Hear ye, hear ye!!! Grab the opportunity to start a clean slate while it lasts...
2012 has been quite a wonderful year for me and my family. Though we've been through a lot of ups and downs, (well, I think it's quite natural... so, not bad...) I could say that we all managed to survive another spectacular year. I'm really praying that 2012 will be better--more productive and fulfilling.
And since I'm trying to catch my breath and race with my heartbeat due to excitement while writing this post so, at least, I could do some sort of a year-end special, I'll try to make it short by sharing these photos of places I've been to this year; places which remind me how magnificent life is, especially when you always make an effort to travel, explore and learn new things with remarkable people in your life...
Happy New Year, everyone. May we all have a more blessed one. *cheers*
Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli will always be an important part of my being a kid-at-heart. I bet a lot of people, especially anime/animation/cartoon fans know what I'm talking about. And although I'm not that addicted to all of Miyazaki's animation movies *winks*, I just can't stop digging into what Studio Ghibli can offer. Fortunately, such animation studio has a lot in store for their ardent fans who are always in the lookout for more.
I have been pensive about the thought of visiting the studio's museum in Japan (of course). I know it's never impossible. But someday, soon... maybe. Why not? hehe After all, Japan is a place I've always been dreaming to explore. If only I don't have to strive learning for a new/different language.
My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and Ponyo are just some of my favorites from Miyazaki's studio. When I watched them again together with my siblings and niece, I just couldn't help but think of collecting plush toys and other collectibles of each movie's characters.
Imagine how my heart did some somersaults and cartwheels upon seeing this:
I'm not a Lego enthusiast; so somehow, I'm not 'that' captivated by this concept. But a lot of fascinating ideas came to mind when I stumbled upon this setup. *smugs*
This, on the other hand, just made me delirious and envious. To think it's only/mostly a Totoro collection... It could've been more begrudging if the owner also possess other SG collectibles. *swoons*
When can I ever enjoy this kind of collection? I bet I'd really go broke if I just follow my instincts. But well, I'm a *coughs* responsible *coughs* kind of person. Hence, deal with the priorities before anything else. Nevertheless, I have practical ideas on how to come up with my own SG collection along with my fave anime and the like. I will surely share my works of art, if I could ever find the time and resources to do so.
Indeed, everyone was so crazy about the live-action adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin. When news about its coming into the big screen started to spread, I just didn't know what to think or feel. But the moment the movie trailer came out, I couldn't stop myself from swooning and wishing that soon it will be the big day.
A lot of (aggravating) things happened before I managed to watch the film. It was postponed for 2 days due to some technical and other (stupid) reasons. We have been waiting for that movie for like forever! Hence, it was really frustrating how we had to wait any longer all because of incompetence. I even decided to just forget about watching it. But hey, it's Battosai the Slasher/Kenshin Himura we're talking about here. I could never let this chance pass by.
Rurouni Kenshin or Samurai X is perhaps my all-time favorite anime. Until now, I simply cannot forget about its existence. This anime has the biggest and deepest influence in my life, and maybe one of the reasons why I love anime up to this day. I bet the same goes for other anime/Samurai X fans out there.
More importantly, its live-action adaptation is perhaps the most satisfying one ever since the film industry started to make live-action movies of famous anime series like Dragon Ball and Avatar the Last Airbender. It's actually among the concerns of many fans. Will it be able to live up to their expectations? Maybe the trailers are mere baits. But since it's in Japanese (Japanese actors, production and all), what else could go wrong? :)
Although the movie presented a different take on the manga/anime, it was all worth it. Many avid fans were quite disappointed as to how they twisted the details or story line (just as how most adaptations end up with); but for me, it was like a dream come true to be able to watch a live-action film of your favorite anime without having to feel so betrayed or dismayed.
The Rurouni Kenshin movie pursued the supposed-to-be Aoshi (one of my ultimate crushes haha) arc while giving glimpses of Kenshin's past. That annoying rich industrialist Takeda Kanryū (with his gatling gun that was supposed to kill Aoshi's gang) who had been forcing Megumi to make opium was there. But Aoshi wasn't included (yet), and they instead used a different main villain--Jin'e along with that guy who looked like Hanya and the one whom Sanosuke fight with. In addition, Saito also became a part of it though in manga/anime he first appeared on the Shishio arc. Hopefully, a sequel is coming; and Aoshi will then show up.
