Plurk Fiestas in Gensan

These topics should have been posted earlier but due to some technical difficulties in the uploading process of the pictures of the said events, I decided to combined all the Plurk Fiestas and summarize it into one post. This could be quite long but I hope you will understand. Let's start the ball rolling.

March 16, 2009 - Envy Me Salon Experience

This event was already planned ahead of time. We were still at Gen Brew and Ms. Donna Mae Congson , owner of Envy Me Salon, opened up the idea of holding a plurk fiesta at her salon offering us Plurkers / Bloggers the opportunity to avail a 50% discount for a total make - over on any of their offered services.

Sir Leonard is in fooling mode

Tanchi and I decided to meet-up earlier. We then proceed to the City Hall where Mr. Bariles and Sir Leonard are having fun. *winks* We settled out some tasks and waited for other plurkers to arrive in the name of Sir Gilbert and Jes. Around 6 PM, we arrived at the venue and we were warmly greeted by Ms. Donna. She even provided us some Nachos to munch on while we are bonding with other plurkers. What's great about this place is that they offer free Wi-Fi Internet access. You will never be bored again, reading those magazines while you are having your make-over.

Sir Gilbz, Lito and Ate Chic poses for the camera

Donna opened up something to me about tutoring them, she and her best friend Rox, on IT stuffs which I gladly accepted. We were discussing and planning how to approach the said tutoring process while waiting for Mr. Bariles to finish his facial. Ms. Donna also showed us her Body Scrub Section where you could enjoy a great scrubbing from there nice and friendly staffs.

Kinilaw on the house


Fresh Garden Salad Bowl is served


Baby Back Ribs c/o Ms. Donna and Emman


"Panga" c/o Ate Chic

When everyone's done with their make-overs we went upstairs, to the top most floor of the building, where we had our sumptuous dinner. The place is flooded with food and I even get to taste the meat from a wild pig. Well, it still tasted like your normal pork but it was quite more tasty. We also had "panga" on our table, courtesy of Sirena/jamesben/Chic.

Donna, also opened up about re-decorating the place, which was previously known as Rooftop, to be opened again by April, the target month. The place was great and a little modification would be enough to start the party pumping again on that building's top floor.

Sox Blogger and Plurkers after a hearty meal

All in all, the experience was great. I get to check out cheaper make-over prices at Envy Me Salon and you will gain the best look you want to have. Plus, we get to be part of the planning of the future hang out place in Gensan. Thanks Ms. Donna for holding a great and memorable Plurk Fiesta.


March 28, 2009 - First timer in Orange Bistro

Orange Bistro's Facade

It was around Thursday, March 26, 2009, when Mr. Bariles opened up that we are to have another plurk fiesta at Orange Bistro on March 28, 2009 around 3 PM. I immediately replied to Mr. Bariles' text message confirming that I'd be joining the said event. I was so eager to join this event because it would be my first time to experience and appreciate Orange Bistro's food and ambience.

The Logo and Entrance to Orange Bistro

So, I came early to the venue and I even waited for my buddies, Jes, Tanchi along with my new found friends, Gheltac and Ikang. Eventhough I have a debut to attend to that day, I tried to squeeze my schedule just to attend that Plurk Fiesta.

Tanchi and I enjoying the free Wi-Fi Internet access

Because of the idea that I am attending a debut, I was already dressed up in my semi-formal attire, wearing my heavy and thick jacket matched with an orange/white polo, black denim pants and pointed leather shoes. On my right hand is a Discrete Mathematics book which was borrowed by Gheltac and an orange bag that slings by my left shoulder. For the first time in the history of Plurk Fiestas and Blogger Escapades, I didn't wear my infamous white cap but instead I had a well-groomed, semi-brushed up hair. Everybody was teasing me that, during that time, I really looked like a teacher. Well, I just took everything as a compliment and enjoyed the FREE Wi-Fi access of the establishment.. I'm not that formal type of guy, I say. :D

Food Parade
(edited by: Tanchi)

