Rice Armor

Shown above is my Hanayo armor. This armor made its debut on the Love Live! Wedding themed event, held at Red Monster Shop. See previous post for more details. People were amazed on the armor, during the event.

Rice Armor Concept

I've known that for armors, bags are usually used. Since bags are always useful as these carry your stuff during conventions, these are commonly used. Trinkets and button pins are placed in these bags. I did not like placing my button pins or trinkets on my bag, since these tend to fall off. In fact, I've lost some pins before, because of placing them on the bag.

I wanted mine to be something different. For four straight 2017 conventions, I've been using the same Hanayo jacket, namely Otaku Expo, Ozine Fest, Cosplay Carnival, and Okun Fiesta. Since I've amassed a good amount of Hanayo items, I thought of using them already.

Hanayo loves rice, and the onigiri came into mind. The concept of the armor in the form of a shield is different. Because of the unfair treatment of Klab during Hanayo's birthday, and then the spawn of the haters in an online group, I'd thought of being someone who would protect Hanayo from these people. I wanted to be Hanayo's knight in shining armor.

Materials used:
1/8 illustration board x2
black pentel pen
mini drill
resistors
solid wire
eva foam

I used the hardest illustration board that I can find in the bookstore. I just used my imagination, and drew a half onigiri on one board. Then for the hard part, cutting the board. Then I used the half as a guide to draw the other half, and cut.

Thanks to my course (electronics engineering), I have a mini drill which is used for circuit boards. This is what I used for drilling holes on the illustration board. I used the thickest drill bit that I have in stock, so whatever goes through the holes can be done easily.

I used the small resistors, and some solid wires as the attachment guides, where the trinkets will be placed.

Resistors

Solid wire

For the shield, without the trinkets, I spent only around P45, for the two illustration boards. I already have the other stuff in stock so I don't have to spend more.

How did I attach the resistors and the wires? Simple, pass them through the holes, then twist-tie them at the back. This is what it looks like at the back.

For the shield handle, I used eva foam, since it is the only one I got which is kinda usable. I don't want to use something really hard, because I might damage the shield. A strip of eva foam is used for each half of the shield, for better support. The resistors in the middle which holds the halves also holds the handle strips. It's not the most stable, but at least it gets the job done.

I could have used a 1/4 illustration board, so I don't need to join them together, but 2x 1/8 boards is better for me. I prefer smaller, for easier storage and transportation. Binding them together is not difficult anyway.

On the left side are the original Love Live! products, bought at bargain prices. On the right, mostly are fan-made stuff, bought at artist booths on conventions. I was asked which of these trinkets is my favorite. To be honest, it's hard to decide, but I think I'll choose the huge Snow Halation Hanayo on the top right corner. It's one of my first Hanayo trinket, and the artwork is so cute.

I still have a lot of button pins, but I don't know where to place them.

This is just my prototype. In the future, maybe I'll replace the illustration board with a light wooden board. Maybe I'll make a sleeve out of plastic cover, to better protect the shield.

When I find the time again, I guess I'll work on the sleeve first. I also have to fix those twisted wires at the back, for better presentation.

Watch out for the shield on my next convention appearance. I will see what name I could call myself as I wear the jacket again, and equip the shield. Maybe a rice scooper as the weapon?

Married to My Waifu

You read it right. I just got married to my waifu, thanks to a wedding themed cafe event hosted by Red Monster Shop, and the cosplay group Aquarius.

This is not the first time I've been in this shop. I've been here already when I celebrated Hanayo's birthday. But it's still different when it's an event cafe, and not just the cafe on an ordinary day.

So which waifu is this from my list of waifus? She's the one whom I declared the top waifu last April 1. She is Koizumi Hanayo. The theme of the cafe event is Love Live! wedding. Moment Ring: A Forever with µ'sic is the name of the event.

A Love Live! marriage event was announced, and I told myself, why not take the chance? It's not everyday you see these kinds of events. The fact that I know some of the cosplayers in the event is an added bonus. It's also a nice experience to get married to the best girl of all.

With some friends, we reserved slots for the lunch session. Weeks prior to the event, we were already excited on what would be happening on the event. In fact, I had my outfit and armor planned well. The only one which is not prepared well, is the wedding vow, because I had a busy schedule. It was crammed, but still turned out pretty well, since I got the outline.

Hanayo, and her knight in shining armor.

