COSVENT organizers and its staff will not be held responsible for damage or injury resulting from mishandling and/or negligence of a cosplayer in his/her use of props/materials throughout the duration of the event.
APC COSVENT organizers have the right to disqualify any cosplayer who ignores and/or violates any of the aforementioned guidelines.
Registration and participation to the cosplay event constitutes that the cosplayer gives the right and the authority to APC COSVENT organizers/staff, its sponsors and authorized press media to take pictures and/or videos of registered cosplayers, cosplay groups and its members and will be the sole property of the organizers/staff, its sponsors and authorized press media to be used for future publications and/or advertising promotions.

Individual Cosplay Guidelines:

There is no entry limit for the Individual Cosplay registrants. However, there is a deadline for the registration anyone who registered before the deadline is included to the official list of Individual Cosplay participants.
Cosplay registration for the APC COSVENT Individual Cosplay category will start on (February 4, 2009 (the day of the event), 10:00 – 2:00. )
The online pre-registration will be sent to: apc_cosplay@yahoo.com. To pre-register, you will need to fill up all the needed information with the reference picture (see: Picture reference submission) of your character as an attachment.
Cosplay registration for the APC COSVENT Group Cosplay category will be at (APC’s MPH2, 10th floor).
Individual cosplay participants will be given number tags that must be worn at all times.
Individual cosplay participants are also qualified to join the Group Cosplay event.
Individual cosplay participants has to join the “Cosplay Parade” which will be held on 1:30pm – 2:30pm inside APC building.
Individual Cosplayers are required to ramp on stage. Each cosplayers a will be given a maximum of 1 minute of stage time to ramp.

Group Cosplay Guidelines

A cosplay group must consist of at least three (3) and a maximum of fifteen (15) members per group.
A member of a particular cosplay group can only join ONE COSPLAY GROUP and he/she is not allowed in joining multiple cosplay groups.
A member of a particular cosplay group is qualified to join the Individual cosplay event.
Cosplay registration for the APC COSVENT Group Cosplay category will be at (APC’s MPH1).
The online pre-registration will be sent to: apc_cosplay@yahoo.com. To register, you will need to fill up all the needed information with the reference picture (see: Picture reference submission) of your character as an attachment.
We will be accepting a maximum number of 10 cosplay groups. If the quota has been reached but pre-registrants fail to confirm their registration from 10am-2pm, their pre-registration will be cancelled.
All cosplay goups are required to have a cosplay skit. Each cosplay group will be given a maximum of 5 minutes of stage time to do their skits.
All BGMs that will be used for the cosplay skit must be in audio format (.CDA) or in MP3 format and must be within the limit of their cosplay skit. Audio CDs must be properly labeled and submitted at the event itself upon registration. A cosplay group is required to have a sound director/representative who will assist the APC COSVENT technical team in the usage of their CDs.

Picture Reference Submission

Each cosplayer is required to submit a digital file of the picture of the character that they will be cosplaying.
All digital pictures must be in JPEG, GIF or PNG and must not exceed 1MB.
All digital pictures must not go below 144 x 288 pixels (wallet size) and must not go beyond 792 x 594 pixels (short bond paper size).
It is highly recommended to submit a full-body colored picture of the character that would be cosplayed. We will not accept black/white pictures.
All digital pictures must be stored either on a USB thumb drive, Portable HDD or on a CD.

Cosplay Area Guidelines

1.ONLY COSPLAYERS ARE ALLOWED INSIDE THE COSPLAY AREA. Cosplayers shall be allowed one (1) assistant.
Cosplayers are allowed to leave their luggage, baggage, packages, props, and other items inside the dressing rooms but AT THEIR OWN RISK. Asia Pacific College staff and APC COSVENT organizer will not be held responsible to any kind of damage and/or loss to the items that are brought inside the dressing rooms and/or the Cosplay Area. No photography is allowed inside the dressing rooms.
Cosplayers are not allowed to leave the cosplay area and lodging area and not allowed to roam around the school.
Food and Drinks are strictly not allowed inside the Auditorium.

NOTE:

Pls. be advised that the pre-registration will be open on January 24, 2009 and it will end on February 3, 2009. Applications after that will no longer be accepted. Confirmation of your registration will be on the day of the event itself.
If you have any questions for APC COSVENT, please call/txt 09282783740, look for Via or your can email us at apc_cosplay@yahoo.com

If you have problem going to APC, ^ look up.

*Information source: http://apccosplay.multiply.com/

Who's Original Idea Was It?

2009-02-01T20:24:00.003+08:00

I saw this commercial on tv again.. I wonder how long has it been since I last saw this commercial. I find it really cute. And the selling point is there...

Home Sweet Home - Boysen Paint Commercial:

And then I saw this link, its for another paint product. And has the same selling idea:

I wonder who thought of the concept first... What do you think?

Everything Japanese - Even Disney

2009-01-29T20:03:00.003+08:00

So I was browsing videos in YouTube... I first typed Kagami Seira.. I wanted to view the First Sight pv. and I got this:

^ First Sight - Kagami Seira feat. Ryohei

And then, I clicked on various links to her other videos.. and I found this:

^ Sweet Soul Revue (English Version) cover - Ryohei

More browsing led me to reminisce this:

^ Sweet Soul Revue - Pizzicato Five

And then I went back to Kagami Seira...

^ Who Said (Japanese Cover) original by Miley Cyrus - Kagami Seira

I was curious... I moved on..

^ Hannah Montana commercial in Japanese dub

It's Ryoko Shiraishi as Hannah Montana. I say the dubber got the 'Miley Cyrus talk' in Japanese well. Her anime roles include: Visit her site.

Mikkun (Da Capo)
Kaede Nagasa (Negima)
Akibi (One Piece)

And then this...

^ You Are The Music In Me (Japanese version) - Nana Tamaki

Hannah Montana is okay with me. I think its a cute funny show. But High School Musical,.. I admit I was once part of the craze.. I like the songs.. and.. but.. I've had enough. No more HSM for me... I think I'm gonna hurl. I like the Jap version though. It has a cute something to it. And the singer is great.

I end here. I don't want to click any more Disney.

Happy Birthday HYDE-sama!!!

2009-01-29T16:57:00.005+08:00

Born on January 29, 1969 from Wakayama, Japan, famous singer HYDE from the Japanese rock band L'Arc~en~Ciel celebrates his 40th birthday today. (Maybe he does, or does not celebrate.. who knows). Hyde keeps his personal info secret and he only revealed the exact date of his birth on his interview for the March 2002 issue of Rockin On Japan. His rumored real name is Hideto Takarai; but I don't care whatever his name is. His voice is still OIS (acronym inspire by Shun, only Nadz, Perx, Erose, Rara, Avs, Kitty, me and Ma-chan knows...)

Photos of Hyde with the band L'Arc~en~Ciel:

Not only is he a great singer, he is also a guitarist, actor, lyricist, and songwriter. In the year 2000, he married the pretty model, Megumi Oishi, and they now have a son. I bet the son looks great considering that he has a model for a mom and Hyde for a dad. nyaaa!

Megumi Oishi ^^

Even at 40 he looks like 20 something.. ROAR!
Here are videos you might like. I sure loved them..

Hello - Hyde

Making of Monthly Vamps. Look at what poses they're doing at 0:45-1:22. fufufufu

Drink It Down - L'Arc~en~Ciel. My fave vid from the band..

This is cute:

Tetsu uses Hyde as a puppet

Visit his website.

Info courtesy of Wikipedia.
More info here.

PERYA: A Whimsical Fashion Gala

2009-01-28T22:47:00.006+08:00

F*ART Fashion Art productions together with Happy Andrada proudly present:

“Perya”
A fashion Gala and Benefit for Bethany Homes Orphanage,
Hands on Manila and Virlanie.

Perya- The extraordinary Fashion & Art Event

On the 6th of March, 2009 at A. Venue Hall, Makati, Happy Andrada will be having a fashion show that is Entitled “Perya’, a show which is fusion of Fashion, Art, Photography and Lomography.

Perya is the Filipino slang for small carnivals that are set up during fiestas in different cities. “Perya” defines us, Filipinos. It is part of our culture. Our grandparents and their parents, and their parents’ parents all have been to “peryahan” at least once in their lives. Now, it is a dying culture. This fashion show is conceptualized to remind us of the “Peryahan” culture seen from a glamorous perspective.

