Five hours til airborne!
My flight is at 10:00p.m.tonight.
It will be a thirteen hour non-stop flight to Los Angeles. I'm excited, perky and tremendously anxious to get going. Oh, and did I mention I have had not a single hour of sleep for the past 41 hours now?
I'm a good person... I really am.
Spent friday cleaning the apartment.
I didn't want to be the bad housemate who disappears for nearly a month and leaves a dirty home and unpaid bills. Thankfully, Seth has been tremendously kind and understanding of my need for this vacation. At times, I feel like my brain is turning into mollasses. Or that my creativity is shot.
Quick shift of plans
As I mentioned, I originally had plans of visting Florida, New York, Boston and possibly Canada. BUt as fate would have it, my travel plans have now been limited to Los Angeles and Boston. Part of me is still tempted to escape from Boston and perhaps take the Amtrack to New York for a day or two... but I guess I'll just have to see. The last time I was in the Big Apple, I recall freezing my balls off so bad that even if I had worn a pair of undies, boxer shorts, shorts, jeans, two pairs of woolen socks, two t-shirts, a long sleeved sweater and a windbreaker, I was chattering my teeth from one block to the next. What more if I were to visit this end of January, where the Winter Season has barely ended.
Pirate Dillema
Was debating whether to bring my CD-R recordings of music tracks I have compiled into a more preferred selection. Some spidey-sense fear it hitting me with anti-piracy nightmares. Better safe than sorry I guess.
Episode 2 has begun.
Friday evening on the other hand was another session of Gehenna: The Time of Judgement Vampire game. So far, its turning out very very good. I do hope my players e-mail me their character chronicles soon enough so I can start working on the website for the game.
Magneto likes to have big shoulders, while a chocolate bar serves as lunch when pressed.
Then, spent Saturday morning and afternoon visiting friends, gathering money and pasalubong/pabilins from other people, as well as spent some quality time with people important to me. Chatted over coffee, or amongst action figures... I found myself suddenly having more cold feet about my trip. Special kudos to Oliver Pulumbarit, Kervs, Jagard, Gelo, Seth, as well as a bunch of others who tried to reassure me that my worries over travelling are unfounded.
Gosh...
Suddenly, I just wish it were possible to drag everyone along with me in my vacation. I mean, just imagine the fun of travelling to Los Angeles and scouring the local haunts for out-of-print comic books, role-playing games and the like. Imagine relishing together the sights... and the sights.
Hay...
Soon I shall time-travel, moving through 13 hours to find myself still in the same day. And I shall be in the land of over-priced commmodities, falsely high-crime rate streets and lots of Pinoys who have forgotten they're actually also brown.
Los Angeles...
...here I come.
Saturday, January 31, 2004
Friday, January 30, 2004
Okay, where do I start?
My flight is in a few hours. Well, a tad more than 24 hours, so I should really say tomorrow but hey, since I don't believe I'll get ANY sleep anytime soon, a few hours sounds more "honest" a way to view things. Sadly, my plans to travel a bit around the United States have been met with folly. My fault, really, for not being able to fix my VUSA much sooner.
In case you're wondering, a VUSA is a Visiting USA thing which allows you to visit a number of states for a fraction of the usual cost. For example, a two-way flight from Los Angeles to New York actually costs as much as a single flight from the Philippines to Los Angeles! But that same amount can be a Los Angeles - Tampa - Boston - Los Angeles journey thanks to a VUSA.
Well, I failed to fix mine. So seems like I'll be Los Angeles bound, which though ain't so bad, does considerably change my plans.
Dramatics na naman...
As I have noticed about myself... and later noted by that test I took a few days back, I have a problem with travelling. Its not fear of the plane crashing or fear of going to strange lands or what have you. I have this huge problem with moving "on" and leaving people behind. In this case, I can't help but find myself worrying over friends, loved ones and the like. Suddenly, I have fears of the past coming back to haunt me. The last time I took a trip to the US, I was courting someone. At that time, everything seemed to be hinting at a possibility of things getting more... serious. Until I left for the States though. I was told, "The only thing that would change while you're gone is the date." Lo and behold, I deduce that the object of my affections ends up in the arms of a really good friend, and I even realise they are falling in love before either of them can admit it. So much for just the date changing.
So now, I have a heightened fear of things becoming very different by the time I return.
What if I get back to learn Carl has moved off to Canada to film ZsaZsa Zaturnnah, or maybe Elbert has gotten married to someone who doesn't liek comics and has given up on making them, or maybe Jagard has given up on gym and is now 225lbs overweight. Or maybe Gerry is working on a Culture Crash Contribution, making an anime-style version of Wasted complete with big robots, girls in power armor, millions of missles and an alien armada. Or more frighteningly, Master Dean and Lady Nikki embracing the state local cinema and dropping all their existing projects to write articles for tabloids. Those kinda of changes. I mean, some changes are acceptable, like say Vinnie offering to give 50% discounts to all Comic Quest customers who come to shop in a bikini brief. Or say, Alex running for President with Miriam Defensor Santiago as his running mate. Or even, perfect balanced chakras Andrew opting to explore the bisexual life to truly experience everything.
So, yes, admittedly, I am not good with distance and travel. Heck, anything can happen literally over-night. What more three weeks! Heck in a single week maybe Nelz can end up hosting Morning Girls with Kervin or something. Or maybe Dhex will snipped his locks to a shorter look... Oh wait, that just happened!
Sigh....
Well, here's to hoping when I get back, I'm still going to be welcome. And though change isn't really bad, I just hope things haven't changed too much that the'll alienate me from all you people who've been very close and special to me.
Guys, Gals.... and all those in-between or non-applicable to those labels... stay frosty and do offer me a prayer or what-not for a safe journey. Last thing I want is for my blog to end with this sort of a message, and a suddenly 15-minute of fame moment as a Pinoy among those entangled in the War against terror or what have you.
I still have Bangungot, DILIMAN and Gehenna to finish!
:-)
My flight is in a few hours. Well, a tad more than 24 hours, so I should really say tomorrow but hey, since I don't believe I'll get ANY sleep anytime soon, a few hours sounds more "honest" a way to view things. Sadly, my plans to travel a bit around the United States have been met with folly. My fault, really, for not being able to fix my VUSA much sooner.
In case you're wondering, a VUSA is a Visiting USA thing which allows you to visit a number of states for a fraction of the usual cost. For example, a two-way flight from Los Angeles to New York actually costs as much as a single flight from the Philippines to Los Angeles! But that same amount can be a Los Angeles - Tampa - Boston - Los Angeles journey thanks to a VUSA.
Well, I failed to fix mine. So seems like I'll be Los Angeles bound, which though ain't so bad, does considerably change my plans.
Dramatics na naman...
As I have noticed about myself... and later noted by that test I took a few days back, I have a problem with travelling. Its not fear of the plane crashing or fear of going to strange lands or what have you. I have this huge problem with moving "on" and leaving people behind. In this case, I can't help but find myself worrying over friends, loved ones and the like. Suddenly, I have fears of the past coming back to haunt me. The last time I took a trip to the US, I was courting someone. At that time, everything seemed to be hinting at a possibility of things getting more... serious. Until I left for the States though. I was told, "The only thing that would change while you're gone is the date." Lo and behold, I deduce that the object of my affections ends up in the arms of a really good friend, and I even realise they are falling in love before either of them can admit it. So much for just the date changing.
So now, I have a heightened fear of things becoming very different by the time I return.
What if I get back to learn Carl has moved off to Canada to film ZsaZsa Zaturnnah, or maybe Elbert has gotten married to someone who doesn't liek comics and has given up on making them, or maybe Jagard has given up on gym and is now 225lbs overweight. Or maybe Gerry is working on a Culture Crash Contribution, making an anime-style version of Wasted complete with big robots, girls in power armor, millions of missles and an alien armada. Or more frighteningly, Master Dean and Lady Nikki embracing the state local cinema and dropping all their existing projects to write articles for tabloids. Those kinda of changes. I mean, some changes are acceptable, like say Vinnie offering to give 50% discounts to all Comic Quest customers who come to shop in a bikini brief. Or say, Alex running for President with Miriam Defensor Santiago as his running mate. Or even, perfect balanced chakras Andrew opting to explore the bisexual life to truly experience everything.
So, yes, admittedly, I am not good with distance and travel. Heck, anything can happen literally over-night. What more three weeks! Heck in a single week maybe Nelz can end up hosting Morning Girls with Kervin or something. Or maybe Dhex will snipped his locks to a shorter look... Oh wait, that just happened!
Sigh....
Well, here's to hoping when I get back, I'm still going to be welcome. And though change isn't really bad, I just hope things haven't changed too much that the'll alienate me from all you people who've been very close and special to me.
Guys, Gals.... and all those in-between or non-applicable to those labels... stay frosty and do offer me a prayer or what-not for a safe journey. Last thing I want is for my blog to end with this sort of a message, and a suddenly 15-minute of fame moment as a Pinoy among those entangled in the War against terror or what have you.
I still have Bangungot, DILIMAN and Gehenna to finish!
