REByu - the REBELation according to

'Cuz Catholic school boys rock!

2012-02-11T01:33:00.001-08:00

Tho I came from a poor family, my parents--who were both government employees--had me take piano lessons in grade school after class. Being a Catholic school boy, my first piano teacher was an old nun who used to slap my fingers with a wooden ruler when they fumbled on the keys. For some strange reason, her hitting my hands with a stick did wonders to my fingers so now they have a mind of their own whenever I play. After sixth grade, I went to a public high school 'cuz it was much cheaper there. Being a certified nerd, I continued my piano lessons under my mother's co-teacher and went to their house every Saturday. Around that time I was also into new wave music and discovering that there was another species called girls. Thus, when my second piano teacher asked her daughter--who was four years my senior, aesthetically pleasing and partial to wearing shorts--to fill in for her, I lost my concentration, sweated bullets and fidgeted uncomfortably on the chair. This went on til junior high when I fell in love with the guitar--'cuz it's got more curves than my third and last piano teacher. In place of classical music, I learned punk rock, heavy metal and campus activism in college. To the detriment of my already embarassing academic standing, I joined a number of garage bands who never got to play gigs, except in friends' birthday parties and a few underground concerts. After spending an eternity in college getting wasted and transferring majors/ schools, I finally got to graduate and got into temp jobs that could barely pay for guitar strings. Aside from being a geek, I'm also a certified asshole who pissed people off, so I finally forsook playing in a band, learned other instruments and dabbled in do-it-yourself/ make-your-own home recording. And then I got married and my preoccupation with playing stuff live to an audience had somehow waned, but that didn't stop me from making independent music in the comforts of my bedroom--with computer sequencer/ mixer in one hand and keyboard synthesizer/ drum machine in the other. Now if I only took voice lessons instead of learning the piano.

Unplugged at The Fort with melodica in hand, second from left

Learning the ropes thru the years

A piano recital back in innocent days

Click here for some of my recent works/the fruits of my boredom

Seven #2: I'm not the ring around your finger

2012-02-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

White walls, white sheets, cramped room, airconned. Aimlessly, Estela stares at the ceiling grinning. In the bathroom, her boss speaks lies. A small box lies on the pillow. Its contents now hang from her ears. "Gotta go home, honey, wifey's gone nuts." Mr. Hsu leaves with 30 minutes left.

(Seven-word flash fiction in 7 sentences. A collection of 77 stories on what-nots)

Seven #1: When 7 words is more than enough

2012-02-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

"You're not exactly my type," she said. Donato picks one petal off his roses. "She loves me, she loves me not." The dried flowers crumble at his touch. A box remains unopened under the bed. It was for Estela's birthday last week. "Will it sell on Ebay?" he thought.

(Seven-word flash fiction in 7 sentences. A collection of 77 stories on what-nots)

Facebooked: Operative word is PUNK!

2012-02-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

"You're not an asshole Mark, you're just trying too hard to be one."

Within a couple of days, Facebook (FB) is rumored to sell stocks (IPO) to the public--that means you, me and the rest of "us" or the not "them" (read: rich kid$, bright kid$, the elite/burgi$). FB has itself valued at around $100B I think. That's almost twice the valuation of computer giant Hewlett-Packard and 1/2 the valuation of refrigerator-maker General Electric. Wow! That's a lot of money. Now here's the catch: What does FB own? If you buy into their IPO what will you own? A printer? A fridge? For all I care, "their" website could literally go under tomorrow (along with your hard-earned money). What did people who invested in Myspace (MS) come away with? And where is MS today? I for one moved from MS (and Friendster) to FB after most of my [garage] musician and [suffering] artist friends moved to it. Just as I moved my yattering from Geocities to Blogspot 'cuz it's no longer the "in" thing. Now, would you pay $1/P42 a month should they start charging your FB account? And how many online ads have you clicked recently on the website? Bought any FB/game credits lately with your Paypal? Unlike Ebay goods (and toys hehehe), FB offers nothing tangible and I don't see any long-term investment. Mark Zuckerberg's inner circle of private investor$ (read: them) has already milked his FB cow and what "they" are looking for now with the IPO are zuckers to buy up the ¢rumbs as it goes downhill from there.

But you got to hand it to Zuckerberg, he created something out of nothing with other people's ideas and money. If you'd recall in Social Network (yup, the FB movie), some of his first funding and intitial concepts at Harvard U came from fellow students. Which brings us to the operative word of three (four on the original) on probably the last remaining tarpaulin poster of the 2010 film, thanks to MRT station Cubao.

PUNK: Although the movie's score was done by industrial rock god Trent Reznor of NIN fame, you'd hear the raw hardcore punk sound of the Dead Kennedys's "California Uber Alles" (a personal slampit fave) in the background of that drinking contest scene with the interns coding. Then there were the jukebox songs by psychobillies The Cramps and garage rockers The White Stripes--during the opening bar scene, but sadly all three aren't included in the "official" soundtrack. That's corporate rock (still sucks) for you! If there's one track that ought to be included, it's got to be the Ramones's "Outsider" 'cuz that's what the film is all about. It's not about how the internet's largest (anti)social-networking site [which killed off most real-life, face-to-face social interaction and privacy] came to be, nor how to become the world's youngest billionaire without investing your own money. It's about being alone and the basic human need for acceptance within a group, be it the exclusive Ivy League Phoenix boys' club or the weekly TGIF/TGIP (TanGina It's Friday/Payday) drinking session. It's about doing-it-yourself (DIY), be it writing code for a website that could potentially connect everyone on the planet or writing your own songs and releasing an indie album without major label support. Now if that isn't punk then I don't know what is. Of course, there's also the question of selling out--when the outsider becomes part of the establishment he despises. And then what? Guess I'll sit this one out til the next big thing.

P.S.
Oh, and just when you thought that FB was only a website and a movie, it also sells users' personal information to third-party apps, internet-tracking companies, advertisers/ marketers, and the government/ intelligence agencies (read: CIA data mining). Ever wonder why it's free? Ever read FB's ever-changing privacy policy and terms of use recently?

T.U.Y.A. #1: January '12 recap

2012-02-01T20:27:00.001-08:00

Click pics for more sh*t!

"Auld Lang Syne" (U.K. Subs version)

2011-12-31T20:36:00.000-08:00

6th Christmas Toy Fair & Custom Car Show

2011-12-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

What: "The 6th Christmas Toy Fair & 1st Philippine Die Cast & Custom Car Show"
When: Friday, Dec. 16 at 10:00am - Sunday, Dec. 18 at 9:00pm
Where: Megatrade Hall 1, 5th Level, Bldg. B, SM Megamall
toyconph.com
pinoytoykolektors.com

Mountain-/Beachineering at Mt. Nagsasa & Cove

2011-12-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

November 26: Our Saturday started off at the Victory Liner bus terminal in Caloocan, waiting for the other members of LUMOT* to arrive from their respective day jobs. Most of us just got off from our weekly grind--bringing backpacks to work, changing from office uniforms, and having quick dinners. By 12AM, after load distribution (dividing camping gear/food stuff among ourselves), all 13 of us piled into the first trip to Olongapo (P200 per head). Two and a half hours later, we were at the bus terminal in Subic, Zambales in the middle of the night. We hired a jeepney (P80 each) to bring us to the jump-off point at Sitio San Martin. For safety reasons, we had to register at the local police station and barangay hall. I don't know what the speed limit was in Brgy. Cawag, but our jeepney was moving at a funeral pace. I understand the place is hilly, with roads going up and down, but the driver seemed to have forgotten that there's a third pedal other than the clutch and brake. Later, we found out that the jerk didn't really know where the jump-off was and we were going in circles trying to look for the road's end. Good thing a tricycle driver saved our asses and we followed him to the jump-off site. Two and a half hours later, we finally hit the unpaved road and found ourselves at the tribal chieftain's doorsteps (Kap. Perla I think). We hired two of her Aeta guides (five hikers is to one, at P300 per guide), Old Man "Andy" and "Peter" the Deer Hunter (yup, usas and baboy-ramos still roam the area--at P300 a kilo). It also appeared we weren't the only ones who got lost, as there were other vehicles loaded with kasambundoks lining up even after 4AM--the ideal time of day to start the trek.

It was almost 6AM when we began walking. Our "fun climb" kicked off on level ground, going thru a path of reddish dirt/dry mud and big stones, bordered by dust-covered bushes of different heights (sometimes taller than us). After an hour, the trail started to slope downwards as the vegetation grew lesser in variety, mostly cogon grass. I was assigned at the tail end of the pack and was one of the designated "sweepers". At about half past eight, we were more than halfway up Mt. Nagsasa and enjoying the greenery of the nearby Cawag mountains--Balingkilat, Cinco Picos and Dayungan I think. Nagsasa is considered a minor climb, with 3/9 in the difficulty scale, a trail class of 1-2, and 450 MASL (meters above sea level). It was also getting cooler, a light drizzle here and there, and you could literally hear the wind blow--like someone playing bowling. We'd stop once in a while to catch our breaths and recharge under the overcast sky, considering some of us were newbies/oldies (but goodies). Another thing on catching one's breath, it was by fate that I had to do it more often than the others 'cuz I'm lagging behind Old Man Andy, whose vocabulary obviously didn't include the verb "bathe". Come to think of it, for once I'm free from the stink of civilization and consumer culture: deodorant, perfume, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, lotion, shampoo, hair conditioner, soap. But not all, 'cuz every now and then, I had to pick up some litter left by unmindful campingers (not us of course) who didn't abide by the basic LNT (leave no trace) rule.

By 9AM, we were at the narrow ridge near the summit where only one person could walk at a time. One false move or lose your balance and you'd find yourself plummeting/rolling down the steep slope like the Balrog/Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings. Owing to my heavy backpack and the wind blowing against my side (coupled with fear of heights), I had to grab on to the grass and do a semi-4WD (four-wheel drive, climbing on all-fours using hands and feet) to achieve vertical position until I reached the "saddle". Heaving a sigh of relief, I was greeted by the scenic view of Nagsasa Cove--blue waters, white beach and all--and discovered the origin of the expression, "very near yet so far". If sorting spreadshit, err, sheet data in ascending order is giving you a problem in Excel, wait 'til you get to the descending part. Basagan ng tuhod, as they say. Wearing only my trusty old sandals over leg warmers and toe socks ('cuz it's a fun climb right? operative word is "fun"), the descent somehow took its toll on my knees and rearranged my ankles. Remind me to bring along mid-cut hiking shoes next time! Anyway, once we got back to level ground, the traction got better and the vegetation too, save for heaven above. What was once cool and cloudy, gave way to clear blue skies and the midday sun--which explains why it's best to start very early at 0400H.

An hour and a half into the downward trek, we found ourselves cooling off and sticking our faces in crystalline waters, drinking gallons from an ever-flowing stream. Ah, the grandeur of nature--no bottled mineral water or energy drink can beat. There were supposed to be around four river/stream crossings on the trail I think, but thanks to climate change and the dry spell, we were greeted by rocks instead. By 11AM, stones and soil gave way as sand crunched beneath my feet. Twenty minutes later, my heart rate finally slowed down as my nostrils took in the warm breeze of the beach. Welcome to Nagsasa Cove. We unpacked our gear, pitched tents, and cooked. If you thought camping food had to rhyme with canned goods, we beg to differ. For the next two meals, we had sinigang na sugpo/baboy, kaldereta, pinakbet, pansit, liempo, atbp., along with the staple instant noodles and cold cuts.

Unlike the neighboring Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa has a smaller (and calmer) shoreline which is deeply cut, so there are no worries of big waves hitting the beach. Other than a few tribal huts/outhouses (P100 per person) and three comfort rooms with running (mountain) water via rubber hose, human structure and electricity are virtually non-existent, so we had to use our headlamps while eating supper. With the exception of some flies during the next morning, we didn't encounter any untoward insect either, not even mosquitoes. Later in the afternoon, our motley crew took to the beach like an alcoholic to gin--splashing about in the cold, clear, dikya-free seawater--and goofed around on the off-white sand until the last light drained. There's also a fresh water cove nearby and a hidden falls somewhere, but we were tired playing Indiana Jones. After dinner by battery light--complete with background (cell phone) music, we got a bonfire started and roasted hotdogs, kikiam and marshmallows--downing them all with our poison of choice: Emperador Light. By 11PM, lights were out.

November 27: Everything looked soft and out of kilter on Sunday morning, thanks to a slight hangover. Nothing a hot can of black coffee, pritong tuyo, sinangag, and yesterday's leftovers can't handle. One last dip after breakfast and we were all packed and ready to go, all our trash placed neatly in a black plastic bag. By 11AM, Max the Boatman fetched us (P300 per pax) and ferried us off. After an hour of riding the rolling waves (think roller coaster ride without wheels), we reached Pundaquit by 12 noon, took a tricycle (P30 per passenger) to the town proper, and were off to Manila an hour later.

November 28: "I Don't Like Mondays" was playing in my head but I couldn't remember the other lyrics. I owe the Boomtown Rats some fan mail and I walk with a slight limp--Alaxan anyone? I was back to the pig-fattening pen that is my office cubicle and I wasn't even late. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go to the pantry for brewed coffee.

*League of Unified Mountaineers (Outdoorsmen - unofficial 'cuz sexist) and Trekkers

Nardong Tae #1

2011-11-14T21:28:00.001-08:00

Inilabas ang sama ng loob noong 2003, isa itong pinoy alt/indie/undie* comix na naiskor ko nung trip ko pang tumambay sa Tandem/Cartimar-Recto. Binibigyang-buhay nito ang mga kasabihan sa Ingles na "shit happens" at "just a pile of shit" (literally). Tila napapanahon sapagka't patok sa takilya ngayon ang angkang nagpasikat sa karakter ni Nardong Putik--ang orihinal na utak-pulbura! Maraming salamat sa mga taeng, este, taong nasa likod ng Abang Guard Prod. Inc. Mabaho kayo! Ah, mabuhay pala kayo! ;)

I-click ang litrato para mabasa ang nilalaman o di kaya'y pumunta sa http://www.scribd.com/doc/72894002/Nardong-Tae-1

*alternative/independent/underground

(created by Louie Cordero--a multi-awarded painter, illustrator and musician--Nardong Tae was named "Best Indie Comic Book" at the 2nd Philippine Comic Book, Anime and Gaming Convention held on 13-14 December 2003 at SM Megamall's Megatrade Hall 2)

Best Present Ever

2011-11-14T21:25:00.000-08:00

Living in letters #1

2011-11-09T20:38:00.000-08:00

I'm waxing nostalgic, but does anyone handwrite letters anymore? Before texting and the internet, I used to typewrite letters--long ones, cuz my handwriting sucks--and send postcards to friends (and significant others). Somehow, the handwritten word is intimate in a way that the web or cellphone (keyboard-/keypad-written word) will never be. Penmanship is a very personal thing (cursive especially), along with sealing the envelope and going to the post office to snail mail it. Like a photograph, a letter is a snapshot of what was happening to someone at their moment of writing it. Unlike email and this blog post, a letter has a feeling of permanence--you can touch it, smell it, fold-unfold it (or rip it). So starting with this, I'll be posting some of the paper products that wound their way into the rusty old mailbox outside our gate. It's sad that technology has robbed us of that simple pleasure of writing letters the hard way. My kid may never have a clue on what's it like licking a stamp--and covering it all over with Elmer's glue (for recycling purposes, so the blue postmarks would easily come off after being dipped in warm water with Clorox bleach)...or maybe I'm just romanticizing.

M a.k.a. F was our idiotor-in-chief back in the day, and I was her ass-o-shit ed. She's now a successful architect.

Space Battleship Yamato, Star Blazers

2011-11-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

Even at an early age, I was a fan of Japanese science fiction: monster movies, super robot cartoons, and live-action film. Like so many kids in the 80s, I rushed home every day after school to watch my favorite space opera (no, not Flordeluna!), Leiji Matsumoto's Space Battleship Yamato (a.k.a. Star Blazers in the Philippines/US). The ship was the historical World War 2 Yamato that was sunk, rebuilt and renamed the "Argo" in the English-dubbed SB, after the ship of Jason and the Argonauts. Star Blazers was my first real exposure to drama and mature themes. It explored the full spectrum of human emotions and told about personal tragedy, death/fallen comrades, and the extinction faced by humanity due to alien invasion (by the Gamilons). Along with Mobile Suit Gundam (a subject for another blog post), SB was more than an action-oriented animated series, for it paved the way for arc-based and plot-driven anime. Looking back, it saddens me to see my seven-year-old watching second-rate cartoons today--animated shows that are all special effects, color and sounds, with no real thought or soul behind them, just to keep kids glued to the telly. Truly I grew up in the golden age of animation and am thankful for that. Now if I could only find my way to Iscandar and blow our cable TV with that Wave Motion Gun.

V-Boy

2011-10-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary-Boy and all related characters in "G-Man & Friends Proudly Present" are trademarks and ©opyleft Zernain Villain 2011 Philippines.

Motorcycle Diaries #1

2011-10-16T00:35:00.000-07:00

This is me homeward bound and semi-stoned out of my senses (thanks to Colt 45, GSM Blue, Empe Light, etc.) at 60-70kph, 2am on a Sunday, somewhere in Baliwag after rocking out at my friend's (Maestro Dante "Parak") 40th birthday bash/concert where the entrance fee is noodles, a kilo of rice, canned goods, or a pack of biscuits for the Bulacan flood victims. Truly, growing old is cool (old school) and I'm not far behind.

(video taken with my lo-tech camphone, soundtrack by the Ramones)

Photo by Dana Vergara

English for Young-Thinks

2011-10-12T21:29:00.001-07:00

Grammar-Man and all related characters in "G-Man & Friends Proudly Present" are trademarks and ©opyleft Zernain Villain 2011 Philippines.

"Voltes V" Acoustic/Unplugged Theme

2011-10-01T23:57:00.000-07:00

The Avengers*

2011-09-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

Coming to the big screen this 2012: computer-generated Hulk, Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America, Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury, and Chris Hemsworth as Thor.

