Head Trip Trauma

Maligayang Pasko

2011-12-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

Anu-ano ang naranasan nyo ngayung Pasko?

Maliban sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo, mga namatayan sa Mindanao...naging maligaya ba?

Sa pagdami ng kaso ng holdapan.

Mga nabiktima ng snatcher at mang gagantsyo

Sa mga ninakwan at nawalan ng mga pinaghirapan para maging masaya ang pasko ng mga kriminal.

Sa mga na-ambush ang mga payroll at bonuses.

Sa isang matandang banyaga sa Ayala na naisnatch ang wallet o bag sa tanghaling tapat habang nasa gitna ng maraming pulis at traffic enforcer.

Sa mga ganitong kaganapan. Dapat bang magkaroon ng Pasko sa Pilipinas?

Makati...isang malaking Banyo...

2011-12-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

Bad trip talaga yesterday...

Nagmamadali na nga ako maka uwi, with a birthday cake in tow for my son. Pero di ako makapagmadali kasi ang mga sidewalk sa Ayala Ave. are totally covered in tiles. E nag uuulan pa. Apat na beses ako nadulas... And now my left foot is blackened (sabi ng officemate ko nagka sugat sa loob..and that is blood inside) and hindi ko mai bend ang paa ko. There were a lot of people with me who were walking at a snail's pace because the entire Ayala Ave. sidewalk is a 'dulasan festival' of sorts. Hirap na nga akong maglakad before pa sa harap ng Enterprise kapag umuulan kasi madulas, naisipan ng Makati na pahirapan ako lalo by putting tiles on the whole Ayala Ave.

Akala ko kasi nakarecover na ang mga pinoy sa 80's phenomenon na 'basta naka tiles, sosy!!!' (with kasamang hiyaw ng "ahaaaay" sa dulo) nung nagaaral pa ako sa kolehiyo. Kaya nga mostly ginagamit ng designers e road bricks or other materials with a high friction rate even when wet.

Kaaaso meron n naman palang hang over ng 80's phenow movement. Kaya kailangan kong bumili ng sapatos na mas makapit dahil sa ginawa sa Ayala. Pero, dahil wala pang bonus, sa may Dela Rosa na lang muna ako dumadaan.

(Ay, naku...nasabi ko pa...baka Dela Rosa naman ang tadtarin nila ng mga tiles...oo yung mga mariwasa na pambanyo...para kahit maaraw, basag ang bungo ng mga naglalakad...put@#%in@)

The Red Dawn is Approaching...Wake up AFP!!!!

2011-12-06T20:06:00.001-08:00

China recently took steps to ' “accelerate its transformation and modernization in a sturdy way, and make extended preparations for military combat in order to make greater contributions to safeguard national security”. They are now gearing up towards war... with the whole South East Asian nations.

The questionable purchase and retrofit of a former Soviet aircraft carrier by China generates concern with many countries. At a time where the region is divided on a particular island groups off the coast of Palawan.

Its common sense that national security involves defending its territories, established or disputed alike. This is proclaimed amidsts rising tension within the the Southeast Asian communities about the Spratly Islands, an area claimed to be rich in gas and oil. While neighboring countries stake claims to various islands near their territorial waters, China claims the whole island group as her own (if that's the case, the whole island of Luzon should also be inside China's territory, since their 'territory' reaches that far).

Its known that as other countries raced to fill their claims and populate them, China wasted no time in setting up military bases and increased naval presence (sometimes at the expense of the fishermen of Palawan...which is so much closer to the group of islands than China).

If China attacks, we cannot depend on the UN because China, as a member of the security council, has the power to veto any resolution the group of nation passes. So if the UN makes a resolution making China's attack on Philippine sovereignty illegal, China will just veto it, and the UN will do nothing.

So there's no one the Filipinos can depend to but themselves.

And here lies the problem. With almost the entire defense budget spent on the AFP, the Navy and Airforce are left with nothing but scraps to divide among themselves. Even though a lot of political analysts had expressed the need to further develop out naval and air power (also due to the fact that with a nation of islands, we need a larger navy and air force to defend our boarders), a bulk of that money, from taxes, are somewhat used to purchase weapons that 'happens' to appear in the rebel's hands...or to buy properties in the US (where generals and politicians can easily claim asylum and live in the lap of luxury. Yeah, you better claim asylum bitches, cause both Chinese and Filipinos will tear your heads off!!!). What will be left behind are the valiant soldiers that the generals and politicians use as cannon fodders and scapegoats.

I think this move by China is sparked by the growing cooperation and joint treaties with neighboring South East Asian countries for exploration and mining the resources of the Spratlys. And since China claims the island group 'all or nothing', expect a number of undocumented encounters between the countries within the South China Sea.

So beware, beware...the approaching Red Dawn.

Saan Patungo ang mga Kabataan.

2011-11-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Nanunuod ako ng TV nung isang araw at nabibigla ako sa mga naririnig ko: Gustong ibaba ang edad kung saan pwedeng litisin bilang kriminal ang isang bata.

Ano?

Alam ko na maraming pasaway dyan pero ganun ganun na lang ba ang solusyon?

Pagkatapos ay napanuod ko naman ang ibat ibang balita kung saan ang mga bata mula 10 taon hanggang 15 taon gulang na nagiging magnanakaw, holdaper, pusher, and worst of all, rapist-killer.

Sa ibang krimen, ginagamit lang daw ng mga sindikato ang mga bata kasi mababaw na parusa lang ang maipapataw sa kanila dahil sila ay mga bata. In some cases, hindi na sila kinukulong sa presinto...pinapauwi o pinapaalis na lang agad.

pero sa tingin ko, tamang gabay habang sa paglaki ang tamang daan para maituwid sila. At sa mga sindikato na tinarantado ang kinabukasan ng mga batang ito, kailangan sila ang hagilapin ng batas.

Kailangan tandaan na ang kabataan ay dumadaan sa sinasabing 'formative years' kung saan nahuhubog and kanilang pagkatao. Kapag mali ang nakikita nila mula sa mga matatanda na gumagabay sa kanila, at tinatanggap ito na tama, ang kanilang sense of right or wrong ay nagbabago.

At ang mga batang naging biktima ay kailangan padaanin sa isang mabisang rehabilitation program, hindi sagot ang pagkulong sa kanila kasama ang mga hardened criminals sa kulungan.

5 milyon? me parte ba kami dyan?

2011-10-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

Ano na naman itong nababalitaan na binigyan ng gobyerno ng Pinas ng halagang 5 milyong piso ang MILF. At para daw ito sa Leadership training institute.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....

Naiputan na naman sa ulo ang gobyerno at ang taong bayan.

At sinasabi ng MILF na di ito ginamit sa pagbili ng mga dagdag na armas at bala na gigitil na naman sa mga kawawang magiting na marino at sundalo ng Pambansang Sandatahang Lakas.

Sabagay, mga ang mga nasa taas lang naman ang nakikinabang sa mga milyon milyon na kinakaltas buwan buwan sa mga pinaghirapan ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan, kaya wala silang pakialam. Yang mga general na yan na maraming ari arian sa ibang bansa (lalo na sa 'Tate), kasi kapag sinalakay na tayo ng Tsina, sila ang unang unang lilipad palabas ng bansa.

Ilang beses pa ba uli magpapaloko ang gobyerno, ilang magiting na sundalo pa ba ang masasawi, ilang milyon piso pa ba ng pinaghirapan ng taong bayan ang kailangang masayang bago sila magising na TINATARANTADO lang sila.

At yang peace talks at ceasefire na yan...habang naniniwala kayo na sumusunod sila sa patakaran at mga napagusapan, bigla kayong padadalahan ng pugot na ulo ng turista, international journalist, sundalo...o kaya biglang lulusubin ang isang bayan, isang himpilan ng pulisya, isang firebase ng militar o marino. Kung isang damukal ang break away groups na yan (ayon sa kanila), what is the use of talking peace to a minor faction of that group.

Kaya na nga hindi na nila lilisanin ang pagiging hukbo ng mga bandido kasi nagiging 'cash cow' nila. Bakit ka nga naman maghihirap sa pagsasaka, pagtratrabaho, pagpapabuti ng antas ng lipunan...basta me baril ka at masamang hangarin, pera agad.

M.I.L.F. ???

2011-08-17T23:57:00.001-07:00

It just occurred to me....

That the abbreviation for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is the same as the other meaning rampant in the internet.

try it...

Its Just How It Is (Too Weak to Defend the Philippine Republic)

2011-08-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

Recently there are a lot of blunders, issues and cover-up concerning our politicians and military officials. They are always in cahoots with regards to issues of election fraud, disappearance of activists, misappropriation of government funds, and the like. Covering each other as the need arises. And with a feeling of gratitude, will turn and cover for the other as well. Careful in making sure that all the money and the power is kept in their small circle of 'kumpares' and 'kumadres'.

Then what about the people? Those diligently work and support the government and the military with taxes from their wages and manpower in the form of themselves, their sons and their daughters. The people are the ones working for them yet it is they who act with treason and play on the public's trust. The people are being beaten down until there is no more will left in them for a better life, just the desire and need to make it through the day. As a lower middle working class citizen, I have felt this way a lot of times. Times that upon hearing news about the billions of pesos of taxpayers money are used to ascertain their grip on power, to get their kicks, or simply just to get their way so they can amass more money and power, my will to fight slips away. I just have to work so I can earn something to feed my family. I closed myself up and cared about nothing else.

The fund from the taxpayers are immediately diverted into the coffers of the politicians, political aides and corrupt military officials who, as one blogger stated, in an event of an invasion by another country, are the first ones to escape abroad with their ill-gotten wealth. Its seems that patriotism, like chivalry, is already dead...especially to those in power.

Its every person for themselves up there, to cover-up for themselves. Proudly beating on their chests while shouting here and there about protecting the motherland, the people, and their families, while the soldiers and commoners are used as cannonfodders for their own gain.

Osama Bin Laden's Demise

2011-05-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Last May 1 (or May 2), 2011, US Navy SEALs infiltrated a mansion within the boarders of Pakistan. A firefight ensued resulting multiple casualties for the target area. One of the casualties is renowned Al Qaeda leader, Osama Bin Laden.

It is said that the leadership of the said terrorist organization is de-centralized to enable it to go on even after one of the leaders are liquidated, it still deals a big blow to the organization as the figurative head of the group is now dead.

Even after the announcement from the US government, other governments go on heightened alert as they expect a retaliation from the group. Even if the said mastermind of the Sept.11 attacks on the US is out of the picture, a greater fear looms over the people as they expect the worst to come. As it seems, its better to have a gorgon with a leading serpent to bring order to the lot, than a beheaded lead serpent which causes the others to strike more randomly and by their own will. Now the 'War Against Terror' will have to concentrate on weeding out the rest and tying up loose ends.

What stole the headlines from the 'victory against terrorism' are news and bits from around the world claiming that the picture took by the US government is a fake...looking like a photo shopped version of a previous public photo of Bin Laden.

One angle aims at the premise that since Bin Laden took a shot to the head, the actual corpse cannot be shown to the public due to the degree of damage sustained is too grotesque.

Some ask why did the Navy buried the body of Osama at sea almost immediately although the death of Saddam is widely documented in media and in the net.

To their defense, the US government said that they are respecting the Muslim tradition of burial after 24 hours of death, since no country would accept the corpse of the most wanted terrorist on the planet (did they ask Pakistan?). In a lighter sense, if this is true, its good to see that the US is starting to accept that there are more different cultures out there that should be respected even though it does not align with their own view of what the world should be.

Now back to the issue of if Osama Bin Laden is really dead.

As I was discussing with my wife, I have a theory; That the SEALs actually caught up with Osama. And since Osama is no longer the direct head of the terrorist network, he then strikes a deal with the US government to turn in the other cells of the network, effectively weakening it, in exchange for his life (or a condo in Detroit, like the one indicated in the Facebook parody way back).

Lessons from our History Seems Left Unlearnt

2011-04-23T23:56:00.000-07:00

If there are a few things I learned from watching TV during the lenten season, is that human kind is selfish by nature. It is the leading factor from which all major decisions which affect the flow of history is derived from. From various investigations through history, both local and abroad, is that the famous acts from the past are laden with glorified accounts of themselves, hiding the ominous deeds that has been done leading up to the famous event.

One case in point, the first Republic declared by the Filipino revolutionaries. The formation of the Philippines' first Republic is laced with backstories of deceit, trechery and murder just to keep themselves and their cronies in power. The people in position back then sorround themselves with loyal dogs and yes-men, and eliminate those who lead and exemplify noble ideals which are gaining popularity. Since those rising new ideals and exemptional personalities pose a threat to their hold on power, they are ordered to be executed, murdered or branded as traitors to the new Republic. This is not far from the ideals and tactics maneuvered by Senator Palpatine of the StarWars franchise to further his power and grip on the goverment, leading up to the formation of the Galactic Empire. Its also no wonder that the Philippine goverment is like this since it started its roots in this manner.

Maybe you are wondering, 'I don't remember reading about this in the history books'. According to the research and interviews done by GMA-7's 'Unsolved Cases' with various historians, these are the foundations on which the First Republic was built on.

Its no secret that the revolutionaries of the Katipunan, the group who stood in arms against the Spanish rule, was divided into two factions. The Magdalo faction which was represented by the leader who rose up from the masses and formed the Katipunan, Andres Bonifacio, and the Magdiwang faction lead by the military juggernaut and tactician Emilio Aguinaldo. During the later years, after Bonifacio inducted Aguinaldo into the Katipunan, the former's campaign was less successful than that of the latter. The competition between the two for troops, supplies, arms and support lead to a rivalry that almost ended in a bloody duel one fateful meeting. As the strength and campaign of the Spanish became more stronger and more brutal, the two decided to meet with the leaders of the Katipunan to talk things out to combine all their effort for the revolution under one commander, called the 'Supremo'. As Emilio thought that he cannot get rid of Bonifacio from the Katipunan, also due to the fact that he help create the organization, Aguinaldo then changed the agenda of the meeting to the formation of a revolutionary goverment, elect the officials, and disband the Katipunan. A move that let Bonifacio have no say in since he is in an engagement with the Spanish army somewhere else. Distraught by the events that unfolded without his knowledge, Bonifacio established his own revolutionary goverment. Instead of conducting talks to unite two magnificent groups into one banner under the new Republic, Aguinaldo branded him a traitor and ordered his capture and execution.

Aguinaldo also did the same for the rising idealist Gen. Antonio Luna during the Philippine-American war. He was a pharmacist turned general and tactician who led many victories for the revolutionary goverment. As Luna was gaining popularity, their ideals clash because Luna's ideals are deeply rooted for his love of the country and the people, same as Bonifacio's. Aguinaldo then fell into a swirl of paranoia as he began thinking that Luna, with his energy, ideals and vibrance, would come to replace him as the head of the Philippine Republic. This was furthered by Aguinaldo's cronies who just fueled his paranoia. So instead of choosing to side with people with the right ideals, he choose to sorround himself with loyalists who says yes to everything he said. So Aguinaldo sent a telegraph to Luna, under the impression that there will be a conference of all the field generals, luring him to a pit of soldiers who hate him, and was assasinated. Some historians believe that this was the first ever State sponsored assasination. From then on began the downfall of Emilio Aguinaldo and the First Republic which he dragged along with him.

Stories like these not only our history and honor look pitiful, but also gives the background story on why our goverment and politicians functions in the way they do now.

Floating Frame for Seaside Structure Against Tsunami and Seaborne Flooding

2011-03-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

The strong earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last March 11 is definitely a great tragedy. Watching the video of the raging water pounding the sea side structures, and creating havoc further inland made me weak in the knees.

This event got me thinking of a system that would prevent such widespread destruction, if not, lessen such occurances. If the years I spent developing and detailing structural retrofits for seismic events has taught me one thing, it is that a full-on resistance to the forces of nature can create adverse effects on the structure, and in a worse case scenario, contribute to the self-destruction of the structure. Recent trends in seismic design is to allow the building to sway with the motion of the earthquake instead of resisting it. The same is also applied to bridge design w

herein the more the structure moves along the direction of the forces acting upon it.

Therefore, I thought up of a system that would allow the structure to ride above the tsunami and sway along with its awesome power.

