Seven o' March

Your Birthdate: March 7

Born on the 7th day of month gives you a tendency to be something of a perfectionist and makes you more individualistic in many ways. Your mind is good at deep mental analysis and complicated reasoning. You are very psychic and sensitive, and you should usually follow your hunches. You may not take orders too well, so you may want to work alone or in a situation where you can be the boss. This birthday gives a tendency to be somewhat self-centered and a little stubborn.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

It's creepy how all entries are true for me.

Bilangin ang Tambay

Thanks to http://www.fastonlineusers.com/ for the cool new feature I have here in my blog - an online visitor counter (see top left corner of the header).

The Harsh Truth

Wishes only lay within the hearts of desperate men. Strive. Do not wish.

Hay School Life, Oh My Hay School Life

From my Friendster survey entitled "Sino May Alam ng Sagot Dito?"

1. ano school mo nung highschool?::: La Salle-Lipa
2. ano section mo?::: apat ang naging sections ko
3. sino favorite teacher mo?::: Si Brutus. Mister Mayo. Terror sa basketboL.
4. saan nakapwesto upuan mo?::: palipat lipat. kung san masarap ang baon ng seatmate, dun ako.
5. ano favorite subject mo?::: algebra.
6. sino favorite seatmate mo?::: si Topak. kasi tumatawa kahit walang rason. =)
7. mahilig ka ba matulog?::: hindi. aksaya sa buhay.
8. teacher's pet o pasaway kang bata?::: pangkaraniwang mamamayan
9. anong favorite lesson mo?::: Internal Organs of a Frog
10. ano na mimiss mo sa highschool?::: yung hito sa fishpond
11. masaya ba ang highschool mo?::: astig
13. sino ang pinakanamimiss mong kaklase?::: si Jai Skizzy at Pitik Uglybutt
14. sino ang antukin sa klase nyo?::: yung sumasagot nito
15. sino ang pasaway?::: section Casino 306
16. sino ang maingay?::: si Joboobs
17. sino ang mahirit?::: sandamakmak
18. sino ang teacher's pet? ung parating sagotsagot sa mga tanong ng teachers?::: ah titulo ni Topak yan
19. sino ang buhay ng klase nyo? ung tipong pagwala un o kaya absent ay para kayong patay::: si Hepe!
20. sino naman ang ok lng mawala sa klase nyo?::: yung mga guro tsaka brothers.
21. may kinaiinisan ka ba sa klase nyo? o kaya sabatch niyo?::: wala naman.
22. teacher meron?::: gadami.
23. nag intrams ba kayo?::: asyempre.
24. nagsasama pa ba kayo ng mga classmatesmo?::: di na.
25. kung may sasabihin ka ngayon sa section modati ano un?::: J.A.P.A.N. = Just Always Pray At Night
26. anong year ka grumaduate ng highschool? ::: 1997 - deym!
27. kamusta mga grades mo? ::: not bad. not bad.
28.may mga organizations/clubs ka bang sinalihan non? ::: gadami.
29. five most memorable experience sa hs
::: class officer
::: baseboL varsity
::: CAT officer
::: quiz bee veteran
::: outstanding student - student na parating pinapatayo sa labas ng class
30. sino ka love team mo sa hs? ::: yung desk ko
31. anong ginagawa mo pag-free time mo?::: naghahanap ng kakwentuhan
32. san ang tambayan mo pag-tapos ng sch?::: sa service ng may service
33. sino mga close frends mo sa school? ::: gadami.
34. may naging boyfriend/girlfriend ka ba? ::: wala. buti naman.
35. kayo pa rin ba hanggang ngayon?::: en/ey
36. ano sinasakyan mo papuntang skool? ::: jeep
37. ano mas okay? college or HS??::: patas lang.
38. anong tawag sa'yo sa school? ::: Puwet
39. sinong mga crushes mo nung highschool? ::: iba't iba e.
40. anong part ng skul mo ang gusto mobalikan? ::: baseboL diamond
41. kung may chance ka na pag aralin ang anak mo dun sa school mo nung hs mo, gusto mo? ::: sure sure. gusto ko yun.
42. nawala mo ba HS id mo? ::: fortunately, yes.
43. eh ang library card mo? ::: e di mas lalo pang oo.
44. anong lesson ang hanggang ngayon ndi mo pa rin nakakalimutan? ::: gadami naman.
45. eh lesson na pinakamahal mo? ::: what goes up, must go down
46. anong subject noon ang halos tulugan mo? ::: Accounting
47. anong pinakafavorite mo sa PE nung hs? ::: basketboL
48. mahilig ka bang umabsent non? ::: hindi. exempted ako, kasi varsity. pero sa basketboL nag PE ako.
49. eh late? ::: asyempre. tas pagkakarerahin kami ni Conti sa 3rd year Wing.
50. lagi ka bang umaattend ng flag ceremony nyo?::: sapilitan e
51. saan kayo nagfflag ceremony?::: sa corridor
52. naenjoy mo ba CAT?::: asyempre officer e. bwahaha.
53. magkano baon mo noon araw-araw?::: depends upon the mercy of the parents
~Puwet

Farewell Ate Ken

I barely knew you.
I hardly traced the face behind those encouraging words.

But what matters...
What's beyond longing too be with you...
Beyond seeking refuge to a friend you represented so well,
Is that you've been a part of my life,
And touched my heart...
In your own special way.

You will be missed.

Adds Another One

Happy natal day to my mom's daughter, Cheng! Sana na-appreciate mo yung regalo kong lumpiang shanghai. =)

Ngiting Bentetres

Murphy's Law of Combat

This came from a close friend who is an active lieutenant in the Philippine Army...

*The Enemy Will Find A Way
*The Easy Way Is Mined
*Incoming Fire Has the Right of Way
*If The Enemy Is In Range, So Are You
*Look Unimportant, The Enemy May Be Low On Ammo
*Professionals Are Predictable, It's The Amateurs That Are Dangerous
*If The Attack Is Going Well, You Have Walked Into An Ambush
*If You Can't Remember, The Claymore Is Pointed At You
*Never Draw Enemy Fire, It Irritates Your Team Mates
*When You Secure An Area, Make Sure You Tell The Enemy
*When You're Short of Everything But Enemy, You're In the Combat Zone
*If It's Tough For The Enemy To Enter, It May Be Tougher For You To Leave
*The Enemy Diversion You Ignored Will Be The Main Attack
*Remember... Your Weapon Was Made By The Lowest Bidder

Dieses Wochenende

I don't do blogs during weekends. I rarely even go online on it. These are the times of my life that I'm spending away from the information super highway. Munting break baga to keep my social life in check.

This weekend, perhaps iL go to Galleria with my hobby friends para tumambay sa Neutral Grounds. Also, I might see a special someone leave for the States. Well, hopefully not. Ang lunkot nun.

Ano pa ba? Paint minis, basketball sa kanto, mag-grocery, laundry, and I need to finish this article for an indie mag. Yun lang siguro mga activities ko for today and tomorrow.

So kita kits na lang ulit come Monday night!

Have a meaningful weekend everyone... God bless!

*Back music: "Paperback Writer" by the Beatles*

Isang Gabing Malamig Ang Aircon

A day in a "life"...
(a real-time diary of how i spend a work day)

7:06pm - dumating ako ng opisina.

7:15pm - pagkatapos mag stretching, bumili ako ng pagkain sa Corky's - spareribs na mas madami pa ang buto kesa sa laman kaya babawi ka na lang sa kanin.

7:41pm - did my usual rounds to my favorite websites - blogger, included.

7:48pm - dumating si Kid; nginitian ko.

7:52pm - dumating ang papanchin kong kaopisina. wala akong pakialam.

8:10pm - i browsed around the Philippine Warhammer 40K forums.

8:22pm - read my work emails.

8:29pm - nagpatugtog na naman ng praise & worship song yung katabi ko. anim na buwan ko na pinapakinggan yung playlist niyang paulit-ulit. baka lumampas na ko ng langit.

8:55pm - work, work, work...

9:07pm - my MediaPlayer playlist, "Move the Groove" played. First song on the list is "Shut Up" by Black Eyed Peas

9:27pm - creating a testimonial for someone in Friendster... and what the heck happened to my tag-board? can you see it? i can't. drat.

9:43pm - more work... duh...

10:11pm - sumasayaw kami ni Wacha ng "Sexbomb".

10:56pm - nagugutom ako; mamya na ko bibili ng Triple Choco.

11:23pm - pinagpaplanuhan yung inuman sa May; sige sama ako. resident palaboy ako dito e.

11:58pm - tag-board's back. natakot ata. naghahanap na kasi ako ng ibang shoutbox to replace it. ehehe.

12:02mn - midnight break; bibili ako ng Katsudon for my "midday" meal. be right back. sama ka?

12:29mn - bilis ko kumain no? sleeping time na muna. nap lang ako sandali.

1:12am - woke up; not a bad nap. punta lang muna ako pantry para uminom.