Witness the Spectacular revival of Perya in this extraordinary Fashion Event

Happy Andrada will be showcasing a 50 piece couture collection, that is theatric, matured and wearable. She will be putting an artistic definition in glamour. Clothes are crafted with quality. The collection will also showcase different characters from a perya like the woman who eats live chickens; or the half-woman, half-fish; Siamese twins and more. The collection is filled with vibrant colors, with different treatments, silhouettes and paintings on clothes

Happy will be collaborating with young designers and artists who also excel in their fields, like Artist Paolo Icasas, Accessory designer Dennis Celestial, Shoes by Schu, Hats by Hat Momma, Maverick by Design, Lomo Manila, Photography exhibit by Darrel Pobre, Art Exhibit by Ang Ink, Musicality dance group and Music by Pops Orchestra of De La Salle University and Electronica Manila.

This event will be hosted by Issa Litton and directed by Gerry Katigbak.

Doors open 8pm. Ticket prices at Php 300 and Php 500 (VIP).
FREE ENTRANCE FOR COSPLAYERS!!!!

**information source: http://happyperya.multiply.com/ and http://popazrael.multiply.com

For inquiries, visit: http://happyperya.multiply.com/

PhotoWorld Asia 2009

2009-01-28T22:25:00.004+08:00

What: PhotoWorld Asia 2009
When: January 29 to February 3, 2009
Where: Glorietta Ayala Center and the Asian Institute of Management in Makati.
Fee: P4,500 from Dec. 20 to January 29, and P5,000 on seminar days.

PhotoWorld Asia 2009 is a photography convention and trade exposition for the photography industry in the Philippines and neighboring countries in Asia. This year's event holds simultaneous activities from January 29 to February 3, 2009 at the Glorietta Ayala Center and the Asian Institute of Management in Makati.

The trade show at the Glorietta Ayala Center will be open to the public the whole time during PhotoWorld Asia 2009 from January 29 to February 3. It will feature the latest products from the major players in the industry including Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, Fujifilm, HP, Panasonic and many others.

The convention and seminars at the Asian Institute of Management will be open only to registered delegates. The seminars will be held at SGV Hall, AIM Conference Center, Benavides corner Paseo de Roxas Streets, Makati City.

Master photographers Hanson Fong, Mary Fisk Taylor and Jamie Hayes are the featured speakers in the Master Class photography seminars. Wedding and Portrait photography will be given much emphasis during the workshops.

The full schedule and other actitivies at PhotoWorld Asia 2009 are as follows:

THURSDAY January 29
3:00 pm — Judging of Photo Exhibit at the Art Space, 3rd F, Glorietta Ayala Mall
4:00 pm — Opening of Photo Exhibit at the Art Space, 3rd F, Glorietta Ayala Mall
6:00 pm — Opening of Trade Show at the Activity Center, Glorietta Ayala Mall

FRIDAY January 30
7:00 - 8:00 am —Registration at the AIM Conference Center
8:30 - 10:00 am — Copyright Law Applications by Atty Rod Vera LL.M (AIM)
10:00 - 12:00 nn — Strobist Photography by Jun Rapanan & Victor Sison (AIM)
1:30 - 3:00 pm — Underwater Photography by Gutsy Tuason (AIM)
3:30 - 4:30 pm — Color Management by Nick Tuason (AIM)
4:30 - 5:00 pm — Adobe Photoshop CS4 by Nelson John (AIM)
6:00 pm — Fashion Shoot On-The-Spot Contest (Glorietta)

SATURDAY January 31
8:00 - 9:30 am — Capturing Moments by Bobot Go and George Cabig (AIM)
9:30 - 10:00 am — Group picture taking at the Zen Garden, ACCM (AIM)
10:30 - 12:00 noon — Wedding & Business Side of Photography by Mary Fisk Taylor (AIM)
1:00 - 5:00 pm —Wedding & Business Side of PhotographyMary Fisk Taylor (AIM)
6:00 pm — Photographers' Nite at the AIM Conference Center

SUNDAY February 1
8:00 - 9:30 am — VR Stitch 360 by Mr. Fu Yung of Aperture (AIM)
9:30 - 10:00 am — Coffee Break
10:00 - 12:00 nn — Glamour & Portrait Photography by Jamie Hayes (AIM)
1:00 - 5:00 pm — Glamour & Portrait Photography by Jamie Hayes (AIM)
6:00 pm — Fashion Shoot On-The-Spot Contest (Glorietta)

MONDAY February 2
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. — Sports Photography by Neil Confesor (AIM)
10:15 - 12:00 nn — Wedding & Portrait Tips from the Master by Hanson Fong (AIM)
1:00 - 5:00 p.m. — Wedding & Portrait Tips from the Master by Hanson Fong (AIM)
6:00 pm — Awarding Ceremonies for the Fashion Shoot OTS Photo Contest (Glorietta)

TUESDAY February 3
9:00 am - 3:00 pm — Outdoor Shoot with Hanson Fong, Mary Fisk Taylor and Jamie Hayes at Casa Manila/Blanca

Registration fee will be P4,500 from Dec. 20 to January 29, and P5,000 on seminar days.

»» Register Online
»» Or call Tels: 528-0371 or 524-7576

**Information source: http://www.photoworldmanila.com/index.htm

What I Need Now and A Few Stuff

2009-01-28T11:57:00.004+08:00

sleep
food
sewing machine
my mom
my stepdad
vacation
massage

When will hell days be over? I wanna go home and see my parents.. Huwaah! I'm so tired and battered, I get sick 2-3 times a week. This is not right. I have no more time to do my cooking properly so I just eat fast food and whatever is in the refrigerator. I miss my mom and granny's home cooked meals. The crab stews and hot pots.. Seafood and porridge. Tomatoes and cucumbers. T_T When will summer come??!!

---------------

Ranting over, here are quotes/jokes that accumulated in my Inbox. I'm gonna delete them now, so I'll be posting them here, just for the memory of it.

"MOM: Hon, where do you think did our child take her beauty from?
DAD: Of course from you.
MOM: Really? Why'd you say so?
DAD: Because there's nothing left in you."

"US President Barack Obama called-up Malacañang...
OBAMA: Hello, could I speak to that small but great Filipina who is the Idol of all Filipinos?
GMA: Speaking.
OBAMA: Congratulations Charice! Can you please sing in the White House again for the Diplomatic Corps?
GMA: I'm sorry Mr. President, but this is President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. How can I be of help?
OBAMA: Wrong number."

"At the forest, Bella saw Edward's body shimmered as it has been hit by the sun...
BELLA: I know what you are..
EDWARD: Say it, say it out loud, say it...
BELLA: You're GAY! You have lots of foundation on your face all the time and now you have glitters!! BIATCH!"

"BOY: Miss, areyou a chocolate?
GIRL: Hehehe, are you hitting on me?
BOY: Nope. It's because you're dark."

"They say that the word 'STUDYING' came from 'student' and 'dying'. Now that explains it all..."

"Studying in UP is easy. As easy as taking a stroll in the park. The Jurassic Park."

"When your mom is forcing you to spill about your fault, this is what you should say:
No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself. (- Philippine Constitution Article III, Section 17)"

"When I grow up... I wanna be... YOURS."

"If given a chance to love somebody, why don't you try... ME?"

"Be optimistic, don't worry too much about the people you hate right now. Because eventually they're gonna die. Just be very very patient."

"TEACHER: We all came from Adam and Eve.
BOY: Ma'am that's wrong. My momma said we came from monkeys.
TEACHER: We are not talking about your family."

"Sa tindahan...
BATA: Ate may load po ba kayo?
TINDERA: Oo, bakit?
BATA: Pa-text nga po."

"Sa mall...
SIR: Miss, dito ba yung Cashier?
MISS: Huh? Hindi no, doon kaya!
SIR: Akala ko kasi dito. Mukha ka kasing bayaran."

"Namatay na si DA KING, sumunod na si DA BOY. Hindi kaya, kinakabahan na si DA GUL?"

"Mabuti pa Cholesterol, may lugar diyan sa puso mo..."

