COPIC MARKERS

Maybe I will do a more detailed review on copic markers in my next post but for now, I am so very much elated at my finished product. Fruits of hardcore resistance on "other" temptations (read: books, books and more books to read) enabled me to buy some hardcore-priced markers that are truly worth the money. And they are called Copic Markers.

I wish I have these many. Can someone give me a gift? Pretty please? With sugar and royal icing on top?

As of now, I only have 6 colors: E00, E02, E29, RV13, RV34 and 0 (The Legendary Colorless Blender - I am so lucky to have obtained it.). 

I got this starter set idea from Michelle Houghton (click her name to find out more about Copic Markers immediately!) and her article here. And recently, I've been experimenting with RV13 and RV34 but it seems to me I can't get them to blend with each other due to the huge gap in their numbers. So, today I bought the latest four (the E's and 0) and I tried it on a lineart I printed off a laser ink printer. I am quite afraid of using inkjet due to its ink issues with liquids. Or is it just water since Copic Markers are alcohol based?

Here's my very first try on E00 and E02:

It's not very good, is it? Because I wasn't using the right strokes to create that flawless look. And then I got bored and I decided to use the chisel tip to brighten my day and yet, it still turned out bad. I therefore learned a lesson: Never use Copic Markers when you're bored and generally pissed because you can't color it right.

So, again, I tried, after cooling down for a few minutes, in another printed lineart. This is Chi, by the way. From Chobits. I don't know from what anime did the first one hail from.

I saw that it was good but I was not satisfied. This picture made me feel so stupid in the "proper lighting" field. I wasn't very good with colors, in the first place, and I tend to prefer flat coloring than those with 3D effect to it using multiple colors. The face, I reckoned, wasn't properly colored because of the poor coloring and my general ignorance in terms of where the light source is. I just can't imagine. If you notice, the hair and her ear were colored differently. Before I started using Copics, I tried my coloring skills with cheaper markers. These are Lil' Hands 24ct washable markers. I wanted to have the 50ct Crayola for wider range of colors but I had to make do with the available ones. It costs like one copic marker. Actually, one copic marker is a little bit more expensive than these 24ct washable markers. How's that?

And so, after cooling down again, I watched a few videos on how to color (yes, there's a technique! remember, it's still a marker) with these awesome and pocket-burning markers and with Michelle's tutorial on blending, ta-da! My first Copic Marker art! I only have colored the skin since the E's I have are actually for skin tones. I used The Colorless Blender (capitalized due to pure awesomeness), E00 and E02). Actually, I am at loss on where to use E29 because I realized E29 is waaaay too faaar from E00. @_@ Sheer excitement is to be blamed. I think more likely on the hair but I won't touch that first until I bought some of its family members.

Here's the art I've colored after my rant. Sorry for keeping you.

I am so proud of this work. I have to use E00 over and over again to get the proper blending. And goodness, I know I still have lots to improve but I got motivated by this piece of art. I truly did not expect this outcome and I wish I could buy more colors to be able to color the whole lineart. I used RV34 on the pinks. Another one of my experiments. And there you have it. I have tons of people to thank and these are them:

Annel Ribay - My classmate who endorsed the Copic Marker stores for me. (There are so few of them here.)

MsKerrieJ or MissKerrieJ - A YouTube user who has many Copic Marker speedpainting art and who motivated me to use Copic Markers. (Yes, I was reluctant at first due to its price.)

MangaLessons - For her awesome tutorials.

Michelle Houghton - Who started it all. The idea of the starter set and some thorough general information on Copic Markers. By the way, I saw that Fully Booked in here sells Tria Letraset. I'll try it sometime. :)

Mother - Who gave me allowance every week and where I got my savings from.

God - Who led me to this awesome field of art.

A big THANK YOU to these people.

NP: Talumpati

Kamakailan lang, napakinggan ko iyong kanta ni Gloc-9 na Sirena. Nakita ko iyon sa Yahoo! Philippines at naging interesado akong mapakinggan. Kilala ko na si Gloc-9 noong narinig ko ang mga rap niyang "Upuan" at "Walang Natira." Pero hindi siya tumatak sa akin noon bilang isang mang-aawit. Ang alam ko lang, ang ganda ng dalawang rap niyang iyon. Ayan nga pala ang bago niyang album.