:-)
Taken from Heffer Wolfe's blog.
Neato! All I need now is a huge hat and a funky staff
 | Gandalf the Grey If I were a character in The Lord of the Rings, I would be Gandalf, Wizard, a guardian against the Dark Lord. In the movie, I am played by Ian McKellen. Who would you be? |
Neato! All I need now is a huge hat and a funky staff
Thursday, January 29, 2004
Good day that started like crap
Well, first my tummy acted up again.
Ah, I hate it. Sometimes I wonder if its still the amoebiasis that got into me some time last year. My boss called and asked if I was going to work. When I told her the problem, she so nicely told me, "Stress yan. You really need a break! Konting araw na lang. Basta I need you for work tomorrow ha. But after that... RELAX!"
I love working at ABS-CBN Global Limited.
Extremely under-paid and all, but damn, at least they treat me as a person!
And for those interested, we have openings for writers, graphic artists and producers!
Got to borrow a copy of Dido's latest album "Life for Rent". I just looooove the song White Flag. Its got lyrics like this:
I know you think that I shouldn't still love you,
Or tell you that.
But if I didn't say it, well I'd still have felt it
where's the sense in that?
I promise I'm not trying to make your life harder
Or return to where we were
I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be
Oooh... Love her music! She's like 2nd best singer now in my opinion, tossing my former number two:
Utada Hikaru to a number three spot. Still, my Numero uno idol remains untouched by time: Tori Amos.
Then, spent the rest of the night watching the DVD copy I have of Pirates of the Carribean. Definitely a great movie to watch. No regrets seeing it. Loved the twist on the moonlight. Should have thought of that for my Diliman comic! Ahh... inspired to do issue 13 soon!
Well, that's it.
Its back to work tomorrow... or rather, later.
And one day of seeing friends, running a game, and last minute pasalubong/pabilin before I am off to the States.
Please naman.
Guys.
Pray my plane lands safely at all times.
Thank you!!!!
Well, first my tummy acted up again.
Ah, I hate it. Sometimes I wonder if its still the amoebiasis that got into me some time last year. My boss called and asked if I was going to work. When I told her the problem, she so nicely told me, "Stress yan. You really need a break! Konting araw na lang. Basta I need you for work tomorrow ha. But after that... RELAX!"
I love working at ABS-CBN Global Limited.
Extremely under-paid and all, but damn, at least they treat me as a person!
And for those interested, we have openings for writers, graphic artists and producers!
Got to borrow a copy of Dido's latest album "Life for Rent". I just looooove the song White Flag. Its got lyrics like this:
I know you think that I shouldn't still love you,
Or tell you that.
But if I didn't say it, well I'd still have felt it
where's the sense in that?
I promise I'm not trying to make your life harder
Or return to where we were
I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be
Oooh... Love her music! She's like 2nd best singer now in my opinion, tossing my former number two:
Utada Hikaru to a number three spot. Still, my Numero uno idol remains untouched by time: Tori Amos.
Then, spent the rest of the night watching the DVD copy I have of Pirates of the Carribean. Definitely a great movie to watch. No regrets seeing it. Loved the twist on the moonlight. Should have thought of that for my Diliman comic! Ahh... inspired to do issue 13 soon!
Well, that's it.
Its back to work tomorrow... or rather, later.
And one day of seeing friends, running a game, and last minute pasalubong/pabilin before I am off to the States.
Please naman.
Guys.
Pray my plane lands safely at all times.
Thank you!!!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
DILIMAN issue 12 ...is now online.
Latest Issue: #12
"desecration"
The group begins to formulate a plan, and the enemy reveals more on what their objectives truly are. But are the Salamangkeros really on the losing end this time? Issue Twelve also marks the entry of two new additions to the first year anniversary wallpapers made by various artists in support of the book in the freebies page.
THANK YOU to Elbert Or and Oliver Pulumbarit for the wallpapers!
I am still accepting any new wallpapers others might want to share!
Latest Issue: #12
"desecration"
The group begins to formulate a plan, and the enemy reveals more on what their objectives truly are. But are the Salamangkeros really on the losing end this time? Issue Twelve also marks the entry of two new additions to the first year anniversary wallpapers made by various artists in support of the book in the freebies page.
THANK YOU to Elbert Or and Oliver Pulumbarit for the wallpapers!
I am still accepting any new wallpapers others might want to share!
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
The Precious is my bling-bling
My God. This is second in terms of annoying, bested by the one and only original "Bilbo Baggins" song.
What a way to start the morning. Damn... my brain is frazzled.
My God. This is second in terms of annoying, bested by the one and only original "Bilbo Baggins" song.
What a way to start the morning. Damn... my brain is frazzled.
Monday, January 26, 2004
BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Birthday greetings to the man who has been a source of inspiration, a comforter, a friend, a companion through hard times and great songs... Carlo Vergara. Honestly, I can be so dumb some times and forget to keep track of important days like that.
Still, better late than never.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARL!!!
Wan...
...is actually selling.
I still can't believe people buy my shit.
DILIMAN 12 is still delayed
No thanks to work-loads meant for two landing on one person (namely, me).
Still, I promise to have issue 12 done BEFORE I leave for the U.S. this weekend.
Gehenna game has begun
And so far, the first game session was a perfect success. It had a perfect balance of drama, sensibility, conflict, political agenda, action and sex. Damn. I wish I could actually experience being in one of my own games. Sigh... the ever ironic tragedy of a Storyteller.
Los Angeles...
And the rest of the United States and possibly Canada...
Here I come! Countdown has begun, T-minus 5 days....
Tobie's one and only nude picture online
O ayan. Someone requested for it eh.
This is me taking a shower. Full nudity yan!
Birthday greetings to the man who has been a source of inspiration, a comforter, a friend, a companion through hard times and great songs... Carlo Vergara. Honestly, I can be so dumb some times and forget to keep track of important days like that.
Still, better late than never.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARL!!!
Wan...
...is actually selling.
I still can't believe people buy my shit.
DILIMAN 12 is still delayed
No thanks to work-loads meant for two landing on one person (namely, me).
Still, I promise to have issue 12 done BEFORE I leave for the U.S. this weekend.
Gehenna game has begun
And so far, the first game session was a perfect success. It had a perfect balance of drama, sensibility, conflict, political agenda, action and sex. Damn. I wish I could actually experience being in one of my own games. Sigh... the ever ironic tragedy of a Storyteller.
Los Angeles...
And the rest of the United States and possibly Canada...
Here I come! Countdown has begun, T-minus 5 days....
Tobie's one and only nude picture online
O ayan. Someone requested for it eh.
This is me taking a shower. Full nudity yan!
Friday, January 23, 2004
Ouch Mornings
Tummy acting up. Think its acting up with a light touch of stomach flu. Either that or I haven't been eating right. Gosh. Here's to hoping it ain't anything too serious. I doubt it though. See, I'm rambling. I do that when I'm nervous. Well, gotta find the strength to quell it and head to work today. My officemate, Joey, happens to be on-leave today. Can't leave my boss Beth to handle everything by her lonesome.
Times like this I wish I was a freelancer.
But yeah, work is work.
I'm lucky I have it.
Tummy acting up. Think its acting up with a light touch of stomach flu. Either that or I haven't been eating right. Gosh. Here's to hoping it ain't anything too serious. I doubt it though. See, I'm rambling. I do that when I'm nervous. Well, gotta find the strength to quell it and head to work today. My officemate, Joey, happens to be on-leave today. Can't leave my boss Beth to handle everything by her lonesome.
Times like this I wish I was a freelancer.
But yeah, work is work.
I'm lucky I have it.
YES!
Finally got to belt out and sing with some friends.
Details next time. I'll sleepy right now.
Gotta grab some zzzs. Work tomorrow.
Later!
A pity nga eh. Brought my digital camera and totally forgot to use it.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BED!
In case you didn't know, the one and only alien-sodomy victim Vinnie is having his birthday today! Yup yup yup! Though I think he's celebrating it on the weekend. Vinnie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you! And yes, I am very very happy to have you as one of my friends.
Finally got to belt out and sing with some friends.
Details next time. I'll sleepy right now.
Gotta grab some zzzs. Work tomorrow.
Later!
A pity nga eh. Brought my digital camera and totally forgot to use it.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BED!
In case you didn't know, the one and only alien-sodomy victim Vinnie is having his birthday today! Yup yup yup! Though I think he's celebrating it on the weekend. Vinnie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you! And yes, I am very very happy to have you as one of my friends.
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Checking on my list of things to accomplish
Top Ten Non-Work related things to Do
10. Get Bangungot done
Still working on it
9. Get Episode 11 of Nearly Forgotten done
Uh, probably when I realise what to put as the eleventh episode
8. Update Memento Mori website
Well, considering there hasn't been time to run another game session for it, I guess I haven't done so.
7. Finish DEMON:The Fallen Revised Torment rules.
Hmm. Considering how the idea was received by the forums I was in, I think this is indefinitely cancelled for now.
6. Work on Crux RPG artwork at last
This seems to be dead. The people behind the project kinda quit. Well, will have to wait and see.
