A seemingly unusual sight for Gin to purchase something at a local supermarket... However due to the fact it is known that there's a cosplay event in the shopping center, much of the people knew that there would be cosplayers around to serve. Which comes to the point that would you as a cosplayer dress up and walk around town in a normal day? Other than the glaring eyes, some people would be surprised or excited to see something weird in places they'd never thought of. An example would be this hilarious video below...
It sure makes my day having to watch this video over and over...Perhaps we should try this in Singapore and post it up in Youtube for many to see? Then it would be the first...
A hectic day for me as yesterday was the launch of the game that many had waited 12 years for it... Fans of Starcraft 2 started queuing up for the launch as early as 7am in the morning just to be the first to grab a copy of it. The queue stretched all the way outside of the Funan IT Mall in Singapore to as far as the neighboring shopping centers.
Took me 4 hours just to be able to get into the mall and see the booth they've setup in the atrium. They held a couple of matches on stage and lucky draw giveaways which included Razor gitf packs and Steelseries gift packs... The queue is still as crazy inside as they began watching and cheering for the matches.
Finally it's my turn to grab my copy at the counter. So really excited about this. It's been 5 hours since the start of queuing and now I've really got it. The pacage includes the box set with the game inside, a dog tag, a T-shirt and some miscellaneous advert stuff. Ran to another queue to take the lead writer's autograph and photos just after that.
Took a photograph with the lead writer; Brian Kindregan of Starcraft 2 who came down all the way from the US just to sign out autographs and stuff... He's really kind and friendly to approach. It's just so cool to have a photo with him...
Finally it's the announcement of the grand prize draw which includes a trip for 2 to Blizzcon California with return tickets and accommodation. Some lucky winner got it and is up on stage to receive the prize... Darn, I envy him... In any case that's the end of the launch of Starcraft 2, now playing the game like there's no tomorrow...
Cosfest has finally come to a closure yesterday and had finally uploaded the photographs for all to see. Somehow there seems to be a lot more cosplayers around this year pretty much thanks to the cosplay culture that is slowly but surely spreading to Singapore. In any case, this has been an eventful day for me as taking photographs from morning till the evening without rest is truly an experience I would not want to talk much about... However, there are plenty of good cosplayers around this year so it's a good sign though. Anyway, stay i tune with J's Chimes for more posts on the Cosfest 2010. To view the photos for the event, you can click on the link on the right taskbar or simply click to view them here.
The Youth Parade Cosmo 2010 in the Shine Youth Festival had finally concluded today with a couple of cosplayers here and there. I would probably believe that most cosplayers have gone to the Cosfest at downtown East instead as it's a bigger scale event than this. But in any case, there are a number of interesting things happening around Orchard Road with this event that brought about many onlookers trying to figure out why there is a sudden wave of cosplayers parading around Orchard Road... A small bazaar selling anime goodies and stuff are also setup below the new SCAPE Mall in Orchard Road.
What comes as a surprise for this event is the appearance of popular cosplayers Alodia & Ashley from the Philippines. This is probably the 3rd time I see them in Singapore after AFA 2009 and the cosplay competition. Indeed they are so popular that a bunch of photographers kept chasing them to take pictures.
The second surprise visit would be Gundam Exia by 00 Emotions. Once again, they are the most sought after for photos and stuff... The cosplayers later parade the streets of Orchard Road with plenty of curious onlookers. With such, that concludes my day at the festival because a downpour is coming the way. In addition, tomorrow will be any busy day at the Cosfest 2010 in Downtown East. For more photos of the Shine Youth Festival Cosplays and Events, please click on the link at the right taskbar or simply click here.
Beside the Streetfest event held at Plaza Singapura, another cosplay event was held nearby last Saturday. The new Scape Shopping Center which was located near somerset beside Cineleisure held a grand opening event with lots of performances and a cosplay gathering area. Then again had missed out this event due to my computer problems... In any case, click on here to view the photos as taken by Heart's Workshop. Or simply view them from the link via the taskbar on the right. Being missing out a couple of events ever since the holidays, hopefully I could spare time for both cosplay events coming up next month...