*Articulated Comic Book Art

Collecticon 2011

2011-09-24T21:26:00.001-07:00

What: Hobbiworx & PinoyToyKolektors.com present "Collecticon 2011"
When: Saturday, Oct. 8 at 10:00am - Sunday, Oct. 9 at 9:00pm
Where: Robinsons Midtown Mall Atrium, Ermita
Admission: FREE

SDCC 2007 Marvel Legends Exclusive Stan Lee (Toy)

2011-09-10T23:56:00.001-07:00

AK-47: The People's Choice

2011-09-03T02:10:00.000-07:00

Question: What do the BHB* (a.k.a. NPA), the late Osama Bin Laden, and me have in common?
Answer: Well, aside from being freaks (BHB = war freak, Bin Laden = bomb freak, Zernain Villain = toy freak), all of us love the AK-47...or a certain version of it.

Built in the former USSR** after WW2 (second World War), the original fixed-wooden stock AK-47 (Avtomat Kalashnikova) or "Kalash" in Russian slang, entered active service in select units of the Soviet army in 1947, hence the name. Two years later, the "AK" was officially accepted by the Soviet Armed Forces and was used by many Warsaw Pact countries.

The AK was one of the first true "assault rifles" ever made, based on the German StG44 (Sturmgewehr 1944). During WW2, the Nazis pioneered the assault rifle concept after research showing that most firefights happen at close range--around 300 meters, thus the term CQB (close-quarters battle/combat). Since the firepower and effective range of rifles at that time were excessive for CQBs, Hitler's SS stormtroopers sought a firearm combining SMG (submachine gun) features like a high-capacity magazine and selective fire (semi or full automatic) with an intermediate-range cartridge.

Thus, the StG44 was born. Towards the end of WW2, the Germans fielded their StG44s against the Russians and the commies stole the idea. Initially designed for ease of operation and repair by glove-wearing Soviet soldiers in the Arctic zones (hence the Cold War--joke!), the AK's large gas piston, generous clearances between moving parts, and tapered cartridge-case design allow it to endure large amounts of foreign matter and fouling without failing to cycle.

However, its reliability comes at the cost of accuracy, as the AK's looser tolerances don't allow for precision targeting and consistency. The rifle is meant to be part of massed infantry fire and not for long-range engagements. This can be experienced if you're into playing "Guerilla Warfare" in the first-person shooter CS (CounterStrike) computer game, where the AK (CV-47) is the default firearm of "terro"(rist) forces.

With its low production cost and an average service life of 20 to 40 years--depending on the extreme weather conditions (hot, muddy, wet or frozen) to which it has been exposed--the AK remains as the most widely used assault rifle of eastern European nations, Third World armies, revolutionary peoples in Asia, and terrorist organizations worldwide.

Case in point, the gun at the center of the BHB's "tatsulok" (triangle) logo on top of the native "sibat" (spear) is an AK-47. Though our "kasamas" (comrades) would much rather use M-16 armalite rifles, courtesy of their good government friends in the playing field and their money-making commanders/ generals from the other side of the fence.

Regarding Bin Laden's famed weapon of choice, it's a "shortened" (Ukorochennyj) barrel design (which can't be fitted with a bayonet) with a bakelite mag and a "folding" (Skladnoy) metal shoulder stock--thus the name AKS-74U. Whereas the original AK-47 has a 7.62mm cartridge, the variant AK-74 only has a caliber of 5.45mm. No matter, they both produce significant wounding effects when the projectile tumbles and fragments in your tissues...but produce relatively minor wounds if the bullet exits your body. It is unofficially known as the "Ksyukha" in the former Soviet bloc and as the "Krinkov" in the U.S.--apparently coined by the "mujaheedins" during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the '80s.

As for my airsoft weapon of choice, it's a modified Marui AK-47 Beta-Spetsnaz (KGB Special Forces). Unlike Osama's AK which allows it to be carried under car seats or even to be concealed under one's clothes, the B-Spetsnaz's fixed/full stock (containing the BIG but long-lasting battery) and detachable long silencer (Tishina?) can somewhat get in the way. Anyhow, with its compact size, very little gear whine, BBs (ball bearings originally, now plastic pellets) firing in a smooth steady stream, and short/long hi-cap mags, it’s easy to go prone with the Spetz--not to mention run through the thickest of brush without getting tangled on anything, thanks to the gun strap/sling.

There's just one letdown. With the massive amount of metal Marui used in the Spetz's construction, there's more metal in it than there is in my uncle's '70 Boss Mustang or Black Sabbath! Whatever, all this metal makes for one extremely solid and HEAVY gun--no creaking, no plastic-on-plastic contact, all parts fitting snugly, just like the real thing. What else can I say, it's a Marui AK: shoots great, black & gray finish, rust err lasts forever!

Note: The RED barrel safety cap has nothing to do with one being a commie ok?

*Bagong Hukbong Bayan/New People's Army, also No Permanent Address (in the Philippines)
**Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, "socialist" not being the operative word

Transportmers: Dark of the Moon Craters at BGC*

2011-08-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

This is the roller-coaster ride poor jeepney drivers and working-class commuters have to put up with every single day in this hidden side of Gate 1, *Bonifacio Global City-slash-The Fort. In summer, the place turns into a bleeding desert with the air so thick you can actually see-and choke on-it! During rainy season, the place becomes a bloody mud pit swallowing light vehicles whole! At night it's pitch black. On the left side, you'll notice a high steel fence which divides the haves and the have-nots. For on that other side is a newly built and well-lighted concrete road where only private vehicles are allowed to pass.

(video taken with my lo-tech camphone on the way home, soundtrack by the Juan Dela Cruz Band)

The Young-Think Trio

2011-07-31T21:43:00.001-07:00

They say, two's company but three's a crowd. I say, three's a lot of fun! In religion (be it pagan, Wiccan or Christian), the number three has a long history of mythical associations according to influential psychologist Carl Jung. The "power of three" is often symbolized by a triquetra (three-cornered) -- a Celtic pattern that shows the center of three connected circles, sometimes bound together by a fourth one in the center. Hence the dumb question: If two's company and three's a crowd, then what's four? Anyway, just as two heads are better than one, I've compiled here a short list of three's from popular culture:

the Holy Trinity (God the Father/mind, the Son/body, and the Holy Spirit/soul) and other triple deities

the basic family (father, mother and child -- MY family)

from fairy tales to nursery rhymes to Illustrated Classics: "The Three Little Pigs," "The Three Blind Mice," "The Three Musketeers"

the Hecate (Phoebe or the moon in heaven, Diana on earth, and Persephone in hell), also known as the Triple Goddess* (Maiden, Mother and Crone)

Alfred Hitchcock's film "Vertigo" uses the triple goddess as motif

Vertigo comics featured the Kindly Ones (triple goddess) in Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman" series

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger

the Triskelion (three bent human legs, popularized locally by the fratboys of Tau Gamma Phi)

but misinterpreted as a swastika by Nazi Germany's Third Reich 'cuz Adolf Hitler can't count!

a triquetra is one of the four symbols on Led Zeppelin's fourth album "IV"

a triquetra is also seen on the hammer "Mjolnir" in the recent Thor movie

the Three Stooges (Moe, Larry and Curly) and their local counterparts Tito, Vic and Joey plus the Tatlong Itlog

legends of Pinoy rock: Juan Dela Cruz Band's "Himig Natin" album lineup in the 70s (Wally Gonzales, Mike Hanopol and Pepe Smith)

Wuds, Dead Ends (80s three-piece Pinoy punk/hardcore pioneers) and The Youth (90s Pinoy alternative rockers)

Venom's classic black-metal lineup (Cronos, Mantas and Abaddon)

and from grunge to pop punk: Nirvana, Green Day, Blink-182

Getter Robo 1-2-3 (the first mecha/super robot combiner)

the Young-Think Trio (Lego Minifigure Punk Rocker, Tech Deck Dude Syd, and Guitar Hero Johnny Napalm)

*their masculine counterpart being the Horned God, a good subject for another post

Articulated Comic Book Art (A.C.B.A.)

2011-07-31T21:39:00.000-07:00

Magandang araw! Good day! I'm pleased that you took the time to visit my spot again. I'm very happy to have started this new segment which is about the three things that I really like: toys, cartoons and comic books. As the title implies, A.C.B.A. is dedicated to the kid in all of us. Growing up poor in a Third World country, I only had a few toys and comics back then, aside from stuff that I crudely made out of product cartons/styrofoam and roughly drew on the back of used paper. Nonetheless, I was blessed in having a family (thanks to my loving tatay/pop, nanay/mom and utol/kid bro) that supported and understood the abnoy/mental retardate in me. I had the luck of completing my education (despite spending an eternity in college and grad school) and landing a job (that barely pays the bills, thanks to my loving wife and son). And most of the time have food on the table three times a day and still have some money left to pursue a hobby without going broke (now this is a big joke!). But then I realized that not all of my fellow Pinoys have such experiences and are as lucky. Because of this, I took it upon myself to give (a finger) back to society in the very little way I can by making A.C.B.A. I want to share my life-long journey as a punk rocker and toy collector with you. Of course, I will be more than willing to accept your experiences, thoughts and comments on my posts. Aside from your ideas, financial contributions and toy donations will also be very much appreciated. I hope you will continue to visit me, see you again soon at maraming salamat! Thanks!

Young-Think

2011-07-31T21:36:00.001-07:00

young-think - (noun) 1. a so-called grown-up who doesn't act his age (see the Descendents'/Ramones' song, "I Don't Wanna Grow Up"); 2. who is into forms of entertainment that are usually associated with children like toys, cartoons, comic books, and video games; 3. dresses more like a teenager than an adult; 4. may not be a great parent, but doesn't forget to pay the bills; 5. sa Tagalog, "batang-isip".

synonyms: kidult, adultescent, young-at-heart, Peter Pan, Bondying

sentence: "A young-think has neither past nor future, for he writes in the present tense. He enjoys the here and now, which very few grown-ups do. His childhood may be long over, but that doesn't mean his play time is."

motto: When I grow up I wanna be a little boy.

Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart"

2011-07-19T18:17:00.001-07:00

When routine bites hard
And ambitions are low
And resentment rides high
But emotions won't grow
And we're changing our ways
Taking different roads

Love, love will tear us apart again

Why is the bedroom so cold?
Turned away on your side
Is my timing that flawed?
Our respect runs so dry
Yet there's still this appeal
That we've kept through our lives

(But) love, love will tear us apart again

Do you cry out in your sleep?
All my failings exposed
And there's a taste in my mouth
As desperation takes hold
Yet is it something so good?
Just can't function no more

Love, love will tear us apart again

Smashing Pumpkins' "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" + "Tonight, Tonight"

2011-07-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

Time is never time at all
You can never ever leave, without leaving a piece of youth
And our lives are forever changed
We will never be the same
The more you change the less you feel

Believe, believe in me, believe, believe!
That life can change, that you're not stuck in vain
We're not the same, we're different

Tonight, tonight, tonight
So bright
Tonight, tonight

And you know you're never sure
But you're sure you could be right
If you held yourself up to the light
And the embers never fade, in your city by the lake
The place where you were born

Believe, believe in me, believe, believe!
In the resolute urgency of now
And if you believe there's not a chance tonight

Tonight, tonight, tonight
So bright
Tonight, tonight

We'll crucify the insincere tonight (tonight)
We'll make things right, we'll feel it all tonight (tonight)
We'll find a way to offer up the night (tonight)
The indescribable moments of your life (tonight)
The impossible is possible tonight (tonight)
Believe in me as I believe in you

Tonight, tonight, tonight
Tonight, tonight

Brand New Cherry Mobile Q7 Review

2011-06-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

Price: not worth it (sayang lang ang pera mo!)
Features (common to MOST models out-of-the-box): operating system hangs, non-working keys/applications, emergency/no SIM, drained fully charged battery, blinking white screen, dead unit, etc. (kahit techie sasakit ang ulo!)
Signal: very weak to NO signal, dropped/missed calls, text messages unsent/unreceived (ubos na nga load mo, magagalit pa contacts mo!)
Parts/battery: NOT available locally, had to be ordered from China (mamumuti mata mo kakahintay--that is, kung may stock pa!)
Service: useless/busy contact numbers, back jobs, long lines of angry customers, NO money-back guarantee (if it's any consolation: di ka nag-iisa, marami kayong naloko este pabalik-balik pala--yung iba nga nag-undertime/nag-absent pa o galing ng probinsiya!)
Bottom line: DON'T BUY Cherry Mobile! (bulok ang produkto! palpak ang serbisyo!)
Rating: 0/10, shooting star (makakabaril ka ng tao!)

Note: background music (Gang of Four's "Damaged Goods") blocked by YouTube due to copyright issues--fuck big business!

V Together! Let's Volt in! (Voltes 5 in 3D)

2011-06-05T02:22:00.001-07:00

Jesus H. Christ

2011-04-24T03:24:00.000-07:00

On Palm Sunday
(originally posted by Hippie Commie in his Facebook notes on 28 March 2010)

Fuck authority! Ito ang ipinakita ng simpleng tambay na si Jesus H.* Christ ngayong Linggo ng Palaspas nang mag-gatecrash siya (literally) sa templong sentro ng established religion na pinamumunuan ng burgis na si Caiaphas. Itinaon mismo ni JHC sa panahon ng Passover ang kanyang pagdating kaya't nabulabog ang katahimikan nang biglang magpiyesta ang masa sa pagsalubong sa kanya. Binatikos ni JHC ang panghihingi ng buwis ng simbahan sa mga taong required na maghugas sa mga paliguan bago pumasok sa templo (among many other things hehehe). Tinira rin niya ang pagbabawal ng simbahan na makapasok sa "banal" na templo ang mga taong may kapansanan, may regla, may sakit, atbp. dahil madudumi o "impure" raw kasi--na siyang mga naging tropa ni JHC noong buhay pa siya. Kaya di nakapagtatakang ang mga bodyguard ng high priest na si Caiaphas ang mismong humuli sa kanya sa hardin ng Gethsemane bilang ganti. (itutuloy...natatawa ako hi-hi-*Hippie)

On Holy Thursday, Good Friday & Black Saturday
(originally posted by HC in his FB notes on 4 April 2010)

Jesus H.* Christ dead! Parang Sid Vicious tshirt at headline sa tabloid. Naisip ko tuloy balikan yung mga libro ko dati sa liberation theology, at panoorin muli ang BBC-Discovery channel TV docu na "JHC-The Real Story" na available na sa piratang DVD hehehe. At eto ang ilang mga bagay na bumulabog sa natutulog kong isipan hinggil sa pagkatao ng idol kong si JHC:

Bagamat nagsimula ang ginagamit nating kalendaryo sa kapanganakan ni JHC, hindi siya ipinanganak noong 1st century A.D. kundi 5 B.C. dahil na rin sa engot magbilang yung gumawa nito. At ano ang mayroon nang mga panahong iyon? Kung mahilig kang magbasa ng horoscope tulad ng 3 wise men--na mga astrologers by the way, madidiskubre mo na ang sinasabing star of Bethlehem ay walang iba kundi ang planetang Jupiter (simbolo ng royalty) na nagkaroon ng conjunction o pag-iisa sa Saturn (isa pang simbolo ng royalty) sa constellation ng Aries (tupa na simbolo ni JHC at mga Jews) na sinabayan pa ng kung ilang lunar eclipses. Ang mga astronomical events na ito ay nagbabadya lamang ng kapanganakan ng isang matinding hari at ito ay naganap bandang buwan ng Marso, 5 B.C.

Partygoer si JHC nung nabubuhay pa siya. Bakit siya iimbitahin sa isang kasalan sa Cana sa Galilee kung hindi? Di lang yun, kasama pa niya buong tropa--pati nanay niya. At nang magkaubusan ng inumin (hard man yun o beer) ginawang wine ni JHC ang 6 na tapayan ng tubig. Hindi lang basta wine, kundi "good" wine na nakalalasing. Mas mababa kase ang alcohol content ng "poor" at mahinang klaseng wine. Nakipag-inuman din si JHC kay Levi at sa mga tax collectors kaya tuloy nasabihan siya ng mga Pharisees na bumabarkada sa mga "sinners". Sagot naman niya: "It's not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Bukod dito, di ba't wine ang chaser nila JHC sa Last Supper?

Barrier breaker si JHC dahil binasag niya ang mga nakaugalian nang paniniwala at prejudices ng mga tao. Bakit kamo? Sino namang matinong titser ang pipili ng mga tiwaling tax collectors, mga mangingisdang no-read no-write, mga tambay, atbp. bilang mga alalay? Sa parable niyang "Good Samaritan," isang Samaritano ang tumulong sa isang Hudyo na di lang estranghero kundi mortal pa nitong kaaway. Di lang ito tungkol sa pagtulong sa nangangailangan, kundi loving your enemy. At sinu-sino pa ang kinalinga ni JHC? Mga Hentil o di-Kristiyano, mga puta, mga paralitiko, mga may kapansanan, mga ketongin, mga sinasapian, mga retarded (tulad ko hehehe)--in other words, ang mga itinuturing na "impure" at outcast ng simbahan noon.

Contrary sa mga nakagisnan na nating paintings at pelikula tungkol kay JHC tuwing Semana Santa, hindi siya tisoy, hawasan ang mukha, at long hair--di siya cute at artistahin sa madaling salita. Ito'y dala na rin ng mga pintor na gumuhit sa kanya na ibinase ang kanyang itsura sa kanilang kultura. Kahapon ay nagbisita-iglesia nga kami ng mag-ina ko at noon ko lang nakita ang kulay itim na Kristong nakapako sa cathedral ng Plaridel at gayun din ang higanteng si "Apo" na may pasan na krus sa isang bisita sa Lugam. Sa ginawang facial reconstruction kay JHC sa BBC-Discovery dokyu, tumambad sa akin ang isang mamang malapad ang noo, pangahan, maitim, malaki ang ilong, maraming wrinkles, halos naka-afro, at mukhang mas matanda sa kanyang edad. Ito'y dala na rin siguro ng init sa Middle East, hirap ng trabaho doon, at pagiging Palestino.

Commie si JHC at ito'y makikita sa Acts of the Apostles: "They held everything in common, they would sell their (private) property and possessions and make a general distribution as the need of each required." Para bang "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need" ni pareng Marx. Binanggit din ni JHC na "if you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, then come, follow me" sa Matthew; "the man with two clothes should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same" sa Luke; at "suppose someone is without clothes and daily food, if you say to him, 'Go, I wish you well, keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" sa James. Kunsabagay, walang naiwang ari-arian si JHC--ultimo yung kanyang damit ay pinitik at pinagsugalan.