5. Finish my Musical: Jesus Deux
Hmm.. have to find inspiration for this. Probably while on the plane headed for California.
4. Work on the Gryffin and Sabine RPG, the RPG: Musical and the Final Fantasy X rpg adaptation using Exalted system
On hold til I finish the GEHENNA game.
3. Get issue 12 of Diliman done
Almost! ALMOST!
2. Get cooperative-project with Ner out.
Yes, WAN is now available at COMICQUEST!
1. Get solo print project (codename: Pintado) out.
Possibly shelved. Considering some other project instead. Not to mention have the collab with Elbert to do first.
DAMN... ONE out of ten projects. That's bad.
Gotta be more... creative.
Top Ten Non-Work related things to Do
10. Get Bangungot done
Still working on it
9. Get Episode 11 of Nearly Forgotten done
Uh, probably when I realise what to put as the eleventh episode
8. Update Memento Mori website
Well, considering there hasn't been time to run another game session for it, I guess I haven't done so.
7. Finish DEMON:The Fallen Revised Torment rules.
Hmm. Considering how the idea was received by the forums I was in, I think this is indefinitely cancelled for now.
6. Work on Crux RPG artwork at last
This seems to be dead. The people behind the project kinda quit. Well, will have to wait and see.
5. Finish my Musical: Jesus Deux
Hmm.. have to find inspiration for this. Probably while on the plane headed for California.
4. Work on the Gryffin and Sabine RPG, the RPG: Musical and the Final Fantasy X rpg adaptation using Exalted system
On hold til I finish the GEHENNA game.
3. Get issue 12 of Diliman done
Almost! ALMOST!
2. Get cooperative-project with Ner out.
Yes, WAN is now available at COMICQUEST!
1. Get solo print project (codename: Pintado) out.
Possibly shelved. Considering some other project instead. Not to mention have the collab with Elbert to do first.
DAMN... ONE out of ten projects. That's bad.
Gotta be more... creative.
Another test. Pretty accurate.
Take Free Enneagram Word Test
| Enneagram Test Results
|
Hmm... Issues eh?
Take Word Association Test
You should try it. But don't worry. There is no wrong answer.
| I have issues with... |
| work age travel love fame |
You should try it. But don't worry. There is no wrong answer.
Buffy and Explosions
Ayan na naman.. mga bastos!
Well, opted to watch the first episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as recommened by the great Oliver. I have to admit I was never that much a fan of the show. My preferrences for vampires were always more towards the approaches of White Wolf Gaming Studio's Vampire:the Masquerade, or maybe even d20's Ravenloft.
Anyway, having gotten hope pretty late (around 12:45 in the morning) thanks to work and a stupid co-worker's inability to properly schedule his time, I decided to take a stab at an episode to calm down before heading for bed.
Halfway through the pilot episode, THE HARVEST, it happens.
There is a light bulb at the front of my apartment door. A single bulb, to illuminate the area outside my apartment so I don't grope around in the dark when I step out, nor step at the many cats our neighbors have running around.
The light bulb exploded.
It gave out a loud popping sound, small sparks flew and it died.
Well, that was it for the evening. I shut the switch. Closed the house and typed this up.
I just hope I don't find myself in a burning house before dawn.
Ayan na naman.. mga bastos!
Well, opted to watch the first episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as recommened by the great Oliver. I have to admit I was never that much a fan of the show. My preferrences for vampires were always more towards the approaches of White Wolf Gaming Studio's Vampire:the Masquerade, or maybe even d20's Ravenloft.
Anyway, having gotten hope pretty late (around 12:45 in the morning) thanks to work and a stupid co-worker's inability to properly schedule his time, I decided to take a stab at an episode to calm down before heading for bed.
Halfway through the pilot episode, THE HARVEST, it happens.
There is a light bulb at the front of my apartment door. A single bulb, to illuminate the area outside my apartment so I don't grope around in the dark when I step out, nor step at the many cats our neighbors have running around.
The light bulb exploded.
It gave out a loud popping sound, small sparks flew and it died.
Well, that was it for the evening. I shut the switch. Closed the house and typed this up.
I just hope I don't find myself in a burning house before dawn.
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Thanks Gerry!
Taken during the SIGLO: FREEDOM launch.
With me are the ever illustrious Carlo Vergara (Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, One Night in Purgatory, Flashpoint) and the sublime Oliver Pulumbarit. (Dhampir, Lexy, Nance and Argus, Cancer Killer) Picture taken by Gerry Alanguilan (Wasted, Superman: Birthright). This was one night I was surrounded by icons of the local comic industry, and yes, I tried my best not to look like some rabid fan boy.
Obviously, I failed, eh?
Taken during the SIGLO: FREEDOM launch.
With me are the ever illustrious Carlo Vergara (Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, One Night in Purgatory, Flashpoint) and the sublime Oliver Pulumbarit. (Dhampir, Lexy, Nance and Argus, Cancer Killer) Picture taken by Gerry Alanguilan (Wasted, Superman: Birthright). This was one night I was surrounded by icons of the local comic industry, and yes, I tried my best not to look like some rabid fan boy.
Obviously, I failed, eh?
Which one do I go to... hmm?
Got two conventions to choose from for my US trip.
Strategicon which will be held somewhere close to where I'll be staying. Or Dundracon which won't be. I think I was able to attend the Strategicon last two years ago... or at least a similar con, since the website showed pics that looked awfully familiar. Dundracon looks a tad disorganized though.
Hmm..
Each have tickets at the range of $15 - $40.
Sigh.
Got two conventions to choose from for my US trip.
Strategicon which will be held somewhere close to where I'll be staying. Or Dundracon which won't be. I think I was able to attend the Strategicon last two years ago... or at least a similar con, since the website showed pics that looked awfully familiar. Dundracon looks a tad disorganized though.
Hmm..
Each have tickets at the range of $15 - $40.
Sigh.
Hurray! Now the chances I get a copy are higher!
From the White Wolf website
Subject: Gehenna Reprint
ConradHubbard - 01/19/2004 11:18:33 - conrad@white-wolf.com
Given the overwhelming demand for Gehenna, White Wolf has decided to
go back to the presses with Gehenna with a small reprint. Please get
pre-orders in to retailers now to reserve your copies. Once we've
exhausted this print-run, we won't go back to the presses.
They will be in stores in about 2 weeks.
From the White Wolf website
Subject: Gehenna Reprint
ConradHubbard - 01/19/2004 11:18:33 - conrad@white-wolf.com
Given the overwhelming demand for Gehenna, White Wolf has decided to
go back to the presses with Gehenna with a small reprint. Please get
pre-orders in to retailers now to reserve your copies. Once we've
exhausted this print-run, we won't go back to the presses.
They will be in stores in about 2 weeks.
Monday, January 19, 2004
I blame the POINTYMAN for this!
Ah! Now all I got to do is find someone willing to make my geek-pee pee happy!
| You are 44% geek | You are a geek liaison, which means you go both ways. You can hang out with normal people or you can hang out with geeks which means you often have geeks as friends and/or have a job where you have to mediate between geeks and normal people. This is an important role and one of which you should be proud. In fact, you can make a good deal of money as a translator.
|
Take the Polygeek Quiz at Thudfactor.com
Ah! Now all I got to do is find someone willing to make my geek-pee pee happy!
And with that the weekend ends...
Well, its 2:00am as I type this real fast (since I do still need sleep) and attempt to record the events of two long yet well-worth the exhaustion days. Firstly, the New Worlds 2 event finally ended, with much to be desired. Was able to hold two demo games: One for StarWars using the first edition of the d20 rules for three players. The other was a Vampire: The Masquerade game for four players. Many thanks to those who took a stab at my games: Gelo, Mark Jaesen, Ner, Mye, Cherish, and two others whose names I sadly have forgotten. The fact that all seemed to have enjoyed the game, even if we had to nearly scream at each other most of the time due to the ambient racket was proof enough for me that the demos were a success. Here's to hoping that to those who weren't gamers yet eventually develop a longing, if not a taste, for the hobby itself.
Then, there was my trips to the Alamat booth, where the ever inspiring Carl Vergara and Gerry Alanguilan made me feel very welcome. Finally got to meet the ever elusive Budjette Tan as well as the legendary David Hontiveros (whom I wish I could chat with but I admit failed to find the guts to do so. Intellectually superior people tend to intimidate me. It is true! Take for instance the time I first met Dean and Nikki Alfar. I was literally struggling not to stutter in front of them.)
Saw a bunch of old schoolmates and friends too. And it was really nice to bump into people from the old MALATE LITERARY FOLIO group. Ah, College days are still a fond memory.
The cosplay people were amazing! I just loved seeing all the flash and fluff. A pity though some Cosplay people just couldn't really capture the feel of their characters. Pogi points to Azrael who stalked about in the APU designed by a Robert Wong (who won in the C3 convention a few months back). Although I don't know if he'd ever forgive me for the wisecrack about the APU's ability to "Make up for certain male insecurities".