I didn't think the streetfest is gonna be good until I've seen the photos posted by people online yesterday... And I've really missed out a lot all thanks to Father's Day. Well, it is still an important day but somehow it irks me to have missed out such an event... Somehow this cosplay of the dark rider from the anime Durarara! gets to me... For better or for worse, my computer had to break down this week... Well, I guess we would have to wait for upcoming bigger event known as Cosfest this coming July... To view all of these photos, click here view them or simply click on the given link on the right task bar.
A friend of mine who plays Left 4 Dead 2 decides to organise a gamer's meet at Play Nation located at 60A Princep Street Singapore (Near Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, beside Sunshine Plaza). Around 9 people gathered together for a fun-filled day loaded with plenty of Xbox360 and Nintendo Wii gaming. This is the first outlet I've ever been to that has boardgames and console games for people to play and hangout together. Similar to the Mind's Cafe, this shop focuses more on games and activities within the group rather than a cafe by itself.
Our group decided to book a spacious room to gather and play games. It's SGD$11.50 per head for 4 hours of gaming, inclusive of free flow of drinks. Not too bad for room all to ourselves and 2 different consoles to play with... The more hardcore gamers of our group takes the Xbox360 while we decided to have a go at the Nintendo Wii. Haven't really touch a Wii before and thus decided to have a couple of fun while am at it.
Rock Band is one of the most popular games in our group that allows 4 players to play at the same time... Can't believe they actually spent hours playing that before switching to another game. Now the game room sounds so much like a Karaoke lounge instead... Things get a little more lively with more hardcore song coming along the way...
As for us, we played a couple of games here and there for the Wii console which includes Mario Brothers to crazy games like cooking and the likes. It's a new experience but gets old after a while. No doubt usinf the Wii controller is kinda hard, even the games are kinda strange and would moslty be catered to family fun instead of playing it alone. Thus for gamers like us, it is often preferred to purchase an Xbox360 or Playstation 3 if you're playing alone most of the time.
We tried guitar heros for the Nintendo Wii and I must say, am pretty tired after everything ends... Can't imagine playing games like this could be so... unique and tiring... (This is my first time playing...) Decided to put those aside and try other games after playing with the bass for long periods of time...
No game is complete without the guys playing soccer. After which a little Halo ODST to end the 4 hour period. Time flies when you're having fun. Hope to visit this place again for any gathering I'd may have as it's a good place to bond with your friends. Finally, everyone have their dinner at Mad Jack and then a little more gaming at the Plaza Singapura video game center. Got back early to buy some materials to fix up a vent for my computer as my desk get hot overtime with the power of an i7 processor...
The new Canon EOS 550D that I've bought a few months ago was the best gadget anyone would have to take stunning photographs otherwise not able to capture with just a small digital camera I'd previously owed. Whats so amazing would definitely be its 18 Megapixel which dominates almost all digital cameras around... speaking of which, the focusing is seriously sharp on close range where none of my old cameras would work when taking shots like this above...
Playing around and taking snapshots of every little thing I could find at home and also my favorite models too. One of my favs was Mina from the anime Getsumen To Heiki Mina and the ever so popular drama series called Train Man... Was totally sold out after just a few days and am glad to get this model though...
Took lots of photos but am not gonna flood my post with that many photos though... Lightings really does play a part in taking good photos in which somehow or rather my house doesn't really have during night shots... But am pretty happy wth the results the camera has brought about. The EOS 550D is also heavily advertised and promoted by Canon and is a sponsor for the Youth Olympic Games 2010 this coming year... Hopefully, there would be more sales for camera lenses so that may buy a better one for more photo-taking sessions...
Bought this Hatsune Miku Strap in Kareshi Kanojo No Mise at Sunshine Plaza when shopping for my friend's Birthday at A87 Cafe in my previous post. Being a fan of Miku and all, this definitely caught my attention and in no time at all, it is hanging in my cart.