My armor was made the day before the event, although I already had the blueprints and the materials prepared beforehand. Usually, armors are done using bags and placing those trinkets on the bags. I thought of doing something different, and unique. The result is the shield, literally an armor, designed like an onigiri, which Hanayo loves a lot. I'll make a separate blog post for the specific details.

The first part of the event are the performances, by Hanayo, Kotori, and Rin. I was about to miss Hanayo's performance, because I have to move the car on the parking area. Thanks to my friend who told everyone to wait for me, I did not miss Hanayo's performance. I guess it's a good thing that she knows how much I'm dedicated to Hanayo.

The next part of the event is the mini games with the members of Aquarius. On games requiring skill, I can manage. But with luck based games, I lost. For these games, we can win cosplayer cards.

My meal for this event is Hanayo themed. Onigiri for the meal, and matcha milk as the beverage. the serving may seem small, but it actually is very filling. The taste is very nice. It's something that I was not expecting It's a must try for rice lovers, especially rice goddess (Hanayo) worshippers.

What made me enjoy it more?

"Jelly-filled donuts"

I can actually hold the onigiri, without it crumbling. It's made of not just any rice. It's sticky rice, as I've felt as I held it. It's fun to eat it with hands, just like how Hanayo eats it in Season 2, Episode 7. Am I one step closer to being with the rice goddess?

The best part of the event is the actual wedding. Of course, this is what the event is all about. We all get to say our wedding vows for our best girls. While my friends had simple vows, mine is different. I made mine with puns of song titles from µ's, as much as possible from Hanayo's solo songs, and from Printemps. My friend wanted to cringe as he read my wedding vow. This is how my wedding vow goes (I will put the song titles and Hanayo related lines in all caps):

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Hanayo-chan, LISTEN TO MY HEART.

With this ring, I promise to love you forever, in sickness and in health. I love you for your voice, and your cute appearance. But most of all, I love you because of your personality.

Let's play NAWA TOBI as we START:DASH into a new chapter in our life. I promise to free you from your KODOKU NA HEAVEN. And I with you, I will be freed from my own KODOKU NA HEAVEN.

No matter what others would say, I wanted to shout this out loud. AISHITERU BANZAI! Just say DAREKA TASUKETE, and I will answer CHOTTO MATTETE.

Let's begin by having a SWEET & SWEET HOLIDAY.

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I can't believe all that lines fit in a minute of wedding vow.

Translations:
Nawa Tobi - Jump Rope
Kodoku Na Heaven - A Lonely Heaven
Dareka Tasukete (Hanayo's line on live show) - Someone help me
Chotto Mattete (answer to Hanayo's line on lives) - Wait a minute

Due to time constraints, the contest winners were not announced for the lunch session. Yes, there are contests for best dressed, best armor, and best wedding vow.

And there will also be a part two of this event, which I'm really excited about, by the way.

Happy Birthday Koizumi Hanayo! (1-17-17)

January 17 is the birthday of my best girl in Love Live! School Idol Project, Koizumi Hanayo a.k.a. Kayo-chin. Like what others do on birthdays of their best girls, I wanted to celebrate Hanayo's birthday. I can't do that at home, or just somewhere, because I would look crazy. So I carefully picked where I would do the celebration.

A friend suggested that I go to Red Monster Shop + Cafe, as it is an anime/k-pop themed cafe. Being anime themed, I find it as the perfect place where I can celebrate Hanayo's birthday.

First part of the celebration is from the game, Love Live! School Idol Festival. Of course, I wanted to see Hanayo's message on her birthday. I had Hanayo Chinese dress version, idolized, as the partnered girl, as Chinese New Year is also close.

I had a busy afternoon, so I arrived at the cafe at around 6:45 pm. Finding the cafe is not that hard, thanks to online guides, and their own map. The challenging part is trying to commute to get to Maginhawa Street.

Along the road, my playlist consist of Hanayo solo songs, from the album Wakakusa no Season.

Here are some of the pictures that were taken inside the cafe:
These can also be found in my Facebook account of my otaku self.

I intentionally ordered omurice, so I can write my birthday message for Hanayo. It's still rice, Hanayo's favorite food, except that it's inside the omelette. I brought my own Nendoroid Hanayo, so it would feel like I'm taking her on a birthdate. I could've brought the training outfit version, but I don't have that yet.

