Restless Mangaka

I'm restless.  Quite recently, things began picking up like HELL!  After the BIG ANNIVERSARY event of the place I work in, I promised myself to stay low for a while and rest.  But oh no...the WORLD does not permit that little idea of mine.  As soon as I finished the event, I heard news that one of my hobbies and passion got nominated for a national convention this coming November.  Not again... -,-

I'm actually very excited but my body is really telling me to rest.  Anyway, let me ask you a question...  If your mind works non-stop and pushes the idea of pursuing a certain work but your body is not willing....what happens?  To me, I MOVE.  My eyes are closing, yet I still move.  That's why I'm UP tonight doing something for the upcoming November Nomination when I'm supposed to be sleeping already because there will be work in the office tomorrow.  REGULAR WORK (something I despise if not for my co-workers).  

Issue 2.5 - THE TEASER

So what is this work that has been nominated?  ICE CREAM INDIE.  It has been presented to the NEGRENSE crowd just this afternoon.  

This LOCAL manga made in Bacolod City is put together by a couple of artists namely, Kouyuki Kun Yelo, Shida Shinpan, Shin Oe, Jay Wong, Jo Ming and Fu Odashima.  There are a couple of stories within this comic per issue.

It cost P50.00 at first and then went up to P75.00 because it became thicker.  I'm currently working as a writer and art director of one of the stories within it, "ROOK OF THE RATS."

Aside from contributing in the stories, I also write reviews and several interviews with local artists and the like.  I love presenting my hometown and telling everyone that, YES...we do exist and we also have our own ideas and we do love our CULTURE.

We are distributed by MUNSTERIFIC INC. - a local 24-hr Convenience Store that can be found all around Bacolod and also in Iloilo...PLUS...Cebu.  Honestly, I don't know what will be the outcome of our going to Manila this November 2011 for the Komikon 2011 Awards.  I hope we can bring some pride to Bacolod.  I'm happy enough that we've managed to get the attention of people from Manila.  It basically means that WE (in Bacolod) are slowly SHINING.

RAW of ROOK OF THE RATS 5.0

Bacolod is slowly rising up...developing through economy and at the same time Culture.  -,- I just hope the government sees the development in Culture though...so far, they don't see it.  Still the Artists here are suffering...still, new art is being snubbed....  Typical Ilonggo Attitude actually but damn...WE NEED CHANGE!  

We do this not only to prove to the world that WE ARE HERE...and that we have ideas...  We do this to inspire younger generations to try and find themselves.  This is an opportunity, a beacon that serves as their lighthouse that their dreams (whatever they may be...) can come true with determination and hard work.  The world might not accept this as fast as we wanted, but they are slowly getting there and I'm elated to know this.

I'm now finishing up several pages for the ISSUE 5.0 of Ice Cream Indie.  I need to finish these tonight since I have regular office hours starting tomorrow... I THANK YOU FOR THE 4-day BREAK!!!  Hahhahaa! Every Filipino is celebrating that!  Anyway, here is a SNEAK PEEK of the 5th Issue.  Thanks for dropping by here...

Before I go, I will be posting several updates of the upcoming Bacolod Cosplay Convention, ANIMOTION 2011 this week...watch out!  ICI will be present too!

Signing off for now,

Cat :3

Shattered in Awe

I am a very...very emotional person.  Mark my words, I will have comments on anything...everything under the sun...and even the SUN itself!  It's been HOT these past few days and along with it is the scandalous news of what happened in the recent Cosplay Event.

What happened? This is what happened...

This was taken from Jeii's Photos.

I didn't want to say anything at first because at the very least, I understand that it is the judges' decision that matters...and it is final.  But my cosplay pride won't let this go really...  It was also fired up by Jeii who passionately talked about it with all honesty.  It made me wary of how, as event managers, we should take our events seriously. 

It's true.  Event Organizers should have enough knowledge of any event they plan to tackle.  Why?  The organizers might not take part it in, but others will...  For a special event like Cosplay, people who enter here are not mere fans of anime or cartoons or movies...or that they just want to have fun and feel the fame and enjoy...  They are artist...and we do know how touchy artists can be...  

Artists are selfish first of all...  Yes, we are.  We can all deny it!  But we are.  Being selfish and having pride in what we do enables us to give our best into our works.  With participants such as these, event managers should be careful.  Cosplayers take events seriously not only because they express themselves in the event...but also because of the COST of their art.