So, as we had settled down ourselves in a comfy seat, foods came rushing down to our tables. We had some Nachos first, followed by a very tasty and delicious spaghetti. I would say it is the best Spaghetti I've tasted so far in my entire life. I really am not exaggerating or joking here. You need to try it out for yourself. I can feel it's soft and well-cooked pasta drenched in luscious red and sweet tomato sauce. I even saw duranta on the top of the spaghetti. Well, it's actually a herb that I'm not familiar of but I just call it duranta. :D After that delicious spaghetti, we had been bombarded with more food at our table. There's the Angel's Hair which I thought the pasta is made out from "Miswa" noodles but instead it's just a thin kind of pasta. It is topped with pepperoni(I think ?) which made the dish quite spicy but still delicious. Then followed their Burgers cut in half accessorized with "sagbot" (referring to tomatoes, cabbage, onions and alike... Im not a fan of those green stuffs) which could satisfy you already if you try to munch the whole burger by yourself. Oh, I cant forget their Fried Dumplings which had also been a liking to my taste buds that Ate Sheng and I had to take on the other plate of fried dumplings. Blended Iced Tea was served to us but too bad I'm on my Iced Tea Ban for Life so I had to give it to Ate Sheng. I just quenched my thirst with yummy cold water. :D

Master Bloggers/Plurkers of Davao and Gensan Unites
(left: Mr. Blogie right: Mr. Bariles)
*sorry for the unglamorous pic ^_^*

Mr. Blogie was our guest blogger/ plurker during that event. He admitted that he was amazed with how active we Gensan Plurkers are and how lucky for guests to join us in one of our Plurk Fiestas.

My SB Family
(left-right, top-bottom: Daxi Weida, Ate Sheng, Mr. Blogie, Ms. Gensan,
Cindy, Sir Gilbz, Ate Jinky, DJ Tammy, Gheltac, Rosilie, Ikang, Jes,
Rammyboi, Mr. Bariles, the three crews of Orange Bistro)

To sum up this Orange Bistro Experience, It was a great first time for me and also made me realize to appreciate the people around me, my Soccksargen Bloggers (SB) Family. Thank You guys! :D


photos courtesy of :
Mr. Bariles for the Orange Bistro Plurk Fiesta
Ms. Donna for the Envy Me Salon Plurk Fiesta

Rock Band Track Pack 2 Overview

We, Tanchi,Jes, Samara, RG, were surprised today to be ambushed by the game station clerks with a new Rock Band title, Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2. They insisted in letting us try out one of the newest game titles they had. They even gave us a free time to try out the game after an hour of Rock Band jamming. We were so lucky to try out these songs even though I am not familiar with the song list.


By the way, Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2 is an expansion list of Rock Band featuring 20 master recordings of previously released downloadable contents both for Microsoft, Playstation and Nintendo consoles. Even if it is an expansion pack, it is still a stand alone game disc that does not require the original Rock Band game disc in order to be played. But the songs present in this Track Pack can be downloaded to the console's hard drive and can be imported to the Rock Band original game with the help from the provided import code included in the game manual.

So these are the 2o songs included in Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2.

"Afterlife"	Avenged Sevenfold	2000s	Metal
"Call Me"	Blondie	1980s	Pop/Rock
"El Scorcho"	Weezer	1990s	Alternative
"Girl U Want"	Devo	2000s	New Wave
"Girls Who Play Guitars"	Maxïmo Park	2000s	Pop/Rock
"Indestructible"	Disturbed	2000s	Nu-Metal
"It Hurts"	Angels & Airwaves	2000s	Alternative
"Just What I Needed"	The Cars	1970s	Rock
"Message in a Bottle"	The Police	1970s	Rock
"Monkey Gone to Heaven"	Pixies	1980s	Alternative
"Rio"	Duran Duran	1980s	Pop/Rock
"Saints of Los Angeles"	Mötley Crüe	2000s	Rock
"Simple Man"	Lynyrd Skynyrd	1970s	Southern Rock
"Snow ((Hey Oh))"	Red Hot Chili Peppers	2000s	Rock
"The Perfect Drug"	Nine Inch Nails	1990s	Rock
"This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race"	Fall Out Boy	2000s	Pop/Rock
"Time Is Running Out"	Papa Roach	2000s	Alternative
"Why Do You Love Me?"	Garbage	2000s	Pop/Rock
"You've Got Another Thing Comin'"	Judas Priest	1980s	Metal
"Zero"	Smashing Pumpkins	1990s	Alternative

