February Something

Remember how slow-pacing January was? Well, here we are at the end of February. I know that we have fewer days for February but maan, this pacing is way too fast. 

Batangas

 

Starting off the new month by going on a trip to Batangas for a child dedication, this time, we brought Shiro. It's tough leaving him at home alone when we're out for a really long time. It was fun and tiring. Bringing a dog along is a real hard work. You have to guide them at all times, you don't want your dog to bite or to be bitten by strays (Or kids :x), you have to feed them, play with them, and clean them after they dig every square inch of the ground. 

Moira Concert

It's been a while since the last time we went out for a concert and Jasmin and I never really had one since being married. So, as an early valentines gift and knowing how big Moira fan Jassiee is, we went out for a Moira concert - this is our first non-christian concert. 

Aside from knowing how good and calming Moira's voice is, we are also intrigued by her story about her husband. They were a figure, an ideal that sadly fell apart. 

Basically, nagbayad kame kay Moira para sa first-hand, exclusive maritess-ing. We wanna know more and she did not disappoint. With little words and direct stories, the pain blooms beautifully and tragically through her songs. 

She wrote songs that blew my mind - apparently, her situation is not just the usual type, it's way worse than that. The song below surprised me. While admiring her voice, and her songwriting skills, she became a real savage in this one and it literally made tears fall down my cheeks with its crazy revelations. Enjoy:

Glass Cab

For how many months, have my collections piled up and there's no place to display them. I only have a small 4-layer glass cab from Ikea, but now, I decided to buy from the Anime Collector Facebook Group for a better deal with more layers and a bigger glass cab. Really satisfied. 

Valentines Day

Jassiee and I decided to celebrate heart's day in our home. We just set a table up and bought some food online. It was nice and simple. Our tummies and hearts are full (yieh).

Food trip with Lors

Jassiee and I visited Lors one weekend and we had some talks and walks and food and Anya-san.

Volunteer week

This year, I was encouraged by my lovely wife to volunteer. I'm really not sure where to sign up, last year, I tried for the Music Team but the coward that I am, I back out from the auditions. Then, I thought about focusing on one 2 one. But after some talks with my wife, I'm left with 2 choices: The Tech Team or Creatives team. 

I decided to be part of the creatives as a photographer. I'm afraid, people around are probably the best in their fields and I'm just here with little to no knowledge.  

Dumplings:

 

//FebruarySomething

//sebajisoka

Summertime Rendering

Summer Time Rendering

25 Episodes 

Duration: 23 min/ep

Theme:  Action, Drama, Mystery, Shounen, Super Power, Supernatural, Thriller, Suspense

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

Summertime Rendering is a mystery anime with a touch of Time Travel that is well done. 

I watched the first episode and I'm immediately hooked. I know that this anime will be really good. I sense the same feeling when I watched my favorite short series, Erased. And surprisingly, it has similar themes but a really different take. 

This is the perfect example of the famous quote "Try and try until you succeed". It emphasizes learning from past mistakes, and the show amazingly orchestrated the sequence about time and fear. 

Every end of the episode contains cliffhangers, it will leave you hanging and will ask for more. And as much as I can remember, each episode contains a plot twist. I'm really impressed by the writer's imagination and creativity. It contains layers upon layers of revelation that's really easy to follow. 

There's no dull moment, and everything is well thought off. The ending contains lots of callbacks, which are really emotional and facilitated to perfection. Behind that chaos and tragedy, here we are on the finale with just a simple, slow, and calming presence. 

Definitely one of the must-watch anime out there.

//SummerTimeRendering

//sebajisoka

One Piece

One Piece

1045 Episodes 

Duration: 23 min/ep

Theme: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen, Super Power

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★

Ever since I started getting into anime I'm hesitant to watch One Piece, probably because I first watched, Naruto and there's a huge beef between the fanbase and I'm a big Naruto fan. I'm was afraid that One Piece might a really better anime than Naruto. 

But I've moved on. I'm on a journey to complete the Big Three, I just finished Bleach, and I'm on the final leg of this journey.

Initial Thoughts

I opened the first episode with tons of thoughts in mind. I'm expecting it to be good but I really do not know what to expect. The art style and animation are nostalgic. The pacing is smooth and I'm just excited to see how the characters will be introduced. 

This show is already huge. While I haven't one a single episode prior to this, I have an idea about some of the key terms like Pirate King, One Piece, and Devil Fruit among others. So, that's exciting when I slowly learn what it is all about. 

I want to write a separate review comparing the Big Three, but for the first episode (No bias) Naruto wins in my opinion. I enjoy the hype in Naruto, 2nd is probably One Piece, and the last for Bleach. Do not get me wrong. There's a ton of stuff in this episode, really informative and Luffy is such a lovable character.