With that comes the photo-taking session with my Figma Miku, with her delighted look at her very own strap... Guess it's just too valuable to use and now it's back in my plastic wrapping for safe keeps... Somehow or rather, I'd have the impulse on using it but am afraid it gets all dirty and black... Wanted to use it for my Canon EOS 550D too but guess it looks pretty fragile for a safety strap... Hope to see it again soon once am back from the army...
Salutations to Eric Testroete who made this video from their trip in Japan. Know Japan in just 8 minutes featuring most of the attractions it has to offer to tourists from around the globe. This video has inspired me plenty much on photography and how it could actually be made into a lively video just by mading a fast-pace slideshow with them. Makes me wanna make a clip for Singapore too but sure needs the time to go out and travel around Singapore to take these wonderful pictures... Perhaps after my exams.
A Ball Joint Dolls Gathering was organized last Saturday at Vivo City Singapore by the people from SGcafe. A group of people with similar interest for these realistic dolls come together to share and display their dolls to others and taking photos of their 'sons and daughters'. Anyway this is actually the first time for me up close and person with such a hobby and models and they turn out to be rather good. Except the fact that these dolls could cost as much as SGD$2000 a piece depending on its make and quality... And clothes and other accessories are not included by the way... In any case, click here and here to view the photos I've taken and be awed at it's details and beauty.
Bought a new DSLR at the Singapore Great Electronics Sale 2010 at Suntec City, Woot! It's a Canon EOS-550D at a price of SGD$1449. Darn, it really cost me a bomb here but al the more am feeling rather happy with the results it has given me in photo-taking...
Once again, the joy of opening up a new gadget is thrilling... As this is the latest item after the EOS-500D, gonna take some photos with it for remembrance... lol. Anyway this photo is taken using my Panasonic Lumix Camera...
And this photo is taken using the DSLR that I've bought... The photo is no doubt many times sharper and clearer than a compact digital camera... Click on the pictures and see it up close by comparison. Anyway, the EOS-550D comes with 18 Megapixel, 3.7fps, 3 inch LCD Display, Full HD recording, DIGIC 4 Processor, Live View and Integrated Cleaning System... Cool...
All wrapped up and nice is the SLR inside the packaging. Took me an hour to fully exploit all the goodies and freebies they throw into the set. Seriously need to get accustomed to the new camera now...
And finally, here are the freebies included in the set. Instead of buying only a camera, I've got freebies that are so much and even bigger than the camera itself... And they include:
1.) Additional flashlight attachment 2.) Cleaning Kit 3.) Screen Protector 4.) USB Card Reader 5.) Additional Battery 6.) 2 x 8gb Memory Card 7.) Protective Lens Cover 8.) SLR Carry Bag 9.) Camera Dry Box 10.) Tripod Stand
And now will be the time to take quality photos from Conventions and Events which am so eagerly waiting for... Tomorrow is a Sunday so might wanna go out for a photo shoot...
Some people just don't understand the importance of Japanese anime in our lifestyle so I thought that a little 'Education' is necessary for you to know why. Of course you do know how anime begun and stuff but do you really know that they actually connected to all industries around? Think harder and you will get the gist of it. They are as per follows:
Anime inspires mangas & doujinshi and vice versa: Till date, most mangas are now being made into anime because of their popularity. Some examples are Bleach to Naruto. Some animes also become manga and such would be Suzumiya Haruhi to Code Geass. Sometimes the storyline deviates from each other or that the style of art is different.
Anime comes from Eroge and vice versa: Same as mangas, some adult games do become anime (Other genre includes ecchi and hentai) and vice versa. Some examples are ToHeart, Comic Party and School Days. Surprisingly, Eroges seem have better storyline in some cases. Thus its inevitable that people who loved anime will definitely get to know Hentai too. Of course there are still Eroges that came out as a decent anime like Yoake Mae Yori Ruriiro Na, Izumo or Utawarerumono instead of making it into a H anime.