It was almost perfect if you were not to take the storyline seriously. I mean, the problem with most people (fans, especially of books/anime/etc) when they are faced with an adaptation of their favorites is that they expect it to be sort of like a verbatim. Can't they just watch the movie as it is? I know it's kinda hard not to associate what you already know, but there's nothing we can do about it, right? All in all, whether you're a fan of Kenshin or not, you will surely enjoy the movie because its fight scenes are so awesome you just can't get over it. And hey, Sanosuke was so funny and cool at the same time. Kudos to Rurouni Kenshin movie.
After my siblings and I watched Brave, I remembered that Pixar has a lot of short films that are truly amazing and unbelievably unique.
This one, the La Luna, is perhaps the most heart-warming and clever short that I've ever seen!!! And since I am a fan of stars, I just can't help but share this magnificence...
Reach for the Stars
See for yourself and be amazed of La Luna... too bad it's just a short film.
It took me quite some time to finally decide to watch The Legend of Korra. When it started airing, I really did my best to avoid spoilers. It took a lot to ignore that burning sensation within me. I don't want to miss anything remarkable, but I always try not to go with the flow. And so, I let the first season of LoK complete its episodes. After months of holding back, I then decided to watch it no matter how unsatisfying the number of episodes available. Made me miss the Avatar: The Last Airbender even more.
As a brief review, the Legend of Korra is nothing compared to how fun The Last Airbender is. But of course, LoK is pretty much on the mature aspect. Still, there are funny parts; especially the distortion of their faces whenever they're faced with something uncomfortable. I really like how Tenzin holds back the Aang side of him. What makes Legend of Korra amazing are the fight scenes. All in all, it's also worth watching.
I can somehow relate to Korra. Impatient, impulsive and stubborn but has the tendency to become the most vulnerable person. The thing is, I belong to the fire sign while Korra is supposed to be this calm individual from the Water Tribe. So I guess it's really bad news if the Avatar is from the Fire Nation who has some bad temper issues. And hey, Korra's physique is truly inspiring. haha Too bad I don't have the height.
I'm actually just trying to post something here since I don't feel like doing anything today...
Nobody wants to be taken for granted. When you feel neglected, several other negative feelings tend to manifest. To be taken for granted by someone you love is just like as not being loved at all. Many people, especially children, who feel neglected have the tendency to either hurt themselves or others. A lot of dangers await those who feel disregarded, and to those who keep on ignoring the importance of anything or anyone.
These are my realizations upon watching these two films. I just stumbled them on youtube when boredom struck me and I wanted to watch something that has some decent, positive comments/feedback.
I'm not really fond of horror movies; especially those psychological types (the ones that let your thoughts do the torture) because I'm actually good at scaring myself. This movie is one of those that you won't be able to forget easily.
The kid is so adorable, and there are some fascinating scenes that would make you forget it's a horror movie or something. Although you would have to rely on the subtitles because this is a Spanish movie (produced by Guillermo del Toro), you will surely have fun watching this if you're looking for a horror movie that does not rely on the frequent appearances of ghosts and jumpy moments or the distortion of the characters' faces but rather on the originality of the story and the way it tickles the brain.
The relevance of neglect? Watch and find out for yourself...
Now this has just made me all the more uninterested in dolls, particularly those bigger or life-size ones. It actually gave me a terrifyingly creepy feeling. The house full of dolls in this movie is not your ordinary doll house. I bet that even those who love Barbie would think twice in staying on that house. Everything's just disturbing! This is a Korean horror movie so expect some signature hair-related scary scenes.
The point is, even those lifeless things need some attention, particularly if you use them regularly or if you have been so fond of them--just like the dolls or the toys we cherished when we were just kids.
Neglect will eventually lead to regret, especially if it's already too late to make up for the times lost.
It must be because of boredom that I decided to watch Dragon Ball again. Perhaps it's also because I missed the fun and thrill that such anime has given me and my brothers (along with the many fans of the series) when we were just kids. I could still remember how glued we were on the television whenever it's time for our favorite anime series. And that's also one of the reasons why I somehow grew to be 'not-so-girly' hahaha.
