GAMEX 2005 DONE!
The Memorial Day Weekend convention, Gamex 2005, ended today with a somber yet heart-touching note. A lot of people are actually looking forward to playing in my games hopefully next year if I can make it back. There's more stories of course than this to share about it which I just haven't really gotten around to writing down.
Still tired and spent from the convention, I have to admit. One game ran from 3:00p.m. to around 2:00a.m. And today, I got to head for bed at 6:00a.m. only to wake up at 10:30a.m. cause I had to check out of the free crash space I was given by the really nice people of Strategicon ( the group that was behind the con).
MOOSE moment
Met up with Moose afterwards, who had driven from San Francisco (an 8-hour drive) to handle some familiar matters and find a chance to visit me. Visited West Hollywood upon his request (with Popay giving me directions) only to find the place superficially boring in many ways. Nothing beats the drinking, hanging out feel of the old Malate (before it was commercialized and turned into another superficial metrosexual self-professed bisexual hunting ground).
Still, had a great time talking about old times, catching up on news and drinking a beer.
CINDERELLA GIMMICK
Got home before twelve hoping to catch some friends online.
Sadly, they weren't there. Oh well.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Saturday, May 28, 2005
END OF WEEK ONE
So its Friday again... A week has now passed. And so far it has been great! Contrary to my post two nights ago, (or last night? I get confused.) I saw Episode 3 last night with my family. As you can see in the picture below, movies here in the US are fucking expensive! My God, $9.75 for a single movie. That's over Php500 for a single movie that isn't even a premier showing! Once again, I miss the Philippines. Some lines were just great! (My personal favorites are: "So this is how Democracy dies.. with thunderous applause." and of course, Yoda's line to Anakin.) Others (mostly Anakin and the Emperor's kind of off-kilter attempts at manipulation) were just bad. The Wookies' appearance were so... unnececssary. Heck, that freaky mount Kenobi used to go after Grevious had more screen time! And I was having a huge laugh when Anakin was at his point of choice and in front of him Mace Windu and Palpatine were going "He betrayed you!" "No he's the betrayer!" "No him!" (What the heck?!?!? A Jedi Master and a Sith Lord reduced to finger-pointing kids?)
Finally found a RPG book I wanted to get at Borders. Bloodlines: The Hidden expands the selection of vampire bloodlines that can populate my World of Darkness games. Special applause go to the Khainbit, the Gethsemani, and the Rakshasa. Some, however, like the Anvari, are kind of icky.
Tonight begins the Gamex 2005 convention. Butterflies in my stomach and all that, I think I feel the pressure rising like a freaking raging hard-on while spooning with a friend. (Meaning: It just feels so wrong and strangely exciting at the same time.) Got my posters, my character sheets, my notes, my books, my dice, my MP3 player (Thanks again, Seth!) and my speakers (Thanks to my brother, Mike, who shared his computer's speakers.) all prepped up. Here's hoping I give great games worth playing in. And here's hoping I find good finds too while there.
Lastly, contacted Jonas last night and was invited to be part of a new Writer's ring every Tuesdays! I'll be writing alongside Nikki Alfar and others. An honor, indeed it is. Here's hoping I actually write stuff worth reading.
Catch you all when I get back!
Friday, May 27, 2005
Gah... Performance Anxiety
Its the 26th and I am getting all jittery.
Tomorrow, I test my international gaming chops once again as I run games for an international arena for the third time in my life. Its funny, though, how I am remembered my a number of gamers there (two have already reserved slots for gaming under me, with one even offering me a place to bunk in for the night between gaming days in case I am not happy with the crash space offered by the con organizers). I wonder though if I'd ever catch the attention of someone professional who'd actually offer me Storytelling as a paid occupation. That would be the day, eh?
Still haven't gotten around to finding gaming shops. Visited one comic shop and got the two graphic novels I lack to complete my Sandman collection (The Kindly Ones and The Wake) and a copy of "Its a Bird", the Vertigo Superman book.
Also, searched the throngs of Circuit City and Fry's Electronics for the Lion Battery for my Creative Nomad but found nothing. :-( Probably have to order it directly from Creative. Here's hoping that goes well.
I still haven't been able to mail RoseAnn's painting to San Francisco, nor found the gaming books (Alchemicals, Bloodlines, and Secret of Zir'An) I really want to get. Something tells me, however, I'd bite off more than I can chew (or rather, see more than I can afford) come tomorrow when the convention actually begins.
Oh and yes, as sacriligeous as it may seem to gamers, I have NOT seen Starwars Episode III. I dunno. Part of me is tempted to ignore it for now. I guess its my rebellious streak rearing up again.
It could be worse, I guess.
Its the 26th and I am getting all jittery.
Tomorrow, I test my international gaming chops once again as I run games for an international arena for the third time in my life. Its funny, though, how I am remembered my a number of gamers there (two have already reserved slots for gaming under me, with one even offering me a place to bunk in for the night between gaming days in case I am not happy with the crash space offered by the con organizers). I wonder though if I'd ever catch the attention of someone professional who'd actually offer me Storytelling as a paid occupation. That would be the day, eh?
Still haven't gotten around to finding gaming shops. Visited one comic shop and got the two graphic novels I lack to complete my Sandman collection (The Kindly Ones and The Wake) and a copy of "Its a Bird", the Vertigo Superman book.
Also, searched the throngs of Circuit City and Fry's Electronics for the Lion Battery for my Creative Nomad but found nothing. :-( Probably have to order it directly from Creative. Here's hoping that goes well.
I still haven't been able to mail RoseAnn's painting to San Francisco, nor found the gaming books (Alchemicals, Bloodlines, and Secret of Zir'An) I really want to get. Something tells me, however, I'd bite off more than I can chew (or rather, see more than I can afford) come tomorrow when the convention actually begins.