1:22am - back to work. MediaPlayer playlist set to "Linkin Park Attack". first song is "Papercut".

1:44am - updating my laptop para pag-uwi ko nito sa bahay e optimum performace ulit. pwede na ulit pag panoodan ng Spongebob episodes. =)

2:18am - work work work pa din. naghahanap ng picture ni Michiko Makino sa net. sya nga pala si Pink 5 sa Bioman.

3:00am - nagtingin tingin sa website ng Darna. work work work still.

3:16am - triple choco donut time! bili lang ako sa Country Style's. inaantok na ko e. kelangan ko ng boost.

3:58am - humingi ng mp3 ni Andrew E. sa akin si Koya Rick. napakinig niya kasing tumutugtog sa laptop ko. pano nga ba napunta yung mga Andrew E. sa laptop ko??

5:07am - uwian na; i will still stay a couple of minutes more.

5:29am - I'm out of here. =)

Spreading the Good Word

Taught an officemate to blog.

Here's the result.

Not bad. Astig ni Papa Deedee.

Dark Angels

As per my previous post, here's a pic of my miniature infantry... the Dark Angels Space Marines of the Adeptus Astartes.

Just got their Chapter Badge painting job - the sword with wings.

Whatevers

Space Marine Land Speeder

Bought another Warhammer 40K miniature today in Neutral Grounds - Glorietta 2. A Land Speeder worth 2.2K. I am anticipating for another one of this figure come May because I asked a hobby friend to buy me one in California. Purchasing from the US is cheaper since it'L not be charged for Customs taxes and stuff. Well, that's two more models to spend my time painting. Nagiging addict na nga ako sa acrylic fumes. I-rehab nyo ko!

Space Marine Land Speeder Tornado

Seeker Nostalgia

I used to be a contributor for this local hobby and games magazine called Seeker and it ran pretty well on the shelves for quite sometime before finally publishing its farewell issue last December. They eventually have to stop because the demands to maintain the quality of the magazine will sooner or later push the operating cost a notch higher that payments from local advertisers will not be enough to compensate.

During my stint on the mag, I was assigned to write for the card game Magic the Gathering. Here's my first article for them: (Jargon alert!)

Deck Check!Constructed Decks for Magic Tournaments
by Obi ParconEquipped for Battle
The game stepped into a new height as Mirrodin introduced the new artifact sub-type called equipments. Since then, numerous players have exploited its capabilities in both Constructed and Limited format tournaments. Now, with Darksteel joining the warfare and introducing more equipment-based support cards, Equipment Decks have fortified into a more competitive killer deck.

The Bootcamp - Your Deck

Creatures:
4 Auriok Glaivemaster
4 Auriok Steelshaper
2 Leonin Shikari
4 Skyhunter Cub
4 Leonin Den-Guard
4 Deftblade Elite
Equipments:
4 Bone Splitter
4 Skull Clamp
2 Lightning Greaves

Spells:
3 Arrest
2 Razor Barrier
3 Akroma’s Blessing

Lands:
20 Plains

Sideboard:
2 Altar's Light
2 Hallow
2 Second Sunrise
3 Wing Shards
2 Raise the Alarm

The Brigade - Your Creatures

Mirrodin has introduced some of the best recruits perfect for an equipment-intensive battalion and this deck enlisted them in the line-up. Once equipped, the evasive Skyhunter Cub was the deck’s answer against enemy flying squadron. Given that all of the equipments in this deck are cheap-to-cast, cheap-to-equip, teaching the Cub to fly or turn your weenie battalion into killer commandos is never a problem. Another staple in every Equipment Decks is the heavily-traded Auriok Steelshaper. With four copies on the line-up, it is never impossible that you can equip your battle gears like casting an Ornitopther. Plus, it also acts like a living Glorious Anthem when equipped, given that all other creatures here are Knights and Soldiers. Speaking of soldiers, perhaps the fastest combatants included on this deck were Darksteel-born. The weenie Auriok Glaivemaster could be transformed into a 4/2 first striking commando with a turn two Bonesplitter. On the other hand, Leonin Shikari's ability is as deadly against opponent's attacking creatures when the feline started passing around equipments at instant speed. Another surge attacker in this deck is the top-rated Deftblade Elite which made it to the line-up because the deck needs four more one-to-cast soldiers. It might not capitalize on using equipments the way its other comrades here do but who would ignore the fastest and most efficient “provoker” of the Legions-block?? Gear them up and use their provoke ability in two tactical ways: 1) equip the Deftblades so its power is enough to kill any “provoked” blockers of your choice, and 2) with two mana to spend, you can protect the Deftblades from lethal damage and in the same time, can even pave the way for its other attacking comrades to get through – blocker free!

The Battleplan - Your Strategy

Your tactic is to surge the field with your battalion that even the Goblin King will be left with a sole-mark of your Glaivemaster's combat boots on his face. Speed, speed, speed... it’s the key element for victory when using this type of deck. At the worst scenario, you must have either at least two creatures or an equipped creature on turn three. Eight of the creatures are one-to-cast soldiers that turns into lethal assassins once equipped so balance on playing creatures and equipments. Remember that equipments are likely to stay in the game longer than creatures so it will be better to prioritize on dropping creatures first. Equipments can be played on the subsequent turns, empowering your forces before the siege. Adding to the element of surprise is a pair of Lightning Greaves, an all-time favorite on speed oriented decks. It was included in the line-up to give your creatures the much-needed “open-fire” signal once it hit the battlefield and in the same time, turn your platoon spell-proof like ‘ol Mrs. Willow.

If you are facing against non-weenie decks and the field is clear of early attackers, do not hesitate to use Skullclamp-kills on your Deftblades to look for the needed key cards like the Akroma’s Blessing and Razor Barrier. However, if you are playing against Control and Slight Decks, don't give the opponent the luxury of holding off your attacks - equip your creatures and siege at the first sign of opportunity.

Stall spells have been included so as to ward off potential creature threats. Arrest is one of the most promising stall spell in the Mirrodin-block. Choose the target for your Arrest wisely, though. While waiting for the opponent’s more lethal key creatures to come in play and to use your Arrest on, you can take creature damages or block with your creatures then use protections from the Razor Barrier and Akroma’s Blessing to negate the combat damage.

Your middle game (if your opponent will survive your early onslaught) must be as swift as the opening barrage. The deck has three Akroma’s Blessings and two Razor Barriers, so use them to prepare a blocker-free path for your attacking brigade while protecting them too against any pesky spells that might come along. You need to make your army’s damages go through and as early as possible – that is the main mission of this deck.

In the end, the strategy decisively lies on how you will manage your mass attacks and use those utility spells on the right targets and timing. Timing is very crucial when playing any weenie deck so focus on how your cards will systematically be played.

The Specialists - Your Sideboard

The sideboard focused on more utility spells that can help the deck in special cases depending on the deck you are about to face. Altar's Light is a staple on white decks to remove pesky artifacts (yes, even indestructible ones!) and enchantments. Hallow is to be included against direct-damage intensive decks while the “storming” Wing Shards, when in combo with your low-cost creatures and spells, can clear the battlefield of opponent's weenies and even those beefy Darksteel indestructibles. Second Sunrise is of course a very good counter magic against control-staples like Armageddon, Balance, Death Cloud, and Wrath of God. Raise the Alarm on the other hand is a draw-combo with Skullclamp as well as a provider of surprise blockers, not to mention that the tokens are also beneficiaries from the Steelshaper's triggered ability.

The Casualty - The Deck Cost

The deck was priced at estimated 2,100 PHP besides having four of its key cards under heavily-traded list: Auriok Steelshaper, Leonin Shikari, Skullclamp and Lightning Greaves.

As suggestions to a cheaper substitute, try using Soldier Replicas for the Steelshapers and the very efficient Razor Golem for the Leonin Shikari. You may also add Leonin Scimitars instead of the Skullclamps and Whispersilk Cloak for the Lightning Greaves. The Scimitars and the Clamps share the same casting cost while the Cloaks provide the Greaves’ spell-proof ability and will turn your soldier unblockable in the same time so the idea behind the deck would still be pretty much the same with these substitutions.

***Obi came from a lineage of military heritage and his frustrations to join the Philippine Military Academy led him to plan of establishing his own PMA – Philippine Magic Academy – and command a brady bunch of bald Steelshapers and Glaivemasters.
Pope Benedictine XVI
Just got news that a new Pope was elected! Yey!

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger from Germany.

May the Holy Spirit guide you on your service to the Lord!

**Sayang magpapasa pa naman ako ng resumè sa Vatican para sa vacancy ng Papal slot.

Kwentuhan Tayo

This has been my weekend:

Sabado
From the office, I arrived at around 8am on our house tapos natulog na agad ako. I woke up 1:34 pm, and in between that sleep I remembered my dad waking me up para samahan siya pauwi sa house namin sa Lipa. I can't remember what I told him but apparently, given I woke up still in my bed, I refused. I knew he was saying something regarding "dogs" that I didn't paid attention to. Nagulat na lang ako pag tingin ko sa likod ng bahay e may dalawang higanteng aso at isang bubwit. Inuwi na pala ni daddy si Assunta (black Lab), si Tootsie (yellow Lab), and si Pogi (pasaway na Pug) from his office. Seeing how they got cranky at the sight of me, I knew they were hungry so I fed em first... yes, while my stomach revolted in hunger.