What I came up with is a network of steel frames with air tight steel drums or tanks to provide bouyancy. The floating steel base is then anchored like a boat to its concrete base or tiers.

But this alone cannot cope with the total forces that the tsunami can bring about. On the area in front of the structure, standing between it and the seafront, is a pair of pneumatic water barrier. Water barriers are already used in buildings around Tokyo to prevent flood waters from entering the structure. In this case, the barrier doesn't aim to stop the water but to redirect some of the forces so that the structure and the floatation frame will not face the brunt of the tsunami.

This system is not only applicable against tsunamis but also help seaside structures from seaborne forces like hurricanes or tropical storms.

How to Clean a Newly Extracted Tooth

2011-03-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I had a minor procedure done to remove my broken wisdom tooth and the infected molar which was penetrated. Last time I had such a procedure done was almost 20 years ago.

As I collected the extracted molar, the dentist quipped 'Do you want to keep them as souvenirs?', to which I replied 'yes'. She then gave me the procedures on how to clean them to enable storage.

First of all, cook off the flesh by giving it a h

ydrogen peroxide bath. The flesh and blood that remains attached to the tooth shall then weaken like boiled meat on an animal's bone. Once in a while I would rise them from the chemical bath then scrape the flesh off. For those who don't know, our teeth still has a few flesh in them, so you might need to make the peroxide bath in stages of flesh removal.

After that, bath it in clorox... maybe to whiten and further clean the tooth.

I love the feel of clean, pulled teeth and play them around like a pair of dice.

Is Registering you Laptop or Cellphone the Solution for Cyber Crimes?

2011-02-28T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hinihikayat ng NBI na dapat i-register ang mga laptop para kontra cyber crime. Para ba talaga sa pangiwas cyber crime o dagdag annual registration fee? Sa Pilipinas ko lang yata narinig ang ganitong panukala, the same way that you can only find elevated U-turn slots in the Philippines.

You don't find them in other countries because its clearly not the solution.

they don't do this in the US or Japan. The NBI is eying the wrong solution to a problem which other countries already has a solution to...and it doesn't involve registering your laptop...or cellphone...or other storage media.

mangyayari nyan pati CD-R King lalakad na rin ng registration pag bumuli ka ng gadget sa kanila...just like buying a gun

Why not undergo a study first, instead of blaring to the Senate that there is a need to register all media and portable devices to the goverment.

Sad and lonely

2011-02-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

Nakakalungkot isipin na ang mga taong pinagkatiwalaan natin sa pag protekta ng ating bansa at pamayanan, sila pa nagsisimula ang katarantaduhan.

Ganito na lang ba mangyayari palagi?

At kapag me pumapasok sa eksena na babaguhin at tutuwirin ang sistema, kinukuyog ng masasagsaan ng pagbabago.

Sa dami ng kaso ng pulisya at ng militar ng Pilipinas, me paraan pa kaya para maisaayos ang lahat at manumbalik ang paniniwala ng mga tao sa kanila?

Fun with Canon Photo Tools

2010-12-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

I heard about Canon's Photo Stitch program from fellow photography enthusiast and blogger Ryan. As he said that it made developing panoramic scenes easy, I decided to give it a shot (seeing that my kit, like all Canon cameras, are included with such programs)

I must say, it was easy as dragging the photos, arranging them in order and press 'merge', and let Photo Stitch work its magic.

I was so happy with the resulting panoramic photo that I tried it with my other old photos which I took with my Kodak C813. What took me hours of tedious manual alterations in Photoshop to merge into a panoramic photo, took Photo Stitch a mere seconds (depending on your computer's memory and graphics adapter).

Seeing that there are other tools in the kit, I also tried them out.

In my past photos, I used the image alteration tools of Irfanview. A bit archaic or primitive, but it gets the job done. After using Canon's Digital Photo Professional and Picture Style Editor...I was amazed on how it handled hues, saturations and contrasts. It was the same approach with Irfanview, but Canon's DPP and PSE offers more clarity and less interferance in sharpness conversions.

(previous photos taken from the PAF Aerospace Museum)

I must say, with all the cameras and tools I have acquired in the past...I am happier now with the combined results provided by Canon.

Radio shall never die...

2010-11-07T07:32:00.000-08:00

With the closing of the most prominent rock station in the Philippines, NU107 (107.5 on the FM dial) , which carried the torch of promoting new and cutting edge rock music for the last 23 years, a lot of messages and topics flared the message boards and social network sites, but there was this message that hit me, flared me up if you will. It said that we are at an era where radio is reduced to a community of DJs sharing and listening to each other, in this age of digital music players and music on demand sites and streamers.

I say nay...

Not a lot of people has access to these kinds of music distribution. The upper and middle upper elite who are in the know or who has access to these sort of things cannot discount the masses and their preference. Radio has been a media which has been around for almost 2 centuries and has been overcoming boarders. And new songs that you load to these digital music players has to get introduced first in those stations. The internet has done a good job of introducing new acts but the delivery to the masses still depends on radio airplay.

Everytime you ride a public transport, enter a local eatery, a small scale shop...its is the humble radio who provides ambient music, entertainment and information to the masses. Only those shops with pirated MP3s and audio CDs are blaring out those digital music format from their worn out, over pumped speakers. Blasting R&B or Techno music on a 30 watt speaker with no subwoofer at full volume? ...please... There should be a city ordinance to wipe off that kind of noise pollution that puts even the loudest horn on an EDSA bus to shame.

And with cheaper and cheaper portable MP3 flooding in from China, the lowly transistor reciever is still the most accessible tool with the less fuzz and less requirement to work.

Now I'm not bashing on new formats of electronic music distribution. I welcome it. My band does the same. But we never undermine the far reaching arm of radio. We still think its an integral part of the music reaching a wider audience. Of spreading the message to a wider spectrum that you shall ever know.

(screen capture by JP Reyes)

Random Ideas for the Air Force

2010-11-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

Lets face it, our Airforce don't have the capabilities to protect our skies against the top war machines of neighboring nations such as Singapore (which sports an F-16) or Vietnam (with their SU-27s) or Japan (and their locally made Mitsubishi F2), but partnership with our neighboring nations and security agreements with the US ensure that we don't need to.

Remember that our Airforce has mainly a dual role of giving support to our Army and Navy. Provide air support in the incursions of the Philippine Army against the insurgents and bandits, as well as complement the Navy in their operations of ensuring our sovereignty on the seas around our archipelago.

But sadly, the our Air Force is greatly under equipped, given the large area they have to respond to. So I came up with a few random thoughts about augmenting the Philippine Air Force's inventory.

I'm okay witht he planned increase spending for equipment like UH-1's and C-130's because they provide logistical support for all branches of the armed forces, as well as quick response vehicles in the event of a natural disaster.

To support the Army with air support, we need a high speed aircraft for strafing runs or precision ordinance delivery. The story of a humble wooden wonder used during World War II comes to mind; the De Havilland Mosquito. In a documentary, it was said that majority of its components were made by piano makers and wood craftsmen. Considering we have a lot of those manpower available (Taytay alone is home to a lot of these craftsmen) and the resources, and with today's development in laminated plywood and artificially strengthened timber, I feel that there is an opportunity on the following that example. Given enough support for local development, its a short to medium term answer to augment the Air Force's current inventory.

As for its support role for the Navy, patrols and reconnaisance can be provided by unmanned drones. If you look at YouTube, there are a lot of jet powered RC plane designs that shows a lot of promise. Mount them with flight and observation cameras and you got yourself a survaillance platform that saves on fuel and can be maintained with off the shelf parts and components. You can also arm them with a M249SAW or 2.75 rockets and you have a weapons platform that is capable of intervening if needed.

I hope the powers that be in the Armed Forces realize that research and development are also needed within their ranks to enable the fighting elements of their forces a chance to get the job done and get back home alive.

The Problem With Enforcement

2010-10-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

After being a victim of 'huli-dap' for 2 times now, it makes me wonder about the 'public over the police and the military' clause of the 1987 Constitution.

To make it plain and simple...they have the guns...which are more powerful than words...or swords for that matter. Guns that, this is the ticker here, has been paid for by my taxes and authorized by the branch of the government which swore to protect me. I see everyday the real 'cops on the street' with their authority backed by the national government and their gun, which in turn gives them full power over the people. No where to turn to because they all start to look the same, even innocent, good-looking, well-kept cops can surprise you. If you mistakenly report to a cop who, by any chance, is on the take...you are good as dead.

And don't around preaching with those pro-gun or anti-gun sentiments. Its a matter of choosing between the fork in the road...as one leads to good, there is also a lot which sways to evil. Its human nature which we can't do anything about.

There is no real enforcement of the clause in the Constitution. Because when the authorities start to move, you are already dead....salvaged...rubbed out...what ever you want to call it. Public opinion only sways the police to act on reports of abuse only when the act is already done, and the damage is done. There is no real measures to prevent it. And don't go whining around that its hard...or its impossible...or its too troublesome. Hey, so is earning a days keep which 40 t0 45% goes to them.

For Filipinos, its all about power...and power is not such a good thing...they are not used to it. When they grab a hold of it, they never want to let go. Like the phrase I heard once "Power is like the microphone in a karaoke, once you grab hold...you will never let go".

And trust is a commodity that should be sparsely used.

Thought of the day: Hope

2010-09-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

One must never discount hope from humanity, for it is made of humans who are not perfect.

With time, humanity will realize the error of its ways. This occurs many times over in our history as a species.

Till then we must fight on and never loose hope.

-gaijinph

(writer, musician, and all around bitch)

HedgeZero at Headstock Bar

2010-09-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

(I accidentally posted this at a different blog...so I re-posted)

A few days ago,we were invited by Sir Ferdie to play at a place called Headstock Bar. He used to get us for Club Dread before, but I heard he moved on to manage band events for this particular place.

Although its the first time I came to know about this place, I heard they've been around for quite some time.

What I like about this bar is the spaciousness. The stage is spacious. The band can really move around, with enough space for a 7-piece band. The round shaped stage is so placed that the intersection of Araneta Ave. and Quezon Ave. is set as the background. Aside for the billiard table the entrance, there are two spaces for the patrons. There's the main hall, in front of the stage, and a balcony facing the road. Its the same area setup as Mag:net at Global City, but Headstock has greater accessibility to these areas since there are sliding glass partitions to the balcony...which can also convert the setting to an open air event.

I love their sound equipment...amps, monitors and all. Its here that I was able to recreate the bass sound that I really wanted without buying an active bass. Mad props also to Sir Ferdie's mixing. The stage lighting would need a little work though. I was blinded by the LED spotlight the whole gig.

With reasonably priced beer and pica picas, I like hanging around that place even after our slot, its a shame we arrived late because of our work. The first band was nice enough to stay around for our set.

If you get the change to drop by, you got to try the Mojos. Its thinly sliced with a nice salty breading and a hint of spiciness (I ended up buying 2 plates which I consumed by myself). It goes well with the beer that they serve ice cold.

I hope to go there again sometime.

The Insolence of the few outweighs the nation of many

2010-08-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

The whole world was held aback in the events that transpired last Monday, August 23,2010...a day that will go down in infamy.

By now everyone is familiar with what has transpired at Quirino Grandstand, the place where just a few weeks before, the Filipinos celebrated a new era of hope and change with the inauguration of the 15th president of the Philippine Republic.

I will not go much into the details on how the hostage drama went down, you must be filled to the brim with the gory details...courtesy of the coverage of the international news community. But I want to focus on the effects and the response that followed afterwards and inject a few opinions here and there.

As expected, the Filipino people as a whole was blamed for the event, especially by the Chinese and the HongKong nationals. This went as far as 2 OFW's in HK losing their jobs as 'retribution' for what has happened, job placements cancelled, transactions ceased. And as if Filipinos are not stereotyped and maltreated enough in HK (as experienced by my friends who went there on a holiday) but now it gotten even worse. I understand that the whole nation is in mourning. It was truly an unfortunate event. People has become irrational due to their raging emotions, looking for someone to blame for the incident, looking for answers. But to blame the race where the antagonist was from is a bit...racist, to say the least. Its like as if the Filipino people pooled in their resources, and sent in the former chief inspector after the tourists.

And when you point out this logic, they change their stance. They say that it is the anger towards the ineffectiveness of the police, the Philippine government and the insensitive people to went out their way to have their photos taken with the bus. They are right. What they did is terrible, almost like celebrating the events that occurred there. For me, they should have respected and thought about the the feelings of the victims. And yes the police who were tasked of pacifying the situation was ill prepared and uncoordinated. But isn't it more productive to voice your qualms to the group of individuals in question, rather than diverting your anger to the ones who were not involved, doing their best day by day to survive and give a better future for their families? Its like the child who was beaten by their parent because they were scolded by their boss or superior.

And its only now that the government begins to review their crisis management protocols. Should they have been prepared for that all this time? With all that interaction with various crisis management agencies from abroad? What have we, the working class, have been paying taxes for all this time?

Special groups within the police force should always be working on their tactics and techniques to combat the ever evolving criminal elements. Its not a question of equipment but mental preparedness and conditioning. If you look at the SWAT in New York, who has a Filipino sergeant with them, the are continuously honing their tactics. With the repeating training, their movement becomes second nature to them. I admit, I have lesser experience on law enforcement, but it seems I have more tactical knowledge just by watching videos released by international military and law enforcement agencies.

There are a lot of factors that contributed to the events that transpired that fateful day. But blaming the whole race for it justifies the adage; "the person is wise, but people are panicky and ignorant".

Lest this be a lesson to all sides concerned as not to repeat its occurrence.

Japanimation: Store for 2nd hand Goods from Japan

2010-08-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

I heard through a friend that there's this magical place where there are second hand books, manga, magazines and toys from Japan being sold on the cheap, in fact, he got his picture books of some idols for a measy price of Php100 each. My friend said this place is called Japanimation, a second hand goods store in Quezon City.

I searched the web and found the one and only viable link through a blog. The place is beside the Sto.Kristo Chapel at Road 20, past Congressional road, in Quezon City. It was described as a warehouse with the goods bundled together in boxes or shelves according to their type. Like in other warehouse outlets, its up to you to look for the goods you need. They are not arranged in any order except for their type. So you have to spend some time shifting through the boxes and shelves while looking for that special item that strikes your fancy. And thanks to that post, we were able to prepare the things we need after looking through dusty containers.

The place is reminiscent of various recycle shops that sprouted around Tokyo during the slow decline in the economy. As various electronics are discarded for the new ones, the old ones are collected, or sold, to these recycle shops, a bit reconditioned, and sold at a lower price...much lower. Let's put it this way, I was able to purchase a portable CD player for Php200, MD player for Php100 and Japan release CDs of various Japanese and US artists for Php50.

(racks of J-pop CD's...one day is not enough to sift through all of them)

There are a lot of shoes and clothes on the store front. Just behind them are shelves of second hand audio and video electronics as well as those LD's from the early 90's ( so all you equipment freaks out there who still have their LD players, this is one of the few places where you can get good titles). There are also game console controllers and some old hand held games. The inner warehouse contains the old and recent vinyl records (a nice collection at that), along with music instruments (I saw a Japanese koto there too) and some of the more larger electrical equipment. most of the toys you see sold at conventions are located on the store front connected to the inner warehouse. It has shelves and shelves of figurines, toys, costumes and more.

My son was excited about the boxes of up-to-scale replicas of automatic firearms and hand guns. These air-soft pellet guns are so realistic, up to the magazine release, the cocking mechanisms, and you can put the small plastic bullet replicas on the revolvers. Those were soooo neat. The AR-15 and M4 Carbine replicas goes for Php1800 and Php1300 respectively. Don't think about using them on playing in air-soft courses since they are single pump action type...not those automatic types.

I, on the other hand, was excited with shelves upon shelves of J-pop cds and magazines. I think one day is not enough to look though all the stuff they have in there. Remember that all of these are not arranged in any particular order, so its hard to find what you want specifically. You have to dig though bins and bins of CDs and books.

(volumes of "EVA Slot" are available...)

Looking though their printed material, they have a large collection of Japanese style and culture publications, notably the 'kogaryu' and 'sentaa guy' magazines...along with a few music and car magazines, concert picture books, movie production notes and manuals. For the fans of the Evangelion series, I saw a lot of EVA SLOT mags. Sorry for the legion of Gundam followers, but I got all the GUNDAM DATA FILE mags I could find. If you're looking for some R18 or hentai comics, there are a few. I myself got a fan comic for Gunslinger Girl...featuring Claes.