When my brothers and I started re-watching the series, I was kinda shocked of the many things that I realized upon watching every episode. LOL I couldn't remember anything pervy when I watched it before. But now, it's become really obvious how funny and somehow perverted such anime is. haha Maybe it's only because of the changes in the way we perceive things from before to now. Maybe I was really innocent before. *battling eyelashes*
Watch Dragon Ball again, so you'll know what I'm talking about. Start from the very first episode. When Goku's still a child with a tail. His way of checking whether a person is a girl always cracks me up. Seeing Master Roshi again made me realize that indeed, this is where perversion in anime all started. hahaha
Another thing that has become an important part of my childhood was the Masked Rider Black or the Kamen Rider Black. Gosh, I was so in love with Robert Akizuki/Kotaro Minami. Haha And who could ever forget his 'moves'? Now I feel so old remembering those childhood memories. I just can't stop laughing whenever I'm going through some images and videos of this series. Those were the days, indeed.
Yo, yo, yo! What's up blogosphere?! Haha It's been a long time, right? Now, I'm back. I can't promise anything to my poor blog, though. But I'm really trying to make it up. Hopefully, I can actually keep this blog alive and active.
So what made me return to this realm? haha Well, let's just say I'm getting some breather. And I'm somehow planning to join a local organization designed for bloggers. Haven't decided yet, but maybe it'll do me good. Being active on this blog will serve as a road test. If I really can't commit myself to blogging consistently, then I don't think there's a reason for me to join anything. Although I'm not really expected to blog as much as possible, especially with regards stuff that has something to do with my hometown, and that I may still join that organization, I just want to set things straight for a more responsible and driven me. Wohoo! :D
I know I have much to learn in terms of effective blogging. I'm actually having trouble setting the pages right and some other crucial elements. Hopefully, I can manage to do what I think I need to before I run out of excitement and motivation. The fact that I will be able to explore and learn more maybe one of the reasons that I wanted to get back on track. Still, I'm not yet that comfortable to share this blog to many people.
Even so, I'm up for the challenge. I will try to be what a real child of Mars actually is like. Yeah, I just changed the name of my blog. Not bad for the start of something new, right? I'll try to take things slow, one step at a time so I don't end up bored or exhausted. See you around! :D
Well, time flies really fast... and now it's already February!?!
I really want to update this blog as often as possible. But lately, I've been very busy; and sometimes, I can't find the right words to come up with a decent post. I've even neglected my other blog which I promised to myself I really should manage well. I guess I've become really irresponsible these days. lol
And though I have found the time and the inclination to make a post today, I'd just keep it simple. Since it's the love or the heart's month, I decided to share two of the romantic/love-related videos that melted my heart today:
Ever since I started working at home, I felt that I have been missing a lot; particularly when it comes to those places I usually see on my way back home or on my way to the office. I miss the busy streets, the busy people roaming the malls, the jeepneys and all sorts of random sights that an everyday life in a small city could offer. Although I wasn't that active in exploring the city before, I could feel some drive within me that's wanting to explore different places within the City. I know there are still lots of corners and streets that I haven't visited even once although our City is a bit small and easy to navigate. And even though a part of me is telling me that what I wanted to do could be a bit risky, well, I'd rather explore than die from a monotonous living. After all, I'm a sucker for adventure.
My love for traveling, I figured, should not be given any limits. I should go out and see the world! Of course, I ought to start from where I live. The city may be small, but I know there are lots in store; waiting to be discovered. What I had been planning to do, is go out every single day... do some short to long walks... starting from our vicinity to as far as I could go. Of course, I'd take a camera with me to take shots of random people, sights or anything that could capture my interest. It doesn't have to be grand or something very spectacular. Otherwise, I'd feel pressure to find something remarkable. I'll just have to enjoy my walks, and the scenes that would unfold before me. Still, I'm hoping that many fun and memorable things would come my way.
Hey, isn't that another way to exercise? lol Yeah, that could be another advantage to this endeavor. Hopefully, I won't get lazy. But I only feel lazy when it's raining or the weather isn't that assuring. I'm still thinking about the time for when I should go out; either during my lunch break or after my working hours. well, maybe depends on the mood; what matters is that I shouldn't miss a day without making any discovery. This was also triggered by some great photos I've seen a few days ago. I was inspired by those people who were able to capture real-life, random events. But hey, they looked extraordinary when presented well. I wish I have a high-quality camera. Though I don't really want to go around holding those inconvenient-looking DSLRs; they may be able to capture really good images. But I don't want to attract so much attention.
