I cannot answer the call since
my hand is holding the umbrella while the other is pinning my hair. It stopped
but then it started ringing again. I was getting irritated as it’s already the
fifth time so I stopped by the shed to finally answer the call.
“Hello?” I said.
“Where are you?” the person replied.
I don’t
know if this is a good opportunity to be with someone and help me cope up with
my feelings. On the other hand, I just want to be with myself and to fill in
the void alone just to say I made it without anybody’s help.
“I’m busy right now. Sorry.” I said then turned
down the call.
Somehow, I feel guilty. Usually, people aren’t there when you
need them. But this one, I turned the offer down when I know I needed it the
most.
I must be stupid and proud…and maybe that’s
what made him go away.
With no direction, I continued walking down the
streets until I passed by a pastry shop. I am not a fan of rolls and breads and
sweet pies that girls usually do but just for today, I wanted to explore a side
of the world I haven’t yet discovered. I wanted to be new. I wanted to be able
to say “I’ve changed” if ever there’ll be a chance that I can shove it to his
face. I wanted to be higher than him…I wanted him to regret leaving me. And now
that I’m thinking about it, I realized I still have a long way to go in
forgetting him.
But damn, I want these sweet cakes to taste
like my revenge.
I ordered a strawberry cake roll and an Earl
Grey. I also found a decent spot near the bookshelf. The smell of pastries and
sweets wafted over the room and opening a book from their shelves is a
picturesque of an ideal romantic date. The jazz music is played all over the
small place and the sound of rain adds another music to the ears.
It was a beautiful moment...and I am trying so
hard to appreciate it.
I was reading a book when I heard someone
pulled the chair in front of me.
“Hello” he said. His soft voice made me
curious.
And when I looked to which the voice belonged to, I saw that his face
is way softer and angelic for his voice.
I stared at him as if I’m giving him a negative
message. Mentally, I am trying to figure out what to do. But he’s staring right
back at me…and now, we’re in a stare fest; two strangers plunging beneath the
soul in a pair of confused eyes.
I really don’t know what to do.
But automatically, I know my body tensed…but I
felt some warmth.
It’s gonna be an interesting day.
And with that thought, I didn’t remove my eyes
off him and smiled.
Since it's Valentines (Happy Valentines to you!), I decided to make a mini-series of short stories about love. I am going to make these stories for the remaining days of February so let's see how this goes. Hehe.
Here's the first one...enjoy!
LoveShower
It was a rainy morning and I feel melancholic
as the rain drops pour in my window with a fainted light across the curtains.
Droplets made the leaves heavy, as well as my mood. I am on my own. I don’t
live with anyone by myself---in this pale blue apartment with a cup of tea in
my hand; I feel lonely.
I wondered why the rain makes us sad when it’s
supposed to be refreshing. The land, crops and basically the whole earth cools
down with every downpour, but why does it also makes a person feel down too? I
should love the rain. I should create a memory wherein rain will be my
sunshine. I should remove this notion of loneliness when it’s raining. For
others, it may sound so absurd to think too much how about what someone feels
when it’s raining. But as for me, I don’t want my emotions to be like a weather
or even a season that changes from time to time---I want to be constantly
happy.
I picked up my umbrella and headed towards the
door. The drenched outside world is waiting for me. Even though I hate getting
wet, I braved the streets with my resolute to end my loneliness with this rain.
Cold wind pass across my face, cutting beneath my cheeks while the pattering
sounds of my feet sounded like a sad harmony. It’s traumatizing and I want to
go back home, where I know I could be warm and safe. But I know I need to love
the rain, and appreciate it so I gathered few steps more.
It was really hard to walk in the rain. I
imagine tears puddle up in the streets and breeze from a pierced heart. I
imagined myself during the darkest days of my life. It was just like rainy
season---clouds clustered in the sky, tears blocking my eyesight, the cold gave
me goose bumps and his voice resonated like a thunder. It was a storm I was
devastated from, and it took me so long to find its eye for I am hanging on to
its tails. It was raining when he left and it is now raining that he’s gone.
But it is now raining that I also remember that day, and that’s why I want to
befriend the rain---so the dark shadows of the past will fade away.
So for this post, I’ll be writing my thoughts
about ONE OK ROCK’s Heartache. I’ve been a fan for many years now and I listen
to all of their songs so I am also aware of
how their music changes from one album to another. It’s true that ONE OK ROCK
continues to evolve its music especially now that they are reaching for a wider
global audience, but anything is fine with me.