(just a few of the items I was able to get)

But amidst all the excitement, there is one thing that I was disappointed in. I was told that the items sold here are sold at really low prices, specially the toys and the figurines. But it seems that the owners have wised up and raised the prices...a lot...that they are now at par with shops in malls. I even got to talk with some of the patrons who frequented this place for a long time. Even they noticed the sudden rise in the prices of the figurines. From Php15, it was raised to Php50 each. And the polaroid camera the blogger was talking about which was bought for Php150 is not at least Php250. The main selling point lEft, for me, is that you get Japan quality goods, rather than the 'Divisoria' items sold at a much higher price. And it holds a lot of unique Japan items.

I'm not as excited as before but I still plan to return next month in anticipation for their next batch of goods.

Lament of an Ordinary Techie

2010-07-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

Woe is our country...

We were part of so many technological revolutions during the 60's and 70's but they ended up being bought by foreign companies. Now these contributions, discoveries and innovations by scientific Filipino minds end up as back alley urban legends and heresays.

So far back in technology are we that vital systems that should have been focused on by the goverment are now reliant on the goods provided by multinational or foreign companies at huge expense.

We can't blame those inventors. For as the common 'masa' knows, there is no concrete goverment science program for technological development. Those mostly funded are aimed at the agricultural sector's use...and improving those kitschy items in life that is culturally identified as Filipino. These are well ang good, but it only focuses on the short-term, immediate need of the people as a whole.

There were a lot of programs for self-reliance funded before by the goverment. Programs for the scientific and technological development of our country...but these programs died out because it was overwhelmed by the political bickering machine. I saw an inventor being interviewed on TV once and was asked why not bring his invention to the proper goverment agancies for further development and funding? He said that it was not the priority of the agency that time because they were too busy looking for the optimum design for pots and pans.

How sad.

So much focus was given to their own personal agenda and ways to hold on to power, that the reason that power was given to them in the first place was lost.

Now we are a race of people without respect from our 'allies'. We can be likened to an orphan child in the streets begging for technical and financial handouts.

But I do give mad props to the 'end-users' who make do with the limited assistance that trickled down on them from above...like our country's Armed Forces. Instead of crying and whining, they augmented and converted a lot of surplus equipment that was left to them. I heard of stories of how outdated equipment and vehicles were outfitted to suit the present needs of their mission. Going through surpluses and scraps from their stockyards and upgrade these outdated machines to so they can accomplish the task given to them.

I wonder when will the powers that be wake up to the reality that there is more to goverment than getting a quick buck (or a billion bucks) and high nosing with the public.

I can only dream...

Genocide

2010-07-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Most of my random thoughts can be classified as sick or twisted...but this just comes out of morbid curiosity, roused by things I read about...or things in the media that spike my attention.

A few months ago, I bought a book entitled "Genocide: A Groundwork Guide". A book by Jane Springer

A nice rocking title, and the book is small enough to fit in my gadget bag...just something to read about during my long trips to work...or to my parent's house.

Now don't get any ideas...its not a 'field guide' of sorts, explaining the hows of proper genocide execution. It just tries to better define genocide and its implications to society and human history.

Well now, we all know that genocide is the deliberate murder, pillage or rape of an entire race... either physically or to eliminate their lifestyle. Where's the trouble in defining that? You can make a whole book about that matter without running out of material?

Uhhh...no and yes..

The book does deliver a varied definition of genocide and its various use throughout history. But the issue, the main problem is this...How do you bring the planners and the executors of genocide to justice if you don't define the groundwork rules to accuse them by?

It has been a long struggle for victims of genocide. It is also a sensitive matter in the UN as each countries deal in this matter in their own way. Some countries deny the existence of state sanctioned genocide because they deem it either necessary...or due to their customs and traditions... this is where the UN draws the line. They cannot interfere the a nation's internal politics and/or customs.

Not unless the US..the mighty defender of the free world...declares it so.

But in the past, the US has been one of the greatest instigators and executors of genocide. Other countries tried to do it, they succeeded.

Their large dependence and utilization of slave labor from Africa, where their freedom and sense of identity is forcibly erased to serve their own means. Their insatiable greed for wealth that drove them to destroy the American Indians..the real Americans...the people that took them in during the famine, where they always celebrate the start of their aggression yearly. The Filipino-American war, where hundreds of children and old men were slaughtered in Batangas because they couldn't find and fight the ones that attacked them, chose a weaker prey in their stead...then to be lauded as heroes by their generals and political leaders. (Sounds familiar? they were attacked by Saudis funded by oil money so they attacked Iraq) . The attempted eradication of the way of life of other countries that didn't to their notion of normal...or just because they got in the way of their greed. And....

Whew...wait a minute...I off course there for a second.

Genocide also shapes the direction of human evolution and history. As a more aggressive and powerful group becomes successful, another is purged out of existence. The victors of the massacre are also the ones that write which 'truth' shall be recorded as history, therefore such atrocities and misconduct shall never be brought into the light ever again. As their form of society and culture disappear, isn't that worth noting as genocide?

The list of reason goes on...

So as you can see, genocide is a tough nut to crack as different cultures clash with different societies.

And in the end...nothing can bring back the immense loss of life a single undefinable word can bring about to the world.

The Tatami Room Clone Conversion

2010-06-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

I always love Japanese architecture, both the traditional styles and the modern styles that are now integrated into the International Style.

In the styles of western architecture utilized in Japan, there's always something Japanese left in the design: the Tatami Room. In all the types of buildings or structures I've observed in Japan, there's always an allocation for that private/ intimate/public/ traditional space.

I love the aesthetics and the utilization of that room. So I tried to adapt that design into the living space I am currently renting out.

Since tatami mats are not sold in the Philippines, we had to improvise. To simulate the soft rigidity of the compacted rice straw, we assembled these small, inexpensive rubber mats.

With double sided tapes, a tightly woven 'banig' is secured to the rubber mat. The banig is used in place of the Igusa (soft rush) straw. Fortunately, the banig we bought almost has that same soft texture and the sides are bordered with cloth...just like the real tatami mat.

One major feature we applied is this low Japanese style table, almost like the one used in a kotatsu...without the heater, of course. This article was a hard table to find. It took us almost 2 weeks in looking for it...and after finding one, it was the last stock.

The Final Product.

It didn't turn out as I planned it to be due to lack of resources but it did half the trick. Add a couple of seat pillows for guests and presto, a tatami room clone.

The PAF Aerospace Museum

2010-06-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

Along the stretch of road leading to the NAIA domestic terminal, at the entrance to Villamor airbase, lies a modern glass and concrete structure housing the PAF's Aerospace Museum. Its collection includes various uniforms of the PAF, model planes, cut sections of actual plane parts, guns, an interactive flight simulator and a vast collection of memorabilia. Aside from the indoor exhibits, there's also the outdoor 'Aircraft Park' that shows off the various aircrafts used the Airforce in the past. All of these for a small entrance fee of P20 (USD 0.44).

Dioramas and photo galleries on the 2nd floor showcases the history of flight in the Philippines under the American Commonwealth period, the inception of the airforce into the armed service, and its 'trial by fire' as the country was pulled into the Pacific theater of the second World War.

You can't help but feel pride as you move along the halls with stories of our brave and valiant pilots who, against all odds, was able to step up and defend the motherland against a larger, more experienced, and better equipped invading fleet. Especially with the story of Lt.Jesus Villamor who, along with a handful of defending pilots of that day, was able to fend off the Japanese fighters and bombers who came straight from their attack on Pearl Harbor.

The Aircraft park was a joy to go to. You can go and ride the cockpit of some of the planes and helicopters in the exhibit. My son and I fooled around with the anti-aircraft gun at the center. We had a lot of fun there. Good thing the weather was overcast that day.

I must say, this has been an eye opener for me and my visit there has changed my view about the state of the Philippine Airforce. All I heard from the past is that they only used WWII planes like the Mitsubishi Zero and the American P51. A kids, we even joked that a bombing mission entails dropping grenades or warheads to their targets...like in those old WWI films.

As I grew up, I did heard about the conversion and wide use of the Broncos but I never heard that the PAF used jet engine fighters like the F5A and the Sabre. As old as they may be, I am still awestruck when I see those old "Jet Age" airplanes.

Along with their wide range of WWII memorabilia, are the survival gear and weapons of Lt. Onoda. The Japanese soldier who stayed behind and was instructed to 'never surrender nor commit suicide'. He was instructed to surrender in 1975...30 years after the end of WWII.

Along with the various jet engine parts in the 1st floor are the different experimental weapons platform undertaken by the Armed Forces. Its also noted that these experiments, conducted to make our Armed Forces self sufficient, was scrapped due to political matters.

All in all, our trip to the PAF Aerospace Museum was well worth it. Its sure to bring out the inner child as you play along with the youngins.

Segregate...diversify...with 'Food is an Adventure'

2010-06-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

I was thinking...

Recently, I am spending more time on culinary adventures than my previous stint in bar hopping, gigging, slamming at clubs and shit...

so now I decided to seperate my food articles to my new blog "Food Is An Adventure"

I will also be reposting all my food articles there...

Juse to keep things in order...I do have a lot of intrests that even I can't keep up.

Its still a work in progress, though...

DVD: Batman and Robin

2010-06-20T01:49:00.000-07:00

I read the bad raps about the 'Batman and Robin' movie but that didn't stop me from making it my latest DVD purchase. I remember it being a good watch back in the day and I wanted my son to get the same experience I have had.

Well the film goes like this; Batman is now an accepted figure in the police force and the public, new villains arrive at the scene, Batman and Robin saves the day, enter additional vilain, springs other villain, they fight it out and Batman saves the day again. In the background, there are underlying issues about the trust in Batman and Robin's partnership, Alfred's illness, and the addition of Alfred's niece who ends up being Bat Girl.

While watching the movie, I noticed...I didn't enjoy the film as I used to before. The script was like a string of corny on-liners and/or wise cracks/ comebacks...specially for Poison Ivy and Mr.Freeze. And the way it was done...uggghh...it made me sick and then some. Talk about overacting. It did occur to me that the film has that circus-like feel to it. With all those neon colored stuff and excessive use of black light and baby color tones.

My son liked it though...one might wonder what he would think about it when he grows up.

I also hated the special features because it was in text format. If I wanted to read about something, I'll get a book. Imagine 'reading' the behind the scenes and various other featurettes instead of watching them.

I'm not sure if this is for the Philippine edition DVD only. But I must say that this one sucks.

I recommend not wasting your time and money on the DVD. If you really just want to watch the movie, just go out and rent one.

I AM NOW FUCKIN MOBILE!!!

2010-06-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

got meself a new laptop...sweeet!!!!

DVD: Ghostbusters Movie box set

2010-06-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

I happen to come across a DVD box set of one of my childhood favorite movie franchise. 'The Ghostbusters' movie box set includes the DVD of the 1st and second movie.

It was fun to see them again in action, and the antics of Harold Ramis, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson still is funny to me even until now. Its one of the few film franchise that I believe would still appeal to the newer generation of viewers. As proof, my son named these films as one of his favorites (alongside Garfield, Avatar and Alvin and the Chimpmunks).

I had to admit that my preference in characters had changed. During my childhood, I looked up to Peter Venkman... now, I prefer Ray and Winston. Their one liners gave the story some enjoyable punchlines.

As the film is not much of a laugh-fest...it is still enjoyable to watch because of the story, the dynamics of the characters, and the situation they all get themselves into.

As much as the film brought a lot of laughs, viewing enjoyment, and a bit of nostalgia, the special features left a lot to desire for. The featurette about the special effects used was a total bummer, it made me fall asleep at least three times. I was expecting the same featurette I saw back in the 80's. It was more of a documentary back then...now its like a long commentary with the effects supervisors chat it up.

何も見えない

2010-06-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

君

今日何が考えてるの？

俺？何も

何も見えないだし

全部何も見えない。。。人生も。。。未来も。。。

毎日毎日悲しい。。。黒い思い出。。。悔しいはいっぱい。。。失望の気持ちはいっぱい。。。

もう出来ないはよ。。。人生をつづけるの事。

The Roving Space Shell and The Mind Museum

2010-05-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

In the middle of Market Market's activity center in Fort Bonifacio, there is a small pneumatic shell structure that serves as a mobile planetarium.

They hold shows starting at 1 pm from May 29 to June 5, 2010.

This is to support and introduce the proposed Mind Museum to built in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. The Mind Museum is a world class, ultra modern science museum and exhibition center with a sleek design and a lot of exhibit nodes in store.

Personally, I can't wait for this project turn into reality. At long last, we will have a science center that would not only focus on the conservativeaspect but also on the wider range it has to offer.

Check out their website

Quote of the Day

2010-05-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

" Assholes of the same temper flock together..."

Black Sarah

rock DJ, wordmeister extraordinaire

悪魔の時代

2010-05-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

この時代には。。。

悪人を消すの方法はもっと悪な人を送る

これは必要悪という事かな。。。

ノエル

普通な人間

Add What You Like: The Okonomiyaki Adventure

2010-05-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

Trapped in the daily grind as a housewife, my honeybunch has only the DVD player as an escape from boredom. As a result, she gets to watch my J-drama dvds over and over again. She just finished Maki Horikita's "Teppan Shoujo Akane" and was instilled with the same drive to search for new flavors using only the 'fry cook' technique. (Much like the culinary technique as SpongeBob the Squarepants, fight OH! fight OH!)

Her latest experiment includes combining the ingredients usually found in coleslaw, mix it up with her own blend of barbeque sauce, her secret mayo blend and wallah!!! The Okonomiyaki fist of fury!!!!

A few days later, I told her about my love for pepperoni... as we went grocery shopping, with my usual supply of that contraband, an idea popped in our heads. Instead of putting bacon on the okonomiyaki...why not add these salty, meaty slices of paradise (I'm taking about the pepperoni, of course).

And out came the "Okonomiyaki Fist of Fury ver.2.0"... my son later made version 2.01 by putting whole pepperoni slices on top.

With all the ingredients we bought for this experimental endeavor, we ate okonomiyaki for the whole weekend.

All for this amazingly low price of P200 ($3.75)...

But wait...there's more!!!!!

No...that's it...

Free Comic Book Day at Fully Booked

2010-05-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

In one of my trips to High Street, I saw that there was a 'Free Comic Book Day' to be held in Fully Booked branches. I thought 'Wow, just like the one I've seen in pictures from a friend in San Diego?". I cleared my schedule and waited in anticipation.

Sadly, the event held in Fully Booked in High Street last May 22 fell short on my expectations. Every person in attendance is allowed only one comic from the selection. I thought it was like in the pictures from my friend where there are booths with the publishers and artists, and you get to grab one from each booth. I only got to get more stuff because I brought my wife along...who has no intrest in these kind of things.

Also the comics are made specifically for the Free Comic Book Day...not the ones in circulation. So the stories are more like one-offs, previews and special issue stuff.

While in line for my turn at the entrance...I did get to see and hear from intresting people there. Specially those caucasians behind us.

Anyway, I saw in the net that this was actually launched to help battle illiteracy.

This is an annual event in the U.S. I wonder how it is for our 'Free Comic Book Day' here in the Phillipines. I think we can only wait next year.

Akira Jimbo: A Hell of a Drummer

2010-05-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

My boss gave me a link almost a year ago about a great drummer named Akira Jimbo. I only got to follow up on the link today and I must say, he kicks ass.

The Youtube link, taken from an NHK program, shows the video where he explains about his equipment that enables him to be a one man band...using only his drum set..

signal pick-ups placed in various parts of his monsterous drum kit enables him to play various synth music instruments as he plays the drums. You got to marvel at his presence of mind and focus as he plays.

And such a pleasant and funney personality he has.

Occultation of Venus (May 16, 2010)

2010-05-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

Last night (May 16,2010), I was walking along Kalayaan Ave in Makati, when I started to notice people staring at one direction in the sky...pointing in unison and taking pictures. Gasping...acting wierd and panicky. . I looked up and saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Then I heard a person mumbling something about the moon, and there I see it. The crescent moon lying on its back with a very bright star shining on top of it. Like the symbol normally associated with Islam..or the emblem on the national flag of Pakistan. It was ominous in a way that its seemed like a warning sign from the heavens.

