Perhaps my most favorite part in Toradora is the Christmas Eve Festival. It’s an episode of emotion overload. You could really see that Christmas is special to Taiga, as she tries to behave and turn herself from being a badass violent brat to someone who would do selfless love.

Actually, every characters tried to be good to one another, not intending and not knowing that they would all ended up hurting their ownselves..

The scene where Ryuugi visits Taiga as Santa Bear is truly, purely, deeply magical.. You could feel that it’s her happiest christmas ever! But then as she forced him to meet Minorin, and as she made the realization how she truly feels for him.. it turned out to be the most hurtful.. not enough words can explain the feeling.. aww (dabs some tissues).

And that’s the reason why I posted this, this holiday — to show the true meaning of christmas. Show the love and do something really nice to everyone whom you really cared.. love above anything else.. love before yourselves.

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From the movie Princess Mononoke:

Beware!  We might get an attack from the Ape Tribe.
Stop Illegal logging.
Stop polluting.
Let’s take care of our forest!
Let’s save the Earth!

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“I don’t know how to stop it. But peace will certainly come.

As long as there are those who believing that there is hope” … Jiraiya

Naruto cosplaying Jiraiya

*click to enlarge the pictures.


I just watched Jiraiya Gaiden. Jiraiya will be taking the limelight for some episodes this coming week. For now, they inserted Jiraiya Gaiden for giving him an exclusive good introduction that would make us understand the revelation of what he has to become on the next episodes.

We might all know him under the names pervy sage or ero-sennin. He always drops his jaw whenever he sees sexy and pretty women. Given the fact, that when he was a kid, his motivation to become a strong ninja was just to impress Tsunade and all the ladies in town!

So who would have thought that the soon-to-be-king-of-all-perverts would be the ‘chosen one’. He was given the prophecy “that he would someday have a student with the power to save or destroy the world”. That’s the reason for his wanderings (not in research for writing his Make Out Paradise series). He have been searching for the fated student to save the world.

Then he met these three kids — Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato. They were war orphans and Jiraiya took them assuming that he had met his destiny.  

One of my favorite scenes is when Jiraiya had a chat with a confused and guilt-stricken Nagato. His philosphy may be too deep for a child to understand, which he then simply said that he just have to ‘grow up’.

“But knowing what it feels like to be hurt is exactly why we try to be kind to others.
That what makes us human”.
…Chapter 373 The Student Teacher Era, page 09

But destiny seems to be cruel. Jiraiya got a news that the kids he had trained didn’t make it to see the end of the war. As much as he grieve for the loss, he hardens his faith with pure determination just like the hero named ‘Naruto’ on the novel he wrote “The Tale of the Gutsy Ninja”, which was very influential to Naruto’s father – Minato.

Minato daydreaming as Naruto, the gutsy ninja

Gutsy Ninja: Give up, on me giving up!

Jiraiya failed for few times, but he never loses hopes. Watch out for more of him as he takes the heroic path in fulfilling his destiny for world peace

• January 18, 2010 -- For You (0)
• November 2, 2009 -- arigatou gozaimasu, jiraiya sensei (0)
• November 2, 2009 -- I Said I love you (0)
• October 16, 2009 -- Hachibi and Kyuubi (0)

I’ve been very busy watching anime’s and reading manga’s for couple of weeks. Last last week, I watched Appleseed Ex Machina and Afro Samurai. If you love Animatrix, I recommend you to watch Appleseed Ex Machina; and if you’re the Kill Bill type, you should watch Afro Samurai.

Appleseed Ex Machina is an anime film that was directed and produced by John Woo (take note, John Woo!). It’s a love story of Deunan and Briareros. Both are members of E.S.W.A.T, fighting for peace and order on a city that survived World War III. It’s a futuristic city that used vast aritificial intelligence, and since half the human population of the city survived, they lived along with bioroids (genetically engineered humans) — Briareros is one of them. John Woo once again proves himself as a master of action movies. The fighting scenes totally rocks and the characters were still very much like from the manga. But of course, with very fine details of colors and shadow effects — somewhat like a mix of anime art and Pixar

Afro Samurai is also an animated film based from manga, and casts were voiced by hollywood stars (Samuel L. Jackson as Afro, Ron Perlman, and Kelly Hu). The story only revolves on the “Number One” band. It was said that the one who possessed the band will rule out the world. Afro’s father wore the Number One band but was challenged by a gunman called “Justice”. Afro was then a child when he saw his father lost and brutally killed by Justice right before his eyes. Hence, vengeance was the only reason why he wanted to get the “Number One” band.

