Jose is THE Man

Yesterday, June 20, 2011...I was resting.  It's a National Holiday and we were given a one-day break from our harsh reality - Work.  So yeah, I began the day late...woke up at 9:00 am, lazed about...checked the net and decided to go along with my dad and check some DVDs in the Mall.

It's different when you're given a time to just...do your thing in your own time.  No rush.  No pressure.  And why do you ask were we given a break?  It's because of Jose Rizal's Birthday.  Yup!  It's our National Hero's birthday.  "I LOVE YOU, JOSE!" 150 years and still you're giving us freedom (even for a day). LOL!

When in the mall, I was browsing for something great to watch the day away...and I found the DVD I was looking for.  "The Kingdom of Heaven."  Uhummm... I already saw that movie but still I think I need to collect it much because it touches on a very delicate subject that almost all Filipinos are very careful to thread on - Religion.

I was actually made to take a detour when I arrived.  My best gals asked me to join the monthly get-together.  When I arrived at the restaurant, they were all so surprised to see me.  It's been months since I last saw them.  I was so busy with being a Mangaka that I forgot to socialize.  Hope I won't become a hermit in the process.  So, I enjoyed the night with my friends, chatted and laughed our heads off.  When I got home last night, I first decided to check my FB account to which I was absorbed in a very serious chat-versation with the guys at FIC.  Then, I basically found myself ogling my NEWLY FIXED Laptop... (cries)  I miss my laptop...after 3 months of being dead....HE'S ALIVE ONCE MORE! Duhn-duhn...  Oh well, I checked on it...testing it with graphics and etc...and I nearly forgot my DVD!!!  Just when I was about to close the screen, I found the DVD I bought and decided to watch it.

OMG!  I was so surprised!  I bought a pirated DVD and yet...it's the DIRECTOR'S CUT EDITION!!!! WAAAAAHHH~ I'm sooooo happy!  I didn't really pick the movie all because it's Orlando Bloom, Edward Norton and Liam Neason...  FINE! Yeah...well I have a thing for Legolas...so maybe I did. HAHHAAH!  But I love the story.  I love how Edward Norton as the King of Jerusalem told Balian, the Baron of Ibelim that "A man is responsible for his own soul."  That when we will be faced by the Father, we can not say... "God, I did this because I was compelled to...or because the circumstances calls for it..."  It's is very true in our lives.  If we do not live by these, then what will become of us?  Liars? Traitors?  Murders?  All because we can point our fingers on someone else. 

And going back to my man, Jose...  He did what he needed to do for the country.  Men like these are hard to find these days.  Most men would truly blame their misfortunes or mistakes on someone else to keep themselves clean.  I wasn't able to finish the movie.  It was more than 1 and a half hour which makes the Director's Cut really...really detailed!  Please...if you can watch the movie...watch it.  It's beautiful.  For now, I have to go back to work and blog about the company...not my life...HAHAHAH!  See ya tomorrow!

signing off,

katz

"BADLIS" Ash Wednesday

It was a fair afternoon when my officemate told me we're going to go to church together for the Ash Wednesday celebration.  "Katz, 6pm sharp, okay?" She reminded me again and again.  It is a blessing to have such officemates especially when you are daily thrown into piles of paperwork and stressful meetings.  It's nice that the Lord reminds us in His special way.

When we were able to get off work, it was already 6:15 PM.  We were waiting for the Libre Sakay to save fare...LOL...and it took us a few minutes until we were able to ride it.  We arrived at the Cathedral by 6:40 PM where crowds of people gather to have "BADLIS" on their foreheads.

The Cathedral looks majestic that night...don't mind my CP cam...it sucks! XD

 

One of us wanted to leave when she saw this crowd...

People were muttering but patiently waiting for their turn...

Indeed we were thrown to a wee bit of suffering.  It took us more than an hour because when we were finally able to enter the Cathedral's wooden door, the 6:30 Mass started.  I was praying, "Lord, please just let me have my Badlis before the mass starts..."  The Lord sure has humor!  So yeah, we were able to listen.  And it wasn't something I regretted either.  The homily is humorous due to Father Arnold's way with words.  It was so funny I actually sighed in disappointment when it was over.  

Can you imagine this??? XD

It was a fresh sight to see students from all schools converge in this late night mass.  And for me, a first time in years since I entered the cathedral to receive the blessing.  So many memories came to mind back when I was just a young girl who is at the peak of curiosity.  I used to love buying candles from an old lady staying in the cathedral when I was just 7 years old.  When I reached 12 or somewhere there, I remembered not seeing her anymore...and it made me cry.  I was so attached to that face that despite not being a relative, I cried for her.  

I'll always remember this Wednesday...March 9, 2011.  And with it comes fasting...  I decided to fast my favorite hobby, reading Manga (Japanese Comics). Oh noeessss!!!! XD  May the Lord help me persevere! 

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