Later I found out that it was a rare event called an occultation, where a heavenly body is hidden behind another which is in direct view of the Earth...like an eclipse of sorts. The star happens to be the planet Venus in close proximity to our planet.

It was a beautiful sight...tooo bad my camera can't catch that kind of scene.

(check out the Astronomical League of the Philippines website for info)

(J-Drama) Atashinchi no Danshi

2010-05-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

I wrote a few months back about my anticipation for the then latest drama starring my fave Maki Horikita. Well, for me the wait was over after I finally watched it.

As mentioned before, the drama revolves around Chisato, played by Maki, who lost her mother at an early age and was rendered homeless as her father incurred a very large gambling debt and skipped town. She moves from park, to field, to a net cafe owned by her highschool friend dodging the men who her father owes money.

When the bad guys catch up with Chisato, she was rescued by an eccentric millionaire Shinzo Okura, paying off her father's debt. In return, she has to be her wife for the remaining few months of his life. Along the series, she reminices their time together, through flashbacks, where he teaches Chisato a lot of things about life and family.

After Shizo's death, Chisato learns that along with other conditions she failed to read in their agreement, she has to perform motherly task to Shinzo's 6 adopted sons. This is to relieve Chisato from paying back the money Shinzo used to pay off her father's gambling debt.

The problem is, the children don't recognize her as their step-mother and shrug off any attempts to get them together and be a family. But slowly, she accomplishes feats that earns her their trust and affection.

Within the series, the 6 adopted sons also had to face their difficulties in relating with their siblings, getting a grip on the concept of 'family' and facing their own past.

The amusing theme in the series is, as the boys warm up to their step-mother, they get into circumstances that , may appear common place in families, becomes humorous since the boys are used to being with just guys, and because of the fairly young age of their step-mother.

As things go crazy at the least few episodes, there were a lot of plot twists and shocking revelations that made the series very intresting. In the end, the boys decided to return to their roots, face their past, go their seperate ways and move on. They left the house as Chisato was finally feeling that she now has a family of her own.

As Chisato gloomily sits by herself at the dining hall, the doors burst open with the noisy banter of her 'sons' returning with each having a different story that things didn't go as planned and they needed to return to the house.

So continues the life of Chisato in the house of her new family and with another story, albeit romantic, on the sidelines.

As the series was a bit dragging in the middle, it was quite a watch in the early parts and the ending. Maki does a good job in her potrayal of the role with her unique quirps and expressions. Although it is a good series, I didn't watch it again afterwards, unlike her other series which I watched again and again.

Anime:Kyou no Go no Ni (Today in Class 5-2)

2010-05-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

While looking for updated comic files of Mahou Sensei Negima, The site I frequent has an interesting post. It said "okay you phedos, I finished subbing the anime 'Kyou no Go no Ni'...blah blah blah". The opening statement attracted my attention. Phedos? 'nanya nanya...'? So I decided to take a peek into its 4-episodes.

This anime series is about a group of elementary friends and classmates in section 2 (therefore the 'Class 5-2'), and their various misadventures revolving around their everyday school activities. Interestingly enough, the episodes are further divided into chapters as 'periods' (ex.: '1st hour period: Gura!Gura!' is the first chapter of the first episode).

The closest main character I can figure out is the loudmouthed Satou Routa, since each chapter deals with a certain set of characters. A common topic in the series is the seemingly platonic relationship of Ryouta with his close neighborhood friend Koizumi Chika.

But thats not the only reoccuring topic in the series. A lot of them deals with situations the kids get into that seems...well...'ecchi' (Japanese slang for sexual perversion...milder than the term 'hentai'). Its like a coming of age series where in they discover things which are perverted (like upskirts, staring at their classmate's pre-forming cleavage, semi-naked pubescent girls) but have different reactions, either they are amazed by what they see or seem to not mind at all since some are really innocent and don't care.

And the 'phedo' part that thread was referring to? One is the way the camera focuses on certain things, like zooming on their crotch and butts on upskirts, focusing on the cleavage and bottom of the girls' bossoms, slowing down when showing the girls with almost naked bodies, the girls groping each other, boys' faces landing on girls' crotches, etc.

Another is arranging scenes which could be interpreted differently. Like a scared girl clinging on to Ryouta's shorts (appeared to the teacher that Routa is forcing the girl to give him head), Chika and Aihara tickling each other (ochestrated to look like a girl-on-girl action), Milk splashed on the Megu's face and chest (looks like a cum shot on the face to me, while the dazzled Ryouta stares at the wet cleavage).

Although with such reoccuring, almost adult content, the animation is still well done. The drawing is good and it has a catchy soundtrack ('Baby Love' written by Toubayashi Seiko, the lyrics cashing in on the apparent Ryouta-Chika relationship).

Watching this series will bring about kicks and giggles, but I wouldn't recommend it for the youngins.

Tales from the USS Hyperion

2010-04-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

(note: This story was inspired by the actual turnout of a Star Trek game I played a few years back)

Stardate: 61335.7 "Defeat at Starbase 313"

Aboard the USS Hyperion enroute to Sejanus, a K-class planet in the alpha quadrant. We were told to retreat after the failed retaking of Starbase 313 from the Borg. Initial intelligence from Starbase 313 stated a small colony of the Borg in that sector. Because the Centaurus Prime shipyards were at the vicinity, orders were made to prepare a fleet of Miranda and Akira-class ships for an assault.

Starfleet then dispatched the USS Hyperion and 11 other Sovereign-class ships to the shipyards. The plan was divide the Sovereign-class in pairs to make each lead an attack groupin the assault.

Upon arrival, however, we were dismayed to see the sector overrun by Assimilators and the shipyard under attack. We were able to retake the shipyard but it was in bad shape. They were able to produce a few Akira-class ships but they too were damaged as they were used in defending the shipyard. No matter how much of the Borg we destroy, more kept taking their place.

Instead of dividing the ships as planned, command decided to take the offensive using the remaining Akira-class vessels and all the Sovereign-class in one attack group, with the USS Hyperion as lead attack ship.

As fate would have it, we cannot hold the sector. In the end, we were ordered to retreat with what we had left. Sadly, only us, the USS Courageous and 2 other Akira-class vessels were left to fall back. We had to rescue the crew of the USS Apalachia for all its propulsion systems,warp and impulse, were beyond repair. This mission was not thouroughly planned, I told myself.

We were ordered to rendezvous with the Sovereign-class USS Coburn and its attack fleet at Sejanus to assist the IKS Nong'ng Iv in clearing that sector of 2 Borg colonies. I hope that our luck there would be better that what we had at Starbase 313.

Stardate 61340.9 "Redemption"

As we meet the USS Coburn at Sejanus, we were informed that the IKS Nong'ng Iv has set off to search and destroy Borg vessels in this sector. Our ship, USS Hyperion, were assigned to lead the 1st attack group which would defend the combined Federation and Klingon bases at Sejanus. Considering our failure at Starbase 313, I wouldn't be surprised. The USS Coburn was assigned as lead ship for the 3rd attack group, the fleet assigned to assist the IKS Nong'ng Iv in its search and destroy mission.

After our briefing, we were alerted that the attack group assign to the 'search and destroy' mission was almost decimated and with the IKS Nong'ng Iv without warp and low on shields. The USS Coburn's attack group was deployed to assist.

Due to the gravitational pull of the twin planets in Sejanus, they ventured to the battle site at full impulse. It was too late, they were but just in time to see the IKS Nong'ng Iv blow up. They were left with no choice but to fight off the Borg fleet in that area.

Things were getting grim as the 3rd attack group lost ship after ship under the relentless attacks by the Borg. The Coburn was ordered to retreat as it is the only remaining ship and still under fire. With the torpedo turret field that was recently put online, it would create a safe zone to cover its retreat. The Coburn made it in time with just 2% shields left and operating with just 140 crew, barely enough to keep the ship running at warp 4. And as planned, the torpedo turret field obliterated the pursuing Borg ships.

The IKS Nong'ng Iv lost, the USS Coburn barely operational, things are not looking up for this campaign. The only thing that keeps us from harms way is the torpedo turret field set up around the combined bases. But the Borg are systematically taking out the field one turret at a time. It will be soon that they would be able to break through the barrier.

A plan is then devised to end this conflict. The USS Hyperion is re assigned to the 9th attack group as escort to 12 Steamrunner-class vessels designated as fleet 0. The 1st and 2nd attack groups are then re-assigned to seek and destroy missions to prevent any build up of Borg vessels that might ensue a surprise attack. Our mission is to check out the last transmission of the Miranda-class USS Diligence about the location of one of the 2 Borg colonies in this system.

Coming out of warp a few thousand kilometers from the coordinates, we encountered some borg ships but they just passed by, not doing anything to us. Strange, they don't see 2 Sovereign-class, 4 Galaxy-class and an Agean-class vessel as a threat? Maybe the location of the base was bogus.

After a few minutes, sensors pick up the presence of a Borg Nexus. Nervously we called for the green-light of the assault by fleet 0. It seems odd that the Nexus is unprotected while the 1st and 2nd attack groups are reporting heavy action throughout the system. Maybe they're spreading their resources too thin.

Upon the arrival of fleet 0, they spread out in a line formation while proceeding to the Nexus, just out of reach of its primary defenses. With one command, the Steamrunners unleash a barrage of upgraded photon torpedoes. The fleet now lays siege on the Nexus like a medieval city.

As expected, the barrage roused the hornet's nest and some Interceptors began to attack the Steamrunners. But Interceptors are no match to the weaponry of a Galaxy-class, let alone a Sovereign-class. Wave after wave, they defended the Nexus in vain until there was nothing left of the Nexus but space dust and debris.

The remaining Borg started a hastened retreat afterwards. We are recieveing reports from the 1st and 2nd attack groups that the rest of the Borg are doing the same. This was topped with a report from the Akira-class USS Thor that they found the second Nexus...deserted.

The remainder of the 4th and 7th attack group was sent to gather intel from the second Nexus then proceed with its demolition.

As it turns out, the Borg simply just ran out of resources to complement its assimilation of this sector. They were too busy trying to break through the torpedo turret field and running into ambushes by the 1st and 2nd attack group, that they just...ran out of gas. Resupplying their campaign with drones from their own bases, leaving their production and supply line derilict. And by destroying their back-up fleet, the first Nexus we seiged, their forces are now reduced to ragtag groups of Interceptors and Detectors.

Eventhough it is already considered a victory, there is still much to be done. The 9th attack group of the USS Hyperion is in-charge of the clean-up process.

We have retaken Sejanus. This will give us the opportunity to resupply and regroup. For tomorrow we might venture out again in this continuing battle against the Borg Collective.

Party with the Penguin: Tagging Along with Penguin 627

2010-04-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

I was able to party twice this week thanks to Penguin 627.

the G.A.S. Day gig at Mag:Net High Street

For those who don't know, Penguin 627 is one of the up-and-coming bands that are fast gathering rock and punk fans everywhere. They have graced the music program 'Banda Rito' in Studio 23, featured in UR105.9 and, only recently, bagged a 'Stand Out Track of the Week' from NU107. They describe their music as 'pop punk influenced rock'...well, i think that's what 'power pop' is.

EP Launch at Saguijo

If you want to go to a party where you can just let it all hang out and have fun, I recommend you attend one of their gigs. Kat's bubbly and fun personality mixed with the rock attitude persona she brings onstage along with her bass lines and rock vox skills is a delight to watch.

Nong and Paulo are like the Ying-Yang of the group; one is playful and energetic, the other is almost stoic but intense. Their combination brings balance as their playing styles augment each other.

And Marco, his skills on the skins are a match to Blink's Travis...or even more cause he does all that twirly twirly exhibition thingy on the sticks while maintaining his intensity and tempo.

I saw them before at 6UG so I knew what to expect. But he people I went with, at the G.A.S. day at Mag:Net High Street and on their EP launch last night at Saguijo were blown away by their performance. And as for me, they performed better in every gig.

In the end, its all about having fun. And as I look at the crowd, they do deliver.

Well, enough about the band...let's talk about the music.

In their EP launch, Penguin performed the songs included in their EP and then some. Their stand out track of the week "Make Me Come Back" and "Saturday" is like a cross between Green Day and Moonpools and Caterpillars. A combination of light themes and upbeat rythyms. The lone Tagalog song "Opis Crush", which is an instant hit within my circle of acquaintances, is a fine example of Pinoy alternative mixed with contemporary punk arrangements and has underlying themes of any yuppie can relate to. The emotional "Save Me" is more of as alternative rock song, with its different approach in arrangement. The last, and my favorite, "When Will This End" is a hard knocking punk song oozing with 'Blink', 'Chaos UK' and 'Ramones' influence, with the same theme approach as 'Opis Crush' but on a different....uhhhh...perspective.

Check them out on Multiply or their site www.Penguin627.com

For the Road

2010-04-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Within the building front of Madison Square in Pioneer, Mandaluyong City, lies a stretch of establishments that doesn't pile up..even on a friday night.

But at "For the Road", their 'open mic'-like night every friday is a crowd pleaser. "Indie Night" as its called really took my attention that night as amateur groups played in front of friends and bar patrons. It was so full, we had to take a table at the parking area.

I hope to drop by again, to experience another "Indie Night"

The Death of Death

2010-04-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday (April 04,2010) saw the conclusion of a different kind of exhibit regarding death at the Crucible at SM MegaMall in Mandaluyong.

It showcases some works of personalities like Joey de Leon, Lourd De Veyra and Jessica Zafra to name a few.

Its a multimedia presentation of sorts as the exhibit not only plays with the mind through the sense of sight, but also through sound. Too bad the sense of touch can't be stimulated (all the exhibits are hands off)

"The Audacity of Dope" by Lourd de Veyra. At one time, it seems to be playing a looping eerie, playful laughter...

The exhibits has moved me in ways even I cannot understand...or point out.

"Pleasure First Before Death" by Mark Dungaw Tandoyog. This is my favorite installation

Photo Project: Fire!!! Fire!!! Fire!!!)

2010-04-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

I think it was in my MySpace or Friendster page that I once said that I love fire, flames and explosions. A bit of a pyromaniac, among other things.

So last March, when mym mom asked me to look after the veal she was cooking in an old-school manner (open flames and everything), I can't help but stare and admire the fire.

Burn, baby, burn like you never burned before!!!

Anime: Dance in the Vampire Bund

2010-03-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

I found an interesting anime in the web the other day. Its entitled "Dance in the Vampire Bund". Unlike most of the animes based on the vampire lore, it has a single twist of its own; Mina Tepes, the decendant of Vlad II (therefore the princess of all vampires) decided to expose their kind to the world and plans to create a country for vampires off the coast of Tokyo Bay called 'The Bund". She wants the vampires to coexist with the humans, to the dismay of other groups, human and non-human alike.

Accompanying her is Akira, an amnesiac-student-by-day werewolf who swore to protect Mina forever.

The first episode was a doozy, I didn't like it that much but the story left me in anticipation for the next episodes. Although a serious romance-action anime, it has its share of goofy parts. Also, it has a lot of 'lolita' aspect woven into it as Akira has grown from boyhood while Mina stayed almost the same (I was a bit surprised about the 'puting the lotion on a nude adolescent vampire princess' portion in the second episode.

Its still a good anime to watch, as it is still an ongoing series.

Game: StarWars Battlefront (Renegade Squadron)

2010-03-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

"Starwars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron" for the PSP is not a new game, I've had it for a while and finished it before. But with my new Super Bass headphones, I began to love this game again. In the instant action mode, you'll be drawn in by the great sounding explosions, blaster fire and others.

While rekindling my new found love for this game, I started playing the Galactic Conquest mode also. This gave the 'instant action' mode meaning and direction.

While the 'instant action' puts you into various battles of your choosing, the 'galactic conquest' lets you take the tactical approach in conquering your enemy. This game mode revolves around phase changes, much like your basic card game. You complete your set of phases and within those moves, the enemy can counter move as needed.

The first phase is the Purchase Phase where you buy technology and troops to capture a planet. Spend your credits wisely. If you don't need to move or reinforce your troops, save your credits to enable you to purchase the tech needed to improve your troops. The number of planets you hold and the heroes you recruited influence the credits you earn at the end of each player phase.

