And so it ends...
Goodbye 2003.
It has been a wonderful surge of events, hasn't it?
Lots of new faces. New friends. Interesting twists at work. Wonderful surprises. Serendipity. Agonizing moments. Frustrations and annoyances. Ah, 2003 was a tumultous year with lots to cuss about and even more to be thankful for.
Well, may 2004 be just as interesting and just as blessed.
Uh, although the Chinese may claim I just cursed myself there! Heheheheh
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
I'm probably getting older
Just send out a note to an old schoolmate whom I once shared a great friendship with. Sometime just before the end of my stay in the college, we broke off the friendship in very bad terms. Hopping around Friendster.com I found myself finding a picture of someone who looks like her, has the same first name, and now has a kid.
Suddenly, a sense of regret overwhelmed me.
I guess its only in your mid-twenties that one realises that friendships broken off back in the younger years tend to have been severed for very shallow reasons. And even if the reasons didn't seem shallow then, its around this time of age that one realises that friendships need not be given such an endangered status.
So, swallowing a five year old lump of pride, I opted to send her a note and a New Years greeting hoping she too has realised how petty the reason for breaking the friendship was.
Of course, I could be wrong.
And she may still hate my guts.
But I guess now I realise there's no true harm in trying to show old friends-turned enemies the first step to regaining closeness can come from someone they thought would never grow up.
I feel tempted to send similar notes to a bunch of other people whom I used to proudly call "my friends."
But I'm afraid they'd simply read the attempt as "another manipulative attempt" or something. Here's to hoping I overcome my worries and just do it before the year ends.
I want next year to start clean.
And with less unnecessary hate in the world.
My golly, the sun is up!
And I am still awake.
Gotta grab some sleep.
Have a roleplaying game to run around 7:00p.m. tonight.
And yes, obviously, growing up doesn't have to mean becoming boring and aborting the inner child.
:-)
Advance Happy New Year people!
Oh, and Belated Merry Christmas!
Just send out a note to an old schoolmate whom I once shared a great friendship with. Sometime just before the end of my stay in the college, we broke off the friendship in very bad terms. Hopping around Friendster.com I found myself finding a picture of someone who looks like her, has the same first name, and now has a kid.
Suddenly, a sense of regret overwhelmed me.
I guess its only in your mid-twenties that one realises that friendships broken off back in the younger years tend to have been severed for very shallow reasons. And even if the reasons didn't seem shallow then, its around this time of age that one realises that friendships need not be given such an endangered status.
So, swallowing a five year old lump of pride, I opted to send her a note and a New Years greeting hoping she too has realised how petty the reason for breaking the friendship was.
Of course, I could be wrong.
And she may still hate my guts.
But I guess now I realise there's no true harm in trying to show old friends-turned enemies the first step to regaining closeness can come from someone they thought would never grow up.
I feel tempted to send similar notes to a bunch of other people whom I used to proudly call "my friends."
But I'm afraid they'd simply read the attempt as "another manipulative attempt" or something. Here's to hoping I overcome my worries and just do it before the year ends.
I want next year to start clean.
And with less unnecessary hate in the world.
My golly, the sun is up!
And I am still awake.
Gotta grab some sleep.
Have a roleplaying game to run around 7:00p.m. tonight.
And yes, obviously, growing up doesn't have to mean becoming boring and aborting the inner child.
:-)
Advance Happy New Year people!
Oh, and Belated Merry Christmas!
Since two people asked this same day...
A short history on Tobie's Gaming
written: October 1, 2000
I was an elf.
I had the nice pointed ears. The golden blonde hair. A bow on my back, a quiver of arrows on my side. I was an elf. An elven ranger.
The game was held in the bus I rode each morning to get to school. I was barely old enough to really understand the concept of a roleplaying game, just enough to understand that it had to do with creating a small character using numbers and paper and then telling the other person if you want to try to kill the monster.
My elf was on a mountain. The other guy told me that my elf felt the mountain shaking.
I had my elf look around. The other guy told me my elf discovers I am on a volcano. The volcano erupts. He asks me what do I do.
I say, "Jump up the nearest tree."
The tree burns.
Game over.
My first roleplaying game experience. I was barely in my teen years. My Dungeon Master was a High school Senior who also took the school bus. It lasted barely 5 minutes.
After that day, I vowed to myself never to ever give any player I have under me a game as horrible as that one.
My first taste of roleplaying games was Dungeons and Dragons. Strangely, since my own source for information on the game was with the High school Seniors who hated my guts, getting to understand the game was though. Nearly impossible even. A friend of mine, one just a few years older than me, offered to lend me one of his copies of the game. Although I did not know it then, the book I got was a copy of the Master's book. A book meant for those who have played past the basics of the book. One meant for the more experienced troupe.
I studied it. Learned it wrongly. Played it wrongly ("yes, to hit the monster, roll above your Armor Class.") and eventually decided that the game was fun.
Then game the others. A host load of others that surged past me like a hurricane let lose on the fringes of my imagination.
Marvel Superheroes. Star Frontiers. Top Secret. Battletech. Robotech. D.C. Heroes. Gammarauders (although, only to read and not play) and hundreds of Choose Your Own Adventures.
The games rattled by the hundreds. I played in many. Started Game Mastering most. An amazing feat considering this was within a three year span.
The focus of the games was the action. The combat scenes. Blowing things up, killing the evil creatures, tearing apart the well-laid plans of the wicked villains... those were the roots of each game. No exploration on the themes of life, or society. No depth. But fun nontheless.
Then came Advanced Dungeons and Dragons.
The games suddenly shifted in approach. Although experience points and stopping the villains were present in the game, my Dungeon Master back then decided to throw a new approach to the game; He gave the game a whole story focus. The previous games did have their plots, but they were too comic-cut and simple. The previous games were almost like simply reading a comic book where each episode, a new villain is introduced, fought, and defeated.
This time, the good guys can lose.
And the game goes on as the heroes struggle to win again... struggle to save what they can... and continue to make more stories carrying with them the regrets of their faliures and the rewards of their heroism.
Suddenly, the games were deeper than we thought possible.
I began taking my Communication arts major in college. I got into theater, learned to be more open-minded to both the music I listened to and the books I read.. and discovered that I can add these to the gaming experience.
And what's more, we learned they weren't limited to the AD&D system. We applied the approach to all the other games we had... and discovered they worked there too.
And even on other games we discovered such as Macross and Teenagers from Outer Space. The system was there to play the game, but the approach was entirely up to us. That was the beautiful thing we discovered about gaming back then.
Then Whitewolf Gaming Studios came and changed the way we thought... well, not changed, but added a new paradigm.
We could play the bad guys too.
Suddenly, from what began as angst-ridden games that projected our anger towards a materialistic world run by a patriarchal society lacking courage to stand up for its rights.... we began exploring mature themes. Was there a time when killing might be considered? Is there such a thing as Truth? Can Faith be as deadly as Sin? Does Love truly win in the end? Should there be gender biases? Many questions were explored, and re-explored and raised in the games.
Whitewolf Gaming Studios offered opportunities to play everything from vampires to werewolves, mages to sorcerers, fae to ghosts, and so forth... the hundreds of variations of each theme too were offered all for the enjoyment of the individual gamer.
All of the sudden, we learned that RPG offered both Fun and Education in one sitting.
We tried more stuff, although unlike before, we still kept on playing Whitewolf games. Some weekends were allocated to try other games such as Paranoia, Chill, In Nomine, Live Action Roleplaying games, Children of Fire, Aberrant, Trinity, Alternity, Legend of the Five Rings, and a host load of original homebrewed games.
And each time we played, we discovered more and more about how versatile roleplaying games can be.
To end this article, I guess, since its intention was more to give you an idea of the type of gaming systems I have gone through in my entire life... I just want to add, the roleplaying game you choose is not necessarily the definition to use when describing what roleplaying games are to another person. The roleplaying game you choose is nothing more but a MEDIUM of storytelling games. Be it Marvel Superheroes, Vampire:the Masquerade, Chill or Dungeons and Dragons, the depth a game can have is totally dependent on how the game is approached.
EDIT: For more gaming related stuff, check out my gaming blog TAGSESSIONS
A short history on Tobie's Gaming
written: October 1, 2000
I was an elf.
I had the nice pointed ears. The golden blonde hair. A bow on my back, a quiver of arrows on my side. I was an elf. An elven ranger.
The game was held in the bus I rode each morning to get to school. I was barely old enough to really understand the concept of a roleplaying game, just enough to understand that it had to do with creating a small character using numbers and paper and then telling the other person if you want to try to kill the monster.
My elf was on a mountain. The other guy told me that my elf felt the mountain shaking.
I had my elf look around. The other guy told me my elf discovers I am on a volcano. The volcano erupts. He asks me what do I do.
I say, "Jump up the nearest tree."
The tree burns.
Game over.
My first roleplaying game experience. I was barely in my teen years. My Dungeon Master was a High school Senior who also took the school bus. It lasted barely 5 minutes.
After that day, I vowed to myself never to ever give any player I have under me a game as horrible as that one.