"What did the apple say to the pineapple?
APPLE: What are you looking looking looking looking looking looking looking looking looking looking looking looking looking looking looking looking looking at?!"

"Quote for the rainy season:
Anong akala niyo sa aming mga College students? Tao rin naman kami ah. Ano akala niyo sa amin, WATERPROOF?"

"Kung binabayaran lang ang mga taong pinagnanasaan, eh di sana ngayon mayaman na ako..."

and my favorite from Ate Xairylle..

"Bleach characters online...
RUKIA: Ichigo, ASL plz.
ICHIGO: huh?
RUKIA: I believe its imperative to master internet language in this new age. So, CTC?
ICHIGO: uh-huh.. Hey Byakuya, you okay with net-speak?
BYAKUYA: *shrug* IDK. DND. BRB.
ICHIGO: *jawdrop*"

another favorite from Nushi...

"Nushi's mom and bro having a conversation...
MOM: If I'll be taken by the terrorists, what will you do?
BRO: Nothing. Because they will return you right away.
MOM: Why?
BRO: They don't want a chatterbox like you."

one more...

"ERAP with 50 jetplanes trying to conquer a country...
ERAP: How many jets from the US?
SOLDIER: 500 sir. They're powerful.
ERAP: How about China?
SOLDIER: 100 sir. We will loose.
ERAP: And Japan?
SOLDIER: Only 5 jets sir.
ERAP: Go and conquer Japan!
...after one hour, ERAP's jets came back...
ERAP: Why did you return so soon?
SOLDIER: Sir, we were about to enter their camp when suddenly one of the 5 jets shouted something.
ERAP: What did it say?
SOLDIER: Let's volt in!!!"

---------
That's all for now... back to studying. Got a NatSci 5 exam tomorrow.. Uwaah!!

Sayaw Manila 5: I Am; Experience

2009-01-25T02:11:00.005+08:00

Event details here.
Videos here.
Pictures here and here.

A benefit concert for Buhay Makulay.

Featuring:

UP Manila Street Dance Corps
UP Pharmakinetics
UP PHAC

With guests:

PLM Scholars Inc.
UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company
PWU C-Cam Crew
Unschooled University All Stars
Krumpinoy
EAC College of Dentistry
AMA Dance Troupe

2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention

2009-01-23T14:16:00.005+08:00

What: 2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention
When: March 28, 2009 11am onwards
Where: Midtown Grand Atrium, Robinson's Place Manila

Cosplay Guidelines, click here.

Important Reminders:
For Individual Cosplay Pre-registrants: Do not forget to send your reference photos to pcc@cosplay.ph with the subject line: PCC Individual Cosplay - (Real Name). No photo = no confirmation of pre-registration on March 28.

For Group Cosplay Pre-registrants: Please include your technical/sound director's name in the pre-registration. Do not forget to send your reference photos to pcc@cosplay.ph with the subject line: PCC Group Cosplay - (Real Name of group leader). No photo/no technical director/no BGM CD = no confirmation of pre-registration on March 28.

For questions, please post in the PCC event thread in the FilCosplay Forums.

Visit the official site.

-----------------------------
*information source: Cosplay.ph

JFM 2009 Nihongo Fiesta

2009-01-23T13:57:00.005+08:00

The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) and the SM Mall of Asia present a weekend of Filipino-Japanese fun and learning billed

What: The 2009 Nihongo Fiesta
When: February 28 and March 1
Where: SM Mall of Asia, Bay Boulevard, Pasay City

Everybody will have a chance to watch and participate in various activities such as the 11th Asian Cartoon Exhibition, the Japanese Edo Kite Festival, a Japanese traditional koto performance by Ms. Chieko Fukuda and the 36th Nihongo Speech Contest which includes a Quiz Bee portion. All activities are open to the public, free of charge.

Event Details:

The 11th Asian Cartoon Exhibition opens at the Main Mall Atrium on Saturday, February 28 at 2:30 pm showcasing the comic illustrations of 10 Asian cartoonists on the theme “Asian Youth Culture”. The Philippines is represented by Beerkada-creator/ cartoonist, Lyndon Gregorio. A special display will also be launched for the Bronze winner of the 2nd International Manga Competition, Kriss Sison. The works will be on display until March 15.

Sharpen your Japanese language skills by listening to the contestants of the 36th Nihongo Speech Contest on February 28, at the SM MOA Cinema 1 at 10:30 am. This year, Filipino finalists coming from various regions of the country will converge for the annual national Japanese language competition to demonstrate their linguistic skills by delivering an original composition written by themselves on a theme of their choice. Winners of the speech contest will take part in an all-expense-paid week-long study tour in Japan.

The 1st JFM Quiz Bee starts at 3:30 p.m. to be participated in by various Metro Manila high schools under the JENESYS Program.

Listen to the time-honored sounds of Japan as Ms. Chieko Fukuda, renowned Japanese traditional musician, performs on the koto, a Japanese traditional stringed instrument, on February 28, 6:30 pm at the SM MOA Cinema 1.

One of Japan’s leading kite artisans, Mikio Toki brings to Manila the soaring excitement of Edo kites in an exhibit at the Main Mall Atrium. Mr. Toki and other Japanese kite artists will also be conducting special kite-making workshops on February 28 at the Main Mall Atrium at 10:30 am (for children) and 4:00 pm (all ages).

SM Mall of Asia’s Open Field will be filled with colorful and vibrant kites on March 1, Sunday at 1:30 pm as Japanese and Filipino kite enthusiasts fly their creations, showcasing not only their designs but also their skills in making functional flying kites. Entries to the Kite-Making Contest will be flown on March 1, Sunday. However, kite hobbyists interested to participate in the open kite-flying demonstrations are welcome to join the day’s festivities.

The 2009 Nihongo Fiesta
is made possible in cooperation with:

the SM Malls
Embassy of Japan
Isuzu Philippines
Department of Tourism (DOT)
Tokyo Tokyo

with support from:

Quantum/Club Synergy
Picture City International
Krispy Kreme
Greenwich
Tapa King
Mangaholix Comics

----------------------
For inquiries, contact:

The Japan Foundation, Manila
811-6155 to 58
email@jfmo.org.ph
http://www.jfmo.org.ph

*information source: Ongaku Society

I Hate Being Poor

2009-01-18T22:22:00.003+08:00

WARNING!!! RANT POST AHEAD. NO NEED TO READ. I JUST NEED TO VENT OUT MY FRUSTRATIONS.

I just had a phone call with my mom. She's 700km away from me at the moment - well, ever since I went to live here in Manila. I told her about my plans to work part-time at the Picture Company. She was happy that I finally took the initiative to look for work. Then the topic of our conversation went to my health. She asked if I already went to the hospital for my January medication. I replied that I have not gone to the doctor yet. Because that 1300php, I spent on groceries - cleaning materials, food, - and house bills. I'm feeling better. Medicine can wait. Okay, it shouldn't wait. But should my hungry tummy and dirty house wait instead?

She got mad. Naturally.

And she assumed that I was saving money again for cosplays. Which is so not true. I think. Okay, I am actually thinking of saving money, but I would start February yet. Not January. To add to my problem, my Landbank ATM charged me 1500php for having a dormant ATM since November. I blame UP for sending the monthly stipend too late. That 1500php loss is equivalent to a month's stipend. I need that money. Badly.

I'm from a middle class family. And I am poor. Who the hell lowered the bracket poverty bracket?! Now the survey says, the Philippines is an economically growing country. What the hell? Getting rich? Oh stop fucking with me. This country is not getting better at all. A million Filipinos are jobless. What will they feed their family?!

Back to my status. You could say I'm well off, since I live in a condominium, only child, with two dads and 3 aunts/uncles abroad. But the thing is, I am not rich at all. My biological father does not provide (except for the camera he gave me this year - but that comprises gifts for the entire year - I don't mind since its quite expensive). Then my uncle, who earns a lot, has a wife in Davao who does not know how to handle money. For a baby under 2 years old, she has 2 maids. And my unlce sends her a monthly budget which could actually cover 3 months since the wife is also working as a teacher. Another aunt at Ireland would stop sending monthly budget for the family since Europe's also experiencing financial crisis and she is saving up just in case. My other aunt is starting a family and can only provide for her brother's medicine.

