AMERICA RELIVES THE MOMENT

HETA- no wait.
(Do not mind that strand of wig hair on my forehead)

Ok so Maronne told me about cosplaying Hetalia, and before I knew it, I had collected all my Hetalia shiz from all over my room and relived being the HERO! But we had to cancel it and I guess I'm going as Tsubaki for Go Kaisho! on May 8 once again. Oh well! There'll be a day in this year I will go as USA again, be sure of it!

I love this wig honestly. The color and length are perfect. It's just that the stupid ahoge, (Nantucket?) keeps

A closer look~

Well It's too bad I don't get to go as HERO, but that means no rushing! And I happen to be missing my belt too... All in good time I guess? At least i'm slightly a tinge thinner so I won't be as terrible as I used to! YEAH.

Crossdressing FUN

I guess it is pretty creepy to cross dress ALONE in your house. Buuuut since I had to style the Chiaki wig for a friend who will do Nodame with me, couldn't help but have a little fun myself!

I will pull this off one day.

Wig styling is a bitch. Just make sure you have lots of mousse and the straightening iron kills wigs :)

UPDATE! Boots~

Went to the local UKAY near my place! (Greenhills) bought these babies for P266! The first thing that got to me was its perfect color, and guess what? Exactly my size! God smiles on me today.
They've got some scratches and a bit of deformation but all in all it was a very good buy! If I didn't find these, I'd have them made pa in Quiapo :O All there's left is adding the metal detail on the front and I'm 85% done with my costume!

A nice tip is never spent more than P500 on anything you think you might be able to find in an UKAY UKAY store. (Jackets, coats, boots, vests and pants especially)

Tsubaki preview!

Hey guys! Here's a short update on my Ozine '10 Sunday Cosplay, Tsubaki from Soul Eater!
I'll be joining the ever-so-awesome team orz and I am more than thrilled to give this one a debut! Only, I went to Boracay last week and I'm tanned. (LIKE SUPER) and I also colored my hair brown, so I won't be in tip-top-tsubaki shape this con. (I will definitely get to being near awesome next cons) So here's what I have so far.

1) Costume- Spent less than 1k, and the fit, cloth, comfort is almost near perfect. All's left to do is adjust the slit, the chest (too open, as told by my mom.. which is probably true. LOL) and the star. It's supposed to be on the nipple area LOL. Other than that, it's flawless and super comfortable.
2) Stockings- Less than P40 at SM department stores, and since I only need one, I've got an extra!
3) Arm thingies 1- One, because there are the longer arm covers, which I don't have yet. (Super easy yon though) Would you believe I found these today, by chance, while window shopping with my friend? And I was choosing between white and a light yellow color too. GOOD FUCKING THING I chose light yellow. Srsly! This part is, believe it or not, much harder to find than the boots.
4) Black Scarf- This one's funny. Used my last cosplay (Yui from K-On)'s arm cover and stuffed it with socks. It's the perfect length, it's not hot and it's almost the perfect shape! (Resourcefulness or laziness? Ohohoho!)
5) Belts- P15 each lol. I'm that cheap. All I have to do is paint them and add some detail!


What I still need:
> Boots- Mom volunteered to buy me some from Quiapo just so I can finally be at easy hehehe! Love you mom!
> Gray arm warmer things- Those are easy, divisoria anyone? Most probably P80-120
> Hair tie- Deciding if I should use bandages or paint a felt roll pa or something.


Well there you have it! In the proper light, my tan isn't that evident, also my hair color, so I'm still deciding if I have to wear a wig or not, because my bangs get fucked up and bunch like tsubaki's, plus, i'd really rather not wear a wig. I'm fine if the extensions aren't the same color. It's just sort of an effect right? We'll see the over all look on Friday maybe. Watch out for it! And to my Black Star, can

Cosplay Plans '10

I feel like exposing what I want to do before it all disappears in my head when I start reviewing at Expert Guides (*^*) These are all cosplays I will SURELY and DEFINITELY do. REALLY.
1) Wanda from Fairly Odd Parents!
- My unnamed group and I have worked on who exactly will be who, and we've got perfect castings. Can't wait for this one! I've got the wig, shirt, bottoms and the wand and crown is easy as pie. Only problem is the contacts, are we willing to go that far? Not yet sure. But cosplaying something everyone knows and someone no one has tried here in the country will be just epic.

2) Henrietta from Gunslinger Girl
- Firstly, I LOVE THIS ANIME. Second, I LOVE THIS GIRL. Third, I've got the wig! Fourth, IT'S EASY. Fifth, I have a tiny violin case from my childhood, Sixth, I get to point a *fake* gun at photographers, 7th, I don't have to smile, 8th....