*song list got from wikipiedia

Fall Out Boy - This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arm Race

If you happen to own or rent a PS2, PS3 XBOX 360 or Wii, why not try this game out and maybe you'll enjoy rocking out with more songs.

Total Laugh Out Loud

It's been 3 weeks or so since Mr. Bariles posted an entry about the upcoming domination of two of the greatest stand-up comedian in the country, Pooh and K Brosas. He told us that he is having another blogging contest about this coming event so I decided to join again after an unbelievable victory of winning two of David Pomeranz' concert VIP tickets last month. I was having second thought to join or not because maybe I may not win this time around. But I told myself that it's not about winning but it's rather, all about sharing to everybody that great people are coming to town to give joys and laughter to all Generals. So here I am, sitting in front of my computer working out on this entry and hoping that Lady Luck will be on my side for the 2nd time around. click this link to check out the information about Mr. Bariles blogging contest.

So what is this event all about? On April 19, 2009 8:30 PM at the Lagao Gym, Pooh and K Brosas will spread laughter all around. They'll be coming over here in Gensan to witness not only the beauty of Gensan but also the beautiful and handsome faces of Generals. They will make the Generals laugh out loud until everyone drops off their seats. The event is entitled "Laugh Til U Drop" and for sure, everyone's gonna drop when they witness the powerful prowess of Pooh and K in making people laugh and enjoy that moment. Tickets are available at:

Platinum
Php 600 (reserve seats, court area)

Gold
P400 (Free seating, court area)

Silver
P250 (free seating, lower bleacher, black seats)

Bronze
P150 (free seating, upper bleacher)

So that everyone will be interested in watching this show, I would like to share some information tidbits about the two comedian.

Pooh's first guesting in Wowowee

Pooh's real name is Reynold Garcia who started out as an in-house performer in one of Malate's popular comedy sing-along bar, Library. He got his nickname Pooh, from Disney character's Winnie-the-Pooh. Then he became famous for his impersonation of the "Pambansang Kamao", Manny Pacquiao. He was then known as Manny "Pooh"kyaw. Only a few of us knew that even he's a great and wacky performer on stage, he is actually the shy type of person off stage. Pooh was also the 2006 and 2007 awardee for Aliw Award Best Male Stand Up Comedian.

K Brosas interprets Regine Velasquez's Tuwing Umuulan

On the other hand, K Brosas, also known as Kakai Brosas is known for singing jazz blues music. She is the lead singer of K and the Boxers, previously known as Gladys and the Boxers with K, and also the former lead singer of the Crucibles Band. She is known for her ability to belt high pitch songs while doing her vocal acrobatics compared to some of the International Divas, Whitney Houston and Barbara Streisand. Also, her very own interpretation of mellow songs is a hit in Youtube.

So if I were you, I'd rather spend this hot summer with fun and laughter by watching this show and it's a guarantee that your night will be problem-free. Atleast, it's a break from all those stressful activities we are encountering everyday. Because I believe that everybody deserves a good laugh.

Guitar Hero World Tour stomps Rock Band 2

I checked out Yahoo! Playback today and found out this somewhat... disturbing news for RockBand Lovers.

Last year, Neversoft, Red Octane and Activision's rock jamming game Guitar Hero: World Tour (GH:WT) out sold Harmonix, MTV Games and Electronic Arts' (EA) Rock Band 2 (RB2). According to National Purchase Diary a.k.a. NPD, GH: WT reached the top with 3.4 million game copies sold while RB2 earned a 1.7 million copies sold. That makes it a 2:1 margin even the GH:WT came out 2 months after the release of RB2. Quite a despressing news for RB fanatics out there (thanks to me! lolz).