To add, the mother of my step dad now needs dialysis twice a week. Good luck to the expenses. We have a good business that could earn up to 100k php monthly on good months but with the equipment we need to upgrade, a million a year is not enough. Plus the loan for the cargo truck we just acquired.

True, we are experiencing a financial crisis. Expenses for me alone reaches 6k for condo juice,, water and electricity, 3k for cable and telephone, 5k monthly budget that covers food, fare, grocery, school requirements. How am I going to live? 5k a month for some families would do well, but living in Manila does not do any good. There is constant pressure to spend. And I don't mean spending on clothes and other unecessary things. I mean, in the province, I can pick fruits from our trees in the backyard and last a week without spending. Here, 1k could be lost in a day.

I am a lucky person, for having very supportive parents. But I feel the pressure. It's hard to be just barely able. I envy those rich kids who never worry about a thing - not even their grades cause they can always pay their way to school. If I get a low grade, my scholarship is goodbye. And that's 20k per sem. It's big money that could be saved.

How about other things? Yeah, I spend a lot on cosplays too. But I get it from my monthly stipend, which, as I mentioned earlier was delayed for 3 months and was subtracted a month's worth. How the hell am I gonna enjoy my existence here without cosplay? It's shallow and really selfish I know. But it's my own money. Maybe I should save it and pay bills? Yes, I do that. That's why sometimes I go on cosplay hibernation.

I wish I were born rich. There's a lot of things I wanna do: play in an orchestra, teach scuba diving, cosplay, study music, learn the arts, sports, and more. And they require money. There are some stupid rich kids who don't even value money. And instead of doing something progressive and productive with the money their parents lavishly provide them, they do drugs.

Ugh. The world really isn't fair.
Life is truly tough.

END OF RANT.

But I hope that when the going gets tough, Patsy will get going. I pray that I won't lose the determination to succeed and I wish, someday... soon... I'll be able to provide a nice little house in Bahamas for my mom and stepdad.

In the meantime, I need a part-time job. Not in a call center, not as a tutor but something more physical - NOT A SEX WORKER! Something like being a cashier, waitress... I don't even mind cleaning toilets. It's a decent part-time job. I don't mean to be choosy, but I want a part-time job that I would enjoy, be an avenue for development, and is decent.

Birthday Wishes and News

2009-01-18T06:18:00.004+08:00

My 18th birthday is almost up (Feb26). I don't plan to have a grand party as opposed to what is expected of me because I don't want to spend almost a hundred thousand on a single night only. That's crazy. Hello? Financial crisis anyone?

Well any-hoo, I have my wishlist again. I'll try to put more attainable stuff in case some friends of mine *ahem ahem to Lara, Marie, Shun, Precky, Aven, Nadz, Kitty, and Erose* would like to get me some things. Hahaha

But you know what, the unattainable Nikon D90 DSLR Camera was attained. So I guess it's not that impossible after all. So here goes my debut wishlist:

1. wig - any color, any length, except the ones I already have:

purple bob with bangs
blonde long wavy with bangs
dark blue bob with bangs
brown-black pixie with bangs
black-red long with bangs

2. contact lenses - any color, no grades, preferably bright colored ones
3. magazines on digital photography
4. book: Anatomy & Figure Drawing Handbook (Viv Foster)
5. book: Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life
6. book: Dark Angel Trilogy (Meredith Ann Pierce)
7. book: Good Omens (Terry Prattchett & Neil Gaimann)
8. book: Vampires - The Occult Truth (Konstantinos)
9. face paint
10. theatrical make up
11. kohl black eyeliner
12. platform boots (size 38)
13. black 'Morticia' gown
14. a simple planner with lots of space to write
15. good small headphones
16. a trendy and colorful laptop bag
17. flats - all colors (size 38)
18. vests
19. hoodies
20. skinny jeans - all colors (waist: 25-26, hipsters 26-27)
21. a dainty wrist watch
22. a dive at Anilao, Batangas
23. cookie cutters
24. baking clay
25. Kryolan eyebrow plastic
26. Salonga-autographed DAYO OST cd
27. Katekyo Hitman Reborn dvd (from CS CENTRAL)
28. Gintama dvd (from CS CENTRAL)
28. D Gray Man dvd (from CS CENTRAL)
28. Bleach figurines
29. Naruto sandals
30. Konoha forehead protector
31. toy shurikens
32. Katana
33. Bleach shinigami kimono
34. knee-high socks
35. bunny ears
36. cat ears
37. whatever animal ears
38. shoes (im a size 38)
39. 8" x 10" dive slate by Trident or Innovative Scuba Concepts
40. 8gb flash necklace (ask GJ. there's a multiply site that sells necklaces.. but are actually flash drives. sugoi ne?)
41. Mickey Mouse mp3 (still at multiply. Its a small mp3. Kawaii desu!)
42. Byakuya (Bleach) plushie
43. Ichigo [bankai] (Bleach) plushie
44. Rukia [school uniform] (Bleach) plushie
45. Kon (Bleach) plushie
46. Renji (Bleach) plushie
47. Momiji [school uniform] (Fruits Basket) costume
48. Aizen [Espada] (Bleach) plushie
49. Mares Carbon 42 Regulator
50. non-stick baking paper
51. a software to openline my Sony Ericsson T303
52. a PX-21 waterproof flash
53. Ciel Phantomhive (Kuroshitsuji) costume
54. big white angel feathered wings
55. big black feathered wings
56. an Intova IC-600 underwater digital camera
57. polarizing filter for 18-105mm VR lens
58. Mares Volo Power open heel fins
59. Mares Pure Vision mask
60. Mares Puck wrist commputer
61. Mares Mission 3 console
62. Mares Puck Air integrated air console.
63. Mares Aliikai BC (buoyancy compressor) vest
64. Mares Amara 2mm gloves
65. Scuba Pro Mesh bag
66. Scuba Pro Laguna blue snorkel
67. Scuba Pro Profile Steamer 3mm wetsuit
68. Mares Air Control regulator
69. Mares Carbon octopus
70. PADI Advanced Open Water course
71. PADI Rescue Diver course

If you noticed, they're pretty much the same with my Xmas Wishlist minus a few things since I got them already.. (slaved and bought them, more likely). Oh, and the thirst for scuba diving is back. It's been a year since I last breathed compressed oxygen from 50 feet underwater. I just can't sleep. See, it's already 6am. Rawr!

Silly me.

So you think I'm too much? Make a list of your own you jealous person. I'm selfish, and so? At least I don't pretend to be the angel I am not - the angel NOBODY is not. And so I tried.

But I'm EPIC PHAIL.

NEWS NEWS NEWS!!!
I got my tripod the other day, my mom sent it to me from home. It accumulated dust in my old room.
I saw this job ad online for The Picture Company, they're looking for photography enthusiasts who they can train and pay for work. I hope they accept part time. *cross fingers* I prepared my resume* already and will submit as soon as I got the reply e-mail that they STILL ACCEPT PART-TIME work for college student BELOW 18.
I'm done with season 1 of Katekyo Hitman Reborn.
I alreay submitted my Nikon Club Philippines application form.
I started watching D.Gray Man and I love it.
I joined Artes de Colores Photography Club
I bought Jap stuff. Yey!

Thanks to Mr. Vincent Haoson for helping me out in my resume*. (banana_dance)
Thanks to Kuya Vincent Arnuco for sharing those photography links.
And Happy 22nd Birthday to Mr. Jan Sarmiento. (woot)

*I don't know how to type the letter 'e' with the accent for the word 'resume', so just imagine, okay.

Sayaw Manila 5: I Am

2009-01-18T04:56:00.006+08:00

Its January again - a very important month for UP Manila's Indayog Dance Varsity. This year we present to you: the disciplined, the dedicated, the passionate, they are the newest trainees of Indayog, Batch 14. Cheerio!!

What: Sayaw Manila 5: I Am
When: January 24, 2009 6pm
Where: PhilAm Life Auditorium, U.N. Avenue, Manila
Ticket: 150 php

Discipline. Dedication. Passion. Just Dance.

A benefit concert for Buhay Makulay.

