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Lights Out: Last of its Kind

Solidad — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 14:58:06 +0000

From my short years in blogging. One of the highlights of my blog is my event coverage. Well, for my part that is. Having attended a hand full of anime events, composing of the same mantra that has been in existent, for years and years, since the ubiquity of the Japanese culture among the hipsters of today. Groups, politics, and drama plague the internet, and made the convention a political battle ground for egotistical dominance.

This article is about Lights Out. The 6th and Final yaoi convention, held at the Lepanto building, Makati city. head on the break, and read on my thoughts of this event.

Established by a group of like minded individual. This limited event, is hosted by the Yaoi group, which I’ll call them as Lights out team (I’ll clarify this on future posts). They started doing this conventions 6 years ago. For some reason. They decided that this will be their last.

Audience

Because this is a limited event. Also, the ticket cost 3 times that, of a regular con. Not to mention, an 18 and above event. This one will rule out most of the usual con goers. Tickets are limited to a hundred, that only the dedicated fujoshi would bite.

As I enter the venue. I can sense, and hear that most of the people there are yaoi fans (duh?!). I hear jargons, not so familiar to me. Most of the non-personal talks are about doujin, anime, and artist. I also see a lot of networking being done there (meeting, and knowing people for the first time). Since this event is small; by the end of the day, You’ll be able to know the mods, and the groups participating in the event.

Did I mention, that most of the girls there are die hard yaoi fans, who would eat anybody just to get their yaoi fix?

Dealers Room

Actually. There are 3 dealers there. Some of them sell their collection, like jap mags, and imported manga, to Doujin art of their own group. I got 2 doujin art here from the forsaken ground. I asked them if i can publish their work, but they disagree on the idea. I’ll respect their wishes. So, here is a preview of their work.

Event

The event is mostly composed of Film viewing, their famous, Butler cafe, and a library full of doujin, and Manga. The event itself isn’t tightly scheduled. The entirety of it is given to the customers personal mingling with the offers shown on the floor. So, most of the time, if you’re not waiting for the butler cafe, you’ll be on the main hall, where people watch yaoi stuff, or with an aura of the same genre. You’ll eventually notice it when the girls squeals in excitement, and anticipation of whats being displayed on screen. It makes me wonder, in the midst of the puffy, fulff of romantic innuendos. Girls are subliminally brainwashed to be more libidinous towards the opposite sex. More so, to the counter part of males lustering over the anatomy of the female gender, which they (males) may never achieved in the years to come.

But, the event isn’t entirely being held without any academic basis. Trisha Fermin, currently taking up masters at Osaka University, chose to study the Yaoi fandom in the Philippines as her masters study. We were enlightened with her current finding in the fandom. She spoke of Who, How, Whens of being a Fujoshi, based on the interview she had. I don’t have the powerpoints yet. But my thoughts on her study , coincide with the beginning of other sub-genre just more specialized on Yaoi fandom. However, there was a great participation among the listeners, and they also shared their opinions on the research. Since this is not in my league. I chose to sit, and listen to what the people has to say. Overall that talk was very interesting. I’ll try and have her on my Anime Conversation. I just hope she has the time to do so.

Library

One of the events quirks, is the Library. There, you can find a collaborative collection of doujin and manga, translated, and RAW. I spent most of my time there looking at the collection and try getting myself familiar with it. Unfortunately, I found that I can’t seem to read a real Manga tankubon, and some of the books are read left to right, instead of the usual right to left. However, What I find interesting in the vast collection of books, is this collection of fanfics, and doujin based on Ookiku Furikabutte.

There was also 3-4 volumes of Antique Bakery, and Hitman arts. Sadly, I can’t read all of them, and the dimly lit room makes it worse, for a person with the worst vision problem. But overall that the service was entertaining.