Full review

This show is fun and light at first, something to watch and enjoy. The animation and art style feels like from the 90s, we'll start from the 90s. It feels like a silly cartoon, to be honest, but you'll get used to it in no time. 

Well, obviously the anime and the manga are still on-going but sadly, I stopped watching the anime during the Dressrosa Arc in Ep 645 due to really bad pacing (I just realized this), I hopped into the manga instead and it's magnificent, the Manga is 1 year ahead of the anime. I'm on Chapter 796 which is Episode 741 in the anime. Whenever there's an interesting fight scene, I will immediately look for the episode and watch it instead - which is what I heard is the best way to enjoy One Piece. 

The show contains lots of layers in storytelling, lots of characters, and really good worldbuilding. It contains different types of emotions and sometimes you be surprised how the author smoothly connects it to the whole story. It's really enjoyable. There are episodes that will leave you in awe and episodes that will definitely make you cry. 

My takeaway

Watching the strawhat crew is like being with your friends in a really existing journey and crazy adventures towards life.

I'm just closing this blog but I'll go on with the Manga journey. 

//OnePiece

//sebajisoka

Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl

Studio: CloverWorks

Date aired: Jun 15, 2019

Genre: Drama, Psychological, Romance, School, Supernatural, Magic

Duration: 90 min

Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

After a successful release of the initial anime series, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, they released a movie sequel, Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl. - I just learned about this few days ago and decided to give it a watch right away. (While taking a break from one piece)

The movie presents a dilemma between life, love and sacrifice. It tackles difficult choices to be made, are you going to choose for yourself, or for other person's life and need. Of course, it has the theme of the original series about the puberty syndrome. 

What's interesting is they showed us different results from different paths that they have made. Sometimes, we just have to choose. Even if it breaks us, even if it seems unfair. Sometimes life is just harsh, they hurt us regardless of the choices we've made. 

Are you willing to sacrifice your life for a friend? Are you willing to let go of everything and leave your loved ones behind? If so, have you thought about the agony you will embark because of your lost? 

If you're into Supernatural Drama and Romance genre, you may consider this movie. 

//RascalDoesNotDreamOfADreamingGirl

//sebajisoka

Hey January!

And just like that, we're in 2023. 

I'm eagered to have some events early in the year. Making memories is nice. 

Coffee with TFs

First time eating at Mary Grace. Very tito and tita

We just discuss anything under the sun. First gala/tambay in 2023 and the last bonding with Hacinth before she returns to Japan.

The biannual Prayer and Fasting. First time to fully participate as a married couple. We asked God for many things. Particularly many miracles for this year. 

Kuya Allan's Birthday. We were invited to eat out at Manam's. Suprisingly, we are with Pastor Jun and his wife. 

Of course, my mom's birthday at Max's. 

Dumplings

Random Manam moments

Random Sunday Service

Random Bonding with Shiro

Random Waiting Game to gala outside with Shiro

There you go. 

//sebajisoka

Anime Figure Collection

I'm 30 years old and I started watching anime in 2020 and started collecting anime figures in 2022. This is quite expensive but it was fun. 

When did you start collecting?

I received my first figure on March 1, 2022. 

How do you start collecting?

It was a budol from my brother. I never really thought of collecting at the time but it turns out that his girlfriend started her collection and is trying to switch things up with her anime collection and sold me her figure. 

First Anime Figure you had.

Maximatic Tanjiro from Demon Slayer.

Latest Anime Figure you purchased.

Solid and Souls | Kurosaki Ichigo
I purchased this months ago and it's from Japan, it arrived before the year ends. 

Do you think you're addicted to figure collecting?

Yes. In a matter of months, I needed one glass cab after another. This is probably because I'm longing for anime merch to fulfill my love for anime. I'm thinking of Tees, wallets, or any merch that I can buy, but I'm unable to buy one - I think that shirts will fade and rip apart one day but I realized that anime figure is the best one for me.

Favorite figure manufacturers?

Good Smile Company, Banpresto

Do you own a figure from the first anime you ever watched? if so show!

Banpresto | Vibration Stars | Naruto and Sasuke kid version.

I watched several animes since I was a kid but I do not remember finishing one. I often play than watch during those days. But the pandemic in 2020, I opted to finish my childhood anime, Naruto. 

Figure that you own that you got the worst deal on (aka paid too much)

Glitter and Glamour | Demon Slayer | Nezuko Kamado

I purchased this to complete my Demon Slayer set. I know really little about anime figures at the time and I purchased this for around Php 750 - the current value is around Php 450. Sad.

Figure that you own that you got the best deal on (aka paid too little)

BANDAI Figuarts ZERO NARUTO Shippuden Jiraiya Kizuna

I purchased this through Carousel. I found a collector selling his collection to buy some PlayStation games, he sells his collection at a way low price, and no one buys it because the price range is similar to the bootleg counterpart. I took the risk and became friends with the dude.