Featuring:

UP Manila Street Dance Corps
UP CN Saliwan
UP Pharmakinetics
UP Phac

With guests:

UP Diliman Street Dance Club
PLM Scholars Inc.
UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company
PWU C-Cam Crew
Unschooled University All Stars
Krumpinoy
Funk'In Styles

Sponsored by:

PJ Mansion
Leslie's
Monster Radio RX 93.1

Discipline. Dedication. Passion. Just Dance.

-----------------------------------

For tickets, please contact:
Jessica - 0922.570.3235
Gege - 0917.256.1627
Ronda - 0928.506.7288

or, I could reserve them for you. Just leave a note. XD

Ozine Fest 2009

2009-01-15T16:53:00.005+08:00

What, When, Where:
Ticket Price: 100php/day

Ozine Fest is an annual event organized by the Otakuzine Anime Magazine staff to gather Anime Fans around the country. The first Ozine Fest was held at the Robinsons Galleria Trade Hall last December 16, 2005 with a total ticket sales of 3,752.

The second installment of Ozine Fest was held at the Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park last July 30, 2006. The total ticket sales reached at 7,489.

Then the third Ozine Fest changed to a better and more accessible venue, SM Megamall Mega Trade Hall 2 last April 1, 2007. We raffled out a Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Motorolla Razr, and other gadgets to the first people who bought Pre-Sold tickets. The total ticket sales reached 9,893.

Our most recent event called Ozine Fest ’08 was also held at the Mega Trade Hall 2 for two days wherein we raffled a Sony PSP and Nintendo DS Lite for the first 100 to enter the venue, and an Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and Ipod Touch for the attendees who purchased the 2-day pass. Based on the ticket sales from the day itself, and the pre-sold tickets from our establishment partners, we reached a total of 10,200 tickets sold.

Source: http://www.otakuzine-mag.com/ozinefest/about.html

Visit the OzineFest Site for more info. Or click any of the links in the site map below:

1. Home
Doujin Alley
Anime Toys Exhibit Area
Exhibitor and Sponsor Inquiries
Ticket Price and Information
Media & Reporters
1st National Cosplay Summit
Individual Cosplay
Group Cosplay
Early Bird Promo
Anime Video Making
Maid Cafe
Photoshoot Contests
Battle of the Bands
Art Contests
Anime Dance Contest
Anime Karaoke Contest
Cosplay Poster Making Contest
Console Game Demos
Food Eating Contest
Matsuri Area
Indie Manga
2. Forum
3. About Ozine Fest
4. Floor Plan
5. Contact

So I think that's all. Do be active in the forums. I can't wait for this to come. I'm thinking of joining the National Cosplay Summit. But I have no idea who to cosplay and what to do. Of course, the costume of the character I'm going to cosplay should be quite easy for me to sew/build and attractive enough to catch attention.

I'm thinking crossplay. But I can't really pull the guy look without proper make-up. I want to do mecha cosplay but I haven't seen any mecha except for Code Geass.

Perhaps I should cosplay Rem, the Grey/white shinigami from Death Note. But the NCS needs 2 cosplayers on stage, and I haven't brought myself to catwalks. The only time I was on stage while in costume was when I was hosting. Which has been 2 events already (OtakonEK and H3 Amped).

Oh, by the way, as of the moment, I have 2 costumes under construction: Chrome Dokuro (Katekyo Hitman Reborn) and C.C. (Code Geass R1). I'm planning to wear them this coming TAGCOM convention this Feb28-Mar1 (which I am still unsure of because we have a scheduled academic trip to Batangas on the 28th and might not be back until the 1st of March). If I won't be able to use them this February, I might use them around March, but I doubt there'll be lots of cosplay events, so I might be able to finally use them in Ozine 2009.

Ack, panic mode. For the 3 days of Ozine (if I have successfully worn the C.C. and Chrome Dokuro costumes before the day of the Ozine), I plan to crossplay Ciel Phantomhive (Kuroshitsuji) and group cosplay Xianghua (Soul Calibur 4).

I dunno about the Xianghua cosplay, since I haven't played any Soul Calibur game. I have only seen the gameplays on YouTube and that's it. It would be unethical to cosplay someone you don't even patronize. That's just plain bastardization of the medium. But if I'm doing this for a friend, will my actions be viewed in the deontological perspective of theleological point of view?

I did Mukuro Rokudo for my friend last December. And I began watching Katekyo Hitman Reborn for the purpose of getting to know the character I am gonna cosplay. But I got hooked, KHR is such a fun anime (promoting KHR).

I am all for 6996 pairing. Which is why I want to cosplay Chrome too. *awww they look so cute in the photo.. XD They have such a trivial relationship, Mukuro being the savior of Chrome... Chrome, owing her second life to Mukuro.. And they have the same pineapple hair too!!

Thanks to Erose aka Galeaya for introducing KHR to me, along with Ouran, Bleach, and Gintama. I super LOVE you. Come to my house again and listen to my uncle sing "its too laaaaaaattteee".

*I noticed I still haven't blogged about OtakonEK and the RE Degeneration cgi movie. fufufu

devID

2009-01-14T22:41:00.003+08:00

WARNING: Shameless self-promotion. Hey, this is my blog. Duh!

Silly me. Instead of studying for tomorrow's writing activity for my major subject: OC107 [Organizational Communication 107: Intercultural Communication], I was up Plurking all day, and doing stuff in deviantART. I decided to begin studying at 10pm but I got a notification that someone I'm watching at dA, submitted a deviation on devID.

For a long time now, I've been thinking of how to put up a devID. When I found out how to do so, I started thinking of a good concept, in vain. Suddenly, I felt in the mood to create one, so I did. Here's the devID.

.click on the image for full view.

And there ends my shameless self-promotion. Please do check out my gallery too. It's not that fabolous but its worth the look.

InSOMAnia Round 2

2009-01-14T21:16:00.010+08:00

What: InSOMAnia Round 2: The South Strikes Back
When: January 31, 2009 (Saturday) 11am-10pm
Where: Seniors Social Garden, UP Los Baños, Laguna

Check out the official site of UP Soma Soshiki and Multiply site.

UP Soma Soshiki brings you the second round of InSOMAnia.
Now on its 2nd year, still giving all fanatics a great
Sentai-Ongaku-Manga-Anime experience.

Click on the links for mechanics:

Tickets available at: Vega and Humanities building of UPLB and on the day itself.

For more information, contact:

09052659721, 09205112256, 09228304848
sherylmatucad@yahoo.com
mlmhonoricolopez@gmail.com

*source: Multiply site.

Tuts My Barreh

2009-01-13T15:38:00.005+08:00

Here is a Korean boy singing Mariah Carrey's Touch My Body. I admire his confidence in singing. And he has a good voice. Too bad he has to work on his English. LMAO to the person who subtitled it. You've got great humor or just really bad ears. Not to discriminate language barriers, some say its epic fail, I say it's humor. Anyway, here goes:

And the lyrics:

I juss wanna mek yu fill like yu never dee
Tuts my barreh
Rape me in my tighs

I know that you bean waiting for me,
I'm weighing too
Inma inajinasin I be a lump on you
I know you cop dat fever for me hundrentu
Bo I know dat fir sem my temperetthru

If there's a camel up a hill
Then it's Gong Li with me when I do, I do
If there's a camel up a hill
Then it's asbestos flaygon you too, you too

Coz if you run your mother
Break a bottle sicker run day boo
I will hunt chu down
Cos baby I'm up in my BeeGees like a windy interview
But did is prry vee bit two in eye

Tuts my barreh
Pull on the flow
Wrestle me around

Play it wit some more
Tuts my barreh
Throw me on the bay
I juss wanna mek yu fill like yu never dee

Tuts my barreh
Rape me in my tighs
Uh arround your ways
Just a little taze

Tuts my barreh
Know you love my cock
Come on a give me water dessert

Bo you can poo me on yolakka branoo eye-tee
I'll honk you berra tara den my favorite cheese
I want you to caress me like a tropical priest
A flororo with you in the caribbean se

If there's a camel up a hill
Then it's Gong Li with me when I do, I do
If there's a camel up a hill
Then it's asbestos flaygon you too, you too

Coz if you run your mother
Break a bottle sicker run day boo
I will hunt chu damn
Cos baby I'm up in my BeeGees like a windy interview
But did is prry vee bit two in eye

Tuts my barreh
Pull on the flow
Wrestle me around

Play it wit some more
Tuts my barreh
Throw me on duh bay
I juss wanna mek yu fill like yu never dee

Tuts my barreh
Rape me in my tighs
Uh arround your way
Just a little taze

Tuts my barreh
Know you love my cock
Come on a give me water dessert

Don't you like a teddy bear
You won, wanna go Norway?
In the labor luxury
Boys just turn to me
You wanna run for nothing bo
I will give you plankton.