Anime creates Artwork, Fanbooks, Fanartsand vice versa: A good example would be Queen's Blade in which the artwork are kinda popular that it becomes an anime a few seasons back. Anime also brings market to the art industry which also brought about making characters for games, movies, etc. An example of such Artist is Tony Taka who drew up characters for Shining Tears, games and anime.
Anime helps develop games and vice versa: A nice example would be the Suzumiya Haruhi game on PSP and an example of games becoming anime would be Tales of Symphonia, Tales of Vesperia, etc. In fact, games are made to look like anime characters and you could name many though in the market.
Anime releases movies and vice versa: Anime creates movies in both live action, animation and 3D. Examples of live action includes Death Note, Animations as in Summer Wars and 3D animations like Final Fantasy The Spirits Within. In fact there are more of such movies and popular ones like Death Note live action has been watch by many people whom includes those who don't like anime. But the thing is, it originates FROM anime, so why are you complaining?
Anime brings about products into industry and vice versa: With anime's popularity comes about toys for kids, daily necessities like food to tissues or plates etc, stickers, cups, straps, wallets, clothes, appliances, electronics and many many more stuff in the market which in turn generates profit. If you for once think that anime is useless or should be ban, won't all of these industries be affected and create loss of jobs, revenue, opportunity costs?
Anime becomes hobbies and scale models and vice versa: With anime, it brings about demands for scale models of favourite characters and stuff. Thus bringing about new hobbies for people. Anime creates new demands like daimakura, card games like Bushiroad's Weiss Schwarz, Gundam modeling, Gashapons, etc.
Anime relates to Cosplay and vice versa: Without animes, there won't be cosplay and without cosplay, there won't be animes. Similarly a new industry in regards to cosplay for example fashion, makeup, wigs, clothing stores would be affected if not for anime which inspires people to dress as their favourite character. With that there won't be conventions and such around.
Anime spurs conventions, competitions, events and vice versa: Would there be comicon, comiket, AFA, Coscon, Cosfest, EOY and such happening around the world if anime does not exists? Won't there be a bit less entertainment for the general public if anime wasn't around? Think again....
Anime composed Songs & Music and vice versa: So you've heard many songs in Japanese? Out of the few you've listened, there would bound to be one that's from an anime series. So you say that anime songs are bad... Are you saying that the idols who sang these are bad too? Take note that some of these anime song are sung by popular bands like Orange Range to Ayumi Hamasaki.
Anime brings about Seiyuus, Voice acting, writers, artists, Idols, etc: May'n is an example of popular idols in Japan. Voice actings for anime characters, giving a boost to art in a country, etc are what anime could expand into. Without such there wouldn't be voice acting schools, artwork, writers around wouldn't it? Singapore is slowly picking up with animations and stuff in relations to IT so it wouldn't be surprising to see animation films by local people in future.
Anime brings about photography in parts of the world and also tourism in Japan: Cosplay = Photography and I would be surprise if it wasn't... Such brings about also tourism in Japan by tourists from around the world who loves anime too. What else would also be popular in Japan? Hardly I can't think of any besides it having delicious food and shopping, scenery and culture...
BEST PART ABOUT Anime? Everything is linked together... Anime = Mangas = Eroge = Artwork = Games = Movies = Cosplay = Models = Conventions = Songs..... Talk about any and it all adds up and links well together. Any other reasons to hate anime now? Take out either one and they will all fall like dominoes. Think deeper and you'd understand what animes really are... Of course there are still more connections in which animes could link to and no doubt it is a part of our daily lives before you know it. Your push toy to your phone strap could very well be from an anime when you least expect it...
Yesterday was the cosplay competition for the annual World Cosplay Summit in Singapore held at West Coast Plaza and wasn't expecting much due to its shear size of the shopping complex and its location. Can't really say its good nor that its bad but there are some good cosplayers around here and there. And so here are the photos for this event and I must apologize for my lousy camera. Click here and here to view them or simply click on the sidebar located on the right.