I purchased this for Php 1200 loose with no base. Current value? Around Php 5k

Do you associate any figures with a song? show the song and the fig

Good Smile Company | Pop-up Parade | Your Name Figure set 
Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu.

Song: Sparkle by Radwimps

It has to be, right?

A character you love you wish had a figure or more figures.

I do not own this as I do not like the style and I'm not into articulating figures. But I wish to have more Rui Tachibana/Domestic Girlfriend anime figures.

Do you like buying newly available figs, pre-owned, or pre-ordering?

I'm into pre-ordering and pre-owned. It's either a new release or old and used. Hahaha!

Figure you love that you just always forget about

Vibration Stars | Rock Lee

Most expensive figure

Naruto Uzumaki | Six-paths Sage Mode.

Cheapest figure

Chizuru Mizuhara

Main anime that you collect

Vibration Stars | Naruto and Hinata

Mostly Naruto Vibration Stars line.

Favorite Figure

Soul-Entered | Kurosaki Ichigo

This is not my most favorite as I do have a lot of favorite figures. But this is my 1st figure from Bleach and my 2nd figure from the Big Three. I love the details and the matte effect on Ichigo's Kimono. The figure is small and very detailed, I love the posing as well. 

Figure that you regret buying

Maximatic Tanjiro | Glitters and Glamours Nezuko | Grandista Zenitsu and Inosuke

This is probably the complete set of misfits that I have. I'm not that big on Demon Slayer, the figures are great. I love the detail but it's not my style. I purchased this at a time and I do not know what I like yet, I just want this to be completed. I would rather trade this for a Vibration Star set. 

Figures that I look forward this 2023

Dioramatic Itachi. 

That's all for now. I might update this if an interesting question pops up.

//AnimeFigureCollection2022

//sebajisoka

Anime 2022

I'm turning into an Otaku and I'm not even mad. So, for this year, I will be including the list of Anime that I've watched this year. In order of watch and I'll include some comments and probably my own "Of the year" awards.

Anime of the year

It's hard to pick an anime of the year as I watched most of the top rated anime in 2022. I picked Steins;Gate due to their version of time travel, how they tell the story and the complexity of the plot. This might not be on the top of the other people's list but this is definetely a must-watch. 

Best Animation

How can you compete with Demon Slayer's animation? The fight scene in the fire is one of the best and crisp anime sequences when it comes to the animation. The color choices, the massive scale of each fight is mind-blowing.

Best Score: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Among other animes that I've watched this year, the opening and closing song for Fullmetal is the most memorable. Probably one of the best - all time.

Best Romance: 

A different take on romance anime. Kaguya-sama is a hilarious take on romance. The author of this take the romance genre on a different level. What a genious. If you haven't watch this yet. You should!!! 

Best Drama:

This might not be for everyone. But this anime made me cry in each arc. Perfect build up for a perfect storyline. You'll fall in love with the characters, they feel like real life people as you watch their journey together. This is a must-watch and this is more than just an anime, it's an experience.

Best Action:

You've probably heard of this already. I would have given this to other animes but the swinging using their mobility gear and fighting titans still amazes me and what makes the action amazing is the weight of what they are doing - the impact, the emotions and the stakes.

Best Fantasy: Death Parade

I've never seen a concept like this. A quick view on what comes after death, while this is a fantasy, it's entertaining and story-telling is unique. One of the best short animes out there.

Best Comedy: One-Punch Man

A superhero anime with an amazing power - he can beat anyone - as the name says, in one punch.

Best Protagonist: Lelouch (Code Geass: Lelouch of Rebellion)

What a ride. This journey in the anime is one of the best ending - making Lelouch, the best protagonist.

Best Antagonist: Yhwach (Bleach: Thousand Years War Arc)

The ending of Bleach: Thousand Years War Arc made this guy an interesting antagonist. 

My 2022 anime tier list.

AAA

Steins;Gate

Clannad - Clannad: After Story

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Bleach

Bleach: Thousand Years War Arc

Code Geass: Lelouch of Rebellion 

Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc

Attack On Titan: Final Season part 2

Chainsaw Man

Kaguya-sama: Love is War

Tokyo Revengers

Aoi Bungaku 

Devilman Crybaby

Spy x Family

BBB

Mob Psycho 100 I

One-Punch Man

Assassination Classroom

Blue Spring Ride

Mieruko-Chan

Beastars

Id: Invaded

Death Parade

Fruits Basket

Parasyte: The Maxim

Psycho-Pass

Horimiya

CCC

Cells at Work!

Darling in a Franxx

Rust Eater Bisco

On-Going:

One Piece

Mob Psycho 100 III

SPY x FAMILY Cour 2

My Hero Academia Season 6

//AnimeList2022

//sebajisoka