Monday, June 30, 2008

Artwork: Hikari Sentai Maskman (Fanart Poster)

Starting now, Every week I'll be posting an artwork on my blog in either or both my multiply or blogspot accounts. This maybe photography, digital art or artisan crafts. Basta art.


Movie Poster Project that I did as a part of the final project of the digital arts short course I'm taking.

This is a fanart of the TV Show Hikari Sentai Maskman (Light Squadron/ Laser Squadron Maskman). I tried to keep more of the focus to the Human Characters Particularly the Tragic Love story of the Characters Takeru (Michael Joe) and Mio. And the role of the Aura Power in the transformation of Mio's Empire through the course of the series.

Pacman and the C's

Manny Pacquiao does not only beat the hell out of david diaz in round 9. He got to party with the Boston Celtics as well! Ang kulit ni Sam Cassel!



The 4 time weight division pound for pound champion parties with the 17 time champion Celtics!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Will Nike Finally Release Pierce's Shoes?

Lets face it, Paul Anthony Pierce is a great player but back then, he was still far from being included in the NBA's upper echeleon. He stuck around with his team for around 10 long years, The victim of bad management of the 90's and coaching disasters of ML Carr and Rick Pitino. Year by year the superstar continues to be underrated

But After nearly a decade, luck has finally returned to the Irish, with 2 NBA All Star reinforcements, The truth has finally climbed and suceeded to the top. On the way he has shown that he could tangle with the NBA's top caliber guns, From Joe Johnson, to Tayshaun Prince and probably the 2 best players on Earth right now, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. He has not just done a good job in defending those guys, he has also gone head to head with them. Dropping 41 on King James and 39 on the Black Mamba. And to top it all off an NBA Finals MVP enroute to a Championship ring.


PhotobucketPhotobucket
 The Nike Air Max P2 Ultimates and Air Max P2 IV

Through the years, nike has given the truth his own signature shoe. They even sent him to the Philippines twice to promote the company. However, there is a problem, It seems that nike only releases his shoes to the kid's department and does not produce them in adult sizes. They can be seen on local and online shops being sold, but still no adult sizes. This has been an occurence for years, there has been a small, yet solid demand on these shoes. But still, Nike hasnt answered back on them. Maybe he lacks cred or respect from the fans due to his standing of a good star on a bad team back then.

Since 2003, all finals MVPs had their own signature shoes except for parker which instead has Player Exclusives. Although not having signatures (huarache), Parker still has his shoes being sold in the market at adult sizes. Will Pierce Finally have his shoes released next season? will nike now consider him as a bigger time endorser for the sneaker market?

Lets see and find out.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

My First Photography Award.

Hosting the 08 toycon, I made a personal decision not to enter the contests for delicadeza purposes. That includes 2 of my favorite events, the diorama competition and the toy clicks competition. The diorama competition was special to me since I had victories on it the past 3 years and bagging first on the past 2 stages. However as time and priorites go to Jobs, less time then is alotted for hobbies. Building a diorama is so time consuming, the past 2 dios I have entered costs thousands of pesos and took more months to build. As for the Photography competition, I wanted to join as well. Even though my entry did not win the past year, it received a lot of praise and reviews. Also, making a photography entry takes lesser time, around just a few hours at the most.

I was lucky that I spotted another Photography competition. Cybertron Ph's Animated me Photography competition. I really found this challenging since it contains a theme and restrictions to be followed. such as the theme animated me and the non use of photogenic lines such as MPs and Alternators/ Binaltech (80% of my TF's are Alternators and Binatechs). Thus making the photographer do more ingeneous and creative ways to achieve a certain feel or Effect.

This is also a baptism of fire of sorts for my camera, the cannon eos 400d. Of which I have yet to use for exhibit or competition purposes.

Beeyotched!

What's good about this is I got a sale bumblebee classics at sale from Wasabitoys. The Mech and its Alternate car mode is perfect for a 1:35 Scale Diorama which is the military armor scale for modelling. It was inspired by the TFTM's scene where autobots and the US army were fighting side by side. Although I changed it a bit to make it moody and turn into a night scene. Lighting effects were added to give effects of warfare and explosions. CD-R King's Tripod was a real help on this one since it helped stabilize the shot on longer shutter speeds and capture more colors.

This entry then won first place on Cyb Ph's Animated me competition. Overall a big thanks to those who voted, Playkit for the prizes and Cyb Ph who coordinated the event.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Is national pride a crime?

