In Da Club

No, it’s not what you think.

It’s another school year, dear student otakus! Now, this year (and every year for that matter), make the most out of your stay in school. Be active. Get involved. Join a club!

Your school’s clubs can help develop a sense of responsibility and camaraderie in you. They will drive out the best character in you. When your teachers become second parents to you, you will also find brothers and sisters from your club.

So whadoyousay?

When you enter the school, prepare to be deluged with noise and leaflets. Don’t be too overwhelmed.  They’re all just invitations to an exciting year ahead.

Ready? Set… Go and find a club that fits you!

Think you’re good-looking enough to strike an interest from the girl beside you? Then come on in and join the Ouran Host Club! It’s the only club created to serve the ladies of the academy. It’ll turn you into the campus’ next hottie! You’ll be mingling with the ladies, flirt, play games with them, flirt, have some tea with cake, flirt, and…flirt! Oh, and did we mention flirt? The goal is to make the ladies feel good. So get ready to be surrounded by beauty in the Ouran Host Club!

Club: Ouran Host Club
Contact person: Tamaki Suoh (Club President / “daddy”)
Office: Music Room

Wanna showcase your talent in shooting hoops? Wanna develop a talent so you could sweep that girl you like off her feet? Then be a member of the Shohoku Basketball Team! Train with some of the best players in the district. I bet you’ve heard of the great forces of Shohoku namely Rukawa, Akagi and Mitsui? Then how about their coach – the once-infamous Coach Anzai! Aren’t those enough reasons to attract you into entering this basketball team? Who knows… you might become good enough to take the team to the Inter-High Tournament.

Club: Shohoku Baskteball Team
Contact person: Ayako (Team Manager)
Office: Shohoku team HQ, gymnasium

If you’re looking for a way to develop you’re tennis skills, then the Seigaku Tennis Team is the best team that can help you. Composed of some of the most talented tennis players, this club aims to win the National Middle School Tennis Championship. Maybe you can help take them to victory. Ryouma Echizen, a young protégé of tennis, plays for this team.

Club: Seigaku Tennis Team
Contact person: Kunimitsu Tezuka (Team Captain)
Office: Tennis Team HQ

Their mission is to help damsels in distress. But since the group has become popular they need new members to help more damsels in distress. If you’re up for detective work and mind-twisting investigations, then join this detective group of young students. Do not be fooled by their ages though, these kids are more than capable of handling tough mature investigative work.

Club: CLAMP Campus Detectives
Contact person: Nokoru Imonoyama (Elementary School Board Chairman)
Office: Elementary School Board Office

Can’t go to Hogwarts? Then maybe the Magic User’s Club will do. Learn magic and get to blast aliens to oblivion to free the world. Best of all, you get to fly on brooms. And you never have to be a muggle-born!

Club: Magic User’s Club
Contact person: Takeo Takakura (Club President)

Interested in the supernatural? Would love to chase aliens, espers and time-travellers? Then let SOS take you to—no, this isn’t the Literature Club. The SOS aims to uncover the mysteries of this world. Coz who knows, the supernatural could be right under your nose. Be cautious though because the president of this club is not interested in humans. So show some genuine interest in the unbelievable.

Club: SOS (Save the World by Overloading it with Fun Suzumiya Haruhi’s Brigade)
Contact person: Haruhi Suzumiya (Club President)
Office: Former Literature Club HQ

Ready for some fast running and strong kicking? Then come on in and join the Deimon Devil Bats! You’ll get to experience the joy of playing American Football (BAH! Who cares about Soccer? – Hiruma) If you think you have the agility and the strength, try to reach the club by going to the Football Club HQ and look for Hiruma.
Now Hiring: Team Secretary

Club: Deimon Devil Bats
Contact person: Yoichi Hiruma (Team Captain)
Office: Football Club HQ

There you have it. Face the school year with some much-needed activities to become a better person. So, did any club strike your interest? Did you join any? Waitasec. Another club seems to want to take a share on the freshies!