The second phase is the Troop Movement Phase where you either position your troops for an impending attack or to invade a planet. If you are invading, your enemy will counter by defending their planet. In this you can either select 'attack', where you join the invasion therefore switching to a 'instant action' sort of game, or you can also choose 'auto-resolve', where the CPU uses random possibilities to who wins or looses. I rather choose 'Attack/Defend' since when I chose 'auto-resolve' 98% of the time, you will lose. And the number of your troops will decrease dramatically.

The final phase is the Reinforce Phase, where you transfer troops where they are needed. Oftentimes, after an assault, your troop number will dwindle due to battle casualties. This will be a chance to reinforce those planets to give you a better army in case of a counter attack.

Joining the fray makes this game mode tons of fun. Of course, they all use the conquest type of game, so you have to increase your capture rate. The less bases the enemy has, the less chances there is for their reinforcement. In the event that you are able to capture all the bases, the game will automatically end in your fave, even if the enemy has a lot of units to spare.

For head on action, which are needed in planets like Korriban, Mygeeto or Saleucami; I combine the shotgun and cluster grenade for maximum melee or surge damage. In some planets, like Ord Mantell or Geonosis, Its better to keep a safe distance. Let your troops fight head to head with the enemy while you pick them out one by one with your sniper rifle. If anyone comes close, use your explosive blaster pistol for that one shot-one finish delight.

Some planets needs an upgrade in your tech to enable you to play them, like Alderaan or Space Saleucami, where your need at least a level 2 in space technology

All in all, this feature gave me, like, a new game to play with. Combining tactical troop movement and fiece combat skills in one awesome package,,,with great sounds to boot.

Weekend at Taguig:Of Timezone, Pancake House and Other Stories

2010-03-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

Me and my family have this schedule where we go to Market!Market! in Taguig, eat a hearty breakfast at McDonalds, then play for at least two hours at Timezone. We do this every Saturday, since I have no time for my family in the weekdays.

I first saw this game a few months ago. This game, entitled 'Technika', is a fun DJ mixing game with catchy J-POP songs and nice animation. I hope I can download these 'MTV'-esque background somewhere.

After a few rounds with Guitar Hero, I played 2 handed pistol in 'Silent Hill', where I fared better than having another player man the other gun.

After playing all those games, and collecting tickets in the process, we had lunch at Pancake House. This is the first time I came back to a branch of 'Pancake House' since an incident in their branch at Glorietta which made me start hating the franchise. But the call of the waffle was hard to resist. Good thing the staff here trated us better than in Glorietta.

Going home late inthe afternoon, my wife and I started making scrapbooks.

I recommend this activity to couples so they can talk about the good old days of being young and foolish while looking at your photos.

Tales From the Old Photo Bin: Shinjuku in 3 Seasons

2010-03-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

I found this old photo from 2003 when I was training in Shinjuku Center Building. From the smoking room, I could see the Shinjuku main avenue intersection and watched it change with the seasons.

By the end of Summer

During Fall

During winter

TV Series: Ghost Hunters

2010-03-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

Scanning through some TV Series, a certain reality format program caught my attention. Its entitled "Ghost Hunters" of the Sci-Fi channel. Its about the group called "The Atlantic Paranormal Society", or TAPS for short, run by the 2 'Roto-Rooter plumbers-by-day' guys, Grant and Jason.

I got to watch the series early on their second season, where they transferred from their make shift headquarters at a trailer in Jason's backyard, to a storefronted office in Rhode Island, complete with equipment vans and a mobile headquarters.

Using various scientific equpment such as surface thermometers, EMF meters, thermal cameras, and an array of digital video and audio recording equipment, they go to a reported 'haunting' and try to debunk it using the evidence they gathered and by finding a rational explanation to what goes bump in the night.

They start by interviewing their 'clients' as to what supernatural events has transpired and where they commonly occur. After leaving their recording equipment in these 'hotspots', they go around investigating the area. After at least 8 to 12 hours of investigation, they retrieve all their data and equipment and review them. They move by process of elimination wherein the staff view and listen to the recorded data and, when they find something strange captured in their recordings, they debate if that piece of evidence is noteworthy or something common or rational which was viewed wrong (i.e., dust, reflections, creaking floorboards, water heater starting, etc...).

In between the investigation, they are some human intrest drama going on which gives the series the documentary - reality show feel to it. They also present some valid deductions or information which makes sense when debunking.

But as the series progresses, the formula of the program becomes boring. Maybe due to the fact that most of the times, its not a haunting that occurs. Maybe its the frustration of seing the investigators seems to insinuate or prove a haunting with certain feelings and observations, like when they said that they can feel the temperature change rapidly, or they smell something different, or when they see a moving shadow at out of the corner of their eye...you expect some evidence to back it up. But in the end, they capture nothing.

Well, as Jason once said, "sometimes they play, sometimes they don't".

Photo Project 10-02-08a: Clear Skies

2010-02-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

One lazy Sunday afternoon, we just moved to this 3rd floor unit in Kalayaan Avenue, my son collects these beads that grows when immersed in water. He put them on our window and...I just took this shot

Practice run for the polls? With prizes in store!!!

2010-02-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

Going to Megamall last Saturday, this ice cream stand near Chinabank is giving out stubs for a chance to win dvd players and other electronic gadgets. Among usual data you fill up the coupon with, you also fill up the blank for which presidential bet you are going to vote for this coming election.

And among all the transparent plastic ballot boxes, Noynoy Aquino is filled to the brim. Followed by Manny Villar, and the other bets with almost the same contents.

Well, you can't make this into an actual estimate of what's going to happen in the coming polls, but it can be considered as an indicator of things to come.

And with all the money pulled into this election, why not pool in some money from the candidates and offer prizes like this soft ice cream stand in doing. Like a home partner thing...

Avatar on I MAX

2009-12-31T15:33:00.000-08:00

Last New Year's eve, I wen to see James Cameron's latest epic 'Avatar' on I Max. I first viewed the trailers and effects shots from their official page before deciding on watching it there.

I was right.

Watching this movie on digital 3D on I-Max really immerses the viewer in the sorroundings and action within. You can also appreciate not only the panoramic landscape of Pandora, but you could also savor the detail of various element within the movie. When they fly or speed across the jungle, you feel that you fly along with them. There were also certain angles that impressed the audience, which could have been lesser reception on a normal movie screen. Even the close-ups or narrow shots were imposing. It complements the mood of the scene without straining your eye on seeing who's who in that sequence.

The characters were developed in an acceptable pace in the movie. Not too hurried, but just enough to feel a bit attached with them as the story progresses. You also have to give props to the lesser known actors that gave an impressive performance, along with the veterans.

The effects were astounding, the characters larger than life (no pun intended), and the overall set design and mechanical design was a treat. But the plot wasn't something new...nor was it an overused one. For a such a visual extravaganza, I have hoped for something more groundbreaking in terms of plot or story telling.

Me and my cousin talked about this and it reminded us of some movies, I said it was like 'Dances with Wolves' meets 'Starship Troopers', or 'Last Samurai' mixed with a little 'Platoon'. In a sense they all coincide with the occuring theme of the movie. The main motif was the 'Dances / Last Samurai' part where the main character "goes native" and fights his superiors. The 'Platoon' part... well in an interiew they said they wanted to inject a 'Nam' feel for the military aspect.

There were a lot of negative buzz generated in the internet; that the movie is just an eye candy, or that the plot was a flop, or it promotes racism... (eh?). Well its understandable because the story does leave one hoping for more. All that hype in the media raised the people's expectations. To a point that the story alone cannot satisfy their pre-concieved notion of the movie. It might not be 'all that' in terms of plot, what's important here is that you enjoyed seeing the movie, you are drawn in by the characters, and the movie just leaves you begging for more.

Now...what burns me out are these conservatives who view too much into the movie that take it at entertainment value...its a blorg -dammed movie...made for your enjoyment and maybe carry a message or two. The uptight suits said it promotes racism, the anti-smoking movement lashed out on Sigourney Weaver for smoking in the movie, the Vactican is upset for showing beings that worship nature instead of their god. What the F*_+>?+!:., maybe they just want you to see a movie of 2 dogs staring at each other....wait, then the animal rights movement will join the fray, and some minority group would cry out that these dogs has some hidden degradory message if you flip it upside down, back mask the audio, tweek it to 2.4 kHz, and put white hoods on the dogs. AAARRRGRGGGHHHH!!!! *pop*

Well, I suggest that you see this movie (I heard its still out there) with an open mind and just have fun....coz thats what movies are primarily for anyway.

Photo Project 09-12-12a: Landscape

2009-12-12T18:37:00.000-08:00

In our recent trip to Tagaytay, although sorrounded by people with digital SLRs and the like, I still took out my Kodak C813 coz I always wanted to try out the 'landscape' settings on the SCN mode. Here are the results...

萌えのチョコケーキバー。。。ボックスからの幸せ。

2009-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

クライアントさんたちから萌えのチョコケーキバーをもらった。。。

この商品のボックスのデザインはとてもかわいい。　見る時には嬉しいになった。

それで。。。たくさんもらったよ。。。社員たちのためにも。。。僕だけじゃないんだ。

うれしい！！！！

まって。。。

ケーキの味は？。。

美味しいよ。。。柔らかいケーキの中にモイストなチョコがある。

（クライアントさんから　”もえ！もえ！”って。。。おもしろかった　：－））

HedgeZero at 6Underground Radio on NU107

2009-11-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

Last night was a fun night of talk and music as HedgeZero guests in 6UGRadio of NU107. Even before the program started, we were so caught up in our chatting that the music suddenly stopped...Bel grabbed the headphones and with his usual cheerful, bubbly voice, he saved the opening... mired only by the tons of laughter being heard in the background.

We wished would have interacted more, but we didn't want to de-rail the flow of the program. Plus, the next guest was already waiting.

Maybe next time, Sir Bel will ask us again.

Thanks again, Sir Bel, for the chance. And we hope to drop in again soon.

IPMS Model Making Competition at MegaMall

2009-11-23T20:18:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, I went to Megamall and saw the 2009 IPMS Model Making Competition in Mega-A. This event was sponsored by The International Plastic Modeler Society (IPMS) and various hobby shops within MegaMall. Although the models presented were finely made, I was more interested in the dioramas.

Mobile suits from the Gundam franchise duking it out

The same diorama in another angle

This seems to be a Sazabi live docked for maintenance, repair or reloading

from another angle, you could see the maintenance crew working on the mobile suit

And my favorite diorama from the bunch. This one is a recreation from a photo depicting the American troops entering Intramuros in the liberation of Manila.

Muziklaban Night

2009-11-17T20:04:00.000-08:00

Friday the 13th...dang...

I got off work around 2 pm to meet the 4pm call-time at 6 Underground in Pearl Drive, Pasig. Too damn hot and humid. Looks like its gonna rain. The strong 'alimoog' drove my stomach crazy so I seeked refuge inside 6UG. Its my first time to see the inside of 6UG in the afternoon light.

Since we were the first band, we were to do our sound check first. AJ was already cursing on the phone since he could get any taxi anywhere. He arrived, tired, after our soundcheck. And while tuning our guitars, some a-hole from the dorms up in Pearl Plaze threw an egg at us. Splattering its contents on the guitars, the cases, and us. This enraged me...prompting me to scream out "Kung gusto nyo ng gulo bumaba lang kayo!!!" (If you want some trouble just come on down).

Friday the 13th...dang...

Fast forward...we were the first band to play. We did an ok set. I was surprised at this year's elimination format. After the set, we had like, an American Idol session. Where we stand in front of the judges while they discuss with us what they thought of our performance. Fortunately they liked our original songs and our performance.

I didn't get to see the other bands as space was precious and the paying patrons were the priority. What toppped the day was the smashing performance of the guest band, Kjwan. They drove me tired and hoarse (yet again...as what always happens to me when I attend their gigs).

Marc on the guitar (He was wearing the jacket our friend, Yok, won that night)

My warm shot of Kelly was ruined when someone flashed the same time I took this

A glimpse of Boogie

happened to see Kelly at Pearl Drive

After that, the results were in. We lost by 0.3% and ended up taking 2nd place.

Friday the 13th...dang...

RC Drifting at Robinson's Pioneer

2009-11-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, I went to Robinson's Pioneer at Boni to do some shopping. Amidst the crowd looking at the latest cars and AUV's being offered for BPI's car loans, there's this group of RC enthusiasts doing their stuff at a makeshift drift course.

People marvel at the skills of these people and the way their cars drift along the mall floor, along with cheesy pop music being blared from the department store speakers.

Photo Projects: Various Stuff-u-lufugus

2009-11-13T06:27:00.000-08:00

After a few weeks, still got no computer to make my blog (my computer drowned in the last typhoon)...sniff...rest in peace my beeping buddy.

AAAAAnyway...here are a few photgraphy projects I've come up in the past 2 weeks.

The drumset at 6 Underground. Using Ryan's Canon Digital SLR.

Zaku Warrior "Lacus Clyne Concert Edition". A gift from a former officemate. He said he thought of me when he saw this pink Zaku (?)

This ZakuII, I recieved from Ryan. With the various models of Zaku by Fusionworks which I collected over the years.

My little hunny bunny...being attacked by the big baby (who's also a serial killer in training...he does me sooo proud... *sniff*)

Toy Shopping Weekend

2009-11-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, our search for replacement appliances turned into toy shopping and malling to the joy of my son. Here's the haul, along with location so you can make your christmas shopping.

---

Pokemon (Legendary)

5 for P100

about 2 1/2 inches tall figures. good quality

bought at Comic Alley at Market! Market! Fort Bonifacio

---

Iron Man (stealth suit...yeah right...stealth attack with gattling guns, machine guns and missles launchers...stealthy indeed)

P100.75 each

around 6 inches tall, posable. very good quality, considering this is a chinese knock-off. The other models with removable chest, face plates and gloves were not as good.

bought at the department store at St. Francis' Square (2F, i think...).

Buying these toys made me want to pose them in real settings, in parks, tables and such, amidst the estrangede stares of passers-by. I must've looked like a wierdo to them. hehehehehe.

Happy Holloween?

2009-11-01T01:01:00.000-07:00

Like many traditions around the world, it looses its true meaning after a few years or generations. In recent decades, due in part to globalization, traditions are infected with foreign ideas and concepts in order to make it appear hip or cool. We can blame that on the changing taste in every generation, too. Traditions needs to be hip because of their shortening attention span and 'evolved' ideals of modern.

Take for example Halloween. How was it integrated with our traditions? I remember back then when 'trick or treat' can only be heard in American TV series or movies. After an on and off stint in an upscale village in Alabang, some malls followed suit, and now its a major marketing strategy in majority of the malls/park/community center. Having the little ones in costumes and run around shops and communities with that familiar 'trick or treat'.

How fast the people adapted to the new fad of costumes and parties and celebrations without knowing the meaning of it all. It all reminds me of this girl selling Che Guevarra t-shirts saying that he's the vocalist for Rage Against the Machine. How about you, do you know the true reasons for all this new fangled traditions that you emulate?. As a lot of different cultures has their own way of remembering their dead, they mostly fall on the same date, Oct.31, Nov.1 and Nov.2.

First of all, the tradition of wearing costumes and grotesque masks. This was probably derived from the Celtic tradition of Samhain. It is believed that on this day, both good and evil spirits cross over to the mortal realm. While spirits of their ancestors are welcomed and honored, the evil spirits are warded off by dressing up to appear as malevolent spirits as well, making them ignore the household they are passing by.

The jack-o-lantern, a common symbol of holloween, was actually derived from the Celtic tradition of carving out turnips with faces and placed on windows to ward off evil spirits. The pumpkin head only came to be with the American settlers since pumkins were easier to find and carve. This tradition is also rooted in Irish traditions during harvest time.

The 'trick or treat'-ing is similar to the Middle Age practice where the poor would go door to door and offer to pray for the souls of the departed in exchange for food or money during the period of Hallowmas. This practice has it local counterpart during All-Soul's day called the 'magdadasal'. They are also called upon to pray on the 40th day after a departed relative is interred. In its more modern incarnate, children will give a (mostly) idle threat of mischief if no treats were given.

Halloween parties are also rooted in celebrations where farmers prepare their stock for the upcoming winter, usually around the same period as Hollowmas. Traditional party games for this occassion can still be seen in some American Holloween parties today.