As a fan, I will stay supportive to whatever
they plan to do with their music but of course, I hope that they will still
incorporate their own Japanese rock/ONE OK ROCK signature style to their
upcoming music. In all honesty, they write great songs even before they became
affiliated with American producers or labels. There’s this vibe or formula that
when you hear it, you know it’s ONE OK ROCK. I cannot pin-point to what aspect
of their music shows their distinct style though.
Anyway, I choose to write a music review about Heartache
mainly because it’s Valentines…and their slow rock love songs really tugs the
heartstrings. (AND THIS IS MY CURRENT MOOD LOL). In totality, ONE OK ROCK’s
slow love songs are over flowing with emotion, love, pain and other
feelings (OMG IS THIS KANJOU EFFECT? HAHA) that every time I listen to it, I
just can’t help but pick up the emotion from the song. I guess that’s a sign
that music does transcend cultural barriers. I can feel and understand the
message just by listening to the song…or maybe it’s just that they are that
good. I think I’m straying away from the topic…lol.
I am no professional but I’ll TRY to do well with my review. So read on :--)
Heartache
Ah, this is probably one of the most
heart-wrenching songs I’ve ever heard. Lyrics wise, the song really shows
heartache. The choice of words and how it is sung really makes my heart heavy
every time I play it. The first stanza is very strong for me: “So they say that
time takes away the pain, but I’m still the same.” From the moment I heard it,
I was like “dang. I wanna cry.”
For me, the message is well shown with the
quality of the lyrics. I also like the fact that the musical arrangement is very
light from the beginning up to the middle part because it created a good
build-up until the song is accompanied with heavy drum beats, guitar strums and
bass lines up to the end; like an escalator wherein the first few parts of the
songs tells you to prepare for a very intense middle part and an energy-maintained
end. The progressive instrumental yet Taka’s singing creates a contrast,
emphasizing the “I can’t help but feel the pain” vibe of the song, especially
with the way Taka sang it with the middle part.
Taka’s voice is well-controlled, Toru’s guitar
lines are placed well and Ryota’s bass lines complements Tomoya’s drumming. I
remember the first time I heard it from Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends
trailer, it made me tear up a bit because even though it speaks about a broken
heart from a failed relationship, it somewhat connected to the film.
Overall,
it leaves me temporarily broken with every single play although I must say, the
acoustic version is A-W-E-S-O-M-E. The feeling seems raw, and it’s more
sentimental with Tomoya playing the lyre. It is not the usual Japanese sound as
it sounds more Westernized but it’s one of those songs that you can recommend
to a non-fan who’s interested to listen to the band for the first time. Somehow, it kind of
reminds me of Wherever You Are and Pierce. Nevertheless, this song is of
quality in terms of technical and emotional effect to its listeners.
Heartache lyric video (fan made):
Heartache acoustic version:
So, that’s my review! I don’t know if I make
any sense at all. LOL. But if you have any suggestions as to how I can improve
my writing skills, please do comment on this post. All the views here are just my opinion.
Anyway, this
is inspired by the phone app, Notice me Senpai! (it is like Neko Atsume, but
you collect guys instead of cats hahahaha). I’m totally addicted to that game
so I decided to make a story derived from that one! Hehe
Title: Notice
Me, Please?
Format: Short
Film
Language:
English, Filipino, a bit of Hangul and Nihonggo
Story:
Jenna is a 2nd
year college student who loves watching J-drama and K-dramas. Because of this,
she is the typical fan girl who gushes about Oppas (Korean term for older
guy/brother/also endearment for a guy someone finds an interest with) and
Senpais (the Japanese counterpart of Oppa). It was the start of new semester
when she was enrolled in a class with 2 international students---one is a cute
and baby faced Korean guy with round reading glasses named Se Han and the other
one is a charming Japanese guy with curly mop head hair and cute smile named
Takahiro.
The teacher
was assigning the seats when Jenna was tasked to seat between the Se Han and
Takahiro. Being a shy girl, Jenna is too stiff and awkward around the guys.
Since she is too shy to start a conversation, the two boys are quiet around her
as well. Her expectation is for her to exchange jokes and be close with the
guys, just like what she sees from watching J and K dramas. But in reality, the
semester went by with no progress between Jenna and the guys---she was so
passive that she wasn’t able to make friends with them.
When the next
semester arrived, Jenna was in regret for not being friendly to the two guys.
