Archive for 2017

It has been a long wait for the fans here in the Philippines since it was announced that there will be a movie of "The Irregular at Magic High School", and it has been years since the first season of the anime was last aired. And just to watch the movie, we even went from one city to the next because the cinema that shows the movie was just limited.

Synopsis

Many months have passed since the events of the first season. The “irregular” elder brother Tatsuya and his talented younger sister Miyuki realize that their first year at Magic High School is about to come to a close, so the siblings and their friends decide to spend spring break at a private villa on Ogasawara Island. Tatsuya and the others make the most of their brief vacation until a young girl named Kokoa appears before them. The mysterious young girl who escaped from a naval base tells Tatsuya her one wish.

Plot

Story Plot

I found the plot to be lacking and is too straightforward. That being said, being too straightforward with the story with a little amount of foreshadowing was a letdown. Even though I haven't read the novel yet, but with each scene and frame of the movie, I can quite tell what will happen next and what will go wrong. Making a movie that is easy to predict is somehow, well, will get a little boring.

What is at Stake

Though the general story is predictable, it can be said that what is at stake for the movie was quite huge. The problem arises when mankind wanted to build a more powerful and destructive way to best other countries. While it is a fact even in reality, in the world of Mahouka (The Irregular at Magic High School), with a combination of science and technology and magic, the effects are huge.

If in case the protagonist which was OP from the start fails to address the problem correctly and properly, geographical locations will be changed, and ideology of people will clash once again causing another great war. And this was reflected properly in The Irregular at Magic High School Movie.

Lack of Emotions

Our protagonist is an emotionless, overpowered, being who resurrects dead people. We all know that, but, in an honest opinion, what makes the story good is a balance of emotions. The movie lacked it. though emotions can be seen in the eyes of the characters, one cannot just sympathize with how the eyes are shown. In this sense, it is a narration of a story that clearly focuses on tell and not show.

Plot Holes?

Don't throw shade here. Since I was not able to read the novel properly yet. There are a lot of frames and scenes where there are characters showing up and made me confused as who they exactly are.

There were also some backstory flashes of Tatsuya and Miyuki, that made me wonder at first, "Was there a release of OVA or some sort before this movie that I don't know?"

This is a proof that before watching the movie, you should at least watch the anime first and read the novel so as not to confuse yourself. Like me.

Music

Just from watching the anime, I am expecting that the music will be more enjoyable. And that expectation was half met and was a half disappointment. True, the battle music was enjoyable and with the proper timing and animation, the music really blends well and you can feel it a little bit. I also enjoyed the other parts where the music was mellow and lively as well. Since it is Spring break and the setting was on an island, it really feels that it fits the part correctly.

However for some other parts, it is somehow "does not fit the mood" thing which was not noticed only by me, but to the person who was with me when we watched it.

Animation

Positive

One thing. The animation leveled up. But not to the point that you can expect things great. While the details of the background and other characters are finely on point and unique, plus with the glyphs and runes that was really detailed to every nook and corner. I can say I can give it 3 out of 5.

Negative

In a fantasy setting where there is an OP Protagonist, it is clearly to better show it to the viewers. It is subpar compared to the battle animation of the Fate Series. I was surprised how the animation was improved compared to the anime series, but what made me sad is the lack of the battle scene.

Overall Review

Recommendation: To watch (especially for the fans of both the anime and the novel)

Is there a secret Ending? If you are patient, then you will know.

Running Time: 90 Minutes (1.5 Hours)

Overall Score: 3/5

In any case, if you haven't read the novel like me, there will be confusing parts but will be easily understood if you have a good story pick-up skill that is needed when an anime or a movie is released that is purely based on the novel.

Overall, The Irregular at Magic High School The Movie: The Girl Who Calls is a great piece of work. Even though it is not that stunning or awesome that you want to watch the movie again, it is still recommended if you feel the lack of proper ending of the anime.

As for me, I may want to read the novel now since I have other novels finished up. If you are curious about my current read of the novel or looking for other novels that seem to be interesting, then read my previous post about it. "Click Here" if you're interested.

Lately. there has been a lot of Light Novels and Stories that are popping in and out of the internet and people seems to like it. But what is a Light Novel first for those who do not hear the term yet?