Tulad ng nabanggit ko noong Palm Sunday, radikal si JHC. Wala sanang problema kung naglakad lang siya papasok sa templo ng Jerusalem tulad ng ibang tao. Ang siste, sumakay pa siya sa isang donkey at sa east gate mismo ng templo pumasok bilang pagtupad na rin sa hula ni Zechariah hinggil sa darating na "messiah" o "christ"--liberator o the (anointed) one sabi nga sa Matrix the movie. Dahil nga Passover, may tensyon sa pagitan ng mga Hudyo at Romano. Isipin niyo na lang ang sitwasyon sa Pinas noong panahon ng Kastila. Di lang yan, pumasok pa si JHC sa loob ng templo, dumampot ng latigo, at itinaob ang mesa ng mga money changers bilang protesta sa kalakarang palitan ng perang "impure" sa "temple" money--sa ilalim ng purity laws. Kumbaga, para kang pumunta sa harap ng U.S. embassy at sinindihan ang bandila ng Amerika.

Lover boy si JHC at kung napanood niyo ang the Da Vinci Code, alam niyo na ang tinutukoy kong naging syota niya, kundi man kabiyak. Syempre walang iba kundi si Mary Magdalene na "apostle to the apostles" o ang siyang pinakamalapit kay JHC at 13th disciple niya. Salungat uli sa nakagisnan na natin, hindi puta o prosti si Magdalena. Siya ay biktima lamang ng historical na paninirang-puri dahil na rin sa ang nag-translate ng modernong Bibliya ay mga lalakeng walang asawa at matatandang binatang mongha--patriarchal kumbaga. Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit pilit na pinabubulaanan ng simbahan ang gospel of Mary na sinulat niya, gaya rin ng pagsasaisantabi nito sa gospel of Judas, Dead Sea scrolls, atbp. Sino nga bang babae ang itataya ang buhay at pupunta sa crucifixion ni JHC habang ang lahat ay nagsipagtago na, kundi asawa?

Hindi naghudas si Judas. Una, si Judas lamang ang tinawag na "friend" ni JHC tulad ng pagtawag niya ng "beloved" kay Magdalene. Pangalawa, bilang treasurer ng grupo, si Judas ang karaniwang naaatasang magbayad ng temple tax tuwing dumadayo sila sa Jerusalem kaya siya rin ang pinakamadikit sa high priest na si Caiaphas--liaison officer kumbaga. Pangatlo, at ayon na rin sa gospel of Judas at documentary film ng National Geographic na pinanood ko rin, sinunod lamang niya ang utos ni JHC sa kanya na i-handover siya sa mga awtoridad. Ito ay para na rin makaharap ni JHC si Caiaphas. Di ba't sabi nga niya kay Judas sa last supper: "What you must do, do quickly?” Ang 30 piraso ng silver ay pabuya o SOP (standard operating procedure) sa sinumang nagta-turnover ng tao tulad na lamang pag nagtimbre ka ng isang wanted o kumpanyang may pirated software. Kung guilty si Judas, bakit siya magbibigti?

Ang crucifixion ay parusa ng Roman empire sa mga akusadong pulitikal at hindi sa basta lamang kriminal. Si Jeremiah ay namatay sa pamamagitan ng pagbato, si John the Baptist ay pinugutan ng ulo. Bagamat mas pinili ni JHC ang non-violence at passive resistance, hindi maitatatwa na kinalaban niya ang palakad ng estado at relihiyon, tulad ng ginawa ni Gandhi ng India sa British empire. Dahil dito, kinasuhan si JHC ng sedisyon at blasphemy. Ipinako si JHC sa isang olive tree na pinagkrus sa pasan niyang pahabang kahoy--hindi ready-made ok. Nakakatawa lang isipin na kung namatay pala si JHC sa pamamagitan ng firing squad o kaya'y electric chair e di baril o silya ang simbolo natin sa altar. At sa halip na magkrus ay itututok natin ang ating hintuturo sa ulo. Kabalintunaan din na ang mga Romanong kumitil ng buhay ni JHC ang siya ngayong nagpapalaganap ng kanyang pananampalataya. (to be concluded...natatawa ako hi-hi-*Hippie)

On Easter Sunday
(originally posted by HC in his FB notes on 5 April 2010)

Alive! Parang stickman tshirt ng Pearl Jam at pelikulang 3D na Avatar. Ano kaya kung hindi naganap ang resurrection ni Jesus H.* Christ? Malamang sa hindi, season 1 lang ang Bibliya (cancelled ang season 2 o New Testament), walang Easter bunny, wala ring Easter egghunt, at lalong hindi ako gigisingin ng mag-ina ko ng 4 a.m. ng madaling araw para ihatid sila at manood kami ng Salubong sa patio ng Barasoain. In other words, corny ang buhay kung walang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay. Ngunit ano nga ba ang pinatunayan ni JHC sa kanyang resurrection makaraan ang 3 araw niyang NDE (near-death experience)?

Tulad ni JHC, tayo ay mga spirit-souls sa ating materyal na katawan--we are not the body. "The body without the spirit is dead" sabi nga sa James, at "don't fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul" sa Matthew. Sa Bhagavad-Gita/ Vedas ng mga Hindu: "The soul can never be cut into pieces by any weapon, nor can be burned by fire." Kumbaga, ang spirit-soul ay maihahalintulad sa drayber o piloto, at ang katawan naman, sa kotse o eroplano. Kung mahilig kang manood ng anime, maituturing na si Amuro Ray ang spirit-soul at ang pinaaandar niyang Gundam (robot) ang katawan. Tulad ng lahat ng materyal na bagay sa mundo, nasisira at naluluma ang kotse at dinadala ito ng drayber sa kasa para ipagawa o--kung wala na talagang pag-asa--sa junk shop. Gaya ng minamaneho nating katawan: nagkakasakit, naoospital, tumatanda, at balang araw ay titirik din. Pero, tulad ni JHC, hindi tayo mamamatay kasama nito. Duh?

"For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" sabi nga sa Corinthians. "For the living being there is neither birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does he ever cease to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying. He is not slain when the body is slain" ayon naman sa Gita/ Vedas. In short, kung nakinig ka lang sana sa iyong hayskul science teacher, law of conservation of mass and energy ang tawag diyan: "Energy is neither created nor destroyed, but can only be transformed." Tayo, bilang mga spirit-souls tulad ni JHC, ay gawa sa energy at hindi made in China ok? Kung idol mo si Luke Skywalker at fan ka ng Star Wars the movie, "life force" ang tawag sa atin. Maaaring mamatay o mabulok ang ating pisikal na katawan pero tayo, bilang enerhiya, ay patuloy na mabubuhay at, tulad ng drayber, maaaring magpalit ng bagong modelong sasakyan (body) kung di pa natin trip mag-round trip sa ating pinagmulan. Saan yun? Sabi nga sa Star Wars: "May 'the Force' be with you always." Ano/ Sino yun?

"God created man in his own image and likeness" sabi nga sa Genesis. Naitanong ko dati sa aking sarili: Kung ganun e bakit may pinapanganak na mahirap-mayaman? pangit-maganda? babae-lalake? kumpleto-may kapansanan? nognog-tisoy? Naisip ko na sa pisikal na katawan o panlabas ako nakatingin--may diskriminasyon. Kumbaga, sa modelo ng kotse sa halip na sa drayber sa loob nito. Kung spirit-souls tayo at kapareho natin si God, masasabi nating ang supreme being ang super-soul o great spirit--at tayo'y mga "sparks" lamang ng isang malaking sunog/ apoy. Dahil summer ngayon, isipin mo na lang nasa beach ka habang kumukutsara ng tubig-alat mula sa dagat. Di ba't ang katangian at lasa ng tubig-alat sa kutsara ay kapareho rin ng sa napakalawak na ocean? Kung ganun, wala nga tayong pinagkaiba kay God at sa bawa't isa. Nagkakaiba-iba lang tayo sa pisikal na katawan o damit na ating isinusuot tuwing tayo'y (muling) ipinapanganak. Kadalasan pa, napagkakamalan natin ang ating damit na suot bilang tayo o self, sa halip na yung spirit-soul na may suot nito. Ok ba soulmate?

"No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (literally)" sabi nga sa John. Di ba't si JHC na rin ang nag-confirm na si John the Baptist ang mismong reincarnation ("to be made flesh again") ng propetang si Elijah sa Matthew? Sa Koran ng mga Muslim: "You were dead, and he brought you back to life. He shall cause you to die, and shall bring you back to life, and in the end shall gather you unto himself." Sa Zohar naman ng Cabala: "The souls must re-enter the absolute substance whence they emerged. But to accomplish this, they must develop all the perfections, and if they have not fulfilled this condition during one life, they must commence another, a third, and so forth, until they have acquired the condition which fits them for reunion with God." At sa Gita/ Vedas ng India: "As the embodied self continually passes in this body from boyhood to youth to old age, the self similarly passes into another body at death." Scientific ito dahil ayon sa medisina, kada 5 taon ay napapalitan ng bago ang lahat ng atom (as in all) ng ating pisikal na katawan bunga ng metabolism--paghaba ng buhok at kuko, pagpapawis, paglilibag, pag-ihi, pagtae, pagbabate, atbp. Kumbaga, wala ni isang atom sa katawan mo ngayon ang nandiyan 5 years ago. Kung wala na pala ang ating dating katawan, bakit nag-eexist pa rin tayo? Simple lang, i-divide mo sa 5 ang edad mo ngayon at malalaman mo kung ilang beses ka ng nag-reincarnate bilang spirit-soul dito pa lang sa lifetime na ito. Believe it or not.

Mabilis ang balik ng karma ("action" o "deed") sabi nga: "A person reaps what he sows" ayon sa Galatians. Ito ang "wheel of nature" sa James at ang golden rule sa Luke: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Sa John, tinanong si JHC: "Who did sin, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Muli, kung nakinig ka lang sana sa hayskul science teacher mo, Newton's 3rd law of motion ang tawag diyan: "To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction." Maaaring nakaisa si Hitler sa lifetime na ito pero marami pa namang susunod hehehe. Sabi nga sa Srimad Bhagavatam ng Vedas: "According to his previous work, the living entity must capture another body before giving up the one he has. This is because the mind is the reservoir of all kinds of material desires." Ito ang universal principle/ cycle ng cause at effect (gulong ng palad wika nga). Teka, maiba ko. Ngayong tapos na naman ang Kuwaresma at lumang balita na ang pagkabuhay magmuli ni JHC, ano kaya ang puwede pa nating pag-tripan? May narinig ako, antayin na lang daw natin ang kanyang second coming. Duh?

Si JHC ay isang avatar ("appearance" o "descent" from heaven to earth). Kung napanood niyo ang pelikulang ito--sa sinehang 3D, piratang DVD o sa bus man, isipin niyo na lang na si Jake Sully ay parang si God, at ang kanyang Na'vi body ay si JHC na incarnation ng supreme being--ang pagkakaiba nga lang, di lang isa kundi marami ang naging incarnation ni JHC. Sabi nga sa Gita/ Vedas: "Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice and a predominant rise of irreligion, at that time I descend myself...in order to deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to re-establish the principles of religion, I advent myself millenium after millenium." Kung naaalala niyo pa yung sinabi kong matinding astronomical event na nangyari nang ipanganak si JHC, nagaganap lamang iyon isang beses sa humigit-kumulang 1,000 taon o sa loob ng isang millenium.

Kung ganun, hindi lang pala yun second coming ni JHC kundi pangatlo, pang-apat, panglima o baka nga pang ilang libo na dahil di lang naman earth ang nag-iisang planetang may buhay sa ating material universe. Sabi nga sa pelikulang Contact, "if it's just us then it seems like an awful waste of space" di ba? Anyway, dito na lang muna tayo mag-concentrate sa earth. Tanong: Sinu-sino ba ang mga naging importante at sikat na incarnations ni JHC bago siya naging siya? Sagot (in no particular order): si Amilius ng Atlantis, ang "son of man" o unang tao na si Adam, ang biblical na si Enoch, ang high priest na si Melchizedek, ang anak ni Jacob at naging prince of Egypt na si Joseph, ang nagdala sa mga Israelites sa Promised Land na si Joshua, ang music director nina David at Solomon na si Asaph, ang high priest na nag-compile ng Bibliya na si Jeshua, ang Egyptian na si Horus/ Amen-ra na anak ni Osiris at Isis, ang Hindu na si Krishna na nagdikta ng Gita kay Arjuna, ang Persian na si Mithra, ang tatay ni Zoroaster at nagsulat ng Zend Avesta na si Zend, at ang "anointed one" na si Buddha, among many others. Tanong nga ni JHC sa gospel of Thomas: "When you see a likeness of yourself, you are happy. But when you see your images that came into being before you, and that neither die nor become visible, how much will you be able to tolerate?"

Back to work na kaya wala na kong oras para ipakita rito ang pagkakahawig ng buhay at turo ng ilang mga nabanggit kong avatar sa naging life at teachings ni JHC. Tandaan lang natin na di lang Facebook ang meron sa internet, meron ding Google at Yahoo kaya kayo na ang bahalang mag-research hehehe. Sa huli, it's a matter of faith pa rin. Di kelangan ng isang Christian/ Catholic o atheist/ agnostic na maging Hindu o Buddhist, just as a Hindu/ Buddhist doesn't need to declare him/ herself a Christian or atheist or even as a Satanist para ma-appreciate ang magagandang turo ng ibang paniniwala. Sabi ko nga, panlabas na damit lang yan. Hindi tayo yan. At the end of the day, iisa lang naman ang tinutukoy nating God, iba-iba lang ang name (Yahweh, Govinda, Allah, Krishna, JHC, atbp.), salita (Bible, Koran, Bhagavad Gita, etc.) itsura, at trip niya. Naalala ko tuloy yung anak ko nang mapadaan kami sa simbahan ng Iglesia ni Kristo at magkrus siya: sabi ng mommy niya huwag at mali raw. Sabi naman ng daddy niya: sige lang anak, si God din ang nandiyan. (di na ko natatawa...naiihi na ko hi-hi-*Hippie)

Photos by Hippie Commie (Kapitangan, 2003)

Hike, Climb and Dive

2011-04-21T04:05:00.000-07:00

Or how I spent the first half of Holy Week at Puerto Galera with my good old backpack and my worn but trusty trekking sandals while taking cheap shots from my lo-tech camphone under natural lighting and tripping out on the sounds of nature and the sound of one hand clapping.

Juan Freakshow

2011-04-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

Starting with this post, I'm going to feature some of the cool people that I think are doing or have done a really good job in pushing the envelope in their respective scenes. Kicking off IntRebyu is my brief Q & A with my younger cuz, Jiggie (short for Juan Miguel Augusto), who uses an arresting visual and tactile vocabulary to explore the darker elements of human experience thru his freakish mask sculptures, unsettling drawings/ paintings, and disturbing videos.

How were you introduced to mask-making, and when did you first realize you're an artist?

As a child I've always been a good drawer and a sculptor in my age. I was also fascinated by horror as well. I just never knew how big those two things will play a role in my life--art and horror. I knew I was good at what I did at that time but I didn't really take it seriously. First off, I didn't know that art was going to be a huge factor in my life. I got inspired to make masks by listening to Slipknot and through a YouTube user named AgothInnCloth. As a huge Slipknot fan back then I was really amazed by the masks that they all wore. Also at that time I stumbled upon a YouTube user named AgothInnCloth and I saw him make videos of his own homemade Slipknot masks. I was like, "If he can do that in his own home then I can too!" As a birthday present I asked my mom (Tita Evelyn) if she can buy me the starter kit for making masks in replacement of buying the Nintendo Wii at that time. I had to undergo a series of stupid mistakes in order to get where I am today in making art. I'm just glad that I didn't actually start creating Slipknot masks similar to AgothInnCloth's style, I went my own way and walked the path of originality instead of limiting myself by copying what's already been designed. And that's pretty much how it all got started.

Can you tell us what it was like for you growing up in the Philippines (preschool) and then finishing elementary and high school in the US?

I don't really remember much about my preschool year in the Philippines but I still have the class photograph and every time I look at it, it actually opens up repressed memories of my childhood actually. But as a human being growing up in both worlds, I actually had severe social issues in my elementary years in the US. I just felt inferior you know. Middle school was a pretty exciting experience but at the same time it wasn't. Middle school was my first experience in hell. It was the time where I was bullied and made fun of. I just felt so helpless back then. It hurts to think that my world was small back then and I let faggot bullies take over my emotions. I'm just glad that I got through it and learned from it. My high school was very different. I was still a bit shy in some ways but I didn't get bullied. I can't really remember the good times in high school when all I can remember was my six heartbreakers. No, I never dated any of them. In fact most of them I never told that I liked them, that I wanted a relationship with them. I just ended up seeing or knowing that they like someone else and to me at that time it broke me into many pieces. I'm a jealous person by the way. I'm just glad that I got through it and I didn't continue my suicide thoughts in my second year in high school all because of a slutty girl. That slutty girl who was my first heartbreak is what started Freakshow in the first place. Let's just say that my high school years were very depressing but yet satisfying at the same time now that I think of it. I'm glad that I went through my six heartbreakers because through them I found Chaz Maedelene Santos--the one that I have been waiting for. The perfect girl. Distance is the price you pay for having someone so perfect. But now comparing, Philippines and the US, I'll have to say that if you want a decent education without the negative factor bringing you down deeper then go to the Philippines. I'm pretty sure there aren't a lot of bullies or heartbreakers. All I know is that in the Philippines people cherish education, here in the US they spit on the school's faces.

I see your parents encourage your creativity. What was their initial reaction to your decision to study film at the Art Institute of California instead of taking up medical studies like your dad, Tito Nap, who's a doctor?

Well at first as a child I wanted to become a doctor just like my dad but again when we are all kids we say the most ridiculous things. Till this day I'm still fascinated by the human body, and for that I'm self-studying anatomy to better off my artwork. Anyways, my parents support me way too much in my art actually. They free me in the most ridiculous ways just for me to exercise what I love to do in my life. They literally support me financially and morally in not just art but life as well and for that I love them very, very much. They go to the extremes of supporting me, like moving to California and abandoning their stable jobs there (in Virginia). It's quite an amazing feat. They're the definition of parents: supporting, accepting, and loving. I've chosen this path in art and there is no way I'm turning back. Success is my only option and failure is not.