Wished I saw some people attend the con though. There was no sign of Dean or Nikki, nor of the lag-lag-panty-master Elbert or his sweeter-than-sin Camy. I had hoped to find the young-yet-eruditeAndrew or maybe even big-daddy-bed Vinnie himself in the con but I guess they had other things to do. Also missed a lot of my old gaming buddies and close friends whom I kind of hoped would be there. Tom, Ryan, Oliver, Dhex and so much more...
Met up with my gaming T.R.O.P.A. (supposedly The Roleplayers Of Paranaque Area but I kinda prefer the ring of Tobie's Roleplayers Of Paranaque Area heheheh) and created characters for the upcoming Gehenna Vampire-focused game. Although I already am running two games side-by-side as a Gehenna Chronicle (namely: Memento Mori(newbie-friendly games) and The Devil Made Me Do It(demon-centric game), I wanted a Vampire-centric experience for my main gaming group.. plus a new player by the name of Urim.
Spend part of Sunday morning hanging with my family. Sophie opted to surprise me and wake me with a barrage of glittery colorful whistles that she attacked me with while dancing on top of my tummy. Note: That website I made for her is waaaay out of date. Will look for their new family website and post it asap. Dad of course was teasing me about being home only to be asleep. Sigh. Mom was ever supportive though. But when they both suggested I transfer to some other apartment due to a gang-related fight we witnessed early this week on my way home, I kind of tried to keep my calm. I'm happy now that I moved out. I gained a sense of independence. Though I know they mean well, thier desire to move me to some other apartment (and pay for it too) kinda irked me and made me wonder if they realise how much that felt like they didn't believe I could take care of myself.
Special pogi points, buddha blessings and good karma go to Alex and the ever friendly and nice K8, the demo-god charisma 29++ Jay who can probably sell both ice and freezers to penguins, the Great Old One and his every immortal Goddess Adrian and Nabs, and the talo-pa-ang-Friendster-sa-six-degrees-of-separation Charles who seemed to know EVERYONE I also knew.
A great weekend.
Almost as great as a quickie while your partner's parents are just outside the door.
Well, then again, greater I guess.
Well, its 2:00am as I type this real fast (since I do still need sleep) and attempt to record the events of two long yet well-worth the exhaustion days. Firstly, the New Worlds 2 event finally ended, with much to be desired. Was able to hold two demo games: One for StarWars using the first edition of the d20 rules for three players. The other was a Vampire: The Masquerade game for four players. Many thanks to those who took a stab at my games: Gelo, Mark Jaesen, Ner, Mye, Cherish, and two others whose names I sadly have forgotten. The fact that all seemed to have enjoyed the game, even if we had to nearly scream at each other most of the time due to the ambient racket was proof enough for me that the demos were a success. Here's to hoping that to those who weren't gamers yet eventually develop a longing, if not a taste, for the hobby itself.
Then, there was my trips to the Alamat booth, where the ever inspiring Carl Vergara and Gerry Alanguilan made me feel very welcome. Finally got to meet the ever elusive Budjette Tan as well as the legendary David Hontiveros (whom I wish I could chat with but I admit failed to find the guts to do so. Intellectually superior people tend to intimidate me. It is true! Take for instance the time I first met Dean and Nikki Alfar. I was literally struggling not to stutter in front of them.)
Saw a bunch of old schoolmates and friends too. And it was really nice to bump into people from the old MALATE LITERARY FOLIO group. Ah, College days are still a fond memory.
The cosplay people were amazing! I just loved seeing all the flash and fluff. A pity though some Cosplay people just couldn't really capture the feel of their characters. Pogi points to Azrael who stalked about in the APU designed by a Robert Wong (who won in the C3 convention a few months back). Although I don't know if he'd ever forgive me for the wisecrack about the APU's ability to "Make up for certain male insecurities".
Wished I saw some people attend the con though. There was no sign of Dean or Nikki, nor of the lag-lag-panty-master Elbert or his sweeter-than-sin Camy. I had hoped to find the young-yet-eruditeAndrew or maybe even big-daddy-bed Vinnie himself in the con but I guess they had other things to do. Also missed a lot of my old gaming buddies and close friends whom I kind of hoped would be there. Tom, Ryan, Oliver, Dhex and so much more...
Met up with my gaming T.R.O.P.A. (supposedly The Roleplayers Of Paranaque Area but I kinda prefer the ring of Tobie's Roleplayers Of Paranaque Area heheheh) and created characters for the upcoming Gehenna Vampire-focused game. Although I already am running two games side-by-side as a Gehenna Chronicle (namely: Memento Mori(newbie-friendly games) and The Devil Made Me Do It(demon-centric game), I wanted a Vampire-centric experience for my main gaming group.. plus a new player by the name of Urim.
Spend part of Sunday morning hanging with my family. Sophie opted to surprise me and wake me with a barrage of glittery colorful whistles that she attacked me with while dancing on top of my tummy. Note: That website I made for her is waaaay out of date. Will look for their new family website and post it asap. Dad of course was teasing me about being home only to be asleep. Sigh. Mom was ever supportive though. But when they both suggested I transfer to some other apartment due to a gang-related fight we witnessed early this week on my way home, I kind of tried to keep my calm. I'm happy now that I moved out. I gained a sense of independence. Though I know they mean well, thier desire to move me to some other apartment (and pay for it too) kinda irked me and made me wonder if they realise how much that felt like they didn't believe I could take care of myself.
Special pogi points, buddha blessings and good karma go to Alex and the ever friendly and nice K8, the demo-god charisma 29++ Jay who can probably sell both ice and freezers to penguins, the Great Old One and his every immortal Goddess Adrian and Nabs, and the talo-pa-ang-Friendster-sa-six-degrees-of-separation Charles who seemed to know EVERYONE I also knew.
A great weekend.
Almost as great as a quickie while your partner's parents are just outside the door.
Well, then again, greater I guess.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
It is 3:30am and..
...I am depressed.
God, who would have thought the end of a gaming line would affect me this way. Bad enough that I feel sort of under-the-weather (I blame the KFC dinner I had. Something not right about trying to eat fried chicken while watching The Thing. (Pardon the link to the game the movie inspired but I couldn't find an offical site of the movie online). Well, so I think I'll be stuck awake for a few more hours, and be stuck at home tomorrow/later nursing a not-so-happy body.
Damn, I am a geek.
And I might be proud of it.
But I don't really like labels, I guess.
Vampires. Changelings. Wraiths. Werewolves. Mages. Kindred. Cainites. Kithain. Kinain. Hsien. Autumn folk. Chimera. Ghouls. Garou. Bastet. Ghural. Bagheera. Ratkin. Corax. Spectres. Lemures. Babarri. Nephandi. And the rest of you buggers... I'm gonna keep you all alive by giving games even if the line ain't continued anymore, damn it. There's been so much stories shared, and still so many more to tell.
Damn..
I'm teary-eyed because of a game.
Fuck me.
This is worse than that time I cried while watching Mulan (It was that scene when the Huns attack, riding their horses down the snowy slope) due to the sheer poetry and beauty of the shot. I mean, seriously, Mulan was one poetic piece of animation, I tell you. Nothing as intense as Studio Ghibli works (Official but in Japanese site here, I admit, but still enough to stir you into an emotional wreck.
Sigh.
It is Gehenna indeed.
...I am depressed.
God, who would have thought the end of a gaming line would affect me this way. Bad enough that I feel sort of under-the-weather (I blame the KFC dinner I had. Something not right about trying to eat fried chicken while watching The Thing. (Pardon the link to the game the movie inspired but I couldn't find an offical site of the movie online). Well, so I think I'll be stuck awake for a few more hours, and be stuck at home tomorrow/later nursing a not-so-happy body.
Damn, I am a geek.
And I might be proud of it.
But I don't really like labels, I guess.
Vampires. Changelings. Wraiths. Werewolves. Mages. Kindred. Cainites. Kithain. Kinain. Hsien. Autumn folk. Chimera. Ghouls. Garou. Bastet. Ghural. Bagheera. Ratkin. Corax. Spectres. Lemures. Babarri. Nephandi. And the rest of you buggers... I'm gonna keep you all alive by giving games even if the line ain't continued anymore, damn it. There's been so much stories shared, and still so many more to tell.
Damn..
I'm teary-eyed because of a game.
Fuck me.
This is worse than that time I cried while watching Mulan (It was that scene when the Huns attack, riding their horses down the snowy slope) due to the sheer poetry and beauty of the shot. I mean, seriously, Mulan was one poetic piece of animation, I tell you. Nothing as intense as Studio Ghibli works (Official but in Japanese site here, I admit, but still enough to stir you into an emotional wreck.
Sigh.
It is Gehenna indeed.
And with a whisper, it dies...
Last Words from Antartica: The crew of the American Antartic coastal station has vanished shortly after a desperate email was dispatched to Washington, D.C. The text of the e-mail was simply. "The blood gods are here." Communication with Palmer coastal station has been similarly silent.
Dear Fellow Resident of the WoD,
You’ve been following the countdown clock and the tickertape news releases, so you know about the Time of Judgment that begins today. If you care that the ToJ has arrived, then you’re the person to whom I’m writing, the person I’m thanking.
