Time Travel log - My Gaming Life part 1

I'm a hardcore gamer I admit. From NES up to PS1, From brick games to PSP, from old school fighter plane games to virtual racing, you name it.

Let's travel back in time why I got hooked up to gaming, what games I loved, and why.

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Early 1994 - The Era of NES/ Famicom(At least from my part)

I was 6 years old that time. Having an NES means entertainment if you got good grades at school and something you can play on your own on weekends. Playing NES with friends are fun too. With the joystick or a virtual gun in hand, the fun does not stop when the screen says "Game Over".


This is the first game that created the single most hated character in video game history.

Duck Hunt is one of our favorites. We take turns of who will be the first to complete the round without missing the targets. We always laugh loud when one of us misses and we see that dog. If you pass, you move to another angle and try to shoot the targets again. This game is plain and simple, no storylines to follow, no distractions(just that dog) and fast paced gameplay.


The first Metal Slug? Heck no.

If it happens we get bored on getting to shoot up the screen, then we play this game next. In this game, we shoot up the bad guys. Anybody still remembered how to do the 30 lives cheat here? I bet you have forgotten already.

Each of us will take turns if the character we control dies. 30 Lives on 2 characters must be a long time to enjoy. After we exhausted the 30 lives, we have to start up from scratch.


At first, nobody of us knows how hadouken is done in joystick.

Sometimes, we do duel, this time not by shooting up bad guys or ducks, but on this game: Street Fighter. Like the caption says above, nobody knows how to do those super moves(and heck the most useful characters that we thought was E.Honda, Blank and Sagat). And believe it or not, we're not able to follow the movelists in a gaming magazines.

---1996 to 1999. introduction to arcades

on weekends, my family goes to mall shopping. While my mom goes on a shopping spree, I go to arcades. Since I learned how arcades work, I began "home invasion" on some arcade places in our town, some recognized my skills and some hated it. I also developed some friendship in that town because of it.



Samurai Aces - the very first jet fighter I began to like due to my fondness in samurai culture. From the OST then the characters' storylines, I believe this is the best. This game also emphasize patience, because if you get full power and shoot aimlessly, you'll get depowered at no time.


King of Fighters 96

KoF 96. This is the start of my journey for the fighting games. I'm still a newb that time for the movesets and the like. Most of the time, I rely on hit-and-run tactics with basic moves only. They call me annoying but that's the way I play.

I also discovered my interest in drawing since I like their characters.


Ouch that hurts
King of Fighters 97(KoF 97) - this is the time when I first learned the movesets in arcades. From here, I began to further improve by utilizing tactics. No more "same moves" necessary.



Street Fighter Alpha. Since I discovered how the movesets done, I also enjoyed this one. Especially the graphics are better than the old-school version.



Speaking of my obsession to the samurai culture, I got interested in Samurai Shodown 4. That action-pack series can get a newb defeat an experienced one or turn the tide of the battle for some tricks. Strategy is also observed on this game because you can't just attack recklessly.

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This is how I will end the first part of my time travel folks. I'll tell you more interesting stories and games once I use my time travel device again.

Let's Travel Back in Time! - TAGCOM

Alright, I know I haven't posted the Ozinefest yet. I feel soooo lazy to get back to that time to describe to you what happened on that event. But this event is the best one so I'll focus more on this one instead.

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May 22nd

We have some issues before the day of the event. First, the making of Gatecrasher Aruiko's props and the whole costume itself. Luckily, for the costume part, it's already been done. For the props, we need to focus. With a struggling budget and time, Aruiko passed the buying of the tools to me which took a little time due to availability(i.e "Anong Greco glue ba yun?", "Wala na po bang maliit na PVC pipe?", "Magkano Rubber Sheet?"). We're fortunate to have some items and save money. Aruiko's able to get the items done and was able to finish it after a week.

Second, Gatecrasher Kirael's status is not good at all. Though, he first claim that he can come, he later took it back and mentioned that he will not be available. A lot of people missed him as other people told me. Anyways, there's always a second chance. See you at the next con brother.



That day, I thought it could be a failcon due to the fact that it's a three-day free event. I was wrong. I enjoyed it the most.

I didn't expect many will come on day 3. There's lots of people around!

And since I thought that my brothers will not come aside from Aruiko, we will have to get along with the other people.


What a big family indeed. NYAKO and Gatecrasher Aruiko


And another big family friend, Philippine Anime Otakus

As we wandered around, here's what I saw some new faces and the recent cosplayers I know. Too bad I haven't seen my favorites there.

The best of the event so far is that, I was able to get some photoshoots done for my friends there. Finding a good place is really hard, especially if you have other people tailing to your models.

Here are some of the photoshoot pictures:






Will not upload most of the pics though. But looking at these, you sure know we had a great day indeed.

White ,Red and Black

I don't have much idea to write down these days. Too bad, my ozinefest albums are not yet completed so I have to delay that write up. This is a random post. You might be just familiar about this...