Since there are many people in this blog viewing and/or asking for details regarding the Philippine Track top jacket, I might as well post a certain update in regards to the production of the 3rd batch of the Philippine Jacket. This message was sent by Adidas to the people who reserved for a third batch of the said jacket.

"We express our sincere apologies in informing you that there has been a
design change in the adidas Originals Philippines Track Top (article #
575167) under your reservation. The National Historical Institute of the
Philippines has brought to our attention that the Philippine flag design
on the track top is in violation of Republic Act 8491,The Flag and
Heraldic Code of the Philippines. We are therefore prohibited from
retailing or importing any additional units of this article.

Due to this, we will be replacing all orders of article # 575167 with
article # 575293. Kindly see attached images for your reference. The
design elements are likewise inspired by the Philippine flag, and the
track top will only be produced for a one-time, limited run. Target
launch for this new design is December 2008. Retail price remains at Php 4595, with sizes available from XS to XL for women and S to 2XL for men.

We would appreciate a reply to this email by June 18, 2008 so we may
immediately process or cancel your reservation. Should you wish to
proceed with your reservation, kindly e-mail us back with your name,
mobile number, and sizes required."


So, Basically the old Philippine flag jacket is replaced with a modified version of the women's track top to fit with mens sizes. It also has a pretty cool design and is contrasting to the old loud design of the jacket.

Photobucket


Anyways, Here is article 8491 regarding our national flag.

Republic Act 8491

CHAPTER 1: THE NATIONAL FLAG

I. Prohibited Acts

SECTION 34. It shall be prohibited:

c) To use the flag:

1. As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth;
2. As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects;
3. As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles;
4. As a staff or whip;
5. For unveiling monuments or statues; and
6. As trademarks, or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs.

CHAPTER VII PENALTIES

SECTION 50. Any person or juridical entity which violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000), or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court: Provided, That for any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed: Provided, further, That in case the violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer thereof shall be liable.


While I do agree that the national flag is a symbol of our nation's Pride, Heritage and honor and should not be in any way used or manipulated like what was said above, It is the people and the Citizen's right to represent their country, their heritage through whatever they wear. The concern is, will the National Historical institute continue to hunt down clothing lines that are inspired or have partially similar color scheme and patterns as the Philippine flag? Will they go as far as hunt down and penalize people who want to be proud of their nationality?

A lot of clothing brands nowadays are into producing clothing with national pride theme in them.
From independent graphic shirt sellers at multiply, to adidas's line, FMCC's shirts and jeans, new era's caps Accel's Team Gears and the limited edition national team jerseys of Nike and Mizuno. People's Tastes have changed. They are more proud of their brown roots. Fil-Americans and OFW's would shell out hundreds of dollars just to get their hands on these stuff. Its not like a decade ago where someone would be considered "trendy" or cool by wearing a US basketball Jersey or a Brazilian football jersey or at farther extent, Shirts that say London, Germany, France or any other highly industrialized country that the Philippines could only drool about dreaming to be.

The NHI (National Historical Institute) should even encourage people to represent the Philippines. If anyone has the right to shoulder the name or the flag of the Philippines, its the OFWs, the Fil foreigners who seek their roots, The athletes who sacrifice blood, sweat and tears (except the players and officials of the BAP) and their fans, The taxpayers and the normal day to day citizens. They have a lot more right to represent or show it than corrupt government officials or politicians who just travel abroad with the people's money just to spend in luxuries. It is so disgusting to see the Philippine flag pinned to those personalities in their suits and/or barongs, that is the ultimate disrespect for the Philippine flag.

If there's any consolation here it is the fact that the NHI allowed adidas to continue producing the other version of the jacket. Maybe the first design was just too loud or has too much similar elements to be considered being used as an industrial label. Hopefully producers would not get discouraged of this incident. But just be careful nonetheless.

And another thing, It seems like ABS CBN has released a new station ID where some common extras and their celebrities are running around and wearing shirts inspired by the flag and the others wearing flags used in the revolt against spain. A very cool and proud scene. Will the NHI step on it for those shirts as well?