Well, that's all for now. I have lots of plans and goals for this year. Hopefully, I can get them done; even just half of it. Hopefully, this would serve as a good start for me :D
As I've mentioned a couple of times here, the year 2011 has been very rough and tough for me. But then I realized that the obstacles and sufferings I've faced were nothing compared to others. As you may already know, the Philippines has gone through a lot of tragedies this year due to natural calamities and other forces of nature. And I am quite sure that more people suffered a more cruel fate. Thus, I should refrain from feeling sorry for myself; especially after I somehow counted all the blessings, privileges and great opportunities bestowed upon me.
2011 has been a year for travels and trips. It's the year where I had gone to various places, far and near. Those trips served as bonding moments with whomever I was with. It was also a way for me to forget all the bad happenings. And though some unnecessary and unwanted events tried to ruin some of my trips, I was still able to enjoy every moment like it was my last. I just hope that more trips will come my way this year.
Going to Cebu-Bohol with (Teampourra) my largest circle of friends was perhaps the most adventurous and very memorable trip. We visited a lot of places, and experienced caving like no other. It was really fun; although I had been a killjoy for quite some time. lol I always have a hard time "eliminating" whenever I'm traveling. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I had mood swings. lol
We also went to witnessed our friend's wedding that was held, of course, in the province or hometown of his wife. The wedding was fun and cool, although it was rainy. And the memories were added when we visited the Sampaguita Garden where we all felt young and "childish."
The place was amazing; full of detailed and mesmerizing dolls. I wished we could have stayed overnight. I bet the place is more beautiful with some colorful lights on during the night. But the experience was more than enough to satisfy our crave for new places.
My last trip before the year ended was our 6-pax trip to Agho Island, Concepcion. It was a magnificent island with white sands, massive rocks and lots of corals. That was the best trip with fewer people; and one that I did not organize. It really felt good to just relax and enjoy the moment. We had good laughs, good food, good accommodation and a great scenery. I could stay in that place for a week without getting bored!
And before I forget, last year has also been the year for Food Trips. We were kind of prone to "mass starvation" and guilty pleasures of monstrous tummy. Unfortunately, I'm not a voracious eater like my other girlfriends even though I "seem" to be the one with big appetite. lol Office food trips were actually the ones that sort of blew me off. It's like, we were always hungry as we were always eating! Ice cream and Pizza became a natural sight in our pantry. And as much as I want to go on a diet, I just can't say No; especially if you're being blackmailed. lol
The opportunity to finally consider working at home has also presented itself. Some bad things made me decide to pass my resignation. Actually, I have been planning to resign from that company; I just wanted to have a reasonable reason for doing so. But when I was given the chance to work together with my friend, I stayed. So when the exit door caught my attention, I did not waste any moment and started to pave my way through being a home-based agent. So far, so good. :)
Hurray!!! A New Year has begun! Finally, it's 2012!
Goodbye, 2011; for all the hardships, lessons and blessings--Thank you so much. I just hope I really am a better person now. But hey, I know there's still room for improvement. So, let's see what's in store for me this year.
And yeah, since 2012 is said to be the year of the Water Dragon, it's a Tora-Dora year for me.
What's up with this Tora-Dora, anyway? Well, I actually got it from an Anime (of course, where else? lol); it's about two people who always clash; but turned out to be compatible and somewhat fated to meet/love each other. Aww, cheesy... lol But that anime, the Tora Dora, was really fun and simply-romantic. Although not your typical love story--which for me is a good thing since I don't really fancy love-related anime and stuff.
Simply put, Tora = Tiger and Dora = Dragon. It's a ToraDora year for me because I'm a Tiger-born that's eager to face the year of the Dragon. I wonder what challenges await me this time. Luckily, Tigers are kind of compatible with Dragons (according to my research; I just hope it's for real). I really thought that Dragons sort of loathe the Tigers since the two 'animals' are like rivals. And seeing how much trouble I've been through in the hands of the so-called peace-loving Rabbits, I was kinda concerned of my fate this year because maybe, just maybe, the Dragons might also get tempted to do power-tripping. And hey, they're more powerful and dominant, right?
But, I shouldn't concern myself with trivial matters I know. I will be in-charged of my own destiny; of course, with His guidance and blessings. I was able to get through all the pain and suffering that some wicked rabbits bestowed upon me last year. So why would I give up this year? I've been given a new year to start anew; learn from the pasts, learn from my mistakes, explore more, live more and be happier! Thus, instead of entertaining fear and other negative emotions, I am very much indulging myself in positive vibes, positive aura and positive outlook in life. I know I will be better. So, bring it on 2012! I'm ready if you are ;)