Although there is no single religion attributed to the creation of hollow's eve but a mixture of practices from various traditions from the Celtic, Scottish, Irish and the like. It all comes from the need to revere the relatives who has passed on and honoring their memory.

Roof Repair Weekend Fun

2009-10-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

My sister asked me to fix their roof which keeps on leaking even after it was re patched by some construction workers. Here are some of the things we found out in repairing seals on your roof

a certain area was evidently a trouble spot since it shows signs of accumulated rust and layers upon layers of seal and waterproofing (the original asphalt, the one painted green, and the recent gray.) seeing cracks within the seals, we decided t0 remove all the seals.

as we suspected, pockets of moisture and water lies under all those seals. Although there are layers of seals, some had succumed to time and heat which led to cracks within the layers. We decided to peel off all the layers of sealant.

the new single layer of elastomeric seal

the shotty way this overlap in the flashing is sealed makes the perfect spot for a 'capillary effect', wherein the small creek opening up to a larger interior space creates a vacuum therefore siphoning the water into the larger interior space. You have to make sure this area is sealed up good.

another example at the junction between the flashing and the firewall which needs to be sealed up

A Different Kind Of Japanese Food: Mangetsu

2009-10-22T22:21:00.000-07:00

After weeks of hard work, our boss decided to hold our long overdue 'tsuitachikai' (first day of the month party) at Mangestsu, a fairly new Japanese restaurant located at the Creekside Bldg near Makati Cinema Square.

People may be confused when they first step in, but the setup was a bit familiar to me since it reminded me of the bar we used to go frequently in Tokyo. Every nook and cranny is used both for utility and aesthetics...a typical mark of Japanese space planning. Guests first go through the corridor to the stairs, which resembles a rock garden. And not the kitschy variant, mind you.

There are two dining levels; the second level is a cozy, intimate dining space, with a view of the kitchen. The third level is the general dining area. A unique feature of the third floor, besides being where smoking is allowed, is its adaptability. Wooden mats are rolled to create private spaces between tables. As the number of guests per table vary, these blinds can create the space needed to accommodate them.

As if wooden blinds, warm lighting and light colored walls with dark toned furniture as accents were not oriental enough, they have this ominous, full-set Samurai armor sitting just beside the head of the stairs.

(photo by Ryan Valencia)

Now if you're hoping for the usual Japanese dishes, you'll be in for a surprise. Aside from some dishes, most of the food here are a different approach to Japanese cooking, as developed by Mangetsu's owner/master chef. These dishes, I heard, keeps on evolving as ingredients and techniques change.

Cheese Rice...yum yum yum

Some note-worthy dishes are the Cheese Rice and the Sour and Spicy Deep Fried Chicken. The Cheese Rice is mostly fried rice cooked with mozzarella cheese. And the chicken, not too soft, not too crispy...its like spicy garlic chicken but wuth a hint of tang.

There's also this entrée which we can't seem to figure out if ts potato or sweet potato in what appears to be tempura flakes. It has a light crisp on the outside with a soft, velvety inside. Like an orange colored solid mashed potato. Along with the dip that makes it so mouth watering.

Mangetsu's Garlic Rice (with garlic cloces cut in intresting portions...kanin pa lang, ulam na)

Potato Puffs?

The dreaded OKRA SOUP!!!! (dan dan daaaaan)

And with the night's killer, the Cold Okra Soup which my boss ordered and recommended, as it tastes interesting...so he says. Its like an okra puree, with almost all its fleshy parts mashed to a pulp, served in a bowl on top of another bowl filled with shaved ice. Like my boss said, it tasted interestingly good...it went well with our cold beer served in a chilled earth ware cup. Some warning though, this is not for the queasy, one of our officemates was not strong enough to hold in this thick, slimy concoction.

Mangetsu scored high with its service and food presentation. As most of the garnishing are ordinary kitchen fare applied ingeniously with the dish. And they have a wide variety of beverages, alcoholic or otherwise, in their selection.

Although opened for almost 3 months now, you'll be surprised with the throves of Japanese nationals that patronize this place.

A few thoughts from Typhoon Ondoy

2009-10-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

The material damage caused by the typhoon translates to more spending for repair and relief, even with money spent from overseas. In turn, it may be enough to stimulate the economy. Think of this as a positive, unexpected side-effect. Its not that I am glad that the typhoon destroyed some P20 billion in damages... I too lost all my belongings in the flood, except for my bag and cellphone, but with all this spending going on to aleviate the situation of the victims, the market might be brighter as the people recover from this tragedy.

-----=====-----

With all the diggings, excavations and so called improvements on the metro sewage system. With all the headache it all gave the motorists and pedestrians alike. You would expect them to work properly when a typhoon came.

Espana River (formerly Espana, in front of UST) is an exemption. Kahit may umihi lang na kabayo dun, flooded na agad.

-----=====-----

Its surprising to know that, despite being a country which is always pelted by monsoons and typhoons, the central agency concerned with dealing with the relief efforts (the National Disaster Coordinating Council, or NDCC...the FEMA of the Philippnes) has an annual allocation of only P1billion. And as Ondoy hits the country, there is only P24million left, with still hundred of families trapped in submerged houses.

What da fack are they thinking, with such a menial allocation?

Maybe they're busy diverting allocations for their pork barrel, the only part of the National Budget which gets the fastest approval.

-----=====-----

Watching the news the other night when there was a press release from SSS (Social Security System) that people can avail of their calamity fund. The spokesperson said 'you can get your loan within 1 to 2 days'.

HAH!!!!!!!!!!

I have two officemates who applied for their loans and it took 2 years before he could claim his loan. Not to mention the additional 1 and a half years for the ID. You could get those things done at SM for 2 hours.

And the common phrase at the counter: "Offline system namin e, di ma access ang records at di ma process ang loans". When you come back week after week, they say the same thing. They must check again with their computer and software supplier...it looks like they were sold millions of pesos worth of techno-scrap.

In the Eye of the 'Metal Storm'

2009-09-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

A terrfying ballistic weapon capable of firing at least 1 million rounds per minute. With its current 96 round configuration, it takes less than a second to fire its entire complement, delivering it entirely on the target. Behold the awesome ferocity of the 'Metal Storm'.

I incidentally found this weapon system in YouTube a few weeks ago as I was loooking into new weapon systems. Its a metal box with 9 barrels in 3x3 configuration, or 16 barrels in a 4x4 configuration. The munitions are lined up in one barrel and fired one by one via electrical trigger. It works on the same principle as the Roman candle where as the first projectile fires, it burns the charge for the next one. The difference is, the firing mechanish is precise enough to encable a single shot for all its load. Not only does it fire bullets but also launch multiple grenades, as a video from the Australian army show.

Metal Storm firing at 1,000 rpm

Though the development of the system has had its share of funding problems, I still think it has a lot of application and be a possible replacement for some defensive and offensive weapon systems.

grenade launcher configuration

One example is the smoke grenade dispenser mounted on a lot of models of tanks. The Metal Storm would have more capacity and increase its defensive capability.

Another example is for the multiple missle launcher (AT-6 Spiral with its 9K114 Shturm or 9M114 Kokon missles) on any of the the Russian Mi-24 variants, known throughout the world as the flying tank, or simply the Hind. With its lighter configuration, this system could increase the payload two-fold.

But since there is a restriction on the transfer of such weapon technology, its up to the Americans and the Australians to develop a carrier for this weapon system.

As this system is already referred to in many novels and movies. As many are named in Wikipedia, I suddenly remembered the English movie 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', where there's a striking resemblance to its concept with the gut mounted primary weapon for the Vorgon soldiers.

the lovable Vorgons from 'The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy'

Ride and Roll Bar

2009-09-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

One of the two new night spots we got to play in this past week.

Ride and Roll Bar. A resto-bar with a gallery at the second floor reminiscent of Big Sky Mind in Quezon City.

It also has an enclosed space enough to be used as a intimate area for band gigs. First time I went there, there were a pair of bleachers on the side as seats for the audience and a standing area in front of the band.

It's located in Xavierville in Quezon City.

Hear ye, The News

2009-09-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

On a slow Tuesday evening last Sept.15 at Cuerdas bar, an alternative band stood out from the drones of emo bands who played that night. With their playful rhythmic arrangements, powerful rock progressions and lyrics one can easily relate to, they made that night worth remembering.

They call themselves The News. They formed in 2004 with the aim to compete at Red Horse's 2005 Muziklaban. And with each one's desire to express themselves and project their personalities through music, they continued on until now, and with their album 'Musikero' in the mixing stages to boot.

At the core of the band is vocalist/ rhythm guitarist Ricky. He called upon his former classmate, Carl, to man the lead guitars and second vocals.The stoic Lennon, Ricky's former bandmate, was then asked to play the bass. Completing the line-up is the power drummer, Brian, who used to be Ricky's colleague.

What caught my attention that night were their first two songs which sounded like a Foo Fighters-Offspring hybrid, despite being influenced with the likes of The Beatles, The Police, Rivermaya and Oasis to name a few. The first song,'Paano Kaya', is a song Ricky made for his GF, pondering on the idea of what would happen if he's gone. Not to worry, they're still going strong and slated to be married (congrats, dude). The second song, which I really love, is entitled 'Lies'. This one tells of their discontent with liars, and telling them to change their ways as nothing good will come out of it.

When asked why they called themselves The News, they implied that their music is like the news; straightforward and a direct message to the audience.

They plan to release 'Musikero' (coincidentally was the title of the last song of their set) before the end of the year. For noew you can check them out at their myspace page or at their video on YouTube.

Cuerdas Bar

2009-09-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

Cuerdas is a resto-bar which is fast becoming popular with indie, emo and punk productions.

Located near the Shaw Blvd.-C5 intersection, its just past the first intersection going to Eastwood, under the flyover.

Cuerdas, whose name implies the strings on a guitar, has a warm, musically inclined atmosphere akin to Mayrics in Manila.

Random Thought No. 20090214-18p

2009-09-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

I wish starting over is as easy as re-formatting your computer and installing the software you always use at a different setting... since the last setting didn't work out.

Helpful steps in Courtship

2009-09-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

I found this interesting post from laurganism.com. Its a insightful and humorous approach in laying down the rules for courtship.

Check it out in:

http://laurganism.com/2009/03/01/how-i-got-girlfriended-in-under-five-minutes/

Call fo Duty 3 on Wii

2009-09-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, after our live gig in Ride and Roll bar in Xavierville, I stayed with my siblings in their house in Mandaluyong. There I got hooked playing Call of Duty 3 from around 2am to 6pm, ultimately finishing the 'easy mode' of the game.

Being sort of a history buff, I liked the way the individual stories of the character you're playing are integrated into the re-enactment of some of the pivotal battles of World War II. In the game, you play different characters from different nations battling on different fronts. From what I remember, you play Nichols in the US Army, Doyle in the British Army, Cole in the Canadian Army, and Bohater in the Polish campaign. You also get along with various characters that develop within the storyline amidst the backdrop of war. In the final stages of the game, the character development gets trippy as the characters, and you characters, seems to meet up, their stories intertwine, leading up to end clip of the game.

It also gets mad props for playability and controls. The downside is the location of the granade button, which is hard to access. It slows you down in that crucial 'grab the grenade and throw it back to them' part of the game. The controls also don't respond well in those 'act out the action' with the nunchuck controller, like wrestling Nazi's when ambushed at the stairs or door, or when planting plastic explosives.

Playing this game also brought out in me the desire to own a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) and an M1 Garand. In the game, those are the most effective weapons I got to use. They are effective in medium range combat, and accurate enough to use in sniping out machine gun nests and incoming threats. I also loved the way those guns sound, even the M1's 'ping of death' ( a common moniker with WWII soldiers where the M1 uses up its ammo clip, the clip snaps out making a distinct 'ping' sound).

This game is definitely a good reason to get a Wii... along with other sports oriented games that me and my nieces played with....

fun fun fun...

Anime: Sekirei

2009-09-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Gaudily dressed buxom beauties with various elemntal powers and a knack for mixed combat capabilities. Welcome to the world of Sekirei. In the near future, the new Japanese capital of Shintou is threatened to be bought out by the gigantic MBI company, whose goals are larger than simply setting itself as a financial power.

at the same time, Sahashi Minato is a 19 yr old rounin who fails to enter his desired college twice. On his way home, a girl literally fell from the sky fighting two lighting weilders and accidentally gets mixed with these people. Minato ends up taking the girl home gets thrown out of their apartment (because its only a single's apartment).

The girl, Musubi (number 88), turns out to be a 'Sekirei'. They are powered beings discovered from an island that rose up from the sea with containment units that suggests a race more advanced that humans. Sekirei's are search and fight for their 'Ashikabi's who are said to able help them ascend to heaven. When a special bond with their Ashikabi's come to fruition, they are capable of unleashing a great power within them. Their 'prayer' can only be activated when the Ashikabi 'wings' their Sekirei's (usually with a passionate kiss). If an 'Ashikabi' wings a 'Sekirei', they are to stay together forever...like being married.

The more Sekirei's they 'wing', the more powerful an Ashikabi becomes, which complicates Minato's life as it turns out he was destined to become the Ashikabi of 3 more Sekirei's. With this he ends up 'wing'-ing the shy but impulsive child called Kuu (number 108), with the power to control trees and plants, Matsu (number 02) the computer geek with the power of technology at her side, and the violent, stubborn and possesive Tsukiumi (number 09) with the power of water (she is adamant in declaring that she is the legal wife, despite living a life of hatred towards Ashikabi's).

As majority of Sekirei's are winged, the MBI corporation reveals its plan to pit Sekirei's against each other until only one is left. It is said that the remaining Sekirei will ascend along with their Ashikabi. The losing Sekirei wouldn't be able to be with their Ashikabi again and collected by MBI. As this plan comes out, Minato is determined to protect Musubi, the Sekirei who he develops strong feelings for.

Along with having an averagely good animation and upbeat overtones with an underlying love story, Sekirei has a interesting storyline and concept. The only thing that looks out of place is the Sekirei's center of gravity jacked up way high (a minimum of HH cups I think). Although Sekirei was included with a lot of 'fan service' to make it more popular, I feel that it can do without too much of it. The fight scenes are not that cool, except for some 'single number' Sekirei's.

This anime plays around the 'harem' genre as Minato is coupled with almost every 'girl flag' in anime. The air-headed, kind and bubbly girl in Musubi, the quiet and scheming geek in Matsu, the strong willed but mushy type in Tsukiumi, and Kuu for the 'Lolli' fans.

And the funky ending theme is very catchy. There were also a lot of cliffhangers and unclosed issues that suggests a second season.

Kebab Kebab

2009-09-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

Friday night...just got my salary...but no where to go. This has been a perinnial problem of me and my bud, Ryan, ever since Cafe Bec in The Fort closed down.

In its place stands a Mediterrenean style shop called Kebab Kebab. Having no where else to go, we decided to give it a shot.

From the glass enclosure, you can see the nice and cozy interiors of the place. Its cozyness is augmented by the use of warm colors and mood lights. And the high ceiling was maximized by adding a sit down loft with wide pillows as seats.

Since our usual spot outside now houses the beef grill, and the outside porch was filled with patrons, we ended up occupying the loft.

To my delight, not only do they have 3 varieties of shawarma, they also have Hummus. I ordered the Hummus and the All-beef shawarma. The taste of the Shawarma was average but the serving size falls short of my expectation for its price. The hummus is okay, less tangy than the delightful variant from another place.

It was worth a shot, but the type of people they cater (too high strung for our case) and the food can't seem to replace our longing for Bec. With its almost frozen beer, the pizza Marina, and the company of the ever friendly kuya Frank. I know its unfair to compare the two, also it besets being objective in reviewing the place, but we are looking for a replacement for Cafe Bec.

Well, its on the road again for us.

Anime: Ikkitousen

2009-09-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

If scantily clad pubescent school girl cat fights are your thing, then the series 'Ikkitousen' may be the anime for you.

The series revolves around a group of fighters representing various schools in the Kantou area of modern day Japan. The winner of the major tournament gets the seal of the first true emperor (as the story goes) and controls the Kantou area.