3) Yumi from Maria-sama Ga Miteru
- I'm from an exclusive all-girls Catholic Highschool. Wouldn't it be fun cosplaying something you actually are? Especially since the costume looks so comfortable! It'd be like a 2nd uniform!! Plus, my group has already cast everyone out. I love how we match the character's looks and personality!


4) Stan from South Park
- I will do this. I need to. It's a promise~!
-FINALLY I GET TO CURSE IN PUBLIC AND HAVE NOTHING TO BE SORRY FOR. Yet another non-anime cosplay. I love those!

5) Nodame from Nodame Cantabile
-On the search for my one, true CHIAKI-SENPAI in some convention somewhere...!
-I've got the bag, the wig and the attitude! MUKYA!

Quite a line up. Just wish there'll be cons for all these ideas :(

3rd PCC

Here's a report! We attended the 3rd PCC last Saturday and it was a BLAST.

Before focusing on the positives, let's go on to

Cosplay Wardrobe Malfunctions:

>Faulty Bead Strap- it snapped after a few minutes!
(I had it adjusted so the strap wasn't as sturdy as the first repair)
good thing the dress was snug! I did gain a lot of weight :(
>Beads in shoes broke off the pin- Super glue isn't 100% reliable.
Good thing it broke when we weren't within the con's premises.
>Wig slides up- This is a usual thing,
but I suppose hairpins on the scalp would've helped.
>Stick on jewel accessories peel off- It's fine for the first cosplay
trial I guess, but come second a good cosplayer
knows how to apply details that last.
So since I have the time, I will stitch it on!

>Mio's heels- They killed her feet. REMEMBER, you won't be able to enjoy any convention with uncomfortable footwear! If you'll be going around a con, don't sacrifice detail for comfort!

On to the conreport!
So starting off, the convention was large and populated. I've seen MUCH worse and denser conditions so given the space, people and free access, it was pretty spacious. (Which is a VERYgood thing! One thing I hate about most conventions is the space limits, so the mall choice is fine despite it being a bit inaccessible) One thing I also like is that it is in the center of the mall so a lot of spectators all around. (Not sure if that's good or bad!)
After much anticipation, excitement and wallet-murdering stress, me and Yanka finally put together a decent K-On cosplay! It isn't my favorite anime, but it's a nice shift from being America of Hetalia. I finally get to act Moe and not feel ashamed :"> Also, it's the perfect cosplay for her because she plays base and Mio plays bass! Not to mention how conveniently similar they are physically :) From much experience my theory on first cosplays might be right.. It's got to be someone you'll definitely have fun being for a day, someone at least the general otaku can identify and must fit your budget. And ta-daaa!! Mio!!
Moving on to more experienced friends... Paola, Jannica and my sister, Bea had all enjoyed their Soul Eater debut. Our kid, for one, has never chosen a character to cosplay. It had always been forced, rushed, crammed and the like! She was definitely and obviously enthusiastic about this one. A lot can happen once a cosplayer has been motivated, and being the character you love for a day? Even better! Nothing could wipe that smile off her face :) My sister and Jannica weren't as ecstatic, (especially about the tummies being exposed) but they enjoyed nonetheless. A few things to note is that this is a rushed cosplay, it is a debut, and we are broke. :D Hey, at least they aren't fat nor are they ugly XD

Stuff we still need: Patty hat, Patty shorts, Liz shoes, Liz wig, Liz and Patty Belt, Kid rings.

So the con was a looot of fun! Met some friends (Maronne, Janelle, Billie, Ina..; Hungary, Sealand...) and met some arab, korean and chinese tourists! Don't worry folks, we don't do this everyday. Bought some Rilakumma, and Yanka bought Germany and Japan! Just wait, you'll get your Italy and Doitsu tumbler next week~

Last Minute Tips:
>Fashion tape is a life saver
>Safety pins save lives too
>Always tell your friend to check loose parts on your costume constantly
>Bring a big bag
>SHOP EARLY mauubusan ka ng plushies na cute :|
>Bring at least P1000 if you know what's good for you!
>Friends with SLR's are good friends!
>Know when a creep gets too close for comfort during picture taking
>Say thank you/welcome to those who ask for you pics too!
>Don't be a snob! :)

On to Ozine Fest! There's still MUCH to do for Tsubaki~!!

Official Cosplay BLOG!

I have decided to make this neglected blog website my official cosplay blog!