Oh and yes, as sacriligeous as it may seem to gamers, I have NOT seen Starwars Episode III. I dunno. Part of me is tempted to ignore it for now. I guess its my rebellious streak rearing up again.
It could be worse, I guess.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
NO PICTURES TODAY (May 25)
Carrie Underwood won. Watched LIVE as Simon's shocking story was revealed. Curiously remained amused to see all of Ryan Seacrest's undertones towards Bo Bice. It was nice to see American Idol 3 contestants all over the show (esp the hosts in location) and the singing with the dream singers was just a blast! Too bad the main song for the winner's singles sucked big time. Just didn't have the same impact and intensity of Dreams which Fantasia won.
Again, Seacrest's undertones.
Hmm..!
Carrie Underwood won. Watched LIVE as Simon's shocking story was revealed. Curiously remained amused to see all of Ryan Seacrest's undertones towards Bo Bice. It was nice to see American Idol 3 contestants all over the show (esp the hosts in location) and the singing with the dream singers was just a blast! Too bad the main song for the winner's singles sucked big time. Just didn't have the same impact and intensity of Dreams which Fantasia won.
Again, Seacrest's undertones.
Hmm..!
ON THE NEXT DAY
Headed off to the many outlets of the Camarillo where over-runs and bargains awaited our money. Found myself a pair of shoes and some shirts to wear too! My mom and Tracy of course went nuts, buying so much stuff I can only wonder how we'd fly back home with them.
DEFINITELY MAKING THE MOST OF EACH DAY
With the Clan back in completion, we decided to check out the Grove, one of the new prominent places to be in Los Angeles. Much like ATC or Glorietta 3, the place was just as beautiful to look at as it was wonderful to shop in. Though there weren't that much shops ( mas madami pa ata stores sa Jaka Plaza) the way the place was structured was great! A fountain adorned the central area where a cable car would circle to help people get around. Shops ranged from clothing apparel to a movie theater, and a farmer's market much like our own Market, Market!
After browsing and gazing at the many shops for hours (YES, by the time we left it was night time!) we then headed off to Hollywood Boulevard to do some star-searching. Though we didn't catch any actual stars, we did see a lot of cool sights.
We didn't get to step inside anymore, but we got to glimpse Ripley's Believe it or Not, the Wax Museum and the Guinness Book of Records exhibits. Then, it was off to the Chinese Theater to see the hand and foot prints of the stars and the walk of fame. We also saw the location for the American Idol shoot. Too bad we just missed it.
After browsing and gazing at the many shops for hours (YES, by the time we left it was night time!) we then headed off to Hollywood Boulevard to do some star-searching. Though we didn't catch any actual stars, we did see a lot of cool sights.
We didn't get to step inside anymore, but we got to glimpse Ripley's Believe it or Not, the Wax Museum and the Guinness Book of Records exhibits. Then, it was off to the Chinese Theater to see the hand and foot prints of the stars and the walk of fame. We also saw the location for the American Idol shoot. Too bad we just missed it.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
WEST HOLLYWOOD
Decided not to take pictures of all the meat around as to not reduce my blog into a source of free tintillation for all the queeries out there. Still, had a bash enjoying cheap beer, great company and the hilarious moment of seeing Alvin realise where we were.
THE NEXT MORNING...
Spent the next morning at the Getty Center enjoying the exhibits and checking out the picnic-friendly garden. Met Joe, Pauline's source of happiness and wholeness and had a lot of laughs while staying under the shade of trees. Wished some friends were with us, but shared as well the truth that some people just aren't really friends anymore. Later in the day, was off to a place that I doubt Alvin ever thought he'd ever visit.
OLD FRIENDS
Met up with Alvin (who flew all the way from San Francisco to meet up with me) and Pauline (who looks as ravishing as ever) and had a great time chatting and sharing anecdotes and worldviews over beer and cigarettes at Mexicalli. Its been a long time since we all found ourselves hanging out and laughing over college years gone by.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
DAY ONE and TWO
IN LOS ANGELES
With all the sights to see, things to experience and events that made the past two days remarkably wonderful, nothing compares to the sheer joy of having fun and spending time reacquainting myself and endearing myself to the kids: Sophie and Jam (Tolites).
Ever since they left the Philippines to be raised here in Los Angeles, I always had this increasing fear that eventually, both would grow up to forget who I am or what I look like. Thankfully, that was not the case. The two kids remember me clearly and barely needed time to reacquaint themselves with me and spend some time laughing, joking and trading stories.
Kids. I tell you. Some day I will have my own.
I promise you that.
BEFORE...
BEFORE
As mentioned, me and some officemates of mine celebrated a tiny despedida celebration prior to my trip. Other people, like Aris, Marianne, Ramil, Kai and John boy dropped by and joined the fun but weren't in the pictures. Had a lot of laughs with Alex leading the madness with his antics and unexpected hirits.
GeeJay, Sam, Seth, Aldwin and Joey made their presence and wishes felt with text messages and phone calls too, reminding me that I am loved by so many people and always will be special in their heart.
WOW... I AM ON THE LIST
Its kinda funny and awe-spiring to know I am literally listed in the upcoming RPG events in the Gamex 2005 convention this Memorial Day Weekend. Check it out here.
Its kinda funny and awe-spiring to know I am literally listed in the upcoming RPG events in the Gamex 2005 convention this Memorial Day Weekend. Check it out here.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
YES
The eagle has landed.
Rejoice and be merry.
I remain alive.
The flight was shorter than usual with only a brief scary moment during landing to mark it. Totally forgot to keep the camera with me. No pictures, sadly.
Its cold, however not that cold. Mas malamig pa sa Baguio from the way I remember things. But don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. The house is cool and nice. I like it already.
More soon.
The eagle has landed.
Rejoice and be merry.
I remain alive.
The flight was shorter than usual with only a brief scary moment during landing to mark it. Totally forgot to keep the camera with me. No pictures, sadly.
