Monday, February 28, 2011

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2: Apollo

shin megami tensei: persona 2 - apollo

While his initial Persona is Vulcanus, Apollo is the ultimate Persona of the game's protagonist, Suou Tatsuya. Due to an incident that led to his father’s forced resignation from the police force, Tatsuya has been estranged from his family for quite come time. Little is known about his family aside from him having an older brother named Katsuya.

Awesome cosplay! Really love the detailing of the armor here, and the angle for the photography is quite interesting as well! Thanks to Syaza for sending this!

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2: Apollo

shin megami tensei: persona 2 - apollo

While his initial Persona is Vulcanus, Apollo is the ultimate Persona of the game's protagonist, Suou Tatsuya. Due to an incident that led to his father’s forced resignation from the police force, Tatsuya has been estranged from his family for quite come time. Little is known about his family aside from him having an older brother named Katsuya.

Awesome cosplay! Really love the detailing of the armor here, and the angle for the photography is quite interesting as well! Thanks to Syaza for sending this!

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2: Apollo

shin megami tensei: persona 2 - apollo

While his initial Persona is Vulcanus, Apollo is the ultimate Persona of the game's protagonist, Suou Tatsuya. Due to an incident that led to his father’s forced resignation from the police force, Tatsuya has been estranged from his family for quite come time. Little is known about his family aside from him having an older brother named Katsuya.

Awesome cosplay! Really love the detailing of the armor here, and the angle for the photography is quite interesting as well! Thanks to Syaza for sending this!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Vocaloid: Meiko 03

vocaloid cosplay - meiko 03 by airaOn the 24th of July 2003, a CCCD album “History of Logic System” was commercially released and it included a song using Japanese Vocaloids for the first time. The duet song of "Ano Subarashii Ai wo Mou Ichido (That Wonderful Love Once More)" was covered by a prototype of Meiko and Kaito before their release.

Cosplayer Aira makes an incredible Meiko! You can hear the official YouTube broadcast for the song mentioned above here. Thanks to Visa for sending this!

Vocaloid: Meiko 03

vocaloid cosplay - meiko 03 by airaOn the 24th of July 2003, a CCCD album “History of Logic System” was commercially released and it included a song using Japanese Vocaloids for the first time. The duet song of "Ano Subarashii Ai wo Mou Ichido (That Wonderful Love Once More)" was covered by a prototype of Meiko and Kaito before their release.

Cosplayer Aira makes an incredible Meiko! You can hear the official YouTube broadcast for the song mentioned above here. Thanks to Visa for sending this!

Vocaloid: Meiko 03

vocaloid cosplay - meiko 03 by airaOn the 24th of July 2003, a CCCD album “History of Logic System” was commercially released and it included a song using Japanese Vocaloids for the first time. The duet song of "Ano Subarashii Ai wo Mou Ichido (That Wonderful Love Once More)" was covered by a prototype of Meiko and Kaito before their release.

Cosplayer Aira makes an incredible Meiko! You can hear the official YouTube broadcast for the song mentioned above here. Thanks to Visa for sending this!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Katanagatari: Togame

katanagatari cosplay - togame / princess yousha by gongju tomiaA self-entitled strategist, Togame arrived on the island Yasuri Shichika resides in order to seek his help in finding the final twelve swords forged by Shikizaki Kiki. Her father, Hida Takahito, was actually killed by Shichika’s father, but Togame believes that people who work for love can be trusted the most, which is why she tells Shichika to fall for her. Togame’s real name was revealed to be Princess Yousha.

Pretty cosplay by the lovely Korean cosplayer, Gongju Tomia! I wonder if she goes to a studio to get her photos taken? She has a lot of different backdrops for her cosplays! Thanks to Gilbert for suggesting this!

Katanagatari: Togame

katanagatari cosplay - togame / princess yousha by gongju tomiaA self-entitled strategist, Togame arrived on the island Yasuri Shichika resides in order to seek his help in finding the final twelve swords forged by Shikizaki Kiki. Her father, Hida Takahito, was actually killed by Shichika’s father, but Togame believes that people who work for love can be trusted the most, which is why she tells Shichika to fall for her. Togame’s real name was revealed to be Princess Yousha.

