hunting fics

I've taken to reading a lot of Ghost Hunt fanfics lately - blame it all on having nothing to do while I wait for my summer to officially start. The good thing about this particular fandom is that it has a lot of really good, mature, well-thought of stories. I guess that's the upside of having fics written about an anime series that's relatively "unpopular" compared with, say, Full Metal Alchemist. I shudder to think what its fandom would be like had it been as famous as Harry Potter. If then, the quality of the fics would undoubtedly go down - and I'd probably be too frustrated with the poor stories that I'd abandon a promising fic fandom altogether.

Found some talented writers, namely:

Amaranth Adanae is one of the best writers I've read in ffnet. I think it's partly because she's got a background in writing (if I'm not mistaken, she's an English teacher) but her critical observations tell me it's not just that. I've read most of her NaruxMai fics, and I'm happy someone as talented as her is a NaruxMai shipper like me - that way I can leech off her work. Rules of Engagement you must definitely read.

Azamiko, whose candid wit amuses me greatly. I love her collection of shorts called Spirited, particularly the last two chapters and the crossover featured in the Part-Time Workers United arc.

Calkat writes solely on Ghost Hunt so it's something like her specialty. I like her Seasons, and I'm still getting ready to read her one-shots.

curatorangelus, whose Vesta's Bonds archive I'm skimming as of the moment. I'm still reading 1oI: Goddess, and so far it's really good. Lots of paranormal information in it, which means that the author probably researched heavily or she's really into the occult.

ravyncat, whose Echoes scared me in a "woe-if-that-happened-to-me" way. I wish she'd update soon, but oh, well. I guess she has RL business to take care of.

Some fics you must definitely read (most, if not all, are NaruxMai):

Years by Azamiko

Actually LinxMasako but it's set against the event of Mai and Naru's wedding, so what the hell. I like the fact that's it's not just NaruxMai. Moreover, I love how it features two of arguably the most "unlikeable" characters Ghost Hunt, giving them their own chance to shine with their self-reflection moments that are actually quite interesting.

Echoes by ravyncat

Shame this isn't Complete. I love the opening though, with Mai and the clown - in fact, I think the demon being in clown form makes it even more creepy, which is probably with the author devised that clever disguise. It frustrates me that this story hasn't been updated in years (literally) because I have a feeling the story hasn't actually started yet.

Love Spell by Azamiko

Interesting one-shot borne from an interesting premise. I love how the characters don't go OOC, or at least too OOC, and for a one-shot, it's actually action packed and generally fulfilling.

Meeting the Parents by Azamiko

Has been left hanging at a very awkward stage. On one hand, it seems as if it's Complete judging by the update date and the way the last chapter ended. On the other hand, it's not classified as Complete yet. Either way, I wish I could read more about it. Like Echoes it hasn't started yet.

MESSAGE DELETED by -X-.Giggles.-X-

Very short, very cheesy, abundant in errors, but still a very satisfying read. The type that makes your insides turn to mush - or whatever the term is.

Rules of Engagement by Amaranth Adanae

Indubitably one of the sharpest commentaries available in ffnet; the upside is it's complete. One page into this fic and I extracted two quotables for my words collection. I swear, this thing is epic. Might not appeal if you're a staunch NaruxMai hater though.

Seasons by Calkat

I didn't like the ending, but it's very well written. Also, I thought Mai was a bit OOC; I just can't imagine her being a flirt. Naru was adorable - or maybe I'm just biased. Written in two parts, with chronology that baffled me mainly because I wasn't paying attention.

All this reading's giving me a headache.

Procrastination: Two Themes

As I write this, I have two days left till my final exams for this semester, but I’m watching movies instead of studying. I’m not going to say I can’t help it, because that sounds so irresponsible, but honestly, I was not in the mood to hit the books. Besides I’m waiting for my midnight snack to arrive from Bermontz.