Last week, I’ve watched the live action film of Death Note, The Last Name. I never seen its anime or read its manga series, so I got so interested on its story while I was watching the film. It’s a story about the reaper’s notebook. Whoever owns it will have the power to command a reaper to kill whoever the owner wrote on the notebook. It’s a kind of film where you have to think while watching, else you won’t know what’s going on.. It’s kind of complicated but there’s a very nice unexpected twist at the end of the film.

I am also hooked with School Rumble series. I first saw it on Channel 2 and found the main character, Harima Kenji, very funny. He wears long hair, has goatee and mustache, and always wears a sunglass that make him look like a delinquent student. He’s very tough though, but always a shy guy when he’s around with his crush, Tenma. He saved her few years ago from thugs, but then Tenma mistakenly accused him as a pervert. That’s why Harima always wears sunglass for him not to be recognized by Tenma. It’s now their 2nd year in high school, and Tenma no longer remembers the incident. Harima went back to school just to get closer to Tenma. He always have difficulties expressing his love to her. So his grand plan is to deliver his message through manga.

You’ll also get to meet several characters that will make their love story more complicated. I’ve been wanting to know who will end up with, so it’s somehow kind of addicitive. Too bad, it’s only shown every weekends. But I got my daily dose of it by reading its manga (from www.onemanga.com — a haven for manga addicts!).. So you think I go home with tired eyes because of work? Hihihi

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A real life unicorn was found at an Italian park! It’s the very first unicorn ever recorded in the history (that is if we will consider it as a unicorn). Well, it doesn’t look like the usual unicorn legend that we know of..

The deer, from the Centre of Natural Sciences in Prato, near Florence, has a genetic flaw that has resulted in one horn growing in the centre of its head.. TIMESONLINE

I started to have interests on unicorn when I watched The Last Unicorn. It is an animated film done in ’80s that is based from the novel of Peter S. Beagle. The story line is beautiful, the script is beautiful, the unicorn is beautiful, and the soundtrack is so beautiful (played by America, very well known by their country songs, but the songs they played here is a bit medieval which is perfect for the movie).

It’s a story about the last unicorn’s journey to find her kind. She was told that a red bull commanded by King Haggard drove all the unicorns away and kept them prisoners. Along the way, she met and befriended Schmindrick the Magician and Molly Grue to find King Haggard’s castle. However, before arriving at the castle, they were attacked by the red bull. In hopes to save the unicorn, Schemendrick used his magic which turned the unicorn to human form.

They kept her in human form and named her Lady Amalthea so that she won’t be attacked to go to King Haggard. They reached the castle and met King Haggard and his son, Prince Lir. Schmendrick offered them their service as a magician and a cook. And he introduced Lady Amalthea as his cousin. During their stay, Molly and Schmendrick try to investigate to find the other unicorns. But Prince Lir, on the other hand, is trying to woo Lady Amalthea — He has difficulties writing a love letter, thus he showed his love in a very traditional way — by offering her a dragon’s head (absurd, yet totally romantic!).

SCHMENDRICK: Yes. Driving unicorns into the sea. It was no dream. Haggard has them all now, drifting in and out on the tide for his delight, all but one. That one is the Lady Amalthea.
LIR: Unicorn, mermaid, sorceress, no name you would give her would surprise or frighten me. I love whom I love.
SCHMENDRICK: Well, that’s a very nice sentiment. But when I change her back into her true self-
LIR: I love whom I love.

Lady Amalthea starts to develop feelings and emotions of a human and gets very confused on how she feels toward Prince Lir. Fortunately, Schmendrick and Molly found a talking skull and tricked it to give them the passage to the way to the unicorns. At that point, Lady Amalthea proclaimed her love to Prince Lir but being the hero, he sacrificed their love and so that they can rescue the unicorns. (This is so heart breaking!)

LADY AMALTHEA: (to Lir) Everything dies. I want to die when you die. I’m no unicorn, no magical creature! I’m human, and I love you. Don’t let him! Lir, I will not love you when I am a unicorn.
LIR: Amalthea, don’t.
SCHMENDRICK: Then let the quest end here. I don’t think I could change her back even if you wished it. Marry the prince and live happily ever after.
LADY AMALTHEA: Yes. That is my wish.
LIR: No. Lady, I am a hero, and heroes know that things must happen when it is time for them to happen. A quest may not simply be abandoned. Unicorns may go unrescued for a long time, but not forever. The happy ending cannot come in the middle of the story.

Prince Lir fights the red bull but the one who defeated it was Lady Amalthea when she was transformed back to unicorn. All the unicorns sprang from the sea and the castle (with King Haggard inside) started to crumble. And for their parting lines..

UNICORN: I am a little afraid to go home. I have been mortal, and some part of me is mortal yet. I am no longer like the others; for no unicorn was ever born who could regret. But now I do. I regret.
SCHMENDRICK: I am sorry, I have done you evil and I cannot undo it.
UNICORN: No. Unicorns are in the world again. No sorrow will live in me as long as that joy – save one, and I thank you for that part too. Farewell,good magician. I will try to go home.