Its cold, however not that cold. Mas malamig pa sa Baguio from the way I remember things. But don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. The house is cool and nice. I like it already.
More soon.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
FAIRYLAND... on hold
Been playing this really cool MMORPG called Fairyland for quite some
time. And part of the fun is sharing riddles with the others in the
Clan. Here's a riddle I left for them to ponder on.
If you can solve it, please do NOT post the answer. You can
e-mail it to me instead. My address is tobito_abad AT yahoo dot
com.
The riddle:
I am a 9-letter word..
123 disapproves
my 1234 is a part of d human body
my 123456 is edible
my 23456 speaks
& my 789 is something u cant do..
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Countdown...
A bunch of last minute projects, revisions and updates. A clean-cut haircut. A worry with the weather. A sudden outpour of bilins to bring with me.
Tomorrow though... oh, tomorrow.
Yes.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Countdown..
2 days to go? 2 more days of cancelled plans, disappointments, aborted celebrations, ignored needs for intimacy, over work-under paid hours, thankfless errands and growing uncertainity.
Yah. Two more days.
Here's hoping this is just the lower rung of the cycle and tomorrow, its the upswing of everything.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
GAY MEN RESPOND DIFFERENTLY TO PHEROMONES
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Gay men's brains respond differently from those of heterosexual males when exposed to a sexual stimulus, researchers have found. The homosexual men's brains responded more like those of women when the men sniffed a chemical from the male hormone testosterone.
ADVERTISEMENT
"It is one more piece of evidence ... that is showing that sexual orientation is not all learned," said Sandra Witelson, an expert on brain anatomy and sexual orientation at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.
Witelson, who was not part of the research team, said the findings clearly show a biological involvement in sexual orientation.
The study, published in Tuesday's issue of Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences, was done by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
They exposed heterosexual men and women and homosexual men to chemicals derived from male and female sex hormones.
These chemicals are thought to be pheromones — molecules known to trigger responses such as defense and sex in many animals.
Whether humans respond to pheromones has been debated, although in 2000 American researchers reported finding a gene that they believe directs a human pheromone receptor in the nose.
The Swedish study was one of a series looking at whether parts of the brain involved in reproduction differ in response to odors and pheromones, lead researcher Ivanka Savic said.
The brains of different groups responded similarly to ordinary odors such as lavender, but differed in their response to the chemicals thought to be pheromones, Savic said.
The Swedish researchers divided 36 subjects into three groups — heterosexual men, heterosexual women and homosexual men. They studied the brain response to sniffing the chemicals, using PET scans. All the subjects were healthy, unmedicated, right-handed and
HIV negative.
When they sniffed smells like cedar or lavender, all of the subjects' brains reacted only in the olfactory region that handles smells.
But when confronted by a chemical from testosterone, the male hormone, portions of the brains active in sexual activity were activated in straight women and in gay men, but not in straight men, the researchers found.
The response in gay men and straight women was concentrated in the hypothalamus with a maximum in the preoptic area that is active in hormonal and sensory responses necessary for sexual behavior, the researchers said.
And when estrogen, the female hormone was used, there was only a response in the olfactory portion of the brains of straight women. Homosexual men had their primary response also in the olfactory area, with a very small reaction in the hypothalamus, while heterosexual men responded strongly in the reproductive region of the brain.
Savic said the group is also doing a study involving homosexual women but those results are not yet complete.
In a separate study looking at people's response to the body odors of others, researchers in Philadelphia found sharp differences between gay and straight men and women.
"Our findings support the contention that gender preference has a biological component that is reflected in both the production of different body odors and in the perception of and response to body odors," said neuroscientist Charles Wysocki, who led the study.
In particular, he said, finding differences in body odors between gay and straight individuals indicates a physical difference.
It's hard to see how a simple choice to be gay or lesbian would influence the production of body odor, he said.
Wysocki's team at the Monell Chemical Senses Center studied the response of 82 heterosexual and homosexual men and heterosexual and homosexual women to the odors of underarm sweat collected from 24 donors of varied gender and sexual orientation.
They found that gay men differed from heterosexual men and women and from lesbian women, both in terms of which body odors gay men preferred and how their own body odors were regarded by the other groups.
Gay men preferred odors from gay men, while odors from gay men were the least preferred by heterosexual men and women and by lesbian women in the study. Their findings, released Monday, are to be published in the journal Psychological Science in September.
The Swedish research was funded by the Swedish Medical Research Council, the Karolinska Institute and the Magnus Bergvall Foundation. Wysocki's research was supported by the Monell Center.
Very very interesting.... hmm....
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Gay men's brains respond differently from those of heterosexual males when exposed to a sexual stimulus, researchers have found. The homosexual men's brains responded more like those of women when the men sniffed a chemical from the male hormone testosterone.
ADVERTISEMENT
"It is one more piece of evidence ... that is showing that sexual orientation is not all learned," said Sandra Witelson, an expert on brain anatomy and sexual orientation at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.
Witelson, who was not part of the research team, said the findings clearly show a biological involvement in sexual orientation.
The study, published in Tuesday's issue of Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences, was done by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
They exposed heterosexual men and women and homosexual men to chemicals derived from male and female sex hormones.
These chemicals are thought to be pheromones — molecules known to trigger responses such as defense and sex in many animals.
Whether humans respond to pheromones has been debated, although in 2000 American researchers reported finding a gene that they believe directs a human pheromone receptor in the nose.
The Swedish study was one of a series looking at whether parts of the brain involved in reproduction differ in response to odors and pheromones, lead researcher Ivanka Savic said.
The brains of different groups responded similarly to ordinary odors such as lavender, but differed in their response to the chemicals thought to be pheromones, Savic said.
The Swedish researchers divided 36 subjects into three groups — heterosexual men, heterosexual women and homosexual men. They studied the brain response to sniffing the chemicals, using PET scans. All the subjects were healthy, unmedicated, right-handed and
HIV negative.