Thank you for participating in the World of Darkness. Whether it’s been for only a year or will be for all 13 years (1991-2004) or even if it was just one year in 1994 or whenever that you played or read about this world, then I sincerely want to thank you for being among what I consider the best fans in gaming. A lot of fabulous horror stories were told this past decade, and thanks for telling them in the World of Darkness. For our part, the reward has been in providing you the storytelling tools, and even by the standards of today’s media-saturated world, the fact that we’ve gotten to do this for 13 years is pretty incredible.
And look at the change we’ve wrought. In 1991 White Wolf was a small game company that almost went out of business because of a naked faerie on the cover of one of our books. If only they knew what was coming! All of our money (not to mention our parents’ and even grandparents’ money) was riding on the belief that there were others who felt roleplaying games had an unrealized potential and these players would see vampires (and werewolves and mages, etc) as metaphors and use them as cornerstones for profound storytelling. We met the mood of the times head-on and perhaps even drove it a bit. We did not shrink from dealing with difficult subjects, like the ghosts of millions of dead in Nazi Germany or modern Bosnia. Or, yikes, that stuff we did in our Black Dog Games books.
Not all change is good change, but the frank look we’ve all taken at the world through our WoD stories — from exploring both the moral ambiguity of violence in entertainment to the ghettoized portrayal of sex in media — is change I count for the better, and we were all involved.
Of course, maybe we didn’t truly change anything, but perhaps among the hundreds of thousands of fans who for a time dwelt within the World of Darkness there’s a number, or even one, who will create lasting change. There’s no doubt that in equal measure your response to our books changed us. You gave us the confidence as well as the means to continue this work.
There have always been charges that a certain pretentiousness pervades our work. Ok, sure, it’s there. It’s been there since 1991. We’re proud of our work and think lots of people should read it and believe that lots of people could learn something about themselves or the world by playing it. But our pretension is not an affectation, it’s more an arrogance. The same sense you have that your Chronicle is better than that other Chronicle. It’s a sense that we’re doing something artful, something worthwhile, something worth the digression (transgression?) of those to whom we’ve offered the games.
Don’t doubt it, though, we stand on the shoulders of giants.(*)
So why, then, have we “canceled” the World of Darkness? At least that’s how some people are translating what we’re doing. Either that or this is a gimmick to make money and then everything will go back to being exactly the same. I won’t deny that the ToJ makes both artistic and business sense, but though it’s been to our detriment many times in the past, the artistic usually wins out at White Wolf just as it does for you. Numbers have a place because White Wolf is now a “real” business with about 40 employees and many of those with families, but mainly, it’s irrefutable that the WoD has been leading to its own demise. It’s always been true that the thing that makes the best artistic sense for the legacy of the World of Darkness is that it end. As storytellers, if we don’t deliver on this fundamental promise, then what kind of integrity do we have in the future? None.
And what’s artistry without integrity? Nothing. Then we really would be nothing but pretentious posers.
Finally, in addition to you and all the other fans of the WoD, I’d like to thank White Wolf employees and freelancers past and present. Absolutely phenomenal work, folks. The ingenuity that’s sprouted from the seeds planted in 1991 is awesome. The current crew at WW is fabulous, the best ever, I think, and it seems like every couple months someone is celebrating 10 years with WW. The talented group of employees now in Stone Mountain (and in a few fortunate cities around the US and Canada) is very anxious to show just what we’ve done to your World of Darkness, and then afterwards, oh boy afterwards…! That’s some great stuff too. It’s what we would have done 13 years ago if we’d have been capable of it.
Thanks again. Really. Enjoy the “times” head. It’s your reward for caring about the WoD.
Best regards,
Stewart Wieck
Co-founder, White Wolf, Inc.
Co-creator, World of Darkness
Co-designer, Vampire : The Masquerade & Mage: The Ascension
(*) Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson for creating the rpg industry. Greg Stafford, the great shaman himself, and the whole crew of 1980’s Chaosium for creating the first art in rpgs. Tracy Hickman for bringing story to the medium.
To White-Wolf, THANK YOU for giving me wonderful stories to tell, wonderful games to play and most of all, a lot of good memories, cherished moments and tears.
Last Words from Antartica: The crew of the American Antartic coastal station has vanished shortly after a desperate email was dispatched to Washington, D.C. The text of the e-mail was simply. "The blood gods are here." Communication with Palmer coastal station has been similarly silent.
Dear Fellow Resident of the WoD,
You’ve been following the countdown clock and the tickertape news releases, so you know about the Time of Judgment that begins today. If you care that the ToJ has arrived, then you’re the person to whom I’m writing, the person I’m thanking.
Thank you for participating in the World of Darkness. Whether it’s been for only a year or will be for all 13 years (1991-2004) or even if it was just one year in 1994 or whenever that you played or read about this world, then I sincerely want to thank you for being among what I consider the best fans in gaming. A lot of fabulous horror stories were told this past decade, and thanks for telling them in the World of Darkness. For our part, the reward has been in providing you the storytelling tools, and even by the standards of today’s media-saturated world, the fact that we’ve gotten to do this for 13 years is pretty incredible.
And look at the change we’ve wrought. In 1991 White Wolf was a small game company that almost went out of business because of a
Not all change is good change, but the frank look we’ve all taken at the world through our WoD stories — from exploring both the moral ambiguity of violence in entertainment to the ghettoized portrayal of sex in media — is change I count for the better, and we were all involved.
Of course, maybe we didn’t truly change anything, but perhaps among the hundreds of thousands of fans who for a time dwelt within the World of Darkness there’s a number, or even one, who will create lasting change. There’s no doubt that in equal measure your response to our books changed us. You gave us the confidence as well as the means to continue this work.
There have always been charges that a certain pretentiousness pervades our work. Ok, sure, it’s there. It’s been there since 1991. We’re proud of our work and think lots of people should read it and believe that lots of people could learn something about themselves or the world by playing it. But our pretension is not an affectation, it’s more an arrogance. The same sense you have that your Chronicle is better than that other Chronicle. It’s a sense that we’re doing something artful, something worthwhile, something worth the digression (transgression?) of those to whom we’ve offered the games.
Don’t doubt it, though, we stand on the shoulders of giants.(*)
So why, then, have we “canceled” the World of Darkness? At least that’s how some people are translating what we’re doing. Either that or this is a gimmick to make money and then everything will go back to being exactly the same. I won’t deny that the ToJ makes both artistic and business sense, but though it’s been to our detriment many times in the past, the artistic usually wins out at White Wolf just as it does for you. Numbers have a place because White Wolf is now a “real” business with about 40 employees and many of those with families, but mainly, it’s irrefutable that the WoD has been leading to its own demise. It’s always been true that the thing that makes the best artistic sense for the legacy of the World of Darkness is that it end. As storytellers, if we don’t deliver on this fundamental promise, then what kind of integrity do we have in the future? None.
And what’s artistry without integrity? Nothing. Then we really would be nothing but pretentious posers.
Finally, in addition to you and all the other fans of the WoD, I’d like to thank White Wolf employees and freelancers past and present. Absolutely phenomenal work, folks. The ingenuity that’s sprouted from the seeds planted in 1991 is awesome. The current crew at WW is fabulous, the best ever, I think, and it seems like every couple months someone is celebrating 10 years with WW. The talented group of employees now in Stone Mountain (and in a few fortunate cities around the US and Canada) is very anxious to show just what we’ve done to your World of Darkness, and then afterwards, oh boy afterwards…! That’s some great stuff too. It’s what we would have done 13 years ago if we’d have been capable of it.
Thanks again. Really. Enjoy the “times” head. It’s your reward for caring about the WoD.
Best regards,
Stewart Wieck
Co-founder, White Wolf, Inc.
Co-creator, World of Darkness
Co-designer, Vampire : The Masquerade & Mage: The Ascension
(*) Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson for creating the rpg industry. Greg Stafford, the great shaman himself, and the whole crew of 1980’s Chaosium for creating the first art in rpgs. Tracy Hickman for bringing story to the medium.
To White-Wolf, THANK YOU for giving me wonderful stories to tell, wonderful games to play and most of all, a lot of good memories, cherished moments and tears.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Groan!
DILIMAN 12 is so close to being done, my not having Adobe Photoshop in my computer at home is really fucking up my plans of getting it out asap. That, plus the fact I have a rpg demo to run for the event this weekend, and the fact I still have 14 pages to make for the collab comic I am working on with the lag-lag-panty-inducing Elbert, well... I can't help but groan in frustration.
DILIMAN 12 is so close to being done, my not having Adobe Photoshop in my computer at home is really fucking up my plans of getting it out asap. That, plus the fact I have a rpg demo to run for the event this weekend, and the fact I still have 14 pages to make for the collab comic I am working on with the lag-lag-panty-inducing Elbert, well... I can't help but groan in frustration.
HOLY!