Could you tell us more about your work. What inspires you to depict a particular subject, and what is it about masks that keeps you making them?

I have a whole system just for that. You see, my art is not just art, it's art with symbolism. The symbolism itself relates to the flaws of life, America, as well as myself. I bring out the ugly and dark because people in life are too ignorant to see and understand that all good things have a bad side to them and that there is no such thing as a perfect world. I use my pessimistic mind to achieve such tasks like these. Think of me as an artist who dwells in darkness to serve the light. I'm bringing out what a lot of people don't see in everyday life such as negativity, death, and what not and bringing it out in the open. I have a whole philosophy in life that helps me to achieve such art with symbolism. I call it Deformism. Let's just say it means being different and original is way better than being a copy. A wolf among sheep.

What famous artists have influenced you? Any fave books/ writers?

The only artist that has influenced me in creating art and masks is probably Alex Wood aka AgothInnCloth. Not to be close-minded but he helped get me to where I am in the world today as well as in my art. Although there are other artists out there like Jeremi Rimel aka Miscreation who really put a new meaning to art and horror. Artists like them invent a whole new world of horror and art together, and to my disappointment there are not a lot of artists like that in the world. I don't really read much to be honest but I'm still trying to get my mind into reading books because reading is for the mind. Reading helps you visualize images and videos in your head, and that is something I need to fully develop to benefit my artwork and videos.

What do you do for fun besides sculpting/ drawing? What bands are currently rocking your stereo? Any fave video games?

Other than art I'm a huge gamer. I have most of all the new release games that are worth my money. I own an Alienware gaming laptop, PSP, Nintendo DS, Wii, PS3, and an Xbox 360. Yes, I'm insane. I don't even have the time to play all of them. I don't even know when's the last time I picked up my DS but hey, I bought them for one reason and that's entertainment. I enjoyed playing them in the past and owning them in general and that's what I'm proud of. I've always been a gamer since when I was a child actually. I played my first video games in the N64. Aside from video games, I listen to a lot of music ranging from Dubstep, Metal, Death Metal, and Slam Death Metal as well as other genres that you never thought I would listen to. All except rap and hip hop. I love listening to music because it doesn't just give you motivation to do things but it also helps me get into the mental state of creating when I listen to certain music depending on my mood.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out, and where do you see yourself in 13 years?

My advice to an artist that's just starting out is to put your mind into your work because if you keep doing this over and over you will evolve and become an even better artist. Also another advice, when you are creating art and you plan to become noticed by your work--BE ORIGINAL! When you are original you are proving to everyone that you have no boundaries in creativity and you can literally create things that only you have thought of in your head. I have many more advices but those two are the two main ones. In 13 years I see myself as having a wife, I don't know about kids though. But I know I will be married at that time. Also, by that time I would be in movie-making industries working as a professional digital and traditional SPFX artist. That's always been my dream. If I've already gotten this far at the age of 18 then I can go even further when I'm older.

Photos by Juan "Jiggie" Caparas

http://www.youtube.com/EvilSlaughter13/

This Is Not A Punk Show

2011-04-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

What: "This Is Not A Punk Show (Art Exhibit Opening)"
When: Saturday, Mar. 26 at 5:00pm
Who: Legarda, Kaktus Karuka, Bystorm, Execution Of Terror, Omerta, Bad Omen
Where: Kalye Art Gallery, 1220 Estrada st., Singalong, Taft Ave.
How much: FREE
http://www.diypinoyhcpunk.com

Photos by Keith Dador

What: "HC Punk Culture Film Showing (The Edge, Inside Outside Street Art)"
When: Sunday, Apr. 3 at 4:00pm
Who: Dispute, Blanix, Theax, Tame The Tikbalang, The Beauty of Doubt, Republika De Lata, ADA

ToyCon 2011

2011-04-16T20:10:00.001-07:00

What: "10th Philippine Toys, Hobbies & Collectibles Convention 2011"
When: Saturday, Jun. 18 at 10:00am - Sunday, Jun. 19 at 10:00pm
Where: Megatrade Hall 1, 2 & 3, 5th Level, Bldg. B, SM Megamall
Admission: P100
http://www.toyconph.com

TagCom 2011

2011-04-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

What: Hobbiworx presents "The Gathering: 5th TAGCOM Toys & Hobbies Convention"
When: Friday, May 20 at 10:00am - Sunday, May 22 at 9:00pm
Where: Robinsons Midtown Mall Atrium, Ermita
Admission: FREE

Photos by Ricky "45caliber" De Keyser

OzineFest 2011

2011-04-16T20:06:00.001-07:00

What: "Ozine Fest 2011"
When: Friday, Apr. 8 at 1:00pm - Sunday, Apr. 10 at 8:00pm
Where: Megatrade Hall 2 & 3, 5th Level, Bldg. B, SM Megamall
Admission: P100
http://www.ozinefest.com
http://www.otakuzine-mag.com

Voltes V ST Chogokin: Heeere's junior! (Toy)

2011-04-10T01:36:00.001-07:00

(See previous post for disclaimer here.--Peter Punker/ Spider-punk)

Now that you've read about the big Voltes V DX, let's check out its kid brother--the Voltes V ST. As with most deluxe diecast super robots of the time, a smaller and simpler Chogokin ST (standard) version was also made by Popy-Japan for its Godaikin and Popinika toy lines. Dubbed the GA-80 and released in the same year (1977), the ST is a 6-inch plus scaled-down replica of the towering DX and weighs more than 1/4 kg.

Compared to the DX, the ST figure has less detail and minimal transformation ability. Though it can form the Voltank, the ST is stuck in robot mode and cannot volt out into five separate vehicles like the DX. The main feature of the ST's Voltank mode--which is not found in the DX--is its ability to fire the Volt Crewzer head part like a large missile by pushing a button. Incidentally, the Voltank mode is a Popy toy creation and can't be seen in the original Voltes V TV anime by Toei.

While the ST kept the spring-loaded arms, they don't bend at the elbow joints as in the DX--with the forearms and hands in one piece. As one might expect, transforming the ST from Voltank to robot mode is a simple process, largely involving turning the feet and treads around. In spite of the surface details being basically cosmetic, it can't be denied that the ST looks solid as the DX in robot mode--with leg articulation more impressive than the DX, thanks to Popy's "walking" knee joints.

Included accessories with the Voltes V ST are two red "M"-shaped sword hilts (one extra and one on the chest), two chrome blades that go into the hilt (like in the DX Volt-In Box), and four blue firing fists. While the ST pales in comparison with the larger DX, it does display nicely in its own right--Japanese craftsmanship and quality overcoming a few potential snags. And as Popy vintage toys from the late 70s go, this Voltes V incarnation can also be a bit expensive--with selling price starting at P10,000 ($200).

Again, thanks to JoshB of CollectionDX for the photos with white background.

Voltes V DX Popinika/ Godaikin: Let's volt in! (Toy)

2011-04-10T01:31:00.000-07:00

(Hi there, peeps! Peter Punker/ Spider-punk here. My boss, Rene "Red G" Guevara, has been busy lately so he asked me to just repost some of the old stuff that he wrote in his former blog. He's so lazy, err, busy he didn't bother "volting out" his big Voltes V fig and just borrowed pics of the five Volt vehicles from the net for this review. Cunt must be drunk and having a hangover again!)

I'm a martial law baby. Born a year after Philippine military rule was imposed in 1972 by the Marcos dictatorship, I grew up watching Japanese super robot cartoons in the 70s. Mazinger Z, Grendizer, Daimos, you name it. I can still shout the name of some popular weapon attacks a super robot would use like: "Rocketooo puuunch!" "Breastooo fiiire!" "Double blizzaaard!"

But nothing appeals to me more than Voltes V. For one, it hit our living room and black & white TV in 1977--the same year that punk rock broke! And then there's the toy that hit the stores in the same year, making it every boy's childhood dream and every parent's financial nightmare. Considered by many Pinoys to be the masterpiece and god of diecast super robot toys in the 70s, I now present to you Voltes V--old school edition.

Made by Popy (Bandai)-Japan in 1977, the first version of Voltes V came out in five separate green Japanese boxes and blue for the second release (less expensive), with the following product numbers and names in its Popinika line: PB-04 Volt Crewzer, PB-05 Volt Bomber, PB-06 Volt Panzer, PB-07 Volt Frigate, and PB-08 Volt Lander.

Later in the same year, the five Volt machines were combined and released in a Japanese DX (deluxe) Volt-In Box. This boxed-set version included two full swords instead of one segmented blade that came with the separately packaged Volt Panzer. Likewise, subsequent versions of the Bomber came with red arm joints instead of yellow (more expensive) ones.

Finally, in 1982, Voltes V was repackaged into the English volt-in box and brought to the U.S. under the Godaikin toy line. Throughout its run, aside from subtle variations in vehicle stickers and colors, there were minor packaging changes like black trays instead of blue, different locations or the absence of pen and book accessories (Chogokin bible), as well as the small rubber beast fighters.

First, let's have a rundown of the five Volt machines. Some of the descriptions and instructions that follow--as well as the photos here with white background--were lifted in part from JoshB's toy review at CollectionDX:

Volt Crewzer is the red ship that makes up the head of Voltes V. It features small chrome missile launchers under each wingtip and three fold-out wheels. Included with it are six small yellow missiles. This is the only Volt machine to feature a visible pilot in the cockpit and a yellow canopy that opens up--the other four have fixed ones. Be careful, however, of the plastic joint that connects the front and rear of the vehicle as it is very fragile and prone to breaking.

Volt Bomber forms the arms and hands of Voltes V. The vehicle comes with a pair of blue fists that fire from the spring-loaded forearms. It also includes a spinning black-gray-red ultramagnetic top, a string for the top, a firing chrome chain knuckle, and a tail section with a spinning rotor. Two sets of fixed wheels are found in the rear while a landing gear folds down in front. This is the only Volt machine that doesn't carry any missiles.

Volt Panzer is the tank-like vehicle that forms the torso of Voltes V. It features a pair of articulated red claws, working rubber treads around two sets of wheels, a detachable red "M"-shaped sword hilt on the chest, and firing missiles. Included with it are six big yellow missiles and three chrome sword segments (if boxed separately). Watch out for the black rubber treads as they tend to deteriorate/ harden over time and begin to crack/ crumble.

Volt Frigate forms the legs of Voltes V. It features four missile launchers--two on both wings and two that pop out under the antennas. The wings fold out and the three landing gears fold up. Included with the vehicle are two chrome satellite antennas, six big blue missiles, and six small red missiles. When buying separate boxes, this is the hardest Volt machine to find.

Volt Lander forms the feet of Voltes V. The vehicle has six pairs of free-rolling black plastic wheels, retractable front magnets, opening black hatches, and drill missiles that fire from the sides and from the hatches. Included with it are two chrome antennas, six chrome missiles, two black plastic fuel hoses, and two white connectors for vehicle mode.

Ok now, leeet's vooolt iiin! Holding the Panzer with the red sword hilt on the chest facing you, pull the tank legs/ treads on the sides outward and rotate them from front to back. Insert the Bomber (cockpit first) into the opening on top of the Panzer until it clicks. Then, turn the Crewzer's cockpit/ front part upward so that Voltes V's face is exposed, connecting the front landing gear below it with the tube at the rear of the Bomber (after removing its tail section first). Next, insert the cockpit of the Frigate into the base of the Panzer, clicking it into place. Moving on to the Lander, remove the white connector of the cockpits and separate it into two halves. Then, fold the cockpits downward until they lock. Finally, rotate the rear landing gears of the Frigate so that the Lander attaches to them.

In robot mode, Voltes V has a couple of weapons at its disposal. For the laser sword, remove the red hilt from the chest and slide the chrome blade into place (if segmented, assemble it first). Insert the chrome chain knuckle into a forearm in place of a fist and press the button to fire it. The same goes for the ultramagnetic top. Wound the string around it, pull, and watch the top spin and launch from a forearm. As for the robot's "Voltank" mode, swing the treads around, bending the feet at the ankles, and see Voltes V roll like a giant tank. Not a remarkable transformation, but still fun nonetheless. And there you have it, 12 inches plus of heavy fucking metal (more than 1-1/2 kgs) and one hell of an expensive toy!

Trivia: With most removable parts often being lost, did you know that Voltes V DX accessories/ replacement parts like missiles and antennas are sold at P1,000 ($20) up each? And did you know that a sealed, mint-condition Voltes V DX Volt-In Box can start selling at P100,000 ($2,000) and above?

Planeta ng mga Symbiotes (Toy)

2011-03-28T20:06:00.001-07:00

Bago ang lahat, ako nga pala si Peter "Punker", kilala rin bilang si Spider-"punk"--ang 4-1/4" alter ego ng isa sa pinakasikat na karakter sa unibersong Marvel. Kung si Spider-man ay kinagat ng gagamba, sinamang-palad naman akong malunok ito kaya't nagmukha tuloy akong anime, at binansagang Manga Spidey! Kahit paano, pinagkalooban ako ng 16 na punto ng artikulasyon ng ToyBiz noong 2003 (SMC5). Sa kabila ng mga di-proporsiyong parte ng katawan (super-deformed), may pasunod sa aking dingding na pwede kong taas-babang akyatin.

Itim at puti, two-tone: ito ang basikong itsura ng "living costume" na gawa ng alien symbiote. Lumabas noong 2004 sa Series 9 ng linyang Spider-Man Classic[s] ng TB bilang reissue ng orihinal na SMC1 (2001), ang 6" Black Spidey na ito ay may 40 dugtungan sa katawan at may kasamang pulang glider na may firing missile! Ang moldeng ito ang siya ring nagsilbing katawan ni Daredevil.

Bagama't naglalaro sa bughaw at itim ang kasuotan, ang 2002 Venom (SMC4) ay may taas na 6-3/4" at hinalaw sa hulmang disenyo ng Art Asylum para kay Lasher (1997) sa "Planet of the Symbiotes", kaya't di nakapagtatakang limitado ang artikulasyon nito sa 18. Sa kabila nito, bumawi ang TB sa paggawa ng astig na symbiote base (taas) na maraming galamay at pwedeng lagyan ng berdeng slime sa bumbunan pababa sa bibig nito--animo'y isang malaking palakang naglalaway!

Bukod sa nakuhang lahat ang katangian ni Spidey, hindi rin kayang tiktikan ng "spider sense" si Venom at para itong hunyangong nakapagkukubli sa kanyang paligid. Ginawa noong 2006 (SMC16), ang 7" Venom sa taas ay may 36 na points of articulation at dilang pagkahaba-haba. Kahit di naikikilos ang ulong gawa sa goma (rubber-faced), may buton ito sa likod na bahagyang nagpapagalaw sa kanyang panga't baba. Maskulado ang pagkakaukit ng figure at buhay na buhay ang mga ugat at kalamnan--walang panama rito ang Sabretooth-repaint Venom ng ML Sinister Six boxset noong 2004! Dahil sa ganda ng sculpt, may ni-release ding "stealth" (clear version) ang TB sa SMC18.

Kasama sa unang bugso ng SMC noong 2001, ang Venom na ito ay may tangkad na 7-1/2" at nasa pormang "mid-transformation" mula tao patungo sa pagiging symbiote. Kapansin-pansin dito ang mala-bibeng mukha (duck-faced), ang mahahabang daliri sa kanang kamay, at ang tila alkitrang unti-unting bumabalot sa kaliwang binti nito. Datapwa't limitado sa 18 punto ng artikulasyon, mahusay ang pagkakalilok nito na maihahalintulad sa estatwang kolektibol (stat). May sarili rin itong base na nagpapakita ng isang nakatumba't nasasaputang Guardsman.

Ito ang kasalukuyang itsura ni Venom matapos mapasalin kay Scorpion (MacDonald "Mac" Gargan) ang itim na alien symbiote ni Brock. Tulad ng tradisyon, nakikipagpaligsahan ang 7" fig na ito sa pahabaan ng dila. Gawa ng Hasbro noong 2008 at binubuo ng 34 na dugtungan, kakaiba ito sa mga nakaraang bersiyon ni Venom dahil ito lamang ang may balls--eyeballs (na kulay pula)! Bukod-tangi rin ang detalyadong detachable stinger nito sa likod na may habang 7-1/2" at tila ba itinulad sa totoong buntot ng isang alakdan.

Mula sa pagiging itim ay naging pula ang dominanteng kulay ng symbiote, salamat kay Carnage. Ginawa ng TB noong 2006 bilang reissue sa SMC Villain Series, tumitindig ito ng 6-1/4" at may 40 joints sa katawan. Lumabas din sa Fearsome Foes boxset (2005) ng Marvel Legends, naiiba ang porma ni Carnage sa ibang symbiote dahil siya lamang ang walang dila, ni prominenteng mga ngipin! Sinamahan ng TB ng collapsible base ang pigurang ito.

Si Toxin (Patrick Mulligan) ang pangatlong symbiote at ang kauna-unahang naging kaalyado ni Spider-Man sa pakikipaglaban kina Venom, Carnage, atbp.--dala na rin siguro ng pagiging pulis ng host nito. Umaabot sa 6 na pulgada at may 29 na punto ng artikulasyon, lumabas ang spawn na ito ni Carnage noong 2006 sa ika-19 at huling serye ng SMC.

Dashboard Confessional's "Bend and Not Break"

2011-03-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

by Zernain Villain for his absent friends, Sarah and Tin--they will be missed.