Overall

Among all of the event. This one is definitely the most well focused, and well themed event, among all of the Anime events that I attended. The steep ticket, definitely spent to the penny, and people who’re really into the genre, are the ones made this possible. If you’re one of the few chosen, participated in the event, it almost as if you felt the connection, not only by the fellow fandom, but it made you closer of appreciating the art you had so well worshiped. Sadly, there won’t be a next year, for this one. I am glad, and proud, that I went here and experience, what I had been longing for, for years. A true anime convention.

P.S: I’m aware that I skipped that Butler cafe. The reason I skipped it, is that I didn’t participate on the service. Why? I’m personally not comfortable with people servicing me. I’m not specifying the butlers themselves, but the entire notion of being served with TLC. But, among all the people I know and went there. They said, that the experience was overall great, if not excellent. Even if the service sucks, the entire event itself can stand to its drawback. Yet, that is not the case, so there isn’t any point in mentioning it.

Gallery

Ookiku Furikabutte Season 2 Impressions

Solidad — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:15:52 +0000

As we review Oofuri. I’ll talk about my impression of its, currently airing 2nd season.

Aired this spring. Oofuri maintains the momentum Cross Game left to its fans. Bring another quality story to its genre of fans. The basic premise of this series; Is about a group of 1st year fighting its way to the national high school baseball tournament. Together with a team of first year; each having their own sets of traits, or problems. They make their way, Slowly to each battle, until the claim the ultimate prize, which is Koishien.

To know Oofuri, kindly read my lengthy review here. This series is basically a continuation of the first one, 3 years ago. First time watchers, will need to watch season one before delving in on this one. Now, after their match with Tousei. Nishura is in for their next round of battles, starting with Sakitama.

All the thing you know and love from the first season is here. The only difference is that, they are now in HD. Which is already a given to most anime these days. But seeing it makes it a whole lot more better compared last time. Despite the upscale in quality; the artwork remains the same, and the characters the same. Both in image, and personality.

All in all. So far, the quality seems to be the same. So, if you love the first season, and still excited for what happens next. then, no doubt, watch this one. The BL elements I mentioned in my review may not longer be prevalent. But this isn’t about that, the quality story counts. So there isn’t anything left to say about this. Go and download this damn thing.

Ookiku Furikabute Season 1 Wrap-up

Solidad — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:15:55 +0000

During a conversation with enza-chan (in Anime Conversation 6). She happen to bring up this Anime called, Ookiku Furikabute, translating to Swing Big, or, high. The key word that Enza-chan made me seal the deal is the word “BL”, which perfects the criteria that will put any anime – As long as it has BL – to the top of the priority list. Granted, most BL doesn’t really mean that it composes of homosexual bishounen embarrassing one another, until one gives the ultimate prize on the losers back. This anime doesn’t really have an ultimate reward that an Anime girl would crave for. However, the series is more into deep understating, friendship, and careful considerations. If you are interested, why don’t you get over the break and read on, as I talk about the season 1 of Ookiku Furikabute.

If you haven’t gotten what I mean about the ultimate prize. Here is a preview on what BL elements I am referring to.

If you take it out of context. It appears that these people have some sort of deep relationship that is greater than it should be. But as it demonstrate, this a Baseball Anime, and sports can be contact based, or should I say, drive emotions, not normally seen by any mere spectator. We all see Wresting, with tight shorts, and small testicles, with moves involving carefully orchestrating gay kama sutra in front of millions of audience, this one is barely touches a slight hint of those from the mentioned sport. Now, if you can get over with these light stuff, let’s get down with the Anime.

Written and research carefully by Asa Higuchi (which is a female mangaka). This series deals with Ren Mihashi. A pathetic, weird, shy, pessimistic, egotistical, doubtful (in short. loosely Emo); who decided to study to Nishura Academy for high school. He experienced a traumatic Junior high life on his previous school; specially with his baseball team, who happens to dislike him for being douche of an Ace. Being selfish to relive his position as an Ace pitcher, and think of him as being a favorite of the school; not for his skill as a pitcher. After being bullied by his peers, he decided to quite baseball once he goes to Nishura; he was dead wrong and joins the newly formed baseball club, headed by a big boob coach, and a yoga/psychologist instructor (He is actually a Math teacher). Together, with the other first years, they battle their first baseball tournament in hopes of reaching their ultimate prize, Koshien.