Tuts my barREH!
Pull on the flow
Lesson me around

Play it wit some more
Tuts my barreh
Throw me on duh bay
I juss wanna mek yu fill like yu never dee

Tuts my barreh
Rape me in my tighs
Araranyo way
Just a little Tay

Tuts my barreh
Know you love my cock
Come on a give me water dessert

and toss meh

Come on and give me water dessERT!

--Thanks to Ate Gege for giving me the link to this video last night.

UP Manila Job Bonanza 2008

2009-01-12T23:31:00.002+08:00

Make a choice:

1. Go to SSS office to apply for an SSS number, and come back another day to claim your E-1;
2. Go to NBI office at Carriedo, and together with a lot of people, apply for an NBI clearance, pay your entrance fee, and come back another day to claim your clearance;
3. Join the thick crowd at Quezon City NSO to acquire your authenticated birth certificate for
your licensure exam and other things...

Or visit:

Office of Student Affairs
Guidance and Counseling Program
Career Information and Placement Service
3rd Floor Student Center, UP Manila

Apply for your SSS number, NBI clearance, and authenticated birth certificate,marriage certificate, or certificate of no marriage, claim them right away, or come back at OSA to claim the documents.

What will you choose?
It's fast, easy, and you don't need to travel from places to places.

Join the
UP Manila Job Bonanza 2008
on February 3, 2009 (Tuesday) 9am-4pm

Requirements are posted in the bulletin boards in your college and at the OSA; For inquiries, call CIPS, OSA-Guidance, 523-1641.

Nikon d90

2009-01-11T02:43:00.006+08:00

I finally got my first ever DSLR - and its a Nikon d90 right away. I got it January 9, 2009... Instead of being at Quiapo for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, me and my dad went to MOA. -evil us- Yesterday, I took it out with me when I accompanied Kiseki-kun to his OJT Application.

An hour before lunch, I went shopping at Landmark. I got 4 pieces of casual clothes for only 800 pesos. It's a cheap find for something that looks like Topshop, Zara, Dorothy Perkins, Marks & Spencer. It took me a lot of time looking for the nice ones. I was so happy when I got them. I also bought a curling, straightening and something iron from Watson's. Only to find out later from Ate Zai and Kuya Neil that I should've bought the ceramic type because the metal type will damage my hair. *sob*

By late afternoon, I saw Ate Mimai's Plurk about the moon being big at 7pm. So I grabbed my camera bag and headed to the rooftop. It was so cold. So after around 50 shots, I went back to my unit and got a jacket. Then I went back up to take more photos.

I got this interesting shot: (Click image for full size)

Photo details:
1/3
F5.6
ISO 200
105mm

This is the best shot I got, but still with the wrong settings:

Photo details:
1/400
F5.6
ISO 3200
105mm

Thanks to Hikari, Xave, Solomon, Ate Mimai, Kuya RG, and Kuya Vincent A. for giving me tips on photography. Although it was a bit late, I'll keep those in mind.

More photos here.

List of Anime Subbing Groups

2009-01-07T00:32:00.005+08:00

*to be updated regularly

If you know of any anime subbing and manga scanlation group, please leave a note at my Tagboard. Thanks!

I'm compiling a list. XD

5 Simple Points: Bakit Kailangang Ipagtanggol Ang OSR?

2009-01-06T00:49:00.003+08:00

Note to foreign readers, this post is in Filipino language.

1. Ano ba ang Office of the Student Regent, at bakit ito kailangan ipagtanggol?

Ang Student Regent, o SR, ang tanging representative nating mga estudyante sa Board of Regents, ang highest policy-making body ng buong UP System. Kung icocompare natin sa gobyerno, ang UP Admin ang "executive branch" (i.e si GMA), habang ang BOR ang Kongreso at Senado.

Kadalasan, tanging ang SR lang ang maaasahan na dalhin sa mga BOR Meetings ang mga student concerns at issues. Minsan nga, tanging ang SR rin lang ang boboto sa panig ng mga estudyante. Halimbawa, nung kainitan ng pagtutulak ng 300% TOFI noong 2006, si dating SR Raffy Sanchez ang walang humpay na nakipag-negosasyon sa ilan sa mga ibang Regents para hindi aprubahan ang TOFI (hindi rin nagtagumpay dahil hindi na rin pinapasok si Sanchez at ang dating Faculty Regent noon para bumoto).

2. Mula kanino kailangang ipagtanggol ang OSR?

Mula sa intervention, o pakikialam, ng UP Administration. Mula rin sa outside intervention, o pakikialam ng mga indibidwal, grupo, at interes, sa labas ng Unibersidad.

Sa mga pagkakataon na nagbabanggaan ang interes ng mga estudyante at ng UP Admin/National Admin (at ito ay madalas mangyari), ang SR ay nagiging malaking headache para sa kanila. Sa kasaysayan ng UP, 2 beses ng nagkaroon ng intervention sa OSR.

Ang una ay noong 1991, nung hindi inappoint ni UP President Jose Abueva ang napili ng mga estudyante bilang SR na si Jose Ilagan. Bagkus, inappoint niya ang pro-Admin na si Angelo Jimenez.Ang pangalawang pagkakataon ay noong 1999, kung saan hinarang ang pag-appoint sa hinalala na SR na si Ferdinand Zafranco.

3. Paano inaatake ang OSR?

Mula ng itatag ang OSR noong panahon ng Martial Law, ang SR ay hinahalal ng isang General Assembly ng mga Student Councils sa buong UP System, sa katauhan ng KASAMA sa UP hanggang 1996, at GASC mula 1997 hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Ngunit sa bagong UP Charter, hindi kinikilala itong paraan ng pagpili sa SR. Para daw maging mas demokratiko ang proseso, pipiliin ang pamamaraan ng pagpili sa SR sa isang Referendum. Ito ang pa-inosenteng paliwanag ng UP Admin. Pero sa totoo, ito ay naglilikha ng posibilidad na hindi tayo makakapili ng SR. Dahil kung hindi aaprubahan ng mayorya ng mga estudyante ng UP (nangangahulugan na 50% + 1 ng lahat ng estudyante mula UP Baguio hanggang UP Mindanao), hindi tayo makakapili ng SR.

Malaki ang posibilidad na mangyari ito dahil ang pinaka-malaking UP unit, ang Diliman, ay parating mababa ang voters' turn-out sa mga student council elections. Malaki ang pinsala na matatamo ng Referendum kung ganito rin ang mangyayari dun.

Sa madaling salita, ang Referendum Clause sa bagong UP Charter ang sandata ng UP at National Admins para pakialaman at pilayin ang isang institusyon na nagtatanggol sa mga estudyante. Kung dati ay siguradong magkakaroon ng SR sa bawat taon, ngayon ay parating nanganganib ang pagkakaroon ng SR. Maraming paraan para hindi maabot ang boto ng "YES" ng 50% + 1.

4. Bakit urgent ang pagtanggol sa OSR ngayon?

Maraming hamon ang kinakaharap nating mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Una ay ang bagong serye ng mga Tuition and Other Fee Increase. Ito ay nilahad ni UP President Emerlinda Roman sa isang palabas sa telebisyon noong nakaraang Disyembre. Ayon sa kanya, mura pa ang kasalukuyang tuition sa UP, na P40 libo kada taon. Mura pa daw ito, kung ikukumpara sa aktwal na halaga ng ating matrikula na P50 libo kada taon.

Ngunit hindi ito mura, lalo na sa pananaw ng karaniwang Pilipino na nabubuhay sa 'di-aabot sa P56 kada araw. Sumusunod ang UP Admin sa patakaran sa edukasyon ng rehimeng Arroyo na tinutulak ang mga state colleges and universities na tuluyan ng hindi i-subsidize ang edukasyon, kasama ang matrikula.

Pangalawa ay ang tumitinding campus repression na nararanasan sa buong bansa, hindi lamang sa UP.

