Dystopian Fiction: My Reflection

Ok, I know that dystopian fiction is the latest craze for book lovers (like me). There's always something that fascinates the audience about this genre of literature. Whether it's the environment, the characters, and even the way of living in the imaginary world coming alive from the minds of novelists, dystopian fiction never disappoints.

I know what you are asking. What's dystopian fiction? But before I can tell you that, let's read the definition of the word "dystopia".

A dystopia is a community or society, usually fictional, that is in some important way undesirable or frightening. It is the opposite of a utopia. Such societies appear in many works of fiction, particularly in stories set in a speculative future. Dystopias are often characterized by dehumanization, totalitarian governments, environmental disaster, or other characteristics associated with a cataclysmic decline in society. Elements of dystopias may vary from environmental to political and social issues. Dystopian societies have culminated in a broad series of sub-genres of fiction and are often used to raise real-world issues regarding society, environment, politics, religion, psychology, spirituality, or technology that may become present in the future. For this reason, dystopias have taken the form of a multitude of speculations, such as pollution, poverty, societal collapse, political repression, or totalitarianism. - From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia

So there, dystopian fiction is all about enduring the life that is harsh, frightening and cataclysmic, mostly after a major catastrophe or a huge shift in society that defies normality that may be occur in the future.

So far, I have known two famous dystopian series, the Hunger Games Trilogy and the Divergent Series.

The Hunger Games Trilogy, penned by Suzanne Collins, takes place in a post-apocalyptic world of Panem, once part of North America. There's the regal Capitol, and then there are 12 districts which are poor, having to work hard for a living, each with a specialized field of labor. On an appointed day, as punishment for the rebellion mishap, one male and one female from each district will be chosen to become tributes, who will participate in the Hunger Games, a cutthroat competition that requires sheer will and determination to survive.

Then there's the rising star, the Divergent series by Veronica Roth. The story is set in dystopian Chicago, where society is divided into five factions, each with the purpose of cultivating a trait essential to the welfare of humankind: Abnegation, the selfless; Candor, the honest; Amity, the peaceful; Erudite, the intelligent; and Dauntless, the brave. During the ceremony, each sixteen year old must choose the faction that will become his or her way of life from now on, and pass the initiation that follows. If one fails, he or she will face the worst fate: becoming factionless.

For me, what dystopian fiction taught me is that no matter what the circumstances, you have to stay true to yourself, and fight for what you believe in. And that's why I adore Katniss and Tris. Plus, having a partner who will support you (Peeta and Four respectively) is an added bonus.

So, if you haven't tried that genre, it's never too late to start. You may get hooked, trust me. ^^

Real Life: Cybercrime Law - nothing to joke about

Ok, so we have ousted SOPA, PIPA and ACTA, three of the laws that would provide protection from piracy, stealing and cybersex, but at the cost of destroying the freedom of Internet users everywhere.

But sadly, here in the Philippines, the antagonist wins, and it's in the form of the Cybercrime law a.k.a Republic Act No. 10175

http://www.gov.ph/2012/09/12/republic-act-no-10175/

I know that piracy, art thieves and cybersex are such big issues, but this is just so damn ludicrous and over-the-top. I mean, come on, we should just focus on punishing those who run the operations, like the cybersex dens and websites that promote child pornography. Most of us are just enjoying downloading stuff that kills boredom, including episodes of our favorite shows and music, and now, we're going to get thrown to jail, just because of posting and downloading whatever we want??

As Internet users, we have the right to enjoy the services, but there are some customers who just love abusing it. Can't we just arrest the real culprits instead of getting the innocents involved in this mess? Things would be much better that way.

I can sense protests coming up... But for me, no thanks... I just hope the government reconsiders upon hearing the voices of the people and do the right thing.

UPDATE: Just added some interesting pictures. I just wanna share it.

