New Worlds 5

New Worlds 5: The Fifth Philippine Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention is happening on October 27, 2007, at the Glorietta Activity Center!


Step through the stargate or through the wardrobe in costume or in Muggle clothing! Bring your lightsabers and phasers, your amulets and cutlasses and wooden stakes, or even the One Ring and your chakram! Scoot over in a 1976 Chevy Impala or park your Viper nearby! Watch the Activity Center transform into a hub of science fiction and fantasy for Daleks and the Losties and heroes, where vampires and mecha converge over dice and boardgames!


New Worlds 5 is presented to you by the New Worlds Alliance. Spread the word of sci-fi and fantasy! Be a geek and be proud!


Visit www.newworlds.ph for updates. :)

Distractions

With everything that's been happening, what I need is something else to focus on. I need a distraction. If I have the means, I would prefer to be in a place I have never been before, or maybe go some place cold like Baguio City, or go to a beach somewhere in the north.


Someone asked me why I seem to be ok despite the stress at home. Yes, there are times when I'm not ok. I cry. I pray. Sometimes I do both at the same time, but life goes on. Besides, I still need to earn a living. I don't want to dwell in the sadness because I don't want to spend my time just crying, moping and wallowing in self-pity.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Next week, my sis and I are looking forward to the Candy Fair (the magazine, not the food. Haha!) We went to the fair last year and really enjoyed it. This year, Sponge Cola will still be performing so if anyone I know will be there, let's meet up! :)


Hopefully, Papa will be ok. The swelling (edema) is still there though it is getting smaller. As I write this, he, my mother and my sister are in the hospital for a check-up and we are always anxious of what the doctor would say. I hope the edema disappears so that he won't undergo expensive dialysis sessions. I'd rather spend my October preparing and attending the New Worlds Alliance 5th Sci-Fi and Fantasy convention. I don't want to see myself frequenting the hospital again.


Anyway, on November there is "Unreality Bites: The Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards 2". We also attended the first one, Unmasked, last year. Neil Gaiman will be stepping on Philippine soil again for the awards night and the launch of "Expeditions: The 1st Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards Compilation". I believe, he will also give a talk about “Imagination and Creativity in the Contemporary World” at the 20th Philippine Advertising Congress to be held on November 21-24 at the Subic Bay Convention Center.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~


There is also a sort-of unwelcome distraction. I liked this guy... I'm trying to deny it. Ok, I still like this guy but let's just say the circumstances don't allow us to be more than just friends. I'm not complaining. I know I am not ready to be in another serious romantic relationship. The last thing I need is another bout of "unrequited love". Feels like high school all over again. Geez...


Oh well, I'm taking this a day at a time. There are still A LOT of things in this life I am looking forward to and I am very grateful of. :)

On TV

Y Speak on Studio 23 was the TV program I was referring to. It was shown last Saturday. It's just us goofing around in costumes. My sis and I are not cosplayers. We just like to wear our Hogwarts uniforms, that's all. :)





Thank you Rej for posting the Youtube link. :)

Long For Escape

I badly needed a change in routine. I'm burning out from work and it shows in my quality scores these past few days.


My sis and I had a chance to don our Harry Potter costumes again before the New Worlds sci-fi and fantasy convention in October. Hogwarts Philippines (a.k.a. Pinoy Harry Potter), along with other fandoms, were invited to talk a bit about cosplaying (cosplay: short for costume play). I had to sacrifice my sleep time yesterday (slept only for 3 hours!!!) but it was worth it.


A TV program on one of the local channels asked us to wear our costumes. We met up at Fandom Cafe yesterday afternoon. There were a few people who showed probably because it's a weekday. The program was also able to film cosplayers from Star Wars Philippines and 501st Legion Philippine Outpost. It was a whole lotta fun!


We long for escape
Let the memory take shape
For the heroes we often see
I don't know if it's me or the movies we've seen
I don't remember as well as I should...*








I know some people don't understand how it feels to be a part of something like this. People may have misconceptions about us and some even result to discrimation or scorn. Some people misunderstand or don't want to understand. Others may not even care at all. I don't blame them. Besides, we can't please everyone.


Throughout the years, friendships evolve and sometimes die a natural death. It is sad. Some friends are still there despite the changing times and the growing up. For that I'm glad.


I've probably blogged about this before and still, I'll type it again-- I'm glad I found a place where I know my so-called geekiness belongs. I have this outlet now for my passions and I get to meet friends in the process-- people with almost similar, if not the same, capacity to be a fan or fanatic. Hurrah! :)


* lyrics from the song "Movie" by Sponge Cola
(This ought to be a paid advertisement. Hehehe! Peace. ;p)

NeWT

Yesterday was the last day of New Worlds: Transformed (NeWT), so if you haven't dropped by 2nd floor. Archaeology Hall, Powerplant Mall in Rockwell, Makati in the past week, you just missed your chance. Hehehe!



wand duel with Carl



we *heart* Hiro Nakamura!


My sis and I went there last July 11, which is Harry Potter Day. We watched the last full show of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" on IMAX after our volunteering duties. We went back to NeWT on July 14 and watched the movie again, for free this time, courtesy of Powerplant Cinemas. We had free snacks (Yay!) and we were in our Hogwarts Philippines uniforms.



Potterheads in Powerplant Cinemas
picture taken from Rocky's album


We went back yesterday, July 15, to witness The Philippine Tolkien Society's "The Hobbit" storytelling in Fully Booked.



Benc as Gandalf


There were more people during the weekends. A lot of different fandoms were visible and thus, we met a lot of our friends too! There was a cosplay contest last Saturday. First place went to Optimus Prime (woohoo!), second place went to the ever-charming Jack Sparrow of Black Pearl Philippines (way to go Hank! Note to self: must take my picture with him next time) and third place went to cutie Bumblebee. Congratulations! :)



with Optimus Prime



with my sis versus Optimus Prime
picture taken from Mark's album



with Nina and Bumblebee


There was another cosplay contest yesterday but we went home early. If you missed your chance to see all these, well better luck next time. :)


P.S.
Click this link to watch GMA's Saksi clip of Harry Potter Day.

Pinoy Harry Potter in the Press

We saw pictures from yesterday's Manila Standard (front page!) and Tempo (page 5). There will also be more pictures and an article in Manila Bulletin tomorrow(July 14). There was a radio guesting in RX 93.1 and several news clips. A couple my officemates told me they saw me on TV! Hah! I told them it wasn't me. It was my alter-ego. Hahaha!


More press releases here.


We're even on Yahoo!


Yatta!


Ooops... Wrong fandom. :)





New Worlds: Transformed!


July 9-15, 2007 - 11 AM onwards
Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City

Harry Potter High

Finally! Movie 5 is out. Just waiting for book 7 and this Harry Potter-y month of July is gonna be complete. I was dog tired yesterday but tired doesn't mean I didn't have fun. I actually had the time of my life. If you saw the news last night and read today's paper (Manila Standard and Tempo), you'll know what I mean. Some people may find it embarrassing but since I shared this with my sister and my friends from Hogwarts Philippines, I learned that "acting" in front of the camera was actually fun. Hahaha!


We spent most of the day in Powerplant Mall, Rockwell since it was Harry Potter Day for New Worlds: Transformed and I didn't expect a number of media coverages (plugging QTV's Kids on Q this Saturday, July 14, 10AM-11AM and RPN 9's I-Watch News on July 12 at 10:00 PM). After that, my sis, mother and I went to Mall of Asia to catch the last full show of the movie. My sis and I just took off our Hogwarts robes and went there. Some people smiled, glanced and stared. Some were even snickering as we pass by. I couldn't care less.



Hogwarts girls
with my sis, Jovan and Princess



playing Gnome Toss
with my sis, Jovan, Princess, Ivy and (not in the picture Carlo)



Expelliarmus!
with Carl, my sis, Ivy and pretty little Ella*


I won't make an official review of the movie or else I'll just gush. Yes, there were shortcomings but I really don't mind the disappointments that much because I know the movie is not be an exact copy of the book. It's an adaptation. I am scheduled to watch it again this Saturday, this time with my Pinoy Harry Potter family in Powerplant Mall and this time, in full robes too. I just wanna say that it was my first time to watch IMAX and the movie was worth it. Well, maybe I am just a biased fan but the fight at the Ministry scene in 3D was awesome!!! I'd do it again if only it weren't expensive. I wish it were longer too. Haha!


I slept most of the day on my birthday but yesterday made up for it. It was wonderful! Hope we can all have more days like that.


New Worlds: Transformed is ongoing in the Powerplant Mall in Rockwell until Sunday, July 15. Do check us out if you have the time or if you just happen to be there.


Thanks to all those who remembered to keep in touch with me on my natal day. :)


* pictures courtesy of Rej. View more pics in her Multiply album.

All Tied Up

The past two weeks have been busy. Last Friday was my last day for the supervisor training. I learned a lot and I know promotion is no easy feat. There is no result yet. I'd probably know if I am chosen by the end of the month. I know I should be ready to face the challenges and responsibilities. There will always be criticisms. People may change their views about me and that's fine. I should get used to it. I know it can get tiresome but that's the way the cookie crumbles. I quote a friend's message:

In this lifetime, you cannot avoid gossips and unkind words from other people. This means that, whatever you do, you will never please everybody. It is a universal perception and you cannot dodge it. So, quit trying. Enjoy your life and let them be. But remember, don't resent the fact that people keep checking on you. Besides, if you weren't worth anything, they wouldn't really bother.

I agree. I just have to make the most of every situation and do the best I can do.


Speaking of "ties", I went to an officemate's wedding yesterday and since the venue was out of town, my friends and I spent the night at another friend's house. I had fun, as usual. We sang, ate and drank to our heart's content. I had only 2 hours worth of sleep but I can't complain. It was like an advance birthday thing for me. I'm gonna miss our swimming next weekend but I guess that's a price to pay. I have to prioritize however tough it may be.


I am looking forward to this week. I'm having my birthday on the 10th and "New Worlds: Transformed" will start tomorrow. Harry Potter movie 5 will be on the 11th and we'll be viewing it in IMAX. Good thing we were able to save up money for it. I'll be on leave from work and I am excited! I don't have the means to upload the "New Worlds: Transformed" TV ad yet but check out Nick's video. It's just 29 seconds. See if you can catch me there. Hahaha!


I have to go catch some much-needed sleep now. :)

NEW WORLDS: TRANSFORMED

Do you love Harry Potter? How about those amazing Transformers?


Admit it: you were a fan of something at some point in your life. Books, TV shows, movies, comics, and many other creations in the media can make an indelible impression on anyone and stay for the rest of our lives.


On July 9-15, get the chance to get together with like minds and celebrate what you love at the Rockwell Power Plant Mall! The New Worlds Alliance, in conjunction with Rockwell Power Plant Mall, Level Up! Games, Dream FM, Fandom Cafe, presents New Worlds: Transformed.


In this week-long affair, find fellow fans among the Trekkies, Tolkienites, Wizards from Hogwarts, Robots of Cybertron, Highlanders, the Jedi, Narnians, Slayers, Stargate explorers, residents of Arkham, local Heroes, the Lost ones, Xena's Amazons, Anne Rice's Vampires and Witches, the Dragonsworn, Gamers and many others and live your fandom. Play the games, watch the films, be awed with the toys, browse the books, walk around with your favorite characters and experience FANDOM unhinged.


The best part? Entrance is free!


For more information, please visit the New Worlds website.

New Worlds: Transformed

It's here!


New Worlds: Transformed brings you all the costumes, the games, the books, the toys, and all the science fiction and fantasy that was missing from your life, for a whole week! Celebrate being a fan of your favorite show, books or authors at New Worlds: Transformed on July 9 to 15, 2007, at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell.