After that, I prepped up and went to Galleria to meet my Warhammer 40K friends. Dun na din ako kumain - two Choco Caramel ng Hot Loops tapos C2 Cherry, solve na! It was crowded back at the Neutral Grounds hobby store back then and given my comrades-at-hobby are mostly humongous dudes, I have to literally squeeze myself up amongst them. Bago lang ako tumambay dun, I mostly spend my "hobby" time in Neutral Grounds - Glorietta 2 during weekdays before work. So being the new face that I am sa Galle hangout, I have to familiarize with the peeps first. Medyo gutom pa ko that time so I went with some of them to eat and "catch up". I ordered this Double Wham Burger with Cheese and grabe gumagapang ako pabalik sa hobby store sa kabusugan. Promise. Try that sometimes. Maiuuwi mo pa para sa lolo mo yung kalahati, if you want.

That evening I was able to have 2 games against the veterans and it was educational on my part as a noobie. I also sold some of my miniature figures worth 1.8K. Not bad, I must say. Niyayaya pa nila ako sa isang birthday celebration sa Valle Verde but that was around 9:30pm already and I have to refuse because I have to "man" our house. Opo, "Home Alone" ako... up until this coming Sunday. Better fix the traps ala Kevin.

My Warhammer 40K game in Galleria. That's Emcee with the "iL-beat-you-to-a-pulp" grin.

Linggo
I woke up 12:30 noon then sluggishly headed down to watch TV to shake the cobwebs off my head. After nun, nagpunta ako ng carinderia malapit sa 'min para kumain. Tinatamad na kasi ako magluto. Tapos pinakain ko ulit yung mga aso, then I went back to painting my miniatures. Part na yata ng buhay ko magpinta ng mini army ko. I just love my new found hobby. Hanggang gabi na ako nag-paint.

Lunes
Same cycle. Went down the street to eat. Fed the dogs. Painted miniatures... and finally, alas! Heto na hulit hako! I'm back in the office doing the usual stuff. Back, trying to reinstate my nocturnal bio-clock for another round of five long work days... err nights. Vampire mode na ulit.

Kulang na lang tubuan ako ng pangil.

Hangin Hangin!

We're having this Warhammer 40K mini-tourney held in Neutral Grounds - Glorietta 2 which started last Tuesday. Entitled "Eldritch Storm", the campaign will run for around two months and was initially participated by eight other Warhammer 40K players.

Well, I don't normally advertise stuff regarding my games but this time I have something to get cocky about. I won the first round of the battle. *grins* I'm still waiting for the next schedule of games. Hope iL maintain the luck and streak winning.

iL try to post a pic of my entire miniature army when I got the chance to.

I deserve another Triple Choco donut, me thinks.

Gusto

Stuff I like when going to the office:

1. The long walk to the office gives me time to mull over just about everything. We know how precious time has become in this fast-paced era that if you finally got the luxury to take a pause and focus on pondering for a while, you will consider either sleeping or watching Korea-novelas instead. I mean, c'mon, when was the last time you really reflected on the things happening to your life? When was the last time you got engrossed on thinking what your dream bf/gf should look like? When was the last time you assessed over who's better: Volta or Krystala? I bet, at least a significant 40% plus or minus of you might had considered these stuffs while walking.
Statistically though, a fair 10% plus or minus of you might had considered these stuff habang tumatae sa banyo.

2. Esem, Glorietta, Landmark, Greenhills respectively. I pass by them everyday towards the walkway heading to the office. Need I say more? There's a lot of benefits with it; from being updated on the latest "hot buys" and "trend items" to seeing Madame Auring frolicking the tiangge area and Rainier Castillo flashing his "Smile Mo, Kita Ko" trademark in one of the Bench outlets. Huh? No, I have nothing against them. Really.
White lies. *smirks*

3. I got to meet a lot of people. It has always been satisfying for me to share a smile, and isn't it gratifying to receive one yourself, kahit galing sa bungal? The walk to the office have exercised my smile especially when meeting old acquaintances along the path.

"Uy, ito yung prof kong bakla na nagbagsak sa kin sa Statistics ah. Employee na din pala siya dito sa Makati." *smile*

"Uy, ito yung may-ari ng punong mangang ninakawan namin ng bunga sa probinsya ah. Security Guard na pala siya." *smile*

"Uy, ito yung suki kong pag-bilihan ng isaw sa school ah. Kwekwek na pala tinda nya." *smile*

4. May tindang taho, mais, kwekwek at squidballs sa baba ng building. Enough said.
Kakagutom ah.

Corporate Slave

Sulit ang binayad ng kumpanya sa akin ngayon.

Inabuso ang aking talento ngayong araw na ito.

Akala ko sinisipon ako. Utak kong lusaw na pala yung tumutulo sa ilong ko.

Kumuha ako ng posporo para sindihan yung kilay ko para mapanindigang nagsunog ako ng kilay.

Ayoko na ulitin to. Ansakit sa ulo.

Buti na lang my Triple Choco sa Country Style's kung hindi kanina ko pa ginawang unan itong keyboard.

Hay. Sambahin ang tyokolate at ang kapangyarihan nitong mapayapa ang mundo ko.

Amen.

Mr. Sandman, I Challenge You!

I've got some pretty interesting stuffs to write from my thoughts today. But words seemed to slip past my grasp when I tried to muster them.

Perhaps because of sleep deprivation.

iL just try to write a more sensible post next time when my clockworks are functional.

Potaena. Tara, tulog na tayo.

*hala nagwawala na*

Manic Weekends

Sayang, I don't do blogs on weekends. Andaaaami pa naman nangyari last Saturday and Sunday. Last Saturday, pag uwi ko ng house natulog ako. Tapos 4pm na ang gising ko nun. Tapos kumain lang ako then around 7pm natulog na ulit ako. I woke up at 3am the next morning to stretch around. I just read some of my books then thereafter, mga 6am na nun, I went back to sleep! Nagising ako 11am na to take my lunch. Syempre bawal matulog agad ng bagong kain. Natulog ako ng mga 3pm na, after ko panoorin sa ASAP si Coke Girl. Haaay, napagod ako sa dami ng nagawa ko. So many things to do, so little time.

Another sarbey from my F'ster account:

F'ster(n) - tawag ng mga konyo sa Friendster (Source: Diksyunaryo ni Lolo)

Subject: I'm Officially Missing You

1. CALL ME-- eliseo

2. What color of pants are you wearing right now?-- fatigue green

3. What Are You Listening To Right Now?-- rants and whines

4. What Was The Last Thing You Ate?-- tuna pandesal

5. Do You Believe In Karma?-- unfortunately, yes

6. If You Were A Crayon, what color would you beright now?-- the color of my skin

7. How Is The Weather Right Now?-- fine siya (How to Konyo 101: refer to a tangible, inanimate object like it is a human that you have intimate relation to. Example: I don't like na siya, bcuz andami niya nang katulad. *insert Kris A. laugh here* ("Siya" and "Niya" refers to a mobile phone)

8. Last Person You Talked To On The Phone?-- myself

9. Do You Like The Person Who Sent You This?-- not that i dont, not that i do

10. How Are You Today?-- i'm fine, like the weather

11. Favorite Drinks?-- rootbeer, tubig

12. Favorite Alcoholic Drink?-- SM Lights, Miller Draft

13. Favorite Sports-- basketboL, baseboL, chess, tumbang preso

14. Hair Color?-- vanishing black

15. Eye Color?-- deep black

16. Favorite Band/s?-- aynakupow gadami. read my profile, and more

17. number of x bf or gf?-- *ngumiti lang ng sweet*

18. Favorite Months?-- pwede isa lang? Marso.

19. Favorite Food?-- sisig, kwekwek, isaw, chopsuey, bistek, burger, hotdog, BIGMAC.

20. Last Movie You Watched?-- Mula Sa Puso the Movie

21. Favorite Day of the Year?-- heyday

23. What Was Your Favorite Toy As A Child?-- sirang robot na isang ruler ang taas

24. Summer or Winter?-- rainy

25. Hugs Or Kisses?-- hugs and kisses and more =)

26. Chocolate Or Vanilla?-- choco on vanilla

27. What Is Under Your Bed?-- electric piano

32. Friends You Have Had The Longest?-- mga kababata. si Tandang Tan Tan, Jamoks Joseph, Charles Kuyukot.

33. What Did You Do Last Night?-- nagmukmok

34. Favorite Smell?-- pawis ng girl. pervert ako e. =D

35. Who Inspires You!-- i take inspirations from a pool of whatnots

36. What Are You Afraid Of?-- dugo.

37. Plain, Buttered Or Salted Popcorn?-- cheese popcorn

38. favorite flower?-- daisy

39. Number Of Keys On Your Key Ring?-- dalwa.

40. Favorite Days Of The Week?-- pwede isa lang? saturday (tulog day ko).

~ koya obi

Emotional Torture

is it worth the wait?
is it worth waiting?

if your answer here is "yes it is worth", will you be willing to endure the wait?

what if what you are waiting is true love?
what if this love is elusive?

there will be times when it is almost within grasp... but just as quick, it will be gone.
there will be times when the wait seems to be done... but just as quick, another wait began.

if your answer here is "yes it is still worth", will you be willing to endure the pain?

love is blind... and so I blindly trudge ahead a future unknown.
love knows no bounds... and thus I withstand despite the inflictions.

if "to love" is "to wait" and " to wait" is "to get hurt", then "to love" is "to get hurt"... so if we wait to love and be loved, then aren't we waiting to be hurt too?

aren't we masochistic?