Having a costume made is no simple task.  Having a costume made by YOURSELF is NEVER a simple task.  I remembered spending up to Php 4,000.00 in one of the many costumes I have made.  It's not a pretty price...especially when I'm not even competing.  Yes.  For Cosplayers...an event...or to enter an event is secondary.  BEING a PART of the event...is the first and foremost reason why they are there - having to meet new cosplayers and converse in the art they share.  

I'm not saying it's not about the competition.  Of course everyone wants to win!  But naturally, everyone must BOW to the judge's decision.  And that's why when I choose a judge, it takes me several weeks or a month to think about.  The judges must be balanced.  They are the only ones that have the SAY to choose who among all the outstanding cosplayers are worthy of being placed in a pedestal.  I might comment on some, or you might not like the winner....but the JUDGE, in a cosplay event, is god.

Some of you might react to how I see judges.  But really...don't be a hypocrite.  Judges are the very people that YOU...ME...ALL OF US must suck up to in an event.  So again, choosing them is a VERY, VERY DELICATE MATTER.  I've heard several people tell me that the judges in the recent event were chosen in a whim...except for Lyron of course...  It disappointed me in many levels.  It just shows that the organizer did not give much care about the event.

Another thing that caught my attention is...I do not like the host.  Sorry...nothing personal.  But I didn't even know the names, characters of the winners.  I'm a cosplayer but I'm not omnipotent!  I was there...and I did not hear shit about the winner's profile.  I'm a host too...that's why I can understand.  Again, I do not blame the host.  Hosts are hired...so, it's their job to do their best  in a situation they were thrown into.  It's natural.  Okay, fine!  I blame her a little for not researching! LOL!

The Cosplay Village...yeah...I was actually looking forward to that!  I overheard that there will be lots of tables and chairs for cosplayers and exhibitors to exhibit their wares...  The only group I saw there is Artsylum...  What happened?  Sheesh...  I'm bitter about this because our team, the ICI <--- a local manga artist group, which you should have supported because Cosplayers support manga... --were held off by your conditions.  You did not deliver.  Question, HOW CAN YOU CALL YOUR CONDITIONS EX-DEAL???

It's a free country, that's why I'm commenting.  I'm an event manager, that's why I'm blabbing...  Most of all, I'm a cosplayer...a pioneer...and I can't just shut up when this is waved up at my face, right?  

The event was done haphazardly.  I commend you for trying to uphold Cosplay here in Bacolod...but please...please....  If this is the only thing you could muster, ask for some help.  I won't believe you if you say there's no budget because I KNOW THERE IS...  Let's just say I have many friends who know friends who know....friends....  And I KNOW THERE IS and I even know the amount...per month.  Also, I KNOW WHERE IT WENT.  I'm not suggesting you pocketed it.  Because you didn't.  I'm saying you gave importance to another event...and yet you pushed the COSPLAY EVENT into mediocrity because you can't handle the budget anymore.  WRONG MOVE!!!

My comments are idealistic.  I sure know how I sound because I am an event manager too.  I understand the problems with higher ups, budgets and other elements.  But despite these, you still pushed on...why?  I'm never one to push an event when I see it crumbling...  So why did you?  The effect on people, on event managers such as me, the pioneers and especially how the cosplayers will react is not pretty.  Look at the results now...

Cosplayers, there is nothing wrong if you won.  It's the judges' decision.  Don't blame yourselves for having to see crappy comments or haters.  Haters are normal for cosplayers.  I also want to stress that...

FASHION SHOWS are different from COSPLAY EVENTS!!!

Must I repeat that???

Fashion shows features clothes and models.  Cosplay Events features crafted costumes, props, skills and artists.  DO NOT MIX THEM UP.

I don't have other pictures with regards to the event I'm currently murdering...  I don't have to pulverize it.  SHATTERED IN AWE gid ko!  I hope the next Cosplay event ANYONE puts up will be a WHOLE LOT BETTER!!!!  

More power, Cosplayers!  Take it like a man, event managers! (give Gatorade to self and other event managers...)  Hoping this will fuel more POSITIVE energy...  Don't take this as an insult...this is constructive criticism.  If you're not MAN enough to swallow, then don't. 