Although she finds them cute and much like the idols she adores in drama shows,
Jenna seems too powerless that she literally runs or quickly avoids the guys
the moment she notices them. To the eyes of Se Han and Takahiro, Jenna looks
like the traumatized kid who got a bad experience from being their seat mate
when in reality, Jenna wants to know them more.
It was only 6
months away before graduation and Jenna resolved that she wanted to be friends
with Se Han and Takahiro before they graduate. With limited time and a late
realization, Jenna will try the most subtle and even the most obvious actions
and methods just for them to notice her. And if they notice her, who will she
pick among the two? Is it the cute and child-like Se Han or the mature and free
spirited Takahiro?
^So let me
explain for this one. I know that it doesn’t really sound good that girls chase
after boys with such measures. But this is inspired by romantic Asian films
wherein girls do the moves for the boys. I am not degrading any sexes here. This
is just a work of fiction that wants to depict a cute, teen-ish, puppy love
type of romantic story.
Anyway, here are some Oppa and Senpai memes I would like to share. hehehehehe.
Truly a ONE, more than OK, ROCK-ing concert
that surged with unyielding energy, hailed Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK performed
for the first time ever in the Philippines last January 19, 2016 (Tuesday) at
the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The concert was one leg of their 35XXXV Asia Tourwith the name derived from the band’s latest album, 35XXXV. It was
filled with anticipation, enthusiasm and screams that can even cause someone to
experience temporary hearing loss. With the band playing hit after hit after hit, their non-stop energy yet flawless
performance delighted Filipino fans and caused them to jump, sing along and
just rock the night away.
Even before the band performed in the country,
their catchy yet edgy and solid songs reached the Philippine soil more than
four years ago mainly due to the influence of Otaku culture, which garners a
huge following in the country. Started in the year 2005, the band got its name
from their practice hour which is One o’clock AM. With a few change in line-up
and released albums, the band started gaining recognition in their home
country, Japan. Moreover, the band gained even more popularity during 2012 when
they sang Rurouni Kenshin live action’s theme song, The Beginning that
sky rocketed them to become of the most in demand rock bands not just in Asia
but eventually in the Western countries as they geared towards rocking the
international scene.
This success was followed by two more songs for the film
franchise with Mighty Long Fall and the slow rock song, Heartache, which
swooned the fans with amazing musical arrangement and Taka’s soulful singing.
In particular, their Manila leg has got to be
the fans’ most awaited event ever. Last year, eager fans spearheaded the
petition for the concert, encouraging other fans to sign and show the Filipino
fandom’s strength in numbers. With a stroke of patience and hard work, this
dream eventually became a blissful reality. The VIP 1 and 2 sections and the limited Royalty tickets were even sold out immediately upon the first few days of selling date! Popularly known for their amazing
live shows, Taka (vocalist), Toru (leader and guitarist), Tomoya (drummer) and
Ryota (bassist) finally got the chance to prove this claim to the Filipino
crowd and give them the epic experience they've been waiting for.
Here are some of the insights regarding their
Manila concert:
Usually, live performances were so raw that
playing the instruments and hitting the notes perfectly as if it placated the
recorded ones were difficult. But, take ONE OK ROCK as an exception. They jumped and ran all over the stage while still maintaining the
superb quality of sound, especially Taka, whose voice is definitely not a
product of auto-tune but a heaven-sent one and Toru, Ryota and Tomoya’s sexy
instrumental part that showcased their expertise with their respective
instruments. Apart from the band’s own efforts, the lights, technical arrangements
and other details for the concert added flare to the experience.
Credits to JulenPhoto (OOR's official photographer for the concert)
The crowd also wowed the band when they opened their
phone lights during Heartache, which made a dreamy sea of lights. They also sang along regardless if the lyrics are in
Japanese or English, proving that they are indeed ready for the ONE OK ROCK.
Before the encore, the fans still can’t get enough that they stomped their feet
and shouted for more in which the band responded with few more songs for the
fans’ delight. Filipino fans showed their overflowing support for the band and it’s not just because their sound is unique or their songs are catchy, but because they also have this angst
and charisma that draws people in especially in live shows. The switch between
the English and Japanese lyrics, paired up with Taka’s powerful vocals and
always improving pronunciation, Toru’s amazing guitar riffs, Ryota’s incredible
bass skills and Tomoya’s double pedal drumming amplify their infectious
energy on stage and awaken the fans starting with the intro track 3xxxv5 followed by the progressive Take Me to The Top. The band also sang hit songs
from their past albums: The Beginning, Clock Strikes and Deeper Deeper from Jinsei x Boku = (Jinsei Kakete Boku Wa), No Scaredfrom the albumZankyo Reference, Wherever You Are and Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer from Niche Syndrome, and songs from their current album, 35XXXV. The band capped off the event with Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer .
The venue hours before the start of the concert. The arena was jam packed with fans! Photo taken by the writer.
Taka and the rest expressed how thankful they
are for the intense and warm reception of the Filipino crowd. Statements from
them wanting to revisit the country were heard multiple times. They even took a
picture with the crowd and received a huge banner from the fans as a remembrance for
that memorable occasion. Before leaving the stage, drummer Tomoya even
approached the mic and said “Mahal Kita”
that made the crowd roar one last time.
After the concert, fans are still in
cloud nine and expressing their gratitude to ONE OK ROCK for taking Manila to
the top.
If you want to know more about the band, you may check their website at www.oneokrock.com or their official accounts on facebook, twitter, instagram and youtube just by typing "ONE OK ROCK."
Curious about their music? Watch the MV of OOR's The Beginning here:
Photo of the writer hours before the concert.
(Pauleen General is a third year AB Communication student from DLSU-Dasmarinas and is a ONE OK ROCK fan.)
If there are any errors you wish to correct or cite, you may post it as a comment and I'll be glad to revise the article. Also, recording and cameras are not allowed during the concert hours that is why I only got the chance to take a picture before and after the concert. Credits to Rappler and JulenPhoto for the pictures.
It was on the day that news broke out about Princess
Diana’s death that Amelie changed the way she lives her life. Upon seeing an
old metal box filled with childhood memorabilia inside a small opening hidden
by a tile in her bathroom, Amelie decided to bring it back to the owner and if
the owner reacts positively into it, she will start doing good things. She
asked for the information from the land lady whose dead husband cheated on her,
the greengrocer who is mean to Lucien, his assistant and from the greengrocer’s
parents. She tried looking for the owner until one time, her neighbor, the
painter known as glass man, gave her the right information. When she’s at the
train station, Amelie found a guy named Nino who keeps digging photos at a
booth. Amelie returned the metal box anonymously to the owner and when she saw
how happy the man was, she embarked on a mission to be a do-gooder. First, she
urged her father to travel the world which he failed to do so when he was
younger. She also did secret things for the people around her in hopes of
making them happy. One night, Amelie decided to steal his father’s gnome to
give it to her flight attendant friend for her to take pictures around the
world with the gnome for Amelie to send to her father. When Amelie, went to the
train station, she saw the man who’s looking at the photo booth and instantly
fell attracted to him. But he chased someone and lost his photo album. Amelie
took it and gained more interest in Nino. Amelie wanted to return it to him but
she was painfully shy to do so.
I was expecting an unconventional film with the
likes of Love Me If You Dare but on the contrary, I liked this movie because of
how unconventional yet charming the story is! Amelie is a likeable character
and all the personalities of the characters are eccentric yet the way how they
are established is clear and it what makes the film more interesting. Moreover,
I like the symbolism and representation was used in the film especially the TV
part where Amelie was watching herself when in reality, it was her
contemplating on what to do in life especially to her father. I also like the
dialogue, cinematography and music used in the film. The story development is
also written very well in a way that an audience will not be confused even
though there are many events happening at the side. There is a feel good vibe
to the film that makes you think of whimsical ala Winky Wonka type. Overall,
Amelie is not the conventional rom-com film but is so unique and likeable that
it will be stuck into the minds of the audiences.
First of all, may we
all experience happiness, prosperity, love and a good health this 2016!
To be honest, since
it is holiday season, I cannot really think up of any idea because I’m
pre-occupied with holiday stuff such as family get-togethers, noche buena and
etc. In addition, I am also loaded with case studies, thesis introduction
writing and video tutorial.
Anyway, since I don’t
really have a particular story or idea to share right now, I will just share to
you the anime/manga that I’ve been watching/reading these past few days!
Honestly, there are
times when I take a step back and think about writing my own manga or even
serializing an anime. I know it’s kinda impossible because we don’t have that
kind of industry here in the country. But, what if I’m a manga artist? In
Manga, you are not limited to fact. You can go for fiction and even in a higher
level of it! There are also times when I wish I wrote or thought of the Mangas
I read. I keep asking myself “how do they do that?” since it’s really hard to
put up a story that will last for a long period of time. With that, I
definitely salute all the writers and the Mangakas with the skill and talent
they have and I wish I can be one too someday!!!