I made a wrap-up of a similar genre series called Cross Game. Most of the what I’ll say here will be comparisons between the two. Despite that this series is 3 years old. Its new season will air this April, probably to maintain the pace of Cross Games great success in the genre.

As I has said on Cross Game, where the story focuses more on the Characters than the actual baseball itself. This one is the exact opposite. The centrifugal force of the series is the baseball matches. Not being a Major (Anime) rip off. However, the series is more keen in expressing the players inner dilemmas of being a HighSchool baseball Athletes, their thoughts, their emotions, and relationships with their team mates and other people sharing the same sport are more in emphasis here than any other parts of the series.

The entire season one is just TWO matches, and the manga is just going to its fifth round of the summer tournament. This is a very SLOW series. You’re more exposed to the inner mechanics of the game, that in the process, you’ll get to understand baseball itself. I kid you not! Even without the aids, or tutorials, I was able to understand baseball because of the long pacing of the matches. It may have the subliminal hypnosis of having people appreciate baseball; by shoving each innings by each episode of the series. Long inner conflicts between the catcher, pitcher, and the psychology used by both teams makes up with the slow grind. Slow as it may seems, our mangaka really put the great deal of research on making the matches stand out interesting. I’m never a Baseball nut, but the show made me stand out of my seat, as I cling to the excitement of having our protagonist team pull of a game of wits, and a small bit of luck to make their situation from grim to a lead. Nothing but sheer anticipation of whats next to come. (Despite that its a scripted game).

The series is not all about baseball. The characters are also worth noting about. With a quirky faced protagonist Ren; as I described on my synopsis, is simply one of the cutest character in the anime. I would like this person as a friend. His dedication to Abe (His catcher) is simply unparalleled. His lack of self-confidence is being trickled away, by Abe’s sharp observation and analytical capability to make Ren’s ability to be maxed to its fullest, and being able to slowly change Ren’s self-imposed position on the team. The process ended in a relationship, that is simply dependent on one another personality, and capability. Being, Ren thinks of Abe as his sole purpose of having skills in baseball. Abe also having be the only one that can potentially make Ren win the team; they descended to a spiral end of awkwardness, symbolizing the mere fact, that they can’t seem to not want each other to feel depress by their abilities. Once you know each other, the more awkward your relationship will become (So, says here).

Not to be dominated by the two characters. Nishura has a set of unique persona’s that are worth noting as well. We have Hanai, the team captain with a great deal of responsibility for the team. As a captain, he does his role, without complain, and does it well. Tajima, our horny dude, and has a great perception for observing mannerisms. He seems to be the closest person that can understand Ren, on situations that Ren is unable to express himself to Abe, or to his other teams. Then there is also Izumi, Hamada, Momoe (their boob coach), Ozuki, and their parents; who also plays a quite a role in the series.

In short, the characters are simply springing with personality, that writing them will make this article grow to more than a 2000 word review (I already reach 1000 now). The series takes all the characters importance, and doesn’t seem that the story is only about Abe, and Mihashi. To put it into perspective. The reward for patiently watching the games, is the character development. Each end of the game, rewards us with more information about our characters. We get to know Ren’s past, Abe’s past, and their personalities outside baseball, their parents past, and the past of their kids on a parents perspective. The series gives out few hints on their motives on why they are playing baseball in the first place. Heck, we still haven’t had Momoe’s (Boob coach) on why she is so pumped in putting up a baseball club in the first place. The scarcity of the characters back story also adds to the series overall appeal. mostly to my likeness on story based animes like this one.

The artwork is simply nice. I have a knack for the anime’s released in 2007. There is something good about the drawings there that make me like it. But, for other people. I can say that the artwork is simply good, nothing to worry about.