[don't mind me blabbering]

Nonchalance

Happy birthday to my sister's dad.

Katawan! Katawan kayo dyan!

Hindi na ko noobie! Snatched my second win on a Warhammer 40K game today and yeah I know my opponent's not a veteran but still it's a win. Tis enough for bragging rights. Brag brag brag. Unfortunately, with a quarter of my army still unpainted, I will not be able to join the Grand Tourney on Madison Square this Saturday and Sunday. Bummer. Well, better luck next year & just they wait till I acquire more battle scars by then. For now, I have to hone my skills more and of course paint my army... and expand it at the same time. Tsk tsk. I need more moolah to compensate with the expenses though. Ibebenta ko na pati katawan ko. Katawan! Katawan kayo dyan! he he.

Share ko lang another piece of my infamous Friendster surveys... hopefully marami na naman akong napaligaya and mga puyat na na-gising sa mga sagot ko... hehe:

Subject: Eto Seryoso.. Hindi Talaga Sarbey To. Paramis.
1. Where have you been an hour ago?
# to London to visit the Queen
2. state your full name?
# Randell "Obi" Espiritu Parcon y Concepcion
3. do you like your name?
# no. i like you.
4. can you remember what you did on thefirst day of your school?
# humagulgol sa classroom.
5. what do you want to be ten years fromnow?
# grow up
6. what did u feel upon receiving emailslike these?
# email ba to? bulletin to sa friendster e <- so true.
7. at what age you first learned to use apc?
# 12. syempre back then when dinos ruled the world wala ka pa makikitang 3 years old na naglalaro ng Ragnarok. kaya mapalad na din ako nun.
8. have you ever eaten any exotic food ?
# sinabawang eraser
9. what was the last illness that you had?
# singaw hehe <-- hehe kulit nito. coincidentally, ako din singaw! sakit nga e. dalwa pa magkadikit.
10. do you like listening to rap music?
# asyempre. imah moh-foh mesizzle dizzle. \m/
11. have you ever thought of driving thetrain at MRT?
# yes. and own one.
12. what did you do last November 12004?
# nag party
13. which do you prefer? rainy dayz orsunny day?
# rainy days and Mondays
14. when was the last time you browsedthe bible?
# last month
15. what perfume do you have?
# hugo dark blue & eau de toilet bowl
16. what was the brand of your firstwristwatch?
# mighty kid
17. look at your back. what do you see?
# poknat
18. say something about the person whogave you this
# hello Kim. stay chinky. =)
19. do you sing while you are taking abath?
# rarely. i rarely took bath anyway.
20. your last dream that youremembered?
# nasa madilim daw ako na kwarto na wala ako makita kundi itim
21. what do you usually say when youmeet a person?
# powder o lotion?
22. do you agree on the saying "toforgive is to forget"?
# not all of the time.
23. can you ride a bicycle?
# yes. pati tricycle.
25. last thing you held before using thecomputer?
# toolbox.
26. Where is that place you alwaysdreamed OF?
# beside her
27. When was the last time your tears fell?
# last month?
28.are you goin to leave your parents intime?
# leave my parent, yes. the other one, no.
29. How do you say you are sorry to theperson youve hurt?
# luluhod. mag papatak ng visine sa mata habang hindi sya nakatingin. tas pag tumutulo na ng konti e kakalabitin ko na siya tapos iaabot ko yung hawak kong santan na pinutol ko sa bakod ng lolo ko.
30. at what age you are ready to getmarried?
# 18
31. SM or Robinsons?
# Glorietta
32. First person to run if you aredepressed?
# lahat ng tropa ko. kasi pag depressed ako lahat sila tumatakbo. =D
33. Have you ever watched an x-film/clip?
# i collect em. pervert ako. beware of me.
34. who is the person u txtd last?
# si puti
35. What was your worst floodexperience?
# mula recto papuntang bustillos
36. Were you attracted to a person tenyears older than you?
# possible
37. Are you happy at this point of yourlife?
# not quite. but the last point in my life was yes. i hope later's point will be.
38. What do you want to eat tomorrow?
# taho
39. describe yourself when you cansay "im contented with my life."
# when i can relax now knowing that tomorrow iL live the same life as i've lived it today.
40. nakahawak ka na ba nang baril?
# sandamakmak na.
41. words that you want to be written on your tombstone?
# "kita kits"
~ major obi, major problem

Goin Ga-Ga Over You

To Miss An Angel

~ Obi ~

I hate it when I miss someone,

My mind rings of her name

And no matter how I busy it

I still miss her just the same.

I hate it when I remember her face

There's a tremble in my heart

I can't be like this forever...

Can't do when we're apart.

I hate to long for somebody

It's her smile that my eyes seek

But how could I help myself?

The longing makes me weak.

And when my lips speaks her name

My pen starts to scribble

Then I'll write my yearnings away

Though words start to fumble.

When words ran out and ideas expire,

Her face is all that linger

Here in my mind and in my heart

I dream of us together.

I hate to think that she's so far

The hurt won't go away,

And though my dreams might remain just dreams,

I'll hold unto them anyway.

Are you there, my angel?

My longing seems not to cease

Though you're not by my side

I'm thinking of you, at least.

Are you there, my angel?

I wish you knew I'm missing you

And though I hate the feeling

I love you, what can I do?

Servings For Today

You have served Him well...
Let's offer a minute of silence to thank God for a loyal servant who fulfilled his sacred duties above what was expected of him.

Lord God, we thank You for blessing us with Your humble servant Pope John Paul II. Thank you, for he had been an able channel of Your everlasting love to us, touching our lives through Your divine intercession. For simply being the symbol of our unwavering faith to You, thanks God.

This we ask in Jesus' name... Amen.

You will be missed...

Week Enders
Last Saturday, my sister graduated from highschool so I have to rush to the province (hindi ko sasabihing sa Lipa, Batangas) from work... despite a well-fumed lack of sleep sans a "formal" breakfast. Buti na lang may kwek-kwek at taho na sa Ayala pag Saturday mornings.

kwek-kwek(n) - a squishy, deep-fried miniature egg commonly enveloped on an edible orange casing; best served with a vinegar-garlic-pepper concoction; ikatlong paboritong pagkain ni Obi, sunod lamang sa sisig at isaw. (Source: Diksyunaryo ni Lolo)

Well, as I should have expected, I arrived there with a bad headache and I actually haven't made it to the graduation exercises after I slumped in our sofa the moment I dragged myself home... never to rise again. =) Ei, not really. I woke up early the next morning to look around the village. I've never been back there since last New Year. Baka tahulan na ko ng aso namin. Ay teka, patay na nga pala yung aso namin. Hehe.

Apparently, I'm not blogging on weekends. I have this mutual agreement with myself not to go online during weekends. Panay computer na ko the whole weekdays, tingin ko it's fair enough at least not to hook myself up on the Info Super Highway on my supposed "rest days". With that, I only open my PC on weekends to write, play games, or listen to my mp3's. Last Sunday, I just added an entry to my sci-fi short story then played another mission on Dawn of War. I brought my laptop in Lipa since we have no PC there and it's pretty cool how I could move with it around the house without the hassle of warming my butt on a single couch.

I treated the whole family for a halo-halo run. It's mui delicioso sans the beans. Sayang perfect na sana. But hey, it's a halo-halo. It's not meant to be perfect. May iluluwa at iluluwa kang sahog talaga unless you pre-warned the Koya Tindero on what stuffs should be included and what's not.

Halo-halo, Mangang Hilaw, Laptop, Rest.. hay, ito ang totoong weekend!

I was digging for my ol baby album and it's funny how I enjoyed being nostalgic. I was not a past-dweller, but I guess birthdays hurt like this. You WILL rummage in your past in one time or another as you grow "mature". Ang cute ko pala nun, koochi koochi koo. Pero taena, pano naging gento muka ko ngayon?? Anlayo. Anlabo. Tsk Tsk.