Ako’y isang sirena
Kahit anong sabihin nila ako ay ubod ng ganda
Ako’y isang sirena
Kahit anong gawin nila bandera ko’y di tutumba
Drum na may tubig ang sinisisid
Naglalakihang mga braso sa akin dumidikdik
Drum na may tubig ang sinisisid
Sa patagalan ng paghinga, sa’kin kayo ay bibilib

Listen to Songs: http://videokeman.com/gloc-9/sirena-gloc-9/#ixzz2B4FzlLWB

Nang napakinggan ko iyang kantang iyan, tsaka ko lang talaga siya nakilalang magaling mag-rap. Nakakuha ako ng tatlong albums niya (Matrikula, Talumpati at MKNM) na may mga mensahe. At napakinggan ko nga ang lahat ng mga rap niya. May mga paborito ako:

Bugtong

Sirena

Malakas

Talumpati

Hari ng Tondo

Akin Lang Naman

Upuan

Walang Natira

Napaka-tapang niya sa paggawa ng mga rap na katulad nito. Sa pagsisimula pa lang ay alam mo na may pinupuna siya. At hindi lang din sa pag-rap siya magaling kung hindi sa paggamit din ng mga salita. Mababatid mong pinili niya ang mga salitang inilapat sa tono - at kung minsan ay wala talagang tono - at ang masasabi ko lang ay magaling.


Heto nga pala ang mensahe niya sa mga matatamaan ng kanyang makabuluhang mga rap.

Kahit anong iharang mo itatawid ko ang kantaBilangin mo ang sugat ko sumusubasok sa lupaTinig ko'y maririnig sisigaw ka sa madlaSumulat , gamiting tinta'y alugbatiSa aking talumpati sa aking talumpatiSa aking talumpati
Read more: http://artists.letssingit.com/gloc-9-lyrics-talumpati-feat-imago-l74nkrk#ixzz2B4IqvVSL 

LetsSingIt - Your favorite Music Community  

Cleaning Laptop 101

For the sake of two new posts, I split my posts.

So today, I have managed to fix my lappie - still has no name huhuhu - and recovered tons of space for my hard drive. TT_TT From an alarming free space of 325 Mb of 148 Gb, now it's:

I deleted my games, unused programs, random documents, installers and reinstalled iTunes (I recovered 48 Gb worth of free space from this). iTunes takes up a lot of space and since I am not gifted with a laptop of 320 Gb, space matters. I still think I need to remove some files yet. And it's a huge relief for me. See my desktop:

Isn't it sweet and clean? Next stop, my external hard drive to clean. :)) And I'm thinking of saving up money for a new 1 Tb hard drive. 500 Gb is so not enough to hold all of my movies and manga and files all at the same time. T_T

Welcome to Me

And I'm back from the dead.

It's been over a year. Congratulations to me.

I lost interest, I guess. In blogging, that is. Too much stuff to do in school. My hands were always full. And I've been reading the books I have bought from fully-booked. Time to catch up to cyber world. And recently, I've been re-inspired - if such word exists - to blog again by a *COUGH*fiend*COUGH* friend who goes by the name of Ysa and this her blog. I'm thinking of still blabbering in this blog even if there are not that many viewers and posting stories that were long in hiatus. And mostly, this blog would contain rants.

And today, it will be all.

A Window Through Another Persona

     First of all, you may think "What happened?"

     Let me answer your query with a simple smile and a cup of coffee as an introduction.

     I am no more Itinalang Naiisip and Ciel in Wonderland, but more of Crucial Insignificance. For those who do not know me, you have a choice on hitting the back button of the browser and leave in peace, or stick a little longer and snoop around this post.