When they sniffed smells like cedar or lavender, all of the subjects' brains reacted only in the olfactory region that handles smells.
But when confronted by a chemical from testosterone, the male hormone, portions of the brains active in sexual activity were activated in straight women and in gay men, but not in straight men, the researchers found.
The response in gay men and straight women was concentrated in the hypothalamus with a maximum in the preoptic area that is active in hormonal and sensory responses necessary for sexual behavior, the researchers said.
And when estrogen, the female hormone was used, there was only a response in the olfactory portion of the brains of straight women. Homosexual men had their primary response also in the olfactory area, with a very small reaction in the hypothalamus, while heterosexual men responded strongly in the reproductive region of the brain.
Savic said the group is also doing a study involving homosexual women but those results are not yet complete.
In a separate study looking at people's response to the body odors of others, researchers in Philadelphia found sharp differences between gay and straight men and women.
"Our findings support the contention that gender preference has a biological component that is reflected in both the production of different body odors and in the perception of and response to body odors," said neuroscientist Charles Wysocki, who led the study.
In particular, he said, finding differences in body odors between gay and straight individuals indicates a physical difference.
It's hard to see how a simple choice to be gay or lesbian would influence the production of body odor, he said.
Wysocki's team at the Monell Chemical Senses Center studied the response of 82 heterosexual and homosexual men and heterosexual and homosexual women to the odors of underarm sweat collected from 24 donors of varied gender and sexual orientation.
They found that gay men differed from heterosexual men and women and from lesbian women, both in terms of which body odors gay men preferred and how their own body odors were regarded by the other groups.
Gay men preferred odors from gay men, while odors from gay men were the least preferred by heterosexual men and women and by lesbian women in the study. Their findings, released Monday, are to be published in the journal Psychological Science in September.
The Swedish research was funded by the Swedish Medical Research Council, the Karolinska Institute and the Magnus Bergvall Foundation. Wysocki's research was supported by the Monell Center.
Very very interesting.... hmm....
Sunday, May 08, 2005
AMUSING ANECDOTES
Found out that my previous rantings were mistakenly assumed by two particular people to be referring to them! So to clarify no it ain't about you two. First of all, neither of you really factor in what I consider to be my daily adventure that is called life, be it due to the fact of the grown distance (physical or emotional) or differences (be it political, personal or creative) so rest assured you won't have to worry about cropping up in my postings. And Secondly, why would I even write about you if I haven't even seen or spoken with you for quite some time?
No offense, guys, but my blog is my current life. I don't really know why there was the assumption in the first place. Am kinda happy though that Mr. B validated his concerns by calling me and asking if it was okay to talk. Was amused however when Mr. O actually texted in response to my response to Mr. B's concerns. Guess he read my reply to Mr. B and thought it was a reply to his own blog post which in some ways can be miscontrued to refer to me as well. Or something. Gah... this is becoming more confusing than a local telenovela.
Anyway... now that that's cleared up, back to our indifferent lives, shall we?
And again, Mr. O and Mr. B it's not about either of you two, okay? Thanks though, for making me laugh.
Been a while since either of you did that.
Found out that my previous rantings were mistakenly assumed by two particular people to be referring to them! So to clarify no it ain't about you two. First of all, neither of you really factor in what I consider to be my daily adventure that is called life, be it due to the fact of the grown distance (physical or emotional) or differences (be it political, personal or creative) so rest assured you won't have to worry about cropping up in my postings. And Secondly, why would I even write about you if I haven't even seen or spoken with you for quite some time?
No offense, guys, but my blog is my current life. I don't really know why there was the assumption in the first place. Am kinda happy though that Mr. B validated his concerns by calling me and asking if it was okay to talk. Was amused however when Mr. O actually texted in response to my response to Mr. B's concerns. Guess he read my reply to Mr. B and thought it was a reply to his own blog post which in some ways can be miscontrued to refer to me as well. Or something. Gah... this is becoming more confusing than a local telenovela.
Anyway... now that that's cleared up, back to our indifferent lives, shall we?
And again, Mr. O and Mr. B it's not about either of you two, okay? Thanks though, for making me laugh.
Been a while since either of you did that.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Despidida - Yuki and Mike
Here's to the good old times, the bad overtimes and everything else in between!
"Mahirap talaga maging... pogi."
I was sooooo smashed, I don't even recall this picture anymore.
Drinking, laughing, and watching Alex live up to his "Crush ng Bayan" nomination.
Me finally getting a decent picture with Reg. Ganda talaga niya.
Though there were some... unexpected events that night, I was happy everything ended up well and good. I wonder if I should host a despidida party of my own for my one month vacation? I mean, you never know if my plane actually crashes or what, eh?
"Mahirap talaga maging... pogi."
I was sooooo smashed, I don't even recall this picture anymore.
Drinking, laughing, and watching Alex live up to his "Crush ng Bayan" nomination.
Me finally getting a decent picture with Reg. Ganda talaga niya.
Though there were some... unexpected events that night, I was happy everything ended up well and good. I wonder if I should host a despidida party of my own for my one month vacation? I mean, you never know if my plane actually crashes or what, eh?
DRUNK AND GIGGLING
Had attended another despidida today. Seems to be in the rage these days. Will try to post pictures when I get the chance to. Made sure Redge got home safely. Hirap na.
GIGGLING?
BWAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAH!!! Funny stuff to read online.
Guys, do check the link I sent yah and tell me what you think?
It wasn't even about him!
AND
Its finally Saturday.
And yes, it does mean I still have work.
See, its that simple.
Ah, fuck it.
Hand me another San Mig Light.
Cheers!
Had attended another despidida today. Seems to be in the rage these days. Will try to post pictures when I get the chance to. Made sure Redge got home safely. Hirap na.
GIGGLING?
BWAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAH!!! Funny stuff to read online.
Guys, do check the link I sent yah and tell me what you think?
It wasn't even about him!
AND
Its finally Saturday.