If you love Kaede Rukawa and want to shout to the world how much you do, then be with the Rukawa Ouendan Girls. Just get ready with your uniform and pompoms, and your biggest smile.

Club: Rukawa Ouendan Girls
Contact person: don’t know, don’t care
Office: Rooftop (where Rukawa mostly stays)

*****JHAJR*****

Codename: Abyssinian

Anime: Weiss Kreuz (Knight Hunters)

Real Name: Ran Fujimiya

Code Name: Abyssinian

Birthdate: July 4

Age: 20 years old

Height: 5’ 10” (178 cm)

Hair: Red

Eyes: Violet

Blood Type: Type A

Weapon: Katana

Image Flower: Rose

Status: Weiss Kreuz Leader

Seiyuu: Takehito Koyasu

Notes from an Assassin

I will destroy the Takatori…I shall make certain on their payment for the pain they’ve caused…

I wield my katana to bring out justice. I save souls, hoping that the same could be done to the one soul that I have devoted my life on saving.

In order to avenge that soul, I took her name and a memento from her to always remind me of the tragedy she did not deserve. Together with my comrades, we will bring down the clan who started this war.

I remember I wasn’t like this when I was younger. My family, especially my little sister always put a smile on my face. I was satisfied with life.

I wonder what could have happened had they not know my family. Could my parents still be alive? Could my sister have escaped the accident? Could I remember how to smile and be happy?

Enough what-ifs. I must deal with the weight of reality.

For now I ought to be thankful that I found Krikiter and Persia. Though I sometimes wonder how all the missions he gives us would ever lead me to my vengeance.

I ought to be grateful for the newfound friends at the flower shop. For the old lady who runs the shop. For the regular customers who make life worthwhile.

And as twisted as it may seem, I ought to be thankful for the fact that I am still here, waiting for the chance to exact vengeance against the Takatoris.

For my parents…

For Aya…

*****JHAJR*****

Come Rushing In: The Air Elementals of Anime

Invisible and invincible.

These two words pretty much sums up the description for the one natural element that seems to be above all other elements in this world: Air.

Air is what keeps life in this small planet called Earth. Fire relies on air to keep aflame and water is created through a mixture of air.

Living organisms has air on top of its list to survive. So it seems that air is an element of comfort. A calming, gentle breeze on a warm summer day.

Yet air, just like the rest of the natural elements, possess a second face. An opposite personality of sort. However, this is where air proves how much stronger it can be than any of the other elements. When air strikes a hard blow, it can easily destroy fire and control water, even earth. And air can do it so fast that it’ll be too late to react.

So when air pretty much dominates over all other elements, why does it seem to be the one element that gains the least attention?

In Avatar: Legend of Aang, the new avatar – who possesses the power over air – had to learn the other forms of bending to finally defeat the Fire Lord. Shouldn’t he have been strong enough to control fire and all the other elements for that matter?

In X-Men, Storm possesses the uncanny ability to control the elements, which normally includes the wind. Yet Ororo does not have the physical strength enough to harness such power. Was it a way limit the control over the strong and highly destructive element?

In anime, characters who possess the power to control wind are also few in numbers as seen in the list that follows. Often, the characters are seen as silent and gentle but can be as deadly as a tornado.

Here are some notable anime air elementals that are more than ready to knock you down in a gust. The question is, are you ready for them?

08. Asuma Sarutobi (Naruto)

This laid-back Konoha ninja who is often seen smoking is actually the son of the Third Hokage. He may not be fond of involving himself in almost anything but if it’s necessary, he’ll be more than willing to lend a hand. Make that hands – and with trench knives powered up by his wind-based chakra. His knives are made of special metal that can be fused with chakra to extend its blade and make it strong enough to pierce through rocks. Combined with his taijutsu skills, he could be one tough ninja. If this proves futile however, he could also use Ash Pile Burning, a technique that lasts longer than fire since ashes are used and remains in the air.

07. Haruka Tenoh / SailorUranus (Sailormoon)

Contrary to what a lot of people think that SailorUranus has the control over earth in her attack “World Shaking,” it is actually the wind that is the source of her power. In her attack, it is wind that shakes the earth and not earth itself. In the Sailormoon manga, this woman seems as light as the wind, her character very strong but gentle. As a human, she loves racing – perhaps an allusion to her love for speed. As a sailorsoldier, she moves and thinks faster than any of the other scouts.

06. Koshirou Chikuma (Basilisk)

Tornadoes can be very dangerous and this guy understands that very well. This gennin has the special ability to create miniature tornadoes by simply using his breath. Though miniature, these tornadoes can strike a mean blow on opponents. It has even killed a man when he successfully drove it to the opponent’s face. Now imagine if he could create bigger tornadoes…

05. Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)

Naruto was not often seen leaning on wind-chakra attacks during battles, but yes, this young host to the fox tail demon has a wind-based chakra. It was only later when Jiraiya taught him the Rasengan that Naruto finally created his own technique – the Rashenshuriken – using his chakra. He also has the Toad Gun and Toad Oil Flame Bullet techniques with toads accompanying him as he uses his wind-chakra abilities.

04. Seichiiro Aoki (X1999)

Mild-mannered and gentle, this man is a husband and a father. However, he divorced his wife to spare her the grief should he die from the war between the Dragons of Heaven and the Dragons of Earth. Though he is rarely seen fighting and using his innate ability, it does not mean he doesn’t have it. His attraction to Karen, a co-member of the Dragons of Heaven, could very well be a representation of the relationship between air and fire.

03. Jin (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Jin is a demon that can control wind in different ways, notable of which is his ability to fly. He could also make tornadoes and use the air around him to speed up his movement. When excited, Jin feels his pointed ears prick. In the Dark Tournament, Jin fought Yusuke and lost, although the decision was a tie. Always cheerful and positive even in the tightest of situations, Jin always shows the good side of the element where his power is based on.

02. Kagura (InuYasha)

Her attachment to Naraku was the one thing that tied this wind sorceress away from complete freedom. She had no choice but to religiously obey her master. In her missions, she had to thwart her enemies using a fan to create tornadoes or move corpses like puppets. A feather ornament on her hair is also useful for her transportation as she enlarges it and rides on it.

01. Fuu Hououji (Magic Knight Rayearth)

Chosen by the pillar of another dimension, Fuu was given a supernatural power that is obviously air elemental. She could create wind-based attacks and even heal wounds using air. Her mashin, Wyndam, is the wind-god resting in a temple in the sky. Fuu always displays a sunny disposition and although some stiff situations pose itself upon her, she never loses control and focus. She’s as sharp as the wind.

A force to conquer all other elements. Air can be as light as a feather and as heavy as earth itself.

*****JHAJR*****

Check the Dress Code

To wear or not to wear? Uniforms, that is.

The world we have today is one where diversity is accepted and freedom to express oneself is observed. So in such a condition, is the idea of wearing uniforms in school ought to be disposed so that one may be able to be and act as oneself?

When a lot of students take the uniform as a symbol of control over their freedom, they overlook the fact that the uniform is actually more of a symbol of equality.

Observed in various countries, the wearing of uniforms has become a sign of obedience and cooperation. In Japan, wearing uniforms had been standard since it was introduced by Westerners.

Thus, today the mere wearing of uniforms has seeped through the natural artistry of the country. Now, various students have begun to alter their uniforms to promote a very own style, a very own expression. Uniforms have become a cool representation of youth.

Uniforms in most anime are drawn from real life in Japan. However, some (exaggeratedly done ones) are mere pigments of artistic imagination. Yet one thing is for sure: the idea of wearing uniforms had been taken a notch higher, earning more interest and appreciation from those who wear them.

Not just a symbol of equality (and control) anymore, uniforms have become a channel for students to be and act as themselves.

Think wearing uniform is cool now? No?

Well, the following are just some of the anime with the most notable uniforms. Hope they patch in some good reasons why wearing uniforms can be very cool:

Seiyo Elementary (Shugo Chara)

It’s cute punk goth look in perfectly blending colors of black, red and white. A black jacket is worn over a white blouse with sleeves folded up. A red short tartan skirt in black and white matches a pair of legwarmers of the same design. Serving as focal point is a red necktie. This look also goes well with some goth accessories like a cross hair ornament.

* (School Days)

Flattering black is the dominant color of this uniform with white blouse underneath. There are two styles available for the blazer: an ordinary one and one with cut sleeves, double breasted and a collar that cuts down below the chest area. Both uniforms have a red ribbon as its focal point and a short pleated skirt matched with black long socks and white shoes.

Cross Academy (Vampire Knight)

There are two uniquely designed uniforms to designate two classes – day and night. Day classes wear black uniforms while night classes wear white. These uniforms are made up of a shirt or blouse, a blazer, skirt and trousers, a red ribbon for girls and tie for boys, and contrasting armbands. Elaborately designed with pins, buttons and stripes, these uniforms strike a good gothic feel.

* (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)

The boys’ uniform is no different from the usual shirt, tie, blazer and trouser, except for the school emblem. The girls’ on the other hand have a collar that’s bigger than usual and pulls down under the chest. The school crest is on a light blue area between the collars. A deep red ribbon reaches down to a kilt skirt.

Seiso Academy (La Corda D’oro)

The music school has different set of uniforms for varying students: pale yellow blazers and black skirt or trouser with tie or ribbon for music students while normal students don black double breasted tops with white skirt or trousers. What makes the students belong to the same school are their ties and ribbons that must have a different color depending on academic level.

St. Miator’s Girls Academy (Strawberry Panic)

The students of this (one of three) school wears a long black dress with a Gothic Lolita look. The buttons go all the way down to the skirt that opens to show a white skirt with embroidery that can also be seen on the collars and the tip of the folded up sleeves. A dark green short necktie accentuates the entire look.

Ashford Academy (Code Geass)

The uniforms are military type and double breasted. The girls wear pale yellow blazers with a short necktie and skirt while the boys wear a stand-up collar blazer and trousers. A unique feature of the uniform is the belt placed in the blazer that flows down to the hips. The crest of the school can be found on both sides of the neck for the boys and on the necktie for the girls.

Infinity Academy, Azabu Juban Junior High and T*A Private Girls School (SailorMoon)

Infinity Academy obliges students to wear a deep red blouse with a navy-colored collar and green plaid bow and matching skirt.

T*A Private Girls School students wear a more subdued color of gray for their double-breasted blouse with a deep red bow to accentuate.

Though Azabu Juban Junior High has a different uniform, Makoto Kino chose to wear her former school uniform. It is a white blouse with laces in place of buttons. It has a mocha-colored collar with double white strips; the same design can also be seen in the sleeve. The same color also goes for the skirt that flows down to her knees.

Starlights Uniform (SailorMoon)

The newcomers did not adhere to the dress code of Azaby Juban and instead wore a better variation of the normal male school uniform. It is zipped up and has six zipped pockets and a star design on the stand-up collar.

So, will you get into the dress code?

*****JHAJR*****

Mecha Mayhem in Questor

3M: March Mecha Madness! This is how Questor Magazine sums up their Volume 02 Number 03 issue. Well, the cover itself says it all. Questor turns mechanical for their latest issue (of course this is talking 9 years ago), dishing out some electrical wires and metal plates for eager otakus.

The issue starts with a look-back at one of the coolest robot to come out before the Transformers: Macross! Do you remember that anime? (author’s note: Heck! I’ve never seen any episode from this show). But it’s safe to bet that you know the mecha, right?

Next is a breakdown on an on-going anime (at that moment): Bubblegum Crisis. Questor chewed out some differences between two BGC series – old and new. The Hard Suits were also featured in Anime Armor of the month.

Then a treat to new local Gundam fans. At the time, three installments of the popular mecha series have reached Philippine shores (well, I’m not sure about the old series since I’m too young to know that). Sidney Ang dished out the plot of Gundams Wing, X, and G as well as a surprising truth about the series production. Then, Animelodies had the lines to the first opening song and the ending song to Gundam Wing. Anime 101 answered two questions relating to Heero Yuy and his Gundam.

Continuing the mecha madness, Questor had a review about a Gundam Wing console, a Guyver manga and anime mecha CD intro, and a look at the different mechas in anime.

Anime Continuum had 1 page provided for mecha anime. It also included the likes of BTX and Gasaraki.

And as added treat to (older) otakus, they included a chapter of a manga of one of the most defining anime in Phil. history – Voltes V!

The magazine also paved way for a special otaku named Richie Ramos who collects Gundam models and paints them himself.

Fight! put together three different but similarly buxom ladies to duke it out (sexy) with each other; Visual Artist, Rey Limoneras is put on the spotlight in Watashi-tachi; and @nime links otakus to a Macross website.

Lastly, the Doujin Drawing Board is again bombarded by talented otakus, showing off their anime renderings. Three lucky otakus were chosen for the month’s pick: Lyns for Couple Pick, Maybelle B. Sibayan for Angelic Pick and Jose Arboleda Jr for Nice Pose Pick! WAITASEC! THE LAST ONE’S MY NAME!

(Yup, my efforts have been rewarded. After sending three artworks (all original, mind you) to the magazine, one finally made it to an issue – and won! Although I never really went to get any prize as they say in the magazine. I thought seeing my name there was more than enough to make me happy…)

Summer vacation (that’s April 2001) is just around the corner. Will the magazine sizzle with some hot, hot, hot pics ala FHM? Or lament with some religious anime in time for the Holy Week? Perhaps both? Hmmm…

*****JHAJR*****

The Melancholy Of Haruhi Fujioka!?

Anime: Ouran High School Host Club

Birthday: February 4th

Age: 16 years old

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Height: 5’ 11” (155 cm)

Blood Type: Type O

Status: Ouran Scholarship Student, Ouran Host Club member

Favorite Subject: Classic Japanese, English, World History

Host Type: Natural

Seiyuu: Maaya Sakamoto

*****

Was it good fate that had lead Haruhi Fujioka to the halls of Ouran High School and through the walls of the famous Ouran High School Host Club? Nah! Probably the lack of it.

As soon as Haruhi made it inside the Ouran High Club HQ, things started to crumble and fall down for and on this petite lady.

Such a situation is a cause of melancholy. Poor young scholar… And to think she only wanted a quiet place to read.

For if not for the host club members’ insistence to make her stay and enjoy their company, she would have avoided the one accident that started her high school life swirling like a violent whirlpool. That wretch*** vase would have been in perfect shape and condition.

Hence, she would have avoided having the biggest debt she could ever have in her entire life.

If not for the wretc*** vase, she would have lived a simple life as a student and not have to work for the Ouran Host Club. She would never have to put up with dressing as a boy and mingling with ladies from her school.

Heck, she wouldn’t have to put up with the antics of the Host Club president Tamaki Suoh.

If not for the Host Club, she wouldn’t have to contend with the ladies of Lobelia Academy and their antic equal or even worse than that of Tamaki’s.

If not for Tamaki, her biggest fear would never have been discovered.

And yet…

If not for Tamaki, no one else would have been there to comfort her as she faces her fear of thunder; if not for Lobelia Academy, only the boys from the Host Club would ever know her true gender; she would also never witness Tamaki flare up in complete jealousy though he would never admit it.

If not for the wretch*** vase, she would never have found a group of unique individuals from the Host Club; and if not for the Host Club, she would never have found a happiness and comfort that most girls from her school would pay to have.

So perhaps, it was good fate all along that brought her to Ouran High School and into the heart of the Ouran High School Host Club.

*****JHAJR*****