Monday, January 29, 2018

January 29, 2018

Anime Tidbits: DARLING in the FRANXX Mechs are Inspired by Plants


This winter season, Darling in the Franxx is giving us serious mecha hype. The post-apocalyptic sci-fi series has released three episodes now up to this writing. The hype for this anime is growing not only because of the stunning mechs but with the developing storyline as well. 

The story is set in the future, where land is ruined and humanity established the mobile port city called Plantation. The Pilots produced inside Plantation lives in Mistilteinn, known as “Birdcage”. Children live there without knowing what the outside world is. Their life is about battling and carrying out missions. The children pilot robots called Franxx and their enemies are called Kyoryu. The thing about piloting a Franxx is it takes two people to pilot it, a male and female. For this children, riding the Franxx is the purpose of their existence. 

A boy name Hiro also known as Code: 016, was once a child genius, however failed and was fallen behind. One day a mysterious girl known as 02, with horns growing out of her head appears before him. 

Darling in the Franxx is a collaborative project of two anime studios—Trigger and A-1. They gathered the best animators, designers and experts to create the series. Hideako Anno, helpe animate the mecha for the anime which was a former employee of GAINAX. He also collaborated with Ryuta Undo, head of A-1 Pictures 3D team, together with Hiroyuki Imaishi from Gurren Lagann, the three of them directed the fight scenes from the anime. Atsushi Nishigori, another former employee of GAINAX is also the director of the anime. Masayoshi Tanaka (Your Name) and Shigeto Koyama (Designer of Baymax) designed the characters and mechs respectively. 

With this powerhouse team where did they find the inspiration of characters’ background, design and the mechs? 


Unknowingly, I posted a sentiment on the latest episode on facebook and an online friend commented, he was an otaku and an awesome biologist, Ted Belonias. Thanks for all those mind-blowing information.



The mechs was named after some plants! 

Disclaimer: This was not announced officially or the maker of this anime did not release any official statement. This is a fan theory. 

Strelizia was named after Strelitzia Reginae or The Bird of Paradise. 


Delphinium is the genus of plant called larkspur. 


Genista is the genus of broom plant.



Argentea, a species name from Celosia Argentea or the cockscomb.


Chlorophytum is the genus of spider plant.


Some may have resemblance with the actual plant and some may not have but ain't it cool, right? From Conceptualising it to the end product just to please us anime fans. Looking forward for the next episodes. Let's see if there will be more Franxx named after plants. 

Credits to: glitch-matasi.tumblr.com


----------

Credits:
Ted Belonias // https://xzorshio.deviantart.com/
Image credits to respectful owners. 
Manga.Tokyo
almanac.com
Wallpaper Abyss


Sunday, January 21, 2018

January 21, 2018

Predator Gaming Launch on Sinulog Festival 2018


January 20, 2018, a day before Sinulog Festival, Predator Gaming was launched in Cebu. After taking Metro Manila by storm last 2016, Predator Gaming has now set its eyes on the Visayas region, third to top GDP contributor in the Philippines. Joining in on the celebrations for the Sinulog Festival, one of the famous festival in the Philippines, the powerful gaming brand hosted an afternoon of rock and roll to mark the start of what’s sure to be a great relationship with the Cebu gaming community.


“The Predator Gaming brand, which we are positive the Cebu gaming community will soon see, is one that is as energetic as it is powerful,” shares Dio Vasquez, Director for Product Management for Predator Gaming Philippines. “As we launch at the height of the Sinulog Festival, we are hopeful that we are able to share in and enrich the festivities this year and for the many years to come.”

The Predator Gaming line is designed for heavy and dedicated gamers looking for substance and style in their machineries. Launched only in 2016 in Metro Manila, the aggressive and powerful brand has gained a strong and steady following because of its best-in-class and intuitive features. 

Event host, Eric "Eruption" Tai

The SM Seaside Cebu was transformed into an ice dungeon decked with moss-covered rocks, large boulders, and ice plinths housing Predator Gaming products available for guests to try.  Hosted by Eric “Eruption” Tai and complemented by an outfit of warriors, the program saw the exciting launch of Predator Gaming and the charged performances of Slapshock.