The fight scenes are not that intense and doesn't drag on to more than two episodes but the intresting aspect of the series is the Megatama. They are one piece earings in the shape of the number 9 with something sealed inside which are somewhat attached to some historical figure (or so the series narrates). The owner of that Megatama not only posses the strenght and power of the previous owner but also their destiny. The story proves itself more better than the fight scenes as it unravels the past of the previous owners and how it affects the relationships of the current owner. The main character is a buxom girl named Hakufu who posseses the most unstable fighter who, in an uncontrollable rage, also destroyed himself.

Other Megatamas also contains various historical generals. My favorite is Ryoufu Housen. His Megatama is under the ownership of a 'kogaryu' who is a heterosexual (she plays with both girls and boys) who packs a mysterious almost invisible punch.

The series offers a lot of 'fan service', giving the viewers a lot of 'upskirt' shots, panty shots and boobie shots. There's also a lot of 'sexual encounters (hetero and lesbian alike) although not shown graphically so I don't recommend this for the youngins.

Overall I liked it for the story and historical reference since I like history. It teaches that if you enslave yourself to the strings of destiny, you will find yourself entrapped in its eternal vortex.

Mark's Photography Debut

2009-09-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

My son, Mark, has begun experimenting with photos on his own. As a little kid, he always borrows my camera and takes pictures and videos of various things. Sometimes I check my camera and see at least 20 shots of a rock...or a seashell. After witnessing me shoot some subjects in motion, he decided to do something like it on his own. Using the high ISO, low shutter speed setting of the camera, he enabled the flash and begun spinning around the park...and took a shot of a tree. With the tree as the strongest light reflection, it made a brighter impression as the camera still takes in the light from various sources while he's spinning.

Kinda cool, huh...

Anime: TonaGura

2009-09-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

Tonagura is a comedy anime about the the reunion of childhood friends Kazuki and Yuuji after being seperated for about 10 years. Kazuki was hoping for her 'first crush' to grow up to be a fine young man, but unfortunately, Yuuji grew up to be abnoxious and lecherous guy. And because she built up his reputation to her friend Chihaya and the others in his absence, she tries her best to hide Yuuji's negative, perverted side.

Although their encounters at home, at school and outside always end in fights and disaster, Kazuki and Yuuji display a sort of platonic relationship where everything is clear and vague at the same time. But they both display a soft demeanor to each other and at times jealousy.

Kazuki goes about telling Yuuji how negatively he's changed, to the confusion of Yuuji, his younger sister Marie and Kazuki's older sister Hatsune. As it turns out Yuuji was always like that from the start, and that he's the only one that goes along with Kazuki's pushy behavior. As Hatsune once said; people only remember the good things as they live life longing for that person.

The series rakes in points for animation and non-over the top voice actors, but the cliched storyline and outcome leaves it at a decent 5 out of 10. The instances within the story are a bit Ken Akamatsu-ish at best. A nice touch for the gun crazy, silent and shy little sister Marie though. And I can't get enough of Chihaya's 'Kansai-ben' (or is it Kyuushu-ben). I always find that dialect cute.

Still, this 13-episode series is good as a light viewing material.

TV Series: Big Bang Theory

2009-08-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

The Big Bang Theory is a live comedy series about 4 scientists/ college researchers/ nerds and 1 beautiful blonde. The group consists of the quantum physicist who tries to be normal Leonard, the O.C. socially clueless theoretical physicist Sheldon, the womanizing Jewish engineer Walowisk and the Raj, the astrophysicist who can't speak with women unless he's tanked.

A common arc within the series is the stuff that happens as Leonard pursues Penny, the blonde across the hall who works as a waitress as she tries to be an actress. Another reoccuring theme is the inability of Penny to comprehend or join in the discussion of the four scientitsts, or other people as wel as they venture into various social interacions outside their circle. Further along the second season, Penny begins to manifest the same speech patterns of Leonard and Sheldon...to her chagrin.

I have not encountered a comedy with such a play on scietific terminologies and social idiocricies which tickles the mind and the 'funny bone'. Not only do you laugh from their encounters but you learn a little something every episode.

There are a lot of references to American 'geek' culture consisting of in-depth knowledge of comic book characters, Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Terminator, and other sci-fi movies and popular PC and X-Box games. Being having the same experiences in highschool and college, I find the characters lovable and extremely witty.

Every season ender has a cliff hanger about a development between Penny and Leonard that makes you look forward to the next one.

Photo Project 082409b: Night Shots

2009-08-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

After a few practice night shots with my camera a few weeks ago, I decided to go back to The Fort and redo the shots and experiment some more. Mostly it involves using the high-ISO and slow shutter speed preset of my camera. Showing moving subjects against a clear more steady backdrop.

Until I get a better camera (hopefully I would get enough fund for a digital SLR) I'll practice with this at the moment.

Mark's Self Defense Training

2009-08-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

In our recent visit to my father's home in the province, my son and I saw that my brother had bought and installed a punching bag at our open lot. Excited with the prospect of training in hand to hand combat, my son started doling it out with the punching bag.

My wife and I saw this and we found a few things wrong with his methods. First off, his fist and arm are not lined up correctly as he executes the basic jab. I told him this could lead to wrist damage so he should do this correctly.

After correcting his jabs, my wife, who used to compete in karate tournaments, taught him the basic front and side kick.

Mark was always interested with martial arts training, since some of his favorite films include Hitman, Wanted, xXx and SWAT.

Anime: School Days

2009-08-22T02:42:00.000-07:00

School Days is a short anime series based on the adult PC girl-game of the same title.

Itou Makoto is a quiet first year highschool student who is infatuated with a girl who he always ride the same train to school with. He is always looking at her from afar and keeps his feelings to himself. He has a stolen shot of her in his cellphone and set it as his wallpaper under the premise of a legend that if you keep it as your cellphone wall paper for a week and no one finds out, your unrequited love will come to fruition.

Katsura Kotonoha is a quiet girl who rides a train with a guy who she feels is always watching her. Over time, she starts to be fond of him but, because of her shyness, keeps watching from afar and refrains from approaching him.

Saionji Sekai is Makoto's seatmate and the person who happens to see his cellphone's wallpaper. With that, she does her best to make Katsura and Makoto get together.AFter a lot of pushing and support, she finally got the two to confess to each other.

Makoto was very grateful to Sekai for all the things she had done for them and tells her that he will pay her back someday. As Sekai's train comes she steals a kiss on the lips from the startled Makoto and runs. As it turns out, while helping him get together with Katsura, she develops feelings for MAkoto.

As time goes on, Makoto decides to take his relationship with Katsura to the next level. But the bashful Katsura always rejects his advances. Being clueless to the ways of women, Sekai offers herself as a training partner to make him a better lover for Katsura. Because of this, things also becomes serious between them, mostly having them ending up spending the night together in bed...almost everyday.

Things get worse for the three starting from the school festival as a lot of other girls started to show interest in Makoto. With his new found confidence in dealing with women, he starts having sex with all the girls that shows interest in him, lying to them that they are the only one for him. Slowly, he's turning into a player...a beast...preying on the emotional weakness of his targets.

All things that he has done finally catches up with him at the final 2 episodes, taking on a more darker tone.

Although the animation is well drawn, I can't seem to take interest in the story. It looks like a story of a whiny guy who cries about getting laid since he can't hold it in. He feigns sincerity to the girls to make them give themselves up to him. Only the last 3 episodes got me interested because you would want to see how things will turn out for the player Makoto.

I think this anime is made for the fans of the game or for those who actually played it. But for the ones who didn't get to play that particular game, it would seem like a dragging emo kid that wanna get laid story.

Tales From the Old Photo Bin: Once Upon a Time at 6UG

2009-08-22T02:32:00.000-07:00

6 Underground has always been a comfortable place to play in. Not only is the place intimate and cozy, the service and management staff are very nice and accomodating to both the artists and the patrons.

Before, when 6 Underground was still in the basement of a building in Makati, we frequent that bar because we used to play a lot there... and also some of our friends who are in bands plays in that venue. When they had the recording studio before, we recorded our demos through live recordings.

Back then we were in the punk-ska band 'Green Leafy Veggie'. From there, Me and guitarist Paulo formed HedgeZero. Guitarist Richard co-formed an emo-punk band. And my brother, Jonathan, becomes the drummer for I-ray. We have no news of our vocalist Brex.

We still treasure those memories, time and energy spent in that cozy basement bar in Makati.

Tales From the Old Photo Bin: Frustrated Sculptor

2009-08-22T02:24:00.000-07:00

Looking at my old pictures, I happened to come across the time when I acted upon my frustration for carving. It pathetic by myself, but with the help of my wife's grandfather, who was alive that time, he helped me make the staff better.

I was aiming for a cross between a fish and a dragon...a weird combination that I thought of as I saw this lang piece of wood.

Unfortunately, it wasn't finished. I looked back at the storage we shared back then, it wasn't there.

Photo Project 081909a: Fun with Focus

2009-08-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

Seeing a scale model at Megamall last weekend, I decided to have some fun with the focus features of my camera. Although the clarity and color definition was not up to what I hoped for, I still like the shots. Hey, what do you expect from a budget digital camera.

The Mechanical Man (L'uomo Meccanico)

2009-08-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Last Aug. 6, the Italian Embassy, in cooperation with Shangri La Plaza in Mandaluyong City, presented their entry in the 3rd Silent Film Festival.

Their entry is entitled 'The Mechanical Man' (L'uomo Meccanico). This 1921 sci-fi/ thriller flick is about a city terrorized by a remote controlled mechanical robot, rampaging, destroying, stealing and killing. The robot was designed by a scientist but built by a mysterious woman who escaped from a prison hospital. The police are unable to stop this monstrosity. But with the help of a second robot built by the scientist, the two mechanical men faced off in a social gathering run amok with the presence of these metal monsters. A fight between the two ensued and after the smoke clears, both robots were destroyed.

The film is amusing despite the primitive special effects. The robot suit is well made and the movement was adequate. You'll be drawn in by the actors' over the top facial expression and physical method acting to be able to convey their emotions since there were no sound to convey them clearly. I also noticed that some parts are a bit risque for a 1920's film. From what I know, people back then were a bit conservative when it comes to showing skin. But there was a scene with a naked woman lying face down, and another scene where the antagonist raises hes skirt up to her knockers to inject herself with something or whatever. Anyway, its a shame that they were only able to recover 40% of this film as it is considered a very rare movie. Most of the early parts of the story were conveyed via text projected on the screen, which made it hard to get the full extent of the human side of the story.

The setup for Caliph8 and company.

In the days of the silent films, a pianist or orchestra usually accompany the film viewing to set the mood of the story. For this event, in leiu with their theme of art and technology standing side by side, the Caliph8 was tasked of setting the mood by using synths, drum machines and other remixed ambient sounds to augment the film. Along with Kalila Agilos, Malek Lopez, Pasta Groove and Tad Ermitano, they gave the film a score with a modern funky house/ drum and bass twist to it.

The rest of the viewing comprises of a movie deconstruction by the group. Its done by taking visual allusions and actual parts from the film, digitally manipulated and scored in real time. Like the cartoon-music remixes presented in Cartoon Network. To me, the presentation was an impressive display...like a freestyle face-off, both audio and visually. It was like having a trip without the illegal substances. Their performance was greeted with a round of applause from an impressed audience.

I would have loved to see the movie in its entirety. For all its flaws as a primitive film, its still a good watch.

The 3rd Silent Film Festival highlights entries from Japan, Spain, Germany, France and Italy through Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes, Japan Foundation, Republique Francaise, and Republica Italiana.

Alcohol Binge Part 2 at Yoohoo! Madison Square

2009-08-06T21:22:00.000-07:00

As the night grew deeper, we continued our alcohol binge last Aug.3 at the Madison branch of Yoohoo. The Yoohoo! name is known for being the best place to get grilled delicacies at combo prices. I also heard about the 3 glasses of wine for P99 ($1.83) package included in their menu. I've been there a lot of times but never even noticed it...being a sort of red wine addict myself, I can't let this chance slip away.

A different kind of Yoohoo! than what I was used to...

Fresh from another alcohol binging spree just moments earlier, we braved the cold rainy night, amidst the traffic and the absence of parking space, just to sample the red wine combo.

Since its a 3-glass combo of the same brand, it'll be better if your party is divisible by 3. So that you all could get a chance to sample the different brands available.

Because my bud, Ryan, was there before, he chose the brand for us.

First batch was a set of Villa Sta.Maria red. The taste was a bit lesser than the wines I'm used to. Ryan said maybe because of all the vodka martini and gin I had earlier that night.

Ryan pondering the mysteries of the universe...

Next one is a batch of Chez Samantha. Its a bit more sour than Villa Sta.Maria so its a bit more refreshing. Although red meat is supposed to go well with red wine, the effect was a bit off.

The last batch was a serving of Villa Sta.Maria white. Its not as sweet and fruity as the other white wine I've tasted but I think an order of cheese would have complemented it.

It was a disappointing night. Next time We would go there first as to not to chase off the flavor of the wines we're going to sample.

Death of an Icon: Corazon Aquino

2009-08-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

One sunny monday afternoon, the main thouroughfare of Makati's Central Business District was closed off. Traffic rerouted, and vehicles were jammed to a standstill. All for the the funeral march of a simple housewife. A woman who, despite having no previous experience in politics, rose to become the president that led and united the people of the Philippines to stand against a dictatorial government and take back the freedom which rightfully belongs to the people.

Amidst the rain of yellow confetti, pouring from the building rooftops, passed the remains of the woman that led the country into a non-violent revolt that ended the 20-year reign of then President Ferdinand Marcos. A revolt that became an inspiration to many citizens around the world.

She also managed the transition of a government seemingly plunged in chaos. Bringing order to the anarchy of the bureaucracy, righting the wrong within the system to serve the needs of the citizens it was instituted to protect.

The passing of such a revolutionary leader makes us reflect at the current state of our so called democratic government. Covered in fake, empty promises, filled to the brim with lies and deception, bent on excuses rather than responsibility, wrapped up into a filthy concoction with a modern, dynamic packaging courtesy of their handlers and PR managers.

A void is now present within society not because of the passing of the person, but the passing of a true public servant. A type of person the Philippines seriously needed within the high ranks of the government.

Lime 88's 2nd Anniversary Party

2009-08-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Last friday, Lime 88 celebrated its 2nd anniversary. The light rain didn't do much to prevent the hordes of patrons from enjoying the food and the free cocktails that went around that night.

Lime 88 is a bar/restaurant located near Boni Avenue in Mandaluyong City, just past a place we usually go to in San Joaquin st., beyond the Mandaluyong City Hall. They specialize in Filipino street cusine with a twist, a feature you have to see first-hand to appreciate. They also recieved a lot of positive reviews from other bloggers who visited the place.

This is also the usual venue for the Aquinian'95 gatherings. First time I went there, I was too engrossed with talking to former schoolmates that I failed notice anything else. I think the place can also do well with a light intrument or acoustic group for special occassions, like the ones in Greenbelt 3. Former schoolmate and Lime 88 partner, Vincent, told me that they once had a band event last Octoberfest but earned them the ire of the neighbors since it was a mix residential area.

The place has a cozy, homely atmosphere to it, which goes well with familiar dishes presented in a somewhat haute cusine fashion. Who knew the humble 'kwek kwek' can be served in a wonderful and enticing way. Actually, its this dish, named 'Quail Egg Tempura', which caught my attention because I liked the way it was presented. It looked like a mix between East Asian and Polynesian cusine with a Filipino appeal to it.

We decided to change our usual grind and ordered some martinis. I ordered the 'Peach Martini' while my bud, Ryan, went with his 'Licensed to Chill'. The Peach Martini seems to have a sugar cane-like aftertaste, and I enjoyed Ryan's drink more than mine. Along with our order, Vincent flooded us with free cocktails like Vodka-7 and Blue Martini, which I ended up drinking most of and got me a bit drunk by 11pm (thanksh dude).

I recommend this place to anyone who looks for something different, those tired of the usual bar and beer garden thing. A cozy place where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the company of your buddies.

Tales from the Old Photo Bin: Big Sky Mind

2009-08-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

Big Sky Mind is no stranger to the art and music scene. This quaint, unnoticable glass fronted building along E. Rodriguez has showcased a lot of local underground talent in almost all facets of art.

Big Sky was started by a group friends from UP Fine Arts as a place for their peers to hang out. It then blossomed to a venue to launch independent artists and the like. The bar is fronted by the fierce looking but friendly Hank.