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What does the color white mean? For some, this is the color of purity, healing, light, peace and the good. It's purity at heart. White means, it's clear of any weakness. It's absolutely powerful. For ones, white is the one who stands above all colors.



a powerful combo = Death Note + 2 members of Xlaws.

Though white is 80% connected to the law and righteousness, it is not necessarily good. There are times white is being used for lies. White can be charismatic and can be used for luring any other colors' weaknesses. White can be devious and if it's powers used recklessly, could result into disaster.

With this color, it's capable of any changes. It can befriend other colors, can strengthen their mystical energies, yet can stand alone strong and steady.


Alone?

or with them?


White can create a stunning aura around. They can easily get the attention of others. Imagine wearing white in a stealth mission? Imagine walking alone in a dark street? Imagine you lost your cellphone with white LCD? See how the arrancars look in Bleach? White can be a double edge sword in physical, mental and magic fortitude.

Red. When we look at something red, what comes up your mind? Blood, Destruction, Fire, Rage, and Lust. While White follows law, Red follows instinct most of the time. Persons in Red tend to be hasty, sometimes causing destruction to themselves. They eliminate the use of thinking, and the promote use of instincts.



Red can be destructive at times, but sometimes it seeks love. Ever wonder why the hearts are red? they represent love and at the same time, lust. Red can be associated with other colors as well but it picks who to join and who to avoid. They hate personalities who uses complicated thinking, they love people who love fun, they like those who love them as well.



Red also is associated with speed due to its hasty tendencies. Ever wonder why in sentai series, always the first is the red ones? In magics, the fireballs are easy to cast. In Street Fighter, Ken Master wears a red gi and is faster than Ryu. For Red, it means getting a job done as soon as possible.

in the end, getting to be friends with Red can end in various ways. As long as you keep loving, you will receive love from that color.



Black, the color which is misinterpreted by many. Black is often thought to be the color of darkness, evil, power, loneliness and hell. Most of the time, White is the good and Black is the evil. As I mentioned earlier, White is not entirely good, same thing with black. Black does not necessarily means evil.



This color as opposed by White and Red, best to work alone. It's Intent is the source of strength that other colors lacks. It does not need somebody to depend on(There are times that it isn't). It deals it's own problems. For black, getting somebody to help results more chaos and chances of failing it's mission.

Black might be selfish, but it does not want to drag somebody else in its failure. It resorts to violent tendencies but unlike Red, it may also choose unethical ways. It will choose to cheat rather than surrender. It will use sacrifice for greater goals. For Black, failure means defeat.

If ever Black will choose to have any allies, it prefers to have those colors that are not bound to laws, but not bound to instincts as well. It prefers to be hidden if possible. It will choose those who can act on their own without putting themselves into shame. It likes personalities who are sane yet unpredictable.



Black might not be friendly... it needs to build up trust first...


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That's all folks. I missed my blog, really. Hopefully, my Ozinefest project will be finished soon. I might discuss other colors as well in the near future.

Untitled

Today, I'm so out of ideas so I'm thinking about getting to create a post for one of my favorite cosplayers...

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You are a flower in full bloom,
As if, through a mist, a first loom;
You are a fine line that holds beauty
So fragile it seems, yet so pretty.

When I first met this girl, there's something that separates her from the rest of the cosplayers that day. Her smile, her looks and most likely her efforts of portraying the character she had chose to imitate.



I can't believe my eyes at first. But yeah what I see is the first cosplayer who did Oichi in Samurai Warriors 3

I thought at first that it's her debut to cosplay and she could be lucky that she got noticed. After my friend introduced her to me(through Facebook), I was shocked. She is really a big-time cosplayer.

Of life, you are much of a mirth
As if the joy that welcomes birth,
A beauty personified in earth
A locke of immeasurable worth.

Beauty is just skin deep they say, but she proved it wrong. While earnestly studying for her future, she never forgets her friends, she never had forgotten her smiles. No wonder, she's been recognized by some even she's not at cosplay. She is open for everybody and her outgoing personality melts the hearts of her shy admirers and fans

Well, she might be famous but like some other cosplayers I know, she maintains a low profile. I don't know if she participated in a catwalk alone, but yeah I was thinking positively that she will be the next rising star if she went to do it.


Best Alisa cosplayer ever.

Despite cosplaying popular anime and game characters, she prefers the a sexy or a cute character. She also had done at least two characters that hasn't been cosplayed before(as far as I know) in the Philippines. Look at how she is determined to be the first to do it. Her dedication indeed to cosplay is very strong, she can be the next cosplay legend.

She even said this:

i enjoy cosplaying, it is already a part of my world, and if im too old for this,

i'll have my child in the future continue on doing it XD

You are the reason why now I write
These simple lines so soft and lite.
Yet, no amount of art can, e’en for a while
Describe the true beauty bestowed on your smile.