A light Novel is a style of Japanese novel primarily, but not exclusively, targeting young adult demographic.One of the most remarkable characteristics of a light novel is that they are illustrated with anime and manga art style, often being adapted into such mediums. They are mainly published in separate book volumes, while some of them have their chapters serialized in anthology magazines before collection in book form, comparable to how manga is published.

For me, I have been interested in such struggles because most of than not, the main protagonist of the stories have become the anti-hero and their struggles make the story memorable and give the questions of "what will happen now" and "will he survive retaining his humanity?"

As one of the members of the Otaku community, there are a lot of anime that has their season ended without the proper ending it gives. And for someone who got interested in such story wants more. Thinking things like, "What happened to them?" "This can't be the end right?" or even "WHAT?"

Luckily, there are those good souls that translate Light Novels into English out of compassion for those who cannot read Japanese characters. Thanks to the site of Novel Updates, we can now follow through the story that the anime cannot give us.

Below are my Five Recommendations for a Light Novel stories. I won't be discussing why I liked them or why I recommend them here in this post because it is a discussion that I think will be best talked about later.

1.) Re-Monster

After his unfortunate death, Tomokui Kanata has been reincarnated as a member of the weakest race, a goblin named Rou. However, Rou has retained his previous life's memories, as well as an ability that allows him to gain strength and abilities from eating. He also possesses a unique evolutionary tree. Now, Rou has made a promise to himself that he would live this life to the fullest. In this alternate world of survival of the fittest, events unfold with competent subordinates and comrades. - A long-awaited survival fantasy by Komikaraizu!

2. Kumo desu ga, Nani ka?

The world where the Hero and the Demon King continue to oppose each other. The grand magic from the Hero and the Demon King cross over worlds and exploded in the classroom of a certain high school.

The students who died in the explosion will be reincarnated in a different world. The protagonist, who had the lowest reputation in the class, was reincarnated into a spider. Nevertheless, she adapted quickly to the present condition with strong willpower. This is a story of she who has become a spider trying whatever she can to survive.

3.) Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou (LN)

Seventeen-year-old Hajime Nagumo is your average, everyday otaku. However, his simple life of pulling all-nighters and sleeping in school is suddenly turned upside down when he, along with the rest of his class, is summoned to a fantasy world! They’re treated like heroes and tasked with the duty of saving the human race from utter extinction. But what should have been any otaku’s wet dream quickly turns into Hajime’s nightmare? While the rest of his class are blessed with godlike powers, Hajime’s job, Synergist, only has a single transmutation skill. Ridiculed and bullied by his classmates for being weak, he soon finds himself in despair. Will he be able to survive in this dangerous world of monsters and demons with only a glorified blacksmith’s level of strength?

4.) Grimgal of Ashes and Illusion

Why are we doing this…? When Haruhiro came to, he was in the darkness. Not knowing why was he here, or where “here” even was. With him were others who also remembered little more than their own names. What they found when they came out of the underground was the world that was `just like a game.” In order to survive, Haruhiro forms a party with others in the same situation as him, learns Skills, and takes his first steps forward into the world of Grimgar as a Trainee Volunteer Soldier. Not knowing what awaits him… This is a tale of adventure born from the ashes.

5.) Re:Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (LN)

Suddenly a high school student Subaru Natsuki has been summoned to another world on the way back from the convenience store. With the biggest crisis of his life being summoned to another world and no sign of the one who summoned him things become worse when he is attacked.

But when he is saved by a mysterious silver-haired girl with a fairy cat, Subaru cooperates with the girl to return the favor. When they finally manage to get a clue Subaru and the girl are attacked and killed by someone.

Subaru then awakens in the place he was summoned and notices the ability he gained “Returns by Death” a helpless boy that only has the ability to rewind time by dying. And beyond the despair can he save the girl from the fate of death!

6.) Youjo Senki

On the front line of the war, there’s a little girl. Blond hair, blue eyes and porcelain white skin, she commands the army with lisping voice. Her name is Tanya Degurechaff. But in reality, she is one of Japan’s most elite salarymen, reborn as a little girl after angering a mysterious being X who calls himself “God.” And this little girl, who prioritize over anything else efficiency and her own career, will become the most dangerous being amongst the sorcerers of the imperial army…

There are a lot of factors that make up our dreaded word and feeling as we grow up that we will never ever escape from. STRESS!