Still in shock,

katz :3

 

 

Radical Changes Need Not be Disturbed!!!

It wouldn't be fair if I say, COSPLAY is exclusively for cosplayers.  I know that much - the very reason why I'm encouraging event managers to make cosplay events.  But conflicts occur when people are greedy. As much as I want to emphasize on this, I'd let it go.  Dig your own graves if you must... 

More than anything, I'd love to see Cosplay being accepted by not only the young generation, also the older ones. 

Students take up most of the population of Cosplayers here in Bacolod City.  There are only a few pioneer cosplayers that show up once in a while due to their regular work.  Obviously, the bloodline rests on the young cosplayers who will be continuing this performing art long after "we" are gone. 

The art of cosplaying is not as simple as preparing costumes and competing.  Given that it is a new form of art and that parents look at it as an expense or something that deters their kids from studying, it is hanging by a thread.  Students deal with their parents, encouraging them how important the art is to them - trying to make them understand that it is their outlet for the stressful days at school. It is not pretty...but is slowly looking better.  If you intervene with this mutual understanding between the student cosplayers and their authorities, how will the students gain respect? 

I was once a student and yes, I love to skip classes illegally I'm afraid...  How much more if it's legal?  The continual flow of understanding between the society and cosplayers will obviously be disturbed if you encourage them to prioritize something other than their studies!  If you care for the art so much as to make an event, then why can't you adjust?  If you can't, then let things be...  Don't pressure cosplayers especially student cosplayers to break that trust between them and their parents/ guardians. 

We all know that our education always comes first.  Education is the one thing no one can take away from us when we're in a fix.  It is the very thing that will support us as we live our lives and continue to survive.  Can you not understand how crucial that is?  Letting students know that they can SWAY a little bit of tolerance in skipping their classes is not a good idea.  I am not being a pain in the ass for the students. 

Students, I understand your dilemma 101%.  Your studies might mean less than cosplaying these days...but believe me, it will mean more...a LOT more when you graduate.  "But it's just for ONE DAY!" <--- You will be shouting that...I know. :3  Like what they say, a small hole will gradually widen.  Let's prevent that from happening then.  Guys, I am a cosplayer - one of the firsts here in BCD...and I'm not just looking at seconds of satisfaction...  I'm looking at a bigger picture as your sempai.  Try to understand why I am against this.

To those who are pushing this...  If you want to make the cosplayers attend, ADJUST.  I am basically protecting the very pride of a cosplayer.  Respect us, and you will gain what you want.  Treat us like entertainment for your personal gain without considering our schedules and you'll see what's in store for you.  

Sincerely,

mochimon

Hidden Vibes of 2010

Just before the AniMotion 2010, the team was asking for a photoshoot.  I remembered I was against it solely because I was too busy with work and I  don't want to be pushed into something mediocre.  Yeah...I'm that's dramatic.  I break that principle most of the times though I stick to it as much as I can.  

What happened then was that the team just wanted a "Bonding Time."  I totally understand that!  But well, being ME once more I wanted to make sure they really...REALLY want it this time around to muster up all their strength and help me take care of themselves in the photoshoot.

We love making anime characters into MODERN, ALIVE ones...and so we opted for a mix character since Ric...can't pull off Ichimaru...although I was slightly idiotic for not thinking that he can! -,- Argh.  Gomen, neh?  The main reason was to let Karl (my cousin) use the wig...therefore we did not cut off the wig.  Oh well, what's done is done.  So here are the pictures of the times we went bonkers...

THE LOCATION

This is the location and NO, I can't tell where it is because the owner doesn't want to share the details.

Thank you so much, you....

THE PRODUCTION

 

Tin, Sakura and the gang...thanks so much for being there! I'm so happy to work with you guys all the time!

We heart you all!  Of course, THANK YOU to all

the professional photographers who attended!

THE MODELS

JAY 

A.K.A "Driver/Model"

Jay ended up doing Ulquie again because of the short notice and...I hate to say it but I'm so tired of thinking at that time that I just told her to DO so...BE Ulquie.  Jay was like, "AGAIN!?"

RIC 

A.K.A. "Mr. IDON'TKNOWWHOYOUARE"

 

Because HONESTLY...I was so shocked to see him look like this!

Tin, you're the gal! Thanks so much. :3  Sanada Yukimura's

ROCK NIGHT.