Regarding the first movie, Ninja Assassin, as I told Ate Dee, it had all the elements of a great film, although even all those couldn’t turn it into one. In fact, it’s one of those movies you can play while playing minesweeper. Yep, it’s that forgettable.

Synopsis: Mika Coretti (Naomi Campbell) is a Europol forensic researcher obsessed with figuring out the truth behind years’ worth of Ninja legends. While she investigates recent newsworthy assassinations, a rogue Ninja named Raizo (Rain) is roaming Berlin free, trying to find people who will help him take down his old clan, the Ozunu. As Mika’s leads get hotter and more dangerous, she attracts the attention of Raizo – not to mention, the eye of the Ninja clan he has betrayed.

Cinematography-wise, it looked too fake, from its too-red blood down to its very fake looking landscapes and gadgets. Acting was good, for a film that requires very little from its actors, and music was all right – not too much, in fact, which was good. The story wasn’t shallow either; perhaps a bit underdeveloped, but passable, if not predictable. The highs include Rain’s voice and English (which is very smooth) and Naomi Campbell’s facial expressions - especially during the scene where she’s driving a car to get away from some Ninjas on her trail. Oh, and yes, the climactic sword-slash scene was wonderful – I swear I will someday marry a man who will have Sho Kosugi’s physique even at the age of 60. The only low I can think of is its very poor plot development; everything seemed to happen in a blur. Or maybe that’s because I was playing Minesweeper while watching it?

For me though, Ninja Assassin redeemed itself towards the end. I love the embedded significance of the scene where Raizo climbs the wall of his old home. Poignant ending for a forgettable film.

Regarding the second movie (because yes, the irresponsible girl watched two), Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete, I found it even worse than Ninja Assassin because it was thirty minutes longer and admittedly less engaging – although maybe the lack of subtitles made being attentive extra difficult.

Synopsis: (From DBD case) Continuing the story line based on the hit Playstation game Final Fantasy VII, two years have passed and the ruins of Midgar stands as a testament to the sacrifices made in order to bring peace. However, the world will soon face a new menace. A mysterious illness is spreading fast. Old enemies are astir. And Cloud, who walked away from the life of a hero to live in solitude, must step forward yet again.

As expected of a first timer to a Final Fantasy movie, the art blew me away. The landscapes, in contrast to those of Ninja Assassin, were breathtaking, and the story was good, too. Acting wise… er, I can’t really say anything because you can make CG characters play their parts perfectly, with your only obstacle to proper expression being technical limitations. But yes, the characters played their roles well – although it slightly bothered me the way the kids nodded so much; even Tifa’s movements were distracting.

Music was not bad, not good, nothing spectacular; dubbing was good, as expected. The lows include a REALLY dragging, complicated storyline. You don’t have to be an FF VII fan to understand the plot, but seriously, it’s not your usual “the world is facing a major crisis and So-and-So is the only one who can prevent mankind’s demise” story. In fact, for three fourths of the film, I was confused regarding “Mother’s” identity. And the fact that almost half the whole film was composed mainly of fight scenes featuring dragon-like creatures that fell from the high heavens did not make me happy at all. Some of the highs were Rufus (the President of Shinra, if I’m not mistaken?) and that pretty little girl who later on becomes Denzel’s friend. Oh, and yes, the ART. The ART saves the whole film. Square Enix rocks!

ditching John Lloyd

A few minutes before the final scene of the movie One More Chance, it became too cheesy for me to stand. Seeking a reprieve from Bea Alonzo and JLC’s tennis match of love quotes (with tears on the side) I trudged over the TV area just in time to see Perfecto Yasay and Jojo Binay interrogate each other on Harapan: The ABS CBN/ANC Vice Presidential Debate. I told myself, “You know the movie sucks, anyway. Why don’t you watch Mar wow the crowd instead?” So I said goodbye to John Lloyd-Bea during the commercial break (because, no doubt, Manny Villar’s face is the only one I’ll see) and returned to watch Mar Roxas and Loren Legarda battle wits armed with credentials.