Hanayo reminiscing the time she joined μ's.

The cafe has a huge TV. The shop attendant asked me if there is a video that I would like to play. I had this episode on my flash drive, so I had it played. Now shoeing: Love Live! School Idol Project Episode 4. This is the episode which is dedicated to Hanayo, showing her story on what she went through before she joined μ's.

After the episode, Love Live! μ's Live Collection was played, featuring all the animated live shows. As that was playing, I opened LLSIF again, this time to do some scouting. Hanayo only scouting was the promotion.

I always wanted to do this to articulated figs

A lucky scout for this one, I would say. used 100 gems, and got a 3rd UR Hanayo, Christmas set. Her skill is now level 3. Luck ran out when I did 4x coupon scouting though. Got 4 SRs.

I browsed through the shop's items in stock, and I found this fig on sale. Then the store has a special promotion of discount for their items, so I got this one for a low price. I've also been told that this fig is hard to find nowadays. Behold, a new one for my Hanayo collection. And Nendoroid Hanayo is the first to meet her.

Here I am on the shop / cafe, wearing my Hanayo jacket, and with my two figs currently with me. This is the first time I did something like this by the way. I'm having fun, and at the same time, I'm showing my dedication to Hanayo being the best girl of their group.

The best part? I'm the only customer during my stay there. No conflicts on the tv.

But, I'm not yet done. 

In the game, Fire Emblem Fates, I made a file for each path, with the IGN Hanayo. Since birthdays are celebrated in this game, I thought of adding this.

I tried to make her as accurate as possible. Too bad FE Fates has a limited array of hair styles, unlike FE Awakening.

This will always be a wonderful experience. I hope that for next year, I will be able to complete my Hanayo shrine, then it would be a grand birthday celebration.

A Change in "Collector Interest"

Collecting has always been one of my hobbies. Back then when I was on my pre-teen years, I've started a book collection, because I love reading. My first book collection was Harry Potter series. After the series ended, the next series that caught my eye is Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which continued to The Heroes of Olympus. The next series that I'm planning to collect is the Maze Runner series.

But that is not the main discussion of this post.Starting over...

Three years ago, when I first got my Nintendo 3DSXL, my first game is Theatrhythm Final Fantasy. Then I think this is when a collection was formed. From 2013 to early 2016, I've accumulated as much as 20+ games in DS and 3DS cartridges. The games are mostly RPGs and strategy games, with the addition of some multiplayer fighting and racing games.

I've accumulated that much games because I'm thinking of collecting those with game series. For example, all the Final Fantasy games that are in the Nintendo DS and 3DS. There are also some games that I've bought because these games hold a special meaning in my life. These games are those made by Intelligent Systems, the company known for making challenging strategy games like Advance Wars and Fire Emblem.

I thought my collection is going to last, but during the second quarter of 2016, I have to let go of some of my games. The games that I sold are those that (for me) does not have any value after finishing the main story, and those which I can let go without the pain of losing my save files.

As of this month, these are the only games remaining in my library. These are still plenty, but not as much as I had before I started selling them one by one. I might even let go of some of the remaining ones in the following months.

Insert: Bravely Default (which is borrowed)

Those on the left are games by Intelligent Systems, and I have no intention of selling any of these, especially those two DS games above. These two games are very rare, and is worthy of keeping. Advance Wars was the stepping stone into me playing Fire Emblem. Advance Wars is also a part of my awesome gaming childhood. Intelligent Systems is why I appreciate turn-based strategy games a lot.

Those on the right, Pokemon games, might be sold when the time comes. I might sell them as a bundle, so I could get enough cash to purchase Pokemon Moon. Thanks to Pokemon Bank, I will be able to transfer those from Y and AS easily. What hurts is the effort that I've put into farming battle points, and getting those battle items, since you can't transfer them through the Pokebank.

I haven't bought a new game, since February 2016, because of having a change of interest as a collector. Thanks to collecting "keybies" as the stepping stone, I have taken interest in becoming more serious in collecting anime and game figures. Blog post on keybie collection coming soon.

Late 2014 is when I bought my first game figure. It is Dissidia Trading Arts - Terra Branford, bought 2nd hand. The problem with collecting that specific character is, she does not have a lot of items to collect, compared to other characters of Final Fantasy. This is why I settled for collecting other stuff of her such as custom-made ones.