Guitar Hero : World Tour Intro



Rock Band 2 Intro

But not to worry, because EA is going to swing back to the top by releasing a game based from the Beatles songs later this year. Of course, do you think Activision would allow such comeback plan of the EA? That's a big NO! Activision is also ready to rock and rollin with their GH spin-off featuring Metallica's songs. This is a one of a hell rocking competition between two enjoyable games. Can't wait for the 2 game releases.

Guitar Hero : World Tour Gameplay : Eye of the Tiger



Rock Band 2 Gameplay : Eye of the Tiger

Maybe this time, I'll find time to try out GH:WT so that I could officially make a review for both and compare them on my own point of view.

Plurkitos and Plurkitas of Gensan

We've been having a frequent meet-ups with the Plurkers of Gensan. As we hold more meet-ups, our number every meeting also increases. Is it because of the complimentary privileges or just plain socialization? hehehe.

Last week, we invaded Blugré. Sounds like an internationally franchised coffee shop, but it's not. It is a 100% Certified Filipino rather Mindanaoan established cafe.

Gensan Plurkers with Gatchi, owner of Blugré

We, the Gensan Plurkers enjoyed our comfy and relaxing stay at Blugré Gensan. In fact, the conversation reached around 12 midnight.

Yesterday, we had our 3rd Plurk Fiesta at Gensan Brew a.k.a. Gen Brew along Pioneer Avenue. Tanchi, Jes and I came in late because of our academic endeavors. But still, it's better late than never. This time, there are quite alot of people compared to the previous meet-up.

Gensan Brew Logo

I get to meet some fresh new faces and one of them is Donna, a fellow Atenean alumni. We immediately jell with the same interest including the development of an Inventory System for her specially owned business Envy Me Salon.

A Stolen Shot!
(Donna, Rain, Tammy and I were enjoying our conversation
while Tanchi and Jes were doing their mushy stuffs. hehehe)

The meet-up lasted til 9:30 PM until everybody decided to go home. It was a great experience knowing alot of people and making friends with them.

A picture worth cherishing. Long Live Gensan Plurkers!

Hope to see you next Plurk fiesta at Envy Me Salon. Courtesy of Donna. Ja ne, Mata ne minna-san! (Later! See you guys!)



all photos courtesy of Leonard Pe.

Gruesome yet Eeychi Love

Tanchi and Jes with my RB Mania. Plus, I was too obsessed in watching 2 anime series. School Days and Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei (So Long, Mr. Despair or Goodbye Teacher Despair). For now, I'll just make a review for School Days because I am not yet done with the latter anime. Here it goes.

Overview

School Days is a 12-episode anime originally released for PC as a Japanese adult visual novel on April 28, 2005. It was developed by Overflow and published by Stack. Because of the rising popularity on this PC game, it had spin-offs like Summer Days and Cross Days. Other than that, it had several transitions to other media like the anime itself, two OVAs, a two-volume manga by Homare Sakazuki, six novels and even a radio drama series. The anime was aired last July 3, 2007 until September 27, 2007.

It foretells the story of a guy in his 1st year in high school who had fell for a girl that he sees everyday at the train. When his closest girl friend saw that he was head over heels for this girl, she sets him up with the girl to make them closer. But beyond the guy's knowing, his closest girl friend was secretly in love with him. Then the story became complicated when the protagonist of the story became a polyamourous person. In short, he never cared whether he loves the girl as long as he fulfills his sexual desires. The story did not only revolve around the girl that he liked and with his closest girl friend. He also tried to made contact with other female classmates and schoolmates within their campus.

As what my friend told me, this anime revolves on one motto "Practice Makes Perfect!". That's why the guy acted that way setting aside the feelings of the girls he had relationship with. It is a twisted kind of love affair teaching those polygamous guys a hard - hitting lesson. A lesson they'll never forget if they'll try to watch this anime.