To close this. You can download the anime, as despite its and old title, many still seeds it. Season 2 is coming, and I suggest you start with this one before going to the other. By the way, there are no HD versions of the first season. But most likely the second one will. This anime is recommended for either: A story enthusiast, a baseball nut, or a BL lover. have at least one of these and you won’t hate this series.

Ozine Fest 2010

JD — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 02:59:15 +0000

Since my class was canceled, I decided to attend the Ozine Fest 2010 yesterday at the SM Megamall, Megatrade Hall A and B. I came here already expecting a disappointment because on what have happen to the cosplay industry this past few years. I or rather we (solidad and me) were unhappy with the sudden change in the cosplay industry. Sure it became popular and all but the essence of the “costume display” was being underrated. I think I will post some more on a diffirent article but for now. Lets dig in to the event because it turns out, it isn’t bad at all

I don’t know anything about Ozine Fest in fact this is the first time I am attending the said event. I thought that it will be the same event I previously attended with the usual battle of the bands, drawing exhibition, maid cafe, cosplay competition and sponsors booth. Turns out it has more to offer.

Note: These things are new to my eyes. I just mean that maybe this kind of events are common to Ozine Fest.

THE FISH SCOOPING

I have watch this game in “Naruto” in this game you will scoop the fish using a ring metal covered with paper. This game is hard to accomplish because even without the weight of the fish the paper will tear easily when soak in water. This does not stop people from trying. Hey it is just exciting doing so.

LAN GAMES

They offer a mini tournament on the popular LAN games which includes StarCraft, Counter Strike and of course DOTA. I don’t know if StarCraft and Counter Strike takes place, I had only seen the DOTA tournament. They also had an Free Play on Online games which of course is not new to this kind of events (for me)

OTHER EVENTS

These are the other events they offer which I don’t have pics.

Eating Competition (Don’t need an explanation)
Artist Corner (You can ask an artist to draw for you for a small cost)
Shooting Darts (Again, don’t need to explain)
Photoshoot Competition (Sponsored by Pocky)

SHOW STEALERS

These are the cosplayers that outshine the others in the Ozine Fest 2010. These are what I have been looking for. They give their costumeThis is base on my judgement so don’t argue with me. heha!

THE MAD HATTER

GAI OR LEE (but I think Gai suit him best)

SHREK

Tinker

PULUBI

KAMEN RIDERS

Well that’s it. Since I will be stuck here in the Philippines I will now start on investing on my gadgets. So in the future expect a lot more coverages from me about anime conventions and of course about technologies.

Weekend Discussion: Multi-Convention

Solidad — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 18:18:44 +0000

It been quite a while since I post anything new on this site, My real life had been busy lately. Actually, the recent rotating brownouts are keeping me out of my website; since i had to sleep early. due to the unlucky brownout schedule Meralco assigned to our grid.

Anyway, As i wrote this. I was on my company summer team building trip. I’m using a fully loaded Smart Bro prepaid usb to keep me sane thru out the trip. Just to let you know, we are going to a south Asian themed resort, somewhere in Zambales. That’s a 4 hour trip! So, aside from my laptop, which will be insufficient in the whole duration of the trip; I also stock myself up with plenty of Leo Laporte’s Tech Guy podcasts. That would last one and a half trip bus transit. Sitting idly on a bus won’t be anymore unproductive as it was used to be.

Now, on to the meat of the matter. As I am aware. Ozine fest is currently being held at its usual place, MegaMall. Being said. And as I had told you on the paragraph above me. I am currently going to my companies team outing. Anyway, to the people who went to the event yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I am wishing you enjoyment, on your peers bonding, and hoping that the people at AAP, and other 3rd party organization on perfecting their organizing skills. Ever since all the anime convention I had attended during the later half of my college life had never change, even after all the years past. However, the main reason for putting these kinds of events is not something for anybody looking to get their anime fixation, in a sense of celebrating anime series in general. But it is for the common sharing of similar interest in the big umbrella called Otakudom. Which has form it own part of goods and evil.