I catalog these steps now
Decisive and intentioned
Precise and patterned specifically to yours

I'm talented at breathing
Especially exhaling
So that my chest will rise and fall with yours

I'm careful not to wake you
Fearing conversation
It's better just to hold you and keep you pacified

I'm talented with reason
I cover all the angles
I can fail before I ever try

Try to understand there's an old mistake that fools will make
And I'm the king of them pushing everything that's good away so

Won't you hold/rock me now (I will not bend, I will not break/For you I rise, for you I fall)

I'm fairly agile
I can bend and not break
Or I can break and take it with a smile

And I'm so resilient
I recover quickly
I'll convince you soon that I'm fine

Just hold me close to you

Wikipediang Tagalog: Punk, Musika

2011-03-21T00:24:00.000-07:00

My wiki entry continued: http://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punk#Garage_rock_at_Mod

Punk / Musika

Garage rock at Mod

Kalagitnaan ng 1960s nang pumutok ang garage rock sa Estados Unidos na isa sa naging ninuno ng punk rock. Tinawag na "garage" rock sapagka't karamihan sa mga baguhang banda ay binubuo ng mga tinedyer na mula sa panggitnang uri na kadalasa'y nag-eensayo sa garahe ng kani-kanilang bahay sa paligid-lungsod.¹² Dahil sa walang-karanasan sa musika at pagtugtog ng instrumento, karaniwan nang paungol ang pag-awit--kundi man pasigaw, distorted ang tunog ng gitara--salamat sa "fuzzbox", at humigit-kumulang sa tatlo ang chords--tulad na lamang ng kantang "Louie, Louie" na kinober ng The Kingsmen.¹³ Ang minimalistang tunog ng garage rock ay naimpluwensiyahan ng British Invasion gaya ng mga bandang mod sa Ingglatera na The Small Faces at The Who--nagpasikat sa awiting "My Generation". Tulad ng kantang "All Day and All of the Night" ng The Kinks, ang "predecessors of the whole three-chord genre--the Ramones' 1978 'I Don't Want You,' for instance, was pure Kinks-by-proxy."¹⁴ Bagama't di maikakategoriyang punk rock, marami sa mga bandang garage rock ang isa sa mga unang binansagan ng "punk" ng midya.

Proto-punk

Mula huling bahagi ng 1960s hanggang unang bahagi ng 1970s, naglitawan ang mga grupong magkakaiba ang tunog nguni't maituturing na impluwensiyal sa pagsilang ng punk rock. Ayon sa gabay ng Allmusic, kabilang ang mga nasabing banda sa bansag na proto-punk bagama't hindi ito "cohesive movement, nor was there a readily identifiable proto-punk sound that made its artists seem related at the time," at ang tanging nagbibigkis sa isa't isa ay ang kani-kanilang aktitud o itsura na "consciously subversive and fully aware of its outsider status."¹⁵

Sumulpot noong 1969, ang debut albums ng dalawang grupong garage rock mula sa Michigan ang magiging sentral sa tunog ng proto-punk: ang Kick Out the Jams ng MC5 mula sa Detroit, kung saan "most of the songs are barely distinguishable from each other in their primitive two-chord structures" na maikukumpara sa tugtugan ng mga naunang bandang garaheng bato gaya ng Blue Cheer, ? and the Mysterians, at The Kingsmen;¹⁶ at ang self-titled album ng The Stooges sa pangunguna ng bokalista nitong si Iggy Pop--itinuturing na "Godfather of Punk"--na tila ba "sound of Chuck Berry's air-mobile after thieves stripped it for parts."¹⁷ Ang The Stooges ay pinrodyus ni John Cale ng grupong experimental rock sa New York na The Velvet Underground--na may "reputation as the first underground rock band."¹⁸ Samantala, maimpluho rin ang bandang The Modern Lovers ni Jonathan Richman na isang deboto ng V.U. sa Boston.

Bukod sa mga nabanggit, ang ilan pang pangkat o indibidwal na malaki ang naiambag sa pagdebelop ng punk rock ay ang glam na The New York Dolls, ang Rocket from the Tombs, sina Lou Reed (ex-V.U.) at Captain Beefheart, ang elektronikang duo na Suicide, at ang triong Death mula sa Amerika; si David Bowie, ang space rock na Hawkwind, at ang mga grupong art rock na Roxy Music at Doctors of Madness mula sa Ingglatera; at ang krautrock naman na Neu! mula sa Alemanya.

Reperensiya

12. Abbey (2006), p. 74.
13. Sabin (1999), p. 157.
14. Harrington (2002), p. 165.
15. "Proto-punk" mula sa Allmusic.com
16. Bangs, Lester. "MC5: Kick Out the Jams" rebyu, Rolling Stone, 5 April 1969.
17. Marcus (1979), p. 294.
18. Taylor, p. 49.

Sanggunian

Abbey, Eric James (2006). Garage Rock and Its Roots: Musical Rebels and the Drive for Individuality (N.C: McFarland & Co).
Harrington, Joe S. (2002). Sonic Cool: The Life & Death of Rock 'n' Roll (Milwaukee: Hal Leonard).
Marcus, Greil, ed. (1979). Stranded: Rock and Roll for a Desert Island (New York: Knopf).
Sabin, Roger (1999). Punk Rock, so What? The Cultural Legacy of Punk (London: Routledge).
Taylor, Steven (2003). False Prophet: Field Notes from the Punk Underground (Middletown: Wesleyan University Press).

Wikipediang Tagalog: Punk, Etimolohiya

2011-03-15T02:35:00.000-07:00

My latest wiki entry: http://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punk#Etimolohiya

Punk

Ang punk ay isang subkulturang kinabibilangan ng iba't ibang pilosopiya, ideolohiya, at porma ng ekspresyon sa musika, pananamit, sayaw, literatura, pelikula, at sining biswal na nagmula o naimpluwensiyahan ng tugtugang punk rock at mga subhenre nito. Maituturing itong kontra-kultura dahil maraming aspekto nito ang sumasalungat sa mga dominanteng pag-aasal at paniniwala ng lipunan.

Etimolohiya

Mula ika-16 hanggang ika-18 siglo ay popular na ang terminong "punk" sa Ingglatera na may negatibong kahulugan bilang "isang puta, patutot, butangero, gangster o sanggano". Gayundin ang pakahulugan ni William Shakespeare sa kanyang mga komedyang The Merry Wives of Windsor¹ (1602) at Measure for Measure² (1623). Di rin nalalayo ang pakahulugan ng mga modernong diksiyunaryong Ingles na "isang bagay o tao na inutil at walang kuwenta".

Sa Estados Unidos unang ginamit ang katawagang "punk rock" noong 22 Marso 1970 sa diyaryong Chicago Tribune nang ilarawan ni Ed Sanders (bokalista ng The Fugs) ang kanilang solo album bilang "punk rock--redneck sentimentality".³ Nailathala naman sa Disyembre 1970 isyu ng magasing Creem ang panunuya ng peryodistang si Lester Bangs nang ipalagay niya ang mga bandang mainstream "who never make fools of themselves the way that Stooge punk does" bilang paghahambing kay Iggy Pop (bokalista ng The Stooges).⁴ Si Dave Marsh ang unang kritiko ng musika na gumamit nito sa Mayo 1971 isyu ng Creem nang ilarawan niya ang bandang ? and the Mysterians bilang isang "landmark exposition of punk rock".⁵ Naisulat din noong 1971 ni Greg Shaw sa kanyang fanzine na Who Put the Bomp: "what I have chosen to call 'punk rock' bands--white teenage hard rock of '64-'66 (Standells, Kingsmen, Shadows of Knight, etc.)".⁶ Nagkaroon naman ng "Punk Top Ten" sa fanzine na Flash noong Hunyo 1972 bilang pagraranggo sa mga album na lumabas noong 1960s.⁷ Mayo 1973 nang lumabas ang panandaliang magasing pangkolehiyo na Punk ni Billy Altman.⁸ Mayo rin ng sumunod na taon, 1974, nirebyu ng kritikong si Robert Hilburn sa Los Angeles Times ang pangalawang album ng New York Dolls at nagbanggit na "perhaps the best example of raw, thumb-your-nose-at-the-world, punk rock since the Rolling Stones'..."⁹

Pagpasok ng 1975, ginagamit na ang salitang "punk" bilang pagkategorya sa kung sinu-sino at magkakaibang bandang rock sa Amerika. Kasabay nito ang pagsikat ng eksena sa isang rock club sa New York na kung tawagin ay CBGBs. Bagamat "street rock" ang bansag ng may-ari ng club na si Hilly Kristal sa nabubuong kilusang underground sa kanyang lugar, ang magasing The Aquarian ang nagbinyag dito ng katagang punk "to describe what was going on at CBGBs".¹⁰ Huling bahagi ng taon nang pumasok sa eksena ang fanzine na Punk (katukayo ng nauna) na sinimulan ng kartunistang si John Holmstrom, manunulat na si Legs McNeil, at pabliser nitong si Ged Dunn--na pawang magkakaklase sa hayskul. Krusyal ang pagpasok ng Punk sa eksena sapagkat ito ang nagkodipika ng nasabing termino. Ayon kay Holmstrom: "It was pretty obvious that the word [punk] was getting very popular. We figured we'd take the name before anyone else claimed it. We wanted to get rid of the bullshit, strip it down to rock 'n' roll. We wanted the fun and liveliness back."¹¹

Reperensiya

1. "This punk is one of Cupid's carriers:..." sabi ng karakter na si Pistol.
2. "My lord, she may be a punk;..." at "Marrying a punk, my lord, is pressing to death,..." sabi ng karakter na si Lucio.
3. Shapiro (2006), p. 492.
4. Bangs, Lester. "Of Pop and Pies and Fun", Creem. Disyembre 1970.
5. Shapiro, p. 492.
6. Gendron (2002), p. 348.
7. Taylor (2003), p. 16.
8. Laing (1985), p. 13; "Punk Magazine Listening Party # 7", Punk Magazine, 20 Hulyo 2001.
9. Hilburn, Robert. "Touch of Stones in Dolls' Album", Los Angeles Times. 7 Mayo 1974.
10. Savage (1991), pp. 130-131.
11. Savage, p. 131.

Sanggunian

Gendron, Bernard (2002). Between Montmartre and the Mudd Club: Popular Music and the Avant-Garde (Chicago: University of Chicago Press).
Laing, Dave (1985). One-Chord Wonders: Power and Meaning in Punk Rock (Philadelphia: Open University Press).
Savage, Jon (1991). England's Dreaming: The Sex Pistols and Punk Rock (London: Faber and Faber).
Shapiro, Fred (2006). Yale Book of Quotations (New Haven: Yale University Press).
Taylor, Steven (2003). False Prophet: Field Notes from the Punk Underground (Middletown: Wesleyan University Press).

Kawing na panlabas

The First Wave of Pinoy Punk (1976-1990)

Star Wars: The Ultimate Visual Guide (Book)

2011-03-14T03:52:00.000-07:00

Author: Ryder Windham
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc.
First printing: 2005
Language: English
Page count: 144

1977: Dalawang pangyayari ang mag-iiwan ng malalim na impluwensiya sa pandaigdigang kultura at magdudulot ng maraming pagbabago sa dalawang industriya--(1) ang punk rock sa larangan ng musika at (2) ang Star Wars sa paggawa ng pelikula. Inilimbag kasabay ng paglabas sa sinehan ng huling yugto ng SW, ang aklat na ito ay tumatalakay sa kronolohiya (continuity) ng SW ayon sa anim na episodyong pelikula at sa mga naisulat na kuwento sa komiks ukol dito. Historikal ang pag-atake sa paksa kaya't mas binigyang-diin ng libro ang mga kaganapan kaysa mga pangunahing karakter, behikulo, armas, atbp. na siyang nakagawian na. Kung gaano kahitik sa makukulay na larawan at drowing ang kompilasyon, matipid naman sa salita at direkta sa punto ang banat sa mga datos at deskripsiyon nito.

Kung merong B.C. at A.D. ang istorya ng tao sa mundo, mayroon namang B.B.Y. (Before--) at A.B.Y. (After the Battle of Yavin) ang kasaysayan ng mga aliens sa SW universe. Sa pagitan ng 32 BBY at 4 ABY naganap ang mga pinakaimportanteng tagpo na naisapelikula bilang Episodes I-VI.

Lightsabers, deflector/ energy shields, hyperspace travel, anti-gravity devices, repulsorlift vehicles, tractor beams, holoprojectors, blasters, at droids--ito ay ilan lamang sa mga teknolohiyang kathang-isip nguni't kapani-paniwala sa agham ng SW (na di-malayong mangyari sa madaling hinaharap).

Sa pula, sa puti; magkabilaan ang mundo at gayundin sa daigdig ng SW--may mabuti at masama. May Jedi Order at may Sith Lords (Dark Jedi). Magkaibang paniniwala nguni't parehong nananalig sa kapangyarihan at gamit ng di-nakikitang Force (midichlorians) at sableng-liwanag sa pakikipagtunggali.

Dalawahan din ang training, mapa-Jedi man o Sith. May titser at estudyante. May master (tutor) at may apprentice (padawan). Si Qui-Gon Jinn, may Obi-Wan Kenobi--gaya ni Darth Sidious na may Darth Maul. Balang araw, ang mag-aaral ay magiging guro rin--kukuha ng baguhang tuturuan sa espadahan at pagpapasahan ng lihim na karunungan.

Tulad ng United Nations ng mga bansa sa sangkalupaan, may Galactic Republic naman ang mga planeta sa kalawakan. Kung may Security Council ang UN, may Galactic Senate at Jedi High Council ang SW. Katumbas ng Secretary General sa UN ang Supreme Chancellor sa SW.

Episode I: The Phantom Menace--maihahalintulad sa mga monopolyong kapitalistang MNCs (multinational companies) ang Trade Federation ni Viceroy Nute Gunray na kukubkob sa Naboo sa pamamagitan ng droid army, bunsod ng misteryosong Sith master na si Darth Sidious. Sa tulong ng dalawang Jedi na sina Qui-Gon Jinn at Obi-Wan Kenobi, mapapalaya ang planeta, ang reyna nitong si Queen Padme Amidala, at ang mga katutubong Gungans na nakatira rito. Madidiskubre ni Qui-Gon sa disyertong planeta ng Tatooine ang batang alipin at mangangarera na si Anakin Skywalker--ang sinasabing "chosen one" na magdadala ng balanse sa Force. Mahahalal bilang Supreme Chancellor si Senator Palpatine ng Naboo sa planetang siyudad ng Coruscant at mapapatay ng Sith apprentice na si Darth Maul si Qui-Gon, samantalang mapapatay naman ito ni Obi-Wan. Kukupkupin bilang apprentice ni Obi-Wan si Anakin tulad ng naipangako niya sa nasirang guro sa kabila ng mahigpit na pagtutol ng master Jedi na si Yoda.

Episode II: Attack of the Clones--gaya ng ilang sesesyonistang Muslim sa Pinas, papanig sa Confederacy of Independent Systems ni Count Dooku at titiwalag sa republika ang mga samahan ng Trade Federation, InterGalactic Banking Clan, Commerce Guild, at Techno Union. Tulad noong martial law, gagawaran ng emergency powers si Palpatine upang maging diktador at sugpuin ang namumuong insurgency. Tatapatan ang hukbong droid ng mga insureksiyonista at bubuo ng clone army ang republika sa mabagyong planeta ng Kamino sa tulong ng bayarang mersenaryong si Jango Fett, bagama't mapapatay ito sa huli. Dahil sa isang pangitain, babalik sa Tatooine si Anakin upang iligtas ang nagdurusang ina. Huli na ang lahat kaya't ipaghihiganti ang pumanaw na inang si Shmi at pupuksain ang isang tribo ng Tusken Raiders na may sanhi nito--babae, bata't matanda. Lulusubin ng mga Jedi ang taguan ni Dooku (kilala rin bilang si Darth Tyranus) sa planetang Geonosis subali't makakatakas ito papunta sa kanyang Sith master sa Coruscant, matapos putulan ng kamay si Skywalker. Bagama't apprentice ni Obi-Wan, lalabag sa kodigong Jedi si Anakin at lihim na magpapakasal kay Padme na napaibig sa kanya.

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith--kunway dinukot si Palpatine kaya't ililigtas siya nina Obi-Wan at Anakin mula sa kamay ni General Grievous, kung saan mapapatay ni Skywalker si Dooku. Samantala'y matutunton ni Obi-Wan at mapapatay rin ang nakatakas na si Grievous sa planetang Utapau. Mapagtatanto ng Jedi Council ang dilim na lumulukob sa katauhan ni Palpatine at aatasan si Anakin na tiktikan ito. Habang nanonood ng palabas sa Galaxies Opera House, ipagtatapat ni Palpatine kay Skywalker ang trahedya ni Darth Plagueis na may kapangyarihang bumuhay ng patay. Dahil bigo siyang iligtas ang kanyang sariling ina at madalas niyang mapanaginipan ang natatakdang pagkamatay ng asawang si Padme sa panganganak, maeengganyo si Anakin sa lakas ng dark side. Nang aarestuhin na ng Jedi master na si Mace Windu si Palpatine, babaligtad ng panig si Skywalker--sanhi upang mapatay si Windu ni Darth Sidious na walang iba kundi ang chancellor! Sa ginawang ito ni Anakin, papangalanan siyang Darth Vader ni Sidious at kukuhaning tagasunod. Tulad ng pagmasaker niya sa isang tribo ng taong-buhangin sa Tatooine, uubusin ni Vader ang mga mag-aaral sa Jedi Temple at walang ititirang buhay. Kasabay nito, ibababa ni Palpatine ang Order 66 na nag-uutos patayin ang lahat ng Jedi na diumano'y nagtaksil sa republika. Magtutungo si Anakin sa mabulkang planeta ng Mustafar upang lipulin ang mga separatistang ang may gawa rin ay si Sidious. Magduduwelo sina Obi-Wan at Skywalker, datapwa't matatalo ang huli't mapuputulan ng isang braso't mga binti. Sasagipin ni Palpatine ang naghihingalong si Anakin at bibigyan ng bagong buhay sa bakal na katawan. Samantala, tulad ng hula, mamamatay si Padme sa pagluluwal ng kambal nilang anak--lingid sa kaalaman ni Vader. Mula noon, ang republika ay kikilalanin na bilang Galactic Empire, at si Palpatine, bilang Emperor. May mangilan-ngilang Jedi ang matitira at mas pipiliing magtago muna gaya nina Obi-Wan at Yoda.