But wait, there's more! Stay tuned to New Worlds for news about New Worlds 5: The 5th Philippine Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention in October. Fandoms represented at New Worlds: Transformed are:


Anne Rice (new!)
Battlestar Galactica
board games
Charmed
classic science fiction
Gundam
Harry Potter
Heroes (new!)
Highlander
HP Lovecraft
Lost
Pirates of the Caribbean (new!)
Smallville
Star Trek
Star Wars
Stargate
Supernatural
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Lord of the Rings
The Matrix
Transformers
Whedonverse (Buffy, The Vampire Slayer and Angel, The Series)
Wheel of Time
X-Files
Xena, The Warrior Princess (and Hercules, The Legendary Journeys)

I'm beffudled.

I passed the opportunity for a quality analyst position at work but some people, of whom I am grateful for, encouraged me to try, so I passed a letter of intent for the supervisory position instead. Weird huh? Oh well. In the next few weeks, my schedule at work is going to change. I may not have my usual weekends off because of my OJT and aside from thinking about the new reponsibilies I'm going to handle at work, I am also worried that it may affect the geeky July sched I have been looking forward to for the past months:


July 10 - my birthday! Yatta!
July 11 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie launch
July 14 and/or 15 - tentative New Worlds Alliance 5 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Convention
July 21 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book launch


I have been up and about these last few weekends attending meetings/parties and just preparing for the coming month... but I may not be there to experience it. Since the next convention's schedule has not been confirmed yet, I feel like I'm in a daze because I cannot do anything to adjust my schedule just in case I can still do something about it. Most people may not understand where I'm coming from and I know I have to set my priorities straight, but it's gonna be the saddest July I've ever had if I won't be able to do something about this. I don't have a specific passion and the NWA is the closest place I could find where I feel I truly belong. I've attended all 4 conventions and I don't want this year to be the first time I wouldn't be able to attend.


Yesterday, I caught an hour's sleep after work and found my way to a friend's place to attent TPTS's 5th Anniversary Party/moot. There was food, stories, discussions and a newbie too! We had fun. Hobbits dig parties! I have to say we made some progress with regards to planning our booth for the convention (I told you, I'm really looking forward to it.) I'm gonna miss the next few meetings and preparation because of my work sched, so I'm making the most out of it. After that, I came with a couple of friends to Fandom Cafe for a belated birthday celebration of one of our friends. Pictures here at Nick's album.





In other news, a special edition Harry Potter cover has been released and there are more clues Potterheads can uncover this time. Click here to view the article.

Wonderful Weekend

scribbled on 27 May 2007 | 11:25 PM


Pirate Con | Big Sky Mind
I just had a long and fun weekend. I was on leave last Friday to join some of my friends from NWA for the Pirates Con. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" was funny. The effects and costumes were great as expected. I think it was just a tad too long. There were scenes that, I think, aren't really necessary. I guess watching Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom made it worthwhile. Hehe! Watching the movie with friends from NWA (including Black Pearl Philippines) made it extra special. There were probably 3 rows reserved for us and some were even in costume. That was cool!


I missed a couple of Pirate events before that so I told myself I had to be there. After the movies, we went to Big Sky Mind to listen to some groovy, old-school music, chat with more friends from the geeky circle and drink rum! Well, not really for me because I have been awake for almost 30 hours and I had to settle for strong iced coffee instead. Still, my sister and I had fun. (Pardon my squinting during photo ops, Gabe. I was temporarily blinded by those flashes. Haha!) The movie and the gathering were courtesy of Karen Kunawicz. Thank you very much and belated Happy Birthday! :)


We waited for The Luscious Malfoys to play live and danced to their music. Thanks for being such a sport and singing some of our requests. It was a natural high. We got home at half past 3 in the morning and my mother was ready to disown us. Yo ho! Yo ho!





[Pictures here.]
[Nick's photos here.]
[Gabe's photos here.]


The Philippine Tolkien Society Moot
That didn't stop us from going to the moot last Saturday. TPTS had one more moot before Laurice flies back to the States. My sis and I had to drop by and see some Tolkien friends before we had to run some errands. It was nice chatting over coffee again and seeing familiar faces that I haven't seen for a long time. We had to skip dinner though because my sis and I had some errands to do.