Shared from Sen. TG Guigona's FB page, and yes, I'm with it

Brave words from Sen. Tito Sotto

RIP DILG Sec. Robredo (no joke)

Ok, so today is the death anniversary of P-Noy's dad, Benigno Aquino Jr, who was shot to death in 1981, 5 years before the dictator was ousted from the throne. 

But now, there was another death that shocked the whole Filipino population: the death of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary, Jesse Robredo.

Before that, however, Sec. Robledo had one last wish: to catch the awarding ceremony of his child. That led to his decision to fly using his private plane, Piper Seneca, last Saturday. However, because of several glitches, the plane crashed onto the shores of Masbate. Since then, the search and rescue operations began.

The Filipino communities had prayed for his survival, even through social networking sites, but to no avail. His body was recovered this morning at around 8:15 a.m., inside the fuselage of his destroyed private plane. He was then transfered into a body bag by the Coast Guard.

As of now, his remains were now laid to rest in his beloved hometown, in Naga City.

Yep, such a sad loss indeed. First, the man who sparked a flame to start the EDSA Revolution, and now, a government officer who was never greedy for power or fame and simply doing his job.

May your soul rest in peace, Sec. Robledo.... 

8 tips on writing (from Paulo Coelho's blog)

I just stumbled onto this post as I browsed my Facebook, and I thought it'll be good to spread the message.

Paulo Coelho, one of my favorite authors due to his works, has posted something originating from a blog owned by one of a Filipino blogger. It was composed of the author's 10 tips on writing, and the blogger had commented each one of them. But in Paulo's blog, only 8 of these were shown.

Here are the tips:

On Confidence: You cannot sell your next book by underrating your book that was just published. Be proud of what you have.

On Trust: Trust your reader, don’t try to describe things. Give a hint and they will fulfill this hint with their own imagination.

On Expertise: You cannot take something out of nothing. When you write a book, use your experience.

On Critics: Writers want to please their peers, they want to be recognized. Forget about this. Who cares? You should care to share your soul and not to please other writers.

On Notetaking: If you want to capture ideas, you are lost. You are going to be detached from emotions and forget to live your life. You will be an observer and not a human being living his or her life. Forget taking notes, what important remains what is not important goes away.

On Research: If you overload your book with a lot of research, you are going to be very boring to yourself and to your reader. Books are not there to show how intelligent you are. Books are there to show your soul.

On Writing: I write the book that wants to be written. Behind the first sentence is a thread that takes you to the last.

On Style: Don’t try to innovate storytelling, tell a good story and it is magical. I see people trying to work so much in style, finding different ways to tell the same thing. It’s like fashion. Style is the dress, but the dress does not dictate what is inside the dress.

Well, it's definitely something to live by, since I'm a writer myself. I'll keep those in mind.

I hope other writers will get uplifted by the tips too, so that they can become successful and happy as I am. 

The challenges of being in a relationship

Yesterday, it was official... I now had a boyfriend.


The reactions were various, from shocked to exasperated. My ate advised me to prepare myself for the worst.


I have seen his past, being heartbroken by his past girlfriends before me. I even conversed with his friend whom he usually hangs out in a net cafe in Marikina.


But my worst was when my mom warned me not to go out with him, simply because of one opinion about him: a playboy who would break someone's heart for fun. 


Yes, I had seen so many incidents of love gone wrong, from being coerced to forsake just save oneself's hide, to the ugly break-ups. When being in love with someone, you have to dedicate yourself to allot time with your significant other, even if your schedule's so busy. You have to keep your promise of being faithful, and never cheat on your partner.


More importantly, make sure that the meeting with each other's families will be of less hassle, if not totally smoothly. Tell your partner more about your kin, get used to what they want to see inside you, and prove how much you're willing to take care of him/her. It takes time for them to accept, but hopefully, things will turn around.