A must see animated movie, or a must read.. If you have the time, here’s the complete script that I have found from www.cubbi.org transcribed by Daniel Omer.

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I just watched ‘Wanted’ and I fell in love with Angelina Jolie all over again.. I love everything she does.. the way she held guns, the way she lay on top of the train, the way she drives a wrecked car.. she’s such a goddess!

The movie shows off a never before seen action scenes. The first part is my favorite when an assassin jumps off from a building to another and killed all the snipers with his customized pistol.. with slo-mo effects and with the curving bullets killing everyone in clean headshots, this scene is way beyond the Matrix style!

For the spoiler, click here.

I like the main actor, James McAvoy, who portrays his role very well from being a pathetic loser, then from being Fox’s punching bag, and then turns to a dashing elite assassin.. I guess he truly deserves a kiss from a Fox after those harsh bloody trainings (not just a dip in a tub of wax).

After watching the film, you may find yourself googling on “Wesley Gibson”. But I found it way more interesting googling on James McAvoy.. These are the pics that I have googled:

Totally Nottie (As Mr.Tumnus in The Lion, the witch, and the wardrobe):

Totally Elegant but so mediocre (As Thomas Lefroy in Becoming Jane):

Drop dead gorgeous.. he totally rocks! (As Wesley “The Man” Gibson in Wanted)

Brought to you by Dneero:

Will you pull the trigger?

• June 5, 2008 -- i just watched.. the eye (0)

I just watched Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and was very impressed with the special effects (as I was with the previous film – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe).  What I liked about the first film was the battle between the Witch and the Narnians.  I was amazed on how they created the Lion, minotaurs, centaurs, gryphons do the battle on broad daylight.  And so I anticipated another battle on Prince Caspian, but I wasn’t expecting for the TREES TO COME ALIVE and do the battle! 

Battle on The Lion, The With, and the Wardrobe (left); and Battle on Prince Caspian (right)

I was also surprised on the reappearance of the Witch.  I’m glad that they have included that scene but the film could have reach its grandiose if they have let her come out of the ice 

I was also entertained on how the flower petals enchantedly form as a nymph; and on how the river god helped the Narnians.  Well, I wish that whoever made these scenes should be the one to create the live-action film of God of War.. Oh I can’t wait for this game to be on film.  Look how they seem to have the same ambience.. 

 In-game scene in God of War (left); Scene on Prince Caspian

and check how can a minotaur be on live-action..

 Minotaur in God of War (left); Minotaur in Prince Caspian (right)

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I just watched Forbidden Kingdom because of my interest in the Chinese epic Journey to the West.  This epic tells the story of a journey of four monks (Tripitaka or Xuánzàng, the monkey king or S?n Wùk?ng, the pig or Zh? B?jiè, and Sh? Wùjìng).  They journey to the west to find sutras to bring peace back to the east. 

I’ve seen before a tagalized TV series The Adventures of Super Monkey on QTV that is based on this epic.  The story and the cast were very similar to the epic but less serious and wholesomely funny. 

I’ve also watched Gensomaden Saiyuki which is an anime that is also based on Journey to the West.  However, the creators made the characters a bit modern and cool.  They play cards, smoke cigars, ride a jeep, and use guns as a weapon.

Tripitaka or Xuánzàng – Genjo Sanzo (the priest)

S?n Wùk?ng – Son Goku (the monkey king)

Zh? B?jiè – Cho Hakkai (the demon slayer)

Sh? Wùjìng – Sha Gojyo (the half demon)

 As I tried to collect information on Saiyuki, I found out that the famous Dragon Ball is also based on the epic Journey to the West.  It does figures.. with the monkey tail and the staff of Goku, and the quest for collecting the seven dragon balls, it all relates to the epic. 

     Goku – Son Goku

     Bulma – Sanzo

     Oolong – Cho Hakkai

     Yamcha – Sha Gojyo

However, I’m a little disappointed on Forbidden Kingdom because the story is a bit cliche — it’s a story where a low-profile protagonist turns out to be the “chosen one”.  If not for the amazing kung fu moves of Jakie Chan and Jet Li, and with the interesting hair of the white-haired demoness that she uses as a whip, I would be bored on this movie.

But in fairness to Jet Li, he really protrayed monkey king very well; and as to Jackie Chan, I didn’t recognized him as the old hop until the credits rolled – nice acting! 

On the other hand, sorry to say but I found Jason Tripitikas trying so hard to be Shia LaBeouf in Transformers.  And as for Golden Sparrow, instead of being a drama queen, she should have smiled all through out the film because she indeed have a very beautiful smile. 