And yes, it does mean I still have work.
See, its that simple.
Ah, fuck it.
Hand me another San Mig Light.
Cheers!
Friday, May 06, 2005
LATE BLOOMER TALAGA AKO
Pizzacato five
Sweet Soul Revue
kesa hajimete
kagami wo mite
ki ga tsuita no
anata ni koi shiteru no
anata ni koi shiteru no
omekashi shite
doko e yuku no?
so anata ni
ai ni yuku no yo
baby machi wa itsumo parade
baby dakara tsuite iko yo
yo no naka ni wa
sweet ya
catchy ga ippai aru yo ne
dakishimetai
ureshikute
hoho hozuri shitakunaru desho
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora okurenaide ne
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora wasurenaide ne
tabun kyo wa
watashi wo mite
ki ga tsuku hazu
anata mo koi shiterutte
watashi ni koi shiterutte
terebi de mita
furui eiga
musical no
revue mitai ne
baby machi wa itsumo parade
baby hora ne kikoeru desho
yo no naka ni wa
happy ya
lucky ga ippai aru yo ne
kuchizuketai
ureshikute
hoho hozuri
shitakunaru desho
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora okurenaide ne
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora wasurenaide ne
yo no naka ni wa
sweet ya
catchy ga
ippai aru hazu
kami-sama
parade ni
ame nante furasenaide
yo no naka ni
happy mo
lucky mo
zenzen nakutemo
anata to nara
ureshikute
hoho hozuri shitakunaru desho
hozuri shitakunaru desho
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora okurenaide ne
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora wasurenaide ne
English translation
I didn't notice till I looked
in the mirror
this morning
I'm falling in love with you
I'm falling in love with you
where am I going
dressing up?
yes, I'm going
to see you
baby, this town is always a parade
baby, so I am following
in this world
there are a lot of sweet
and catchy things
wanna hug
wanna be happy
don't you want to hold them close?
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't be late
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't forget
perhaps you noticed
when you
looked at me today
you're fallin' in love
fallin' in love with me
on tv I saw
and old movie
it was like
a musical revue
baby, the town is always a parade
baby listen! don't you hear it?
in this world
there a lot of happy
and lucky things
wanna kiss
wanna be glad
don't you want to hold them close?
don't you want to hold them close?
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't be late
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't forget
in this world
there are a lot of sweet
and catchy things
oh lord,
don't rain
on my parade
but even if there is no happy
or lucky things at all
in this world
you make me
so happy
don't you wanna hold them close?
don't you wanna hold them close?
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't be late
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't forget
Pizzacato five
Sweet Soul Revue
kesa hajimete
kagami wo mite
ki ga tsuita no
anata ni koi shiteru no
anata ni koi shiteru no
omekashi shite
doko e yuku no?
so anata ni
ai ni yuku no yo
baby machi wa itsumo parade
baby dakara tsuite iko yo
yo no naka ni wa
sweet ya
catchy ga ippai aru yo ne
dakishimetai
ureshikute
hoho hozuri shitakunaru desho
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora okurenaide ne
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora wasurenaide ne
tabun kyo wa
watashi wo mite
ki ga tsuku hazu
anata mo koi shiterutte
watashi ni koi shiterutte
terebi de mita
furui eiga
musical no
revue mitai ne
baby machi wa itsumo parade
baby hora ne kikoeru desho
yo no naka ni wa
happy ya
lucky ga ippai aru yo ne
kuchizuketai
ureshikute
hoho hozuri
shitakunaru desho
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora okurenaide ne
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora wasurenaide ne
yo no naka ni wa
sweet ya
catchy ga
ippai aru hazu
kami-sama
parade ni
ame nante furasenaide
yo no naka ni
happy mo
lucky mo
zenzen nakutemo
anata to nara
ureshikute
hoho hozuri shitakunaru desho
hozuri shitakunaru desho
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora okurenaide ne
hora revue ga hajimaru
hora wasurenaide ne
English translation
I didn't notice till I looked
in the mirror
this morning
I'm falling in love with you
I'm falling in love with you
where am I going
dressing up?
yes, I'm going
to see you
baby, this town is always a parade
baby, so I am following
in this world
there are a lot of sweet
and catchy things
wanna hug
wanna be happy
don't you want to hold them close?
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't be late
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't forget
perhaps you noticed
when you
looked at me today
you're fallin' in love
fallin' in love with me
on tv I saw
and old movie
it was like
a musical revue
baby, the town is always a parade
baby listen! don't you hear it?
in this world
there a lot of happy
and lucky things
wanna kiss
wanna be glad
don't you want to hold them close?
don't you want to hold them close?
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't be late
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't forget
in this world
there are a lot of sweet
and catchy things
oh lord,
don't rain
on my parade
but even if there is no happy
or lucky things at all
in this world
you make me
so happy
don't you wanna hold them close?
don't you wanna hold them close?
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't be late
hey, the revue is starting
hey, don't forget
A FEW MORE DAYS
Its funny. In a few days I get to leave the Philipines and take a step away from the horrible "friends", the self-centered vampires, the user-friendly slobs, the pathetic gay-bashing closeted queers, the self-loathing repetitive abusive geeks and the like and remind myself life does go beyond knowing and having to endure living amongst such people.
Ironic, though, cause it would also mean leaving behind great friends, honest companions, intellectually and emotionally secure buddies, hard-working and still helpful co-workers, creatively supportive comic creators and loved ones.
But I guess I need the break for now.
Hey, who knows if I'll be lucky and some freak accident obliterates all those in the first section while I'm away. Like maybe they all choose to watch Episode 3 on the same day some just-as-idiotic-terrorist-wannabe chooses to blow the theater up.
If only I could be so lucky.
(Obviously stress and frustration are at an all-time high eh? Oh and to those who might be curious, do feel free to contact me if you aren't sure where you are in those two sections. But trust your honest instincts. Its hard not to be in the first list and not know at all.)