My first taste of roleplaying games was Dungeons and Dragons. Strangely, since my own source for information on the game was with the High school Seniors who hated my guts, getting to understand the game was though. Nearly impossible even. A friend of mine, one just a few years older than me, offered to lend me one of his copies of the game. Although I did not know it then, the book I got was a copy of the Master's book. A book meant for those who have played past the basics of the book. One meant for the more experienced troupe.
I studied it. Learned it wrongly. Played it wrongly ("yes, to hit the monster, roll above your Armor Class.") and eventually decided that the game was fun.
Then game the others. A host load of others that surged past me like a hurricane let lose on the fringes of my imagination.
Marvel Superheroes. Star Frontiers. Top Secret. Battletech. Robotech. D.C. Heroes. Gammarauders (although, only to read and not play) and hundreds of Choose Your Own Adventures.
The games rattled by the hundreds. I played in many. Started Game Mastering most. An amazing feat considering this was within a three year span.
The focus of the games was the action. The combat scenes. Blowing things up, killing the evil creatures, tearing apart the well-laid plans of the wicked villains... those were the roots of each game. No exploration on the themes of life, or society. No depth. But fun nontheless.
Then came Advanced Dungeons and Dragons.
The games suddenly shifted in approach. Although experience points and stopping the villains were present in the game, my Dungeon Master back then decided to throw a new approach to the game; He gave the game a whole story focus. The previous games did have their plots, but they were too comic-cut and simple. The previous games were almost like simply reading a comic book where each episode, a new villain is introduced, fought, and defeated.
This time, the good guys can lose.
And the game goes on as the heroes struggle to win again... struggle to save what they can... and continue to make more stories carrying with them the regrets of their faliures and the rewards of their heroism.
Suddenly, the games were deeper than we thought possible.
I began taking my Communication arts major in college. I got into theater, learned to be more open-minded to both the music I listened to and the books I read.. and discovered that I can add these to the gaming experience.
And what's more, we learned they weren't limited to the AD&D system. We applied the approach to all the other games we had... and discovered they worked there too.
And even on other games we discovered such as Macross and Teenagers from Outer Space. The system was there to play the game, but the approach was entirely up to us. That was the beautiful thing we discovered about gaming back then.
Then Whitewolf Gaming Studios came and changed the way we thought... well, not changed, but added a new paradigm.
We could play the bad guys too.
Suddenly, from what began as angst-ridden games that projected our anger towards a materialistic world run by a patriarchal society lacking courage to stand up for its rights.... we began exploring mature themes. Was there a time when killing might be considered? Is there such a thing as Truth? Can Faith be as deadly as Sin? Does Love truly win in the end? Should there be gender biases? Many questions were explored, and re-explored and raised in the games.
Whitewolf Gaming Studios offered opportunities to play everything from vampires to werewolves, mages to sorcerers, fae to ghosts, and so forth... the hundreds of variations of each theme too were offered all for the enjoyment of the individual gamer.
All of the sudden, we learned that RPG offered both Fun and Education in one sitting.
We tried more stuff, although unlike before, we still kept on playing Whitewolf games. Some weekends were allocated to try other games such as Paranoia, Chill, In Nomine, Live Action Roleplaying games, Children of Fire, Aberrant, Trinity, Alternity, Legend of the Five Rings, and a host load of original homebrewed games.
And each time we played, we discovered more and more about how versatile roleplaying games can be.
To end this article, I guess, since its intention was more to give you an idea of the type of gaming systems I have gone through in my entire life... I just want to add, the roleplaying game you choose is not necessarily the definition to use when describing what roleplaying games are to another person. The roleplaying game you choose is nothing more but a MEDIUM of storytelling games. Be it Marvel Superheroes, Vampire:the Masquerade, Chill or Dungeons and Dragons, the depth a game can have is totally dependent on how the game is approached.
EDIT: For more gaming related stuff, check out my gaming blog TAGSESSIONS
Monday, December 29, 2003
Amorador
Another old erotic poem I wrote back in March.
In case you're wondering, I'm unearthing these from an old haunt I used to frequent.
Deviantart.com. You can find a lot of my old shit there in the gallery section. Gosh. Its been that long, eh?
Amorodor
Naked
on the crumpled sheets
i smell you:
Mint bubbles
that clung
your hair menthol soft,
Silk bubbles
that coated
your body spring green,
And salt.
Further down
beneath the folded blanket
i smell you:
Soul bubbles
that cloaked
your navel chlorine white,
And salt.
I inhale,
tasting these memories
as i add my own salt
and silk and soul.
If only you were still
on my bed.
Another old erotic poem I wrote back in March.
In case you're wondering, I'm unearthing these from an old haunt I used to frequent.
Deviantart.com. You can find a lot of my old shit there in the gallery section. Gosh. Its been that long, eh?
Amorodor
Naked
on the crumpled sheets
i smell you:
Mint bubbles
that clung
your hair menthol soft,
Silk bubbles
that coated
your body spring green,
And salt.
Further down
beneath the folded blanket
i smell you:
Soul bubbles
that cloaked
your navel chlorine white,
And salt.
I inhale,
tasting these memories
as i add my own salt
and silk and soul.
If only you were still
on my bed.
Erotica at 2:00am
Just reposting an old poem I wrote back Sept 16, 2002. One of my favorites.
A
drop
of
Cho
co
late
syrup
slides
thickly
down
the
side
of
the
glass.
Laughing,
we joust,
tongues
as
our
weapons
that
clash in a flurry of parries and kisses
besting one another in the hopes of savoring that last drop
of chocolate before it hits the table.
It never makes it down the glass
For our sweaty bodies, covered with scratches and kisses
and invisible prints left behind by our folding, fondling fingers,
has knocked it off the table
which has now become our bed.
Just reposting an old poem I wrote back Sept 16, 2002. One of my favorites.
A
drop
of
Cho
co
late
syrup
slides
thickly
down
the
side
of
the
glass.
Laughing,
we joust,
tongues
as
our
weapons
that
clash in a flurry of parries and kisses
besting one another in the hopes of savoring that last drop
of chocolate before it hits the table.
It never makes it down the glass
For our sweaty bodies, covered with scratches and kisses
and invisible prints left behind by our folding, fondling fingers,
has knocked it off the table
which has now become our bed.
Friday, December 26, 2003
Movies I am anxious to see
Well, other than the obvious,
there's a bunch of movies I am looking terribly forward to seeing.
Big Fish simply because Ewan McGregor remains the best actor I have ever seen on the big screen. He ain't no hunk, yet he can command performances and capture the viewers with his captivating talent(s).
Resident Evil:Apocalypse simply because this is one of the few movies-based-on-videogames that actually works. And I adore Milla Jovovich (a very under-rated actress if I ever saw one).
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is one. I love movies that have the Pulp feel with less of the angst LEXG had. Not to mention having Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie in one movie is the bomb!
Osama is another. I'm a sucker for true stories. Although I have less of an interest for what the Taliban was up to, I have a lot of heart for what the young girl had to go through in this Like-Mulan-Yet-For-Real tale.
Aliens VS Predator simply because this was a movie that was long, long expected to come. Seriously, they should have realised how cool this would be a long time ago.
and there's
The Prince and Me not because of Prince Edward, but because I am a sucker for almost any movie with Julia Stiles in it. I wonder if this will beat "Ten Things I Hate About You" which stands as my favorite teen-flick of all time. Of course, since I have yet to see Mona Lisa Smile that makes two movies that may push Ten Things out of the number one spot.
Well, other than the obvious,
there's a bunch of movies I am looking terribly forward to seeing.
Big Fish simply because Ewan McGregor remains the best actor I have ever seen on the big screen. He ain't no hunk, yet he can command performances and capture the viewers with his captivating talent(s).
Resident Evil:Apocalypse simply because this is one of the few movies-based-on-videogames that actually works. And I adore Milla Jovovich (a very under-rated actress if I ever saw one).
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is one. I love movies that have the Pulp feel with less of the angst LEXG had. Not to mention having Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie in one movie is the bomb!
Osama is another. I'm a sucker for true stories. Although I have less of an interest for what the Taliban was up to, I have a lot of heart for what the young girl had to go through in this Like-Mulan-Yet-For-Real tale.
Aliens VS Predator simply because this was a movie that was long, long expected to come. Seriously, they should have realised how cool this would be a long time ago.
and there's
The Prince and Me not because of Prince Edward, but because I am a sucker for almost any movie with Julia Stiles in it. I wonder if this will beat "Ten Things I Hate About You" which stands as my favorite teen-flick of all time. Of course, since I have yet to see Mona Lisa Smile that makes two movies that may push Ten Things out of the number one spot.
Thursday, December 25, 2003
WHOA!!!
Just got a 1.5litre bottle of Asti Martini for Christmas from one of my aunts. Whoooo-yeah, gonna love drinking this stuff down with a smile on my tingling face. This Christmas season feels good. Not like those previous years.
Last year, though it was a fun party, there was an overcast feeling of foreboding trouble. I don't really know how to explain it. All I can really put into words is, back then, there seemed to be a silent war going on which not everyone was privy to.
This year, things are great!
The family is happy and sharing stories. The kids are a riot, playing with everything from Yu-Gi-Oh cards to small battery-operated piano boards with toy microphones. There's this huge three foot inflatable ball with small spike-like bumps (they remind me of them studded condoms) that seems a big hit with the toddlers.