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I just watched jessica alba’s ‘The Eye’ (a remake of a chinese horror film – gin gwai) and thought that they remade it sophisticatedly. I have anticipated some of the scenes because I’ve watched the chinese film, but fortunately they have added extra scenes which may make you jump off of your seat.

Jessica Alba played blind and violin so well, and I’ve noticed that Jessica Alba looks like a younger version of Angelina Jolie..

Jessica Alba (left) and Angelina Jolie (right)

• July 1, 2008 -- I just watched.. Wanted (2)

I just watched Samurai X and this would now be my favorite anime ever.. that I sure would! I loved the anime so much that it almost turns me to Japanese! (I found myself singing its ending theme song in Japanese! and found myself researching on wikipedia about Tokugawa shogunate, Shinsengumi, Kyoto, Imperialism!)

I watched all the 95 episodes in the series and the OVA’s, but what I liked best is the movie Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal because..

- of its bittersweet love story
- because of the beautiful script
- because of the boring and yet sexy voice of Tomoe
- because of the wise and poetic philosophy of Hiko Seijuro
- and because of the amazing stunts of Kenshin in battosai mode (oh how I loved those battosai eyes!)

The story starts with a boy named Shinta who was taken by slave traders. While travelling, the group was attacked by bandits and all were killed except for Shinta who was saved by Hiko Seijuro. Seijuro saw the regret on Shinta for not being able to save the people he has with. So he chose him to become his apprentice and taught him the sword art Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu (which teaches the principle of a sword that protects). He also change Shinta’s name to Kenshin (which means heart of sword).

As Kenshin grows older and as the meiji revolution began, he left Seijuru thinking that that time would be the best time to help the oppressed people. Though he hasn’t finished the training with Seijuru, his remarkable swordsmanship was noticed. He was then hired as an assassin by Katsura who heads a revolution to overthrow the shogunate. Kenshin kills as ordered without knowing any information or background of his target. He just knew that they were right to be killed.

During one of his assignment, he killed a bodyguard named Kyosato Akira, who’s apparently the fiancee of Tomoe. This encounter leaves kenshin with the first half of his cross-shaped scar on his cheek.

One night, Tomoe coincidentally witnessed how Kenshin brutally killed a ninja. But Tomoe was still depressed on Akira’s loss at that time and was a bit drunk, and she fainted. Kenshin took her to the inn where he’s staying, and was hired to work as a helper at the inn. Katsura noticed how determine Kenshin was on being a battosai. Thus, he asked Tomoe to take care of Kenshin to balance his emotions so he can stay humane as possible.

A member of Katsura’s group betrayed them which led the shogunate to sabotage the group. At this crisis, Katsuro asked Kenshin and Tomoe to leave Kyoto. He asked them to live on a far off village and pretend as husband and wife to cover Kenshin’s identity as an assassin.

During these times, Kenshin develop feelings to Tomoe and thought of living a normal life. Tomoe is also starting to have feelings on Kenshin, but we found out (based on her diaries) that Tomoe’s initial motive is to vindicate her fiancee. Tomoe’s brother, Enishi, comes to visit her and told her that the shogunate spies have plan on killing Kenshin, which would then makes her revenge complete.

Tomoe went to the shogunate men and tried to stop their plan by killing their leader on her own. But she failed, and the leader confessed that he only used her to make Kenshin at his weakest state because of his emotions towards her.

On the other hand, Kenshin was visited by a comrade and told him that the bodyguard he had killed before was Tomoe’s fiancee and that Tomoe is a spy and is currently meeting the shogunate men to kill him (but not known to Kenshin, his comrade is the one who truly betrayed Kenshin and Katsura’s group).

On his way to follow Tomoe, Kenshin faced very skilled ninjas one after another and managed to killed them even he was out of focus because of his thoughts on Tomoe. He had accepted the fact that although he still loves Tomoe, he deserves her betrayal because of what he has done with her fiancee.

When he reached the leader, he was already badly injured and was nearly blinded because of the bruises on his eye. Both the leader and Kenshin were on their last blow, but Kenshin didn’t see Tomoe stepped in between them. The leader was only using Tomoe’s dagger, but Kenshin’s sword went through Tomoe and reached the leader killing them both.

Before Tomoe’s death, as Kenshin cradled her on his lap, she gave Kenshin the second part of his cross-shaped scar on his cheek. Kenshin vowed to avenge her by following again Katsura so that they can stop the shogunate in order for them to live in a world where an ordinary man would not have to carry a sword (as he had said to Tomoe before). And so after the revolution, Kenshin wanders and vowed never to use his sword to take another life.

Kenshin: We once fought for an ideal with our swords. It wasn’t for power or glory, but to create a peaceful world where people could live without fear. And if you should forget that, then what did we fight the revolution for? — Rurouni Kenshin, episode 3.

• June 28, 2008 -- blue skies (2)