And yes, overdue bills, work, school projects, heartbreaks, fights with loved ones, and especially traffic! These are the common things in life that we always face in life. It's inescapable and will always be a part of life as a challenge. Like any other challenge, there will always be a way to overcome those challenges and make life brighter and happier.

And more like any other sickness, stress manifests in our lives both physically and emotionally. The indicators are:

Tired and Puffy Eyes

Our eyes are the portal to our souls. Bright and glistening eyes means that you are happier and healthy. But stress diminishes that sparkle and make you look, well, ugly. Puffy and tired eyes among the first signs that manifest physically when you are stressed. Simply because you are losing and not getting enough sleep. And when you don't sleep for the right number of hours per day, this becomes more and more evident.

Bad and Dry Skins

The second manifestation of a stressed life is your delicate and sensitive skin. There are a lot of different ways your body will react to your stressed life and it differs from person to another person. Some will get eruptions on the face, oily skin, bad odor even when you are not exercising or moving around. That’s because stress throws your hormones all out of whack. This fact, coupled with the lack of sleep, is the perfect recipe for fine lines and acne, as well as other skin eruptions like rashes and hives.

While I am at my most stressful days because of being a working student, both at full time, I learned that you should not be afraid of it. Accept that it is a part of your life. The more you accept the fact, the more that you will be able to manage it. And managing stress is one of the key factors on leading your life to the fullest.

Why is it Important to Manage Stress?

You see, effective stress management helps you break the hold stress has on your life so you can be happier, healthier and more productive, not only at work but also in life. Having your stress managed can balance your work, social, and fun life. Not only that, it will also give you the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet more challenges head on with a smile.

Tip 1: Get Physical

For me, after work, I have school, and after school, I still have to study for tomorrow's lessons and prepare for another day at work. So, before doing all that, what I do is put down the yoga mat and get down to it. A series simple stretches make my body more relaxed, and after sweating and a hot shower, makes me feel lighter.

In connection with that, do something that will make you sweat. You see, it is already scientifically proven that getting exercise will lessen up your stress and make you more energetic and stronger to face life. And it makes you healthy in case you forget that.

Tip 2: Take a Break

If you are a tea person, then you already know the benefits of drinking tea when you are stressed. But for those who are yet still to appreciate tea drinking, then let me explain to you as a tea person.

Drinking tea can relieve stress and boost your mood due to its aroma; the pleasing scent of tea, herbs or cacao nibs can tickle your senses in a positive way
Drinking green tea can help reduce stress in that it contains an amino acid that produces a calming effect, and the act of drinking tea can be a relaxing ritual.

Among others, these are the effects when you are taking a break from your stressor and drinking tea while relaxing. Try it, and feel it for yourself. You won't regret it. I promise!

Tip 3: Get Social

With Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and a lot more at our disposal, we can get social anytime we want. A simple talk to your friend or a long conversation with whom you really like or love can have a positive outcome to your mood and releases stress.But it’s important that the person whom you talk to is someone whom you trust and whom you feel can understand and validate you.

Tip 4: Smile and Laugh

Open up your youtube or your Tumblr, and search for something funny. There are a lot of compilations in there that will make you laugh or at least smile. But for me, the most effective way for me to smile and laugh is to have a good and nice joke session with your friends.

Our brains are interconnected with our emotions and facial expressions. When people are stressed, they often hold a lot of the stress in their face. So laughs or smiles can help relieve some of that tension and improve the situation.

Tip 5: Manage Your Time Better

I couldn't agree more with this one. Managing your time and sticking to it can be a real hassle, and it needs to be flexible for any changes that might happen. But ones you are able to correctly manage your time to suit your needs and ends, then you are one step away from stress and the pains it can inflict to you. Breaking projects into small bits, prioritizing tasks, ridding of unnecessary schedules, can all help to manage your time better.