Filled with tips, pictures and... other stuff :D

So tomorrow, I'll be attending PCC (Philippine Cosplay Convention) I think this is their 3rd Year? Well, I spoke with Maronne, (U.K. and my sempai) and she'll be going as Ranka Lee so I'm pretty excited to see her. I'll be cosplaying YUI from K-On! Don't Say Lazy outfit. Here's a preview:

My Tailor had done an amazing job with my dress. I love how poofy it is! She did miss the beading detail though (In the chest area) but that's easy enough to do myself. She also made the glove thing (Which is on the wrong arm) so that's a plus!I added the bead detail on my white pumps myself. I got super glue hands now! When I handle super glue, I always end up making a mess but luckily the outcome was nice! I stuck 2 beads on a pin thingy and clipped the pin on the pumps so I can use the pumps for other occasions :) The shoes were from divisoria, P380 only! What a bargain! Plus they're SUPER comfortable!
The vertical stripped stockings are such a pain in the ass so I'll leave the super details for another time, can't find any here so I'm considering black electric tape...

Tip: Never ever paint stockings. If you want to splatter
paint them that's fine, but painting them via brush
is a waste of time, effort and money!I bought the fascinator (my head thingy) in Divisoria as well for P120, I added the bead detail myself as well, it was quite fun! I'm also suuuper happy I got the perfect wig from Sathura, SM. It's a bit steep in the budget but the quality, color and texture is absolutely gorgeous. Plus, I'll be able to re-use this wig because the character range is so versatile :)

So I'll be cosplaying with Yanka, she'll be my Mio! This will be her first cosplay so I'm super excited for her, my other friends enjoyed their debuts so I'm confident she'll get accustomed to the hobby :) My other groupmates are planning to do Death the Kid, Liz and Patty from Soul Eater, and I'm doing my best to assist them as well! See ya in PCC, tomorrow!

Otaku Taiki- Hetalia!!

I had the best time ever!! I went there expecting to find and meet friends I knew, but surprisingly Hetalia has caught the attention of more than a dozen fans and cosplayers! I went as USA~! Heck, hindi nga kami pumasok sa event eh.

Here are just a few of the many photos me and emo-China took:



Now let's all trample UK!
USA: *Watches happily*


I lacked a belt and my wig was on wrong. I promise I will improve my fail.



Azns love their pandas!


Spain teaches Europeans how to have fun, the Spanish way!
France is enjoying it too much though. Poor Sealand!




"Daddy! I wuv you! eh?"



I don't know who's enjoying it more... France or Taiwan!
"You should've been colonized by me!!"


Restricted Area reserved for Europeans.



"HAHAHHA Such a GREAT day for a burger!"



Set aside the past, shall we? :>



"I put firecrackers in your pants and I don't give a damn"



Oh my beloved Taiwan! Such a beauty~!



It was srsly the best fun I've ever had.

See you all again in Cosplay Mania 09!

I MEAN IT THIS TIME.

-United States of Alfred


P.S. I made icons!!



Personally, no. 2 is my favorite.

I'd like to thank Laiza, Paola and Pristine for coming with me and Gia to enjoy the fun! Sa Sept. and Nov nanaman ok? Sasama na si Russia this time.

Hachi: A dog's story

If you guys don't know the story of Hachiko, the incredibly loyal Akita dog from Japan, then allow me to tell the tale:

In 1924, Hachikō was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner's life Hachikō saw him off from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered a stroke at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting.

Hachikō was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. Eventually, Hachikō apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikō waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he did not see his friend among the commuters at the station.

The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

This continued for 10 years, with Hachikō appearing only in the evening time, precisely when the train was due at the station.

-----

They're actually making this story into a movie.

Yeah, that's right. If you think that isn't surprising enough,

It's made in the USA, by AMERICANS.

Yeah, If you're not stunned enough, it stars RICHARD GERE.

How's that for Hachiko?

...In theaters December 18 2009. (Even I doubted the accuracy of Wikipedia and the facts they have, but it's really true. Wow, Richard Gere!)

Games I'm waiting for

I feel like being a geek today and sharing to the world what video games i'm just drooling to get my hands on.

Harvest Moon: Sunshine Islands DS

>Not only is it the improved version of it's predecessor, Island of Happiness, but it features a whole new Bachelor whom of which I am DYING to get my claws on! Ok, Call me weird but being a hardcore fan of the series, it's the first time RICH and GENTLEMAN and CUTE and LIGHT-BLUE EYES came in as a combination for an available bachelor. Oh, and did I mention he owns a yacht? (Oh, and the farming is fun too)

Harvest Moon: Animal Parade

> This game is an improved version of the game that came out last year called "Tree of Tranquility". I've gotten far in the last game, to the point that I had a baby already with Chase. (And one more rainbow to complete at that) But this game is just so much BETTER than the last one, I don't give a damn if I have to start from scratch one more time! One of the many features is that you can have more than one child, take photographs of anything in the game and send them online, there's a circus that comes every summer and you can even marry the HARVEST GOD!