[On a side note, I now understand why Sir Nogoy always berates orange-wearing students in his class. One time, he commented so acerbically on my classmate’s orange lanyard that the guy actually took it off his neck and stuffed it into his bag, prompting Sir Nogoy to half-apologize. But if I hated Villar that much, I suppose I'd hate orange as well.]

Mar and Loren’s face-off was the only one from Round 3 that I bothered to watch. Mar asked his question first: Why did you choose an environment advocacy when the Philippines is insignificant in terms of causing climate change (producing greenhouse gases)? Loren replied that the Philippines is one of the top 10 most vulnerable places to live in given that we’re mostly coastal, and politicians should pay environment-related matters utmost attention. Then she went on naming all her projects (environment-related and not) as politicians are wont to do, before she slipped and mentioned her “shared” origin with Mar Roxas, citing that he comes from Capiz while she hails from Antique.

She dug her own grave.

Hearing this probably made Mar Roxas happy (although whether he was happy because of their shared heritage, one can’t be too sure of) because the next thing he did was speak to Loren in “their” native tongue. Although I’m not from the Panay area, I actually understood what he was saying; basically, he argued that although it’s true that we’re highly affected by climate change, we can’t really coerce the high polluters into limiting the waste discharge, can we?

I only wish Loren understood it half as lucidly as I did. The moment Mar finished asking his question, she replied very defensively, saying her grandmother came from Antique, and Relative So-and-So came from San Pedro, etc. To put it mildly, Loren lost it, ending her speech very badly, talking about red tide and obviously not really understanding what she was saying.

I can’t blame her though. If someone targeted my weakness in front of THE WHOLE PHILIPPINES, I’d probably panic and suffer instant foot-in-mouth disease as well. It’s a miracle she managed to keep talking. Her broadcasting background probably saved her, but barely.

Anyway, she was so shaken up that she couldn’t wait for the timer to start ticking before she asked Mar Roxas her question: Why is it that you keep changing sides? Initially you were on Erap’s side, but then you severed ties with him. Then you were part of the Arroyo administration (under DTI), but years later you were badmouthing her in public. And now, you recently asked Erap’s blessing to run for the May 2010 elections. So kindly explain why you keep switching sides.

Mar Roxas’ answer to that (and to the follow-up question which was similar to the first one except that it focused more on the Liberal Party instead of just Mar) basically revolved around the idea that “my boss is the people” such that he’ll do whatever they want him to do. Regarding the Erap issue, he said that he severed ties with the ex-president on very civil “lalaki sa lalaki” terms. He even sort of dared Loren to call Erap, because he was sure the guy would speak well of him; apparently, they separated on “good” terms. Regarding the issue with Ms Arroyo he said he went all opposition because he saw that what was happening was not right. And then he ended his defense with another “my boss is the people” statement, much to the delight of his yellow-clad supporters.

Oh and yes, he also said, "hindi naman ako yung paiyak-iyak sa Senado".

It came as no surprise that Mar’s trust rating in that particular segment was 91%+. Loren’s was 40%+ or so. She looked seriously forlorn, she did.

The lessons to be derived from this whole fiasco (which will undoubtedly show up tomorrow morning with highly sensationalized headlines) are: 1) Never pretend to be someone you’re not; and, 2) When you know you haven’t done anything wrong, there’s no reason to panic. (Unless you’ve got intense stage fright, that is.) The first lesson we learned from Loren: claiming to come from a province just to get votes from the people in that area is a very bad idea – which is also very irritating, if you’re someone from that place and you know a particular politician isn’t your kababayan at all. For all aspiring politicians, learn from Loren’s example: at least pick a province with a language you understand.