I'm the type who is stubborn, yet determined to get what I want, yet I have the heart to accept the imperfection of others. I know he's not handsome, and I know he's childish and quite a pervert (ok, sometimes), but he never cheated, never committed vices and never broke someone's heart. I don't care about his past, because what matters the most is our promise, and that I'll always be there for him, even during the darkest of his days and when the world is against us.


I just hope my family will see that one day, and even his too.


Sorry, it's just something I wanted to let it all out. Feeling a bit sober right now... :(

Spirit Tales: the newest cute MMORPG to take the stage

During one of my Facebook browsing sessions, I stumbled upon bablih’s album about her character together with her husband’s. The album was entitled “Spirit Tales”.

I was like “Hmmm… cute and interesting”. I decided to go to the album, and all I saw were their chibi-looking avatars and their pets, meaning it’s an MMORPG. I immediately asked for the official website, and she gave me the link. That’s when I decided to check it out.

Spirit Tales was developed by KoramGame, the same ones responsible for bringing us Tales of Merlin, Dragon Born Online, Clash of Kingdoms Online and Checkmate. The open beta was launched last May 10, 2012.

Spirit Tales is set in a mystical world where the Southern Tribes are living in harmony away from the warfare. Corrupted by greed, the Northern Tribes clashed for power and riches, and the Southern Tribes evacuated to the last serene haven known as Autumnal Grove. Their last hope for survival lies in the hands of the Glorious Shield, a group of honorable defenders who are willing to risk their lives to regain the right to live in peace.

Upon character creation, you can choose from 6 classes, each with its own unique battle style.

Fighter – the all-around combatant skilled in close-ranged combat. The fighters can also evoke the energy resonating from nature, enhancing their attacks with its fury.

Warrior – the tanker built to defend like a brick wall. The Warrior is blessed with high defense and equips a shield, allowing him or her to take the heat and still remain standing.

Assassin – excelling in stealthy attacks, the Assassin is blessed with quick reflexes and fast speed, allowing him or her to incapacitate opponents quickly without giving them time to react.

Archer – the long-ranged hunter with a keen eye for the target. Wielding a bow, the Archer is all about aiming the perfect strike with the arrow

Sorcerer – the mage class endowed with fire and ice magic. The Sorcerer is capable of tapping the dormant power of the cosmos, allowing him or her to alter the course of battle with devastating spells.

Shaman – the healer/buffer class, the Shaman can cast enhancement magic to aid comrades and recover them from the perils of battle.

Just like any MMORPG, Spirit Tales has some features that make it unique, and here are some:

Spirit Form System – when your character reaches level 10, you can transform into the animal form of your class, known as your Spirit Form. Spirit Form requires Spirit Points (acquired by killing monsters using skills) to retain it, and SP will decrease over time. When your SP reaches zero, you’ll revert back to normal, and you have to replenish it to enable the transformation again.

Pet System – monsters can be captured and tamed to become companions, leveling up alongside you and maturing with you as you take care of them. Both your primary and secondary pets have their own set of skills, such as attacking with you as you fight monsters or bestowing you with buffs. When a pet reaches level 30, they can evolve.

PvP – players craving for some PvP action can enter the Twilight Arena in a 5-vs-5 battle (must be level 40 first to go in). Winners will receive Twilight Tokens, which serve as currency to buy assistance potions and compound recipes.

Did it pique your interest? Then go to the official website, download the client and register!

Trust me, it’ll be fun! ^^

American Idol Season 11: My verdict

EDIT: added a video. Feel free to see it. ^^

Throughout its 11 years of existence, American Idol became one of the most popular reality series worldwide. This season 11, it has become more competitive and fierce, with high standards and expectations. Indeed, the pubic had opened its eyes to the potential of contestants who have competed.

During each performance show, there are highs, such as Jessica’s rendition of “Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. But there are also lows, such as the feedbacks about the imperfections brought upon by the judges. At the elimination nights, it’s always a heart-stopping moment as fans of each contestant watch in anticipation, hoping that their favorites won’t be eliminated. Everyone had their mouths ajar when Jessica Sanchez was declared the lowest and was in danger of going home. Thankfully, the judges had used their save on her.

