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

the SCOOP on Ice Cream Indie

Time sure flies...  Ice Cream Indie, after just being a part of the staff in a month or so, we are launching officially!!! We will be an Official Company!!!  And I will be an official Ice Cream...? Hhahahah! Despite the feellamagiiibies about all these fast-paced things slamming at me, I'm really happy that we will finally be pushing boundaries and start out an official local manga industry.  Sure, we're small...but all great things do start somewhere...and with a little nurturing, we'll see what the future holds... ^_^

Our Comic Mag Stand at KJ Fairmart.

For now, the future looks bright and I am not one to back out.  We will be launching this April 16, 2011 at Munsterific Inc, Ramos. The event features local performers, artists, bands, cosplayers and games that will surely give you one hell of a night.  Ice Cream Indie will do its best to absolutely entertain you. ^_^ If ya wanna be a sponsor, please do contact me...hahahahahah!  I'll be posting MORE, MORE, MANY MORE in the future. 


Truly,

Shin :3



"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! 

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

 

 

My life in the 2-Week Hiatus

I wouldn't say that I'm not one of those people who gets hooked by lovely, cute, colorful things...because I AM.  COSPLAY is manifesting itself in different malls these days and I for one loved the promotion of this performing art.  Lets just hope event coordinators don't get greedy and decide to make money out of this medium. 

I've been away from the cosplay scene these weeks...solely because I'm busy with A LOT of OTHER THINGS!  I wish, i wish I can be with the cosplayers all day long...sadly, it's gonna stay as a dream...for now... hehe.

I'm posting late pictures from the cosplay gathering, KOSUPUREDETO (Cosplay Date) last February 5, 2011.  I can not post all 75+ cosplayers because...well...there are just TOO MANY to post here! Check the FB accounts for more pics.  I believe Bian from TINTA|productions posted a LOT of individual pictures.

Kakashi and Kaka-she from CEBU City, Bian, Vench, Mac, Fu and Jay enjoying the earlier hustle and bustle in the event center.  Most people here at that time were getting to know each other.

   

Maid in Heaven! XD I was planning on getting this category added in the ANIMOTION 2011...hope things go well..

MINI TOUSHIRO! Argh...one of the crowd drawers...  This lil kid is a relative of Hemmy from TINTA|production and OG.

OMAYFATOLA! Jay looks like...well... X3 Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei!!!!

Another cute cosplayer.  She's cosplayin Yachiro from the anime Bleach! Nyuhhuuu~

Epic couple from Cebu: Kakashi and Kaka-she.  Miss you guys.  Hope to be there this summer!

So many new faces!  Hope I can all know their names!!!  I'm not so good with names though...

Very cute indeed!  The best part about KosupureDeto is that there are a LOT of variety in the anime characters that the cosplayers chose to cosplay.  It's so nice to see characters from different anime series without a double.

Of course...Naruto will always be present...in this case...NARUKO! ^_^  I love this version.

Lelouche also showed up. Nyahhhah!  So many new faces!

These days I'm busy with the ICI Team.  What is ICI??? ICI is Ice Cream Indie <--- a local team of manga artists who publish their own manga within the city (for now).  I've been recently plucked out...HAHAHAH thanks to Oyabun and Shids...  Now the team of two immediately multiplied to a team of six because the BLOTS Inc. (TINTA|production's Ink Art team) joined the ICI banner.  

Ice Cream Indie.  Hope to see you guy this coming March 4, 2011.  We will be launching our 2.5 Issue!

Manga (Japanese Comics) has always been a part of my life since HS.  Jay and I have been creating our stories and imagining visions of them since we first saw Ghostfighters (YuYu Hakusho) back in 1997.  When we were separated in 2001, we did not stop talking about these...we email each other and plan...plan...plan...  Until we met again in Manila 2004 where we did our first Manga...that did not get published because of some technical error.  Anyway!  In all those years not making mangas, I did not stop writing.  

One of my written works is ROOK of the RATS.  It's basically staged in a fictional medieval age that reflects the very society of Pinas.  Originally, ROOK is written in narrative form...which makes it difficult to transform given that graphic-wise, it is very demanding.

Jay Wong took charge of sketch.  Joe Ming and Fu Odashima took charge of Ink and Layout.  I ended up with scriptwriting and toning...which I need more time to practice.  The story is about a young thief, Rook...who grew up with a Thieving Guild ran by an Old Thief Queen.  Living in the old trading city of Lunetta, this guild has ruled over the underground kingdom that rebels against the tyrannical kingdom of the Sunivan Clan.  As you read through the manga, you will not only notice similarities to our own country but also fun and exciting adventures of a kid's life and of course, ROMANCE.    

It is a blessing that I came to meet Shids and Oyabun.  We talked about it...in truth...I can't even remember when it started?  It just...POPPED OUTTA NOWHERE! And then we'll be launching the Issue 2.5 this March 4! 0,0 WooooaaahhH!  No kidding!  Time sure flies...

Aside from Shida's "IN HER WORLD" and "RISING UNDERGROUND," we will also be releasing Kou's "WISHFUL THINKING" and BLOTS Inc's "ROOK of the RATS."

After freaking out for 2 weeks, we met last night to check on the artworks.  I really need practice.  Arghhh!  Thank you so much, Shids and Kou for helping me out!  My eternal thanks!!!

Hoping you guys will come to love our stories and art.  Remember, it's OUR VERY OWN LOCAL MANGA!  Let's support this and see it fly.  Remember how the cosplay community bloomed?  WE CAN!  So please support the Local Comic Artists of Bacolod.

Enjoy!

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

in THEIR world

Hi!  It's been a while since I wrote a NOTE here in FB.  Not all may know who I am....so I'm introducing myself.  I'm Katz.  I love cosplay...art and practically anything that inspires people to dream and soar.  So, when I see things that need praise and need raising up, I write about them and acknowledge them gladly.  Especially....stories...

Rising Underground

For so long as I can remember, MANGA has already been a part of my life.  When I got off work, the first thing I do is check if my favorite MANGA (Japanese Comics) is updated.  If not, I'm bummed out.  Most stories in mangas are great.  Take for example, NANA...KIMI NI TODOKE... BATTLE ROYALE... NOBLESSE (Manhwa, A Korean Comic)...  CHEESE IN THE TRAP (Manhwa)...  You get my point...  And yeah, this form of art is basically much more emotional...like a PHOTOGRAPH is to a FILM.

Among the various things I've been doing for the past week and hundreds of worries to think about what with the cosplay gathering just around the corner...I'm so lucky to have met SHIDA SHINPAN a day ago!  He walked up to me and asked me if he could be there in the gathering this coming February 5, 2011.  If you still don't know him, he is the creator of the local Manga, "IN HER WORLD."  This manga was launched last year at the ANIMOTION 2010.

In her World

I talked with him for a couple of minutes and he will be releasing the 2nd issue.  So, don't miss it! ^_^  Here are some pics I took of what's to come...  SNEAK PEAK!  

SNEAK PEAK! Nyaha~

These guys are really putting up an effort to promote local art into this very competitive industry.  Well, not that we have a comic industry here in Negros...  Sigh~  But hell, they're starting it!

Opened Wide!

They are truly an inspiration to those of us who loves to draw and write.

Don't forget to check it out this Saturday at the KosupureDeto Gathering!

Anyhooo~  We'll be seeing the team this Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the 888 Event Center for the KOSUPUREDETO Gathering Event 3:30 - 9:00PM.  Ja matta!!!


katz~