Characters

Makoto Itou, the protagonist of the story. He is in his 1st year in high school.at Sakakino Academy. He fell for the girl in the train. He is also the object of desire of all the female characters in the story. He suffered a gruesome consequence for his polyamourous characteristic. Voiced by Daisuke Hirakawa.

Kotonoha Katsura, is the love interest of the protagonist. She is one of the Student Council and the object of bullying of Otome Katou because of her gentleness and calmness. She became the 1st girlfriend of Makoto not until the things got complicated. Voided by Tae Okajima.

Sekai Saionji, is the closest friend of Makoto. She sits beside Makoto inside the classroom and sets him up with Kotonoha making them both closer to each other. Beyond Makoto's knowing, Sakai is secretly in love with him. She provided Makoto's desires which Kotonoha can't provide. Voiced by Shiho Kawaragi.

-=REVIEW=-

-----------
Animation
-----------
Rating: 8/10

I have no problem with the animation. There are just some scenes where the quality is not good. It's quite grain-y. Also there are parts where other characters, like crowds, are not fully drawn. Same with Shichi Henge: Yamato Nadeshiko The Wallflower. But still it has a good animation though.

-----------
Story/Plot
-----------
Rating: 9/10

The anime plot was quite new to me. I thought it was like Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni where it's all killing spree. But rather this anime started with a good yet erotic love story. lolz! hahahah. but ended up in a tragedy. For me, it's unique but I'm not into eeychi "seductive or pervert (no showing of private parts)" anime. I got to watch this because a good friend of mine told me it's a love story. Indeed, it's a love story with a twist. hahaha.

--------------
Performance
--------------
Rating: 10/10

The voice acting was great and it perfectly matched the personality of the characters. Even the transition of personalities for each character, it was perfectly delivered. Example, when Kotonoha became crazy for a moment, when Sekai becomes infuriated and Makoto changed from a shy boy to a rash and perv guy.

------------
Soundtrack
------------
Rating: 6/10

The background music for this anime is quite dull at the first 3 episodes. I don't quite get the feeling of what love is. But later on, it progressed and the ending part was great where the transition of a love story turned horrid and scary. Plus, the opening song and ending song of the anime was not that catchy. Maybe they'll have to work hard on the musicality of this anime next time. Maybe on Cross Days.




------------------
FINAL VERDICT
------------------
Overall Rating : 8.3

The anime got a great twist in every story. But if you are not into sexy anime then you should prepare yourself to be surprised in every scenes because you may be scandalized. I tell you. But the lesson of the story makes the watcher realize how important love is and it should never be taken for granted just bevause of worldy and bodily desires. If you are on for a different kind of love story, do not hesitate to watch School Days.

Valentine's Day of Otaku-sensei

February 14, 2009 is one of the most celebrated day in the world. A day meant for love to be spread around the globe. Couples kissing here and there. 1st class restaurants are fully booked because of dates. Red is the color of the day. The day now known as Valentines. But who said Valentines are only for couples or lovers???

The color of Valentines

I don't!!! For the past 22 years, my Valentines is not that exciting because of the fact that I never had any chance to spend it with a special someone. :D I even tried out Black Valentines where I dressed up as an EMO close to gothic person. That was so last year. What I had this year would be my most memorable Valentines Day in my life. You asked why??? This is why...

1.) Last day of our U Week at school. I get to see my students perform for the last time in a presentation called comical skit. I watched it with my new found berks gakusei Tanchi, Fherdz, and Jowee. We laughed out loud while watching Raj and Jonas do their moves on the comical skit which made them bring home the 1st place for that presentation.