Obi the Baby (circa 1983)

Seven o' March

Your Birthdate: March 7

Born on the 7th day of month gives you a tendency to be something of a perfectionist and makes you more individualistic in many ways. Your mind is good at deep mental analysis and complicated reasoning. You are very psychic and sensitive, and you should usually follow your hunches. You may not take orders too well, so you may want to work alone or in a situation where you can be the boss. This birthday gives a tendency to be somewhat self-centered and a little stubborn.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

It's creepy how all entries are true for me.

Bilangin ang Tambay

Thanks to http://www.fastonlineusers.com/ for the cool new feature I have here in my blog - an online visitor counter (see top left corner of the header).

The Harsh Truth

Wishes only lay within the hearts of desperate men. Strive. Do not wish.

Hay School Life, Oh My Hay School Life

From my Friendster survey entitled "Sino May Alam ng Sagot Dito?"

1. ano school mo nung highschool?::: La Salle-Lipa
2. ano section mo?::: apat ang naging sections ko
3. sino favorite teacher mo?::: Si Brutus. Mister Mayo. Terror sa basketboL.
4. saan nakapwesto upuan mo?::: palipat lipat. kung san masarap ang baon ng seatmate, dun ako.
5. ano favorite subject mo?::: algebra.
6. sino favorite seatmate mo?::: si Topak. kasi tumatawa kahit walang rason. =)
7. mahilig ka ba matulog?::: hindi. aksaya sa buhay.
8. teacher's pet o pasaway kang bata?::: pangkaraniwang mamamayan
9. anong favorite lesson mo?::: Internal Organs of a Frog
10. ano na mimiss mo sa highschool?::: yung hito sa fishpond
11. masaya ba ang highschool mo?::: astig
13. sino ang pinakanamimiss mong kaklase?::: si Jai Skizzy at Pitik Uglybutt
14. sino ang antukin sa klase nyo?::: yung sumasagot nito
15. sino ang pasaway?::: section Casino 306
16. sino ang maingay?::: si Joboobs
17. sino ang mahirit?::: sandamakmak
18. sino ang teacher's pet? ung parating sagotsagot sa mga tanong ng teachers?::: ah titulo ni Topak yan
19. sino ang buhay ng klase nyo? ung tipong pagwala un o kaya absent ay para kayong patay::: si Hepe!
20. sino naman ang ok lng mawala sa klase nyo?::: yung mga guro tsaka brothers.
21. may kinaiinisan ka ba sa klase nyo? o kaya sabatch niyo?::: wala naman.
22. teacher meron?::: gadami.
23. nag intrams ba kayo?::: asyempre.
24. nagsasama pa ba kayo ng mga classmatesmo?::: di na.
25. kung may sasabihin ka ngayon sa section modati ano un?::: J.A.P.A.N. = Just Always Pray At Night
26. anong year ka grumaduate ng highschool? ::: 1997 - deym!
27. kamusta mga grades mo? ::: not bad. not bad.
28.may mga organizations/clubs ka bang sinalihan non? ::: gadami.
29. five most memorable experience sa hs
::: class officer
::: baseboL varsity
::: CAT officer
::: quiz bee veteran
::: outstanding student - student na parating pinapatayo sa labas ng class
30. sino ka love team mo sa hs? ::: yung desk ko
31. anong ginagawa mo pag-free time mo?::: naghahanap ng kakwentuhan
32. san ang tambayan mo pag-tapos ng sch?::: sa service ng may service
33. sino mga close frends mo sa school? ::: gadami.
34. may naging boyfriend/girlfriend ka ba? ::: wala. buti naman.
35. kayo pa rin ba hanggang ngayon?::: en/ey
36. ano sinasakyan mo papuntang skool? ::: jeep
37. ano mas okay? college or HS??::: patas lang.
38. anong tawag sa'yo sa school? ::: Puwet
39. sinong mga crushes mo nung highschool? ::: iba't iba e.
40. anong part ng skul mo ang gusto mobalikan? ::: baseboL diamond
41. kung may chance ka na pag aralin ang anak mo dun sa school mo nung hs mo, gusto mo? ::: sure sure. gusto ko yun.
42. nawala mo ba HS id mo? ::: fortunately, yes.
43. eh ang library card mo? ::: e di mas lalo pang oo.
44. anong lesson ang hanggang ngayon ndi mo pa rin nakakalimutan? ::: gadami naman.
45. eh lesson na pinakamahal mo? ::: what goes up, must go down
46. anong subject noon ang halos tulugan mo? ::: Accounting
47. anong pinakafavorite mo sa PE nung hs? ::: basketboL
48. mahilig ka bang umabsent non? ::: hindi. exempted ako, kasi varsity. pero sa basketboL nag PE ako.
49. eh late? ::: asyempre. tas pagkakarerahin kami ni Conti sa 3rd year Wing.
50. lagi ka bang umaattend ng flag ceremony nyo?::: sapilitan e
51. saan kayo nagfflag ceremony?::: sa corridor
52. naenjoy mo ba CAT?::: asyempre officer e. bwahaha.
53. magkano baon mo noon araw-araw?::: depends upon the mercy of the parents
~Puwet

Farewell Ate Ken

I barely knew you.
I hardly traced the face behind those encouraging words.

But what matters...
What's beyond longing too be with you...
Beyond seeking refuge to a friend you represented so well,
Is that you've been a part of my life,
And touched my heart...
In your own special way.

You will be missed.

Adds Another One

Happy natal day to my mom's daughter, Cheng! Sana na-appreciate mo yung regalo kong lumpiang shanghai. =)

Ngiting Bentetres

Murphy's Law of Combat

This came from a close friend who is an active lieutenant in the Philippine Army...

*The Enemy Will Find A Way
*The Easy Way Is Mined
*Incoming Fire Has the Right of Way
*If The Enemy Is In Range, So Are You
*Look Unimportant, The Enemy May Be Low On Ammo
*Professionals Are Predictable, It's The Amateurs That Are Dangerous
*If The Attack Is Going Well, You Have Walked Into An Ambush
*If You Can't Remember, The Claymore Is Pointed At You
*Never Draw Enemy Fire, It Irritates Your Team Mates
*When You Secure An Area, Make Sure You Tell The Enemy
*When You're Short of Everything But Enemy, You're In the Combat Zone
*If It's Tough For The Enemy To Enter, It May Be Tougher For You To Leave
*The Enemy Diversion You Ignored Will Be The Main Attack
*Remember... Your Weapon Was Made By The Lowest Bidder

Dieses Wochenende

I don't do blogs during weekends. I rarely even go online on it. These are the times of my life that I'm spending away from the information super highway. Munting break baga to keep my social life in check.

This weekend, perhaps iL go to Galleria with my hobby friends para tumambay sa Neutral Grounds. Also, I might see a special someone leave for the States. Well, hopefully not. Ang lunkot nun.

Ano pa ba? Paint minis, basketball sa kanto, mag-grocery, laundry, and I need to finish this article for an indie mag. Yun lang siguro mga activities ko for today and tomorrow.

So kita kits na lang ulit come Monday night!

Have a meaningful weekend everyone... God bless!

*Back music: "Paperback Writer" by the Beatles*

Isang Gabing Malamig Ang Aircon

A day in a "life"...
(a real-time diary of how i spend a work day)

7:06pm - dumating ako ng opisina.

7:15pm - pagkatapos mag stretching, bumili ako ng pagkain sa Corky's - spareribs na mas madami pa ang buto kesa sa laman kaya babawi ka na lang sa kanin.

7:41pm - did my usual rounds to my favorite websites - blogger, included.

7:48pm - dumating si Kid; nginitian ko.

7:52pm - dumating ang papanchin kong kaopisina. wala akong pakialam.

8:10pm - i browsed around the Philippine Warhammer 40K forums.

8:22pm - read my work emails.

8:29pm - nagpatugtog na naman ng praise & worship song yung katabi ko. anim na buwan ko na pinapakinggan yung playlist niyang paulit-ulit. baka lumampas na ko ng langit.

8:55pm - work, work, work...

9:07pm - my MediaPlayer playlist, "Move the Groove" played. First song on the list is "Shut Up" by Black Eyed Peas

9:27pm - creating a testimonial for someone in Friendster... and what the heck happened to my tag-board? can you see it? i can't. drat.

9:43pm - more work... duh...

10:11pm - sumasayaw kami ni Wacha ng "Sexbomb".

10:56pm - nagugutom ako; mamya na ko bibili ng Triple Choco.

11:23pm - pinagpaplanuhan yung inuman sa May; sige sama ako. resident palaboy ako dito e.

11:58pm - tag-board's back. natakot ata. naghahanap na kasi ako ng ibang shoutbox to replace it. ehehe.

12:02mn - midnight break; bibili ako ng Katsudon for my "midday" meal. be right back. sama ka?

12:29mn - bilis ko kumain no? sleeping time na muna. nap lang ako sandali.

1:12am - woke up; not a bad nap. punta lang muna ako pantry para uminom.