Episode IV: A New Hope--mula dekada '90-'00, flashback sa dekada '70-'80. Dadakpin ni Darth Vader si Princess Leia Organa at pilit ipapaamin ang lokasyon ng base ng Rebel Alliance. Mapapadpad sa Tatooine ang droids na sina C3PO at R2D2 dala ang sikretong plano ng bagong armas ng imperyo--ang Death Star. Magkukrus ang landas ng ermitanyong si Obi-Wan at magsasakang si Luke Skywalker matapos patayin ng Imperial stormtroopers ang itinuturing na mga magulang ng huli. Magsisimula ang Jedi training ni Luke sa ilalim ni Obi-Wan. Kasama ang dalawang droids at sa tulong ng piratang si Han Solo at alalay nitong si Chewbacca, maglalayag sila mula sa spaceport ng Mos Eisley patungong Alderaan--kung saan ay wala na silang aabutan sa pinasabog na planeta. Sa loob ng Death Star ay maililigtas nila si Leia at magkukrus ng espada sina Vader at Obi-Wan sa huling pagkakataon, kung saan mananaig ang una. Makakapuslit ang mga rebelde sa base sa buwan ng planetang Yavin nguni't matitiktikan ito ng imperyo. Mapapasabog ni Luke ang Death Star sa tulong ng boses ni Obi-Wan at sa napapanahong pagsaklolo ni Han Solo. Mapapadpad sa planetang Mimban sina Luke at Leia at muling makakasagupa si Vader, kung saan ay mapuputulan muli ng braso ang huli.

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back--mula Yavin 4 ay lumipat ng base ang mga rebelde sa nagyeyelong planeta ng Hoth. Tulad ng inaasahan, matutunton ng imperyo ang lugar at muli silang lulusubin nito. Pupunta si Luke sa masukal na latiang planeta ng Dagobah at doon ay sasailalim sa pagsasanay ng nawawalang Jedi master na si Yoda. Doon din magkakaroon ng bisyon si Skywalker hinggil sa tunay na katauhan ng kanyang ama na walang iba kundi si Darth Vader! Datapwa't di pa tapos ang training, tutulak si Luke papunta sa maulap na planetang Bespin. Samantala, uupa ang imperyo ng mga bounty hunters--sa pangunguna ni Boba Fett, anak ng nasirang si Jango--upang tugisin at hulihin nang buhay ang mga rebelde. Magkakatotoo ang mga pangitain ni Skywalker sa Bespin: ipagkakanulo sila sa imperyo ng kaibigang si Lando Calrissian, mapuputulan ng kamay si Luke sa espadahan matapos malaman ang katotohanan mula mismo kay Vader, at dadalhin ni Fett ang iladong labi ni Han Solo kay Jabba the Hutt--kung saan ay meron itong atraso at gantimpalang nakapatong sa ulo. Susunod dito ang mga kaganapan sa Shadows of the Empire na kinasasangkutan ng organisasyong Black Sun.

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi--may unang pamagat na "Revenge of the Jedi," ginamit sa halip ang orihinal na titulong ito sa Episode III dahil na rin sa panukalang tanging ang Sith--at hindi ang Jedi--ang naghahangad ng paghihiganti. Balik sa disyertong planeta ng Tatooine, itataya ni Luke, Lando, at Leia ang kanilang buhay upang sagipin ang kaibigang si Han Solo. Matapos makatakas ang mga rebelde at mabigti ni Leia si Jabba sa sarili nitong kadena, babalik si Skywalker sa Dagobah upang tapusin ang kanyang training. Dala ng katandaan ay sasakabilang-buhay na rin si Yoda tulad ni Obi-Wan at magiging kaisa ng Force. Bago pumanaw, kukumpirmahin nito ang katotohanang si Darth Vader nga ang ama ni Luke. Bukod dito, magpapakitang muli si Obi-Wan at ipagtatapat sa kanya na si Leia ang nawawala niyang kakambal! Samantala, mag-iipon ng lakas ang mga rebelde ng Alliance to Restore the Republic upang wasakin ang ginagawang pangalawang Death Star na lumiligid sa magubat na planeta ng Endor. Matapos ipagtapat ni Luke kay Leia ang tunay na relasyon nilang dalawa, isusuko niya ang kanyang sarili sa imperyo upang harapin ang kanilang ama at ang amo nito. Sa huling pagkakataon ay magduduwelo ang mag-ama at mananaig ang anak. Nguni't sa halip na tuluyan si Vader na naputulan muli ng kamay, patutunayan ni Luke na may natitira pang kabutihan sa amang si Anakin. Dahil dito, magagalit si Emperor Palpatine at kukuryentehin ng Sith lightning ang nakababatang Skywalker. Dito papatunayan ng nakatatandang Skywalker na di nagkakamali ang anak; susugurin niya si Sidious at ihahagis ito sa kanyang wakas sa malalim na elevator shaft. Natupad na rin ang propesiya at naibalik ang balanse sa Force. Sa tulong ng mga katutubong Ewoks, wawasakin ng mga rebelde sa pamumuno ng magkasintahang Han Solo at Leia Organa ang planetary shield generator na nagpoprotekta sa Death Star, habang pasasabugin naman ni Lando Calrissian ang walang-depensang battle station. Magdiriwang ang sandaigdigan at tatakal sa takilya ang dalawang trilohiya!

Kung akala mo'y magtatapos na ang istorya sa ikaanim na pelikula, nagkakamali ka. Patuloy ang pag-ikot ng unibersong SW sa mga lathalain ng Dark Horse komiks. Nandiyan ang muling pagtatatag ng republika sa ilalim ng bagong Galactic Federation of the Alliance of Free Planets, ang pagtugis sa mga nalalabing Imperials, ang pagdating ng mga World Devastators bilang panghalili sa Death Star, ang tangkang muling pagsilang ni Emperor Palpatine sa katawan ng anak nina Princess Leia at Han Solo, ang pagkamatay ni Chewbacca, at ang pagpapakasal ni Luke Skywalker sa isang dating mortal na kaaway.

Mula sa mga unang krokis (sketches) ng concept artist na si Ralph McQuarrie hanggang sa mga "camera tricks" ng special FX expert na si John Dykstra, mga computer-generated graphics ng ILM (Industrial Light & Magic), at mga inukit na modelong stop-motion--ito'y ilan lamang sa nilalaman ng kabanatang "behind the scenes" o "the making" ng mga pelikulang SW. Bahagyang sinulyapan din ang filmograpiya ng batikang SW direktor/ prodyuser/ manunulat na si George Lucas sa nakalipas na apat na dekada mula 1965 nang una siyang humawak ng kamera.

Salamat naman sa merchandising at naging bahagi na ng buhay ng maraming SW fans/ kolektor ang mga popular na karakter at imahe mula sa pelikula. Sumagi tuloy sa alaala ang ilang nasira kong laruang SW noong '80s at ang dalawang lumang booklet-catalog ng Kenner na tanging labi ng mga ito. Bukod sa pelikula at dahil na rin sa expanded universe ng SW, patuloy na lumalago at dumarami ang mga libro (tulad nito), nobela (pati fan fiction), komiks, laruan, programa sa radyo, cartoons sa TV, (piratang) DVDs, (piratang) video games, spin-offs, at samu't saring memorabilia't collectibles tungkol dito. Patunay na ang SW "meme" o mito ay mananatiling buhay para sa susunod na henerasyon.

"Three"via: Umiinog sa numerong "3" ang anim na pelikulang SW. May dalawang SW trilogy, Episodes IV-VI at Episodes I-III. Tatlong taon ang pagitan sa pagpapalabas ng unang trilogy: 1977, 1980, 1983. At gayundin sa ikalawa: 1999, 2002, 2005. Maituturing ding pasok sa post-modernismo't masining na pagbabalik-tanaw ang huling pagpapalabas ng back story (I-III) kaysa main story (IV-VI) ng epikong ito. Bukod dito, mapapansing mala-symphony ang bawa't trilogy sapagka't maihahalintulad ang Episodes V at II sa 2nd movement ng isang simponiya--mabagal (largo) at walang resolusyon, habang sa 3rd movement o climax pa lamang magkakaroon ng sinasabing closure.

Terror: Keepers Of The Faith

2011-02-28T23:20:00.000-08:00

What: "Terror: Keepers Of The Faith"
When: Wednesday, Mar. 16 at 7:00pm
Who: Bystorm, Isvarah, The Crimson Cartel, Demolition Of False Progression, Gardo, Queen City Crew, Tame The Tikbalang
Where: Center For The Arts, Timog Ave., Q.C.
How much: P400 (inclusive of 1 drink)

Mar. 21 Update: Photos by Ace Antukin, Arvin Marcial, Lente Lamuerta

Encounter: Metal & Hardcore Collaboration

2011-02-28T23:18:00.000-08:00

What: P.A. presents "Encounter: Metal & Hardcore Collaboration"
When: Saturday, Mar. 5 at 7:00pm
Who: Peligro, Discreate, Off The Chain, Demolition Of False Progression, Takedown, Double Barrel, Dulsera, Resurrected, Coarse, Ruin, Disabuse, D.M.E., Surreal, Knuckle Under, Oratorio, Gilgamesh, Mortal Wounds, Conspire, Deatheriorator, Esmeria, Infecting The Deity, Pope Of Doom, To Unrest
Where: Outlook Bar, Bulihan, Malolos, BuL.A.can
How much: to be announced

Breaking The Silence

2011-02-28T23:17:00.001-08:00

What: Highway To Hell Production presents "Breaking The Silence"
When: Saturday, Mar. 5 at 7:00pm
Who: Skychurch, Subculture, Balatek, Gatillo, Tubero, Alex In Wonderland, Vie, Mobster Manila, Voice Of Tranquility
Where: Sazi's Bar, España, ManiL.A.
How much: P100 with 1 free beer

Punk Hardcore Fest 4

2011-02-28T23:15:00.001-08:00

What: "Kaamulan Punk Hardcore Fest 4"
When: Saturday, Mar. 5 at 6:00pm
Who: Boundary, Outnumbered, Denied, My Robot Balls, Clobeerin' Time, Roundhead, Angst, Sacrifix, P-Town Respect, Perils Of Penelope, Leaflet Bomb, Desaparacidos, Pushed Aside, When All Fails, KeepxRight, Frontal, Imburnal, Madblast, xPlay Smartx, Likewise, Alaskador, Mistah
Where: Galario One-Stop Shop, Magsaysay St., Malaybalay City
How much: P25 at 6pm, P30 at 8pm

Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World

2011-02-28T23:13:00.001-08:00

What: Barbero and Tubby Trousers present "Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World: A Tribute To Ramones"
When: Wednesday, Mar. 2
Who: Identikit, Bad Omen, Turbo Goth, Tether, Dropouts, Sleepyheads, Skimouche, The DiscoBall
Where: B-Side, Makati
How much: to be announced

Evanescence's "My Immortal"

2011-02-20T04:06:00.000-08:00

by Zernain Villain who is sorry for giving Ms. Poison Ivy her scars and tears

I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me

You used to captivate me by your resonating life
Now I'm bound by the life you've left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me

I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along

Piledriver: 13 Years Strong Anniversary Show

2011-02-20T04:04:00.000-08:00

What: Railroad Records presents "Piledriver: 13 Years Strong Anniversary Show"
When: Saturday, Feb. 26 at 8:00pm
Who: Piledriver, Detonate, Brawler, Mihara, Groundzero, DOA, EightOunce
Where: Amnesia Bar, Biñan, L.A.guna
How much: Free entrance

Strength The Unity

2011-02-20T04:02:00.000-08:00

What: Downtown Sound Productions presents "Strength The Unity"
When: Friday, Feb. 18 at 8:00pm
Who: Anxiety To Hysteria, Roundhead, Clobberin' Time, Ironwill, Kidney 4 Ransom Oi!, Undecided, Northground Click, Krakheads, Freedom Xtortion, Biomorphic, Bloodshot Eyes, No Room For Softness, Tarnak Tarnak, Congenital
Where: Rooftop Bar, Quezon St., Tagum City
How much: P30

ValenThrash Day

2011-02-12T18:33:00.001-08:00

What: Gods Of Metal presents "ValenThrash Day"
When: Saturday, Feb. 12 at 9:00pm
Where: Headstock Bar
Who: Resurrected, End Of Man, Deceased, Dreaded Mortuary, Grace Of Brutality, Bane
How much: P120 with 2 free beers

Timog Scandal

2011-02-12T18:31:00.001-08:00

What: 69 Production presents "Timog Scandal"
When: Saturday, Feb. 12 at 7:00pm
Where: Center For Arts, Timog, QC
Who: Mortal Fear, Voice Of Tranquility, Serpentslave, Gamma Ray Burst, ANH, Mad Hatter Day, Burden, Nailgrind Carnage, Diaspura, Silab, The Jensen Gomez Experience, Trophec, Urchronic Obsession, Fithyhandz, Caution, Stitches, Decrepit Memories, Dreign, Camaraderie, Manocornuto
How much: P100 with 1 free beer

Something Stupid

2011-02-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

What: NU107 Home Of NU Rock, WXB102, Octopogz, NU Streamers present "Something Stupid"
When: Saturday, Feb. 12
Where: Route 196
Who: Happy Days Ahead, Dead Pop Stars, Skies Of Ember, Mobster Manila, The Go Signals
How much: to be announced

Hard Times

2011-02-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

What: CrazyDon't Collective presents "Hard Times: Another survive and stay alive gig"
When: Friday, Feb. 11
Where: St. Augustine College Compound, BaliWag, Bulacan
Who: Against Man, Anti-Suck System, Distrongka, Dolust, Ex-Senadors, Gas Stove, Halfmast, Nerves Crayola, No Peace In Silence, Pink Cow, Play, Sagip Adik Foundation, Steady Movin' Beat, Tartars, Teenage Rebel, Truth, TSA
How much: P20 support fee

Feb. 28 Update: Photos by Ianne Serrano

Slayer's "Raining Blood"

2011-02-12T18:09:00.001-08:00

by Zernain Villain for falling prey to human frailty, getting into foul trouble (9 out of 10) early in the game of life, and hoping to keep #6 (thou shall not kill) until his shot clock runs out

Trapped in purgatory
A lifeless object, alive
Awaiting reprisal
Death will be their acquisition

The sky is turning red
Return to power draws near
Fall into me, the sky's crimson tears
ABOLISH THE RULES MADE OF STONE

Pierced from below
Souls of my treacherous past
Betrayed by many
Now ornaments dripping above

Awaiting the hour of reprisal
Your time slips away

Raining blood
From a lacerated sky
Bleeding its horror
Creating my structure
Now I shall reign in blood

12-inch kitbashed Snake Eyes (Toy)

2011-02-10T20:23:00.001-08:00

Sinong mag-aakala na isang pipi ang siyang magiging pinakasikat na karakter sa lahat ng G.I. Joe. Bukod sa balot na balot ang buong ulo't katawan ng itim at wala ni isang salitang binibitiwan, wala ring impormasyon hinggil sa pagkatao ni Snake Eyes (classified). Isang malaking palaisipan ang itsura ng mukha sa likod ng maskara. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit maraming kolektor (isa na ko) ang nahihiwagaan sa kanyang persona kaya't isa siya sa mga tauhan na madalas i-customize. Sa pamamagitan ng kitbashing o pagkuha ng ilang accessories mula sa ibang action figures, naging libangan na ng marami ang pagdadamit/pag-aarmas kay SE tulad ng ginawa ko rito sa 1/6 12" scale na Hasbro 25th anniversary edition ng unang bersiyon (commando) nito. Ipinapakita sa movie poster sa background ang ikalawang version (ninja) ni SE.

SWAT BDU (battle dress uniform), camouflage na pantalon, web gear, pistol belt, holster, knife sheath, elbow at knee pads, combat boots at ski mask

IMI Mini-Uzi SMG (submachine gun na may folding stock at removable magazine), H&K MP5K-A4 PDW ("personal defense weapon" na may folding stock, front grip, removable magazine at silencer), night-vision binoculars

MP5-A2 (SMG na may fixed stock, shoulder sling, removable double clip at tactical flashlight), Colt M1911A1 (semi-automatic pistol na may removable magazine)

H&K Socom Mk23 (semi-automatic pistol na may removable magazine at LAM "laser aiming module"), MP5-SD6 (SMG na may retractable stock, removable magazine at silencer)

Milkor M32 MGL (multi-shot grenade launcher na may folding stock at front grip)

Samurai katana sword na may nakaukit na marka ng Arashikage ninja clan at bayonets

M18 smoke grenades, M84 flashbang/stun grenades, combat knife

Angelo Reyes (SLN)

2011-02-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

AT NAKALIMUTAN ANG DIYOS
WUDS

Dito ba sa mundo ano ang tunay na kailangan?
Ang magpakasarap at magkamit ng kayamanan
Ano mang kayamanan na akala mo'y walang hangganan
Darating ang panahon iyan ay iyong iiwan

Sobrang kapangyarihan
Sobrang kayamanan
Sobrang katakawan
Ilan sa mamamayan ang nagsisigawan
Mga ganid! Mga ganid!

Marami ang nag-akalang siya'y makabayan
Gumamit pa ng salitang "kalayaan"
E ang demokrasya at kalayaan
Ay nakasalalay sa ating kakayahan
Na pigilin at kontrolin
Ang pagnanasa at mga gawain

E ano bang gusto mo na magpapasaya sa iyo?
Ito ba ang karangyaan sa pamumuhay

Malaking bahay
Magarang kotse
Maraming pera
Magandang asawa
May mga anak
May mga damit
Masarap na pagkain
Sikat na sikat kasi may pangalan
Pero nakalimutan ang Diyos

Ang daming namatay noong nakaraang patayan
Nagkabigayan
Ilan ang mamamayan na nagsisigawan
Tahimik! Tahimik!

Oi! Attack 8th Year Anniversary

2011-02-05T02:45:00.002-08:00

What: "Oi! Attack 8th Year Anniversary"
When: Saturday, Feb. 26 at 6:00pm
Where: Headstock Bar, Quezon City
Who: The Varacko, Pusakal, Go Signal, Riot, Dead Sperm, Bad Omen, ADA, Sex Martial, Squat, Go For The Goat, Dear Dingo, Coffinride, MOF, and more
How much: P60, free entrance for the first 20 mohawks or skinhead girls

Better Left In High School

2011-02-05T02:45:00.001-08:00

What: Rock N' Rhythm Nite 2 presents "Better Left In High School"
When: Saturday, Feb. 19 at 7:00pm
Where: Genre Bar, Cubao X, QC
Who: Bad Days For Mary, Cerumentric, Danak Andromeda, Glitterbyte, Goo, Helen, Lampara, Legarda, Narcotic Venus, Pinstriped Rebels, The Pull-It Surprise, X-9, plus 80's dance music from DJ Dave
How much: P120 with 1 free beer

Mar. 1 Update: Photos by Mavic Liñan

This Show Must Go Off!