[Pictures here.]


Dinner with College Friends
Today, I met up with Laurice and Joy at Gateway Mall-- the same place where we first met up about 3 weeks ago when Laurice arrived from the States. We're having our dinner together. Too bad Joan couldn't make it was she is confined in a hospital in Batangas. We made it a point to call her instead. Hopefully, we can get together again next year. We ate at Ten Tita's and food was delicious but parting is such sweet sorrow. Laurice left early to pack up her stuff.


Joy and I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to drop by Timezone to let out some pent-up feelings. We just had to sing. They have these videoke booths where we can sing our hearts out. We chose sentimental songs usually about heartaches and such, but our final song was "I Will Survive" and it is still playing in my head now. I wish Laurice could've joined us. I still had fun.


Laurice is leaving for the States (NOTE: probably boarding right this moment as I type this). It has been 5 years since we last saw each other but the friendship remained strong. We may not be complete again but we are looking forward to the next time. For the past 3 weeks, I found myself seeing my college barkada every chance I get. I was on leave from work for several days thinking that this occasion calls for that. Besides, it's not everyday that we see each other as often as we like. I was almost always not at home on weekends and my mother probably disowned me already, but it was all worth it.


Back to the Rat Race
I will be back to my old routine: work and home, home and work. I'm actually feeling lonelier now and starting to have those "emo moments" I've been dreading when I'm alone (like a while ago when I was riding a cab home and the background music stirred up some memories). As much as I would always want to surround myself with people, I can't help but long for alone time. I guess it's ok to cry once in a while.


The past 3 weeks had been great. Thanks to my sister and my friends. Like the song in my head goes: As long as I know how to love, I know I'll be alive... It's time to face life once again.

Hobbits on the Loose

The past weekend was one of the busiest and most enjoyable weekends I've had. Yes, there were low moments, we can't avoid that, but being busy made me momentarily forget about those.


I was on leave from work Friday, so I had enough sleep to last the whole day Saturday. I finally met one of my best college buds, Laurice, after 5 long years! She came from the States last Friday and we had lunch with another ka-barkada, Joy. My sis went with us. Laurice bought me "Children of Hurin" and I nearly fainted with happiness when I finally had the book in my hands. Yes, I love Tolkien.



Children of Hurin


After lunch, we stayed for a while to attend the Hobbiworx Tagcom convention in the Araneta Expo Center. My sis and I had our Hogwarts robes so we gave out some flyers for the reservation of HP Book 7. It was interesting and is a haven for anime fans, but the place was very hot. We were sweating in our robes, so we stayed near the air conditioner. Haha!



fandom crossover
me wearing my Hogwarts robe (Ravenclaw), a borrowed purple lightsaber with a Transformers poster as background


We had to leave early to buy for food and drinks for our TPTS Hobbit Party, a party to celebrate the visit of Laurice, who is actually one of our founding members, and the birthday of Data, also one of our members. We had mushrooms and potatoes and more. Hobbits dig parties! Haha! We watched "LOTR: Return of the King" extended edition and played charades. We went home about 2 in the morning because my batteries were running low but I had much fun being with friends. Photos from the TPTS website here.



with Joy and Laurice



group pic from Ian's cam


Pictures from my sister's camphone here. Sorry for the not-so-good photo quality. The lights were dim so the photos aren't too good.


Yesterday, I met up with Laurice and Joy again. This time, we had Joan with us. We roamed SM Mall of Asia. Laurice isn't used to crowded place nows. We were supposed to watch a movie but we wanted to be home early. We had dinner instead and talked. It was just like old times. Each of us changed somehow, but we still clicked and that's what matters.


On a not-so-happy note, I am learning to be officially single. I haven't had time to get all emo on it yet but I want to believe we parted in good terms so there is a good chance we can still be friends. I am so glad I have great friends. The distraction is more than welcome. I am enjoying my time right now. I think what I need is a weekend on the beach with 3 other single friends. I can't wait for next weekend!