Tip 6: Eat Healthily

I always try to have greens and fruits in my table no matter what happens. Canned goods as dinner? No problem! For instance, corned beef, I always add a lot of ginger and onions on it so that I could still eat nutritious food as much as I can.

Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.

At the end of the day, the tip that I can give you is that, don't be afraid of Stress. It will always be there. Accept it as a part of who you are. Living the life isn't how happy you are, but how you handle your life. Remember, stress is a challenge, and if there is a challenge, there will always be a way to overcome it.

Being a working student is never easy. You have to learn how to balance your time between work, social, and academic work. I have been into that kind of situation countless of times, where I come to work, with a lack of sleep because I have to study after school and upon coming home. With less than eight hours of sleep, more like three to five hours of sleep. Sometimes, I want to just have full time in studying, because, every law students and lawyers knows that, law school is unforgiving.

Nevertheless, since I am already working at a law firm, and I am starting to know the nooks and cranny of how law life really is, and with the guidance of a good law practitioner, I can't let go of this job and school where the light of my goal is within reach one step ahead.

Better Time Management

Being a working student, one should have a better time management skill, If there is a tip that I could give to my fellow student, who have trouble managing their time, maybe I can help on what I should do to at least survive law school - getting good grades, for your social life, and being efficient and effective at the same time at your work.

1.) Setting a Realistic and Attainable Goal

Staying focused and prioritizing what is the most important. Every decision you make should depend on your actual abilities. For example, don't try to fully load yourself in class just to keep up the pace of other students. Know that you are working differently from a full-time student. In my part, I enroll about four to five subjects per semester depending on how heavy and important those subjects are to make sure that I learn as much as possible. Trying to be a full-time employee and student at the same time will only make you burn up quickly, which is not advisable.

As much as possible, record your goals and what are the finished one, and make sure that your goal is attainable. Your record of your achieved goal, no matter how small it is, will give you a better look of your progress, your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the boost of confidence that you need.

2.) Make a Flexible Schedule

Making a schedule can be tough, sometimes, work-related trips can change the whole plan. What you should do is make a flexible schedule, and be flexible on yourself too. The schedule, being flexible as much as it can, should contain every activity required of your day. Once you have it all jot down in writing, figure out what can be shuffled and what should stay put. The time between work and your social life can be used for study and homework, as an example, but don't sacrifice too much. Don't forget to communicate your schedule to your family, employer, friends and loved ones. Once everyone knows your schedule, things should start to run smoothly.

But a piece of advice, at first, it will not be easy, but as the time goes and the people around you started to recognize it, it will be the start of your worry-less schedule.

Read More: 7 Ways Preventing Energy-Slump After Lunch at Work

3.) Plan Wisely and Effectively

Know all your schedules, what you have to do, your responsibilities and well, how you want your day to go by. Allowing your time to process and list down all the things you need to do is one of the crucial things that you have to do if you really want to have a better time management in your hands. Doing so can help you clear things that not need to be done.

What I do, is that I jot down all the things I have to do and want to do a week before, so that my mind is already set and all I have to do is check that list every start of the day. It really helps me to get my mind to be set and remember more things that I have to do.

In your planning stage, what's important is that you have a pen and paper so that you could list them all down, and remember them. I do this every Sunday before going to bed and it makes me relaxed that all of the things that I have to do for the following week are out of worries because I plan things beforehand, rather than getting stressed out by not planning.

Health is the Greatest Investment

Now, despite being busy with all your set plans and activities, remember not to overwork yourself. And the best investment for your future is your health. Sleeping for a good whole night sleep, keeping track of your diet, and taking a lot of exercises from yoga to your classic gym style fitness will help you make sure that your investments are protected and is working for you.

If you are like me who works a full 8 hours a day and a class at night every night, then I suggest going really physical every now and then. A little 1-kilometer work can help every day. For me, at least, I walk around 2 kilometers from work to the train station to get some exercise and it helps me to still get some despite having a busy schedule.

As for diet, I also make sure to eat homemade once that I prepare and with varieties of fish, meat and vegetables. Drinking multivitamins also help. Three liters of water keeps me hydrated all throughout the day. By drinking water of three liters, it gives out a lot of benefits, not only by hydrating me but making sure that I boost my immune system, and improving my mental and physical performance.