Photo credits to Predator Gaming Philippines 

At the event, guests were treated to a preview of Predator 15 and Predator 17x, which are perfect for enthusiastic gamers who are after speed and practicality. The Triton 700 and Helios 300, designed to deliver not only impeccable physical design but also super system performance, were also present at the event. Completing the display were other Predator Gaming products and accessories, namely the Predator G1-710 fashioned for gaming enthusiasts who enjoy LAN parties; the Predator X34 Monitor, which is the world’s first curved gaming monitor; and the Predator Cestus 500 Gaming Mouse, which boasts of an ambidextrous ergonomic design and five customizable profiles. 

Predator 15

Predator Helios 300

Triton 700

Predator Gaming products are available in the Acer Concept Store, Thinking Tools, Across, and Asianic in SM Cebu. Interested customers may also find their gaming devices in Octagon in SM Cebu and Ayala Cebu, in JOYO at Emall Cebu, and the Gaisano Interface at Off Mall. For further information on Predator Gaming, visit www.facebook.com/PredatorGamingPhilippines

---------------------

Are you up to upgrade your gaming experience? Don't forget to subscribe to this blog and like the facebook page for more geeky and otaku related stuff


Here's a potato 🍠  enjoying the event! 

Friday, January 19, 2018

January 19, 2018

Anime Review: Just Because!


Just Because! is a 13-episode anime aired last Fall of 2017. It’s an original anime that falls into the genres of slice of life, drama, school, romance and a bit coming of age. The story revolves around 5 high school students. Third year, Mio Natsume, the former Student Council President with lingering feelings: Hazuki Morikawa, aloof trumpet player: Haruto Souma, the baseball maniac and Second year, Ena Komiya, a very determined girl who will do anything to keep her club, joining them in the last semester of the school year is our main protagonist, Eita Izumi, a transfer student who will have a big role in changing the the remaining days of their high school life.



As the school year ends, the Senior High School students are also getting ready for the next chapter of their life, graduation, college and work. Eita Izumi transferred even if it's really unusual to transfer when the school year almost coming to an end which he really doesn't mind due to his father's work. But it just happen that the recent transfer would be Eita's hometown which will rekindle the old flames not only hidden love but friendship as well. 

The series is very character-centric that's why there are part that's feels really off when this group of students are together. it focuses more on the character development of how these students struggles on their way to adulthood than having a very dramatic plot twist that could actually draw a lot of viewers, to be honest.

The overwhelming part is how the anime was presented per episode. It's very calm and pleasing. It's not pretending to be a romance-ish that needs lots of drama. The transition was smooth and dialogues are relatable. 



Since the story focuses on the characters, some people are quite not into some of the characters which I think is the purpose, for us not to like them because each of us has our own dilemma and pleasing everyone is impossible. Personally, I like every characters, each of them has their own motives. For example, Mio being genuine turned indecisive after meeting Eita again. Nevertheless, each of them are interesting.
Visual wise, Just Because! seems to be obsessed on showing the characters close up that you can tell every emotions whether the character is faking a smile, about to cry, lying or very happy. background music are good to listen. Let's not forget how awesome the opening song is sung by Yanagi Nagi titled Over and over. Ending is cool too. The never show a preview of the next episode, so very spoiler free. 


Overall, I would still recommend this series despite how remarkably common it was. It's not pretending to be unique but stayed being realistic and didn't go that far to spice things up. It will give you the right amount of excitement and never really that depressing. The ending is satisfying for me and that's what makes Just Because, Just Because one of the many series that became one of my memorable anime last season. 

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

January 10, 2018

Blast of Nostalgia, The Most Awaited Continuation | Card Captor Sakura: Clear Card Arc Episode 1 Review


20 years ago when the first episode of the most iconic magical girl in the anime world, Card Captor Sakura was aired on TV. New generation of otaku might need to watch all the episodes including the movies and ova or read the manga to get into the hype train. Every fans who was really into the anime years ago was very happy to see Sakura again. 