Ever since I've tried Earl Gray Tea, have immediately fell in love with it... It is in the menu from the A87 Cafe in which my friend celebrate his birthday at... The reason why I wanted Earl Gray to begin with actually comes from this season anime known as Ladies Vs Butlers where the maids and butlers serve Earl Gray to their masters. And so it flashes into my mind and decided to try it somehow... Turn out rather good though... and the teacup is shaped like a heart too... I heard the record for the number of teaspoon of sugar is 11 but don't think am up to the challenge as 2 teaspoon is already kinda sweet for me... Anyway, went in search to buying authentic Earl Gray in the supermarket after that... hope to find something of quality...
Yesterday was my friend's birthday and had decided to celebrate it in a maid theme cafe known as A87 Cafe and Bar. Located in Tanjong Pagar Road in Singapore, this cafe has an anime ring to it too and of course you'd also be greeted by the maids inside as you proceed in. Well, maybe it does look pretty flamboyant on the outside and thus would believe much of the people are pretty much embarrassed about going into the store. Nevertheless, today is a day of first for us all.
The interior is surprisingly nice and gives a pretty much warm feeling for people who'd love anime and stuff... It also does not give you an uneasy feeling unlike visiting other cafes around. The chairs or the tables to the counter has be given very close attention to details.
And here we are seated and began snapping pictures here and there... with pink heart shape cushions and anime stuffs here and there for your viewing pleasure while eating... Of course, a bit of censorship is necessary for anonymity. My friend even grab the maid's panda for a little photo taking too (4 big boys at a maid cafe is a bit ronery... -_-'').
Anyway, it's time for our Birthday Boy to open some presents. Am actually pretty anxious of watching the expressions he would make after opening them up. Because I'd believe he would surely like what he sees as he's a big fan of K-On! He's one lucky guy that day... Presents included a Suzumiya Haruhi Desk Pad, A K-On! glass cup, K-On! issue magazine and folder, K-On! hankerchief and a scale model of Mina from Mahoromatic.
Here's an example of the folder of Mio from K-On! dressed in a maid costume and holding a choco heart. Love this... and manage to find it online too so am printing it out for myself on photo quality glossy paper lol...
And with all the goofing around, our food finally arrives. Ordered curry rice... all of us did except one had decided on a cake instead... He was never full in the end though... realized too that they even pay great attention to the ingredients for example the seaweed is made into star shaped crisps on top of a layer of cheese. Yum!
Upon opening the up scale model, my friend decided to pose it all around the shop for a little photo-taking session of Mina. Here ya see Mina on top of Moetan book and being friendly to Kotonoha and Sekai from School Days...
We also explore the cafe a bit and had decided to look around it's display corner of anime stuffs and err... more stuffs. There's also a studio or some sort with a couple of sofas on the second floor for members to chill. Unfortunately I didn't took much pictures of it though...
The Cafe also have a notice board to display the profiles of the maids and the toys around them... I guess the most prominent one would be Tama the White Tiger since it's in front of the shop. There are many other stuff on display but don't have all the space in my blog post to put them all in...
They even sell badges for a little souvenir for you to take home or pin it up on your shirt to show your loyalty... Anyway, the maids are having a concert today in the evening at Cathay so you might wanna check them out after reading this...
Had a little chat with the maid and a cup of Earl Gray to prepare ourselves for survivor and war with L4D2. A little talk on anime here and there sure lightens up the mood... For your information, the most talked about funny anime would be Baka To Test To Shokanjuu. We laughed like crazy that day.
With a satisfied look on my friend's face, have decided to leave for a gaming session. It's time to part with the cafe. We were thus ushered and greeted off by the ever so happy maid. Fancy a bit of interest in the cafe or the maids? Come visit the A87 Cafe and Bar and experience it yourself. Located at 108 Tanjong Pagar Road, or simply visit their website at www.akibanana.com.
.jpg)