That's Paulo and Me along with my wife...enjoying a round of brewskies and Vitamin C

I found a cd that contains broadcasts from channel 21 about a bar tour that we used to play in while in my former punk-ska band 'Green Leafy Veggie'.

Rockin the ground floor band area

Our loyal fans

Coincidentally, we also went here last July 25 after our gig in 6UG in Pasig. It seems a lot has changed the last time I was there, mostly because of the new set of mobile installations and artwork displayed. But the ambience stays the same...warm, cozy and friendly.

After gig party with I-ray, FreeFish, HedgeZero and company

I-Ray vocalist, Danniel, musing over various photos

Anime: Black Lagoon

2009-08-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Black Lagoon is a fast paced action anime about the lives of the mixed race pirate crew that operates in the Southern Seas of Asia. Their adventures stretch from Thailand, to Malaysia, to Indonesia, to the ports of Basilan and Zamboanga.

They consist of the cool and tough Black guy called Dutch, the IT and equipment specialist from California called Benny, the hot-headed, gun totting Chinese-American female assasin, Levy and the Japanese salayman, Rock (derived from his real name Okajima Rokuro), who was initially a hostage, before his supervisors decided to sacrifice him in order to protect some company secret. Aside from their delivery service company, they also do some shady business on the side which gets them in trouble with the law.

They operate in the fictitious city of Roanapur, a city where evil prey upon the evil, a place for the villains among villains, and any goody two shoed person will immediately become a victim upon landing on its shores. The city is shared by the Russian Hotel Moscow, the Chinese Triads and other South American cartels doing business in the area. Although a fictional city, most of the writings are obviously Thai...or Cambodian.

Things start to change as Rock introduce and live out various codes of duty, honor, responsibility and trust. Things that earned the respect of the tough Dutch and Valalaika of Hotel Moscow.

There are a few things worth pointing out. At the first episode, why are they afraid of the Philippine Coast Guard, while they are using a Torpedo PT boat, complemented with anti-tank rifles. Theres also a story arc about a Japanese terrorist teaming up with Muslim extremists in Basilan. The character I liked the most is the Taiwanese female assasin called Shenhua. She's fierce and skilled with bladed weapons, but her Japanese and English never fails to amuse me. I find it very cute. There's also this adrogenous, love-hate tension between Rock and Levy that escalated at the 7th episode.

This anime is not recommended for the youngins as they display graphic violence and bloodshed, as well as dark, twisted humor about kiling. A prominent feature of the series is decifering the real right from wrong. Where being 'right' depend on the social status, upbringing and the harsh reality they were brought up with.

There are rumors in the vine that a third season is in the works. I do look forward in seeing the new adventures Rock and Levy would get themselves into this time.

HedgeZero in Pulp Magazine

2009-08-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Last month, the Rubber Duckie Family was featured at last month's PULP magazine (one of the Philippine's premiere music mag) with regards to the 'Ultimate Abduction' bar tour which concluded last May at Puerto Galera.

We were very happy about the picture of our band, HedgeZero, being included in the article...although I was the only one not included in the picture.

(sour bannana!!! sour banana!!)

The write-up is not about the bands but the event in general, mostly about the first leg at Will's Attic. Nevertheless, we we're still happy.

Photo Project 0727a: 'The Drummer Boy'

2009-07-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

I got to try out a photo concept I was having at a recent gig of I-Ray at 6UG. The model is my brother, Jonathan, who is the drummer for I-Ray.

I always had a long standing, always frustrating, intrest in photography. Its an art of sharing your vision and thoughts through a simple image.

What I loved the most is motion photography, more specifically, concert photos. To show the intensity of the performers through visual imagery.

Using the night landscape setting of my cheap but dependable Kodak C813 which hightens the ISO settings and reduces shutter speed, I took a motion snapshot. Then changed the setting to a faster shutter speed to capture a clearer picture. Then I superimposed the motion snapshot with the clear one, cleaned up the rest with Photoshop, and whallah!! concept realized...although its not the instensity I was after.

J-POP Singing Competition at Market!Market!

2009-07-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

'Sakura Beat' rockin the event

The J-pop/Anime singing competition was recently concluded last Saturday, July 25, at the Market!Market! activity center in Taguig City. This activity was part of the Philippine-Japan friendship month, held every July. This celebration usually entails cultural exchange between the two countries in a series of contests, lectures, exhibits and more.

Being a J-pop enthusiast, I was excited since the day I found out about it. I formed a band to ener this contest but was discouraged after seeing the contest guidelines for a 4 to 5 member vocal group. Little did I know that they also accepted bands...zannen datta...

'Morning Star'

The program started amidst exhibits from sponsors and partners like HeroTV (the country's premiere Tagalog dubbed anime channel), Japan Foundation Manga Library (located in Pacific Star Building in Makati), TOEI Animation and more.

There were good bands and the not so good, but there were bands that raised the bar for the performers in that event.

I marveled at the J-pop attitude and lively energy of 'What Is', the vocal clarity and diversity of Zamboanga's 'Morning Star' (dude, di sila Zambo...Davao City sila, men -editor), and the rock band flair and glam-like intensity of 'Sakura Beat'. Not surprisingly, 'Sakura Beat' bagged the third place while 'What Is' took the top spot and won the competition.

Da Winnah!!!! 'What Is'

I was excited the whole event but it was also kind of disappointing. I was irritated with the less than astounding sound system. The set-up was not appropriate for a band competition and what came out was garbled vocals, almost inaudible ambient instruments and total dulling down of the intensity of the performers.

I hope next year they still do this competition and come up with a better sound system provider to make the event a total knock out.

The Legend of the 'Happy Horse'

2009-07-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

Before, our guitarist, Paolo, told me of an urban legend regarding a staple in the local band scene: the humble beer. In a particular brand, Red Horse, which has a head of a proud stallion as a logo, there seems to be an altenate logo referred to as the 'happy horse'. This alternate logo is a more comical image of the stallion smiling. It is said to be a stronger brew than the normal one and I heard that there is only one bottle in a batch of hundreds.

At an after gig party last Saturday, we were discussing that urban legend in Big Sky Mind at Quezon City when, to our surprise, we were served with the legendary 'happy horse'. I wasn't able to judge if it were a stronger mix since it was given to another person in our party. But we were startled at seeing that the legend was true.

But seeing the bottle, I can't help but doubt the accuracy of the 'stronger brew' myth. It looked like an older bottle than a devious prank at the patrons, it kinda reminded me of those old cola bottles still in circulation.

I searched the web and with a post at Yahoo! Answers, my suspicions were vindicated. As it turns out, the 'Happy Horse' are just the old bottles still circulated since bottles are washed and reused for 20 years before they are retired. Its contents are still from the same tap the ordinary Red Horse comes from.

So the next time you see a horse smiling back at you as you drink beer, relax...its the same thing...or you just had too much to drink...

Anime: K-ON!

2009-07-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

When my officemate and fellow anime otaku ,Vince, told me he has an anime about a highschool band, I told him I want to borrow. But since it wasn't finished back then, I told him I'll wait for it to finish. Little did I know that the anime he told me about was K-ON, the series I read about in Hanner's anime blog (I read that blog to know about animes that I didn't get to hear about, I'm quite out of the loop recently because of work).

K-ON (derived from 'kei ongaku bu' which means light music club) is about the air headed and indesicive high school student Yui Hirasawa as she struggles to find anything to do worthwhile in school. Eventhough she doesn't know anything about instruments and music, she enters the club under the impression that they are going to use light instruments (like castanets or recorders).

In there she is accepted by the current members; the boyish and hyper drummer Ritsu Tainaka, the cute but serious bassist Mio Akiyama and the gentle and mellow keyboardist Tsumugi Kotobuki. And in order to be officially recognized, they blackmailed their music teacher, Sawako, a former guitarist of a heavy metal band, to be their advisor.

The stories centers around the friendship and their adventure as members of the 'kei on bu' more than their musical exploits. Enjoying their after school tea time and goofing around more than practicing, to the dismay of Mio.

The anime is quite entertaining. You won't find love stories here or plot twists. Its straight up story about friendship and trying thieir best to attain their goals.

What I like about this anime is their accurate animation of instruments playing. And the hardships of setting up a band, like what I went through in highschool. Although I identify more with Yui because back in highschool, me and my cousin decided to form a band because we wanted to make music but don't know how to play instruments.

This anime is very good watch for a light viewing pick and has a very catchy ending theme.

Anime: Ergo Proxy

2009-07-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

The distant future. Earth became a barren place. Land, water and air is infected with lethal particulates. The environment is so damaged that humans live in domes cities as they wait for the Earth to heal itself. Eventhough they live in a consumerist society, maintaining the lifestyle they once had and used to, the city's council control every aspect of the citizen's lives...under close survailance and stringent information control. With the help of humanoid robots called 'autorave', the council keeps close watch over the citizens and the goverment employees. A model of socialist/ totalitarian rule...and the people are somewhat used to it. Never questioning...always obeying.

Welcome to the world of Ergo Proxy.

The story is about the exploits of Autorave Control specialist Real Mayer and immigrant Vincent Law, as they sought the reason behind the recent infection of autoraves, civilian killings and the emergence of powerful and mysterious beings referred to as 'proxies'. Their actions not only create a conflict of ideals between Real, Vincent and the controlling council, it also made them into outcasts and outlaws as they search for the truth about what is happening to the world.

A few episodes past halfway of the series, the theme of the story becomes a set of mind games. Psychological to say the least. It seems to connote the toll their journey takes on the psyche. Being alone, traveling amidst the desolate landscape, without any other human contact except amongst themselves.

There is also a sort of love-hate tension between the main characters, Real and Vincent, which was explained at the closing episodes of the series. All the things they have done and felt is deeply rooted in their past, as their existense, it seems, are just shadows of proxies and people who are responsible for the creation of their society.

As an anime, Ergo Proxy presents itself well with thought provoking lines and seemless animation. The overall theme is like a clash of scientific, psychological and theological ideals presented with dark overtones of a future filled with deception, despair and hope.

Under The Starry Skies of Ursaminor

2009-07-07T01:50:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of rock bands today but a few are able to combine their grunge roots with contemporary song writing like Ursaminor.

Their name is derived from the little bear constellation which, as frontman Ced told, he saw while looking up at the night sky, while in a car, in one of his moments in drunken daze.

They started after guitarist/vocalist Ced came back from the US in 2005 and shared some song ideas with their neighbor Jambs, who would eventually become their bassist. Ced's sister, Yam, was later added as the permanent drummer after their previous one left. Ursaminor friend and Mayonnaise frontman Monty later replaced their former guitarist.

Ced writes the songs for the band and describes their music to be guitar and lyrically driven with sad, melancholic overtones... staying true to his main influence, the late Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. Some may brand their music to be 'Nirvana'-like, but a close look at their arrangements reveals various harmony and progressions usually attributed to Pinoy alternative bands.

They released their EP 'A.S.C.E.T.I.C.' last 2007. I recommend listening to their songs 'Taciturn' and 'Lucky Son'. But, like all artists, nothing beats seeing the energy of their live performances. Like in their outstanding performance at the BandaFest event held last July 4 at Hard Rock Cafe, Makati. Its only in these times when you could hear the intensity of Ced's guitar playing and vocal delivery. Supported by Monty's technical ingeniuity on the guitar and Jambs' almost stoic but full bodied bass. And watching Yam get in the 'zone' by transforming into, what I call, her 'Sadako mode'.

There is their one song, which Ced tells me that is entitled 'MySQL', takes the prize as my fave Ursaminor song. There's something about it that takes me back to my late highschool-early college days. I dunno, maybe because how Ced's crooning is very similar to his late idol's, which I was heavily into that time.

Launch of Flippish.com at Fiama Bar

2009-07-06T02:13:00.000-07:00

Along the dead stretch of Jupiter street, just past Paseo de Roxas, lies the upscale bar of Fiama (not to be confused with Fiamma of New York). This trendy nightspot is the venue for the official launch of the first Filipino webtv called Flippish last July 2. The name is derived from the 'flip' moniker usually heard in the US about anything Filipino.

The evening's program was opened with the performance by The Indios, one of the first band to be featured in LSS. Free booze sponsored by The Bar was flowing amidst the introduction of the people and hosts behind Flippish and features about their present and future programs.

me and my wife enjoying a tasty mix of The Bar Lemon and Lime Gin with Sprite

The people of Creative Minds, Inc. brought about this concept of a Filipino internet based TV channel to cater to the need to provide quality Filipino media content in the web.

At the forefront of this new form of media, Flippish.com has a wide range of cutting edge progams. From comedy (Direk...my fave program), reality shows (Social Experiment), lifestyle shows (Girl Next Door, Weekend Warriors) and a whole lot more. It also has its own music video program called LSS (Last Song Syndrome) where the bands of the Rubber Duckie family are featured (even my very own HedgeZero).

Rubber Duckie senior partners Dean and Jamil

This webtv channel comes at a time when Filipinos across the world still want to keep in touch with the current pulse of the people, without restrictions and boundaries.

I-Ray bassist Mastey and Free Fish drummer Tops horsing around

Me and Ryan's cousin, Edward. Ryan's here somewhere...

The Bar: Its like having a bartender in your drinking session

2009-07-06T02:08:00.000-07:00

Its been a long time since my body approves of a certain alcoholic beverage. One such beverage is the flavored gin and vodka of 'The Bar'.

Now I'm not sure if this is the same 'The Bar' that came out during the 80's. If so, then they came back with a new, better look and a modern, more mature twist in their flavor.

I got to sample these drinks in the recent launch of Flippish.com at Fiama and I must say, I loved both flavors that they came up with. There is the Orange Vodka and the Lemon and Lime Gin. They both have an equal hint of flavor to the appropriate portion of alcohol, just enough to give the same flavor as the ones served in a local joint without overpowering the other. The fruit flavors don't stand out that much so don't expect a wine cooler kind of mix.

Despite its hip packaging, its has a very reasonable price of P68 per bottle in SM.

HedgeZero's "Far Beyond" Video in 6UG

2009-07-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

I got an email yesterday that our latest song 'Far Beyond' has a video on 6 Underground's YouTube site.

In leiu with their goal to help promote and support various indie and underground bands, 6 Underground produces video recordings of the artists that performs at their bar at Pearl Drive in Pasig City. I think this video was shot during the 2nd anniversary gig of I-Ray last June 12.

This is the first clear recording made of that song, which is a hit among our fans (by 'fans' I meant our close friends and relatives who attends our gigs :-)).

The song was first performed at 6UG during our EP launch and was finished just in time for that event.

'Far Beyond' is primarily a tribute to all the people who passed away that year who were close to us. Especially to a former officemate of mine who, despite the hardships imposed by his illness, never fails to lighten up, care, and offer friendship to those around him.

As one song by Pennywise goes,"...Jayson, my brother, this one's for you..."

My HongKong style mix

2009-06-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

HongKong style noodles (and its other incarnates) has been around for quite some time now. Other franchises and fly-by-night dealers spring out of every crevise in the city. From established name brands to local street peddlers cashing in on the fad. But stir fried noodles , whether be it from the wok or a heated steel plate, are nothing new to our palette.

I tried a lot from various outlets, but nothing beats my favorite place, HongKong Style Noodles at the top level of Robinson's Pioneer in Mandaluyong City. Not 'da original', not 'da first', not even the 'Hoy! we sell HK style noodles here' on the name. Just plain and simple 'HongKong Style Noodles'.

Unlike most places where they just heat up the noodles then pack them up with siomai staight from the pan, this cart fries the noodles. Giving it its crunchy-chewy texture I love in stir fried noodles. Not relying on the 'toge' or spring beans to give that crunch.

There I also found my perfect mix in the sauce. Its a common misconception that you should drown your noodles in the various sauces available to enjoy it. You have to practice moderation. The sauces are there to enhance the flavor of the noodles, not serve as the main dish. My mix involves one scoop of teriyaki sauce, one scoop of oyster sauce, one scoop of toyomansi (a combination of lime and soy sauce), and a pinch of oil from the chili garlic bin just to add that little spice. Although that mix is for the single order sized serving, you don't have to double it for the jumbo size. Just make the toyomansi a scoop and a half.

Next time you decide to go for some HK style noodles, try this mix. You'll love it.