BIAN

A.K.A. "MR. KUCHIKI"

Where the hell are you pics??? Gashhhh~  I can't find them!  But yeah, I gotta give it to this chick...

For someone who looks friggin cute, she's one hell of a man! >,<

PKOL

A.K.A. "MR. STEEL BUCKET"

 

 I can't seem to find your pic with the bucket. -,-"  Well...  AND WHAT THE HELL

are you doing here?! XD  Kumamura, sit!

SAI

A.K.A. "MR. BANDAGED NOSE"

 

 This was taken by Sir Ang.  Domo!  XD I dunno...he's cosplaying Rockstar Sasuke.

JO-CHAN

A.K.A. "MS. ROSE AMONG THE THORNS"

 

 And she's busy fixing her hair... ^_^  Hinamori Momo rock version.

AND SO WE DID THIS...

 

 

 One of the pics I took of RIC just before San ran outta batteries... T_T

I wasn't here because I stayed on the set...these guys are enjoying the AC.

 

 

Fu prepared the food.  Orangy-goodness!!!

 

What? Tired already??? XD

AGAIN! Enjoying the AC while we TOIL OUTSIDE! XD

The models were taken away by each photographer.  This is where I was able to breath...for a while. XD

 Jay discussing something with Sai.  I really don't know what they're talking about...  They aren't talking about GIRLS, are they??? 0,0

WHO TOOK THIS PIC!? Syet!  What the hell is wrong with you guys?!  Hahaha..Kidding...  Ric was helping...HELPING Pkol with his belt... *cough*

Ric was feeling the energy too much, he didn't realize that his brief is showing. XD HAHAHAHAHAH!

Jo-chan and Jay...  It looked like Jay is crying and Jo-chan did something with the camera... XD Blackmail?



 

 

They want a group shot.

 

HULI KA! XD  The photographer was talked them into doing something.

Looking fine, guys...

 No matter how hard I try...this still looks like a TELESERYE cover! XD

With the production team.  Thanks so much.  Elie, Abing, Queen, Tin, Sakura, Manaples...  EVERYBODY! Thank you!

There were so many pictures but these were just some I got hold of.  I dunno where the others went and I'm too tired to look for them. hehehe...  The thing is, it was a great experience...  I just got off from an event the night before the photoshoot , they took me out of the event to check on the props and we set-up the location the next day 8 AM.  Pewwwh!  You guys are gonna be the DEATH of ME!

Loving you always,

katz :3

 

the "P" in COSpLAY

PICTURES!  What were you thinking???? XD 

Posting these pictures from so many cosplay gathering since last year 2010...

Pkol from TINTAProductions cosplaying Takada Shingen from Sengoku Basara.  Gooo TORO!

The crowd's and one of my favorites, HAPPY from Team Otaku Geirin...was it Fritz donning this costume???

Taking a break from hosting and posing with a 30% modern Nouhime? HAHAHHA! Halloween Fest 2010.

Can you BEAT this??? Shocks!  Winner of the Halloween Costume Contest!

Team Hituzen Inc cosplaying the bishounens of HAKUOKI at the Matsuri Party NGC. faints~

Bian from TINTAProductions crossplaying a modern Byakuya.

Raikee from Team Jugatsu looking so sensual...NYAHAHAH...  Kawaiiii smiluuuhh!

Antot and Moi....having fun with my soulmates (PSG and the Artist Guild).  TAGAY!!!

COSA NOSTRA photoshoot with TINTAProductions, my 2nd Family. Hugs~

Ulquie in the Flesh!? Hahaha..nawh....Crossplayer Jay Yip from TINTAProductions doing a modern version of Schiffer.

OUR birthdays.  SCANDALECIOUS party with TINTAProductions and Hitsuzen Inc. July 2010

The BEST make-up session I've ever done.  Team YUYA cosplaying the Zombies in PvsZ.

Modern Ulquiorra...once again crossplayed by Jay from TINTAProduction.

After the LONG night of putting up with my team's request...IT'S A WRAP!

In case you can't recognize, that's Bam from Team Yuya as the Zombie...and Fritz from Team OG...Fritz, right???  XD

Will continue posting tomorrow....or later...  If I stop myself from playing SIMS3... HAHAHAHHA! 

JA MATTA,

katz :3