Its funny. In a few days I get to leave the Philipines and take a step away from the horrible "friends", the self-centered vampires, the user-friendly slobs, the pathetic gay-bashing closeted queers, the self-loathing repetitive abusive geeks and the like and remind myself life does go beyond knowing and having to endure living amongst such people.
Ironic, though, cause it would also mean leaving behind great friends, honest companions, intellectually and emotionally secure buddies, hard-working and still helpful co-workers, creatively supportive comic creators and loved ones.
But I guess I need the break for now.
Hey, who knows if I'll be lucky and some freak accident obliterates all those in the first section while I'm away. Like maybe they all choose to watch Episode 3 on the same day some just-as-idiotic-terrorist-wannabe chooses to blow the theater up.
If only I could be so lucky.
(Obviously stress and frustration are at an all-time high eh? Oh and to those who might be curious, do feel free to contact me if you aren't sure where you are in those two sections. But trust your honest instincts. Its hard not to be in the first list and not know at all.)
Thursday, May 05, 2005
MORE CLUES ON THE SHOOT
Here's Yachang, Weng (with the baby), Ghe, Yachang and Me.
Here's a wide shot of the set. I won't say anything yet. Don't want to ruin the surprise.
And here's one final clue. Nice statue eh? Or is it a statue?
Here's a wide shot of the set. I won't say anything yet. Don't want to ruin the surprise.
And here's one final clue. Nice statue eh? Or is it a statue?
Some Friends of Mine
FATIGUE...
Stayed in today. Body refused to sit up when I woke up. Decided not to risk over-taxing myself and took the day off. Spent most of the day playing Fairyland and sleeping (well, one or the other). Tried to invite some friends over but they were either tinatamad, too busy, had work or just plain and simply did not feel like it.
No worries though.
This quiet life is much better than the emotional tug-of-war I had to endure being friends with certain people in the past. To say the least, in this new life, I know I am cared for. And trusted. And loved. And welcomed. And not hindered from speaking what I feel. Or posting what I want to say.
BAKA-SYON
May 20th is coming closer and I can't wait to get to the US to work on my... plans. As well as do all the shopping I want for my friends. Then there's also the chance to meet up with some old friends I haven't seen in ages: Maan, Moose, Rose Ann, Alvin, Popay, Rommel and possibly even those old gang at the Gamex 2000 convention.
God might pay me a visit there too? Cool, eh?
Too bad he's... well.. him.
ORPHEUS: THE COMEDY IS OVER (on hold)
Time out. Need time to make the game perfect.
The players have driven the plot forward so well, they're practically moving through the story arcs of Books Five and Six at the same time. And I am starting to get afraid of not delivering a bang-for-the-buck ending! Trying to maintain an utterly horror-inspired feel while at the same time giving a touch of heroism is hard. Quite hard to map out.
So its' on hold for May. Will resume the game when I get back on June. And I promise, the game will be back with a vengeance. A really scary one too!
LIFEHOUSE MOMENT
BREATHING
By: Lifehouse
I'm finding my way back to sanity again
Though I don't really know what
I'm going to do when I get there
Take a breath and hold on tight
Spin around one more time
And gracefully fall back to the arms of Grace
I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside heaven's door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be
I'm looking past the shadows
Of my mind into the truth and
I'm trying to identify
The voices in my head
God which one's you?
Let me feel one more time
What it feels like to feel
And break these calluses off me
One more time
'Cause I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside your door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be
I don't want a thing from you
Bet you're tired of me waiting
For the scraps to fall
Off your table to the ground
I just want to be here now
'Cause I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside heaven's door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be
I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside heaven's door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be
SOME PICS OF FRIENDS WHO VISITED MY COMMERCIAL SHOOT AT WORK
Block and White - Heheheh
This is the happy bunch. From left to right (Alex, Me, Reg, GeeJay, Oliver)
The "angsty" version.
The "feeling band album cover" version.
Take 2.
The Happiness to Melancholy version.
Stayed in today. Body refused to sit up when I woke up. Decided not to risk over-taxing myself and took the day off. Spent most of the day playing Fairyland and sleeping (well, one or the other). Tried to invite some friends over but they were either tinatamad, too busy, had work or just plain and simply did not feel like it.
No worries though.
This quiet life is much better than the emotional tug-of-war I had to endure being friends with certain people in the past. To say the least, in this new life, I know I am cared for. And trusted. And loved. And welcomed. And not hindered from speaking what I feel. Or posting what I want to say.
BAKA-SYON
May 20th is coming closer and I can't wait to get to the US to work on my... plans. As well as do all the shopping I want for my friends. Then there's also the chance to meet up with some old friends I haven't seen in ages: Maan, Moose, Rose Ann, Alvin, Popay, Rommel and possibly even those old gang at the Gamex 2000 convention.
God might pay me a visit there too? Cool, eh?
Too bad he's... well.. him.
ORPHEUS: THE COMEDY IS OVER (on hold)
Time out. Need time to make the game perfect.
The players have driven the plot forward so well, they're practically moving through the story arcs of Books Five and Six at the same time. And I am starting to get afraid of not delivering a bang-for-the-buck ending! Trying to maintain an utterly horror-inspired feel while at the same time giving a touch of heroism is hard. Quite hard to map out.
So its' on hold for May. Will resume the game when I get back on June. And I promise, the game will be back with a vengeance. A really scary one too!
LIFEHOUSE MOMENT
BREATHING
By: Lifehouse
I'm finding my way back to sanity again
Though I don't really know what
I'm going to do when I get there
Take a breath and hold on tight
Spin around one more time
And gracefully fall back to the arms of Grace
I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside heaven's door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be
I'm looking past the shadows
Of my mind into the truth and
I'm trying to identify
The voices in my head
God which one's you?