I don’t want to rant all about Ozine Fest. The main point is, I won’t be coming to these kinds of conventions. I don’t see anything new, nor a tiny bit of Otaku enlightenment on it. Yet, I am not closing my doors on these events. But for now, with great opportunity given to me, I’ll be attending informative, and Tech based seminars, and conventions. I has been a knowledge nerd, always getting excited to learn new stuff. I had recently signed myself for 2 events, happening next week (or this week, if you happened to read this, this week). One, is for Iblog event, this Saturday, April 17, at UP Diliman. Another one, which I am still waiting for confirmation, is the Globe Android Challenge Workshop, at SMX, on Monday April 19. Then lastly, which is not tech related, is the Lights out, Yaoi Con, being held somewhere in Makati.

So aside from the conventions. Site updates. I wasn’t able to release Tech Rant 27 last week. I’ll be releasing it, in pair, with TR 28. Enza and I didn’t do any AC last week, but we’ll see if we can do one today, or tomorrow. A spring preview will be up within the week; as well as the winter anime wrap-up. You already saw Cross Game wrap-up. there will be more to some in the following days.

Ok, that’s it. I’ll edit some of the stuff here, when we get to the resort. Good day.

Note: I’m kind of disappointed that I’m like a single Smart foreigner, on a Globe country. Apparently, the resort is blanketed on Globe’s 3G than Smart. This is the first, and perhaps, the beginning of many disappointing experience I’ll have with Smart.

Anime Conversations 7

Solidad — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:35 +0000

On this episode of Anime Conversation. We talked about Summer Wars, Ookiku Furkiabute, and our thoughts on Chu-bra, Nodame, Gintama endings. We also discuss briefly the Tokyo Anime fair, which gave a sneak peak of the up coming Animes this Fall, and ahead. And we finally did our weekly episode round-up of the latest winter animes.

Download (71MB/104min)

The Intro for the show is Dramatic by Base Ball Bear from Ookiku Furikabute, and the Outro, Ameendayo, Omera!! from Gintama OST1.

Cross Game Wrap-Up

Solidad — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:00:59 +0000

As I reminisce that one year I invested on this anime. It is time to share my feelings for this long, yet, enjoying journey of hardships, denial’s, happiness’, and triumph’s. As Cross Game rolls its curtains and sends of a light warming smile, just as its manga counterpart. Let’s take a look at Cross Game.

Cross Game is not your typical Baseball nut-job. Unlike Major, CrossGame is not about learning baseball, or making its audience play baseball. There’s hardly anything that will give you the slightest clue on the jargons they throw at you during games. However, being that Japan is partly influence by baseball, and the widely publicized games (treat it like UAAP) makes the necessity of exposition is simply non required. So, Instead of focusing on the game, they instead focused on the relationship between Character pairs, and the persona resonating to each and everyone in the team. Thus, giving this anime more of “read between the lines”, and empathizing for the characters feelings to it. This ends up with a quality story line that its worth tuning in for a year.

As I said. This story is about the characters, and their interesting personalities. Our main character is Kou. A carefree, kid, who happens to have a unexplained feeling to one of his neighbors daughters, Wakaba. After a dramatic change of their life. Kou lives up to Wakaba’s dream of being in Koushien, together with her younger sister Aoba, and Akaishi; whom shared the one way love with Wakaba, knowing Waka-chan is inlove with Kou. The story is mostly about Aoba, and Kou’s in-denial relationship, and their internal struggles with each other. It is both funny and cute. The chemistry between the two is simply magical, that it won’t really be to a point of being a boring melodramatic stupidity, or down to the pants pervertedness. However, these lack of elements, and the level or personality put in the characters simply stands on its own, without the boy fapping gimmicks.