Over the course of my viewing sessions in Season 11, my favorites had been eliminated one by one. Jermaine, the soulful gentle giant, was disqualified due to criminal records. I definitely pouted when Heejun was sent packing, and I was pissed when Colton’s dream was dashed, because he’s like the next version of James Durbin. As for Skylar and Shanon, it’s just ok.

The finalists: Philip Philips (left) and Jessica Sanchez (right)

Finally, Jessica Sanchez and Philip Philips were the last ones standing during the grand finale. I kept on hoping that history will be made with Jessica being the first Asian to be victorious on that show. But alas, the opposite happened. Philips became the grand winner. My reaction was indeed similar like last season, when Scotty McCreery was chosen instead of Lauren Alaina.


But at least, mine's not ballistic, compared to the reaction of a young kid shown in the video included in this article.

But let’s not forget that each contestant had put so much effort to make it this far. Sure, I’m disappointed that the Filipina didn’t get the top prize, but Philips deserved it as well. I’m sure the pawnshop he’s working on will soon been jam-packed with customers since he became a renowned star.

All in all, it was one hell of a ride. I hope Season 12 will be awesome as well (and hopefully, to have an Asian winner).

Well, now that it’s over, I must continue on my story projects. Till next time, folks!

Onee-chan, I still miss you - update

Continuation of this.


Until now, I still think about her. Months had passed since the last time I discussed about my older sister. My father sometimes called my relatives to check on her, but no news yet.


Finally, just yesterday, my dad talked to my grandma on the phone. After he hung up, I asked about what happened. He simply told me not to worry, and what he said next definitely shocked me to bits.


My sister is now working as an accountant clerk somewhere in Manila, much better than being a stripper. I was so relieved and happy at the same time.


Now, if only I can see her again...


Onee-chan, I still miss you, but I know you're in good hands now. Best of luck in following your dreams ^^

101 Ways to Leave a Game Show: more than just a casual exit

This show had been premiered in AXN last Wednesday, and I was so hyped about it that I couldn't resist the urge to post it here. From the creators of Wipeout comes this show, surely to knock your socks off.

The game show's logo

101 Ways to Leave a Game Show is an entertainment series that began last June 21, 2011 by ABC, catering to the US viewers. It was shown to all Filipino watchers by Sony Entertainment Company (owner of AXN).

The wacky host, Jeff Sutphen

The mechanics of the game is simple: answer the questions right, and you'll get a shot at winning $50,000. If you get the wrong answer, you're out of the game. But trust me, the way of being eliminated won't be as simple as walking away empty-handed, for it incorporated outrageous and insane styles of exits, exaggerating the punishment one receives for answering the questions wrong.


Take a look at these examples:

Flying high, away from the contest!!!

Waaaaaaaaa!!! I'm blasting off!!!

BOOOM!!! 

See, I told you it'll never involve the usual walking away from the competition. ^^


In the end, the four remaining contestants will face off for the grand prize. Only one will remain on the top while the rest will fall down to the water.


I suggest you watch it, and you'll get my drift. :D


Till next tym, peeps! ^^

Real Life: of graduation and new beginnings

I finished attending my brother's graduation this afternoon, and it brought me back memories. I endured trying not to sleep, just to give respect to the people on stage. As I finally saw him receiving his diploma, I thought of mine, still encased in that red velvet covering with my medium graduation portrait beside it, and even the happy faces of my mom and dad.


We all know that graduation is entitled to the end of elementary / high school / college life and commencement onto a new phase in life. Parents are really happy that their kids finally reaped the fruits of their labor after working hard to pay the tuition fees. For the cream of the crop, especially the valedictorians / magma cum lades and salutatorians / suma cum lades, dedication with extra effort equates to greater rewards. But for the rest, simply having the privilege of getting the diploma would be enough.