1:22am - back to work. MediaPlayer playlist set to "Linkin Park Attack". first song is "Papercut".

1:44am - updating my laptop para pag-uwi ko nito sa bahay e optimum performace ulit. pwede na ulit pag panoodan ng Spongebob episodes. =)

2:18am - work work work pa din. naghahanap ng picture ni Michiko Makino sa net. sya nga pala si Pink 5 sa Bioman.

3:00am - nagtingin tingin sa website ng Darna. work work work still.

3:16am - triple choco donut time! bili lang ako sa Country Style's. inaantok na ko e. kelangan ko ng boost.

3:58am - humingi ng mp3 ni Andrew E. sa akin si Koya Rick. napakinig niya kasing tumutugtog sa laptop ko. pano nga ba napunta yung mga Andrew E. sa laptop ko??

5:07am - uwian na; i will still stay a couple of minutes more.

5:29am - I'm out of here. =)

Spreading the Good Word

Taught an officemate to blog.

Here's the result.

Not bad. Astig ni Papa Deedee.

Dark Angels

As per my previous post, here's a pic of my miniature infantry... the Dark Angels Space Marines of the Adeptus Astartes.

Just got their Chapter Badge painting job - the sword with wings.

Whatevers

Space Marine Land Speeder

Bought another Warhammer 40K miniature today in Neutral Grounds - Glorietta 2. A Land Speeder worth 2.2K. I am anticipating for another one of this figure come May because I asked a hobby friend to buy me one in California. Purchasing from the US is cheaper since it'L not be charged for Customs taxes and stuff. Well, that's two more models to spend my time painting. Nagiging addict na nga ako sa acrylic fumes. I-rehab nyo ko!

Space Marine Land Speeder Tornado

Seeker Nostalgia

I used to be a contributor for this local hobby and games magazine called Seeker and it ran pretty well on the shelves for quite sometime before finally publishing its farewell issue last December. They eventually have to stop because the demands to maintain the quality of the magazine will sooner or later push the operating cost a notch higher that payments from local advertisers will not be enough to compensate.

During my stint on the mag, I was assigned to write for the card game Magic the Gathering. Here's my first article for them: (Jargon alert!)

Deck Check!Constructed Decks for Magic Tournaments
by Obi ParconEquipped for Battle
The game stepped into a new height as Mirrodin introduced the new artifact sub-type called equipments. Since then, numerous players have exploited its capabilities in both Constructed and Limited format tournaments. Now, with Darksteel joining the warfare and introducing more equipment-based support cards, Equipment Decks have fortified into a more competitive killer deck.

The Bootcamp - Your Deck

Creatures:
4 Auriok Glaivemaster
4 Auriok Steelshaper
2 Leonin Shikari
4 Skyhunter Cub
4 Leonin Den-Guard
4 Deftblade Elite
Equipments:
4 Bone Splitter
4 Skull Clamp
2 Lightning Greaves

Spells:
3 Arrest
2 Razor Barrier
3 Akroma’s Blessing

Lands:
20 Plains

Sideboard:
2 Altar's Light
2 Hallow
2 Second Sunrise
3 Wing Shards
2 Raise the Alarm

The Brigade - Your Creatures

Mirrodin has introduced some of the best recruits perfect for an equipment-intensive battalion and this deck enlisted them in the line-up. Once equipped, the evasive Skyhunter Cub was the deck’s answer against enemy flying squadron. Given that all of the equipments in this deck are cheap-to-cast, cheap-to-equip, teaching the Cub to fly or turn your weenie battalion into killer commandos is never a problem. Another staple in every Equipment Decks is the heavily-traded Auriok Steelshaper. With four copies on the line-up, it is never impossible that you can equip your battle gears like casting an Ornitopther. Plus, it also acts like a living Glorious Anthem when equipped, given that all other creatures here are Knights and Soldiers. Speaking of soldiers, perhaps the fastest combatants included on this deck were Darksteel-born. The weenie Auriok Glaivemaster could be transformed into a 4/2 first striking commando with a turn two Bonesplitter. On the other hand, Leonin Shikari's ability is as deadly against opponent's attacking creatures when the feline started passing around equipments at instant speed. Another surge attacker in this deck is the top-rated Deftblade Elite which made it to the line-up because the deck needs four more one-to-cast soldiers. It might not capitalize on using equipments the way its other comrades here do but who would ignore the fastest and most efficient “provoker” of the Legions-block?? Gear them up and use their provoke ability in two tactical ways: 1) equip the Deftblades so its power is enough to kill any “provoked” blockers of your choice, and 2) with two mana to spend, you can protect the Deftblades from lethal damage and in the same time, can even pave the way for its other attacking comrades to get through – blocker free!

The Battleplan - Your Strategy

Your tactic is to surge the field with your battalion that even the Goblin King will be left with a sole-mark of your Glaivemaster's combat boots on his face. Speed, speed, speed... it’s the key element for victory when using this type of deck. At the worst scenario, you must have either at least two creatures or an equipped creature on turn three. Eight of the creatures are one-to-cast soldiers that turns into lethal assassins once equipped so balance on playing creatures and equipments. Remember that equipments are likely to stay in the game longer than creatures so it will be better to prioritize on dropping creatures first. Equipments can be played on the subsequent turns, empowering your forces before the siege. Adding to the element of surprise is a pair of Lightning Greaves, an all-time favorite on speed oriented decks. It was included in the line-up to give your creatures the much-needed “open-fire” signal once it hit the battlefield and in the same time, turn your platoon spell-proof like ‘ol Mrs. Willow.

If you are facing against non-weenie decks and the field is clear of early attackers, do not hesitate to use Skullclamp-kills on your Deftblades to look for the needed key cards like the Akroma’s Blessing and Razor Barrier. However, if you are playing against Control and Slight Decks, don't give the opponent the luxury of holding off your attacks - equip your creatures and siege at the first sign of opportunity.

Stall spells have been included so as to ward off potential creature threats. Arrest is one of the most promising stall spell in the Mirrodin-block. Choose the target for your Arrest wisely, though. While waiting for the opponent’s more lethal key creatures to come in play and to use your Arrest on, you can take creature damages or block with your creatures then use protections from the Razor Barrier and Akroma’s Blessing to negate the combat damage.

Your middle game (if your opponent will survive your early onslaught) must be as swift as the opening barrage. The deck has three Akroma’s Blessings and two Razor Barriers, so use them to prepare a blocker-free path for your attacking brigade while protecting them too against any pesky spells that might come along. You need to make your army’s damages go through and as early as possible – that is the main mission of this deck.

In the end, the strategy decisively lies on how you will manage your mass attacks and use those utility spells on the right targets and timing. Timing is very crucial when playing any weenie deck so focus on how your cards will systematically be played.

The Specialists - Your Sideboard

The sideboard focused on more utility spells that can help the deck in special cases depending on the deck you are about to face. Altar's Light is a staple on white decks to remove pesky artifacts (yes, even indestructible ones!) and enchantments. Hallow is to be included against direct-damage intensive decks while the “storming” Wing Shards, when in combo with your low-cost creatures and spells, can clear the battlefield of opponent's weenies and even those beefy Darksteel indestructibles. Second Sunrise is of course a very good counter magic against control-staples like Armageddon, Balance, Death Cloud, and Wrath of God. Raise the Alarm on the other hand is a draw-combo with Skullclamp as well as a provider of surprise blockers, not to mention that the tokens are also beneficiaries from the Steelshaper's triggered ability.

The Casualty - The Deck Cost

The deck was priced at estimated 2,100 PHP besides having four of its key cards under heavily-traded list: Auriok Steelshaper, Leonin Shikari, Skullclamp and Lightning Greaves.

As suggestions to a cheaper substitute, try using Soldier Replicas for the Steelshapers and the very efficient Razor Golem for the Leonin Shikari. You may also add Leonin Scimitars instead of the Skullclamps and Whispersilk Cloak for the Lightning Greaves. The Scimitars and the Clamps share the same casting cost while the Cloaks provide the Greaves’ spell-proof ability and will turn your soldier unblockable in the same time so the idea behind the deck would still be pretty much the same with these substitutions.

***Obi came from a lineage of military heritage and his frustrations to join the Philippine Military Academy led him to plan of establishing his own PMA – Philippine Magic Academy – and command a brady bunch of bald Steelshapers and Glaivemasters.
Pope Benedictine XVI
Just got news that a new Pope was elected! Yey!

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger from Germany.

May the Holy Spirit guide you on your service to the Lord!

**Sayang magpapasa pa naman ako ng resumè sa Vatican para sa vacancy ng Papal slot.

Kwentuhan Tayo

This has been my weekend:

Sabado
From the office, I arrived at around 8am on our house tapos natulog na agad ako. I woke up 1:34 pm, and in between that sleep I remembered my dad waking me up para samahan siya pauwi sa house namin sa Lipa. I can't remember what I told him but apparently, given I woke up still in my bed, I refused. I knew he was saying something regarding "dogs" that I didn't paid attention to. Nagulat na lang ako pag tingin ko sa likod ng bahay e may dalawang higanteng aso at isang bubwit. Inuwi na pala ni daddy si Assunta (black Lab), si Tootsie (yellow Lab), and si Pogi (pasaway na Pug) from his office. Seeing how they got cranky at the sight of me, I knew they were hungry so I fed em first... yes, while my stomach revolted in hunger.