Back to the topic,
here’s the manga/anime that keeps me busy right now:
source: crunchyroll
GINTAMA
Set in Edo wherein
the Samurais are looked down because of the invasion of the aliens called
Amanto, Sakata Gintoki, a Samurai who once fought during the Amanto War works
in Yorozuya with Shimura Shinpachi and Kagura, an alien from one of the
strongest clans. Together, they accept and do odd jobs, neglect paying their
rent and following their own “bushido” to protect what they love. (I made my own description for it. hehe)
Honestly, this is a
comedy anime/manga and mostly a parody of other animes/mangas.
What I liked
about Gintama is how the good values are still incorporated with each story.
source: aminoapps
And I must admit, it was hilariously funny whether I watch or read it! I don’t
know what’s with the creator but its puns, sometimes nonsense and deadpan jokes
and plots are really funny that I can watch it the whole day and never get
enough of it.
In addition, the characters and their names are somehow inspired
of either folktales or real-life people. Personally, I cannot pick which is my
most favorite character because they are all funny and lovable in their own
way. All of them are with crack personalities anyway…even the Shinsengumi guys
are so funny, no one’s an antagonist for me. (Did I mention that Elizabeth is a
cutie? Hehe and to be honest, my crush would be Hijikata…although he’s a chain
smoker and has an excessive love for mayonnaise)
So, here are the top
funniest Gintama scenes (in my opinion)!
“IT’S HELP ME”
I know that the jokes
makes no sense…but anyway, they are really funny especially Kagura’s cute
voice so here you go!
“KATSURAP”
Just watch this
please. I cannot explain how funny this is for me. This is life. HAHAHA
HIJIKATA AND THE
MAYONNAISE FACTORY
My anime crush is
embarrassing When reality hits you hard…
KATO-KEN SAMBA!!!
I cannot, Kagura. You are sooo cute!
GINCHAN
Oh Ginchan, you’re Doraemon cover is the fairest of them all...
So, there you go! I
hope you find it funny too! Hehehe or at least, it made you smile even for a
bit.
And since this is the start of 2016, I would like to post
my idea about a documentary that I would like to do if I ever got the chance to
do so.
This documentary is about the life of an
Otaku --- someone who has a deep interest in Japanese pop culture (especially
Anime). This interests me so much because they have adapted their interests
into their lifestyle---thus there are some elements to them that are not
similar with other types of subcultures or lifestyle.
source: launtisu.devianart.com
I also want to focus on how they started
being a fan, what made them to be a fan, when was the time they started
incorporating this interest in their lifestyle and what are they getting from
it (advantages, disadvantages). I would also like to see their social circle,
the interaction happening between them and how they behave outside their
circle. If lucky, I would like to accompany them in a cosplay event or any
gatherings to see other fellow
Otakus. In addition, I’ll also get the
perspective of experts about the topic.
This documentary aims to give an
opportunity for these fans to be heard and understood especially by critics. In
all honesty, liking Anime at an age when you’re no longer a kid is sometimes
looked upon as childish and immature. Moreover, having a vast information about
the culture sometimes labels them as weirdos, geeks and etc.
I would like to do a documentary that will
let the audiences especially the critics to see that this lifestyle is a
preference but not a way to destruct their future. These fans are fans for some
reasons and treating them equal should be kept in mind. I would like this
documentary to uplift the morale of those who are in fandoms and those who are
just following their love and passion in life.
First let me ask you
a question, are you a coffee or tea person?
Actually, I am a tea
person. I used to drink coffee years ago but since I experienced many side
effects right after drinking it, I stopped with coffee and started drinking
teas. When I said I drink teas, it means I drink varieties of it--- from
Oolong, Matcha, and clear Green to the popular milk teas.
So I got the idea of
a short feature about teas.
A calming cup of green tea. Source: greenmedinfo
Many people seems to know a lot about coffee so I
wanted to give the spotlight to tea and its many health benefits. I would like
to show an informative feature on the varieties of tea, the history, where the
best tea leaves are located, how to make tea, how to do a traditional tea
ceremony, what the distinct taste of each variety of tea are and what food or
snack complements it and etc.
Pearl milk tea flavors. Source: teagora
On the other note, I’d also like to show how the
milk tea trend started in the Philippines, what are the most favorite and
unique flavors of pearl milk tea or popularly known as bubble tea and what are the best milk tea places to visit to.
Basically, I want to persuade the audience to try drinking tea.
So, that’s my idea
for today! I know it is quite short but I’ll be back next week for more ideas!