But while graduating may be a good thing, it also means saying goodbye to the good times one has with his school peers. Although they may be able to still keep in touch, things will never be the same, especially when going on separate ways.


Never forget the lessons learned during your years of studying, not just the usual subjects, but real ones as well. 


Congrats, graduates! Hats off to all of ya! 

Fairy Tail (Season 2): A parallel enigma, towards Edolas

And so, I continue the discussion about what happens right now in Fairy Tail. ^^


After the Nirvana problem has been averted, Wendy & Charles were welcomed to Fairy Tail, and a few filler episodes showed up to reveal some joyful events, like the Rainbow Cherry Blossom Festival and the Bingo game. Then Gildarts returned for a visit to the guild HQ and Natsu was so happy to meet him again. He hoped that Gildarts' surprise would be a happy one, only to find out that instead of Igneel, a black dragon appeared. Natsu was determined to look for it, but there's a problem: where and how to start?

And that's where the real problem begins, and it all began when a simple rain shower suddenly turned deadly.

Wendy and Mystogen reuniting after 7 years

Wendy has come face-to-face with Mystogen (mistaken to be Jellal because they look exactly alike), and he revealed that Magnolia and the rest of Earthland will be in danger because he failed his mission. The magic in his world has been deteriorating, and because of his failure, nothing would stop it.  Despite his warnings, Wendy rushes into the HQ to warn everyone, but it was too late. A huge hole appeared from the thundering dark skies, and the Sky Dragon Slayer could only watch helplessly as everything disintegrated in a flash.

Wendy couldn't believe her eyes as she sees the HQ vaporizing

And so, she was left alone, or was it? Natsu had emerged from the rubble unharmed, so did Happy and Charles. To answer the multi-dollar questions, the she-cat explained that they’re from Edolas, the parallel world different from Earthland, and that the destruction brought upon Magnolia was known to be the hyperspace magic, Anima, a way to restore the lost magic which was now in limited quantities. The Fire Dragon Slayer suggested that they go to Edolas for answers, and so they did as they ascended towards the hole, the portal leading there.

The two Dragon Slayers fling with their cats as they explore Edolas

But because of the severe magic limitations, Happy and Charles couldn’t use their wings and the group had to walk on foot. After a series of shenanigans as lost travelers, they finally found the Edolas version of Fairy Tail. The first impression whey they first stepped in was that the members there were the polar opposites of their Earthland versions, only to be spotted by the Edolas version of Lucy.

Uh oh... busted!!

Then there was another threat in the form of the Fairy Hunter, who enjoyed killing mages. That’s when Natsu’s team realizes that the Fairy Tail there was an outlaw guild because of lack of magic power, and the government’s law to disband the guilds, so the headquarters had to be teleported to somewhere safe. In case you’re wondering who the Fairy Hunter is, it’s none other than the Edolas counterpart of Erza Scarlet, Erza Nightwalker, one of the generals of the royal army.

Well, that’s all I can narrate, so you have to watch the rest to find out how this big catastrophe will be solved.

Till next time! ^^

Onee-chan, I still miss you

The last time I saw her, she was leaving to the Bacolod-Silay airport for another year in college as a future accountant. My mom gave her some words of advice and good luck as I watched the airport come into view. By the time we stopped, she started boarding for her flight, and after some kisses and hugs, we parted ways.


Today's her 24th b-day, and I still haven't seen or heard of her yet. Recently, she became a rebel, committing the error of having a boyfriend before she could finish her studies so that her dream would come true. Afraid by what my parents and relatives would think about her boyfriend, she became desperate, hiding herself away from us. Finally, she ran away from home.


My parents were indeed disappointed about her. They had worked so hard to give her a good life, and they still didn't believe that that's how she would repay them.