Great food! Divine wine! And lots of laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs...
Sigh...
It's Christmas, alright.
We started the party with a birthday cake. It had around forty candles, one for each century of Jesus Christ's presence in the world. The kids all sang around it to start the party. A tad too religiously strange for my taste, but hey it was fun.
Still, I wish I could spend Christmas with all my friends.
As well as those whom I used to be friends with.
Just got a 1.5litre bottle of Asti Martini for Christmas from one of my aunts. Whoooo-yeah, gonna love drinking this stuff down with a smile on my tingling face. This Christmas season feels good. Not like those previous years.
Last year, though it was a fun party, there was an overcast feeling of foreboding trouble. I don't really know how to explain it. All I can really put into words is, back then, there seemed to be a silent war going on which not everyone was privy to.
This year, things are great!
The family is happy and sharing stories. The kids are a riot, playing with everything from Yu-Gi-Oh cards to small battery-operated piano boards with toy microphones. There's this huge three foot inflatable ball with small spike-like bumps (they remind me of them studded condoms) that seems a big hit with the toddlers.
Great food! Divine wine! And lots of laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs...
Sigh...
It's Christmas, alright.
We started the party with a birthday cake. It had around forty candles, one for each century of Jesus Christ's presence in the world. The kids all sang around it to start the party. A tad too religiously strange for my taste, but hey it was fun.
Still, I wish I could spend Christmas with all my friends.
As well as those whom I used to be friends with.
Okay okay, I know...
It is now beyond LATE and if I am to be awake for the lunch party tomorrow at my Lola's place, I best head for bed. Found myself drawing today. Yep. Pretty much finished eight pages for Diliman issue 12, which is good considering the creative drought i've been wading in lately.
Hay naku...
Yeah, that says much.
Or nothing depending on who you are.
Astute readers would realise its another one of my what-the-fuck!?!?!? posts.
Sleep is good for you
Supposedly sleep is the time when your body recuperates and regenerates brain cells and stuff. If this is true, i wonder what action would help me emotionally recharge? There just are some days I feel too tired and taxed emotionally to care or be sensitive enough towards others (although some critics called friends would say I am tired and taxed because I am TOO sensitive and caring of others.)
Suggestions are welcome!
Early Mornings are best...
...for many creative indulgences.
A pity so few are worth doing alone.
This is for you, buddy.
I'm off.
And yes, I meant to bed.
(among other things hahahahah! kidding!
grabe, kaka-pasko lang, bastos na agad si Tobie)
Again, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!
It is now beyond LATE and if I am to be awake for the lunch party tomorrow at my Lola's place, I best head for bed. Found myself drawing today. Yep. Pretty much finished eight pages for Diliman issue 12, which is good considering the creative drought i've been wading in lately.
Hay naku...
Yeah, that says much.
Or nothing depending on who you are.
Astute readers would realise its another one of my what-the-fuck!?!?!? posts.
Sleep is good for you
Supposedly sleep is the time when your body recuperates and regenerates brain cells and stuff. If this is true, i wonder what action would help me emotionally recharge? There just are some days I feel too tired and taxed emotionally to care or be sensitive enough towards others (although some critics called friends would say I am tired and taxed because I am TOO sensitive and caring of others.)
Suggestions are welcome!
Early Mornings are best...
...for many creative indulgences.
A pity so few are worth doing alone.
This is for you, buddy.
I'm off.
And yes, I meant to bed.
(among other things hahahahah! kidding!
grabe, kaka-pasko lang, bastos na agad si Tobie)
Again, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!
Yep, still awake
Just dove through another bunch of hours watching Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Extended for the commentary by the cast. Funny how their accents really make it hard to understand what they are saying, and yet these are the same people who have learned to speak the Generic Hollywood English so an international audience can find it easier to comprehend them. Always wondered about that. Why so many songs, movies and the like share this common generic language and yet when their artists are in interviews and the like, their accents dominate every word.
I wonder if there is something there to investigate on.
Hmm...
Diliman 12
Okay, I admit it.
I haven't really done much.
Partly, it is time.
Work has just pretty much devoured any semblance of free time that I used to have.
But mostly, it is ego.
I kinda lost the urge to continue it due to lack of feedback and responses. Especially with the turn-out my comic's first anniversary had. I mean seriously, I was pretty much begging people to submit something for my website. Buti na lang makapal ang mukha ko, at buti na lang mababait ang mga tao.
But honestly, I felt like no one really cared about the comic. It ain't a Culture Crash, or a Darna, or even a Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah. It ain't even really indie. Indie comics are comics that cater to an audience that the "general industry" cannot target or cater to. Diliman didn't do that.
Of course, there are those who'd disagree.
All I am saying is that's what I felt then.
And that should explain (not excuse) the lack of a 12th issue for so long.
I promise you though, I'll get that issue out.
I swear.
After all, DILIMAN began as a labor of love.
It shouldn't end as a "non selling item". It should end as a "closed book".
Just dove through another bunch of hours watching Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Extended for the commentary by the cast. Funny how their accents really make it hard to understand what they are saying, and yet these are the same people who have learned to speak the Generic Hollywood English so an international audience can find it easier to comprehend them. Always wondered about that. Why so many songs, movies and the like share this common generic language and yet when their artists are in interviews and the like, their accents dominate every word.
I wonder if there is something there to investigate on.
Hmm...
Diliman 12
Okay, I admit it.
I haven't really done much.
Partly, it is time.
Work has just pretty much devoured any semblance of free time that I used to have.
But mostly, it is ego.
I kinda lost the urge to continue it due to lack of feedback and responses. Especially with the turn-out my comic's first anniversary had. I mean seriously, I was pretty much begging people to submit something for my website. Buti na lang makapal ang mukha ko, at buti na lang mababait ang mga tao.
But honestly, I felt like no one really cared about the comic. It ain't a Culture Crash, or a Darna, or even a Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah. It ain't even really indie. Indie comics are comics that cater to an audience that the "general industry" cannot target or cater to. Diliman didn't do that.
Of course, there are those who'd disagree.
All I am saying is that's what I felt then.
And that should explain (not excuse) the lack of a 12th issue for so long.
I promise you though, I'll get that issue out.
I swear.
After all, DILIMAN began as a labor of love.
It shouldn't end as a "non selling item". It should end as a "closed book".
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Christmas Eve
Yep. And I'm here at home with the grim truth that the computer has been fried. I think I'll going to end up shelling out a lot of money. Sigh... Well, it could be worse.
Pretty much slept through the morning.
Spent last night watching Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers Extended and fell asleep around 5:30 a.m. or so. Must have gotten more tired than expected. Had a good night's sleep though still, since I woke up feeling refreshed and pretty good.
The afternoon was spent as a shopping spree. Had to rush and find all them gifts I failed to get the previous days. Well, I'm just happy the day is going much more better than yesterday.
Still... the distance can be a killer.
I really really miss being with certain friends.
But we aren't really in control of such things anymore, are we?
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Yep. And I'm here at home with the grim truth that the computer has been fried. I think I'll going to end up shelling out a lot of money. Sigh... Well, it could be worse.
Pretty much slept through the morning.
Spent last night watching Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers Extended and fell asleep around 5:30 a.m. or so. Must have gotten more tired than expected. Had a good night's sleep though still, since I woke up feeling refreshed and pretty good.
The afternoon was spent as a shopping spree. Had to rush and find all them gifts I failed to get the previous days. Well, I'm just happy the day is going much more better than yesterday.
Still... the distance can be a killer.
I really really miss being with certain friends.
But we aren't really in control of such things anymore, are we?
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Real Ghosts
Here's a pic of a real ghost.
Check it here.
Where as other types of ghosts are keeping me from sleeping well.
Nope they have nothing to do with my Christmas past or future.
Heck, nothing to do with Christmas at all.
Other than its the time frame, eh?
Gah.
Gonna grab Morpheus and demand he let me sleep.
Here's a pic of a real ghost.
Check it here.
Where as other types of ghosts are keeping me from sleeping well.
Nope they have nothing to do with my Christmas past or future.
Heck, nothing to do with Christmas at all.
Other than its the time frame, eh?
Gah.
Gonna grab Morpheus and demand he let me sleep.
You Belong to Me
Sung by Tori Amos for Mona Lisa Smile
Song: You Belong To Me Lyrics
See The Pyramids
Along the Nile
Watch the sun rise
On a tropic isle
Just remember darling
All the while
You belong to me...
See the market place
In old Algiers
Send me photographs
And souvenirs
Just remember
'Til your dream appears
You belong to me....
I'll be so alone
Without you
Maybe
You'll be lonesome, too
Maybe
You'll be lonesome too
And blue
Fly the ocean
In a silver plane
See the jungle
When its wet with rains
Just remember
Till you're home again
Or until I come home to you
You belong to me...
Sung by Tori Amos for Mona Lisa Smile
Song: You Belong To Me Lyrics
See The Pyramids
Along the Nile
Watch the sun rise
On a tropic isle
Just remember darling
All the while
You belong to me...