Only two are legitimate SQEX stuff, while others are custom-made and one is customized.

I've thought of starting collections for other characters, because my Terra shrine will not really be a large one, and I've also taken interest in other characters.

Amiibos of some Fire Emblem characters that also appear in Smash

I've thought of collecting amiibos of some characters, since I can also use them in my games. These four amiibos can be use in three games that I own: Fire Emblem Fates, Codename: S.T.E.A.M., and Super Smash Bros. 3DS. Three of them are given as gift, while I purchased one, and the amiibo reader, because my unit does not have a built-in one.

My first piece in my more serious collection, is a Figma Lucina. Being a character from my favorite game series, I thought, why not get her? And until today, I haven't get her out of the box, because I don't have a space for display (yet).

I have taken interest in Black Magician Girl, blame the anime for giving her a lot of personality, and making her so adorable. I only have one figure of her, and the Figma I pre-ordered might arrive this month.

As I venture deeper into Idol Hell (see details here), I've also started a collection for my best girl, Koizumi Hanayo. I've already got a lot of stuff of her, ranging from legitimate items, to fan-made items bought from artist booths on conventions. There's much more which is not included in the picture below. I will have a more complete picture in the future.

Doing a ritual to get UR Hanayo in SIF.

TL;DR

I used to collect games, but in the second quarter of 2016, I've started selling them one by one, because of change in what I'm interested in collecting. With collecting keybies as the stepping stone, I now collect anime and game figures.

My current figure collection are:

• Terra Branford - Final Fantasy VI
• Black Magician Girl - Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters
• Koizumi Hanayo - Love Live! School Idol Project
• Some Fire Emblem stuff

Collection that I'm considering to build:

• Kunikida Hanamaru - Love Live! Sunshine!!

I know this hobby is expensive, which is why I'm aiming to finish our thesis this semester, so I can graduate, and start working. Some of these items are hard to find also, which is why I'm really aiming to go to Japan, specifically Akihabara, someday in the future.

Some people think that this hobby is crazy, but at least this is better than doing vices. I don't smoke, and I rarely drink. This collecting hobby is one of my new sources of happiness. I feel that this is fine, as long as I don't overspend just for these.

Nowadays, I'm less of a gamer because of this new hobby. I gave up a part of my gaming library, just so I can continue this new passion that I have.

Welcome to "Love Live Hell"

There is an anime, in which I watched because of curiosity. Many of my friends are sharing posts of this anime on Facebook. A friend of mine also said that once you enter this fandom, there is no escaping it. I jokingly commented that I'm accepting the challenge. Months ago, I watched the series called Love Live! School Idol Project, because I want to know why this anime is so popular. Curiosity kills the cat.

The anime is nice, so nice that I have to resist falling into Love Live Hell. This lasted for a few weeks, until October 2. This is when I finally let go of my restraints, and accept the fact that I'm already in Love Live Hell, thanks to some friends who are with me in a convention. I'm pretty aware that I'm already very late in this fandom.

How deep have I fallen into Love Live Hell? Here are some examples:

1. My phone is filled with songs from µ's.

The name of the main school idol group is µ's. The anime is full of songs, considering the history of this group where they started out releasing singles and doing live shows before having an anime adaptation. When on the road, my playlist would be purely µ's songs, or mixed with my other songs. Some of my favorites are START:DASH!! and No brand girls.

2. I play Love Live! School Idol Festival (everyday)

 LLSIF is a rhythm game for Android and IOS, pretty similar to O2Jam. Just like other mobile games, there is a luck based system for obtaining rare in-game stuff. For this game, players aim to get the UR (ultra-rare) cards, which would help in scoring better on live shows. One and a quarter month into this game, and I got my first UR.

Rings move from the center towards the characters.

My first UR, dated 11/19/2016.

 3. I have a best girl / waifu in the anime.

For some people like me, we believe in having one waifu per game / anime. For this anime, my waifu is..... *cue in drum roll.

Koizumi Hanayo (a.k.a. Kayo-chin)

It took me a long time, just to pick from the nine of them. Each of the characters are unique in their own ways. In the end, I decided to pick Hanayo. Here are some reasons why I picked her over the others:

3.1. I see myself in her.

Hanayo is known to be really shy, and the quiet type. That is how I really am. Believe it or not, this is because of me being an introvert. How do I relate to the second picture? I explore a lot of different things, but I don't specialize in any of them. This is also known as being "jack of all trades".