Harvest Moon: Sugartown

>I don't usually hype up for PSP games, but this one I am also excited for. Remember "Save the Homeland" on PS2? Well this is sort of a remake with more bachelorettes, a cuter style, better gameplay and a new plot. I'm slightly turned off by the fact that you can't be a girl; but I'm sure playing this game will bring back lots of good memories.

Tekken 6

>What geek ISN'T excited for the release of this game? HELLA better graphics, continuation of the awesome storyline, lots of unlockables and hours of addictive gameplay ain't enough to make you wanna get your hands on it? Not to mention the ever dreamy LEO. (Which I believe, from now and forever, to be MALE) I believe aside from Lili, (my all time favorite) I'll be playing Leo a lot. (And probably dressing him up with frills and tuxes)

Well there you have it! I proabably have more but these are the ones I'm just DYING to get my hands on.

Toodles!

never realized new cartoons are OK

Chowder is SOOOO FUNNY.

I haven't laughed this much by watching a cartoon ever since I was around 6-8 years old and just began watching Spongebob for the first time. It gave me nice, tingling sensations. I can't wait to watch more Chowder episodes.

(One funny note is that Chowder is actually a guy)

This one scene involved Chowder painting himself with silver paint to stand around in the street to earn some cash as a statue entertainer street thing, and then everyone ignored him because he was doing such a good job of it. He then got pissed and yelled to this lady, "I NEED YOUR MONEY!!" and she screamed of fear and smacked him with her purse, making bills and coins fall out. And he was like, "YEY!!" LOL.

I swear, the childish and innocent voice is also a big plus to the comedic effect. The sketchy outlines remind me of Cow & Chicken and the Flinstones.

Anyway, if you feel like you wanna be cheered up somehow, or just feel like watching good 'ole cartoons that have no drama shit, repetitive plots and stupid catch phrases (Totally spies, Suit Life, Ben 10 and Fairly odd Parents) then watch CHOWDER.

(I am also interested in The Might Bee and Flapjack. Those cartoons have a similar feel to it with their outrageous facial expressions that PWN anime in a sort of retarded way.)

I miss Michael Jackson

I had never been a hardcore fan, but as a kid I remember his songs being played in the car with my parents singing along to the lyrics of "Thriller" and "Rock with you". I also remember watching countless parodies of his music videos.

It just breaks my heart how you can never appreciate something that's within reach until you realize they're gone for good.

My mom and I were talking about his last curtain call concert that he'll be doing a month ago and I eagerly told her this was a concert of a lifetime that we both shouldn't miss. She was pleased about this news and promised me we'd both go when he comes to perform here in our country.

It immediately dawned upon me that that was not ever going to happen, and as I contemplate on how much of an impact he made not only in music, but in the lives of people, I certainly wish him to rest in peace in heaven and in the millions of hearts of people.

He deserves a special place in my childhood and in my heart. To me, he made an even bigger impact than the Beatles or Elvis... Despite the controversies. His music will reign forever!

Toycon '09 ♥

TOYCON '09!

One of the most fun I'd ever had in a convention! (＾□＾*)
(And believe me, I've been to A LOT of them!)


Me and Gia got a chance to wear our sweet lolita outfits, (kodona style in her case) and I believe it was quite successful. It was a debut so no one got to see it until that day! I was very happy, thanks to all who took our pictures and complimented our outfits! ヽ(･∀･ )ﾉ

I got to wear my "Baby the Stars Shine Bright" shoes for the event, and I felt reeeeally tall.


I've met SO MANY of my dear friends there. There was Miya, an old friend from last summer. Ruth baby, she transfered schools this year. （￣へ￣）I got a glimpse of my CHEMISTRY teacher. Holy !(@)*#. Don't ask. My old sensei Berd, though I was too shy to say hi...

Paola and Jannica were there but Jannica had to leave early. The ever trustworthy Paola (the ex-L who lost her Light) got to take a ton of pictures for me and even lent money for the !@)(#* I bought, accompanied me and my young master. (￣▽￣)ノ (I owe you, zooobra. ILY gurl)

Met with Billie sempai (Who looked veeeery bishie, imo) and who can forget dear ate Maronne/America?


Not to mention, (ﾟДﾟ≡ﾟДﾟ) My Rawr! guildmates attended as well, so we were most pleasantly surprised.
The ka-barkada of Billie sempai were there and they looked absolutley pwnsome, I couldn't help but take a few shots!
Here are a few shots of some cool shiz.


I'm definitely going next year, it was a lot of fuuuun! Oh yeah.. I also met the LJ pinoy community for all things Hetalia ♥ (I ignored the fact that it was very crowded and smelly, not to mention H1N1) ヘ(^_^ヘ)(ノ^_^)ノ