Pinaka-malala ang karanasan ng UPLB, kung saan na-delay ang pagkakaroon ng mga student council dahil sa intervention ng UPLB Admin. Ganun rin ang nangyari sa kanilang opisyal na pahayagan, ang Perspective. Umabot sa punto na kinukuha ng militar ang mga personal records ng mga lider-estudyante sa UPLB, habang ang ilan pa nga ay binantaan na arbitrarily ibabagsak sa kanilang mga subjects.

Sa UP Visayas at sa UP Baguio, may curfew ng 6pm sa kanilang mga campus. Sa UP Mindanao naman, labas-masok ang militar na naka-full battle gear sa kanilang Campus. Sa UP Pampanga, binantaan ang mga miyembro ng kanilang USC na ie-expel sila kung sasama sila sa mga kilos-protesta.

Dito naman sa Diliman, naglabas ang Office of Student Affairs ng isang bagong Student Handbook na walang konsultasyon sa mga estudyante. Hanggang ngayon, walang pinapakitaan ng laman nito. Nilabag naman ang matagal na kasunduan sa pagitan ng UP Admin at ng Dept. of National Defense ng nagtayo ang PNP ng ilang mga estasyon sa loob ng ating Campus. Bagama't dinadahilan na kailangan daw ng dagdag-tulong ng UPD Police, kaya naman hirap na hirap ang UPDP ay dahil sobrang baba ng budget na binibigay sa kanila. Andyan rin ang Section 464 ng bagong UP System Code, kung saan pinagbabawal ang lahat ng mga organisasyon sa UP na hindi academic-oriented.

5. MANINDIGAN PARA SA MGA KARAPATAN! OSR, IPAGLABAN!

Ang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ay may mahabang kasaysayan at tradisyon ng militanteng pag-tanggol sa mga karapatan ng estudyante at mamamayan, ito man ay sa mga lokal o pambansang usapin.Ito ay kinakatakutan ng iilan, at hinahangaan ng sambayanan.

Kasama sa tradisyon na ito ang pakikibaka na nagbungga ng OSR. At kasama sa tagumpay ng ating mga kasalukuyang ipinaglalaban ang OSR. Kaya naman kinakailangan natin tignan na pakikibaka nating lahat ang pagpapatuloy sa OSR. Kinakailangan natin ilantad sa mas maraming bilang ng mga estudyante ang tunay na motivations sa likod ng Referendum at itakwil ang UP at National Administrations para sa kanilang pataksil na pakikialam. Paano? Sa partisipasyon natin sa kampanya para maipasa ang Referendum, mula sa simpleng pagboto ng "YES" sa Jan. 26-31, hanggang sa pagpapaliwanag sa mas maraming bilang ng mga kapwa estudyante natin.

Source: forwarded e-mail.

3rd TAGCOM Convention

2009-01-05T21:43:00.006+08:00

Hobbiworx Inc and Robinsons Midtown bring you:

"The Gathering" - The 3rd TAGCOM Convention
When: February 28 - March 1, 2009 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Where: Robinsons Place Manila Midtown Atrium, Ermita

Admission is FREE
So be there!

This event is a large-scale convention of hobbies; gathering together both friends and enthusiasts, with a variety of entertainment activities guaranteed to attract both the young and the young-at-heart!

The event is entitled "The Gathering: The 3rd TAGCOM Convention". TAGCOM is a amalgam term of today’s most popular hobbies enriching the lives of everyday Filipinos and the world at large - Toys, Anime, Airsoft, Gaming, Comics, Cosplay, Modeling (Scale), Music and Movies.

See what happened in the:
2nd TAGCOM.
1st TAGCOM.

EVENT COMPETITION
11am to 9pm

1) COSPLAY:
Categories
a) Best Male -4k cash
b) Best Female - 4k
c) best Historical -4k
d) Best Group - 8k

Award: Trophies and Cash prizes

2) CUSTOMIZED ACTION FIGURES:
Categories
a) 9 inches down
b) 9 inches up (scale 1:3 not included)
Award: 3 winners per category, Trophy for 1st place
Certificate for 2nd and 3rd and Acton figures

3)GUNDAM:
Categories
a) 1:144
b) 1: 100
Award: 3 winners per category, Trophy for 1st place
Certificate for 2nd and 3rd

4) DIECAST CARS:
Categories
a) open (1:43 down)
Award: 3 winners, Trophy for 1st place
Certificate for 2nd and 3rd
b) Tomica Cup
3 winners, Trophy for 1st place
2nd and 3rd

5) RADIO CONTROLLED CARS: (1:10 only)
Category
a) open ( kit base only) any brand
Award: 3 winners, Trophy for 1st place
Certificate for 2nd and 3rd
b) Tamiya Class

Award: 3 winners, Trophy for 1st place
and Tamiya RC Body for 1st, 2nd and 3rd
7) SCALE MODELS:
Categories
a) cars 1:24 & 1:25 only
Award: 3 winners, Trophy for 1st place
and Certificate for 2nd and 3rd

8) RC Drift Competition
Award: 1st placer - Tamiya Drift Kit worth 7k

9) RC Crawling Competition
a) Tamiya Class , CR01 kits only
Award: 1st placer - Tamiya Land Cruiser Crawling Kit worth 16k
b) 2.2 Open Class (any brand)
Award: to be announce

----------

For inquiries, please send email to: hobbiworx@tagcom.info

Source: http://hobbiworx.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=87 and tagcom.info

Resident Evil Degeneration

2008-12-26T21:12:00.002+08:00

-space reserved for red movie review-

2009 Anime

2008-12-21T00:11:00.002+08:00

I don't know what to write, so you could just click on the image. Its very large though..

I'm excited. But I see only 2-3 interesting anime. Because most are continuations of previous season anime. I'm looking forward to La Corda d' Oro Secondo Passo this February/March though.

Xmas Cosplay Parade @ ToyCon

2008-12-20T23:44:00.002+08:00

What: Manila Toys and Gifts Show + Christmas ToyCon Cosplay

When: December 19-21, 2008; Cosplay: December 20, 2008

Where: Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall

More pictures here.

Today, I brought my best friend Nikki Katrina Ven to a cosplay event. It was her first time to go to this kind of event and her first time to cosplay. I lent her my Vampire Knight uniform and the Petsha wig so she cosplayed Ruka Souen from Vampire Knight. I fetched her from her house at Pasong Tamo, Makati and we went to Megamall by taxi. Inside the taxi, we fixed ourselves, wore socks, did our make up, and wore the wig.

I was so excited for her. And she was very happy. I am happy that she appreciated the environment I involve myself with. She even wished that a convention like that would also be held in Zamboanga City. I informed her about the coming Ozine Fest on April 3-5, 2009. And she hoped that their educational tour to Cebu would be done by then so we could cosplay again.

Niks, I wish you were studying in Manila with me so we could go to these events monthly. I miss you so much. And I’ve never had so much fun with others. A day with you beats everything.

On photos.

At first, I approached cosplayers and asked if I could take a photo of them, with Nikki. Nikki asked if I wanted a photo too. My reply: “No thank you, today’s your day. I could have photo ops with them anytime. You should have the photos since you’re not here all the time.” She complied. Her favourite cosplayer: L from Death Note. I have to agree, he is a cute cosplayer.

Nikki and L

On People.

I met my Friendster friend, Opheliac for the second time since Hero Con Amped. She was in her Rukia costume and with her guy friend again. I just didn’t get a chance to know the name of her friend. I also saw Hikari (Plurkbuddy) for the first time and the Team Rocket. She’s so cute and their group cosplay was nice. I wish I also have a group too. My friends from BKK were also there in their Ouran costume. Adam Asejo was there too with his friends from UST. And I met bloggers Ronald Guanzon and Azrael Coladilla again.

BKK representative, Kuya Ryan and me..

Me and Hikari plus the Team Rocket

Opheliac and me..

Hihiro (little brother of Kuya Koi from Haponesang Dilat) and me.

L-R: Nikki, Patsy (Me), Azrael Coladilla

At 6pm, I took off my Shinigami garb (I cosplayed Nemu Kurotsuchi (my first ever cosplay) to commemorate the end of the year I started cosplaying) and wore more normal clothes because we had to go to Playground (a sports clothing store) at Scout Ybardolaza. It was my first time to ride the MRT that *warning: sarcasm to follow* cold and spacious.