Sakura Kinimoto was just an ordinary fourth grader not until she opened a strange book and release dozens of magical cards. Keroberos, the Guardian of the Clow Card was also awakened and informed Sakura that it’s here responsibility to find and capture the missing cards. However, things are not that easy. Each card is a living, thing, with emotions and very powerful. She’ll have to learn to master her power as well as being a student which involves, school, family, friends and love. With the support of her friend Tomoyo and Li Shaoran who has a powers of his own too, must learn to use her newly awakened magical abilities to collect all Clow Cards and prevent bad things to happened. 

WARNING SPOILER AHEAD!


Two decades after the series and now the most awaited sequel is now on air. We now follow Sakura as a high school girl, having difficulties with her Math and English but will still be forever the athletic of them all. 

The Kinomoto Family


For those who grew up watching Sakura like me. As far as I can remember, Sakura always frantically getting ready for school because she overslept most of the time. On Clear Card, we can see how Sakura have matured. Fujitaka, Sakura’s father confirmed this maturity while preparing breakfast telling her that it wasn’t too long ago when she was wearing her Middle School Uniform. Touya, Sakura’s big brother is still a bully but God knows how concerned he is with her only sister. The roots of him being extra overprotective is that in the previous series, he gave his power to Yue and that he can no longer protect Sakura from afar. But I doubt it, FYI, new fans, Fujitaka is half of the reincarnation of Clow Reed, the one who created the Cards, thus the reason why Sakura was, let’s say, ‘chosen’ to capture all the Clow Cards in the first series. 

The Reunion with Li Shaoran


Sakura meets and reunited with Shaoran who’s back from Hongkong after school. It was full of nostalgia as the background song used was from the original series. 

The Conflict


After the most awaited reunion with our favorite OTP. Sakura dreamed of a cloaked figure. All the Sakura Cards turned into transparent and nobody was able to explained what is happening, even Yue or Eriol. On the second dream, Sakura was able to get hold of a new key. She then told Tomoyo and Shaoran about her dreams.

First Clear Card Appearance. 

It was Gale card who first appeared, attacking Sakura. With her new Key and new incantations, Sakura successfully secured Gale Card. 

Blast of Nostalgia.


Everything will just take you back from the first time you watched the series two decades ago. The voice actress/actors, the music, everything. The opening song is just everything, the animation is so familiar and Maaya Sakamoto is just perfect.

Animation of course has improved. Though, there’s this nagging feeling that there is a feel of rush unlike the previous series, kudos to all the writers and makers of Clear Card Arc. Production said that it will be a 26 episode series which is a bit short that the previous series but much better that no sequel at all. 

------------

We can’t wait for more. You, what can you say about the pilot episode of Card Captor Sakura: Clear Card Arc? Are you also one of those who grew up watching this series before? Share your thoughts!


Thursday, January 4, 2018

January 04, 2018

TOP 10 ROMANCE ANIME OF 2017


2017 is over but for some anime fans who doesn't like to wait episode every week in every season it’s their time to binge-watch the last year’s awesome series without cliffhanger. If you are looking for titles to binge-watch from last year’s line up as the winter season anime is airing, you have come to the right place. In this list I listed up the TOP 10 ANIME under the ROMANCE genre. If you are in the mood to feel in love or just want to feel some fluffiness because you are single, this list if intended for you SHOUJO ANIME LOVERS!

 1. BLEND S



Synopsis: High school girl Maika Sakuranomiya has trouble finding a part-time job because of how scary she looks when smiling. However, she is scouted one day by an Italian man who is also the manager of Stile, a café where its waitresses are given unique traits such as tsundere and younger sister. Maika is given a sadist trait because of her looks and has to adopt a dominant and cruel persona when servicing customers, particularly masochist ones.


