Leaps of Faith

What is Parkour?  Lemme WIKI that one...

Devil Dive.

Parkour (sometimes abbreviated to PK) is a utilitarian discipline based upon the direct, successful, swift traversing of one's surrounding environment via the practical application of techniques, based around the concept of self-preservation. It is a non-competitive, physical discipline of French origin in which participants run along a route, attempting to negotiate obstacles in the most efficient way possible, using only their bodies. Skills such as jumping, climbing, vaulting, rolling, swinging and wall scaling are employed. Parkour can be practiced anywhere, but areas dense with obstacles are preferable and it is most commonly practiced in urban areas.

The term "freerunning" is sometimes incorrectly used interchangeably with "l'art du déplacement". While l'art du déplacement aims to enable the practitioner to be able to move quickly and creatively past obstacles, freerunning is a competition sport, with Urban FreeFlow being credited with this change of definition.

In short...it's moving about in the most EFFICIENT and SKILLFUL way in your environment.  A friend of mine is recently bonkers over PARKOUR.  Why?  Well, because it's sooooo KEWL!  I was lucky enough to be able to watch a performance of the PARKOUR BACOLOD last event. 

YES, People...we have a parkour team here in Bacolod City.  PARKOUR BACOLOD has been at it for four years now and they've been practicing in different areas but mainly in the Panaad Stadium where varieties of pole, ramps, stairs and much more challenging courses serve as their training ground.

Parkour Bacolod. ICI Launching Event.

I used to think about it the other way - the Adult Way.  I mean, damn!  They're doing stunts without safety nets or whatnots.  It's freaking me out everytime they do backflips in areas 10 ft high.  Can you imagine doing that without safety nets or an ambulance nearby???  You might tell me that they must have gymnastic backgrounds but hold it right there!  Most of them don't have proper training.  One of the team members told me that it is a way of life.  It's a principle and they take it very seriously.

Most people will not understand these guys as they compete with themselves - their bodies, their mindsets.  An obstacle to them is like a problem in life to conquer and they do it without a doubt.  Once they set their minds to it, they'll jump alright...they'll jump no matter how high...no matter how far...

Parkour Bacolod testing the sets before the event.

The first time I saw a Devil Dive done by a friend who does Parkour, I was like... "FUCK, he's gonna die!!!"  It was so unexpected and I felt like my heart leaped outta my mouth.  But when he landed perfectly down 10 - 12 ft below the edge, everyone clapped their hands...including me...a bit awe- struck and mouth gaping. "WTF!"  

One thing I'm sure of, they got BALLS!  No kidding...  I do my art, I risk not sleeping...  But these guys...they risk their LIMBS...LIVES even!  Some might find it absurd...stupid...dumb...  Sure enough, there are loads of PRACTICAL people around this world thinking of Parkour as nothing but suicide...too many of them, if you ask me...

But for those who are passionate...for those who understand the mindset of such a deep and meaningful symbol of life, for those who understand the invisible realities in this world we live in, for the PK boys who embrace this discipline...it only takes a Leap of Faith...for them to FLY.

I salute you!

katz :3 

  

Who is Rook?

If you're not familiar with the name ROOK, chances are you've not read the latest addition in the I.C.I. manga issues.  OR!  If you're not familiar with ICI = Ice Cream Indie, Bacolod's Local Manga...then, you do not know ROOK.

So, who is ROOK?

Rook is the main character of the manga, ROOK OF THE RATS that debuted last month in the comic magazine, Ice Cream Indie Issue 2.5.  The story is basically set in a medieval era depicting the very reality of our present state in our country where there is a kingdom within a kingdom and unseen barriers everywhere...  For the most part, so far the story that was told was about Rook's childhood and how the child was able to overcome trials such as jumping from a very high point to escape danger.

After being adopted by this Guild called the Rats, Rook was dubbed as the most favored of the queen of thieves and did rebellious things to get attention or to plainly get money.  Issue 3.0 ended with the introduction of another important character, Arisipides Orestes Dismas, the Prince of Thieves.  

The story was originally written with the intention of publishing it as a BOOK and not as a graphic novel.  As you can see, these writings are the very start of what ROOK is all about. 

There were several revisions despite a lot of PONDERING because the audience, due to the change of medium...is younger now.  So even if the youngsters can call it normal, I won't take chances.  Graphic Media is a powerful thing.  I'm going to post some excerpts for the good of the people who read....and are more mature... 

"The streets of Lunetta are paved with them - bright, smiling stars happily trotting about.  Romancing your senses as they juggle, leap, make fun and, while they're at it...steal you pockets.  'Monsters!' One man shouted, running after his money pouch.  Oh no!  maybe at first sight they do look like little monsters...but no, they're kids - little boys like what you got at home.  The only difference is - they don't have homes..."

 

Several designs of Rook were made a couple of years back just to help with the image of the whole Old Kingdom.  But the team did not pursue it much in graphic.  The project is too detailed if one should go about the whole story.  But since we're actually publishing it as a graphic novel now, then...we are compelled to revise the script in the most convenient version for the readers to understand.

In the end, we came up with this.  The head artist, Jay Wong wanted to add a different vibe apart from the anime art we're used to.  We gave it a bit of a skinny treatment given that the characters are in a poverty-stricken community.  

The history of the kid, Rook is very complex.  Readers might find the first few issues a bit usual because pages are limited and that's how the issues move, but come the following issues you will find the story totally fresh and totally interesting.  

For those people who are waiting for the next issue.  Here's great news...  I'm already at Issue 5.0.  It means, it's up to Jay, Jo and Fu to finish the Issue 4.0.  AND!  Don't forget the other stories that are featured in ICI!!!  IN HER WORLD, WISHFUL THINKING, RISING UNDERGROUND, and ONE STEP CLOSER!!!  Thank you so much for supporting us!!!

Yours truly,   

katz :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

 

 

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