I spent the night at Nikki’s house and I introduced Skip Beat to her and famous cosplayers Jin Joson and Alodia Gosiengfiao through their deviantArt accounts. Nikki was amazed all the more at the Otaku culture here in Manila and hoped that the same open-mindedness will dawn on the minds of Zamboangueños. Soon, we might organize a cosplay event in Zamboanga. Hopefully…

DAYO Premiere

2008-12-19T21:36:00.002+08:00

When: December 19, 2008 Friday

Where: Cinema 9 & 10, SM Megamall

More pictures here.

^ the ticket... ayee

Last night, I was invited to the premiere of Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia by Sir Pocholo ‘the Voicemaster/Choy’ Gonzales. He had 17 free passes because his voiced was used to give life to the character of Toti in the movie. This movie is an official entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival.

From Creativoices studio at Dian Street, Makati, we took the bus to Megamall. We arrived 2 hours earlier so we passed by the ToyCon at Megatrade Hall. There, I bought a Bleach sticker maker while Sir Choy bought 2000 pesos worth of collectibles. For the first time, I met Mr. Azrael Coladilla, my source of anime-related events and info. I also met toy collector, Mr. Tim (didn’t get his last name, but he’s this tall and thin mestizo person). While they Sir Choy and Sir Az were conversing, I couldn’t help but hear about their plans for a Cause-play event which would be a cosplay for a cause. Now that’s something I want to be involved with. I would go as far as helping the organizers since it would also serve as training because I am an Organizational Communication student.

Mr. Azrael Coladilla and me!!

I wore a short wig to the event, and took it off at the premiere. Sir Az was shocked to see me with long lair and bangs. Sorry, fooled ya! *laughs*

Jill and me..

Many SYVAP members were there at Sir Choy’s invitation: Kuya Byron, Kuya Ray, Ate Jill, Ate Jera and staff, Kuya Re-An, and Kuya Mark. Thanks to Kuya Mark for buying popcorn for us and Ate Jill for buying us drinks (she just got her pay from dubbing).

SYVAP with Sir Choy

While we were waiting for the gates to open, I saw my plurkbuddy JP dela Paz aka Vlaire with his friends. We had a photo together and then his friends had one each too. It was like a

n extension of a cosplay event. LOL

The movie.

DAYO, is the first all-Filipino paperless animation. It had lots of drawbacks but for a first production, it’s a good start from which the Pinoy animation industry could improve upon. The story was shallow and there were lots of scenes in the movie which didn’t really give depth or added impact on the storyline. The animation was blurry when it was shown at a distance but good at close up. Perhaps the animation couldn’t handle too much detail in one screenshot. The color of items in the movie such as the Narsi’s

nose ring and Bubuy’s bag kept changing. One more failure was the juxtaposition of CGI animation with 2D animation in the scene where Bubuy and the monster tree fought. The best thing about the concept was that it had a touch that screams “Pinoy ito. Pinoy ako. Proudly Pinoy”. The setting of the house, the culture of the characters, and the superstitions were heavily embedded in the story. There was too much advertising though.

Over-all, I give the movie 6 out of 10: 2 points subtraction because of the animation, 1 point because of the unnecessary elements in the story, and another point for too much advertising. If there’s a DAYO merchandise I would buy, It would be the soundtrack. At 280 pesos, it’s a cheap buy. Orchestral music was used for the soundtrack, performed by Filharmonika under the baton of Gerard Salonga featuring Lea Salonga, Joey Ayala, and Moymoy Palaboy. It’s world class Filipino music at its best.

DAYO is a good movie to watch this December 25, 2008 – not just for kids, but for adults too. For the MMFF, it should win LOTS of awards. DAYO will require the MMFF committee to come up with new awards such as Best Animation, Soundtrack, Dubbing, and etc. For the first time, I am anticipating the winners of the MMFF.

AdHere Party/Seminar/Outreach

2008-12-18T19:40:00.003+08:00

What: University of the Philippines Manila AdHere Party/Seminar/Outreach
When: 3-7pm, December 18, 2008 Thursday
Where: Max's Restaurant, Orosa-Ermita Branch
Pictures: http://aicirtapsy.multiply.com/photos/album/76

AdHere is the advertising org which I joined this academic year. I like the officers and my fellow members and more importantly, I enjoy doing the posters. And I need to learn more about photoshop. Advertising is fun, so much that I wanna pursue it. It is also in line with my course (Organizational Communication).

I arrived at the event wearing a wig - a short wig. My classmates thought I cut my hair. We had fun as Mina and Angel took turns wearing the wig. On whom does the wig look better?

on Angel?

or on Mina? (BTW, she owns the photos, so give her credit XD)

The program wasn't followed since the speaker arrived late. -rant- What's with speakers being late eh? Feeling so important. They have a responsibility to be early! -end of rant- So we played UNO. I remember the last time I played this was with Celeste Eden Afdal's deck last 2002. I ended up being the 2nd place loser. hahaha

The moment the speaker arrived, the food came. I was wondering if we should eat while the speaker is giving his lecture. And I thought it would be rude to do so. But the Juniors were already eating and the air was filled with the aroma of warm fried chicken.

Max's Basic Chicken Meal

So I slowly and silently forked my basic chicken meal, taking photos of the presentation at the same time. Among the many slides, these two slides caught my attention the most:

After the meal, we had our party proper which was kept short and simple. We had one Guess-The-Ad game by Mina, Anne, and Patti and some singing from the Juniors and Seniors. Our membership IDs were also distributed. *I edited the IDs for the sophomores, stalked them on Multiply, looking for good quality photos and edited the background, size, lighting, etc. It turned out good - no, Better than the Juniors' IDs. So bitter. ^^

By 6:30pm, Roanne and I left the party and headed home. She needed to go home early, while I needed to do my laundry. Then I found out that they had a group pic. Depressing, I was not included.

Polychromatic

Finally

Love of Siam

Hannah Fraser: Mermaid + Underwater Fashion Photography

Cosplay Mania 2009

Schneizel

Casual Attire

Birthday Boy

Sweat and Laughter

MMDA 28 + ZX + CPG

Bon Odori

Perya Fashion Gala & Cosplay Event

Happy 18th Klicky

Accidental Modeling and Flowers

3rd TAGCOM Experience + MMDA Shoot

8th Philippine Toy Con

Pinoy A*ko, Oversoul, & Audition 2 Launch

ZX Online: Journey to Immortality Commercial Launch

Birthday Week

UPD 70's Foto Shoot

JPop Anime Singing Competition

For contest mechanics and further details, please visit www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp or email jicc-mnl@japanembassy.ph or call 551-5710 local 2318. Application Form (doc format) (pdf format)

V-Day

Teen Fashion Photo Shoot

Magna Kultura: Thanks To Those Who Joined

Victorian Valentine II

PBS Frontline: Growing Up Online + Uses and Gratifications Theory

ADMU Shizen Orchestra Anime Convention

Burn

Underwater Housing for Nikon D90

Happy Birthday Lara!!

A Note For -blank-

Meow. Roar. More ROAR and ROAR.

APC Cosvent '09

Who's Original Idea Was It?

Everything Japanese - Even Disney

Happy Birthday HYDE-sama!!!

PERYA: A Whimsical Fashion Gala

PhotoWorld Asia 2009

What I Need Now and A Few Stuff

Sayaw Manila 5: I Am; Experience

2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention

JFM 2009 Nihongo Fiesta

I Hate Being Poor

Birthday Wishes and News

Sayaw Manila 5: I Am

Ozine Fest 2009

devID

InSOMAnia Round 2

Tuts My Barreh

UP Manila Job Bonanza 2008

Nikon d90

List of Anime Subbing Groups

5 Simple Points: Bakit Kailangang Ipagtanggol Ang OSR?

3rd TAGCOM Convention

Resident Evil Degeneration

2009 Anime

Xmas Cosplay Parade @ ToyCon

DAYO Premiere

AdHere Party/Seminar/Outreach

For contest mechanics and further details, please visit www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp or email jicc-mnl@japanembassy.ph or call 551-5710 local 2318.

Application Form (doc format) (pdf format)