But when it comes to something Hanayo really likes...

Hanayo then becomes someone who talks a lot, like the loud type. Her shyness also disappears when this happens. This is me when I go to anime / cosplay / otaku / etc. conventions, and socializing with other people. This especially happens when the topic of Fire Emblem or Terra Branford (Final Fantasy VI) is brought up.

Hanayo also happens to be a rice lover. As Asians, rice also happens to be our staple food. There's nothing better than rice. Rice is life. If only our local rice can be eaten without any dish. I'm gaining weight because of rice, but I can't help it. Reducing rice intake is difficult, when it is your staple food.

3.2. I find her the most adorable among the members of µ's.

All of the characters of µ's are adorable in their own ways. I was also considering Nozomi, because I find her the most mature member of µ's, or Kotori, because of her cute voice, and her appearance, also mentioning all those Rowlet memes.

In the end, I chose Hanayo above everyone else. She's cute, in appearance and in voice. I love her personality. I adore her more than the other members of µ's.

3.3. We're similar. We both wear eyeglasses

Okay, that is not really a reason to choose her. I already picked her, before my friend told me about this. In a convention, I showed the Love Live fanart stuff that I bought, and majority of them are Hanayo. I told my friends Kia and Denise that my pick from µ's is Hanayo. Then Kia told me something like this. "Hanayo. You also have 'megane' just like her." I'm not sure if that is supposed to be a complement or a joke.

On the side note, this is where I officially fell into this fandom, also thanks to both of them.

4. My phone wallpaper is...

I can also change my laptop wallpaper, but that would be the ultimate betrayal to my "best among the best" waifu which is Terra Branford.

5. The sounds that my phones produce are...

a. message tone: "Dareka Tasukete!" - Hanayo's signature scream which roughly translates to "Someone help!"

b. call ringtone: START:DASH!! (2nd years version) and No brand girls for the two lines I use.

c. notification sound: "Zura?" - Hanamaru of Aqours saying zura because of her dialect. She is from Love Live! Sunshine!!

6. I would like to make a collection dedicated to Hanayo.

This is related to my new hobby (to have a separate blog post) which involves being a collector. As I have just started with this, I only have one at the moment.

Koizumi Hanayo - Korekara no Someday

by

Furyu

I've searched for some more, and I'm planning to buy them in the future. All for my love for Hanayo. (Well, that's what collectors do right?) Here are some of my aim for next year.

A CD, seriously? Yes, I'm serious about this. This is an album which contains songs sung by Hanayo in solo. Just imagine the opening theme song, but it's just Hanayo you hear.

 Nendoroid Koizumi Hanayo - Bokura wa Ima no Naka de

Nendoroid Koizumi Hanayo - Training Outfit Version

These two Nendoroids are really cute.  There are other changeable parts which are not shown in the pictures. Hanayo is the reason why I got interested in Nendoroids (somehow).

Figma Koizumi Hanayo

I've been thinking of using this for a diorama contest, just like what I've joined last June during Toycon. I just hope the theme for next year would fit what I currently have in mind. Figma Lucina and Figma Black Magician Girl would be involved, if the contest theme would be the right one.

There are some more to add to the collection, like the ones made by Sega, and Hanayo - Love Wing Bell version. I won't be placing them all here because there are a lot more.

This is how deep I am now in Love Live Hell, and it's bound to get deeper. Is it that bad? I don't know. I've known people who are deeper into Love Live Hell than me.

Cosplay Mania '16 - Wanted: New Companion

Two years ago, I've started showing up on different conventions which involves toy collections, anime, cosplay, and etc. Last October 1-2, I went to Cosplay Mania, and this, no doubt, is the convention that I enjoyed the most, when in comparison to other conventions that I attended for the year. I attended both days of the event, and it was totally worth it!

The thing I like about this convention, are the cosplay. It's fun seeing your favorite characters. In my first convention two years ago, I would be happy when I recognize the characters. For some instances, I would even socialize with the cosplayers, when we have the same interests.

Here are some of the shots taken by me at the convention.

Hana (Kazahana in JP) from Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright


Although many people do not like this character, it's nice to see cosplay of the most recent Fire Emblem game. Seeing cosplay from Fire Emblem is good enough, as most of the cosplay on conventions are from anime. Kazahana actually is my waifu for FE:