2011-02-05T02:44:00.001-08:00

What: Bisikleta Productions, Music Speaks, TrashRadio Manila present "This Show Must Go Off!"
When: Saturday, Feb. 12 at 8:00pm
Where: Hades Bar, Quezon City
Who: Betrayed, TSA, Jun Idiot & The Imbeciles, Tame The Tikbalang, Hard K, Against Man, Al Dimalanta
How much: P60 with 1 free beer

Feb. 28 Update: Photos by Ej Aligaga

Dashboard Confessional's "Stolen"

2011-02-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

by Zernain Villain about a girl

We watch the season pull up its own stakes
And catch the last weekend of the last week
Before the gold and the glimmer have been replaced
Another sun-soaked season fades away

You have stolen my heart

Invitation only, grand farewells
Crash the best one of the best ones
Clear liquor and cloudy eyed, too early to say goodnight

You have stolen my heart

And from the ballroom floor we are in celebration
One good stretch before our hibernation
Our dreams assured and we all will sleep well

You have stolen my heart

I watch you spin around in your highest heels
You are the best one of the best ones
We all look like we feel

You have stolen my heart

Pulp Summer Slam 2011

2011-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

What: Pulp Magazine presents "Pulp Summer Slam XI: Resurrection"
When: Saturday, April 30 at 12:00nn - Sunday, May 1 at 5:30am
Where: Amoranto Stadium, Quezon City
Who: Anthrax, Death Angel, Hellyeah, plus 25 local rock and metal bands
How much: P350

Megadeth's "In My Darkest Hour"

2011-01-29T23:51:00.000-08:00

by Zernain Villain while looking back to failed relationshits, unrequited feelings, exes, and in loving memory of his last flame, the late Ms. Poison Ivy

In my hour of need
Ha! No, you were not there
And though I reached out for you
You wouldn't lend a hand

Through the darkest hour
Grace did not shine on me
Feels so cold, very cold
No one cares for me

Did you ever think I get lonely?
Did you ever think that I needed love?
Did you ever think to stop thinking?
You're the only one that I'm thinking of

You'll never know how hard I tried
To find my space and satisfy you too

Things will be better
When I'm dead and gone
Don't try to understand
Knowing you
I'm probably wrong

But oh, how I lived my life for you
Still you'd turn away
Now, as I die for you
My flesh still crawls as I breathe your name

All these years, I thought I was wrong
Now I know it was you
Raise your head, raise your face, your eyes
Tell me who you think you are

I walk, I walk alone
To the Promised Land
There's a better place for me
But it's far, far away

Everlasting life for me
In a perfect world
But I gotta die first
Please, God, send me on my way

Time has a way of taking time
The loneliness is not only felt by fools
Alone, I call to ease the pain
Yearning to be held by you
Alone, so alone, I'm lost
Consumed by the pain

The pain, the pain, the pain
Won't you hold me again
You just laughed, ha-ha, bitch!

My whole life is work built on the past
The time has come when all things shall pass
This good thing passed away

FA Sabretooth FO2 (Toy)

2011-01-29T01:15:00.000-08:00

Cardback: "The most bitter of enemies, Wolverine and Sabretooth's battles have been legendary. With an unbreakable adamantium-laced skeleton, retractable claws, and a healing factor that will heal any wound, Wolverine has stood by the X-Men in their unwavering fight to preserve Professor Charles Xavier's dream of peaceful coexistence between man and mutantkind. Sabretooth, an evil, savage mutant with super-strength and a healing factor of his own, has met few who can match his ferocity and raw power. Two warriors, two perfect rivals, one fighting for right, the other for might: life-long mortal enemies who both know they must fight to the finish!"

Unang lumabas sa Iron Fist #14 noong 1977 na isinulat ni Chris Claremont, ang first-appearance Sabretooth ay base sa drowing ni John Byrne at may taas na 7". Bilang katambal ng FA Wolverine sa 2-pack Face-Off 2 ng Toy Biz ML, mas marami itong points of articulation (42) dahil sa mga daliring naigagalaw at moldeng bago rin ang sculpt.

Bukod sa nakatikom na bibig, meron itong variant figure na nakanganga at nagpapakita ng matatalim na pangil.

Kombinasyon ng mga kulay ng kalabasa, kape, tsokolate, at uling ang tema ng fig habang kulay puti naman ang mga mata nito tulad ng kay FA Wolvy. Makatotohanan ang pagkakaukit ng malagong buhok, balbas, at mga balahibo nito sa ulo, balikat, dibdib, braso, at binti. Di tulad ng kanyang kapares, walang problema ang paint job ng laruang ito.

Trivia: Tuwing kanyang kaarawan at kahit saan mang lupalop siya magtago, si Wolverine ay laging natutunton ni Sabretooth upang sagupain. Sa lahat ng kanilang naging laban, palaging talunan ang nakababatang Wolvy ngunit ni minsan ay di siya tinuluyan ni Sabretooth--bagamat kaya naman niya itong gawin. Ito ay dahil na rin sa orihinal na ideyang ang dalawa ay tunay na mag-ama.

FA Wolverine FO2 (Toy)

2011-01-29T01:14:00.000-08:00

Noong 1974 unang nasilayan ang bangis ni Wolverine nang lumabas siya sa teaser panel ng huling pahina ng The Incredible Hulk #180 at sa mismong front cover ng kasunod na isyu nitong #181.

Mula sa kuwento ni Len Wein, drowing ni Herb Trimpe, at costume na dilaw at asul na disenyo ni John Romita, binigyang-buhay noong 2006 ng Toy Biz ang first appearance ng karakter sa Face-Off Series 2 ng toyline nitong Marvel Legends. Katambal ang mortal na kaaway niyang si Sabretooth, may taas na 5-1/2" ang Wolverine na ito at may 36 na punto ng artikulasyon.

May lumabas ding variant ang figure na ang tanging pinagkaiba ay ang nakabukang bibig na tila sumisigaw.

Orihinal ang sculpt ng fig at walang moldeng ni-recycle mula sa mga nakaraang MLs na ginawa ng TB. May konting sablay nga lang sa pagkakapintura dahil halata ang ipinatong na dilaw sa mga hita't binti nitong hinulma sa asul na plastik.

Sa kabila nito, malinis ang pagkakalagay ng mga balahibo sa magkabilang braso, tigtatatlong balbas sa mala-pusang mukha, at tiger stripes sa katawan. Gayundin, disente ang diskarte sa itim na maskarang nakapaikot sa nakakunot na noo hanggang sa likod ng ulo. Gaya ng iba pang bersiyon ni Wolverine, ang hirap idiretso ng tatlong pangalmot nito sa magkabilang kamay na ayaw umalis sa pagkakilo. Tulad ng ibang FO, may pasunod na base, stand, at cardboard diorama ang laruang ito. \|/

Trivia: Ang orihinal na mungkahi hinggil sa pinagmulan ni Wolverine ay ang mismong hayop na katukayo nito--isang wolverine na nag-mutate sa halip na isang tunay na tao.

Metal: A Headbanger's Journey (DVD)

2011-01-29T01:06:00.000-08:00

Starring: Tony Iommi, Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie (White Zombie), Vince Neil (Motley Crue), Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Lemmy Kilmeister (Motorhead), Sam Dunn, etc.
Director, Writer, Producer: Sam Dunn, etc.
Distributor: Seville Pictures, Warner Home Video
Release date: 2005
Language: English
Running time: 1 hr. 36 mins.

Naitanong niyo siguro: Sino ba 'yang Sam Dunn na 'yan? (na katunog ng salitang "Satan") Isa siyang (kana dito, kana doon) Canadian, 31, may BA at MA sa anthropology at history, at isang tagapakinig ng heavy metal mula noong 12 taong gulang siya. Ang Metal: A Headbanger's Journey ang kanyang debut sa mundo ng pelikula sa tulong ng kaibigang si Scot McFadyen ng Banger Films, Inc. Isa itong dokumentaryo tungkol sa musika't kulturang nakaimpluwensiya sa kanya at sa milyun-milyong tagasunod nito sa buong mundo (kasama na ko). Unang ipinalabas sa Toronto International Film Festival noong 2005, kumalat ang video sa pormang 2-disc special edition DVD sa US noong 2006 at nakarating na rin sa Quiapo--at siyempre, sa PC ko.

Tulad ng inaasahan, propesyunal at intelektuwal ang pagkakatira ng dokyu na sumaliksik sa ugat ng genre-ng metal. Bagamat may ilang bandang nabanggit, iisa ang pangalang lumutang hinggil sa kung sino ang pinakaunang nag-metal: Black Sabbath. Lumitaw rin ang pangalan ng bokalista nilang si Ronnie James Dio bilang siyang nagpasikat ng senyas na devil horns \m/ sa mga konsiyerto.

Natatangi ang mga panayam na ginawa ni Dunn sa mga artistang naging haligi ng metal at sa mga kasalukuyang bandang tumutugtog nito--karamiha'y taga-Amerika, Ingglatera, at Europa. Nakakatawa ang pagsasalaysay ni Dee Snider ng Twisted Sister hinggil sa kanyang pagharap sa mga censorship hearings ng PMRC* sa US Senate noong 1980s na nagbunga ng etiketang "Warning/Parental Advisory: Explicit Content/Lyrics" sa mga plaka, tapes, at CDs ngayon.

Bukod-tangi rin ang ginawang interbyu sa mga bandang black metal sa Norway tulad ng Gorgoroth, Emperor, Hades Almighty, at Mayhem na pawang nasangkot sa mga kontrobersiyal na isyu ng satanismo, suicide, murder, at panununog ng ilang antigong simbahan sa nasabing bansa noong 1990s.

Nakatawag-pansin ang pagbisita ni Dunn sa mala-Woodstock na open-air festival sa Alemanya na ginagawa taun-taon sa bayan ng Wacken sa loob ng 3-4 na araw sa buwan ng Agosto. Dito itinampok ang humigit-kumulang na 40,000 tagahanga ng metal na dumayo pa mula sa iba't ibang bansa para lamang magkasama-sama sa panonood ng mga paborito nilang banda.

At kung meron mang isang patunay sa pagiging akademiko ni Dunn, ito ay ang malupit na pagkakagawa ng kanyang family tree/genealogy ng musikang metal--kumpleto pati sa band logos. Animo'y nasa loob ka ng isang klase sa kolehiyo at nakikinig sa isang propesor na bukod sa mahaba ang buhok ay mukhang adik at nagle-lecture gamit ang isang astig na pantulong-biswal.

Bilang paglalagom, hayaan kong ang mga huling panayam sa dokyu at ang mismong pagtatapos ni Dunn ang magsara ng blog post na ito:

"So here we are, 35 years after Black Sabbath first played the devil's note and metal culture is still thriving, a new generation of fans has emerged and the old guard is going strong. When I set out on this journey to answer one question: 'Why is heavy metal been consistently stereotyped, dismissed, and condemned?' And what's become clear to me is that metal confronts what we'd rather ignore, it celebrates what we often deny, it indulges in what we fear most, and that's why metal will always be a culture of outsiders...

"For young people it's a place to belong where you can experience other possibilities and transcend everyday life in a very glorious way...

"And it's purging.I think metal performs that task, a sort of letting us get rid of a lot of tension--it's a catharsis...

"Is heavy metal a sacrament? For some people it is. If it keeps kids alive, if it gives them hope, if it gives them a place to belong, if it gives them a sense of transcendence, then I believe it's a spiritual force, I believe it's a pipeline to God...

"Ever since I was 12 years old (16 in my case) I had to defend my love for heavy metal against those who say it's a less valid form of music. My answer now is that you either feel it or you don't. If metal doesn't give you that overwhelming surge of power that makes the hair stand up at the back of your neck, you might never get it, and you know what? That's okay, because judging by the 40,000 metalheads (in Wacken) around me, we're doing just fine without you."

*Parents Music Resource Center

Transformers: The Ultimate Guide (Book)

2011-01-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

Author: Simon Furman
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc.
First printing: 2004
Language: English
Page count: 144

Tulad ng iba pang aklat na lumabas sa seryeng Ultimate Guide ng DK, nagsisilbing gabay ang librong ito sa masalimuot na mundo ng Transformers. Kung detalyado at mala-ensiklopedya ang trato ng ibang UGs sa kanilang karakter/paksa, masasabi namang pahapyaw ang banat nito sa TF universe at pawang mga batayang impormasyon lamang ang ibinigay--na karamihan ay base sa makabagong comics continuity ng Dreamwave (kung saan sumikat si Furman) sa halip na sa cartoon continuity ng Sunbow na ipinalabas sa TV noong '80s, na siya ring inilathala ng Marvel.

Dahil sa retcon na ginawa ni Furman, lumalabas tuloy na ang balidong kasaysayan ng TF ay ang sa DW na pumutok lamang noong 2002 at hindi ang sa orihinal na Generation 1 na nagsimula pa noong 1984. Ang pinakalantad na rebisyon sa timeline ni Furman ay hinggil sa pinagmulan ng Dinobots kung saan ibinasura ang episode sa G1 na nagpakita na si Wheeljack ang lumikha sa kanila sa Earth mula sa fossils ng mga dinosauro, at hindi sila talaga galing sa Cybertron ni taal na TF ayon sa DW.

Di pa nasiyahan sa Dinobots, binaluktot din ni Furman ang mismong pinagmulan ng mga TF at pinalabas na nilikha sila ng mala-diyos na planetang si Primus bilang pantapat sa eternong kaaway nitong si Unicron. Taliwas ito sa naganap sa G1 kung saan nilikha sila bilang alipin ng alien race na Quintessons sa kanilang pabrika sa Cybertron 12 milyong taon na ang nakalipas. Bagamat maraming binago si Furman sa TF continuity, masasabi rin namang siya ang nagpatingkad ng kronolohiya nito sa paghahabi niya ng creation myth na may pagka-pseudo-relihiyoso.

Sa kabuuan, mahahati ang aklat sa dalawang bahagi: old school at new school. Kung naging tagasubaybay ka ng TF mula '80s hanggang kalagitnaan ng '90s (tulad ko), tiyak na maeengganyo kang basahin ang mga entrada tungkol sa G1 at G2--Optimus Prime at Autobots, Megatron at Decepticons, Combiners, Special Teams, Marvel US/UK Comics, TV Seasons 1-4, at TF Vs. G.I. Joe. Samantala, kung ang kinamulatan mo namang cartoons ay computer-generated na, malamang mas trip mo ang mga kabanata tungkol sa Maximals, Predacons, Beast Wars, Beast Machines, Robots In Disguise, Mini-Cons, Armada, at Energon.

Bukod sa palabas sa telebisyon at lumabas na mga komiks, binigyang-pansin din ng aklat ang mga laruang TF. Bagamat may kaiklian, maganda ang pagbabalik-tanaw nito sa naging umpisa ng toyline mula sa pre-TF na Microman "Micro Change" at Diaclone "Car-Robots" ng Takara-Japan noong '70s hanggang sa maging pag-aari ito ng Hasbro-US mula 1984 hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Sa kabila ng lantarang pahayag sa likod ng libro na ito ang "first fully authoritative history" at ang "one true history" sa introduksiyon, malayo ito sa pagiging "ultimate guide" ng TF dahil na rin sa kakulangan ng ilang mahahalagang datos (partikular sa G1) at pagbibigay ng maling-diin sa maraming karakter na wala namang kabuluhan (nasaan na si Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime?).

Noong 2007, bilang pampagana sa kauna-unahang TF live-action CG film, lumabas ang pangalawang edisyon ng aklat na may 152 pahina. Bukod sa idinagdag na Classics at Alternators/Binaltech toyline, isinama rin dito ang mga komiks na nailathala ng IDW mula nang mawala sa eksena ang DW.

Anthrax's "Antisocial"

2011-01-14T18:51:00.000-08:00

by Zernain Villain after socializing with drunken relativez, fucked-up family friendz, and in-lawz by day/outlawz by nite during the holidaze

You're a train ride to no importance
You're in love with hell existence
Money is all that you desire
Why don't you pack it in and retire?

It's common nature you can't fool me
I'm just the money that you can't let free
Rainy-day genius clouds your mind
Don't you realize the blind leads the blind

You're anti, you're antisocial (4x)

Oh Mister Time, will you ever unwind?
Or just rebuild a new design
Your claim to fame is law and order
The rich get richer, the poor get poorer

You put a price tag on what you see
This one's for you, that's for me
If that's winning, I'd rather lose
Why don't you listen to my senseless views?

You're anti, you're antisocial (4x)

How do you feel?