Then I saw a scandal video on my cousin's cellphone, with her name on it. When I played and saw that something intimate is going to happen to her, I stopped playing, for it hit me like a rock aiming for my head. At least I knew one reason behind her sudden disappearance.


I became so mad at my parents for choosing to do nothing instead of supporting her effort to move on, and even for myself, for failing to do the right thing for her when she badly needed it.


Yep, it's indeed hard, but we finally talked about it, and I realized that... they still need to sort out before they're willing to accept her again. At least, that's a good start. As for me, all I could do is pray and hope she'll be okay, wherever she is now.


Ate Angeli, happy b-day... I hope you'll be back home to us. I miss you so much...

Jealousy: Love conquering all odds

Well, hello there, peeps. Time for me to pick off where I left off about Strange Angels.

Christophe and Dru are now the main stars in this installment  of Strange Angels

Jealousy is the third installment of the famous Strange Angels series, authored by no other than Lili St. Crow. It picks off where Betrayals ended, with Dru Anderson now in the confines of the Schola Prima, the real-deal training facility for vampires. But that's not all; it's also the headquarters of the Order, the so-called government of suckers.


And Dru's not the only female vampire-human hybrid ever existed. There is another sveotcha by the name of Anna, the red-headed rich kid who is the head of the Order. Spoiled and persistent to get what she wanted, Anna will stop at nothing to get Christophe Reynard back, even if it means to drag Dru down.


It's known as Jealousy, mainly because of Christophe's past with Dru's mom, with Anna being the unhappy girl who's always angry whenever she spots him with Elizabeth. And yes, even with Liz killed and her daughter now existing, she's still mad, this time about Dru's relationship with Christophe.


Well, all I can say is... try to dive in this book. It'll be one hell of a ride! ^^


Till next time :D

Fairy Tail (Season 2): the magic continues...

I was able to watch Fairy Tail again on Animax after it ended on the part where Laxus was expelled from the guild due to his inappropriate actions against Natsu and the others and the celebration of the Harvest Festival. I was indeed very ecstatic, for I couldn't wait to see what happens next.


The next season starts with an interview for the Sorcerer as well as Lucy seeing his father again, who revealed how he met her mom after she saved the trade guild, Love and Lucky, from Naked Mummy, one of the dark guilds.


But the real threat is from Oracion Seis, one of the three most powerful dark guild who are part of the Balam Alliance, aside from Tartaros and Grimoire Heart. Its main goal is to acquire the power of Nirvana, which transforms light to darkness. If used, all the guilds on the light side will turn evil and wreak havoc to each other.

Oracion Seis (from top to bottom, left to right): Brain, Hoteye, Midnight, Angel, Racer, Cobra

That's when Makarov decided to form another alliance for the sole purpose of defeating Oracion Seis. Fairy Tail was just one of the four guilds included, together with Lamia Scale (the new guild of Lyon Bastia, Sherry Blendi and Jura), Blue Pegasus (with Ichiya and the Tri-men), and Cait Shelter (where Wendy Marvel and Charle resides).


Speaking of Wendy, she's another Dragon Slayer like Natsu, with the ability to use Sky Dragon magic as well as to heal. As for Charle, she's Wendy's companion, and Happy is currently aiming for her affections. Sadly, she's the hard-to-get type.

Wendy Marvel, the Sky Dragon Slayer

Charle, during her debut in the anime

Too bad Wendy was captured for the sole purpose of resurrecting Jellal, the past antagonist who wanted to get his hands on Etherion. Oracion Seis planned to use him as a tool for acquiring Nirvana, but sadly, the look-a-like of Mystogen became a renegade and turned against them.

Jellal imprisoned in the restraints of his coffin

Well, that's all I can summarize, since the show's still on-going, but I will update once the threat is averted.

Stay tuned for more ^^

Letter Bee: delivering letters, connecting hearts + earthquake in Visayas

Even though we have texting and e-mailing as our way of communicating people, it wouldn’t hurt to send a hand-written letter. Letters are very appeasing due to their purpose of sending what the writer wants to covey to others. As for delivery, the mailmen are fit for the job.