Pretty cosplay by the lovely Korean cosplayer, Gongju Tomia! I wonder if she goes to a studio to get her photos taken? She has a lot of different backdrops for her cosplays! Thanks to Gilbert for suggesting this!

Katanagatari: Togame

katanagatari cosplay - togame / princess yousha by gongju tomiaA self-entitled strategist, Togame arrived on the island Yasuri Shichika resides in order to seek his help in finding the final twelve swords forged by Shikizaki Kiki. Her father, Hida Takahito, was actually killed by Shichika’s father, but Togame believes that people who work for love can be trusted the most, which is why she tells Shichika to fall for her. Togame’s real name was revealed to be Princess Yousha.

Pretty cosplay by the lovely Korean cosplayer, Gongju Tomia! I wonder if she goes to a studio to get her photos taken? She has a lot of different backdrops for her cosplays! Thanks to Gilbert for suggesting this!

Friday, February 25, 2011

I feel most Singaporean when …


… I am talking to Non-Singaporeans or when I am abroad.

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At GyeonogBukGong, korea.

This is probably a weird theory but I seriously feel the patriotic-ness oozing in me when I’m with non-Singaporeans. Yeah, I’m weird like that.

And I don’t know if it’s just me, but I always feel the need to behave appropriately in front of foreigners because I don’t want to spoil the the reputation of my lovely Lion City. Call me old fashioned if you want but I feel that every Singaporean is an ambassador to their motherland.

What else can be a better representation of a country if not their people?

Which is why I do things like the Worldwide Cosplayer Photo Journey and tell people why they should visit Singapore

Starting the Worldwide Cosplayer Photo Journey gives me the chance to put my own country on a map and allows me to share this wonderful little island with as much people as possible. I love to share, I love being proactive and I love to be able to make a difference!

So here’s an entry to share my not so different sentiments as to what makes me a Singaporean.

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Zephyus and I representing Singapore for the Regional Cosplay Championship 2010

1. Representing Singapore makes me feel Singaporean. I know it’s a given but whenever I get the chance to represent my country, I would always try to make the other delegates or guest feel my hospitality. Even if they don’t know me.

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Kaya was my choice of gift last year. 2009 was Bakgwa.

2. Talking about Singapore also makes me feel Singaporean. Be it the good or the bad, just thinking about her and the problem she faces, reflects my understanding and attachment to her.

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The Wishing Tree, Hong Kong

3. When I hear people speak in Singlish abroad. I feel the instant connection and the urge to hold their hands and prance around. Come on, don’t tell me you don’t get that! It’s pretty much a national identity already! Every nation has it’s own quirks yeah?

4. When something bad happens and I know there are official authorities I can turn to for help. It’s always assuring to know someone's got your back covered and you have your legal rights in a country.

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5. When I walk into our MRT stations during rush hour with the knowledge that my train will come within 3.5 minutes.

6. When I teach my foreign friends how to use Singapore’s public transport systems and hear them marvel at its efficiency and ease-of-use.

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Lotte Mall, Korea

7. When I go to the food courts during lunch hours and see tissue packets on the table. It’s a social culture!

8. When I hear my girlfriends joke about never accepting a marriage proposal that starts with a request to get a HDB together. And totally getting the joke without having to ask “What is HDB?”. Yes, a uniquely Singaporean predicament.

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Incheon Airport, Korea

9. When I walk down the bustling streets of MyeongDong and they ask if I am Japanese. And without fail, giggle to myself after I explain I am Singaporean because their reaction never gets old.

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Harbour City Mall, Hong Kong

10. When I gather with other South East Asian-ers and is the only Chinese group that will choose English to express themselves more than their own Mother Tongue.

So here are some of the little things in life that claims my right as a red passport holding Singaporean.

Singapore might not be perfect but it is a very beautiful and well governed country. A country of vibrance, racial harmony and a country where its’ people can live in peace with assurance that their loved ones and assets will be protected as much as they can be. The assurance that life will get better if you work hard and the assurance that pushes Singapore forward with her people.