Antisocial (12x)

(originally by French band Trust)

Metallica's "Fade To Black"

2010-12-28T01:54:00.000-08:00

by Zernain Villain after a lethal concoction of Friday (the 17th) night's Absolut, Fundador, and Hennessy (courtesy of the big bosses), and Saturday's night out with Ms. Poison Ivy

Life, it seems, will fade away
Drifting further every day
Getting lost within myself
Nothing matters, no one else

I have lost the will to live
Simply nothing more to give
There is nothing more for me
Need the end to set me free

Things not what they used to be
Missing one inside of me
Deathly lost, this can't be real
Cannot stand this hell I feel

Emptiness is filling me
To the point of agony
Growing darkness taking dawn
I was me, but now he's gone

No one but me can save myself
But it's too late
Now I can't think
Think why I should even try

Yesterday seems as though
It never existed
Death greets me warm
Now I will just say goodbye

5th Xmas Toy Fair

2010-12-16T03:15:00.000-08:00

What: "The 5th Christmas Toy Fair"
When: Friday, Dec. 17 at 10:00am - Sunday, Dec. 19 at 10:00pm
Where: Megatrade Hall 1, 5th Level, Bldg. B, SM Megamall
http://www.toyconph.com
http://www.facebook.com/toyconph

Coheed & Cambria's "In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth: 3"

2010-12-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

by Zernain Villain on a sober Sunday afternoon with a hangover

A broad incision sits across the evening
The victim to our father's lost war
The restless children sit and mourn the graves
Of those they've never seen before
Will they be buried here among the dead?
In the silent secret

The pioneers
In dealing with it they march for dawn, of will and worthy
The truth be told the child was born
Man your own jackhammer
Man your battle stations
We'll have you dead pretty soon
And now
Sincerely written from my brother's blood machine
Man your battle stations
We'll have you home pretty soon
And now/tonight

Awake through motion with curiosity to curtain your first move
Over arms-length they'll break protocol
Jealous envy for the youngest one
To be the hero is all I'll ask
Can I be buried here among the dead?
With room to honor me here in the end
You'll be better off too soon
You'll be better off when you get home

For you,
I'd do anything just to make you happy, hear you tell me that you're proud of me
For them,
I'll kill anything, cut the throats of babies for them, break their hearts for they were them
Waiting for you to say: I love you too

The navigator
The pilot
Her favorite
The one they call the vision that bears the gift

Will,
Do the children really understand the things you did to them?
And why oh why
Should they conjure up the will for you my love I would kill him
We're coming home pretty soon
Coming home

In the seventh turning hour
Will the victim's shadow fall?
Should the irony grow hungry?
With the victory and all they sought for
We were one among the fence
One among the fence

We're coming home

Coheed & Cambria's "The Ring in Return"

2010-12-05T01:14:00.000-08:00

by Zernain Villain on a drunken Saturday evening

WOW Flippines Slow-gans!

2010-12-05T01:09:00.000-08:00

Pilipinas: More Asia Than Malaysia!
Boom Boom Mayon! Bye Bye Albay!
Bohol--Go To Hill!
Bakat Sa Mabalacat!
Be Cool, Bicol!
Make Roro To Mindoro!
Haller? Baler?
San Juan, Juan-derful!
Pinas--Ganda Mo Teh!
Cubao. Bow.
Maganda Raw Sa Tuguegarao!
Mag Masbate Araw-Araw!
Sa Pandacan, Big Time Ka!
Thanks For Coming, Camiguin!
PH OK! PH OK!
Tata Tete Titi Toto Tutuban!
Make A Baby In Macabebe!
Virac--You Rock!
Kamuning Get Me!
Bongga Ka Day Sa Norzagaray!
In Na In Sa Philippine!
Hanap Mo Ba Maluwag? Halina Sa Laoag!
Go Gaga In Naga!
Quezon In The Zone!
Vigan: Punta Na KaiVigan!
Kung Ikaw Ay Pagod, Gulong Mo Ay Pudpod...Pagudpod!
Babaeng Balbon--Marami Sa Malabon!
Better Leyte Than Never!
Ang Lupet Ng Calumpit!
Boracay, You Sexy Beach!
We Fly High In Capiz!
Whee! Tawi-Tawi!
Tikman Ang Kalinga Ng Kalinga!
Walang Aayaw Sa Apayao!
A Long, Long Time Agoo...
Maliit Navotas Lumalaki!
Bulacan CAN!
Maraming Gig Sa Taguig!
Be Happy And Gay At Baclaran!
El Nido: It's Everybody's Milk!
It's Not A Summer Vacation, Unless It's A Samar Vacation!
Kamias--May Asim Pa!
Bagong Antique!
Sa Marinduque, Malalaki Ang Pu...so!

Bloc Party's "Like Eating Glass"

2010-11-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

by Zernain Villain on a cloudy Saturday afternoon

It's so cold in this house
Open mouth swallowing us
The children sent home from school
Will not stop crying

And I know that you're busy too
I know that you care
You got your finger on the pulse
You got your eyes everywhere
And it hurts all the time when you don't return my calls
And you haven't got the time to remember how it was

It's so cold in this house (2x)

I can't eat, I can't sleep
I can't sleep, I can't dream
An aversion to light
Got a fear of the ocean

Like drinking poison, like eating glass (3x)
Like drinking poison, like eating

It's so cold in this house (2x)
Take me out tonight (2x)

Like drinking poison, like eating glass (3x)
Like drinking poison, like eating

Come and show me how it was

We've got crosses on our eyes
Been walking into the walls again
We've got crosses on our eyes
Been walking into the furniture
We've got crosses on our eyes
For richer, for poorer, for better, for worse
We've got crosses on our eyes
We've been walking into the furniture

''May baril walang bala--props lang pala!''

2010-11-20T21:54:00.000-08:00

''Di ako makahinga, ang init!''

2010-11-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

''Three against one? No fair!''

2010-11-20T21:51:00.000-08:00

''Fast as fast can be, you'll never catch me!''

2010-11-20T21:50:00.000-08:00

"Bilisan niyo! Hik! May shoot pa tayo."

2010-11-20T21:46:00.000-08:00

Ducktionary

2010-11-01T01:42:00.001-07:00

maliit na duck - PANDUCK
tirahan ng maliit na duck - PANDUCKAN
mataas na duck - BUNDUCK
nagulat na duck - NASINDUCK
photogenic na duck - KODUCK
malaking duck sa Ilocos - DUCKIL
manggagamot na duck - DUCKTOR
duck sa bus - CONDUCKTOR
madaldal na duck - DUCKDUCK
pantakip sa bibig ng madaldal na duck - DUCK TAPE

French fries English

2010-11-01T01:41:00.001-07:00

bald - CAL VOU
city - CE VOU
big mouth - CHEZ MOUSSA
musical band - COM VOU
booger - COUP LA NGOUT
jail - COUP LOU NGAN
unfaithful husband - COUP MA LE WAH
washroom - COUP VAETTA
super boobs - LA QUE ZOUSOU
behind - LE COUD
turn - LE COUP
five - LE MAH
alms - LE MOUSSE
fly - LE FAD
confused - LE TOU
liter - LE TRUE
kitchen sink - LE VA VOU
did not take a bath - LE VAG
you're hot - LE VOUG MOU
no longer a virgin - LES FAG
unclear - MA LA VOU
caught in the act - NA VOU COUP
drugs - SHA VOU
wounds - VA COUP CANGH
goodbye - VA VOU
always up - VA YAGRIAH
feathers - VALAJE VOU
open wide - VOU CAMOU
coconut - VOU COUP
nagger - VOU NGA NGUERRAH
circumcise - VOU RATATTOULE
tadpole - VOU TEITEH
nagsulat nito - VOU VOU

NIHONGONGO (Unglish-Japanis transrations)

2010-10-23T22:33:00.001-07:00

Is this your property? ARIMOTO?
Yes, this is my property. ARIKOTO.
Is this yours? SAYOBATO?
This is mine. SAKINITU.
Can I have it? AKINATO?
You can have it. SAYONATO.
Can we have it? SAMINATO?
You haven't washed your face. MIMUTAMATAMO.
You've grown so thin! KITANABUTOMO.
We saw each other. KITAKAMI.
We had a big get-together. KITAKITAKAMI.
Have a drink before you go. TOMAKAMUNA.
That was my assumption. INAKARAKO.
Let's go quickly! BATSINATAYO!
We will boycott the election. KAMINOBOTO.
Underarm odor. KIRIKIRIPAWA.
Are you a victim of discrimination? MINAMATAKABA?
I give up. SUKONAKO.
Ouch! HARAIKU!
What a sad life it is. HAINAKU.
I'm going to leave you. SAWANAKOSAYO.
Just take it! SAYONARANG!
You are very thin! PUROKABUTO.
You look like your mom/dad. KAMUKAMUPAPAMU. KAMUKAMUMAMAMU.
She looks like you. KAMUKAMU.
Are you nervous? KAKABAKABA?
Are you a loyal customer? SUKIKABA?
Later. SAKANA.
I surrender. SUKUNAKO.
Just surrender. SUKUNAKASI.
Remember? ARAARAMO?

ABUSE in a sentence

2010-10-23T22:29:00.001-07:00

UNGLISH

1. Use BE COOL and I'LL BUY in a sentence.
We went to Mayon volcano in I'LL BUY, BE COOL.

2. Use SCHOOLING in a sentence.
(phone rings) Hello? Who SCHOOLING please?

3. Use HOSTESS in a sentence.
(phone rings again) Hello? HOSTESS?

4. Use STATUE in a sentence.
(phone rings for a third time) Hello? Honey? STATUE?

5. Use CALCULATOR in a sentence.
(phone rings for a fourth time) Ok, I can't talk to you right now. I'll CALCULATOR.

6. Use AFFECT in a sentence.
She's wearing AFFECT diamond ring.

7. Use ADIEU in a sentence.
If you're ADIEU, Hitler will kill you.

8. Use DECANTER in a sentence.
You can pay for that over DECANTER.

9. Use DELETION in a sentence.
The balat of DELETION is crispy.

10. Use DESPISE in a sentence.
Who baked all DESPISE?

11. Use DIFFERENT and DIFFERENTIAL in a sentence.
I'm looking for DIFFERENT of this boy to get DIFFERENTIAL consent so he can join the field trip.

12. Use TENACIOUS in a sentence.
I went to Toby's yesterday to buy a pair of TENACIOUS.

13. Use DEPOSIT and ASSOCIATE in a sentence.
The restroom's flooded, DEPOSIT is leaking, and I ASSOCIATE in the toilet.

14. Use DEPRESS and PERSUADING in a sentence.
We got married by DEPRESS last year and today is our PERSUADING anniversary.

15. Use DEVASTATION in a sentence.
He waits for the bus at DEVASTATION every morning.

16. Use PAMPERS and PAPERS in a sentence.
(at the gas station) I asked the attendant, “Do you PAMPERS or do I PAPERS?”

17. Use DIFFERENCE and DIFFERENCES in a sentence.
(in a royal family) A baby boy is called DIFFERENCE while a baby girl is called DIFFERENCES.

18. Use DEDUCT, DEFENSE, DETAIL, and DEFEAT in a sentence.
DEDUCT jumped over DEFENSE but DETAIL landed before DEFEAT.

19. Use PROTESTANT in a sentence.
Apples, ponkans, and grapes can be bought at the PROTESTANT.

20. Use IRAQ, IRAN, and EGYPT in a sentence.
IRAQ is bigger than a stone; IRAN is faster than a walk; and EGYPT is smaller than a truck.

21. Use CUISINE in a sentence.
Did you review for the CUISINE Math?

22. Use PENIS in a sentence.
No, PENIS your homework first!

23. Use UNO, DOS, TRES in a sentence.
UNO! DOS TRES are burning!

24. Use FASCINATE in a sentence.
My girlfriend has a new blouse with 10 buttons, but her boobs are so big she can only FASCINATE.

25. Use DEFICIT in a sentence.
Before you jump in the pool, first check how DEFICIT.

26. Use CHICKEN, NUT, BREAD in a sentence.
My wife can't swim, when she jumped in the water CHICKEN NUT BREAD.

Accounting terms (Mga katawagan sa pagtutuos)

2010-10-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Ingles - Flipino
1. Asset - Ari
2. Fixed asset - Aring nakatirik
3. Liquid asset - Aring tumutulo
4. Written-off asset - Aring pinutol
5. Cut-off time - Oras ng pagputol
6. Depreciation - Pagkalaspag ng ari
7. Fully depreciated asset - Aring laspag na laspag
8. Earning asset - Aring ganado pa
9. Non-earning asset - Aring baldado na
10. Owned asset - Sariling ari
11. Other asset - Ari ng iba
12. Miscellaneous asset - Mga aring pinagsama-sama
13. Erroneous entry - Mali ang pagkapasok
14. Double entry - Dalawa ang pinasukan
15. Multiple entry - Labas pasok
16. Correcting entry - Itinama ang pagpasok
17. Reversing entry - Baligtad ang pasok
18. Tangible asset - Aring nasasalat
19. Dispensed - Nilabasan
20. Undispensed - Hindi nilabasan
21. Frozen asset - Pinatigas na ari

Payak na tanong, palpak na sagot (part 1)

2010-10-03T02:57:00.000-07:00

Tanong: Ano sa Tagalog ang teeth?
Sagot: Utong.

T: Kung ang light ay ilaw, ano naman ang lightning?
S: Umiilaw.

T: Kung vegetarian ang tawag sa kumakain ng gulay, ano ang tawag sa kumakain ng tao?
S: Humanitarian.

T: Sina Michael at Raphael ay mga?
S: Ninja.

T: Ano ang karaniwang kasunod ng kidlat?
S: Sunog.

T: Magbigay ng sikat na Willie.
S: Willie the Pooh.

T: Ang mga Hindu ay galing sa anong bansa?
S: Hindonesia.

T: Anong hayop si King Kong?
S: Pagong.

T: Magbigay ng mabahong pagkain.
S: Tae.

T: Saang bansa matatagpuan ang mga Canadians?
S: Canadia.

T: Kumpletuhin, Little Red?
S: Ribbon.

T: Ano ang tinatanggal sa itlog bago ito kainin?
S: Buhok.

T: Magbigay ng pagkain na dumidikit sa ngipin.
S: Tinga.

T: Anong oras kadalasang pinapatay ang TV?
S: Pag balita.

T: Ano ang tawag sa anak ng taong grasa?
S: Baby oil.

T: Saan karaniwang ginagawa ang mga sweets na ginagamit sa halo-halo?
S: Sweetzerland.

T: Sinong higanteng "G" ang tinalo ni David?
S: Godzilla.

T: Ano ang mas malaki, itlog ng ibon o sanggol ng tao?
S: Itlog ng tao.

T: Anong "S" ang tawag sa duktor na nag-o-opera?
S: Sadista.

T: "Blank is the best policy."
S: Ice tea.

T: Anong parte ng itlog ang masarap?
S: Yung tangkay.

T: Saan binaril si Jose Rizal?
S: Sa likod.

T: Fill in the blanks, "Beauty is in the eye of the?"
S: Tiger.

T: Ano ang kinakain ng monkey-eating eagle?
S: Saging.

T: Kung ang suka ay vinegar, ano naman ang Ingles sa toyo?
S: Baliw.

T: Anong tawag mo sa anak ng kapatid ng nanay mo?
S: Kamag-anak.

T: Saan nakukuha ang sakit na AIDS?
S: Sa motel.

T: Kung ang H2O ay water, ano naman ang CO2?
S: Cold water.

T: Sinong cartoon character ang sumisigaw ng "yabba dabba doo?"
S: Si Scooby Dooby Doo.

T: Ilan ang bituin sa American flag?
S: Madami.

T: Ano ang tawag sa taong isa lang ang mata?
S: Abnormal.

Hindi lahat...

2010-09-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hindi lahat ng kinakalabit, gitara.
Hindi lahat ng pini-finger, piano.
Hindi lahat ng binobomba, poso.
Hindi lahat ng binabayo, bigas.
Hindi lahat ng inaararo, bukid.
Hindi lahat ng kinakabayo, aso.
Hindi lahat ng pinapasukan, eskuwelahan.
Hindi lahat ng nilalabasan, exit.
Hindi lahat ng sinusubo, kanin.
Hindi lahat ng pinapapak, ulam.
Hindi lahat ng hiyas, perlas.
Hindi lahat ng matigas, bato.
Hindi lahat ng batuta, pamalo.
Hindi lahat ng hiwa, sugat.
At hindi lahat ng dumudugo, may sugat.
Hindi lahat ng butas, sa bibig.
Hindi lahat ng buhok, sa ilong.
Pero lahat ng may ulo, may buhok.
Hindi lahat ng nag-a-attention, sundalo.
Hindi lahat ng may ugat, puno.
Hindi lahat ng pinipisil, pisngi.
At hindi lahat ng pisngi, sa mukha.
Hindi lahat ng bibig, may ngipin.
Pero lahat ng may bigote, bibig.
Hindi lahat ng tumatayo, may paa.
Pero lahat ng may ulo, tumatayo.
Hindi lahat ng bola, tumatalbog.
Pero lahat ng itlog, binabate.
Hindi lahat ng binibiyak, niyog.
Pero lahat ng mani, binibiyak.

Rebelation

2010-09-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

rebelation - (noun) when you realize for the first time, either in a moment of clarity or with the help of alcohol, that you are a fucking rebel.

"I just had a rebelation while drinking gin-bulag and listening to Yano, and I don't know why it never dawned on me before."

Hindi ito kasingkahulugan ng "rebelasyon" sa Flipino.

Temporary restraining hoarder

2010-09-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

temporary restraining hoarder - (noun) also called TRH, a person who takes an item off the shelf in a grocery or department store, then later decides he/she doesn't want it and places it on some random shelf elsewhere in the store or, in case of a hard-to-find (HTF) toy, hides it behind the pegs or other boxes to get back to it later.

"I know a toy shop owner in Greenhills who's a fucking TRH, buying HTF stuff in the malls and reselling it at twice the price in his freaking shop."

Sa Flipino, ano kaya ito?

What's in a name?

2010-09-12T01:02:00.000-07:00

T: Ano first name ni Keno?
S: Krisa Keno.

T: Ano apelyido ni Sisa?
S: Sisa Mistrit.

T: Ano surname ni Beast?
S: Beast Kwit.

T: Ano first name ni Janno?
S: Eduman Janno.

T: Ano last name ni Cedie?
S: Cedie Player.

T: Ano apelyido ni Denzel?
S: Denzel Weta.

T: Ano first name ni Nemo?
S: Sarahgero Nemo.

T: Ano surname ni Punisher?
S: Punisher Ranno.

T: Ano last name ni Curly?
S: Curly Gazpi.

T: Ano first name ni Squall?
S: Piolopa Squall.

T: Ano apelyido ni Anchor?
S: Anchor Tis.

T: Ano surname ni Jewel?
S: Jewel Torre.

T: Ano first name ni Basilio?
S: Lacto Basilio.

T: Ano last name ni Kula?
S: Kula Desma.

T: Ano apelyido ni Joseph?
S: Joseph Protgam.

T: Ano first name ni Pikachu?
S: Cherrypie Pikachu.

T: Ano surname ni Aiko?
S: Aiko Zada.

T: Ano first name ni Volta?
S: Johntra Volta.

T: Ano last name ni Christopher?
S: Christopher Minute.

T: Ano first name ni Kenny G?
S: Johnep Kenny G.

T: Ano apelyido ni Palito?
S: Palito Lippi.

T: Ano first name ni Diether?
S: Tirso Cruz Diether.