Even an anime show focuses on the theme of sending letters in the form of Letter Bee (known in Japan as Tegami Bachi). But don’t expect normal mailmen; the delivery people are known as Letter Bees (hence, the title), working hard to send letters no matter what the circumstances. With their Dingo as their companions and armed with Shindan (weapons designed to hunt down Gaichuus, the armed beetles), delivering letters is just a hard day’s work for them.

Gauche Suede (left) and Lag Seeing (right)

The first few episodes focused on Gauche Suede, together with his Dingo, a white wolf named Roda. He was on his way to one of his deliveries when he saw a boy lying down unconscious, marked as a letter. The boy was none other than Lag Seeing, whose mother was sent to another place. Lag assumed that there were people abducting his mom. After seeing the address, it became Gauche’s mission to send him to Campbell.

Their first meeting was a little rough, since the boy often complained about the food as well as Gauche’s coolly, harsh behavior. After mistakenly holding Gauche’s weapon and its power went out of whack, Lag discovered his past, as well as Gauche’s true reason of becoming a Letter Bee. Gauche’s younger sister, Sylvette, couldn’t walk due to an illness and had to stay alone in Yuusari for a long time, and as a brother, he had to ensure that the hope of curing the illness stays intact.

During another fight with a Gaichuu, Gauche was severely injured and Lag had to assist him to loading his Shindan. That’s when the Letter Bee saw the boy’s concealed eye, which turned out to be a fake eye made out of red Spirit Amber. The Amber resonated with the Shindan, causing Lag to shoot the beetle’s joints with a red needle, effectively killing it.

By the time they reached Campbell, Lag stayed in a woman’s inn to watch over Gauche, whose wounds had festered. After being recovered, the Letter Bee finally recognized Lag as a true friend, and promised to look for clues about his mother’s disappearance when he reached Akatsuki. As they parted ways, Lag made a vow: to become a Letter Bee just like Gauche.

5 years had passed, and Lag set off to apply for his job. That was when he met the girl who would become his dingo, Niche, a young girl with hair that would become weapons, and his co-workers: Connor Kluff, the boy with a huge appetite; and Zazie Shrine, the boy hungry to kill Gaichuus ever since the day his parents were rendered comatose by them. But as he sets off for work, he discovered what really happened to Gauche: he was missing.

And with that, he starts his career, while hoping to find clues about Gauche’s disappearance.

Letter Bee is just one of the coolest animes ever created. The series ended with snippets about an anti-government organization, Reverse, whose main goal is reformation and equality of the society, as well as a revelation that would surely knock the daylights out of Lag (literally).

But don’t worry if you’re craving for more. There’s the sequel, Letter Bee Reverse, which now focuses on Reverse and how the Letter Bees cope up with the threat of Marauders, thieves tasked to plunder letters.

Speaking of threats, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake just struck Iloilo and some parts of Visayas a few days ago. Although I’m fortunate to be alive, the others were not so lucky, with broken buildings, brownouts, and innocent lives taken. Worse, aftershocks did occur.

One of the casualties... and yes, I'm not joking

Poor them… I hope my relatives in Bacolod are ok.

Anyway, that’s all, folks. Sayonara ^^

Strange Angels: Kicking butt in the Real World

My first post for 2012... ^^

I would recommend those who love supernatural and teenage stuff to read Strange Angels, one of the newest novels to attract attention to all novel enthusiasts everywhere. It had garnered a lot of praise from famous book critiques, and even bloggers are going ga-ga over this.