Smile, Sweet, Sister, Sadistic, Surprise, Service! That's was the first line of one catchiest anime opening theme from Fall 2017 line-up. Blend S was based on a 4-koma manga.  With just 12 episodes, the series will make you laugh with it's consistent humor and character-driven antics. It doesn't depic any solid plot. Every character is lovable. Blend S is a refreshing series, it didn't show too much romance, you will still feel the chemistry with the couples of the series 


2. FUKEMENKEI NOISE



Synopsis: Every day, a young girl wearing a mask stands by the beach and sings a nostalgic melody. After experiencing two sudden heart-wrenching partings when she was only a child, Nino Arisugawa has been singing her songs to the ocean, bound by a promise made with her two childhood friends—her first love, Momo Sakaki, and a boy who composed music, Kanade "Yuzu" Yuzuriha. Having never met each other, the boys both individually promised that if Nino was ever separated from them, her voice would be the beacon to reunite them once again.
-
Another 12 episode series adapted from the manga with same title by Fukuyama  Ryoko, Fukemenkei Noise or Anonymous Noise features a love triangle between Nino also known as Alice, Momo and Yuzu. Nobody wants a triangle because it's painful, someone will get hurt at end, though as the anime is airing and the manga is still ongoing the series is still worth watching. 

3. OUR LOVE HAS ALWAYS BEEN 10 CENTIMETERS APART


Synopsis: Under the cherry blossom tree during Sakuragaoka High School's Entrance Ceremony, Miou Aida meets Haruki Serizawa for the first time. Ever since that day, their eyes chased after each other. Miou is reserved, while Haruki is very social. While many mistook them as a couple, their relationship remained a little more than friends.

As they stop to sit on the steps of a deck on their walk home, Miou cannot help but ask, "Haruki...do you like anyone?" Haruki replies, "I do like someone ...what about you?"

Just 10 centimeters between their hands.

It's just 10 centimeters, but the distance remains...
-
One of the most anticipated romance anime last year, the series has only 6 episodes. If you have watched Zutto Mae kara Suki deshita.: Kokuhaku Jikkou Iinkai and Suki ni Naru Sono Shunkan wo.: Kokuhaku Jikkou Iinkai then you shouldn’t miss this one too. You can either watch this first or any of the movies as they both happened in the same timeline, just focusing on different couple. The series is a dream come true to those who are fans of Honeyworks, their songs are very heartwarming. The story might be a bit cliche but the mini-series has a different unique vibe in it.

4. JUST BECAUSE!


Synopsis: As another school year begins drawing to a close, the third-year high school students move steadily toward the next milestone of their lives: graduation. Among them are Mio Natsume, a girl burdened with lingering feelings; Hazuki Morikawa, a member of the concert band but distant from the others; and Haruto Souma, an athlete obsessed with baseball. Meanwhile, second-year student Ena Komiya seeks to revive the photography club to its former glory, refusing to let the organization be disbanded. Though this group lacks a strong connection with one another, their lives suddenly cross paths with the arrival of a third-year transfer student.

While a transfer so close to graduation is unusual for most, it is business as usual for Eita Izumi. Due to his father's work, he has never been able to stay in one place for very long. But as luck would have it, their most recent relocation has returned Eita to his hometown for his final semester of high school. For better or worse, it also sparks the rekindling of old relationships left behind in the past.

With graduation already causing its own share of anxieties, Eita's sudden arrival brings these students' carefree days to an abrupt end. Long-forgotten memories, deeply buried emotions, and inspiring new passions—everything is brought to light in their bittersweet final semester.

-

Slice of life, school drama, love triangle, Just Because has it all when it comes to school romance. I swear to write spoil-free reviews but Just Becuause! is my favorite last year, it keeps me hype because you can’t find any materials that you can spoil yourself to since. It’s very character-centric that’s why you will always look forward every episode what will happen to each characters and couple. The way it was presented was a calm but not really. You be the judge. It depends on your preference if you will be satisfied with the ending, as for me, I am very satisfied!

5. KONBINI KARESHI


Synopsis: Six high school students' lives around the convenience store on their way from school; they talk about their lives and meet girls they end up falling for.
-
Konbini Kareshi is a slice of life and romance anime set in modern day Japan. Using the convience store as the point where the characters of the anime meet-up, bond, strike up friendship and romance. The overall story follows four characters; Haruki a honest and responsible high school freshman, Towa a bright and lively person that’s the joker of the group, Mami a quiet but serious girl and Miharu a positive and kind girl that gets nervous easily. As the story goes by they will encounter events that will affect their relationships. 