     To start off, a brand-new blog means brand-new inspirations, well at least for me. With new inspirations, I feel refreshed and energized as I take into account my writing hobby. When I write, I make sure I have a blank slate to write on, in that case, a new notebook. It gives a sense of uniqueness, fulfillment and authority. But let us not stray away from the main topic of this thread. I changed my blog due to the changes that have occurred within the past few months. I seldom change blogs unless there is a need to change, because I am usually too lazy to pick up new templates for my new blog. Ah, yes. The template. For those who have seen my blog prior to this new one, you may notice that what my blog looks and contains reflect my personality. The template was a notebook with vectors and spirals. The posts were a combination of blogs, random thoughts, teasers and the stories themselves. There was no harmony, peace. Everything was in chaos. The blogs were of random sentiments. Well, that was I rewinding for about ten months earlier. Now, as I climbed another rung of the ladder, new principles, manners, codes of ethics were stripped off and forced upon me that caused me to make some drastic change in my personality. Yes, readers. I've been talking about my new personality all the while, not my brand new blog.

     Do remember that even though I have an insufferable measure of vanity (and perhaps, narcissism), I cannot simply stoop so low as to brag and blog about my new blog. What do you care? But I am not implying that I am bragging and blogging about my new personality either.

     I could care less if you have a better one. I am merely informing you and answering the inevitable query.

     My new personality isn't much surprising. In fact, I did not know I have this persona until the moment I reached out to my inner world and saw that the gears of my brain have simply reversed it spin. So, what is with the gloomy personality out of the blue? Dear, first of all, it is not out of the blue. I am rational enough to feel and know that the changes happening to me builds up slowly and bursts out when it reached it apex. Secondly, it is not gloomy. Yes, the template and the aura of this latest post may imply a gloomy atmosphere, but look closer. Use a magnifying glass if it will help you unravel the truth. Crucial insignificance. What is crucial? What about insignificance? Ever wondered why these two words were never used together? Why all of a sudden, a speck of dust from the earth suddenly decided to bring them together? Does the phrase not ring a bell? Yes, you got it. Paradox. More commonly referred to as irony. So, what is the irony? Crucial means critical, imperative, of greatest importance. Together with insignificance which means trivial, they form an irony. Why irony? Ask this yourself: How can a thing of insignificance become crucial?

     For the past few months up to the present, I see myself as a sarcastic being. I have faked smiles and laughter at times without noticing. I have been dealing with an inner turmoil I cannot seem to get a grasp of what it really is. It is more like I am battling in the dark with an invisible enemy. How cool is that. I have lost the light I knew that was once in me. No one would know for sure, but myself and God, with the exception of hypersensitive beings around me. I don't know what happened to that light. Before I left my high school alma mater, she taught me to Walk as a Child of Light, guided by Jesus, the Divine Light. These are the very motto and name of the school. However, I seem to fail her. I feel like an empty shell drifting off a shore after enduring a rough ride with the stormy ocean. Frustration. Maybe that is a reason for this new persona. I am frustrated beyond my control that I did not even decipher the matter with me. Or maybe it is not just simply frustration on random things, rather political things.

     To cut the story, yes, I am frustrated because of political reasons. To add to that, I developed a whole new persona, thanks to them higher-ups. Nothing special, right? Some may say, "get over it, kid. You're not the only one. Most of us ignore them." I respect that response, but it will be pointless to counter it with an argument that goes like, "we cannot ignore them! Now is the time to take an action," for that will be attacked by, "how many times have we said "now?" An action for what? For stopping them who rule with money? Not a chance in a million," statement. If I continued with, "justice shall prevail," the heated conversation will end with a "with money, justice is forever blind and deaf." The end.

     This is what is going on in my little archipelago. It is frustrating to envision a future with a president who smirks and smiles even at the worst of events. He claimed he is not doing such things, but what can the citizens deduce from their own television screens? I am not saying this because I detest the current president, but simply because I do not trust his capabilities, even if he is technically legible to run the country. Yes, he is the ideal president, actually. No records of known graft and corruption during his senate years was one of the causes of his landslide during the election. How I would kill and die for a president like that. However, something is amiss. I cannot feel the president. Physically, yes, but considering the deeper meaning of that statement, you will know. I am not seeking for the president to show his smirking face every second in the television. He has a life and a huge role to play in this country. When I say, to feel someone, it is like to feel his spiritual presence even in his physical absence. The thing with the president, he is physically invisible to me, and spiritually invisible to me as well. Prove me wrong, counter my claims, I could not care. This is my opinion, and we live in a very democratic country.