Even with the lack of fapping material. The artstyle is simply simple, and uninteresting; for a moe-ly speaking. Characters are drawn simplistically, yet proportionally correct. I would compare the artstyle to something you see on morning cartoons (or Animes) like Princess Sarah, Heidei, Cedi; the opening is simply nothing noteworthy, if you are anticipating a kick-ass sweaty baseball kids. The author (mangaka) simply draws what he is good at, and stays on it. Despite my dissent on the art style; it is simply nothing drastically wrong about it. You can’t really be watching this series, if you are looking for boobs, or pantsu’s, right? To other people, the first few episodes may feel disoriented at first; given that this may be your first, or longest time you haven’t watch this kind of artstyle. But after some time, you’ll get used to it, and eventually ignore, or like it. For me, I simply find it normal.

This baseball themed romance may not be your cup of tea (or coffee). But to those, burnt, disgusted, or simply wants to have quality storytelling, without all the boobs, and panties, then this one is definitely the anime for you. This 50 episode series, will not faze any anime warrior; so, are you ready for some tear jerking, awe?

The ending on this series follows the manga; which got finished not long ago. So, once you finished this one, its done, no more.

Now, I’ll be waiting for those spring anime’s. I’ll also be doing a warm up post about another baseball series called, Ookiku Furkikabute.

Anime Conversations 6

Solidad — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:00:59 +0000

Co-Hosted by Enza-chan

Download (62MB/90Min)

In this long delayed episode. We start with Enza-chan giving us the heads up with her collaboration blog shizzaya.wordpress.com. After that. We mainly talk about the up coming April, with its spring releases. On the middle of the episode, we talk about Working! episode 1, and the other animes we are currently watching. She also mentioned this sports anime called Ookiku Furikabute, which I am currently watching, so do listen to the show. BTW, Enza mentioned on the show about an anime which has to something with cats, so here is the PV of the show. Enjoy!

Also, if you are an Anime Enthusiast with a voice. Please don’t hesitate to email us if you want to join our conversation. We love to hear what our fellow Anime fans wants to say on this great appreciation of moving art. To get in touch with us. You can always leave a comment below, or send me an email at pator@squirnet.co.cc. I’ll be waiting.

The intro for the show is Arigato,by Bon’z from Kyou Kara Maou (I like this Anime).

Solidad attends Yaoi Con

Solidad — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:32:08 +0000

In my endless pursuit of finding a non traditional convention. It has come to my attention that aside from commercially driven, cosplay enriched profit oriented event, such as Ozine Fest, Toy Con, or other well known “Anime” conventions spewing on the radar. There is one small, yet interesting (for fujiyoshi that is) convention will take place this April. Unfortunately, it happens that it will be their last as well. Alas such spectacle should never be left unnoticed.

Lights Out, the 6th and final Philippine Yaoi Community convention, will take place this April 24, at the Lepanto Penthouse of the 21st floor of the Lepento building. Slots are limited, and ticket priced at an interesting 300 pesos. The ticket is inclusive of their well renowned butler cafe, called Cafe Le Mirage.

Other activities (incentives) include film screening, a manga library, a doujin dealers room, and raffle prizes. expect that most of the contents are geared toward BL, yaoi fanbase. (This might be the only convention that i may actually spend money).

However, take note, that admission is limited. In order for you, or your group to enter such a fine unique convention, is to email their moderator. For details, and for the original link to the event, click here to see.

If you’re wondering why i would attend on such an unusual event? It’s because: A)Sick and tired of crowded conventions, flooded with too many cosplay people. B) I appreciate Yaoi/BL/Shota genres, because of its exotic storyline. Something that has more effort than traditional/conventional adult anime genre.

I almost forgot. This is an adult convention, so 18 and above only.

Anime Conversations 5 – You got Shafted

Solidad — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:15:43 +0000

Co-Host: JP Angeles, Enza-chan

Download (104min/78MB)

We got a special show for your this week. On this weeks episode, talked about some anime related news, and discuss the latest anime episode that aired last week. Titles include: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Chu-bra, Gintama, Baka to test to Shuukanju, Kimi ni no Todoke, and Durarara. Also, on this episode, we decided to spoil you on the anime; by telling what happened on the latest episode instead of just commenting about it. This way, we can start reacting on certain situations on the Anime we may see as worthy on that episode.

Opening is Choose Brigth by Chu-bra.