I hope you enjoyed reading this entry. For an entry that has so little text, it sure has consumed many time. This is my submission entry to mySingapore.sg’s blogger search! I hope I will be able to win a trip to Shanghai to experience the Singapore Day held there this April! Wish me luck and as usual, comments never kill anyone :D

Final Fantasy VII: Tifa Lockhart 03

final fantasy vii cosplay - tifa lockhart 3 by airaFrom the book “Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω" by Studio BentStuff, we get a glimpse of one of Tifa alternate costumes. The developers of Final Fantasy VII chose to keep her mini-skirt as a staple of her design, much to the delight of fan boys everywhere.

I don’t know much about the game itself, but I do know Aira makes a fabulous Tifa. Thanks to Lilica for sending this!

Final Fantasy VII: Tifa Lockhart 03

final fantasy vii cosplay - tifa lockhart 3 by airaFrom the book “Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω" by Studio BentStuff, we get a glimpse of one of Tifa alternate costumes. The developers of Final Fantasy VII chose to keep her mini-skirt as a staple of her design, much to the delight of fan boys everywhere.

I don’t know much about the game itself, but I do know Aira makes a fabulous Tifa. Thanks to Lilica for sending this!

Final Fantasy VII: Tifa Lockhart 03

final fantasy vii cosplay - tifa lockhart 3 by airaFrom the book “Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω" by Studio BentStuff, we get a glimpse of one of Tifa alternate costumes. The developers of Final Fantasy VII chose to keep her mini-skirt as a staple of her design, much to the delight of fan boys everywhere.

I don’t know much about the game itself, but I do know Aira makes a fabulous Tifa. Thanks to Lilica for sending this!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Cosplay Photography by Jay Tablante

After the Bubble Gang Z Cosplay Opening Theme.
Last February 22 2011, Jay Tablante opens his cosplay theme exhibit "Les Femmes Fatales" at the Crucible Gallery in megamall that will run up to March 6, 2011.
Rhian Ramos Cosplay RoqueRhian Ramos Cosplay as Roque of X-men Marvel Comics

Jay Tablante will teach us how to shoot a cosplay.

Read more »

DcastEye's Guide to Cheap Travelling in Sweden

This morning I got the idea of making a small travelling guide for Sweden, or more exact how to cheapest get around Sweden. Just to remind you, even thou Sweden doesn't have a great landmass the land does stretch quite a bit. It took me 18 hours on the night train to get a bit more than halfway. These are the ways of travelling that I feel is less expensive, so there is more ways of getting around.
On the X2000 train in southern Sweden in late spring. 
So if you want to cover a large distance my bet is that you ether take the train or a long distance bus. In Sweden most of the trains that cover more than one region goes under SJ (Statens Järnvägar = State Railway), but on their website you can buy tickets for most part of the country. If you want to buy a really cheap ticket and go by the train, try to catch one of the tickets that get listed 90 days before you travel. I know this is very long before, but it can be as cheap as 10 Euro, and you can travel all over the country (as long as the trip and the transfers are on the same one-way ticket). You can of cause buy the return ticket at the same time or wait for the 90 days before.

Simply said the prices on the SJ-trains are like this: At the release of the tickets 90 days before travelling it is cheapest = 10 Euro. The price rises as the days goes and as people buy more tickets. That is if the train you want to ride is popular it is more expensive. Note that from 2010, you have to give identification on the train so have your ID's ready when it is time to show the tickets. The tickets are also personal and you have to give your name when booking/buying.

If you are instead taking a long distance bus the price system is the same as the SJ-trains. There are many different companies as Swebus, Bus4You, GoByBus and many more. They usually have free networks were you can access internet for free and is great if you are travelling between larger cites. On the downside they do take longer than the train and don't stop at so many places. But the tickets are usually cheaper if you don't want to wait so long before travelling.

Then there are the local public transport. These have as many companies as regions in Sweden. If you just are going to be travelling within a region this is the way. They don't costs as much and you can usually stop at most part of the region, even thou there may be transfers. Most of the cities have local buses, trams or/and subways that drives within the city and if will be much cheaper than taking a taxi.

Note that if you have a licence you could always rent a car and ride that to different places. It also gives you more freedom in choosing were you want to go. On the downside our petrol is not on the cheap side. To fill a average car cost around 52 Euro, and note that the petrol usually costs more on the summer.