Read More: Learning to Deal with Life

Do Not Procrastinate

One of the things that make human life miserable in today's age. Also, guilty of this sin, but, there is a trick that is effective for me that I can share you, and you can try it out if you wanted and see if it is effective.

1.) Prepare and Just DO It.

If there is something to be done, just do it. And do it until you are finished, don't think about anything else. It helped me to get things done, from digesting my cases, reading long chapters of books and doing house chores after work. True, that after work, everyone gets tired and seem to want to relax a little, but as a working student, you doesn't seem to have that. What I do is that I trick my mind to work. Even in a tired state, drinking tea before studying and then preparing my materials makes my mind go into work mode.

See, if you wanted to do something and it seems that your mind is saying that you should rest a little, the thing is, when you start doing something that relates to working or studying, and then a little more push from yourself to do something, that makes you think that you are already working and wanted to finish it.

But what if you are prepared to do it, but still your body wanted to have a little rest? Then stop thinking about it and just do it. If it still makes you want to procrastinate, then continue working and studying. Until you realize that you have finished the job. Honestly, it will take a lot of willpower at first but when you're getting used to it, then it will make your life easier.

2.) Once You Started It, Finish It.

Do it and finish it. If you started something, common sense and logical explanations dictate that you ought to finish it. You see, we have a guilt that makes us feel bad when we do not finish things. Make your life easier, by finishing something once you have taken the first step.

Read More: Awesome Things You Should Experience in your Life

But let us not fool ourselves, not everyone can finish a two thousand pages in a single seating. A progress can be called a progress even if it is small steps towards finishing it.

Upon learning that the Manga Creator of High School of the Dead, Daisuke Sato passed away last week, I can't help but ponder as to why there are many manga artists that pass away at such an early age and with a great talent to boot. Of course, I was saddened that another part of an Otaku's life had passed away, but it may come selfish of me, to think first, what will happen to the series of High School of the Dead that ended up in hiatus back in 2013?

As well all know, we were left on a verge of another arc in the story. The new arc debuted in April 2013, but we were left hanging as to what will happen next. I can still remember checking the Manga, in your everyday manga site, for every week, every month, and every quarter of the year to just make sure that I will not be able to miss out a new chapter coming out. But even after all that waiting, we were left with nothing. No news about it or what will happen.

But it may be selfish of me thinking or talking more about the manga, rather than the artist himself, we must not forget that if such person didn't exist here in this life, we may not be able to watch something awesome, and with a great plot. Of course, not the plot you were thinking of. But the story itself.

Looking on the bright side of the story, we may expect that Co-creator, Shoji Sato could have continued the series at any time. We may think that during the time that Daisuke Sato is still living and he was thinking that he could no longer continue, Daisuke Sato may have talked to Shoji Sato about the continuation of the story.

But then again, there will be a downside to that. Let us first think that it has really been a long time that there are no updates regarding the manga. And most of all, unlike Hunter x Hunter, there are updates even if it's months apart. But in the case of High School of the Dead, it is very unlikely that there will be a continuation. And thinking about it, it's just fair. And I would understand if the series would just stop all the way.

We must all remember that such a talented artist died in a relatively "too early" years of his life. And the question on whether or not High School of the Dead would continue must be left for the mean time. Here I am hoping for the continuation. But let us all be humane and give ample time to the family of Daisuke Sato to mourn and grieve for their loss. And with that, together with my condolences and sympathy.

There may be a lot of Filipino Folklore sites around the internet if you tried to ask Daddy G about them, but there is one specific site that caters different kinds of Filipino Folklore around the country, and that is "The Aswang Project."

Image Credit to Jap MKL

As an aspiring writer, there are a lot of things I should read and should know if I want my stories in Wattpad or in InkItt to be good. And of course, reading other people's work will be beneficial to us, and the same goes for blogging.

But what caught my eyes about this one, is how the author documents them and not only creates visual through words, but it makes you want to immerse in reading them. I know because, honestly, even as a Filipino, I am not that interested before about Filipino Folklore that much, because they are often just scary stories to scare children to sleep or to make them behave. But as soon as I read their articles, it got me thinking, the stories and the contents about them aren't just to scare kids, it's there to make lessons about life. To know what true horrors the Philippines can bring to its own people even before the Spaniards come to colonize it. And most of all, it teaches more to life about how to live a life of simplicity and with grace.