As I type this the count-down to Gehenna is nearing its end. Barely an hour and thirty-minutes til the "end of the World of Darkness finally happens." Gosh, after nearly fourteen years of wonderful gaming and storytelling, the gameline is about to be closed. :-( Well, all good things come to an end, right?
Damn... I can't wait to see where this will lead.
Or what the final message would be.
As I type this the count-down to Gehenna is nearing its end. Barely an hour and thirty-minutes til the "end of the World of Darkness finally happens." Gosh, after nearly fourteen years of wonderful gaming and storytelling, the gameline is about to be closed. :-( Well, all good things come to an end, right?
Damn... I can't wait to see where this will lead.
Or what the final message would be.
Okay, stupid moment here
Just realised that its actually the 14th. What on earth have I been on? Christ, it is barely three days before the New Worlds 2:A Long Expected Party and I have yet to finalise my StarWars role-playing game demo nor my back-up Matrix rpg adaption using a simplified White Wolf Adventure! and Exalted system.
Gotta get my act together.
And soon!
This is what I get for having my head in the clouds.
Heh.
Just realised that its actually the 14th. What on earth have I been on? Christ, it is barely three days before the New Worlds 2:A Long Expected Party and I have yet to finalise my StarWars role-playing game demo nor my back-up Matrix rpg adaption using a simplified White Wolf Adventure! and Exalted system.
Gotta get my act together.
And soon!
This is what I get for having my head in the clouds.
Heh.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Three things to be happy about!
First is Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children, a 70 - 80 minute CG movie featuring the memorable cast of the Final Fantasy 7 game released way back for the Playstation One. I love the way they shaped the graphics, and the new looks of Sefiroth and Cloud are just plain amazing! I guess this is their payback for the really crappy ending in the game when it was released!
Then there's the Silent Hill 4 game to come out soon! Although the game takes a huge leap away from the stapes of what I liked about the Silent Hill series, the game seems to have a lot more to deliver as well. Here's to hoping its great! especially with the comic and the movie coming out! Would you believe it? The movie even has Samuel Hadida, whose credits include True Romance, Spider, and Brotherhood of the Wolf, the latter of which was directed by Christophe Gans.
I can't wait!
Lastly, and definitely not to be forgotten is Kingdom Hearts 2 which continues the unbelieveable collaborative efforts of Squaresoft and Disney into one amazing game!
I really need more money!
First is Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children, a 70 - 80 minute CG movie featuring the memorable cast of the Final Fantasy 7 game released way back for the Playstation One. I love the way they shaped the graphics, and the new looks of Sefiroth and Cloud are just plain amazing! I guess this is their payback for the really crappy ending in the game when it was released!
Then there's the Silent Hill 4 game to come out soon! Although the game takes a huge leap away from the stapes of what I liked about the Silent Hill series, the game seems to have a lot more to deliver as well. Here's to hoping its great! especially with the comic and the movie coming out! Would you believe it? The movie even has Samuel Hadida, whose credits include True Romance, Spider, and Brotherhood of the Wolf, the latter of which was directed by Christophe Gans.
I can't wait!
Lastly, and definitely not to be forgotten is Kingdom Hearts 2 which continues the unbelieveable collaborative efforts of Squaresoft and Disney into one amazing game!
I really need more money!
Music really shapes me
Had a bad day yesterday, come the latter part of the afternoon. Opted to treat myself and give my inner child a gift. Found two wonderful CDs worth buying even if it cost me more than I hoped. Tony Bennet and K.D. Lang's A Wonderful World where they croon their way into old songs and wonderful classics. High points for their renditions of La Vie En Rose and A Kiss To Build A Dream On . I have to admit, was never a K.D. Lang fan til I heard this. Then, there's Natalie Merchant's previous opus 10,000 Maniacs Our Time In Eden where old cool songs like These Are Days, Stockton Gala Days, Circle Dream, and more fill the air with nostalgia for past loves, current trials and future hopes and dreams.
Both well worth the money!
Now, if only I can get paid writing shit like this.
Had a bad day yesterday, come the latter part of the afternoon. Opted to treat myself and give my inner child a gift. Found two wonderful CDs worth buying even if it cost me more than I hoped. Tony Bennet and K.D. Lang's A Wonderful World where they croon their way into old songs and wonderful classics. High points for their renditions of La Vie En Rose and A Kiss To Build A Dream On . I have to admit, was never a K.D. Lang fan til I heard this. Then, there's Natalie Merchant's previous opus 10,000 Maniacs Our Time In Eden where old cool songs like These Are Days, Stockton Gala Days, Circle Dream, and more fill the air with nostalgia for past loves, current trials and future hopes and dreams.
Both well worth the money!
Now, if only I can get paid writing shit like this.
Monday, January 12, 2004
Rambling...
I just realised, thanks to blogs and blog-hopping, there are so many interesting people whom I am a person-or-two away from. Parang Friendster minus the hassle of long loading times and frustrating messages from strangers. Here's a list of blog-degrees-of-separations people I'd love to meet someday.
In no particular order...
(well I was tempted to list them by my assumptions on thier age...)
Chris Costello - Seriously, that is one cool name. I wonder if he plays music too. Hmm.. Love the online model!
Jaguar Lord - He's one of those guys whose blogs you find yourself tempted to read, just to see what happens next. Not to mention he saw me na daw (whoever pointed me out to you, dapat vice-versa din!)
Charlie Y - More because I think I DO know him, but then again I could be wrong. Hmm... AEGIS ka rin?
Mark Dimaano and Jason Banico - Simply because in those times I hung around Dean and Carl and you guys were there, I couldn't seem to find the courage to compliment you both on your works. Nor break the ice and start talking to you guys and not worry about being seen as some rabid fanboy.
K8 - Though we've met, I've yet to really hang out and talk and pick your brain. Well, come to think of it, that same reason also applies to Lionel, Gerry, Andrew Drilon, Camy and Ariel.
I just realised, thanks to blogs and blog-hopping, there are so many interesting people whom I am a person-or-two away from. Parang Friendster minus the hassle of long loading times and frustrating messages from strangers. Here's a list of blog-degrees-of-separations people I'd love to meet someday.
In no particular order...
(well I was tempted to list them by my assumptions on thier age...)
Chris Costello - Seriously, that is one cool name. I wonder if he plays music too. Hmm.. Love the online model!
Jaguar Lord - He's one of those guys whose blogs you find yourself tempted to read, just to see what happens next. Not to mention he saw me na daw (whoever pointed me out to you, dapat vice-versa din!)
Charlie Y - More because I think I DO know him, but then again I could be wrong. Hmm... AEGIS ka rin?
Mark Dimaano and Jason Banico - Simply because in those times I hung around Dean and Carl and you guys were there, I couldn't seem to find the courage to compliment you both on your works. Nor break the ice and start talking to you guys and not worry about being seen as some rabid fanboy.
K8 - Though we've met, I've yet to really hang out and talk and pick your brain. Well, come to think of it, that same reason also applies to Lionel, Gerry, Andrew Drilon, Camy and Ariel.
What a weekend
Lack of sleep. Struggling to get the courage to keep going at the collab I'm working on with Elbert, Having a teary-eyed moment when Ner informs me that our collab, WAN, is finally available in Vinnie's Comic Quest and that the omnipotent Dean actually already plans to grab a copy. Struggling to make sense of emotional turmoil born from hidden feedback from siblings about some views my parents had on me. Finding time to share with my closest friends: Marco, Sam and Seth. Glimpsing the end of what I though was an amazing display that love can last a long time in the blogs of Nelz and a few other people. And struggling to keep myself from doing a Yuna upon learning about certain other people's problems and tribulations.
All the while, reminding myself that;
a) I am loved.
b) I am a person who deserves happiness.
c) I am a person who can choose to be happy.
d) I am fortunate.
e) I have my health.
f) I have talent.
g) I have dreams waiting to be fulfilled
And that all that means I am a person who shouldn't bitch and moan about so many other things.
Lack of sleep. Struggling to get the courage to keep going at the collab I'm working on with Elbert, Having a teary-eyed moment when Ner informs me that our collab, WAN, is finally available in Vinnie's Comic Quest and that the omnipotent Dean actually already plans to grab a copy. Struggling to make sense of emotional turmoil born from hidden feedback from siblings about some views my parents had on me. Finding time to share with my closest friends: Marco, Sam and Seth. Glimpsing the end of what I though was an amazing display that love can last a long time in the blogs of Nelz and a few other people. And struggling to keep myself from doing a Yuna upon learning about certain other people's problems and tribulations.
All the while, reminding myself that;
a) I am loved.
b) I am a person who deserves happiness.
c) I am a person who can choose to be happy.
d) I am fortunate.
e) I have my health.
f) I have talent.
g) I have dreams waiting to be fulfilled
And that all that means I am a person who shouldn't bitch and moan about so many other things.
Friday, January 09, 2004
The curse has begun...
Well, let's see.
It's my Dad's birthday which in itself is a GOOD thing. Really! I love my Dad and I am happy its another year that he's been part of the world we live in.
But..
Knowing I'm stuck having to hang with my dad while my house mate is off to enjoy Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is just plain... argh... I can't find the best word for it.
Grumble... grumble..