6.  MAHOUTSOKAI NO YOME



Synopsis: Hatori Chise is only 15, but she has lost far more than most. With neither family nor hope, it seems all doors are closed to her. But, a chance encounter began to turn the rusted wheels of fate. In her darkest hour, a mysterious magus appears before Chise, offering a chance she couldn't turn down. This magus who seems closer to demon than human, will he bring her the light she desperately seeks, or drown her in ever deeper shadows?
-
The Ancient Magus Bride has always been an awesome series even if it wasn't turned to anime yet. The unique story of Elias and the setting just gives the story its own identity. The animation is exquisite that even if you haven't read the manga yet, you will be drawn to the world where Elias and Chise lives. 

7. MASAMUNE-KUN NO REVENGE

-

Base on the title itself, this shounen that also falls in the romance genre is about our main hero, Masamune-kun trying to set his revenge on his childhood sweetheart Adagaki. But what will really happen between the two? I dare you to watch! 

8. NET-JUU NO SUSUME
Synopsis: Moriko Morioka is a 30-year-old single NEET woman. After dropping out from reality, she has taken off in search for a fulfilling life and ended up in a net game or "netoge." In the netoge world, she began her new life as a refreshing and handsome character named Hayashi. While starting out as a beginner, a pretty character named Lily reached out to help her. Meanwhile, in the real world, awaits a shocking encounter with a good-looking elite company employee, a mysterious blue-eyed blonde.

-
Net-juu no Susume tells the story of Morioka Moriko, a 30-year-old woman who is a self-proclaimed NEET. Very exhausted with real life stuff, she resigned because she couldn't stand her working conditions. She decided to start a netoge titled "Fruits de Mer" which is a RPG-fantasy universe in which she'll meet many people. In the game, she plays with a male character named Hayashi. She meets Lily, a girl, , and gets closer and closer to her. Circumstance happen and Moriko accidentally meets Yuuta Sakurai and that's the start of the conflict of the story. What happens when reality is too harsh you seek salvation on online games? Net-juu no Susume is a very relatable series so if you want to know what happens after the accident meeting between Moriko-san and Sakurai-san head over to you anime subscription channels and binge-watched now. 

9. TSUKI GA KIREI


Synopsis: With a new school year comes a new crowd of classmates, and for their final year of junior high, aspiring writer Kotarou Azumi and track team member Akane Mizuno end up in the same class. Though initially complete strangers, a few chance encounters stir an innocent desire within their hearts. A yearning gaze, a fluttering heart—the hallmarks of young love slip into their lives as fate brings their paths to a cross.

However, though love is patient and love is kind, Kotarou and Akane discover it is not always straightforward. Despite the comfort they find in each other's company, heartache and anxiety come hand in hand with pursuing the feelings in their hearts. With the uncertainty of how the other truly feels as well as the competing affections of those around them, the road ahead is unclear. Even so, under the shining light of a beautiful full moon, Kotarou gathers his courage to ask Akane a single question, one that forever changes their quiet relationship.

-

I'll rate this series a 10/10 with it comes to sweetness, you'll get diabetes. The  story is just so  simple yet very exceptional.  When most of the romance series go to the roundabout troupe this is the straightforward one which is awesome. Straightforward but is not rush and characters are well-develop as well. I personally had a great time watching it, I hope you will too!. 

10. TSUREZURE CHILDREN 


Synopsis: Young love-it takes many unique and fascinating forms that flourish as children begin to mature into adults. From being unable to confess to not knowing what real love actually feels like, various obstacles can arise when learning about romantic attraction for the first time. But underneath all that, young love is something truly beautiful to behold, leading to brand new experiences for those young and in love.

Tsurezure Children depicts various scenarios of young love coming to fruition, along with the struggles and joys that it entails.

-

Ah! Young love, indeed! Based on a 4-koma manga. The series is quite a diverse range of characters, which means it has a lot of character, some wasn't even shown on the anime. The series also shows different types of couple. You wouldn't expect how smooth and straightforward the story was despite how short every episode is. It's an all in one romance series, with character drama, humor, realism and of course, romance. This anime gave me more enough laughs last year.

------------------------------------------------------------------

So, that's it. If this list was helpful don't forget to comment your favorite title and couple  below! See you next Top List!



Facebook

PAGEVIEWS

Free counters!