A short blogpost indeed, but I believe I poured my heart and soul on this first blogpost for a dedication to one of the best cosplayers: Jen Hime

PCC - March 5, 2011

It was raining mildly that afternoon. I thought I'll not be able to get there but I still wanted to. And I'm glad I had made the right choice.

PCC, short for Philippine Cosplay Convention, is one of the largest Cosplay Convention in the country. The equivalent of Comiket in Japan. Anime, Manga, Gaming and Cosplay enthusiast meet at this event.

Of course, Gatecrasher Aruiko, Gatecrasher Rina, NYAKO, and yours truly wouldn't want to miss the event. After all this is just once every year.

At first, I thought, would this be an epic fail event like the SM San Lazaro event.(More info on the previous posts) The venue's too large. Robinsons Manila is a huge mall. No Entrance Fees, Securities all over the place, and too many cosplayers!(I dare you, count 'em)

After assisting Aruiko on his cosplay, we went to enjoy with the rest of the NYAKO starting from these people:

The girls of NYAKO.


The Photographers: Luke and Rina. Mark on the back

After taking of few announced-stolen-shots, I tried to wander around. I tell you, it's getting crowded. Photographers, spectators, anime fans, even foreigners!

Even this one:



Kidding aside, I missed my favorite cosplayers though. I thought they were not there but they went there! I missed you all!

After enjoying the sight of the cosplayers around, I realized I forgot one thing and I regret it... why didn't I cosplay? I put the blame on my unpreparedness... but oh well. I still enjoyed the day though and I'm there to be happy. Now here's a surprise, I have never done this with the Gatecrasher Family yet but I think it's okay, I've got a group pic of NYAKO.


NYAKO with Gatecrasher Aruiko


As I took another round of wandering...

This guy even stopped us in surprise just to take a photograph.


I remember this cosplayer last year...

At first, Aruiko thought it was a joke. But he played DotA the night before using this character...

the biggest turning point of that day was about the contest. I know at first that somebody I know of would win that cosplay competition and guess what, this famous cosplayer had win it!


Congratulations Ate Shei!

It was a blast. After taking much photos, the event ended and everybody packing up. The rest of NYAKOs took a break before going home, I get to know some more friends in NYAKO. I know for sure, that it's always happier to get along with friends during conventions.

SM San Lazaro Event

Sunday, February 27,2011

Gatecrasher Aruiko and yours truly went to the first ever cosplay event of SM San Lazaro. At first, I was so excited thinking that it will be a successful event due to the members of Broken Cosplayers Guild and Nosebleed Cosplayers guild attending(They have lots of members, it's true). Alas, during the event, we ended up losing 75php for the ticket. Here are the reasons:

1. The event is so small but still you can see them from the outside. You don't need to go inside of the venue to enjoy watching the cosplay catwalk.

this is the shot from the outside

2. The Netopia is there, sadly, there's no free games...

3. There should be some freebies because it's a paid event. But alas, none.

4. According to one of my cosplay idols, there appears to be a chaos during the event itself.

To be honest, we were expecting lots from the organizers but they even didn't care about those who paid the tickets, sooooo bad.

If not for these guys, we didn't enjoy that day. Ladies and genlemen, the National Youth Anime Kinship Organization.

the National Youth Anime Kinship Organization or simply NYAKO. Others not in picture are: Luke, Eugene, Gene, Kyo, Kyohei, Dylan, Ran, Kumiko and Aruiko

They are the group of friends that are very close to the Gatecrasher Family. They are also versatile people who can do music, drawing, photography, cosplay and gaming. While waiting for the event to finish, we ended up doing our own event on the basement... in Timezone(Where in heaven can you find a Tekken 6 for 10php?). Some playing there, some meeting up friends, most of them went to do photography.

Luke posing at TZ

The event ended up by 6 or 7pm and almost everybody's packing up. As we bid goodbye to a failed event, we realized that we, the Gatecrasher Family, are not alone. Thanks a lot NYAKO!

Credits to Rae and Raffy for the Photos I used in this blog post. Here's the NYAKO group page:

NYAKO

And the Gatecrasher Family page:

Gatecrasher Family

Pikachu Kitten

Who wants this Pikachu kitten?

To the Obsessed Persons there!

Here, I found some interesting post I left in my friendster waaaay back.

A man posted in the forums about getting in love with Ina Shibata. In a way he's showing not love but obsession to this cute cosplayer.

So then. Let’s cut to the chase. Another person asked him these, leaving him speechless

1. Girl lives in Japan/China, you live in Philippines.
2. You do not know girl, she does not know you.
3. She has probably got a boyfriend already. Or maybe a girlfriend, you wouldn’t know.
4. Do you speak Japanese? Or Chinese?
5. You are probably the only fan she has…….right?

Isn't it odd that some people does not know the difference of being in love and being obsessed.

Being in love means you respect her, you're not madly climbing to the top to reach her and you are instead inspired about getting to meet her in a good manner. Being in love means she'll make you motivated to do things the right way.

Being obsessed is different. If you want a very good example try watching the video STAN by EMINEM. Obsession is not normal.