After that, I prepped up and went to Galleria to meet my Warhammer 40K friends. Dun na din ako kumain - two Choco Caramel ng Hot Loops tapos C2 Cherry, solve na! It was crowded back at the Neutral Grounds hobby store back then and given my comrades-at-hobby are mostly humongous dudes, I have to literally squeeze myself up amongst them. Bago lang ako tumambay dun, I mostly spend my "hobby" time in Neutral Grounds - Glorietta 2 during weekdays before work. So being the new face that I am sa Galle hangout, I have to familiarize with the peeps first. Medyo gutom pa ko that time so I went with some of them to eat and "catch up". I ordered this Double Wham Burger with Cheese and grabe gumagapang ako pabalik sa hobby store sa kabusugan. Promise. Try that sometimes. Maiuuwi mo pa para sa lolo mo yung kalahati, if you want.

That evening I was able to have 2 games against the veterans and it was educational on my part as a noobie. I also sold some of my miniature figures worth 1.8K. Not bad, I must say. Niyayaya pa nila ako sa isang birthday celebration sa Valle Verde but that was around 9:30pm already and I have to refuse because I have to "man" our house. Opo, "Home Alone" ako... up until this coming Sunday. Better fix the traps ala Kevin.

My Warhammer 40K game in Galleria. That's Emcee with the "iL-beat-you-to-a-pulp" grin.

Linggo
I woke up 12:30 noon then sluggishly headed down to watch TV to shake the cobwebs off my head. After nun, nagpunta ako ng carinderia malapit sa 'min para kumain. Tinatamad na kasi ako magluto. Tapos pinakain ko ulit yung mga aso, then I went back to painting my miniatures. Part na yata ng buhay ko magpinta ng mini army ko. I just love my new found hobby. Hanggang gabi na ako nag-paint.

Lunes
Same cycle. Went down the street to eat. Fed the dogs. Painted miniatures... and finally, alas! Heto na hulit hako! I'm back in the office doing the usual stuff. Back, trying to reinstate my nocturnal bio-clock for another round of five long work days... err nights. Vampire mode na ulit.

Kulang na lang tubuan ako ng pangil.

Hangin Hangin!

We're having this Warhammer 40K mini-tourney held in Neutral Grounds - Glorietta 2 which started last Tuesday. Entitled "Eldritch Storm", the campaign will run for around two months and was initially participated by eight other Warhammer 40K players.

Well, I don't normally advertise stuff regarding my games but this time I have something to get cocky about. I won the first round of the battle. *grins* I'm still waiting for the next schedule of games. Hope iL maintain the luck and streak winning.

iL try to post a pic of my entire miniature army when I got the chance to.

I deserve another Triple Choco donut, me thinks.

Gusto

Stuff I like when going to the office:

1. The long walk to the office gives me time to mull over just about everything. We know how precious time has become in this fast-paced era that if you finally got the luxury to take a pause and focus on pondering for a while, you will consider either sleeping or watching Korea-novelas instead. I mean, c'mon, when was the last time you really reflected on the things happening to your life? When was the last time you got engrossed on thinking what your dream bf/gf should look like? When was the last time you assessed over who's better: Volta or Krystala? I bet, at least a significant 40% plus or minus of you might had considered these stuffs while walking.
Statistically though, a fair 10% plus or minus of you might had considered these stuff habang tumatae sa banyo.

2. Esem, Glorietta, Landmark, Greenhills respectively. I pass by them everyday towards the walkway heading to the office. Need I say more? There's a lot of benefits with it; from being updated on the latest "hot buys" and "trend items" to seeing Madame Auring frolicking the tiangge area and Rainier Castillo flashing his "Smile Mo, Kita Ko" trademark in one of the Bench outlets. Huh? No, I have nothing against them. Really.
White lies. *smirks*

3. I got to meet a lot of people. It has always been satisfying for me to share a smile, and isn't it gratifying to receive one yourself, kahit galing sa bungal? The walk to the office have exercised my smile especially when meeting old acquaintances along the path.

"Uy, ito yung prof kong bakla na nagbagsak sa kin sa Statistics ah. Employee na din pala siya dito sa Makati." *smile*

"Uy, ito yung may-ari ng punong mangang ninakawan namin ng bunga sa probinsya ah. Security Guard na pala siya." *smile*

"Uy, ito yung suki kong pag-bilihan ng isaw sa school ah. Kwekwek na pala tinda nya." *smile*

4. May tindang taho, mais, kwekwek at squidballs sa baba ng building. Enough said.
Kakagutom ah.

Corporate Slave

Sulit ang binayad ng kumpanya sa akin ngayon.

Inabuso ang aking talento ngayong araw na ito.

Akala ko sinisipon ako. Utak kong lusaw na pala yung tumutulo sa ilong ko.

Kumuha ako ng posporo para sindihan yung kilay ko para mapanindigang nagsunog ako ng kilay.

Ayoko na ulitin to. Ansakit sa ulo.

Buti na lang my Triple Choco sa Country Style's kung hindi kanina ko pa ginawang unan itong keyboard.

Hay. Sambahin ang tyokolate at ang kapangyarihan nitong mapayapa ang mundo ko.

Amen.

Mr. Sandman, I Challenge You!

I've got some pretty interesting stuffs to write from my thoughts today. But words seemed to slip past my grasp when I tried to muster them.

Perhaps because of sleep deprivation.

iL just try to write a more sensible post next time when my clockworks are functional.

Potaena. Tara, tulog na tayo.

*hala nagwawala na*

Manic Weekends

Sayang, I don't do blogs on weekends. Andaaaami pa naman nangyari last Saturday and Sunday. Last Saturday, pag uwi ko ng house natulog ako. Tapos 4pm na ang gising ko nun. Tapos kumain lang ako then around 7pm natulog na ulit ako. I woke up at 3am the next morning to stretch around. I just read some of my books then thereafter, mga 6am na nun, I went back to sleep! Nagising ako 11am na to take my lunch. Syempre bawal matulog agad ng bagong kain. Natulog ako ng mga 3pm na, after ko panoorin sa ASAP si Coke Girl. Haaay, napagod ako sa dami ng nagawa ko. So many things to do, so little time.

Another sarbey from my F'ster account:

F'ster(n) - tawag ng mga konyo sa Friendster (Source: Diksyunaryo ni Lolo)

Subject: I'm Officially Missing You

1. CALL ME-- eliseo

2. What color of pants are you wearing right now?-- fatigue green

3. What Are You Listening To Right Now?-- rants and whines

4. What Was The Last Thing You Ate?-- tuna pandesal

5. Do You Believe In Karma?-- unfortunately, yes

6. If You Were A Crayon, what color would you beright now?-- the color of my skin

7. How Is The Weather Right Now?-- fine siya (How to Konyo 101: refer to a tangible, inanimate object like it is a human that you have intimate relation to. Example: I don't like na siya, bcuz andami niya nang katulad. *insert Kris A. laugh here* ("Siya" and "Niya" refers to a mobile phone)

8. Last Person You Talked To On The Phone?-- myself

9. Do You Like The Person Who Sent You This?-- not that i dont, not that i do

10. How Are You Today?-- i'm fine, like the weather

11. Favorite Drinks?-- rootbeer, tubig

12. Favorite Alcoholic Drink?-- SM Lights, Miller Draft

13. Favorite Sports-- basketboL, baseboL, chess, tumbang preso

14. Hair Color?-- vanishing black

15. Eye Color?-- deep black

16. Favorite Band/s?-- aynakupow gadami. read my profile, and more

17. number of x bf or gf?-- *ngumiti lang ng sweet*

18. Favorite Months?-- pwede isa lang? Marso.

19. Favorite Food?-- sisig, kwekwek, isaw, chopsuey, bistek, burger, hotdog, BIGMAC.

20. Last Movie You Watched?-- Mula Sa Puso the Movie

21. Favorite Day of the Year?-- heyday

23. What Was Your Favorite Toy As A Child?-- sirang robot na isang ruler ang taas

24. Summer or Winter?-- rainy

25. Hugs Or Kisses?-- hugs and kisses and more =)

26. Chocolate Or Vanilla?-- choco on vanilla

27. What Is Under Your Bed?-- electric piano

32. Friends You Have Had The Longest?-- mga kababata. si Tandang Tan Tan, Jamoks Joseph, Charles Kuyukot.

33. What Did You Do Last Night?-- nagmukmok

34. Favorite Smell?-- pawis ng girl. pervert ako e. =D

35. Who Inspires You!-- i take inspirations from a pool of whatnots

36. What Are You Afraid Of?-- dugo.

37. Plain, Buttered Or Salted Popcorn?-- cheese popcorn

38. favorite flower?-- daisy

39. Number Of Keys On Your Key Ring?-- dalwa.

40. Favorite Days Of The Week?-- pwede isa lang? saturday (tulog day ko).

~ koya obi

Emotional Torture

is it worth the wait?
is it worth waiting?

if your answer here is "yes it is worth", will you be willing to endure the wait?

what if what you are waiting is true love?
what if this love is elusive?

there will be times when it is almost within grasp... but just as quick, it will be gone.
there will be times when the wait seems to be done... but just as quick, another wait began.

if your answer here is "yes it is still worth", will you be willing to endure the pain?

love is blind... and so I blindly trudge ahead a future unknown.
love knows no bounds... and thus I withstand despite the inflictions.

if "to love" is "to wait" and " to wait" is "to get hurt", then "to love" is "to get hurt"... so if we wait to love and be loved, then aren't we waiting to be hurt too?

aren't we masochistic?