Lesson Two we learned from Mar. (I daresay he was a bit maangas tonight, but, oh well. He’s a politician, and those guys are about as predictable as the Kamia bed check system.) When Loren “politely” inquired about his loyalties – she actually felt the need to use the phrase “walang personalan pero…” – he was smiling as he waited for her to finish asking her question. In fact, he actually looked excited to answer it, as though he was hoping to get the chance to explain his reasons for all that switching he did. Somehow… I feel scared for him. His chances of winning the vice-presidency are too high that the only way to stop him now is via sabotage.

reading miss jing

My one-sided love affair with Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo began when Trisha lent me her copy of Likhaan. Being practically incapable of comprehending poetry, I immediately turned to the short stories section, stumbling into The Art of Understatement and emerging from the experience hooked. That story... was very much unlike everything I had previously read. Although it was slow-paced relative to, say, Meg Cabot, and very ordinary, as if the story was just being retold by a friend who heard it from a friend, it transported me. After reading it I paused, book in hand, digesting the last line. And then came that soft "aaah" of realization, a reaction that would have, had I been in my French 11 class, prompted Sir Nogoy to wonder aloud how many cows there were in his classroom.

I can't say that I became a huge fan of Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo after reading that short piece. For a few months, I ventured into other things to entertain myself *fanfiction, ehem, fanfiction* so I wasn't able to read a lot of 'quality' literature. Then one lazy evening, as I wandered along the aisles of National Bookstore in SM North, I saw a book with a beautiful cover on the Filipino lit shelf. Given that most of the books displayed on that particular shelf have ugly, peeling covers, that particular novel stood out easily.

It was called Catch a Falling Star, and at first, I was too busy humming the song with the same title to take note of its author's name. But when I finally saw who had written it...

I bought it without hesitation. A few days later I finished reading it, loving it so much that I recommended it to my roommate Joyce. While she was reading it, I stalked Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo online and discovered *gasp* that she was on Facebook. Shortly after we became "friends" - the period during which I was waiting for her to confirm my invitation agitated me greatly for some reason - Joyce finished reading the novel and joined my raving, and together we discussed the implied ending of one of the stories, The Woman in the Apple-Green Dress. With Joyce adding Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo on Facebook, our fanaticism became official. Or maybe I'm the only one breaking into sweat whenever I see an update about her on my Home page?

I'm still waiting for Joyce to PM Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo regarding The Woman in the Apple-Green Dress. (Because, no, we still don't get it.) I told myself that while waiting for 'the truth' I'd drop by UP Press during the sale so I could get a copy of Recuerdo. But March, wretched hell month, got in the way, so now I'm waiting for finals week to end. In the meantime, I'm content stalking Miss Jing on Facebook. She doesn't know I exist, but what the hell. I've finally found my favorite writer.

Generation Alpha

Read about it in Reader's Digest Asia March 2010. Supposedly, it's made up of kids born starting 2010 until the next 15 years. These "on-the-way" babies are expected to be more tech-savvy and materialistic than their immediate predecessors, the children of Generation Z, and I agree with a comment on the magazine about that thought being "scary".

So anyway, I was reading the article and one bit in it irritated me. The description of people born under Generation Y, like me, was flighty and transient... the "me now" generation. I won't deny the accuracy of that assessment - one look at the rest of this blog, and you'll see just how self-absorbed I am - but the most depressing thing is just that: its accuracy. It nailed the actual state of things in two right-on-target phrases, and we can't blame whoever wrote it because it's true.

Who wants to belong to a generation deemed superficial AND selfish to boot? I certainly don't and yet I am.

Wanderlust

When Mac found out that I had been to Hong Kong (a fact which I’m sure he knew before but forgot over time), his initial statement was: “I envy your travelful life.” To which I really wanted to reply, “I haven’t even been anywhere! There are so many places I still have to, want to, definitely will visit! Venice, Prague and Nepal – they’re all waiting for me!” But, of course, I didn’t tell him that. He’s never been out of the country so he’ll probably just text a cynical, slightly acidic, “Hahaha, funny” back to me.