Let me feel one more time
What it feels like to feel
And break these calluses off me
One more time
'Cause I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside your door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be
I don't want a thing from you
Bet you're tired of me waiting
For the scraps to fall
Off your table to the ground
I just want to be here now
'Cause I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside heaven's door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be
I am hanging on every word you say
And even if you don't want to speak tonight
That's alright, alright with me
'Cause I want nothing more than to sit
Outside heaven's door and listen to you breathing
Is where I want to be
SOME PICS OF FRIENDS WHO VISITED MY COMMERCIAL SHOOT AT WORK
Block and White - Heheheh
This is the happy bunch. From left to right (Alex, Me, Reg, GeeJay, Oliver)
The "angsty" version.
The "feeling band album cover" version.
Take 2.
The Happiness to Melancholy version.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME (photos)
Here's some photos of the out-of-town Birthday/Team Building thing. Our team, Blue Team, won the events! Also, God paid a visit even if he already left the company.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Birds May Be Behind Exploding German Toads
BERLIN -- More than 1,000 toad corpses have been found at a pond in an upscale neighborhood in Hamburg and over the border in Denmark after bloating and bursting.
One German scientist studying the splattered amphibian remains has a theory: Hungry crows are pecking out their livers. It's left onlookers baffled. The pond water in Hamburg has been tested, but its quality is no better or worse than elsewhere in the city.
The toad remains have been checked for a virus or bacterium, but none has been found.
One German scientist studying the splattered amphibian remains has a theory: Hungry crows are pecking out their livers. "The crows are clever," said Frank Mutschmann, a Berlin veterinarian who collected and tested specimens at the Hamburg pond. "They learn quickly from watching other crows how to get the livers."
Based on the wounds, Mutschmann said, it appears that a bird pecks into the toad with its beak between the amphibian's chest and abdominal cavity, and the toad puffs itself up as a natural defense mechanism. But, because the liver is missing and there's a hole in the toad's body, the blood vessels and lungs burst and the other organs ooze out, he said.
As gruesome as it sounds, it isn't actually that unusual, he said.
"It's not unique -- it's in a city area, and that makes it spectacular," Mutschmann said. "Of course, it's something very dramatic."
There have also been reports of exploded toads in a pond near Laasby in central Jutland in Denmark. Local environmental workers in Hamburg have described it as a scene out of a horror or science fiction movie, with the bloated frogs agonizing and twitching for several minutes, inflating like balloons before they suddenly burst.
"It's horrible," biologist Heidi Mayerhoefer was quoted as telling the daily Hamburger Morgenpost. As many as a thousand toads have died after their bodies swelled to bursting point and then exploded, according to reports.
"The toads burst, the entrails slide out. But the animal isn't immediately dead -- they keep struggling for several minutes."
Hamburg's Institute for Hygiene and the Environment regularly tests water quality in the city and has found no evidence the toads were diseased. The institute also ruled out a fungus brought in from South America was infecting the toads. Other theories have been that horses on a nearby track might have infected the amphibians with a virus, or even that the toads are committing suicide to save others from overpopulation.
Could hungry crows be a reasonable answer?
"We haven't seen that. It might be, it might not be," said institute spokeswoman Janne Kloepper. "It's speculation," until it's observed, she added.
In the meantime, officials in Hamburg have advised residents to stay away from the pond, which German tabloids have dubbed "the death pool."
Personally, I think it's the microwaves in the sky.
STARWARS REVELATIONS ROCKS!
“Revelations” takes place between Episodes 3 and 4 of the Star Wars Saga. Emperor Palpatine's power has spread throughout the galaxy. Darth Vader is a feared figure. The Jedi are hunted fugitives. Anyone suspected of harboring Jedi or having any information about them is taken into Imperial custody.
Our heroine, Taryn Anwar, has broken way from Imperial control and is searching for an ancient Jedi artifact. Said to contain great power, it could be the key to destroying the Empire -- if she can locate it before Zhanna, the Emperor’s Hand, does. It’s a race between good and evil as the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
Revelations tells it's story around it's own unique characters and worlds around the Star Wars universe in which the only original star wars characters you will see from the films are, the Emperor, Vader, stormtroopers, and various aliens that makes Star Wars. "Revelations" is very unique in it own way of look and feel, yet still within the Star Wars galaxy. We wanted to make something that was our own and not a simple retelling of Star Wars, or ideas and looks that have been explored before. We tried to make a film with the things and ideas we always wanted to see.
In the end, the script went through roughly 12 revisions by the time you watch it, and some were on the fly as we tightened and tweaked the story we wanted to tell or strengthen characters and deliveries. We think the end result is a fast pace film that takes you for quite a ride. We give a lot of looks for "Revelations" that is very exciting. It's a film we wanted to make in which we do not dummy down the exposition or story, and you really have to pay attention or you will miss things. A lot happens in 40 mins!
Check it out here!
Even better, the whole movie is legally downloadable through BitTorrent.
I can't wait for the chance to do something like this. The camera.. hmm.. gotta invest on that ...
BERLIN -- More than 1,000 toad corpses have been found at a pond in an upscale neighborhood in Hamburg and over the border in Denmark after bloating and bursting.
One German scientist studying the splattered amphibian remains has a theory: Hungry crows are pecking out their livers. It's left onlookers baffled. The pond water in Hamburg has been tested, but its quality is no better or worse than elsewhere in the city.
The toad remains have been checked for a virus or bacterium, but none has been found.
One German scientist studying the splattered amphibian remains has a theory: Hungry crows are pecking out their livers. "The crows are clever," said Frank Mutschmann, a Berlin veterinarian who collected and tested specimens at the Hamburg pond. "They learn quickly from watching other crows how to get the livers."
Based on the wounds, Mutschmann said, it appears that a bird pecks into the toad with its beak between the amphibian's chest and abdominal cavity, and the toad puffs itself up as a natural defense mechanism. But, because the liver is missing and there's a hole in the toad's body, the blood vessels and lungs burst and the other organs ooze out, he said.