See the market place
In old Algiers
Send me photographs
And souvenirs
Just remember
'Til your dream appears
You belong to me....
I'll be so alone
Without you
Maybe
You'll be lonesome, too
Maybe
You'll be lonesome too
And blue
Fly the ocean
In a silver plane
See the jungle
When its wet with rains
Just remember
Till you're home again
Or until I come home to you
You belong to me...
(w)Eep
“I have never performed that function,” the glassy-eyed mannequin explained, “Though I believe it does exist among my parameters. If I may ask, what is its purpose?”
He reached up and ran his left hand across his eyes. The glistening hint of tears was wiped away in one smooth motion. Although there still was the lingering pang of regret, guilt and loneliness that swirled somewhere between his heart and his labored breathing, Harper decided removing the more visible hint of sadness was the best he could do for now.
“Some say it helps one feel better,” Harper mumbled to the inquisitive automaton as he made his way towards it from the bed. On its slender pipe-like arms was a white cotton bathrobe, warmed to just slightly above room temperature. Harper always liked the warmth of soft touches. “Others say it helps one feel like they’ve released pent up emotions. Or at least allowed themselves a moment to acknowledge their own weakness.”
“I fail to comprehend,” the mannequin bleeped as it escorted its master to the restroom. Activating concealed switches with a wave of its antenna, the bath slowly began to fill with water heated to just the right temperature. The window blinds slid partly open to permit the warm morning dawn to stream in. A soft hint of menthol slipped into the air as the aroma therapy option was activated.
“Just look at it this way,” Harper offered a smile to this automaton as he slid into the tub and simply let the robe fall to the ground. Soap suds danced away from his skin as his hands darted beneath the water to rub the soothing waves against his chest. “It didn’t work. I still feel like shit.”
The mannequin merely stared unblinking, picked up the fallen robe, then skittered towards the door.
“Perhaps then master,” it suggested, “I should prepare the toilet for you.”
“I have never performed that function,” the glassy-eyed mannequin explained, “Though I believe it does exist among my parameters. If I may ask, what is its purpose?”
He reached up and ran his left hand across his eyes. The glistening hint of tears was wiped away in one smooth motion. Although there still was the lingering pang of regret, guilt and loneliness that swirled somewhere between his heart and his labored breathing, Harper decided removing the more visible hint of sadness was the best he could do for now.
“Some say it helps one feel better,” Harper mumbled to the inquisitive automaton as he made his way towards it from the bed. On its slender pipe-like arms was a white cotton bathrobe, warmed to just slightly above room temperature. Harper always liked the warmth of soft touches. “Others say it helps one feel like they’ve released pent up emotions. Or at least allowed themselves a moment to acknowledge their own weakness.”
“I fail to comprehend,” the mannequin bleeped as it escorted its master to the restroom. Activating concealed switches with a wave of its antenna, the bath slowly began to fill with water heated to just the right temperature. The window blinds slid partly open to permit the warm morning dawn to stream in. A soft hint of menthol slipped into the air as the aroma therapy option was activated.
“Just look at it this way,” Harper offered a smile to this automaton as he slid into the tub and simply let the robe fall to the ground. Soap suds danced away from his skin as his hands darted beneath the water to rub the soothing waves against his chest. “It didn’t work. I still feel like shit.”
The mannequin merely stared unblinking, picked up the fallen robe, then skittered towards the door.
“Perhaps then master,” it suggested, “I should prepare the toilet for you.”
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
I hate static electricity
Static Electricity is like dead emotions.
You know they are charged and still violatile. You know they can be wild and powerful. You know they can still zap something to life. And yet, there they lie silent and quiet, giving the most unassuming appearance. They give the semblance of calm and of safety.
Fuck Static Electricity.
Today, I think I may have fried my parent's 3360AP Compaq after attempting to plug in the disconnected telephone line to the computer while it was in the process of booting. The computer suddenly flickered a warning and shut down on me. A haunting message spoke of something about doing that to keep the computer from suffering further damage. I dunno.
Called Seth up and according to him, it may have been static charge accumulating on the plug. Especially with the cool weather.
Is it dead? Or just asleep for now til the charge I mistakenly given it fades away... remains to be seen.
All I know is that I hate static electricity right now.
Static Electricity is like dead emotions.
You know they are charged and still violatile. You know they can be wild and powerful. You know they can still zap something to life. And yet, there they lie silent and quiet, giving the most unassuming appearance. They give the semblance of calm and of safety.
Fuck Static Electricity.
Today, I think I may have fried my parent's 3360AP Compaq after attempting to plug in the disconnected telephone line to the computer while it was in the process of booting. The computer suddenly flickered a warning and shut down on me. A haunting message spoke of something about doing that to keep the computer from suffering further damage. I dunno.
Called Seth up and according to him, it may have been static charge accumulating on the plug. Especially with the cool weather.
Is it dead? Or just asleep for now til the charge I mistakenly given it fades away... remains to be seen.
All I know is that I hate static electricity right now.
Christmas party number... uh, I forgot
So many parties in one year, I tell you. I lost track how many have happened.
Last night was another great one. Food was great! Company even better! Oh boy, the loads of beer and wine I had in one sitting.
We played the Lord of the Rings: Trivial Pursuit game again with the girls going against the guys. Sadly, though the guys put up a tremendously exciting fight, the girls won the game in the end. It was fun, seeing them panic over questions and rattle their brains for the answer.
After wards, we had a game of Charades with topics ranging from Filipino Movies, to Scientific Theorem. Once again, it was girls against guys with the final topic being written by the teams themselves. The guys, having a huge lead against the girls, opted for more humorous topics and had the girls struggle to act out the titles of various TF Films (note: TF films, otherwise known as Tintillating Filipino films are infamously known for thier sexual scenes and breast exposures.) but the best word for the game came from the girls with Humu-Humu-something... ah.. basta, name ng tropical fish from this weird Hawaii song.
There was ice cream! A pity I am one of the few people whom can't have ice cream and beer within the same hour. Ho well... may Cookies and Cream pints pa naman ako sa bahay.
The trips home was just as fun with me, Donna, Ford and Elaine traversing the area to bring each other home. Laughs abounded pretty much the length of the journey. Still, it was a shock being called a Slut, a Kikay and a Talipandas all in the same breath. Grabe ha.. I'm not THAT bad.
Well, maybe sometimes.
:-)
So many parties in one year, I tell you. I lost track how many have happened.
Last night was another great one. Food was great! Company even better! Oh boy, the loads of beer and wine I had in one sitting.
We played the Lord of the Rings: Trivial Pursuit game again with the girls going against the guys. Sadly, though the guys put up a tremendously exciting fight, the girls won the game in the end. It was fun, seeing them panic over questions and rattle their brains for the answer.
After wards, we had a game of Charades with topics ranging from Filipino Movies, to Scientific Theorem. Once again, it was girls against guys with the final topic being written by the teams themselves. The guys, having a huge lead against the girls, opted for more humorous topics and had the girls struggle to act out the titles of various TF Films (note: TF films, otherwise known as Tintillating Filipino films are infamously known for thier sexual scenes and breast exposures.) but the best word for the game came from the girls with Humu-Humu-something... ah.. basta, name ng tropical fish from this weird Hawaii song.
There was ice cream! A pity I am one of the few people whom can't have ice cream and beer within the same hour. Ho well... may Cookies and Cream pints pa naman ako sa bahay.
The trips home was just as fun with me, Donna, Ford and Elaine traversing the area to bring each other home. Laughs abounded pretty much the length of the journey. Still, it was a shock being called a Slut, a Kikay and a Talipandas all in the same breath. Grabe ha.. I'm not THAT bad.
Well, maybe sometimes.
:-)
Monday, December 22, 2003
Finally
It seems I finally finished the damn project I have to accomplish today. God, I hope I can party soon. Grabe... all I've eaten so far has been two peach-mango pies and a veggie jamacian patty. I dunno. Not really hungry today.
Well, no. Am hungry as hell.
Just no appetite or interest in actually getting food.
Insider news
Thanks to a buddy, I at least found out that my work isn't necessarily sucky. Rather, things are worse economy wise.
Well, yay me.
It seems I finally finished the damn project I have to accomplish today. God, I hope I can party soon. Grabe... all I've eaten so far has been two peach-mango pies and a veggie jamacian patty. I dunno. Not really hungry today.
Well, no. Am hungry as hell.
Just no appetite or interest in actually getting food.
Insider news
Thanks to a buddy, I at least found out that my work isn't necessarily sucky. Rather, things are worse economy wise.
Well, yay me.
One out of two isn't bad
Finally got a copy of Mona Lisa Smile. I'm happy I got it.
Seal's cover of Mona Lisa is very unexpected, that I can say. Unexpected yet soothingly nice to listen to. Tori Amos' new songs are very nice! Quite different from what I would expect of her stuff, yet very Tori from the way they sound. Her rendition of "You Belong to Me" just dances with unrequited love compared to other versions. Her touches on "Murder He Says" just left me smiling. Macy Gray, Elton John, Celine Dion, Mandy Moore, Alison Krauss and even Lisa Stansfield and Kelly Rowland are in this album! I guess Barbra Streisand's appearance is no surprise considering the songs in here.