Image Credit to Anushbanush

If you are going to search thru the internet and Daddy G about sites who dedicate their contents to Filipino Folklore, you'll see some of them are just sites to what are common knowledge to Filipinos, but if you want a more in-depth information about different Folklore Creatures and stories, from Ilocos, Mindanao, Visayas, they have them. And putting them online in a manner that will make the readers want for more is something I don't see to other sites.

Though I am not really sure if their information can be used for study purpose, on which I want to ask as of this writing, but so far, it can be used as a presentation and an idea on how Filipinos before interacting with different mythical creatures of both good and bad.

You know, sometimes, it's good to see things like this on the internet. I just wish that the site will gain more recognition, not only to writers and artists but also to the very government. Not only to encourage other people from doing their own research, but also to show that the Philippines, like Greece or Norse, or Egyptian Mythology, we too have a really rich culture of colors, romance, tragedy, epic and most of all, intriguing mythology like those of another country.

If you are working in an office desk, or if you are just a simple student attending your afternoon session, then one of the relate-able thing that might have happen to all of us is the feeling sleepy or slum of energy spike you have after eating your lunch. I know, I am experiencing it now as of writing this post. And we all experienced this kind of slump more than once in our life so far.

Our internal body clock can be one of the culprits. Or it could even be that you stayed up late because you have to finish a certain project either for your school or work. But is there a way to beat that kind of slump? Of course, if there is a problem, there will always be a solution and solutions are much better than the problem right?

So, how can you keep that eyes closing while in a meeting, work or class from closing and take you to a peaceful slumber?

1.) Eat Breakfast

This is one of the best thing that you can do to start you day and keep your day on a run. Eating a balanced food with lots of carbohydrates and protein. Drinking just a coffee or a milk or chocolate drink isn't enough. So eating something lean meat plus greens are one of your best options. But if you can't prepare it in the morning, you can always prepare your things or the food in the night before you go to sleep.

2.) Get Up and Move, move, move!

Try standing up and take a walk to the corridors, or even yet go out of the office building using the stairs and breath some fresh air for a while. It will help you to shaken up your body and wake you up. Personally though, it's not much a help especially if you lacked sleep, but it is one of the quickest way to do it.

3.) Sleep Early

As much as possible, I always tell my partner to sleep early even though he doesn't feel sleepy yet. That is because, lack of sleep just doesn't make you feel sleepy in the afternoon, but it has an adverse effect in your health. So as much as possible, get at least 7-8 hours of sleep.

4.) Clean Up Your Space

One of the things that can make you feel lazy and tired at the same time is the scene where your desk are all around the place and papers are falling to your floor because of cluttered desks. Though research shows that it actually shows creativity, still, the fact that you feel slumped is because you have some messy stuff going here and there. Clean it up and make yourself clean. That extra activity will help you wake up because you are actually doing something instead of having your eyes glued in your screen.

5.) Pump Up The Music

One of the things that make me awake during after lunch work hour is that I always listen to music. Just make sure though that you are following your company's policy about that. I you can't play it on loudspeaker, then play it with your headset or headphones. And just make sure that you cans till hear people calling you and the phone ringing. Because that won't be pleasant.

6.) Stretch Those Muscles

This is one of the easiest way to wake up your drowsy muscles. Stretch your hands or your feet. And even your neck. A two to Five minutes of muscles stretching can you up because blood pumps again at your body. And it's also a quick assessment that you are still fit.

7.) Enjoy Your Coffee/Tea Time

I do this all the time. I always bring with me a packet of Tea whenever I am going to school or to work. This is just to make sure that the warmth of the tea plus the bitterness and sweetness of the flavor can wake my senses up. Specially my brain.

How Did I do?

Was I able to help you beat your afternoon slump at work or at school? If it is, don't forget to comment down below or share this to your friends! Follow me on twitter as well in Facebook to know more!

ABOUT AUTHOR

POPULAR POSTS

Blog Archive

Tag

FOLLOW US @ INSTAGRAM

Find Me At: