Christmas Anime Bazaar ’08!

This isn’t your typical bazaar.

What we have for you, dear customers, are products that you won’t see anywhere else. Products that are integral parts of your beloved anime, they shouldn’t even be for sale.

So get your credit cards pumped up and be the first if not the only one to own the following anime merchandise:

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Porcelain Pelican (Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi)

This pelican is the remaining artifact out of four that used to maintain the balance of things in the Abenobashi Shopping District. Put this on top of your house pointing its beak to the east. Then with a little bit of imagination, and some guilt from almost killing an old man, you may be able to travel to different dimensions where nothing is what it seems.

~ Some chantings required and is available separately.

Genius Eyeglasses (Love Hina)

Naru Narusegawa used to wear this during the Toudai preparatory exam. Use it to pass any hard exam that comes your way. Taking exams will never be the same!

~ You could also use it to hypnotize so use with caution.

Chiyo-chan’s hair buns (Azumanga Daioh)

Use it to become the cutest girl (or boy) in your area. And to show everyone just how cute you have become, use it to fly around the neighborhood!

It’s detachable and washing machine-safe.

~ Comes with a free penguin costume for the first 10 callers!

Neuro clips (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

It’s stylish and determines the level of your intelligence and sanity. Also perfect as mobile telecommunication device.

~ Comes with a How-to-be-as-disturbed-as-Ikari pamphlet.

Hare Hare Yukai Complete Dance Instructions (Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)

With dance steps never before seen on any TMOHS media and Haruhi in a bunny suit as your personal instructor.

~ Free bunny suit.

Zero’s Mask (Code Geass)

Start a revolution with this stylish  mask specially made for people with geass. Use it to control your enemy and rise your way to greatness.

~ Awaken Your Inner Geass book by award-winning author C.C. available separately.

Cephiro’s Pillar Title (Magic Knight Rayearth)

No need to be somebody important to be the next pillar of Cephiro! Just sign our magical contract and you can start praying for the world’s well-being.

~ Caution: You must not fall in love.

Cardcaptor’s costume (Cardcaptor Sakura)

Overly designed and overused Carpcaptor battle costumes for sale. 50% off! Use it for cosplays and to capture Clow Cards.

~ Comes with Create your own Clow Card instruction manual.

Rynax (Kurau Phantom Memory)

Fly like birds and walk through walls with this amazing scientific discovery!

Just take it in and you’re off to becoming a whole new you!

~ A completely ‘new you’ may surface so use with caution!

Kobato’s Doll Ioryogi (Kobato)

Use it as a punching bag, or added stuffing for your pillows. Very comfortable and soft.

~ May annoy you or bite.

Shounen Bat’s Bat (Paranoia Agent)

Strike fear into the hearts of the entire neighborhood with this beautifully crafted bat. Prepare to drive the community madly paranoid over you.

~ Comes with free cap and rollerblades.

Dragon Whiskers (Ranma 1/2)

Have the long healthy hair you’ve been dreaming of with this Chinese artifact.

Just boil it with your soup and start growing those locks!

~ Strictly for women.

Mokona Modoki (Tsubasa Chronicle / xxxHolic)

Travel dimensions and take home the biggest souvenirs with ease with these Mokona combo. Use it as communication device between dimensions.

~ May annoy you.

Tenchi Masaki (Tenchi Muyo)

Kick him, toss him. The perfect stress reliever. Store him away when you have no need for Tenchi.

~ Also available: Keitaro Urashima.

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Go ahead and fill your need for anime stuff this Christmas. You deserve it, dear otaku!

Merry Christmas in 3 days! ! !

*****JHAJR*****

“Al” Elric

Real Name: Alphonse Elric

Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist

Age: 10 (during transmutation); 13 years old

Gender: Male

Birthyear: 1900

Hometown: Reesembool

Height: 7’3” (in armor)

Hair: Gold-brown

Eyes: Blue

Hobbies: Picking up stray cats

Seiyuu: Rie Kugimiya

If not for his brother Ed, Alphonse would have disappeared completely and their wish to bring their mother back from the dead made worse ten-folds. His body disappeared in their attempt to do the taboo in alchemy, but Ed managed to seal his soul inside an armor suit.

People, then, would automatically assume that he is the Fullmetal Alchemist.

Ed is a child trapped in a metal body. He is 10 years old at the time and is therefore very polite. He constantly acts as Ed’s voice of reason and is very protective of his big brother.

While he longs to become human again, he seems to care more for his brother than for himself and is more willing to restore Ed’s limbs.

Despite his situation, trapped inside a metal armor with no heart and memory, Al retains the kindness and purity of a young child. He is a strong pacifist who always sees the goodness in others.

Ed had used his own blood to seal Al in the armor suit and it is located at the nape inside the suit. Once erased, Al’s soul would be lost.

To save Al’s body from exploding, Scar transferred the incomplete Philosopher’s Stone inside him, and later turning him into the Philospher’s Stone. However, he has to use alchemy sparingly for doing so destroys his own body. Nevertheless, he did not heed using it’s entire power after seeing his brother killed by one of the Homunculi. Edward tried to bring him back and ends up on the other side of the gate while he was able to recover his human body.

In the Fullmetal Alchemist Movie, Conqueror of Shamballa, he had regained his human form and is using alchemy to help people, while at the same time looking for a way to reunite with his big brother.

*****JHAJR*****

Kurau

Name: Kurau Amami

Anime: Kurau Phantom Memory

Age: 22

Gender: Female

Hair: Black

Eye: Blue

Seiyuu: Ayako Kawasumi

Abilities: Flight, pass through solid objects, amazing strength and agility

Kurau used to be a cheerful young girl who lives with her father and their housekeeper Ella until a freak accident that resulted in a new individual born inside her, taking over her.

On her 12^th birthday, Dr. Hajime Amami, her scientist-father, brought her to his laboratory to see them experiment with a form of alternative energy they call Rynax. The experiment failed and she was struck by the Rynax energy, knocking her out, and by the time she wakes up, a new being has taken over her body.

It is then realized that the Rynax is not a form of energy but a life form that could have killed Kurau and itself upon contact with each other. Yet, Kurau was very fortunate that her body and the Rynax had formed a symbiotic relationship.

Rynax made her capable of superhuman abilities.

But this also made her a lab rat for the scientists working with Rynax energy and in ten years had been the reason why she had to live away from her father. She is pursued by the police force, believing that she is a threat to the world.

Ten years after her contact with Rynax, another being – the Rynax’ pair – emerged from her body. It was a girl who looks like Kurau 12 years ago and was given the name Christmas. Kurau swore to protect Christmas as well as the body of the original Kurau.

*****JHAJR*****

Messages For Shinji…

Stop crying and whining, Shinji…

Anime’s most disturbed and pitiful lead character only wants to be loved and since it’s the season of loving and sharing, his co-stars in Neon Genesis Evangelion are here to offer him their warmest greetings:

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There you go Shinji…

See, there are people in this world that cares for you and would do anything to put a smile on your face…

…or not…

Kidding aside though, everbody loves you, Shinji. And only YOU can decide for yourself whether or not this season should be a reason for cheers.

7 days to go before Christmas 2008!!!

*****JHAJR*****

The Philippine Pasko

It is no secret that the Philippines has one heck of  a Christmas celebration. It’s the most anticipated time of the year. Way grander than the country’s own Independence Day.

It shouldn’t be a surprise. Christmas, after all, is an occasion for the family, and Filipinos are very much family-oriented.

Actually, the anticipation of Christmas starts on the arrival of the “-ber” months. So that’s from September, when the temperature starts to drop; Malls start to sell Christmas ornaments and people start buying gifts so as to avoid haggling as the occasion draws near.

Do you know that there is a “Pasko” (translation for Christmas) in the Philippines that happens before the “real” Pasko?

Believe it or not, it’s All Soul’s Day. For some reason, people have started to call it “Pasko ng Patay” (Christmas for the Dead), with the word “Pasko” not literally meaning Christmas but rather a “big celebration.” A festival of sort. Filipinos honor the dead very much that All Soul’s Day is not just a time for remembering the dearly departed, it has also become a wonderful time for families to get together and celebrate the glory of life and death.

After that supposedly dark celebration, the lights that signal the greatest occasion in the country are lit to provide warmth and joy. Now Christmas is really just around the corner.

But before we get to the day itself, Filipino Christmas will never be complete without a 9-morning-celebration called the Simbang Gabi (Night Mass), a celebration observed by members of the Roman Catholic Church.

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In Simbang Gabi, people gather inside the church at 4 o’clock in the morning to hear a mass, celebrating the glory of the message to Mother Mary and her journey with Joseph to Bethlehem. Some churches nowadays hold a mass in the morning and at night to accommodate those who cannot attend the morning mass. To some this is more apt for the name Simbang Gabi.

If you want to learn more about Simbang Gabi, check this site

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Filipino Christmas is also never complete with the decorations that celebrate the joyous occasions in vibrant colors. The Philippine “Parol” (lantern) is the most popular symbol of Christmas in the country.

The Parol is usually star-shaped and is made to signify the star that illuminated the manger where Jesus Christ was born in and which guided the Three Wise Men in their journey. It can be made of any material and in any size. The most popular in the country are those made of capiz which are exported to other countries. A parol can be very ordinary-looking or special such as those that can be lit, but no matter what the type is, they are symbols of craftsmanship.

Know more about Parol here

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During the 9-day Simbang Gabi or even a few days before, people – mostly children – go out in the neighborhood and do “Karoling” (caroling).

In the Philippines, there is a “naughty-kid” spice added to it, making the Philippine Caroling truly a different experience.

Give the carolers some change or gift and they’ll sing to you their gratitude:

“Thank you, thank you. Ang babait ninyo, thank you!”

(Thank you, thank you. How nice of you, thank you)

Now, if a bunch of kids stop in front of your house and starts singing and you find yourself without loose change, don’t just shove them off or tell them your excuse. Say “patawad” literally translated as “forgive me”. It’s a way of making the kids understand that you can’t give them any and that you appreciate their efforts.

But now brace yourself, for this is could be the time when you will get a retraction from the kids. But don’t worry, they’d do it through a song. They’d go:

“Thank you, thank you. Ang babarat ninyo, thank you!”

(Thank you, thank you. How stingy you are, thank you)

Learn more about Filipino Caroling

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The Philippine Christmas Eve is celebrated with a Noche Buena, a term derived from the Spanish phrase “Good Night.” With the Philippines being a Spanish colony in the past, the tradition of having family dinner is observed in the country as well. However, Noche Buena in the Philippines starts after a family has attended the Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass). A Filipino dining table would usually have pancit, chicken dishes, lumpia, adobo, among others for the main courses; puto bumbong, bibingka, fruit salad and other native desserts; and soda, juice, beer or wine for drinks.

Learn more about Noche Buena

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There are a number of ethnic groups in the Philippines that celebrate Christmas in a variety of ways. These are only the most common activities and preparations that the locals do and make to celebrate the world’s longest Christmas season.

Learn more about Philippine Christmas in these sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Christmas_traditions
http://www.philippinesinsider.com/events-festivals-holidays/christmas-in-the-philippines/
http://www.santas.net/philippineschristmas.htm

drawings by j. arboleda jr.

*****JHAJR*****

Santa Steer Clear: Anime’s Naughty Boys and Girls

This year, I, Doraemon gets to be Santa’s helper.

Santa Claus couldn’t make it seeing how busy he is now that Christmas is just around the corner. And, well, this topic is not exactly his interest since he pays no attention to these kind of individuals. They are not in his list. Only the nice girls and boys make it to his list after all.

Anime is getting a short list of good boys and girls nowadays…

But hey, Christmas is for everyone. So with this, we take second look at anime’s list of the mischievous and see if Santa could consider  re-doing his list right before morning of Christmas Day…

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Hanamichi Sakuragi

He’s dim-witted, short-tempered and violent. And he’s a freshman student. Despite all that, he has proven himself to be a good basketball player, putting Shohoku High in a good position. He constantly compares himself to Rukawa and has pride bigger than any stadium their teams have played in as he continues to believe in his abilities as a genius.

Happosai

He takes pride in his masterful craft of stealing women’s undergarments. He strikes hell over Ranma and the others. Yet there are times when he gives sound advice that helps Ranma out of tight situations. And he treats Kasumi nicely so he still has a good side.

Haruko Haruhara

She hit Naota with her guitar, ran over the boy in her scooter, and wreck havoc in the city. She doesn’t care what happens to earth as long as she gets what she came here for. However, she has made a boy fall in love for the first time.

Millions Knives

Vash’s twin brother is behind the big bounty on his head. Knives is the leader of the Gung-Ho Guns who is out to kill his brother. As a kid, he was discriminated against and beaten, shaping his belief opposed to what Rev Saverem taught him. Oh, and he also killed Rev.

Sanosuke Sagara

He lets his fist talk to those whom he instantly dislikes. He’s short-tempered and violent and enjoys a brawl. But he has also done a number of favors for the Meiji government.

Miroku

Another lecher – only younger. He constantly asks women to bear his child, even in front of Sango. Even Kagome doesn’t escape his perverse nature. He’s a monk who’s always willing to help, though. And, well, he asks women politely.

Yusuke Urameshi

He’s a young thug and has become a common mischief in his place. He probably got it from his demon father. He has killed lots of demons as a reikai tantei. Being a reikai tantei though means he was chosen by the heavens to investigate supernatural occurrences.

Lelouch Lamperouge

He used his Geass to start a war against his father. He had used lots of individuals for his revenge. He had lots of people killed, including loved ones, to further his cause. All of this, he did to make the world a better place for his sister.

Haruhi Suzumiya

Obnoxious and tactless, her dislike for humans and love for the supernatural is confusing us. How would she think of Santa? Human or not? Will she like him or not?

Faye Valentine

She has the largest medical debt in history and for that she turned to bounty-hunting. Well, it doesn’t really help. It only makes her bills bigger. She’s a money-grubber, scheming and selfish. But she cares for the Bebop crew even if she doesn’t say it.

Hisoka

He constantly hounds for power and seems to take interest in Gon. He never hesitates when killing and seems demented. Yet, it was he who helped Kurapika in his revenge for the Kuruta tribe.

Ryoko Hakubi

She’s a space pirate who appeared before Tenchi to destroy his teenage years. She’s hot-tempered and possesses power that is considered dangerous. She summons “demons.” However, she can also be emotional and gullible.

Souichiro Nagi

He lives to beat people up. He’s obsessed with fighting and is proud of it. He went to Todo Academy to prove his strength. However, he also believes that that fighting doesn’t resolve anything and as he falls for Maya, he’s starting to mature and become more like a leader.

Tsukiko Sagi

She put the investigators on a wild-goose chase finding out the truth behind Shounen Bat when it was her doing all those time. In the end, it was also her fault that the city was ruined. But she did make the cute Maromi and made lots of people happy.

These are just some of animedom’s mischievous characters. There are lots more. And Santa is willing to hear their story and consider them in his list.

So who else do you think should get into Santa’s list this year?

*****JHAJR*****