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Where Fairytale Endings Happen

Photobucket

April 18 2007 - The Celtics got into one of the lowest points of their history as the disastrous season finally ends with a 2 point defeat over the pistons. Red Auerbach's Death, the 18 game losing streak, Paul Pierce missing 40 games of action and capped of with a 5th pick in the draft. It was so bad that there was a time the celtics only had 7 players on their roster with half of the team being injured. It went as low as the fans cheering for the team to lose so that they would have a higher chance at the lottery.

I've always been told that the Darkest part of the night is just an hour before sunrise. I never thought this would really be a reality until now.

on the 17th day of June 2008, That sunrise finally happened. The Celtics finally capped off the miraculous season with the 17th title on the fold. The whole season was just sort of magical and no one from a year before even thought about this turning into a reality. After a Promising Regular season, 4 playoffs series worth of struggles , Legendary matchups and miraculous comebacks, The C's Massacred the Purple and gold by 39 points and capped of the title. The second biggest blowout in the finals since the bulls . A very emotional night for beantown. As the C's got the title, touching moments start to rekindle, from Pierce throwing gatorade at Doc, Bill Russel and KG hugging after him kissing the center court of the fabled parquet floor. The Victory is as sweet as ever. The Captain, Paul Pierce whom endured 9 years of failure in boston and stuck through thick and thin won the finals MVP award.

As KG said after winning it all, "Anything's Possible!" This just shows that with hardwork, perseverance and dedication, with a mix of luck, brains and ubuntu, Happy endings can happen.

Photobucket

Friday, June 13, 2008

The Real Underdogs.... The Greatest Comeback in Finals History.

Photobucket

May 2002, Fleet Center Boston Massachusets. The Boston Celtics were down By 21 points against the New Jersey Nets in game 3 of the eastern conference finals. Everyone thought that the game is all wrapped up and it is over. A then young captain Antoine Walker urged his team, including Pierce to go on and fight. The results were miraculous. The Truth scored 25 points in the fourth to knot possibly the greatest fourth quarter comeback in NBA playoffs history. That Sparkling moment, whas thought by many to be the only spark of the lost celtic pride that had in this generation, as they lost that series in which could've given them the right to face the once mighty Lakers.

Fast forward Six years later, The C's having made the greatest turnaround in History finally has the chance to get its 17th title after 21 long years of frustration and tragedy. However due to their struggles in the first 2 series where they had to face the young and athletic Hawks and the then Eastern Conference Champs Cavaliers where they had to struggle for 2 game 7 series to squeeze for the conference finals. They finally got their groove back on Motown. But by then, the majority had now believed they would be beaten in the finals with almost everyone jumping in the Kobe bandwagon.

And so the C's Climbed back to answer to the challenge. From a dramatic first game comeback to stopping a comeback in the second game. However, the wind blew the other way around as the Hollywood boys climbed back in the 3rd game and won a close game while limiting pierce and garnett below their averages. Back then, the band was expecting for The black mamba and his gang of soft european boys with the 3 game homestrech.

So there it is, June 12, 2007, With game 4 at Southern California, The Lakers wanted to cash in to the momentum that they had in game 3, They played a huge first half, even leading as far as 24 points in one point of the second quarter. When the C's started to get some mini runs to get it back to 12, the Lakers turn it back up to 20. Even midway in the 3rd quarter the Lakers still lead by 20 points. And that was the last time LA smiled as the C's Countered with a big run that placed them within 2 at the end of the 3rd. While the momentum was there, the Lakers were still hanging and leading by 2 or 4 after the C's tie the score. Finally, late in the fourth quarter, the Celtics Climbed to the lead with help from James Posey and Eddie House. House and Posey, along with the big 3 held on to the lead up to the closing seconds of the game. That game is now billed to be the gratest comeback in finals history and challenges the then greatest playoff comeback in history also done by the  C's.

So The C's are 3-1 and one win away from its 17th championship banner. No one in the finals has ever come back from a 1-3 deficit. And the Team Green, who just did their comeback knows about this and will try to prevent it on sunday.

BEAT LA!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

The Final Battle of Good versus Evil


I'ts That time of the year again
This time the biggest rivalry in sports continues


Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Celtics vs. Lakers

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us



Good vs. Evil
Beantown Faithful vs. Hollywood Brats
Russell vs. Wilt
Bird vs. Magic
KG vs. Pau
Jesus Shuttlesworth vs. Rapist Boy
Truth vs. Odom
Lucky the Leprechaun vs. Jack Nicholson


Image Hosted by ImageShack.us