Of course, the scores by Rachel Portman and the interpretation of the Trevor Horn Orchestra of Istanbul and Sh Boom are worthy of repeated listening.
All in all, a great buy!
A pity though I could not find the Suzzane Vega album I was hoping to find. I guess it'll have to wait. There's a lot of time anyway.
Life goes on.
Finally got a copy of Mona Lisa Smile. I'm happy I got it.
Seal's cover of Mona Lisa is very unexpected, that I can say. Unexpected yet soothingly nice to listen to. Tori Amos' new songs are very nice! Quite different from what I would expect of her stuff, yet very Tori from the way they sound. Her rendition of "You Belong to Me" just dances with unrequited love compared to other versions. Her touches on "Murder He Says" just left me smiling. Macy Gray, Elton John, Celine Dion, Mandy Moore, Alison Krauss and even Lisa Stansfield and Kelly Rowland are in this album! I guess Barbra Streisand's appearance is no surprise considering the songs in here.
Of course, the scores by Rachel Portman and the interpretation of the Trevor Horn Orchestra of Istanbul and Sh Boom are worthy of repeated listening.
All in all, a great buy!
A pity though I could not find the Suzzane Vega album I was hoping to find. I guess it'll have to wait. There's a lot of time anyway.
Life goes on.
Cramping, Acidic, Mother-fucking Tummy
Its 2:02. Maybe I should grab lunch.
Heh. Just skipped breakfast to finish my work early.
Now, skipping lunch to hit a two p.m. deadline.
Well, its passed two and the people I'm expecting to meet are still out for lunch.
Wonderful, ain't it?
Sigh.
Finances check!
Got enough money to search for Mona Lisa Smile.
Damn I want that CD. Right now, I need to hear Tori croon in a 40's version song.
Although I will admit, Suzanne Vega too is suddenly a lot more interesting. Gonna search for one of her CDs later too. That's around 900 bucks down the drain in one go.. but hey, I deserve some happiness too right?
Even just to listen to.
Its 2:02. Maybe I should grab lunch.
Heh. Just skipped breakfast to finish my work early.
Now, skipping lunch to hit a two p.m. deadline.
Well, its passed two and the people I'm expecting to meet are still out for lunch.
Wonderful, ain't it?
Sigh.
Finances check!
Got enough money to search for Mona Lisa Smile.
Damn I want that CD. Right now, I need to hear Tori croon in a 40's version song.
Although I will admit, Suzanne Vega too is suddenly a lot more interesting. Gonna search for one of her CDs later too. That's around 900 bucks down the drain in one go.. but hey, I deserve some happiness too right?
Even just to listen to.
Sunday, December 21, 2003
More pictures online!
From the C3 Con (well, barely, since the pictures are more of old school mates as well as powerful people behind SIGLO:FREEDOM, to the recent company-wde Christmas party of ABS-CBN.
Check them all out here:
http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/tobito_abad
From the C3 Con (well, barely, since the pictures are more of old school mates as well as powerful people behind SIGLO:FREEDOM, to the recent company-wde Christmas party of ABS-CBN.
Check them all out here:
http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/tobito_abad
Whoa
Two parties in one day. Well, three if you count the one I wasn't able to attend.
It was a doozy. For a moment I felt like a re-enactment of the Lord of the Rings journey, zipping from San Juan to Paranaque, to Makati, then to San Juan again, then to Shaw, then to Kalayaan, then to San Juan with the driver having one last trek to Paranaque.
Still, it was worth it!
The Siglo: Freedom party
Sorry to come at the last minute, Dean, but I do hope you forgive me.
And thank you for still allowing me in. :-) It was strange, being amidst luminaries such as El, Andrew, Nikki, Dean, Gerry and Oli all in one room. I felt so.... out-of-my-league. Sort of like a freshmen amidst Masteral degree holders. Thankfully Carl was there to keep me sane.
Had a Ricky Lo moment, overhearing this and that about those local comics and stuff to happen. Gosh, I really really really have to get my act together soon. I am starting to feel really intimidated by these same people whom I am very comfortable with calling friends.
Finally saw Charles' face (minus his Michael Jackson homage last videoke night) and met the amazing Camy who did share with me her assurance that El ain't... well, if you heard the rumors, they ain't true. :-)
Although the temptation to ask El that question out loud while the ABC 5 camera was running was very hard to resist!
Gosh... also got an invite to work on a few collabs.
Maybe that's what I can start calling myself. The garapata collaborator.
Who knows, some day I might be a sort of Kevin Bacon of the indie scene.
Ha!
I wish.
Aegis party!
Then of course, the AEGIS party.
I arrived much later than I hoped thanks to a friend of mine who had to commute from Laguna. Still, thanks to the great planning of the commitee behind it (I won't list the names since I might miss one) the event was a grand success. Food was great! Entertainment was awesome! And yes, fewer attendees, but most stayed til the end!
Finally got a stab at playing my Lord of the Rings: Trivial Pursuit and boy was it a tough game. Head aching as each question I got demanded I remember all those names. Can't someone make a VAmpire:The Masquerade Trivial Pursuit game instead? Yon, mas mananalo pa ako!
Now...
Is the seventh day.
Time to rest.
Yes, I have work tomorrow.
Eeww..
Two parties in one day. Well, three if you count the one I wasn't able to attend.
It was a doozy. For a moment I felt like a re-enactment of the Lord of the Rings journey, zipping from San Juan to Paranaque, to Makati, then to San Juan again, then to Shaw, then to Kalayaan, then to San Juan with the driver having one last trek to Paranaque.
Still, it was worth it!
The Siglo: Freedom party
Sorry to come at the last minute, Dean, but I do hope you forgive me.
And thank you for still allowing me in. :-) It was strange, being amidst luminaries such as El, Andrew, Nikki, Dean, Gerry and Oli all in one room. I felt so.... out-of-my-league. Sort of like a freshmen amidst Masteral degree holders. Thankfully Carl was there to keep me sane.
Had a Ricky Lo moment, overhearing this and that about those local comics and stuff to happen. Gosh, I really really really have to get my act together soon. I am starting to feel really intimidated by these same people whom I am very comfortable with calling friends.
Finally saw Charles' face (minus his Michael Jackson homage last videoke night) and met the amazing Camy who did share with me her assurance that El ain't... well, if you heard the rumors, they ain't true. :-)
Although the temptation to ask El that question out loud while the ABC 5 camera was running was very hard to resist!
Gosh... also got an invite to work on a few collabs.
Maybe that's what I can start calling myself. The garapata collaborator.
Who knows, some day I might be a sort of Kevin Bacon of the indie scene.
Ha!
I wish.
Aegis party!
Then of course, the AEGIS party.
I arrived much later than I hoped thanks to a friend of mine who had to commute from Laguna. Still, thanks to the great planning of the commitee behind it (I won't list the names since I might miss one) the event was a grand success. Food was great! Entertainment was awesome! And yes, fewer attendees, but most stayed til the end!
Finally got a stab at playing my Lord of the Rings: Trivial Pursuit and boy was it a tough game. Head aching as each question I got demanded I remember all those names. Can't someone make a VAmpire:The Masquerade Trivial Pursuit game instead? Yon, mas mananalo pa ako!
Now...
Is the seventh day.
Time to rest.
Yes, I have work tomorrow.
Eeww..
Friday, December 19, 2003
Strange, Surprising but definitely Satisfying
Strange day yesterday.
Strange but cool.
Actually cool would be an understatement.
Not really sure how much details I am permitted (by the fates, by non-disclosure expectations, and by work ethics) to squak so permit me to be content by saying these:
1)Oh my God... I'm IN
You naughty people slap yourself and tell Santa you've been bad. Of course I didn't mean that! Heh. But yeah, I'm in. Egad... I don't know if I will be able to meet their expectations. I mean, seriously, after reading what they accomplished... and now knowing I am expected to be part of the next... Eeek... Major ego boost, yeah, but major stress source too. Whooo yeah! I'm turning Gollum-ic here, shifting between anxious amazement and insecurity complexities. My God.... I have to practice. I have to prepare. And to be abso-fucking-lutely honest, I guess being asked to create art would be less panic-inspiring than being asked to write and have that said work be editted, devoured, dissected then swamped with revisions or approval or worse total rewrite, especially before a board of editors with credentials like they do.
O ayan, clue na yon ha.
2)Gehenna is nearer now!
Just got White Wolf's The Red Sign. Well, its a bit hard to read and absorb but damn its a good book. Grabe. Ganda... Vinnie thank you for the book... even if I paid for it. Without you... I'd... uh... have to buy it elsewhere. Heh.
3)Phoenix rises!
Thanks to a brief comic interlude with Oliver Pulumbarit I learned that Phoenix has returned. My gulay... Phoenix was pretty much my favorite villain in comics ever since I began reading comics. Well, until I found The Enigma I must admit. Glad to know she's back. Though I haven't gotten to read it, (Darn you Oli for not letting me read it! Heh!) I'm just happy to know her return is in the capable hands of the New X-Men staff.