[don't mind me blabbering]

Nonchalance

Happy birthday to my sister's dad.

Katawan! Katawan kayo dyan!

Hindi na ko noobie! Snatched my second win on a Warhammer 40K game today and yeah I know my opponent's not a veteran but still it's a win. Tis enough for bragging rights. Brag brag brag. Unfortunately, with a quarter of my army still unpainted, I will not be able to join the Grand Tourney on Madison Square this Saturday and Sunday. Bummer. Well, better luck next year & just they wait till I acquire more battle scars by then. For now, I have to hone my skills more and of course paint my army... and expand it at the same time. Tsk tsk. I need more moolah to compensate with the expenses though. Ibebenta ko na pati katawan ko. Katawan! Katawan kayo dyan! he he.

Share ko lang another piece of my infamous Friendster surveys... hopefully marami na naman akong napaligaya and mga puyat na na-gising sa mga sagot ko... hehe:

Subject: Eto Seryoso.. Hindi Talaga Sarbey To. Paramis.
1. Where have you been an hour ago?
# to London to visit the Queen
2. state your full name?
# Randell "Obi" Espiritu Parcon y Concepcion
3. do you like your name?
# no. i like you.
4. can you remember what you did on thefirst day of your school?
# humagulgol sa classroom.
5. what do you want to be ten years fromnow?
# grow up
6. what did u feel upon receiving emailslike these?
# email ba to? bulletin to sa friendster e <- so true.
7. at what age you first learned to use apc?
# 12. syempre back then when dinos ruled the world wala ka pa makikitang 3 years old na naglalaro ng Ragnarok. kaya mapalad na din ako nun.
8. have you ever eaten any exotic food ?
# sinabawang eraser
9. what was the last illness that you had?
# singaw hehe <-- hehe kulit nito. coincidentally, ako din singaw! sakit nga e. dalwa pa magkadikit.
10. do you like listening to rap music?
# asyempre. imah moh-foh mesizzle dizzle. \m/
11. have you ever thought of driving thetrain at MRT?
# yes. and own one.
12. what did you do last November 12004?
# nag party
13. which do you prefer? rainy dayz orsunny day?
# rainy days and Mondays
14. when was the last time you browsedthe bible?
# last month
15. what perfume do you have?
# hugo dark blue & eau de toilet bowl
16. what was the brand of your firstwristwatch?
# mighty kid
17. look at your back. what do you see?
# poknat
18. say something about the person whogave you this
# hello Kim. stay chinky. =)
19. do you sing while you are taking abath?
# rarely. i rarely took bath anyway.
20. your last dream that youremembered?
# nasa madilim daw ako na kwarto na wala ako makita kundi itim
21. what do you usually say when youmeet a person?
# powder o lotion?
22. do you agree on the saying "toforgive is to forget"?
# not all of the time.
23. can you ride a bicycle?
# yes. pati tricycle.
25. last thing you held before using thecomputer?
# toolbox.
26. Where is that place you alwaysdreamed OF?
# beside her
27. When was the last time your tears fell?
# last month?
28.are you goin to leave your parents intime?
# leave my parent, yes. the other one, no.
29. How do you say you are sorry to theperson youve hurt?
# luluhod. mag papatak ng visine sa mata habang hindi sya nakatingin. tas pag tumutulo na ng konti e kakalabitin ko na siya tapos iaabot ko yung hawak kong santan na pinutol ko sa bakod ng lolo ko.
30. at what age you are ready to getmarried?
# 18
31. SM or Robinsons?
# Glorietta
32. First person to run if you aredepressed?
# lahat ng tropa ko. kasi pag depressed ako lahat sila tumatakbo. =D
33. Have you ever watched an x-film/clip?
# i collect em. pervert ako. beware of me.
34. who is the person u txtd last?
# si puti
35. What was your worst floodexperience?
# mula recto papuntang bustillos
36. Were you attracted to a person tenyears older than you?
# possible
37. Are you happy at this point of yourlife?
# not quite. but the last point in my life was yes. i hope later's point will be.
38. What do you want to eat tomorrow?
# taho
39. describe yourself when you cansay "im contented with my life."
# when i can relax now knowing that tomorrow iL live the same life as i've lived it today.
40. nakahawak ka na ba nang baril?
# sandamakmak na.
41. words that you want to be written on your tombstone?
# "kita kits"
~ major obi, major problem

Goin Ga-Ga Over You

To Miss An Angel

~ Obi ~

I hate it when I miss someone,

My mind rings of her name

And no matter how I busy it

I still miss her just the same.

I hate it when I remember her face

There's a tremble in my heart

I can't be like this forever...

Can't do when we're apart.

I hate to long for somebody

It's her smile that my eyes seek

But how could I help myself?

The longing makes me weak.

And when my lips speaks her name

My pen starts to scribble

Then I'll write my yearnings away

Though words start to fumble.

When words ran out and ideas expire,

Her face is all that linger

Here in my mind and in my heart

I dream of us together.

I hate to think that she's so far

The hurt won't go away,

And though my dreams might remain just dreams,

I'll hold unto them anyway.

Are you there, my angel?

My longing seems not to cease

Though you're not by my side

I'm thinking of you, at least.

Are you there, my angel?

I wish you knew I'm missing you

And though I hate the feeling

I love you, what can I do?

Servings For Today

You have served Him well...
Let's offer a minute of silence to thank God for a loyal servant who fulfilled his sacred duties above what was expected of him.

Lord God, we thank You for blessing us with Your humble servant Pope John Paul II. Thank you, for he had been an able channel of Your everlasting love to us, touching our lives through Your divine intercession. For simply being the symbol of our unwavering faith to You, thanks God.

This we ask in Jesus' name... Amen.

You will be missed...

Week Enders
Last Saturday, my sister graduated from highschool so I have to rush to the province (hindi ko sasabihing sa Lipa, Batangas) from work... despite a well-fumed lack of sleep sans a "formal" breakfast. Buti na lang may kwek-kwek at taho na sa Ayala pag Saturday mornings.

kwek-kwek(n) - a squishy, deep-fried miniature egg commonly enveloped on an edible orange casing; best served with a vinegar-garlic-pepper concoction; ikatlong paboritong pagkain ni Obi, sunod lamang sa sisig at isaw. (Source: Diksyunaryo ni Lolo)

Well, as I should have expected, I arrived there with a bad headache and I actually haven't made it to the graduation exercises after I slumped in our sofa the moment I dragged myself home... never to rise again. =) Ei, not really. I woke up early the next morning to look around the village. I've never been back there since last New Year. Baka tahulan na ko ng aso namin. Ay teka, patay na nga pala yung aso namin. Hehe.

Apparently, I'm not blogging on weekends. I have this mutual agreement with myself not to go online during weekends. Panay computer na ko the whole weekdays, tingin ko it's fair enough at least not to hook myself up on the Info Super Highway on my supposed "rest days". With that, I only open my PC on weekends to write, play games, or listen to my mp3's. Last Sunday, I just added an entry to my sci-fi short story then played another mission on Dawn of War. I brought my laptop in Lipa since we have no PC there and it's pretty cool how I could move with it around the house without the hassle of warming my butt on a single couch.

I treated the whole family for a halo-halo run. It's mui delicioso sans the beans. Sayang perfect na sana. But hey, it's a halo-halo. It's not meant to be perfect. May iluluwa at iluluwa kang sahog talaga unless you pre-warned the Koya Tindero on what stuffs should be included and what's not.

Halo-halo, Mangang Hilaw, Laptop, Rest.. hay, ito ang totoong weekend!

I was digging for my ol baby album and it's funny how I enjoyed being nostalgic. I was not a past-dweller, but I guess birthdays hurt like this. You WILL rummage in your past in one time or another as you grow "mature". Ang cute ko pala nun, koochi koochi koo. Pero taena, pano naging gento muka ko ngayon?? Anlayo. Anlabo. Tsk Tsk.

Obi the Baby (circa 1983)