On a better note though, DILIMAN issue 12 is going better. Currently at page 13 of what might be a 30 page issue. Well, will see when its done, eh?
Lastly, White Wolf's Time of Judgment books are coming out very soon. I got three hard cover books coming at approximately $30.00 each. God knows where I'll get the money to pay for them all, especially since I've been earning up for my trip to the States end of this month.
Well, let's hope things work out in the end.
Well, let's see.
It's my Dad's birthday which in itself is a GOOD thing. Really! I love my Dad and I am happy its another year that he's been part of the world we live in.
But..
Knowing I'm stuck having to hang with my dad while my house mate is off to enjoy Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is just plain... argh... I can't find the best word for it.
Grumble... grumble..
On a better note though, DILIMAN issue 12 is going better. Currently at page 13 of what might be a 30 page issue. Well, will see when its done, eh?
Lastly, White Wolf's Time of Judgment books are coming out very soon. I got three hard cover books coming at approximately $30.00 each. God knows where I'll get the money to pay for them all, especially since I've been earning up for my trip to the States end of this month.
Well, let's hope things work out in the end.
Thursday, January 08, 2004
Holy Guacamole!
Got this e-mail today. My golly... I am sooo... wow.
Dear Tobie,
Sorry, your email got lost in my inbox for so long, but I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you that the ticker blog looks great. Seems like your players are having a lot of fun. I liked the bit about Monçada's ashes changing a lot.
I think you'll enjoy "Gehenna: The Final Night" (the novel) a whole lot ;-)
--
Philippe R. Boulle
Marketing Director
White Wolf Publishing, Inc.
1554 Litton Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
404-292-1819 x203 (vox); 678-382-3883 (fax)
Wow....
I am just stunned.
(Babaw ko ba? sorry ha!)
Got this e-mail today. My golly... I am sooo... wow.
Dear Tobie,
Sorry, your email got lost in my inbox for so long, but I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you that the ticker blog looks great. Seems like your players are having a lot of fun. I liked the bit about Monçada's ashes changing a lot.
I think you'll enjoy "Gehenna: The Final Night" (the novel) a whole lot ;-)
--
Philippe R. Boulle
Marketing Director
White Wolf Publishing, Inc.
1554 Litton Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
404-292-1819 x203 (vox); 678-382-3883 (fax)
Wow....
I am just stunned.
(Babaw ko ba? sorry ha!)
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
Oh that just DOES it..
I just got my NTH message from someone among my numerous friends that a particular friend of mine is "cute". Putcha, lagi na lang siya! Why don't people look at me and say the damn same thing! What, am I surrounding myself with all these gorgeous people that I now look like some excess ornamentation?!?!? Am I the "exception to the rule" in the supposed saying "birds of a feather flock together?" Cute kasi lahat ng kasama ko so dapat may isang pangit, ganun ba!?!?!?
ARRRGH.....
Sigh. Well, at least I know for sure I'm smart.
And talented.
And creative.
And I guess very capable of self-awareness
and self-delusion simultaneously in one single moment.
Beat that!
Grr...
I just got my NTH message from someone among my numerous friends that a particular friend of mine is "cute". Putcha, lagi na lang siya! Why don't people look at me and say the damn same thing! What, am I surrounding myself with all these gorgeous people that I now look like some excess ornamentation?!?!? Am I the "exception to the rule" in the supposed saying "birds of a feather flock together?" Cute kasi lahat ng kasama ko so dapat may isang pangit, ganun ba!?!?!?
ARRRGH.....
Sigh. Well, at least I know for sure I'm smart.
And talented.
And creative.
And I guess very capable of self-awareness
and self-delusion simultaneously in one single moment.
Beat that!
Grr...
Its a Wednesday and..
My Dad's birthday is coming up this friday.
What does that mean? Well, cancel all gimmicks from today onwards so I can prep up for whatever rush project my mom comes up with to surprise him. Its nothing new really, but at times a tad frustrating since I had plans of my own that I now have to sacrifice.
Well, then again, it is for my dad's birthday, so the sacrifice isn't that bad.
Bitin lang.
I really wanted to sing, damn it.
Hehehe.
On a side note...
I have no idea if anyone here reads it, but are there readers for my attempt at a fictional blog, Sky Diving Without Parachutes?
Just wondering.
I got plans of upping it soon. Like giving two other people the password and the right to add "a letter" to the ongoing plot that enhances the story any way they wish. Sort of like those rengga poems I taught the (now dead from what I gathered) Powerpoets group way back when I was still hosting it. (Looks around for more accusations again of "holding on to the past"). Well, it would be fun, but I have to choose carefully who gets to take a stab at it I guess.
Other than that, been diving into various musical scores. Got myself a coy of the OST for Silent Hill 3 and for Metal Gear Solid, two amazing games with great stories and wonderful interfaces. Highly recommended, both games and OSTs!
Well, that's it for now.
Off to head from.
Got songs spinning in my head.
And a desperate need to kiss for hours.
A pity my lips are going to go dry tonight.
Sigh.
My Dad's birthday is coming up this friday.
What does that mean? Well, cancel all gimmicks from today onwards so I can prep up for whatever rush project my mom comes up with to surprise him. Its nothing new really, but at times a tad frustrating since I had plans of my own that I now have to sacrifice.
Well, then again, it is for my dad's birthday, so the sacrifice isn't that bad.
Bitin lang.
I really wanted to sing, damn it.
Hehehe.
On a side note...
I have no idea if anyone here reads it, but are there readers for my attempt at a fictional blog, Sky Diving Without Parachutes?
Just wondering.
I got plans of upping it soon. Like giving two other people the password and the right to add "a letter" to the ongoing plot that enhances the story any way they wish. Sort of like those rengga poems I taught the (now dead from what I gathered) Powerpoets group way back when I was still hosting it. (Looks around for more accusations again of "holding on to the past"). Well, it would be fun, but I have to choose carefully who gets to take a stab at it I guess.
Other than that, been diving into various musical scores. Got myself a coy of the OST for Silent Hill 3 and for Metal Gear Solid, two amazing games with great stories and wonderful interfaces. Highly recommended, both games and OSTs!
Well, that's it for now.
Off to head from.
Got songs spinning in my head.
And a desperate need to kiss for hours.
A pity my lips are going to go dry tonight.
Sigh.
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
La Passion
Been searching for references for an upcoming project.
Operaglovers
Tips of all sorts
Costume gallery
Vintage
20th century
1960s web
Been searching for references for an upcoming project.
Operaglovers
Tips of all sorts
Costume gallery
Vintage
20th century
1960s web
Monday, January 05, 2004
Just another manic monday...
Ah, back to work.
Back to the melancholy of overtime, underpaid experience.
Well, at least I got free access to the net, a scanner, and pages of Diliman to prep for release.
Issue twelve is getting more complicated, bigger and (well for me) disturbing an issue.
Wish it was Sunday...
So I have more time to play BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL. For a Playstation 2 game, it is amazing! It has stolen the ideas of Zelda's very intuitive interface and transformed it into an incredible mix of X-Files, Fifth Element and Mission Impossible.
Cause that's my fun day..
Going videoke this week. Either Thursday or Friday.
Finally going to see Carl again.
Miss the guy. Without him, a lot of who I am now would have never happened. And a lot of what I do now and have made as of today would cease to exist.
THANK YOU CARL!!!
I don't have to run Day...
Have lots of people to meet up with today. Lots of catching up to do.
Well, it could be worse... they could have been people I DON'T want to meet up with.
Life is good...
...Its just another manic Monday.
Bleargh...
It is 11:00am. That means 13 hours to go.
Ha!
Ah, back to work.
Back to the melancholy of overtime, underpaid experience.
Well, at least I got free access to the net, a scanner, and pages of Diliman to prep for release.
Issue twelve is getting more complicated, bigger and (well for me) disturbing an issue.
Wish it was Sunday...
So I have more time to play BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL. For a Playstation 2 game, it is amazing! It has stolen the ideas of Zelda's very intuitive interface and transformed it into an incredible mix of X-Files, Fifth Element and Mission Impossible.
Cause that's my fun day..
Going videoke this week. Either Thursday or Friday.
Finally going to see Carl again.
Miss the guy. Without him, a lot of who I am now would have never happened. And a lot of what I do now and have made as of today would cease to exist.
THANK YOU CARL!!!
I don't have to run Day...
Have lots of people to meet up with today. Lots of catching up to do.
Well, it could be worse... they could have been people I DON'T want to meet up with.
Life is good...
...Its just another manic Monday.
Bleargh...
It is 11:00am. That means 13 hours to go.
Ha!
Sunday, January 04, 2004
Gonna start something new
A fiction blog.
So I can keep practicing writing.
Think Griffin and Sabine, but with less magic, more real life and no images.
Sky Diving Without Parachutes.
Let's see if this lasts.
A fiction blog.
So I can keep practicing writing.
Think Griffin and Sabine, but with less magic, more real life and no images.
Sky Diving Without Parachutes.
Let's see if this lasts.
Sunday is the time...
...to look back at the past few days and recall things I failed to post.