As gruesome as it sounds, it isn't actually that unusual, he said.
"It's not unique -- it's in a city area, and that makes it spectacular," Mutschmann said. "Of course, it's something very dramatic."
There have also been reports of exploded toads in a pond near Laasby in central Jutland in Denmark. Local environmental workers in Hamburg have described it as a scene out of a horror or science fiction movie, with the bloated frogs agonizing and twitching for several minutes, inflating like balloons before they suddenly burst.
"It's horrible," biologist Heidi Mayerhoefer was quoted as telling the daily Hamburger Morgenpost. As many as a thousand toads have died after their bodies swelled to bursting point and then exploded, according to reports.
"The toads burst, the entrails slide out. But the animal isn't immediately dead -- they keep struggling for several minutes."
Hamburg's Institute for Hygiene and the Environment regularly tests water quality in the city and has found no evidence the toads were diseased. The institute also ruled out a fungus brought in from South America was infecting the toads. Other theories have been that horses on a nearby track might have infected the amphibians with a virus, or even that the toads are committing suicide to save others from overpopulation.
Could hungry crows be a reasonable answer?
"We haven't seen that. It might be, it might not be," said institute spokeswoman Janne Kloepper. "It's speculation," until it's observed, she added.
In the meantime, officials in Hamburg have advised residents to stay away from the pond, which German tabloids have dubbed "the death pool."
Personally, I think it's the microwaves in the sky.
STARWARS REVELATIONS ROCKS!
“Revelations” takes place between Episodes 3 and 4 of the Star Wars Saga. Emperor Palpatine's power has spread throughout the galaxy. Darth Vader is a feared figure. The Jedi are hunted fugitives. Anyone suspected of harboring Jedi or having any information about them is taken into Imperial custody.
Our heroine, Taryn Anwar, has broken way from Imperial control and is searching for an ancient Jedi artifact. Said to contain great power, it could be the key to destroying the Empire -- if she can locate it before Zhanna, the Emperor’s Hand, does. It’s a race between good and evil as the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
Revelations tells it's story around it's own unique characters and worlds around the Star Wars universe in which the only original star wars characters you will see from the films are, the Emperor, Vader, stormtroopers, and various aliens that makes Star Wars. "Revelations" is very unique in it own way of look and feel, yet still within the Star Wars galaxy. We wanted to make something that was our own and not a simple retelling of Star Wars, or ideas and looks that have been explored before. We tried to make a film with the things and ideas we always wanted to see.
In the end, the script went through roughly 12 revisions by the time you watch it, and some were on the fly as we tightened and tweaked the story we wanted to tell or strengthen characters and deliveries. We think the end result is a fast pace film that takes you for quite a ride. We give a lot of looks for "Revelations" that is very exciting. It's a film we wanted to make in which we do not dummy down the exposition or story, and you really have to pay attention or you will miss things. A lot happens in 40 mins!
Check it out here!
Even better, the whole movie is legally downloadable through BitTorrent.
I can't wait for the chance to do something like this. The camera.. hmm.. gotta invest on that ...
Sunday, May 01, 2005
The Last Supper
Had the second game session of Giovanni Chronicles last night and hit major high points in the dramatic level of the game. The "harrowings" each character endured simply added an incredible level of gaming to the session. Add to that the fresh directions I took for each of the main NPCs, even someone like Sam who had played Giovanni Chronicles in the past under me is finding the game just as compelling and frightening as the first one.
All I really got to do is finish the darn website soon enough.
At work, on a Sunday..
Yep. With the May 3 shoot looming closer and closer, I'm forced to work today AS WELL AS TOMORROW (which I might add has been declared a special non-working holiday = Labor Day) in order to make sure things work out in the end. Frankly, I wish they'd triple our pay or something in compensation. But the day that would happen would probably be the day I get elected to be the Pope.
Katamari Damacy... done!
Yep finished the darn addictive game. And still happily playing it when I can. I hit 500m 50cm as the size of my final Kamatari with islands, clouds, godzilla monsters and skyscrapers sticking to my rolling little star. I wonder, though, how much bigger I can make it go. I've seen some websites and forums list their best times to hit the minimum size as 28 - 35 seconds! Heck, it takes me 3-5 minutes! Got a long ways to go to getting the game mastered, that's for sure.
And damn, the songs are really really catchy.
DILIMAN...
...might be online again soon. I guess I'll just have to wait for word from him.
U.S. of A. this May?
Yes, I am leaving on the 20th of May.
Cool, eh?
Had the second game session of Giovanni Chronicles last night and hit major high points in the dramatic level of the game. The "harrowings" each character endured simply added an incredible level of gaming to the session. Add to that the fresh directions I took for each of the main NPCs, even someone like Sam who had played Giovanni Chronicles in the past under me is finding the game just as compelling and frightening as the first one.
All I really got to do is finish the darn website soon enough.
At work, on a Sunday..
Yep. With the May 3 shoot looming closer and closer, I'm forced to work today AS WELL AS TOMORROW (which I might add has been declared a special non-working holiday = Labor Day) in order to make sure things work out in the end. Frankly, I wish they'd triple our pay or something in compensation. But the day that would happen would probably be the day I get elected to be the Pope.
Katamari Damacy... done!
Yep finished the darn addictive game. And still happily playing it when I can. I hit 500m 50cm as the size of my final Kamatari with islands, clouds, godzilla monsters and skyscrapers sticking to my rolling little star. I wonder, though, how much bigger I can make it go. I've seen some websites and forums list their best times to hit the minimum size as 28 - 35 seconds! Heck, it takes me 3-5 minutes! Got a long ways to go to getting the game mastered, that's for sure.
And damn, the songs are really really catchy.
DILIMAN...
...might be online again soon. I guess I'll just have to wait for word from him.
U.S. of A. this May?
Yes, I am leaving on the 20th of May.
Cool, eh?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