  • Train: faster than the bus. Cheap if you buy in time and has many connections so you can easy get around Sweden. They even got connections to the continent through Denmark. 
  • Long distance buses: takes longer than the train, but cheaper if you want to travel within the month. Usually have free networks on the buses, with free access internet. Don't stop at so many places.
  • Local public transport: Travelling within the region. Prices and where you buy the ticket varies depending on the region, but is cheaper than taking the taxi. Covers buses, trains, trams and subways. 
  • Rent a car: More freedom but much more expensive. Can be good if you travel together or if the public transport don't reach your destination. 
At the night train, guest starring CarpeDentum. 

One more thing to know. Most of those that live in Sweden know English, it is just some of the oldest and the youngest that doesn't know it. We start learning English in school when we are around 10 and we don't dub our television (well the children's shows). So don't be afraid to ask anyone.


Would you like me to write more about Sweden, 
and what in that case?

Översättning: Ska du åka tåg och vet om det i god tid, köp biljetterna 90 dagar i förväg. Då släpper SJ ett begränsat antal biljetter för 99 kr. Billigare kan det inte bli att åka tåg.
Om du tycker att tågbiljetterna blir för dyra så se om det går långdistansbussar, de brukar vara billigare om du väljer att åka på en vardag. Ex: Swebus, Bus4U..
Är det nära så kolla upp lokaltrafiken. Kollektivtrafik är mycket billigare än att ta en taxi, även om du kanske får ett par blickar om du åker i cosplay. 

Jplex: Japanese singers coming to Singapore!

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“ A super weekend of Japanese entertainment with JPLEX Volume 1!

Branded as JPLEX Volume 1, the first ever installment of the entertainment platform will bring to Singapore, for the first time, direct from Japan, three Anime Blockbusters, that includes titles like the latest Naruto Movie Naruto Shippudden: The Lost Tower and Sokyuu No Fafner: Heaven and Earth. Also on show is the third installment of the highly acclaimed Gundam Unicorn series. Coupled with these exciting movies are two concert performances from top Japanese music groups, angela and FLOW, whose music have been featured extensively in the soundtracks of the featured movie franchises of Naruto and Sokyuu No Fafner.”

Event: Jplex (Japan Entertainment Platform)
Date: 5th, 6th March 2011
Venue: Republic Polytechnic
Website:
http://www.jplex.asia/ 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jplex-Japan-Entertainment-Platform/127177644020390

And so it seems like the team that has brought us Anime festival Asia, is here with another J infused event. Packing an entire weekend this coming March, with rockin Japanese music and Anime screenings.

And the famous band that did the famous Naruto Opening songs are here too along with the superb Angela!

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Priced at $98 each, the tickets will grant you access to an intimate session with the Japanese celebrities. The concert will include a meet and greet session open to a maximum of 300 attendees. Autographs appears to be permitted only for official merchandise bought during the event. You guys will probably have to camp at Jplex’s Facebook page for more updated information.

I doubt I can afford the concert tickets but the Anime screening looks cool.

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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Microsoft: Xbox Sanrokumaru

microsoft cosplay - xbox sanrokumaruThe Xbox 360 is the second video console produced by Microsoft, competing with Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo’s Wii as a part of the 7th generation of video game consoles.

…but seriously, what the heck is this?!

Only in Japan will be able to find personifications of the strangest things. People were requesting me to put up a better photo of this guy ever since we got a glimpse of him from Rona McDonald’s photo.

I may have said this was one of the best cosplays ever attempted, but up close, it’s just plain creepy. Thanks to Miguel for sending the photo!

Microsoft: Xbox Sanrokumaru

microsoft cosplay - xbox sanrokumaruThe Xbox 360 is the second video console produced by Microsoft, competing with Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo’s Wii as a part of the 7th generation of video game consoles.

…but seriously, what the heck is this?!

Only in Japan will be able to find personifications of the strangest things. People were requesting me to put up a better photo of this guy ever since we got a glimpse of him from Rona McDonald’s photo.

I may have said this was one of the best cosplays ever attempted, but up close, it’s just plain creepy. Thanks to Miguel for sending the photo!