And yes, I know there are other more important things than giving Filipinos the opportunity to travel for leisure – things like job opportunities and better public health care and a competent educational system – but is it so wrong to wish that my countrymen experience the one privilege I hold most dear? (Right next to having my education subsidized by the government, of course.) I want Filipinos to travel. I want Filipinos to realize there is more to the world than this country we live in. I mean, the Philippines is undeniably beautiful, but I think all of us (not just Filipinos) need to explore the rest of the planet – to see how people of a different culture live, to observe their ways, and to learn from one’s observations.

I have to disqualify some things though: 1) I do not consider trips to the US as part of “travel”; and, 2) One really has to inhabit that place for a while, none of this one-night in the airport “connecting flight” crap.

Why Number 1? In the case of the average Filipino (and yeah, I guess I’m a bit biased because I’m basing this on myself) the American culture probably isn’t very culture shock-worthy. Just think. We speak English as well as we speak our native language, we watch American sitcoms, read American novels, listen to American music. If there’s one thing that might shock Filipinos who go to America, it might be the efficiency of things, the fluidity of daily operations like shopping for groceries or whatever.

And Number 2? It’s counted because I don’t think any person can develop a clear idea of what a different country is like unless s/he lives in it, among its people, bound by its rules and customs for a certain period of time. Staying in Hong Kong for a total of almost one year, I’ve learned a lot of things about the Cantonese. Like the fact that they don’t let kids in their Horse-Race Betting Office and the fact that they also sell pirated CD’s and the fact that they’re addicted to shark’s fin soup and the fact that their wedding photos are shot in mall rooftop gardens, sometimes with brides wearing sneakers under their wedding gowns, etc. I’ve learned so much, even during the time when I wasn’t allowed to go out of the apartment because of the SARS alert. All I had to do was turn on the TV and watch anime and the home shopping network in Cantonese, and at noon, I’d stick my head out the kitchen window and watch the kids from a nearby school walk by in neat lines, just like characters out of the anime shows I love watching so much. Also, when I wasn’t out exploring the city with my dad (often ending up wondering where the public toilets were, given that my father, at that time, already had a very temperamental bladder) I was inspecting a book-map of Hong Kong, tracing the churches and the schools, and coming up with little stories as I strolled along the roads with my imagination.

I wish Mac had experienced all that. I think it’s pretty useless studying International Studies if you don’t go out there to see all the things you’re learning about in class. If I had money, I would send him to South Korea. Then, maybe, he can get Kim Bum’s autograph, and have a life-long high or something.

ghost hunt mysteries

Again, my habit of reviving the long-dead love for a long-forgotten anime at the most inopportune time, aka a few days before a major exam, is kicking in. For the past two days, I've been waking up every morning to the image of JC Staff's Ghost Hunt, which I firmly believe is one of the best anime series ever.

Shame though, 'cause it lacks closure. BIG TIME. The first time I watched the series I was left at a loss, so I had to spend a couple of hours searching the Net via my very slow dial-up collection just to quench my thirst for answers. For those who are wondering, and might be reading this, here are the answers to some questions regarding Ghost Hunt that might be bothering you.
Why does Naru react so badly the first time Mai calls him Naru? Moreover, if Naru is a nickname given by Mai, a new acquaintance of Naru, why does Lin Koujo call Naru Naru?That's because Shibuya Kazuya's nickname is Noll, which is read as Naru in the Nihonggo. In truth, Naru's name is Oliver Davis, the renowned psychic who is constantly praised throughout the anime. Why a child named Oliver would have a nickname of Noll... is a different story.
Regarding the effectivity of the curse that plagued Naru during the After-School Spellcaster Arc, my theory is that his Japanese name is Shibuya Kazuya, but after he and his twin brother Eugene were adopted by the Davises, his name was changed to Oliver.
Whoa! Naru has a twin brother?!Yes, actually, it's Eugene, Naru's apparently kinder brother, who appears in Mai's dreams. In fact, in the original story (not the anime) when Mai confesses her love to Naru, the latter says it's his brother that she's in love with, not him. Eugene is also the person refers to when he tells Mai of someone who once told him the same thing Mai said: Hate me because I'm me, not because I'm Japanese. Apparently, Eugene died in a car accident in Japan, which is why Naru is in Japan in the first place - he's looking for his brother's body.
So Naru's weakness... the one Masako uses to blackmail him...?It's the fact that Naru is Oliver Davis; a secret he wants to keep hidden, which is why he's so aloof to the media. Masako once saw him at a public demonstration of his PK abilities, so she knows his real identity.

You know, writing this, I realized it's pointless answering questions this way. If you'll read Ghost Hunt's Wikipedia page [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Hunt] you'll find the answers to most of your questions by reading the character profiles. So hop hop! Go on, find the answers, and join me in praying for a second season!

writing fiction

After a very complicated ICTUS Miting de Avance last night, I took the long route home with Banana and Melbert. We ended up talking about light stuff - I think because we all wanted to relax after a very tension-filled event. Somehow, we began talking about Melbert's little notes in Facebook, stuff he had written, stuff I had read, stuff Bana will no doubt be able to read one day. Melbert, knowing I had read his work, asked what my thoughts on his writing were. And I told him, honestly, that I believe he's more suited to commentary than fiction. In fact, I think he'd make an excellent opinion columnist, should he wish to pursue that career path.

Earlier this morning, after reading more stressing stuff out of the ICTUS Execom YG, I wandered into Edzel's page hoping to ask him some stuff about the org newsletter, which we're handling as a two-man team. On his profile, sorta, I found a link to our mutual friend Simoun's notes page, where the latter had written his "very first attempt at short-story writing". I read it, and, boy, was I impressed. Jealous, even. Such talent! Such intelligence! Great story, especially if it's only his first attempt. And having read his work, and the praises heaped upon it, I remembered Aiko's Gakuen Alice fanfic My Heart's Back, with its 170+ reviews, and I thought... of everyone else.

How many kids in this planet hope to become writers when they grow up? When I was in Grade 4, even more gullible than I am now, I believed what my father said about making a wish upon entering a church for the first time. And I remember that, aside from praying for all the stuff my righteous, strict Catholic school had taught me I should wish for, I sincerely requested God to make me a writer someday. Like JK Rowling and RL Stine. So I could spend my whole life writing the things I love coming up with, and earn enough money to survive, and have people read my work and appreciate it, having thought of the same ideas themselves.

How many people out there are like me? I can write, but I can't write. I can come up with thoughts well enough, but they're the same old thoughts that have been swimming the pages of lit-dom for centuries. I don't think I'm meant to be a writer, and I've known that for quite some time now, but I still write simply because I love writing. I love the feeling of committing my thoughts to paper (or electronic media, in most cases) and knowing that I can always return to them any time I wish. I'm not sure I consider my lack of talent a curse or a blessing. On one hand, I wish I could write better, so I could write more, and perhaps get more satisfaction out of the act of writing. On the other hand, if I did have the talent... I'd probably just be writing day in, day out. I wouldn't be able to "spread out" and try all sorts of things the way I am now. Most probably, I wouldn't be talking Econ and PolSci and MATH; consequently, I'd never be embarrassed by board work and recitations, and I'd probably never grow.

My heart feels bad now that I'm sure I'm not meant to create life-changing literature, but my mind's telling me it's all right because I'm meant for other things. Thing is... I wish I knew what I'm really meant for, what my true purpose is. Now that the greatest thing I've aspired and worked for for most of my life has been "taken" away from me, I find there's nothing else left. Just a girl with a bit of grit, floating around with nothing but her naive optimism in tow.