4)ABS-CBN Christmas party
Yep. The Company-wide Christmas party is coming in a few hours. Last night had some panicked moments when thoughts of having a presentation of sorts came up. Putcha, buti na lang they decided to cancel that mindset. Whew. I want to party! I want to drink! I want to dance! I don't want to sing some stupid song for an audience who isn't really watching anyway. Seriously.
5)Ahh..
Meyron pala doon?
Hmm....
6)Wisdom from Wisdom tooth
I see now.
Vinnie finds it cool. Andrew finds it interesting. Dean is frightened to death by it (heck, he won't even kiss it.) And well, some people thing there is money to be made if I sell it. While other have this fascination of transforming it into a pendant.
Hmm...
A self-empowered, self-crafted, self-manifested agimat waiting to be made?
Strange day yesterday.
Strange but cool.
Actually cool would be an understatement.
Not really sure how much details I am permitted (by the fates, by non-disclosure expectations, and by work ethics) to squak so permit me to be content by saying these:
1)Oh my God... I'm IN
You naughty people slap yourself and tell Santa you've been bad. Of course I didn't mean that! Heh. But yeah, I'm in. Egad... I don't know if I will be able to meet their expectations. I mean, seriously, after reading what they accomplished... and now knowing I am expected to be part of the next... Eeek... Major ego boost, yeah, but major stress source too. Whooo yeah! I'm turning Gollum-ic here, shifting between anxious amazement and insecurity complexities. My God.... I have to practice. I have to prepare. And to be abso-fucking-lutely honest, I guess being asked to create art would be less panic-inspiring than being asked to write and have that said work be editted, devoured, dissected then swamped with revisions or approval or worse total rewrite, especially before a board of editors with credentials like they do.
O ayan, clue na yon ha.
2)Gehenna is nearer now!
Just got White Wolf's The Red Sign. Well, its a bit hard to read and absorb but damn its a good book. Grabe. Ganda... Vinnie thank you for the book... even if I paid for it. Without you... I'd... uh... have to buy it elsewhere. Heh.
3)Phoenix rises!
Thanks to a brief comic interlude with Oliver Pulumbarit I learned that Phoenix has returned. My gulay... Phoenix was pretty much my favorite villain in comics ever since I began reading comics. Well, until I found The Enigma I must admit. Glad to know she's back. Though I haven't gotten to read it, (Darn you Oli for not letting me read it! Heh!) I'm just happy to know her return is in the capable hands of the New X-Men staff.
4)ABS-CBN Christmas party
Yep. The Company-wide Christmas party is coming in a few hours. Last night had some panicked moments when thoughts of having a presentation of sorts came up. Putcha, buti na lang they decided to cancel that mindset. Whew. I want to party! I want to drink! I want to dance! I don't want to sing some stupid song for an audience who isn't really watching anyway. Seriously.
5)Ahh..
Meyron pala doon?
Hmm....
6)Wisdom from Wisdom tooth
I see now.
Vinnie finds it cool. Andrew finds it interesting. Dean is frightened to death by it (heck, he won't even kiss it.) And well, some people thing there is money to be made if I sell it. While other have this fascination of transforming it into a pendant.
Hmm...
A self-empowered, self-crafted, self-manifested agimat waiting to be made?
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Whoopsie!
First of, my apologies Oliver. I guess I got them facts wrong. Heh. I blame my tooth for that.
Hey Tobie-
Saw your blog entry- some corrections. My run in Pulp ended last year pa. :) But I am currently working on new material for a one-shot/ compilation special that hopefully will come out next year.
"Flatmates" is the title of the first installment, and "Lexy, Nance and Argus" is the title of the strip. Sorry for the confusion...
See ya!
Oliver
So there you go. Again my apologies for not getting the facts straight.
I guess that never was my best quality. :-)
Off to the Dentist again
Took the morning off to visit the dentist at Makati. Gotta get my wisdom.. uh, hole (?) cleaned. Can't have it getting infected and shit like that.
Parent's anniversary!
Egad. I made a mistake. My parent's wedding anniversary is today, not tomorrow. I've mapped out my week with the 19th blocked out only to realise late last night (actually, the wee early hours of the morning would be more accurate) that they actually got married on the 18th. Well, that really freaks me out.
So I'm going to make the best of it. Will probably seek them out this morning, and try to greet them and stuff. I don't want to back out on any of the afternoon commitments I already set. Not to mention, I got a lot of work to catch up with too.
Agh, Tobie. I guess sometimes you still are a forgetful prick.
First of, my apologies Oliver. I guess I got them facts wrong. Heh. I blame my tooth for that.
Hey Tobie-
Saw your blog entry- some corrections. My run in Pulp ended last year pa. :) But I am currently working on new material for a one-shot/ compilation special that hopefully will come out next year.
"Flatmates" is the title of the first installment, and "Lexy, Nance and Argus" is the title of the strip. Sorry for the confusion...
See ya!
Oliver
So there you go. Again my apologies for not getting the facts straight.
I guess that never was my best quality. :-)
Off to the Dentist again
Took the morning off to visit the dentist at Makati. Gotta get my wisdom.. uh, hole (?) cleaned. Can't have it getting infected and shit like that.
Parent's anniversary!
Egad. I made a mistake. My parent's wedding anniversary is today, not tomorrow. I've mapped out my week with the 19th blocked out only to realise late last night (actually, the wee early hours of the morning would be more accurate) that they actually got married on the 18th. Well, that really freaks me out.
So I'm going to make the best of it. Will probably seek them out this morning, and try to greet them and stuff. I don't want to back out on any of the afternoon commitments I already set. Not to mention, I got a lot of work to catch up with too.
Agh, Tobie. I guess sometimes you still are a forgetful prick.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Stubborn Me
Went to work today even if my gums still hurt and my chest still heaved with a slight tinge of pain and soreness. Was a well worth it trip though. Met Oliver Pulumbarit of the ALAMAT comics fare. He currently has a strip called FLATMATES running in Pulp magazine and was the artist for the very remarkable Dhampir local comic that gained recognition among critics. Then got to catch up on lost time with Joey, Ford, Jen, Marianne, Ma-an, Weng, Beth and Melai. Gosh, so much time really slides between two days. Finally, got to chat with Ner on comics as well as on our upcoming collab project. Ner, in case you didn't know, is the guy behind the very cool Sanduguan.
Yep. A great day with wonderful conversations and cool people.
I'm happy being me.
Went to work today even if my gums still hurt and my chest still heaved with a slight tinge of pain and soreness. Was a well worth it trip though. Met Oliver Pulumbarit of the ALAMAT comics fare. He currently has a strip called FLATMATES running in Pulp magazine and was the artist for the very remarkable Dhampir local comic that gained recognition among critics. Then got to catch up on lost time with Joey, Ford, Jen, Marianne, Ma-an, Weng, Beth and Melai. Gosh, so much time really slides between two days. Finally, got to chat with Ner on comics as well as on our upcoming collab project. Ner, in case you didn't know, is the guy behind the very cool Sanduguan.
Yep. A great day with wonderful conversations and cool people.
I'm happy being me.
From Camille's site
You are Form 7, Gryphon: The Wyrm.
"And The Gryphon displaced the balance of
the world in his favor. With grace and
control, Gryphon deceived mankind and ruled
over civillization. But even he realized that
all good things must come to an end."
Some examples of the Gryphon Form are Satan
(Christian) and Baphomet (Assyrian).
The Gryphon is associated with the concept of
control, the number 7, and the element of wind.
His sign is the gibbous moon.
As a member of Form 7, you are a very in control
individual. You maintain your coolness in most
situations and always seem to be prepared.
Though some may say you are a bit of a control
freak, you know that you really do make the
best leader even if others can't see it.
Gryphons are the best friends to have because
they have a positive influence on people.
Which Mythological Form Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Very nice... Although looking at the complete list, I wish I got either the vampire or the demon instead for the artwork they show. Funny how the monsters are from Final Fantasy X too.
You are Form 7, Gryphon: The Wyrm.
"And The Gryphon displaced the balance of
the world in his favor. With grace and
control, Gryphon deceived mankind and ruled
over civillization. But even he realized that
all good things must come to an end."
Some examples of the Gryphon Form are Satan
(Christian) and Baphomet (Assyrian).
The Gryphon is associated with the concept of
control, the number 7, and the element of wind.
His sign is the gibbous moon.
As a member of Form 7, you are a very in control
individual. You maintain your coolness in most
situations and always seem to be prepared.
Though some may say you are a bit of a control
freak, you know that you really do make the
best leader even if others can't see it.
Gryphons are the best friends to have because
they have a positive influence on people.
Which Mythological Form Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Very nice... Although looking at the complete list, I wish I got either the vampire or the demon instead for the artwork they show. Funny how the monsters are from Final Fantasy X too.
Top Ten Non-Work related things to Do
10. Get Bangungot done
9. Get Episode 11 of Nearly Forgotten done
8. Update Memento Mori website
7. Finish DEMON:The Fallen Revised Torment rules.
6. Work on Crux RPG artwork at last
5. Finish my Musical: Jesus Deux
4. Work on the Gryffin and Sabine RPG, the RPG: Musical and the Final Fantasy X rpg adaptation using Exalted system
3. Get issue 12 of Diliman done
2. Get cooperative-project with Ner out.
1. Get solo print project (codename: Pintado) out.
Here's to hoping I succeed.