The kick-ass cover of Strange Angels, showing the main protagonist

Meet Dru Anderson, the typical tough girl who does travel from one place to another w/ her father who is a hunter, gifted with the sixth sense a.k.a "the touch". This "touch" allowed her to see and track down supernatural creatures, like vampires, zombies, werewolfs, etc. The turning point began when her father had gone missing for months, only to be turned into a zombie itching to take the life out of her. With a gun in hand, she killed the zombie, and with a gothic half-Asian boy who was bitten by a lycan and a handsome djamphir (human-sucker hybrid) as her only companions, she goes on a chase to find the culprit behind the incident that made her dad turn into one of the reanimated. But there will be more shocking secrets that she'll discover as the plot thickens. 


Sorry, can't spoil the rest. You have to find out on your own... ^^;

The introduction narrates the reader about the concept of familiars acting as guides or sensors whenever danger comes lurking, like the gray owl of Dru's grandmother. As the story progress, it incorporates the usual problems teenagers go through, but due to the main heroine's unique heritage, it's more than normal. It also applies the usual ideas of the lives of the otherwordly beings, and even the methods on how they can be slayed. As for the mood, it's more on the serious, ferocious side, though the story also includes humor (even sarcastic ones).

Strange Angels is just the beginning... for the saga ends with the 5th novel, Reckoning. Because of the content, it's PG-13 (because you'll see a lot of swearing, no joke).


Well, if you're the fan of supernatural novels, or just wanted to take a break from the usual plots, then try reading it. It may be worth it, and you may get hooked... ^^


Till next time, folks ^^

Baka & Test: Striving for worth

EDIT: adjusted the article to make a clearer picture. Also added more pictures.

Ever since I first heard of it on Animax, it became part of my to-watch list… No, seriously!

The main protagonists, plus some of the Class A students

Baka & Test: Summon the Beasts (known in Japan as Baka To Test to Shoukanjuu), is about Fumizuki Gakuen, a college preparatory high school with classes categorized according to rank, based on the result scores of the placement exam taken during the first day of semester. Class A is known to be the “Cream of the Crop” class, with its facilities designed to cater to prodigious students, those who passed the placement exam with flying colors. The reverse is Class F, with its classroom reminiscent of a poor man’s residence, filled with students who failed who make the grade during the placement exam.

Class F is where the main protagonists reside, and in order to get the hell out of that dilapidated classroom, they must make the cut. Using their shoukanjuu, aka, the avatars, they must fight their way to the top through the Summoning Wars. First, the battle between two classes must be approved before it can start. With a teacher as the witness, the avatars must defeat their opponents if they want to promote. As for the defeated opponents, those who were KIA’ed during the battle, they had to attend remedial classes.

The Beasts at their most bad-ass

If a student continues to excel, his or her chances to promote will increase, including the option to switch facilities with the opposing class. Those who wish to replenish their avatars’ attack strength must take supplementary exams. There’s no limit on how many questions one can answer during the test time limit, as long as he or she knows them enough to get back in the game.

But I have to warn you, though; it’s not the usual slice-of-life kind of anime. There may be scenes that will definitely arouse fantasies to all yaoi/yuri/hentai/ecchi fans out there. So, if these scenes are not your thing, better avert your eyes away.

With all the wacky, crazy, school life going on in the series, as well as a unique way of testing the smarts of students, it became one of the funniest anime shows to enjoy. Try it, and you may get hooked. ^^

The boys are back... in black!

Till my next entry! Ciao! ^^

Anago Eel Creator: latest craze

Yep, I'm riding the eel-jinka bandwagon right now... SERIOUSLY!!!

Many artists in dA had come on with the humanized forms of their creations made using the Anago Eel creator. It's actually Japanese, but thankfully, some words will be translated once you put the cursor arrow over them. Indeed, you may have enough fun doing it once you're used to it.


Here's the link to the simple, yet cute maker: Anago


By the way, I just hovered to Wikipedia, and I found out that "anago" means "salt-water eel"  in Japanese (hence the title of the flash application).

Go ahead and try using Anago. Trust me, it's fun! ^^


Currently done with one. Six more to go!