Well, here it goes:
The Buddha blesses me
Met the amazing Andrew Drilon whose writing and artistic skills grace the well-received and critically respected SIGLO:FREEDOM comic anthology. For someone of his age, I sure found myself feeling a tad... intimidated. I tell you, he's an old soul and his brain is fifty-times the magnificent organ it is compared to typical folks like myself. Felt mucho appreciated when he mentioned he had me listed among people he wants to work on a collab with. Well, here's to hoping i deliver.
The Great Guru celebrates a Birthday!
Happy birthday to you, Master.
Wish I knew about it sooner. I could have freed-up some time to join yah celebrate it!
I learned that Gypsies travel light
But they never forget the best stories.
Sometimes, the stories are best kept in one's memory.
After all, sky-diving without parachutes is always stupid. Especially if you're intended to land in different countries.
Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view while standing on that ledge.
Roaring with Demons
Had another Demon: the Fallen session for my The Devil Made Me Do It campaign. Sam, Seth and Aldwin hung around with me at the apartment for the game session. It was cool, although I wish they were'nt falling asleep during the last few turns. But I guess the long travel from Paranaque to San Juan took its toll on them.
Work work work
Yeah, Sundays ain't complete without some work to handle in the friggin morning.
Oh, yes, that was sarcasm, mind you.
Nothing like Mahfood
If you haven't heard of Jim Mahfood, trust me you are missing a huge chunk of your life. His work may not look like much at first glance, when compared to the comic industry's avalanche of artists, but get a chance to read some of his works and I tell you, it can be a life changing moment.
...to look back at the past few days and recall things I failed to post.
Well, here it goes:
The Buddha blesses me
Met the amazing Andrew Drilon whose writing and artistic skills grace the well-received and critically respected SIGLO:FREEDOM comic anthology. For someone of his age, I sure found myself feeling a tad... intimidated. I tell you, he's an old soul and his brain is fifty-times the magnificent organ it is compared to typical folks like myself. Felt mucho appreciated when he mentioned he had me listed among people he wants to work on a collab with. Well, here's to hoping i deliver.
The Great Guru celebrates a Birthday!
Happy birthday to you, Master.
Wish I knew about it sooner. I could have freed-up some time to join yah celebrate it!
I learned that Gypsies travel light
But they never forget the best stories.
Sometimes, the stories are best kept in one's memory.
After all, sky-diving without parachutes is always stupid. Especially if you're intended to land in different countries.
Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view while standing on that ledge.
Roaring with Demons
Had another Demon: the Fallen session for my The Devil Made Me Do It campaign. Sam, Seth and Aldwin hung around with me at the apartment for the game session. It was cool, although I wish they were'nt falling asleep during the last few turns. But I guess the long travel from Paranaque to San Juan took its toll on them.
Work work work
Yeah, Sundays ain't complete without some work to handle in the friggin morning.
Oh, yes, that was sarcasm, mind you.
Nothing like Mahfood
If you haven't heard of Jim Mahfood, trust me you are missing a huge chunk of your life. His work may not look like much at first glance, when compared to the comic industry's avalanche of artists, but get a chance to read some of his works and I tell you, it can be a life changing moment.
Oh MY past!
Very embarassing old webpages of my past haunt me here at The Wayback Machine which claims to have archived all webpages since 1996. Found this link through Gerry's blog.
Coolness!
Very embarassing old webpages of my past haunt me here at The Wayback Machine which claims to have archived all webpages since 1996. Found this link through Gerry's blog.
Coolness!
New Year Open Message
There are so much people out there whom I remember if not still currently hold dear to me. This is an open message to you all.
Hey all, its a new year!
Anyway, I just wanted to say:
1) I'm sorry
I'm sorry for not being in touch. I'm sorry for being too in touch. I'm sorry for being a stupid, pig-headed, annoying son-of-a-bitch, I'm sorry for being too sensitive, I'm sorry for being insensitive, I'm sorry for thinking I could make everyone happy, I'm sorry for not choosing to make you happy, I'm sorry for being me, I'm sorry for not accepting you as you are, and I'm sorry for not giving you a chance of accepting me for who I am.
2) I miss you
I miss you for the laughs. I miss you for the company. I miss you for each and every moment that my life was made richer by your presence in it, I miss you for the times I needed someone to be the shoulder I can cry on, I miss you for the assurance that I am accepted as who I am, I miss you for the fact I do.
3) I hope
I hope someday we find ourselves meeting again and realising we have gone a long way from the way things were and yet the chance to rekindle friendships and lives is never too late.
Happy New Year everyone!
and God Bless!
Sincerely,
tobie
There are so much people out there whom I remember if not still currently hold dear to me. This is an open message to you all.
Hey all, its a new year!
Anyway, I just wanted to say:
1) I'm sorry
I'm sorry for not being in touch. I'm sorry for being too in touch. I'm sorry for being a stupid, pig-headed, annoying son-of-a-bitch, I'm sorry for being too sensitive, I'm sorry for being insensitive, I'm sorry for thinking I could make everyone happy, I'm sorry for not choosing to make you happy, I'm sorry for being me, I'm sorry for not accepting you as you are, and I'm sorry for not giving you a chance of accepting me for who I am.
2) I miss you
I miss you for the laughs. I miss you for the company. I miss you for each and every moment that my life was made richer by your presence in it, I miss you for the times I needed someone to be the shoulder I can cry on, I miss you for the assurance that I am accepted as who I am, I miss you for the fact I do.
3) I hope
I hope someday we find ourselves meeting again and realising we have gone a long way from the way things were and yet the chance to rekindle friendships and lives is never too late.
Happy New Year everyone!
and God Bless!
Sincerely,
tobie
Thursday, January 01, 2004
I CAN'T WAIT!!!
A new M. Night's Shyamalan movie is coming! Whoooo yeah! I can't wait!
My best bet is that the Mytical Creatures mentioned in the synopsis would be the Bogey-man or Wee Folk. Originally, the title was THE WOODs. I wonder if changing it to THE VILLAGE has any significance? Hmm...
A new M. Night's Shyamalan movie is coming! Whoooo yeah! I can't wait!
My best bet is that the Mytical Creatures mentioned in the synopsis would be the Bogey-man or Wee Folk. Originally, the title was THE WOODs. I wonder if changing it to THE VILLAGE has any significance? Hmm...
And so it begins...
Hello 2004.
Spend the morning working on the pages for the collab I'm working with the great Elbert. Finished one and a half pages in a few hours. By the time the sun came up, I realised I should head for bed and dove into the sheets with my head still spinning with ideas. Sleep came to me around 10 a.m.
Woke up at 12:20 and rushed to the shower. We had a lunch to attend at Pasay (Mother's side reunion) and we got there with loads of time to spare. Had a wonderful salad and a light serving of pasta and kare kare. Stayed loyal to Coke Light and had a glass of red wine. Capped it off with two kindly generous servings of ice cream (Cookies and Cream and Fruit Salad flavors!) and entertained the kids. The kids made some shirt designs and my aunts asked me to join thier "Fashion Show" to feature the shirts. Opted for something a tad more... showbiz-inspired and wore the shirt beneath my blue polo. When the time came for the runway (with the kiddies actually remembering thier cues) I came on to the floor, whipped the shirt off and began dancing my booty like some gigolo.
Felt sleepy around 4:00p.m.
Got back home to Paranaque and feel tempted to find my way back to my apartment in San Juan. I love my family and all, but damn, I miss my Playstation 2 and my PC. Using my mom's laptop just ain't the same when updating my blog.
Still... had loads of fun. And the day is barely over. Heck, its partly halfway as we speak. It has been fun so far, and I have no doubt it will continue to be.
Definitely a great way to start the year!
Hello 2004.
Spend the morning working on the pages for the collab I'm working with the great Elbert. Finished one and a half pages in a few hours. By the time the sun came up, I realised I should head for bed and dove into the sheets with my head still spinning with ideas. Sleep came to me around 10 a.m.
Woke up at 12:20 and rushed to the shower. We had a lunch to attend at Pasay (Mother's side reunion) and we got there with loads of time to spare. Had a wonderful salad and a light serving of pasta and kare kare. Stayed loyal to Coke Light and had a glass of red wine. Capped it off with two kindly generous servings of ice cream (Cookies and Cream and Fruit Salad flavors!) and entertained the kids. The kids made some shirt designs and my aunts asked me to join thier "Fashion Show" to feature the shirts. Opted for something a tad more... showbiz-inspired and wore the shirt beneath my blue polo. When the time came for the runway (with the kiddies actually remembering thier cues) I came on to the floor, whipped the shirt off and began dancing my booty like some gigolo.
Felt sleepy around 4:00p.m.
Got back home to Paranaque and feel tempted to find my way back to my apartment in San Juan. I love my family and all, but damn, I miss my Playstation 2 and my PC. Using my mom's laptop just ain't the same when updating my blog.
Still... had loads of fun. And the day is barely over. Heck, its partly halfway as we speak. It has been fun so far, and I have no doubt it will continue to be.
Definitely a great way to start the year!
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