10. Get Bangungot done
9. Get Episode 11 of Nearly Forgotten done
8. Update Memento Mori website
7. Finish DEMON:The Fallen Revised Torment rules.
6. Work on Crux RPG artwork at last
5. Finish my Musical: Jesus Deux
4. Work on the Gryffin and Sabine RPG, the RPG: Musical and the Final Fantasy X rpg adaptation using Exalted system
3. Get issue 12 of Diliman done
2. Get cooperative-project with Ner out.
1. Get solo print project (codename: Pintado) out.
Here's to hoping I succeed.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
First one out...
Just survived an immensely painful and taxing wisdom tooth extraction today. Typically, a wisdom tooth can be extracted in an hour of minor surgery. This one took much longer due to the fact that the tooth's root (the portion below which keeps it from popping out when you bite really hard things) was hooked on to the bone of the jaw, and was actually nearly twice as large as the crown itself.
I had to take over ten anesthesia injections to get the job done. There was a point I couldn't feel anything but pressure when the tooth was yanked, until the inner root of the tooth scraped against the bone. God knows how much pain I had to endure then. It wasn't until the dentist practically stabbed the needle into the tooth's center that the pain finally ceased enough for it to pop out.
Still tasting blood in my tongue.
Not to mention due to the immense amount of anesthetic, its now seeming into my neck and chest, giving me aches and pains with each cough or swallow.
Ah..
Losing wisdom can be a terrible torture-like experience, know I see.
And sadly, may isa pang wisdom tooth na kailangan alisin.
I don't think I can do it again.
Just survived an immensely painful and taxing wisdom tooth extraction today. Typically, a wisdom tooth can be extracted in an hour of minor surgery. This one took much longer due to the fact that the tooth's root (the portion below which keeps it from popping out when you bite really hard things) was hooked on to the bone of the jaw, and was actually nearly twice as large as the crown itself.
I had to take over ten anesthesia injections to get the job done. There was a point I couldn't feel anything but pressure when the tooth was yanked, until the inner root of the tooth scraped against the bone. God knows how much pain I had to endure then. It wasn't until the dentist practically stabbed the needle into the tooth's center that the pain finally ceased enough for it to pop out.
Still tasting blood in my tongue.
Not to mention due to the immense amount of anesthetic, its now seeming into my neck and chest, giving me aches and pains with each cough or swallow.
Ah..
Losing wisdom can be a terrible torture-like experience, know I see.
And sadly, may isa pang wisdom tooth na kailangan alisin.
I don't think I can do it again.
Saturday, December 13, 2003
Sigh
Seconds ago, I typed a most honest and heart-wrenching confession.
Then, I accidentally clicked Template and found the computer prompting me to click OK to save the post or CANCEL to delete it. I clicked OK in hopes of saving it for posting.
It is gone now.
I don't know where it has gone.
Sigh.
Seconds ago, I typed a most honest and heart-wrenching confession.
Then, I accidentally clicked Template and found the computer prompting me to click OK to save the post or CANCEL to delete it. I clicked OK in hopes of saving it for posting.
It is gone now.
I don't know where it has gone.
Sigh.
Friday, December 12, 2003
Wigs, Beer, Great Company, and Great People
Check it out Here.
Oh, and pardon the wigs.
I think I was too drunk in some of the pictures.
Going to claim fifth amendment.
Uh, or was that first?
Check it out Here.
Oh, and pardon the wigs.
I think I was too drunk in some of the pictures.
Going to claim fifth amendment.
Uh, or was that first?
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Yesterday...
At the risk of a repeat of the horrible experience months ago, I opted to send out another note to an old friend. It took long enough, I guess, to realise that I did owe him an apology. It didn't matter if the other side too had faults. It didn't matter if the other side cared to try and heal and see if a friendship can be resusitated.
All that mattered is that I was finally at peace with the past.
And all that matters was that those who I really, truly deemed as friends or as people worth being friends with knew that I still hoped to be such again.
Time will tell if this act of reparation of the past's horrible scars will be met with drama-queen accusations or with a honest and kinder reply. Time will tell if friendships born, nurtured and grown for nearly four whole years of one's life can actually resurrect from the misgivings of a few miscommunicated attempts at defending one's opinions.
Time will tell.
At the risk of a repeat of the horrible experience months ago, I opted to send out another note to an old friend. It took long enough, I guess, to realise that I did owe him an apology. It didn't matter if the other side too had faults. It didn't matter if the other side cared to try and heal and see if a friendship can be resusitated.
All that mattered is that I was finally at peace with the past.
And all that matters was that those who I really, truly deemed as friends or as people worth being friends with knew that I still hoped to be such again.
Time will tell if this act of reparation of the past's horrible scars will be met with drama-queen accusations or with a honest and kinder reply. Time will tell if friendships born, nurtured and grown for nearly four whole years of one's life can actually resurrect from the misgivings of a few miscommunicated attempts at defending one's opinions.
Time will tell.
I am the Darkness!
"Which Kingdom Hearts Character Are You?"
brought to you by Quizilla
Oooh yeah...
"Which Kingdom Hearts Character Are You?"
brought to you by Quizilla
Oooh yeah...
Ahem...
You are The Midnighter.
The Midnighter was a secret product of the labs of
Henry Bendix, part of his Stormwatch
"Academy" program, the members of
whom were duped into becoming Bednix's personal
Stormwatch team. One of many individuals given
superpowers by that ruthless personage, he lost
his original identity in the process. He was
transformed into "Night's Bringer of
War", a living weapon designed to
"hit thing's until they don't work
anymore. The Midnighter automatically analyses
every situation he is in as a combat scenario,
his computerised senses instantaneously
checking out multiple battle strategies until
he has located the best one to win the fight at
minimal effort. To aid him in the actual fight
he has heightened reflexes and strength, and a
superb knowledge of most forms of combat.
What Gritty No Nonsense Comic Book Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
I dunno about you, but I'd say this is just perfect. Hehehehe
You are The Midnighter.
The Midnighter was a secret product of the labs of
Henry Bendix, part of his Stormwatch
"Academy" program, the members of
whom were duped into becoming Bednix's personal
Stormwatch team. One of many individuals given
superpowers by that ruthless personage, he lost
his original identity in the process. He was
transformed into "Night's Bringer of
War", a living weapon designed to
"hit thing's until they don't work
anymore. The Midnighter automatically analyses
every situation he is in as a combat scenario,
his computerised senses instantaneously
checking out multiple battle strategies until
he has located the best one to win the fight at
minimal effort. To aid him in the actual fight
he has heightened reflexes and strength, and a
superb knowledge of most forms of combat.
What Gritty No Nonsense Comic Book Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
I dunno about you, but I'd say this is just perfect. Hehehehe
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Days of Fire
Just got my own copy of Days of Fire from White Wolf Gaming Studios. Days of Fire is the in-character game supplement and theme book intended both for the game line Demon: the Fallen, as well as for the Time of Judgment story arc itself.
In a nutshell, the book is just plain amazing.
I devoured the 128 pages in one sitting, consumed its visions and riddles and began to decipher certain twists and codes that were not directly or clearly stated. The amazing Greg Stolze was behind this masterpiece. Ahh.. . the anagrams! The rolling ciphers....
If you are playing any of the World of Darkness games... or if you want a glimpse at a End of the World type of book other than the Book of Revelations in the Bible, do check this out!
Just got my own copy of Days of Fire from White Wolf Gaming Studios. Days of Fire is the in-character game supplement and theme book intended both for the game line Demon: the Fallen, as well as for the Time of Judgment story arc itself.
In a nutshell, the book is just plain amazing.
I devoured the 128 pages in one sitting, consumed its visions and riddles and began to decipher certain twists and codes that were not directly or clearly stated. The amazing Greg Stolze was behind this masterpiece. Ahh.. . the anagrams! The rolling ciphers....
If you are playing any of the World of Darkness games... or if you want a glimpse at a End of the World type of book other than the Book of Revelations in the Bible, do check this out!
Second request...
Okay, now I really really got this HUGE smile on my face.
Joker and I are probably close to being twins now (minus of course the green hair and killer jokes).
Got my second request for one of my plays to be produced.
December 8, 2003
Dearest Sir:
Greetings!
I am a XXXXXXX at the XXXXXXXX major in Speech Communication. The course requires us to take at most 9 units from the other major areas which are Theater and Writing. As for my Theater subjects, I am currently enrolled in a Directing class (XXXXXX). The class requires us to direct a one-act play.
With regards to this, I would like to ask permission from you to allow me to direct one of your plays which is the "Ka Tulong". It was a classmate who suggested that i visit your website. I personally like the play. I would be very thankful if you allow me to direct your play.
I am really hoping for your positive response on this matter.
Respectfully yours,
XXXXXX
I feel soooo happy! It is nice to be read and appreciated.
Konti na lang... at apat na Palanca na lang... and a shaved head... medyo Dean na ako!
:-)
Fun pa.. not too long ako, I opted to show this very play to Quark Henares (yes, THAT Quark) and he says its got promise too! I see now it really does.
Okay, now I really really got this HUGE smile on my face.
