Happy New Year!

It has been...a very surprising year at best.

Alot of stuff has happened, alot of things have changed...alot of things also stayed the same.

I can't say that it was a good year, with some unfortunate things happening. I can't say it was a bad year either. At best, I could say that it was a rollercoaster ride...one which I have been...well, "almost" accustomed of.

Still, it was an awesome year, unfortunately, I'll be spending it home alone as my granmum opted to spend new year's eve in Bataan. I couldn't go due to the fact that I have werk at 9am the next day.

Anyhoo, it's not how you celebrate the coming new year...it's how you face it. I'm optimistic for the coming year and I know that this year will be better than the last.


Happy New Year!
Forward to Adventure 2012!
- the alansong -

Sheriff Sharivan/Accel/Red Turbo: Sentai X Toku Shoot

It has been awhile since I did any kind of shooting outside toys. I haven't been going to cosplay cons at all, I haven't really been looking around for shoots. It seemed that the last shoot I did was ages ago.

But a friend of mine managed to squeeze in one last [and first! LOL] shoot for 2011.

It actually started a few months [or weeks?] back when we had a talk on Plurk with regards  to doing a few shoots at the Factory they owned.He then came up with the idea of shooting a few cosplayers who were really awesome at their craft.It took awhile for it to be really set-up but last Dec. 30, we finally hit it off.

Niko and Dengs has always been on the cosplay scene, I've seen them at almost every con I've went to. They really go all out with their cosplays. I think it was the right idea to have a shoot for them.

It was my first shoot in a long time so it was a bit nerve-wracking. Lately, I've been just dealing with my action figures and I haven't really been brushing up on my photography and editing so it was a bit touch and go as well.

It took a bit of time but I naturally got back to shooting mode after a few shots. Ryan [the friend I was talking about] even let me use his 50mm.I used that little baby throughout the whole shoot [sorry kitlens ;w;] and it was hard at first. I haven't really tried shooting a lens with a fixed length but that 1.8 aperture was awesome.

Niko and Dengs were great to work with, very much enthusiastic. Although at times, I was lost at their conversations with Ryan as I haven't really watched anything Toku or Sentai as of late. I must admit that I got tired first rather than the cosplayers which showed that it really has been awhile.

The place for the shoot was awesome and spacious, granted it was a bit hot but it provided us with the backdrops and backgrounds needed.

I also decided to post my shots up on Google+ rather than Multiply or FB for obvious reasons. So without further ado, CLICK HERE to view my shoot shots. Creative criticisms are always welcome!



Shooting adventure!
- the alansong -

Christmas!

Last year, I spent Christmas at werk. You may think that it was sad and some might think that it was a bummer to be spending Christmas at work..but not me.

Last year, I spent Christmas at werk...but I fully enjoyed it. Well, sort of. I was a bit sad that I couldn't spend Christmas with my gf [she slept over] and family. Unfortunately, that was the schedule.

Moving on, the reason why I didn't mind spending Christmas at werk last year was...I didn't see it as spending Christmas at werk. Rather, I saw it as spending Christmas with a group of friends doing a few things. The workload wasn't much and we enjoyed it anyways [worked for a gaming company] and the people were extremely awesome.

We just bought a few things and spent Noche Buena at our pantry. I'm sure the people who were there would say the same thing.

Flash forward to this years Christmas and new company/office, I was fortunate enough that my schedule doesn't let me werk on Christmas Eve. But My gf is spending hers with family in Tarlac and my Granmum seems like she's going to sleep it off.

But even with that, I'm still happy that i'll be spending Christmas at home this year. Why? Read the statement above this one again. The answer is there. 8D

Anyway, no matter where you are or how you celebrate Christmas remember to have fun and be merry! Be thankful for the things you've received as well.

Merry Christmas!

Techno Teapot~

The first time I heard about it was thru a friend. Naturally, being a steampunk event, we all planned to go. I was already trying to think of what to wear. I already had the goggles that a friend of mine customized so awesomely,, now what's next?

I had ALOT of ideas but due to budget constraints, a taxing work schedule and me being not as creative as my friends, I just settled for something all black and a gauntlet [made by an officemate].