     He has good platforms, especially the K-12 Basic Education Program. Although, I would like to suggest that he keep it in the attic for the moment, and focus on reviving the economy of the Philippines, now that Japan and several other countries are facing their own demons. Oil price have been increasing, and it really is a bother even if let us say, my parents have a decent job. Eating dinner while Chinese and Filipino suffered inside the memorable bus during the hostage-taking is unforgivable. Denying that he was not there makes it even worse. Did he meet my vision of an ideal leader? Yes, but not quite. The very first trial on his efficiency proved to be a major failure in the Philippine history.

     I am sick and tired of hearing the same news over and over again. I sometimes wish I could just live somewhere in space, out of the chaos and cruelty of the world. Of course, the president is not the only one to blame. There are others, too, but I do not have the time to list them all in here. All I know was that I am sarcastic and gloomy as of now. Hopefully as of now. I cannot believe this is actually happening. Many will disagree with my claims, views, opinions. But I know, somewhere around the planet, there is one or two who share my sentiments.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

     For story enthusiasts, please go to To Weave a Web of Stories to find my works of fiction. You are free to comment and criticize, but I am taking your right to flame. Thank you for coming this far. If you would be so kind, may I claim the cup and saucer to be prepared for the next reader?

Confessions of a Lady who was apparently Thrown with a Bucket Full of H2O Right in the FACE

I just feel like writing in English.

I finally dealt with my problems on poor study habit. As in, before, I never studied, just a quick (as in very quick) glance at the topics and poof! It became Koko Crunch! No, seriously, it became...lol...speechless. Ok, scratch that. ...glance at the topic and poof! I'm done reviewing. So, I really am surprised to still have line of 6 in quizzes, but I knew in my nature it was never enough. That I can't accept the fact I am having these grades while the others are rocketing.

It kinda hurt me since I am the competitive type. (sooo daming alam!)

Anyway, I wasn't all satisfied with my grades, and now I've decided to adapt Sheena's study habit. the one that goes like this: Sleep really early at night and then wake up very early as well in the morning. Around 3-4 am to study. And since I live in Cavite, I have to give allowance to all natural disasters of commuting. Sometimes, I overdo it, causing me to guess incorrectly and have myself at school at around 6 am already. But, it doesn't matter since I am an early bird.

WHAT? MARY ANNE HAS A STUDY HABIT?

Yep, guessed right. I really am motivated this term.

As in, SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICASEXPIALIDOCIOUS-ly (not sure of the spelling) motivated. Somehow, a certain person brought me back to life and to my senses, and I couldn't thank him enough. He was like the light of my life at the moment, but of course I haven't gotten to the thought of us becoming an item. It's way beyond my control and wishes for I am still in love with studying. And I have this weird fetish of pushing guys away from me when I sense they have ulterior motives. (sooo! as if naman!) But, that's me, and I can't change what is beyond my control.

I am so happy I met that person.

Perhaps, one of you may have known him for I told you, and one may have picked up if he's observant enough. Although, I am now telling you: what you think is what it really isn't. :) Confused? It's for me to know and for you to find out.

Anyway, enough of him.

Another motivation is the new notebook my brother made for a project. Then, he gave it to me. How sweet :> I do have to admit I was unable to use it everyday since it's too big to fit in my bag.

My bag is another motivation. The design of my bag is simply awesome that I literally bear-hugged my mother to death when she told me it's for me. :> Oh, also her gift to me, the key chain. Even though Romel Ramos has quite insulted the biggest of the crystal balls there, it still is the most ingenious creation to actually motivate a person.

Then, Patricia's gift to me - a mess kit of some sort. I don't really know what to call it but I call it mess kit since that's where I put my face powder, lip gloss and perfumes. It made me realize I could start being a very organized person. Thank you, dear.