Joker and I are probably close to being twins now (minus of course the green hair and killer jokes).
Got my second request for one of my plays to be produced.
December 8, 2003
Dearest Sir:
Greetings!
I am a XXXXXXX at the XXXXXXXX major in Speech Communication. The course requires us to take at most 9 units from the other major areas which are Theater and Writing. As for my Theater subjects, I am currently enrolled in a Directing class (XXXXXX). The class requires us to direct a one-act play.
With regards to this, I would like to ask permission from you to allow me to direct one of your plays which is the "Ka Tulong". It was a classmate who suggested that i visit your website. I personally like the play. I would be very thankful if you allow me to direct your play.
I am really hoping for your positive response on this matter.
Respectfully yours,
XXXXXX
I feel soooo happy! It is nice to be read and appreciated.
Konti na lang... at apat na Palanca na lang... and a shaved head... medyo Dean na ako!
:-)
Fun pa.. not too long ako, I opted to show this very play to Quark Henares (yes, THAT Quark) and he says its got promise too! I see now it really does.
Friday, December 05, 2003
Off to the dentist
I'm having two wisdom teeth removed soon.
I set the minor surgery to be done last weekend, but it seems things won't be as simple as expected. I mean, seriously, I was already anticipating the worst when I realised I had to have both removed. To think I had braces already... there were gaps for the Wisdom teeth to grow unhindered, but I guess they just wanted to prove gaps won't stop em.
Now, my minor surgery was moved due to a certain complication which I have yet to truly understand. So I'm off to the dentist today.
To find out just how much of a traitor my teeth are today.
God.. here's hoping it won't mean much much more pain.
I'm having two wisdom teeth removed soon.
I set the minor surgery to be done last weekend, but it seems things won't be as simple as expected. I mean, seriously, I was already anticipating the worst when I realised I had to have both removed. To think I had braces already... there were gaps for the Wisdom teeth to grow unhindered, but I guess they just wanted to prove gaps won't stop em.
Now, my minor surgery was moved due to a certain complication which I have yet to truly understand. So I'm off to the dentist today.
To find out just how much of a traitor my teeth are today.
God.. here's hoping it won't mean much much more pain.
Baylans
From Jason's blog.
You are Groove.
Which Baylans Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
From Jason's blog.
You are Groove.
Which Baylans Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Home at last...
It has been a terribly long day. I feel exhausted more than usual.
I can't wait for tomorrow.
Going to go singing with some old friends, and officemates. Probably going to swash through my usual tirade of songs with Carl, and occasionally dip into other melodies I haven't really tried. I do hope Ford, Joey and the others can make it. Its more fun that way.
It has been a terribly long day. I feel exhausted more than usual.
I can't wait for tomorrow.
Going to go singing with some old friends, and officemates. Probably going to swash through my usual tirade of songs with Carl, and occasionally dip into other melodies I haven't really tried. I do hope Ford, Joey and the others can make it. Its more fun that way.
Morning Urges
Head out of gutter, you. Didn't mean that!
Its just about hit 10:00am and I've been craving for three things: ice cream, a nicely toasted (slightly overcooked) hotdog and a cool glass of ice tea. Gnahh... been struggling to return my AB to the abs I used to have. I mean seriously, I once had immaculate little bun-like bumps on my belly which I gained from my devotion to swimming, gym as well as other full body... uh, activities. But with my life becoming more work and friend oriented, I lost the time for swimming, the finances for gym as well as the opportunities for the... uh... other activities. So I have an AB.
Well, back on track, been watching what I eat and stretching the time between meals. Add to that the sudden desire to cut down on other not so healthy hobbies and you got a tempermental young man with a rollercoaster for a brain when it comes to whether or not its a good or bad day.
Still, I recall someone once told me, "There isn't really any truth if a day has been good or bad. Good or bad days are a perspective of looking at the day." Honestly, I don't recall who said that, but there are times that just sounds like a huge fucking load of bull.
Other days, I think its shit.
Still, shit does make the flowers grow, eh?
Head out of gutter, you. Didn't mean that!
Its just about hit 10:00am and I've been craving for three things: ice cream, a nicely toasted (slightly overcooked) hotdog and a cool glass of ice tea. Gnahh... been struggling to return my AB to the abs I used to have. I mean seriously, I once had immaculate little bun-like bumps on my belly which I gained from my devotion to swimming, gym as well as other full body... uh, activities. But with my life becoming more work and friend oriented, I lost the time for swimming, the finances for gym as well as the opportunities for the... uh... other activities. So I have an AB.
Well, back on track, been watching what I eat and stretching the time between meals. Add to that the sudden desire to cut down on other not so healthy hobbies and you got a tempermental young man with a rollercoaster for a brain when it comes to whether or not its a good or bad day.
Still, I recall someone once told me, "There isn't really any truth if a day has been good or bad. Good or bad days are a perspective of looking at the day." Honestly, I don't recall who said that, but there are times that just sounds like a huge fucking load of bull.
Other days, I think its shit.
Still, shit does make the flowers grow, eh?
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Got a new toy at work!
Its times like this that I realise that though I am underpaid, I still am cared for as an employee of at my workplace.
My boss calls it her "Christmas gift na hindi talaga gift". And you know what, I'm happy to get it.
I mean, I have been a Good Boy haven't I?
Oh, What the toy was?
Well, let me whisper it to you.
Jingle bells! Jingle bells! Jingle all the way!
Its times like this that I realise that though I am underpaid, I still am cared for as an employee of at my workplace.
My boss calls it her "Christmas gift na hindi talaga gift". And you know what, I'm happy to get it.
I mean, I have been a Good Boy haven't I?
Oh, What the toy was?
Well, let me whisper it to you.
Jingle bells! Jingle bells! Jingle all the way!
Upswing without warning
This came in my e-mail today.
It was a very pleasant surprise.
Posting it here without the pertinent details which may invade another's privacy.
Im *****, a student of ********. Im
interested in mounting your play for my directing class(*******). I have not
directed any play before and I think SPICE could make a good start for
me. Do you ask fees for your scripts? Sana hindi kasi hindi po ako
mayaman. I'm also thinking about altering some things. I will send you the
revised script once you let me mount it here in *****.
Here is my cellphone number (*********) so you can reach me anytime
you want. Thank you and good day! :)
Grabe, I tell you. This was really a huge boost to my ego as well as self-esteem.
Know I have an inkling of a molecule of an experience of what it can feel like to be Dean Alfar. Someday, I'll have them Palanca awards too.
And a fantastic wife and daughter.
This came in my e-mail today.
It was a very pleasant surprise.
Posting it here without the pertinent details which may invade another's privacy.
Im *****, a student of ********. Im
interested in mounting your play for my directing class(*******). I have not
directed any play before and I think SPICE could make a good start for
me. Do you ask fees for your scripts? Sana hindi kasi hindi po ako
mayaman. I'm also thinking about altering some things. I will send you the
revised script once you let me mount it here in *****.
Here is my cellphone number (*********) so you can reach me anytime
you want. Thank you and good day! :)
Grabe, I tell you. This was really a huge boost to my ego as well as self-esteem.
Know I have an inkling of a molecule of an experience of what it can feel like to be Dean Alfar. Someday, I'll have them Palanca awards too.
And a fantastic wife and daughter.
Monday, December 01, 2003
Creative Commons
Hear of Creative Commons yet?
I want to support this.
I want to be part of this.
I hope more are aware of this.
Check it out.
This flash movie can make it easier to understand.
Hear of Creative Commons yet?
I want to support this.
I want to be part of this.
I hope more are aware of this.
Check it out.
This flash movie can make it easier to understand.
Oooh Poop
I don't know if I really still want to work on DILIMAN or comics anymore.
Right now is just an emotional dead day for me. I hate it when these attacks happen. Sudden surges of "What's the point?" and "No one reads it anyhow!"
Doesn't make sense.
Just last friday, I bumped into Apa Ongpin again in the office and he was asking me when the next installment of Diliman was coming out. Heck, he even offered to send me a copy of Acrobat so I can make the pdf versions of the comic (for those who don't like the idea of clicking page after page, he said).
Maybe its the feeling that I'm just fooling myself that the comic is worth reading.
Or making.
Or maybe its the feeling that I'm not really devoting enough time to it now.. thus I'm coming up with these reasons not to continue it anymore.
Ah poop.
I probably need another emotional enema.
Or a muse to give me head or something.
I don't know if I really still want to work on DILIMAN or comics anymore.
Right now is just an emotional dead day for me. I hate it when these attacks happen. Sudden surges of "What's the point?" and "No one reads it anyhow!"
Doesn't make sense.
Just last friday, I bumped into Apa Ongpin again in the office and he was asking me when the next installment of Diliman was coming out. Heck, he even offered to send me a copy of Acrobat so I can make the pdf versions of the comic (for those who don't like the idea of clicking page after page, he said).
Maybe its the feeling that I'm just fooling myself that the comic is worth reading.
Or making.
Or maybe its the feeling that I'm not really devoting enough time to it now.. thus I'm coming up with these reasons not to continue it anymore.
Ah poop.
I probably need another emotional enema.
Or a muse to give me head or something.
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