Review on Absolute Boyfriend

I’ve been reading Absolute Boyfriend (Zettai Kareshi) for the past few days and just finished it. The story was about a girl who was a hopeless romantic who gets turned down by every guy she confesses to. Until one day, she met a mysterious vendor who tried to persuade her into buying merchandises and other stuff (i don’t know). Of course, she turned them down. Out of humor, she said “i want a boyfriend”. The story goes on revolving around about a figure almost like a human and a childhood friend of her who was always there for her. Troubled with her mixed feelings she had to make a decision at the end who she really wants… and that’s the story about.

I thought it was funny and a little corny at first, but after reading it, I’m honestly awed by the story. Though i found the ending to be quite short and too fast, it actually made me want to expect more from it… made me want to read it again.

I want to read more! -.-” someone recommend me a manga.

Trust in love, because it makes changes possible

Just a short (?) essay from a Korean about the Philippines. I strongly suggest you read it and reflect, you might learn a thing or two. Never mind the grammar because its the content that counts.

Background: As you know, we have plenty of Koreans currently studying in the Philippines to take advantage of our cheaper tuition fees and learn English at the same time.
This is an essay written by a Korean student.

“MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES“
by Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.

Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources. Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism.

Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.
40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, “President, when can we be well off?” That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart. Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country. My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday. However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security
compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines. Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.

When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed. My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them. My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off. I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let’s put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes. I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country. Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.

That’s all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

I’m now an athlete, it’s official

It’s true! I finally became an athlete! (for the first time in 16 years of my life) I’m now part of LSM’s Swimming Team “Tiger Sharks”. Compared to the other varsity players, I have such a long way to go. I can’t even do the Butterfly properly… yet, I will eventually *wishes*. Thanks to all the training, I’m very sure my stamina and physical fitness improved a lot and I think it’s a good start. I must keep this up if I really wanna’ be good at this sport, but music is still important to me so I won’t train tomorrow to practice with the band (I missed it a lot).

Again, I praise myself for making it in the team, for once I think I’ve done something my brother wasn’t able to do in High School.

“Poppin” by All Time Low’s Music Video is out

You’ve just read it. It’s just so punk and so not-serious, which I like about it. Enjoy.

Clickie Here for the video :D (WordPress won’t let me embed it…)

All Time Low’s “Poppin’” Sneak Peak

They remind me so much of Blink-182, makes me wanna’ love them more. I’m soo gay for Alex, Jack, Zack and Rian :”> love those shorts. Actually made me want to look back on what boy bands were before… well, probably not how you’ll see All Time Low in this video.

Joker Interrogation Scene Spoof

Hilarious! :)) whoever made this is a genius.

And so I entered this contest…

You’ve just read it. I entered a contest.

The company wherein my mother’s working at has this contest going on right now… to design their company logo. Okay, so right now it seems impossible because probably *sarcastic* I’m the youngest to enter and second, I’m here competing with PROFESSIONAL GRAPHICS DESIGNERS or artists, or whatever you call them. There’s a 0.99% chance of me winning this but if I do, I’m Php 10,000 richer (might be small for you, but big enough for a kid like me). I’ll just go ahead and take my chances. Wish me luck.

*I won’t be posting my logo until the contest ends (which is on Monday)… aaaaaaand, the logo sucks.

Batman’s on drugs!

You’ll never see Batman like this ever in The Dark Knight.

Training again

It’s been a long time since I last had the chance to train in swimming. Last week I was only able to attend once :| I missed it, i miss too many things! (damn)

The training wasn’t hardcore at all, it was only like: 10 laps freestyle, 10 laps flutter kick, 10 laps right-hand only freestyle, 10 laps flutter kick, 10 laps left-hand only freestyle, 10 laps flutter kick… then Coach Chris came and made us do 16 laps of flutter kicks and 16 laps of freestyle. I didn’t finish the 16 laps of freestyle though, I had to go home earlier than the rest since I’ll be getting picked up by my dad at 6pm. I could compare the training close to hell, but at least I’m improving (i think), besides, the varsity swimmers suffer a lot more than us “trainees” do.

Craig Owens tried to commit suicide

Craig Owens from Chiodos tried to commit suicide on July 20, 2008 but failed, thankfully.

I’m no fan of Craig Owens, but the news just shocked me. Though this is already late news, Iet me just share it to you guys.

On the 24th of July, Craig Owens posted an entry on his blog.

To my fans & friends:

So, it’s no secret that I have recently went through one of the hardest times in my life.

On Sunday, July 20th, I attempted to overdose on prescribed Xanax at my home here in Michigan. Flash ahead 12 hours later, I woke up in the emergency room surrounded by my family and best friends, with an IV in my left arm, and hooked up to machines.

I felt confused, angry, selfish, and completely embarrassed.

After being admitted to the hospital for a couple of days, I made my way to recovery and built up enough strength and courage with the support of my loved ones enough to make it back home.

I am okay, though. Thankfully, I had no permanent physical damage to myself from this.

This isn’t something that I went through by myself. I am, by no means, alone in this. My family and close friends have been by my side each minute since the incident and, you, my fans, have been right there with me too.

I have received an incredible amount of MySpace messages, comments, emails, instant messages, text messages and voice mails supporting me through this time in my life. So many people loved me more than I ever thought and the amount of happiness that this brings to me is more than I ever could describe.

You have all shown me a new, blinding light within myself and from that ray you seem to shine on me with every one of your beautiful comments (and I read every single one of them), not to mention your undeniable support. Thanks to you, I’ve already began to return to my “normal” self- a person that I had forgotten all about.

Why did this happen?

I have been battling with manic depression, bipolar disorder, and constant anxiety attacks for years. This disease has caused me to hide in my bedroom for weeks at a time, push away the most important people in my life, and learn to hate myself even. I have tried to remain strong through the years, fighting off urges and using the undying support of my fans, friends, family, and loved ones to turn my depression into an art- a music to share with the world.

I also have been speaking with a therapist for around a year now, maybe more. This has helped me to come in touch with who I am as a human being and why I do the things that I do. Rationalizing my imperfections and trying to wear them as if they were badges of honor is something that I had learned to pride myself off of- until this incredibly selfish and stupid act I pulled.

What’s next?

I’m looking towards the future and have been blinded by the brightness of it. After taking care of myself over the past few days, and talking through this situation with my family, friends, and managers, I am committed to creating only positive actions out of the deepest and darkest low I have found myself in with this. I will not be canceling any upcoming shows, with the exception of this Sunday’s show (7/27) in Albany, NY with P.O.D and Everclear. My solo show this Saturday (7/26), WILL STILL BE HAPPENING, and will be an emotional and therapeutic experience, to say the least. With it being in Detroit, and being able to perform softly, with spoken-words, and seeing all of the people that have been by my side though this entire thing, I hope to find a new bliss within this rut I have found myself in.

I cannot wait enough to get back out onto the road with Chiodos for our just-announced headlining tour this August to October. Being in front of all of you gives me such strength and if I hadn’t been home so much for the past few months, thinking too much and allowing darkness to overcome me, who knows if this would have even had happened.

I have a long road ahead of me, no doubt, but I feel that this experience has, oddly enough, given me new strength to take control of my situation and it has shown my loved ones (and myself) the seriousness of what I’ve been struggling with too.

I will not stop playing music, writing, or opening myself up to the people that matter most to me. All we have is one another and this entire situation is nothing but a GIANT reminder that we ALL need to stay strong and hold one another up during even the hardest of times.

I love you- Craig.