2.) Dinner at Grab A Crab for Free. Still, together with my new found berks gakusei Tanchi, Fherdz, Jowee and their dates Regine for Fherdz and Kim, Ms. Hiyas ng NDDU 09, for Jowee. (These guys gonna kill me if they'll read this post. hehehe.) Tanchi and I decided to have ourselves be single for that night. We had our dinner around 6 PM. We played some ice breaker games to push away boredom and hunger. Everyone enjoyed it as I have seen each and everyone's smile in their faces. It was past 7 when we got our orders served for us and it was even missing some of our other orders. We were quite disappointed with the service of the restaurant that night but it never destroyed our mood for Valentines. The guys get to know the girls more . The girls whom they just passed by the corridors of the school before. Also, I even saw Jowee stole some pictures of Kim while she's taking her dinner. hehehe.

Last glance on my Grab A Crab Certificate

It was around 8 when we finished our meal and decided to leave the place because Mr. Bariles is already dropping us a call informing us that the concert is about to begin. So, we bid goodbye to our new friends Regine and Kim, for they have to attend some events in the school that night, while we rushed our way to the Lagao Gym for the concert!

3 stooges goofing around before the concert started

David Pomeranz sings Got to Believe in Magic

3.) David Pomeranz' Valentine Concert in Gensan. We reached the place seeing a lot of people rushing inside the dome. We looked for our way in. We nearly got lost but we managed to locate the entrance for those who bear the VIP tickets. You heard it right! We have VIP tickets just as what I had shared on my previous post. It was the one that I won from Mr. Bariles Contest in his blog. A blue foil bracelet was attached to out left wrist saying that we are part of the VIP section. We entered the dome and to our surprise, we saw alot of people sitting by the center court. We looked for Mr. Bariles and when he saw us, he immediately asked the assistance of the Ms. Gensan 2008 to usher us to the right seats. We were located 4th row from the stage on the left side of the gym. It was an amazing view and we appreciated our location so much. While waiting for the concert to start, we were just goofing around with our other bloggermates.

Rammyboi with David Pomeranz

The concert started with a little program hosted by 2 great hosts which made my jaw drop when I heard their perfect American Accent. They were giving away prizes and asking some simple questions. 2 1000 pesos gift certificate from Nanay Bebengs and some handful Holcim Polo shirts were the prizes given away on that night. Our friend Tanchi, who was mistakenly called TanchiN, won himself a Holcim Polo shirt thanks to my 10 peso coin for the bring me game.

the stage

David and Jack(the guitar)

After that little presentation, the concert immediately started. Seeing David Pomeranz perform infront amazed both my soul and body. He was a great performer., I tell you Throughout the concert, he never bore the audience. Yes! there are some jokes which most people won't understand but still he managed to maintain the energy level of the audience. Plus, he was so friendly that he communicates with the audience from time to time. All in all he performed around 13 songs and some of those songs he performed are Born For You, Got to Believe in Magic, King and Queen of Hearts and many more.

from left to right: Sheng, Rammyboi, Tanchi and Jinky

After the concert, we had a chance to have our posters signed by him plus an instant photo taken with David P., himself. Also, we had some picture taking sessions with our co-bloggers, Mr. Bariles, Sheng, Kyawster and Jinky. After all the fuss of the concert, as we were leaving the gym, we get to see a familiar face. A lovely face which stopped us,Tanchi and I (lolz),and our world when we saw her. A fine, young, lovely lady that goes by the name Marc. ;-) It was the time when Mr. Bariles and the producers gave away the prizes we had won from the blogging contest at Coffee Club 101. Marc passed by our way and we asked her if we can have some photos taken with her which would serve as a little memorabilia to cherish :D She didn't hesitate to have the picture taken with us and she even told us to move closer. :D After that short and nice chit-chat, we decided to part ways and hope we'll meet each other again.. someday. :D

Rammyboi with Marc (^___^)
my eyes are gone again! lolz.

Tanchi and I then decided to culminate the night at Jollibee Highway. We just kept on sharing our hangover experience from the concert until I brought him by his door steps.

To sum it all up! my Valentines was a one-of-a-kind experience even I've been single for the last 22 years. This moment will always have a special place in my heart. ^_^

Belated Happy Valentines Everyone!

photos courtesy of Kyawster and Tanchi