Geeky Saturday

I got home from work yesterday and slept for about 3 hours. Then, my sis and I went to Fandom Cafe to meet with some of our groupmates from New Worlds Alliance (NWA) to discuss about some things we are planning for the 5th NWA Sci-Fi and Fantasy convention this coming July. It's always fun to hang out with our friends from NWA. We got news about upcoming events, got the latest episodes of "Heroes" (thanks, Beej!) and got spoiled about "Lost" (thanks, Gabe!). Hahaha! It was awesome! :)


Looking forward to more geeky activities in the future. So far we have:


May 25 : watch "Pirates of the Caribbean at World's End"!


July 11 : Hogwarts Philippines will be in Shangri-La Mall EDSA in costumes watch "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"!


July 14 - 15 : The 5th Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention (see the NWA site for updates)


July 21 : Potter Party! Book launch - "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" (see PHP site for updates)

New Worlds 4.5

It was one of the most memorable Saturdays I've ever had. It made me long to attend another NWA convention and July seems like a long time from now.


Yesterday at noon we attended the memorial service in Santuario de San Jose for our friend, Ricky, who passed away a few days ago. Some people came in costumes and it was really cool. I promised not to cry but I still did and I couldn't help it, especially when I saw how sad my friends were. We all miss him.(Read touching messages from Ricky's friends or write your testimonials for Ricky here.)


After the service, close friends and family went to the cremation service in Manila Memorial. Some of us decided to grab a quick bite in Pancake House nearby and it was fun. Despite the tears a few moments before, nothing can dampen the spirits of a few friends who have more things in common than just being touched by Ricky's life. After lunch, we separated ways. Some people went straight to Fandom Cafe to hang out and wait for the others who would be attending a party to honor Ricky. It was called "NWA 4.5: The Ricky Convention". 4.5 because it's actually between the 4th and the 5th sci-fi fantasy convention. My sis and I went home first because I have to get a few hours' sleep since my energy was running low. I just came from my shift at work. I had 3 hours of sleep and woke up again to prepare for the gathering of geeks. The location was a long way from home so we got there at quarter to 10. I missed some people who left early but many of my friends and those I only see during the con were there and were already having a blast. Bar was open and some people were happily drunk. There was music, books, posters, internet and a viewing room (that time some were watching Battlestar Galactica). No, it was not just intellectually stimulating talk. It was the camaraderie that bonded us together. We toasted and cheered for Ricky. Most of the time, my sis and I were just on one corner getting entertained by watching people around us and sometimes singing along with the music. It was fun! Ricky would have had a great time watching us there.


Who says geeks don't know how to party?


Click for pictures.

Namárië, Ringbearer Ricky!

Our very own TPTS ringbearer, Ricardo "Ricky" Sunico, finally sailed to the West. He will be missed.


I was in denial at first coz I was thinking of all the NWA activities, sci-fi fantasy conventions and Gaiman events we are still going to go to. His copy of Terry Pratchett's and Neil Gaiman's "Good Omens" is still with me. I haven't even seen his notorious lap dances yet! I racked my brains thinking of the last time I saw him and memorable moments just kept flashing in my head. I couldn't believe it.


He was the brave soul who volunteered to shoulder the burdens of TPTS and kept it from falling apart. He was always a kid at heart. He was smart and never failed to show and share his passion and enthusiasm for all things geeky/sci-fi/fantasy. He was loving, thoughtful and caring. My first impression of Ricky was he was a really cool dad. I was right. He was really a cool person and a great friend.


I am not used to the past tense yet. It was all so sudden. I didn't even get to personally say goodbye. We lost a dear friend. He may be gone but he's always in our hearts.


Namárië, Ricky. Farewell. May you rest in peace.

Read Together

We went there yesterday and we had a lot of fun. We attended the NWA lecture in the afternoon and practically hung out near the NWA booth the whole time. It was really nice seeing all those familiar faces again. I can't wait for the next con. I heard it's gonna be in July. Whoopee!



New Worlds Alliance


More pics here.