Naturally, it all looked great in my head LOL but hey, you be the judge.

awkward posing HOOOOOO~

Me and my girlfriend were the only ones who went from the initial group of friends that decided to go. It was a bit of a bummer but it's their fault. Anyhoo, it was our first time going to an event by ourselves without knowing anyone. Well, for the most part. My girlfriend knows one of the girls from Spidersilk, Maku and o'm "internet friends" [mostly on plurk and FB] with most of the people there. Ah the internet, even if you have conversed with people for a bit, it'll still be awkward when you try to converse with them in real life LOL So rather looking and sounding like a stalker [Oh hai, we're friends in plurk/fb blahblah], I went to wallflower mode xD

Anyhoo, the event was held at LRI Plaza which is not really difficult to get to. The while place was pretty and I have a feeling that my girlfriend will ask for us to go back there. The event venue itself was spacious and well-lit. The art pieces were all fantastic! It was filled it decorative pieces as well. 

They were already done with most of the individual performances as they started early on their last day. Food and refreshments were served by Dokissaten members. And being in someplace with art, it would be bad not to ask for wine to drink xD The cupcakes and s'mores that was served tasted great! I could've eaten ten or more if they kept coming out with it on the trays.

After wandering around, wining and dining and trying to mingle...me and my girlfriend just picked a spot and stayed put. I must admit, with the goggles and gauntlet, I thought i'll be out of place [it wasn't the case as a few people with more awesome gear came in late] but lo and behold, who would've thunk that lil ol' me could win a "best...er something [I forgot if it was costume or best dressed] Male"!

I didn't think going to the event that I would get to win anything. That's prolly why Dione [one of the big 3 of SpiderSilk] told me not to go anywhere yet. When they called my name, I thought I did something wrong LOL but I didn't and I had a stupid face all the time I was up there getting my prize for all the people to see.

channeling my inner-Gerry Alanguilan

I was happy of course. I haven't won anything in awhile and since it was my first time dressing up, it was something very memorable. The win scored me some awesome stickers and cookies to noms [and they got nom'd very well]. 

Overall, it was a great experience. Granted that I never really met anyone new [more or less] because of the delicate wallflower that I am [*blush*] it was still fun. I was glad that they made an event like this, hopefully there'll be more like it soon.

'Tis Christmas once again!

Well, it's that time of year again where people spend alot of time in malls and relinquish everything that's inside their wallets.

Sure, people do that almost every month but at this time of year, the bar has been raised 100%. When you feel the cold air, christmas songs [well, they started playing those as early as two months ago], endless sales, and what employed people call "bonus"...you'd definitely know that it is christmas.

.....also, for the obvious which are, of course, the bright lights and decorations littered all around the place.

Oh! I also would like to point out that this is also the time of year when 110% of the employed populace love the number 13 irregardless of their personal superstitions they have of the number.

It is also a time to say thanks..well, Thanksgiving was last month but we don't really celebrate it over here...do we? Still, saying our thanks for what transpired throughout the year, reflecting on our past experiences and looking forward to the coming year is something a few people do nowadays.

I'm thankful for a buttload of things but most recently I am thankful for..
- my job.. irregardless..
- my girlfriends' younger bro not being diagnosed with Dengue and getting out of the Hospital...also, the first communion of the said brother..
- my girlfriend attending the workshop of her dreams..
- the upcoming art exhibit/gothic and steam punk party this thursday til saturday by Spidersilk Productions...[their Tumblr and Facebook]
- even if it wasn't enough [at least for me], I got to treat my younger siblings to a movie and bought them their Xmas gifts...
- my sister who seems to be getting more comfortable with her job and adapting to life in Singapore..
- even if I did get robbed a month ago, i'm thankful that it wasn't my wallet...
- my girlfriend.

There are still alot of things but these are just what comes to mind as of the moment.

Let's not forget what the spirit of Christmas really is and let's try not to piss each other off, at least, during this month.

...OH! and if you haven't read it yet, please read the introduction story of Z ....and tell me what you think :D


Adventuring during Christmas!
- the alansong -