Of course, I couldn't forget about Sheena's total influence in me. She's really a good influence so I don't really have to worry. She's the one who taught me to use clearbook for handling my papered documents easily. She's the one who inspired me to go commuting rather than a living in a condominium. She's the one who really makes my day aside from my other friends who also mends some parts of my days. I think the greatest lesson I learned from her is to believe in Him. I never visited the chapel since last two terms. I do sit it for a while but it is inconsistent. I tend to ride the jeepney towards Andrew already. I deem it a hassle. But now, I've changed and it felt really good to be in the chapel. It's like mending my broken connection with God. So, I am hoping this term I am helping myself while asking the help of God.

I've really changed a lot.

That is thanks to my circle of friends.

And I do hope I'll be able to continue it as I go with my life.

Thank you guys.

A Short Interlude for All the Updates

 *Canon in C Major Violin plays in background*

         Okay, here I am again, the author and co-author of the works posted in this simple blog. I do want to stress on the fact that just because I posted an interlude it means the current story is going to be on hiatus. No. I'd like to blog, that is all. Oh, just to make it clear, I'm doing the Chapter 4 at the moment. So, no worries. I am here for two things: 1) To give updates about the stories I ceased at the moment 2) To give my readers a piece of my mind again. No, I'm not pissed or anything, but, some food for thoughts.

          To start off, Love Tales Collection is a collection of short stories (maximum of 3 chapters) made of sudden inspiration from authors who wished to collaborate with me. I can also put my  own there, with different characters and all. So, basically, the collection is purely circling in the world of romance. It won't have a limit unless the author/s involved decides to close it after gathering enough stories.

          Secondly, Romantic Reincarnations Trilogy will have two more chapters in order to be declared finish. The second to the last chapter still needs polishing, and the last chapter needs a strong idea. Inception much? Nah. At the moment, I shall hold it to give way to the current story I am writing.

          Third, Pirated Love Story is finished. I plan not to put additional chapters.

          Fourth, I have an avid reader for Not Your Ordinary Fairy Tale, and the next time he stalks my blog, I want him to know I am eternally grateful that he liked a crappy story like that. The fact that he is waiting for the next chapters makes me guilty of doing the story halfheartedly. So, for the next chapters, I will really give my full attention.

          Lastly, Call of Duty is NOT the game itself. I don't play the game, my brothers do, and I don't really fancy those type of games. Although, I have to admit I was hooked on DoTA. Plus, I'd like to clarify that this is a work of fiction. Names, places, events presented in this novelette is purely from the author's imagination. Any resemblance to real people, places and events is purely coincidental. (Um, tapos um-extra si Alter Ego ko, ginawang mala-DIFFCAL 'yung disclaimer: This is a product of a fiction's limit as infinity. Names, places, events curved in this novelette is purely derived from the author's imagination. Any resemblance to real people, places and events are asymptotic to the truth and is limited as the fiction approaches the novelette. = MAJOR FAIL)

          And this is where my update stops. Time for a new sentiment.

*music stops*

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

*Seasons of Love by RENT Artists plays*

          I came across a blog of someone who added me in Facebook. Yeah, I remember her. She got two blogs, one for stories and one for random journal entries. I couldn't access the stories part so I left it and went to her other blog. The first thing that greeted me was that big Jho! on top of the page. Didn't seem surprise at that since it is a stereotypical design. I browsed through her blog and I noticed something. It was full of life, metaphorically speaking. The colors, the simple design itself and the things that were posted there. I found out she was just any normal teen who has nothing but her blog to listen to her cries and sentiments in he absence of a friend. For friends aren't always there when you think you need them. They also have their lives to worry about. 

          Back on topic, I read a snippet of the most recent post she had. It was something about being on the honor roll, and trying to keep it constant. Then, at the middle part of the body, there was something about not being on the honor roll, at least no fail. Then, I realized the real beauty of the blog. I stand my ground on the statement that the true beauty of the blog lies not solely on the decorations and designs of the template used, but the content of the blog and how one digs up his imagination to make a monotonous entry full of life. I think I gained an insight as to how to decorate my posts - not necessarily the stories since I am a bitch when it comes to uniformity. That said, I'll try to dig my imagination, too, to decorate my posts.

          That concludes the short musical interlude.

*music stops*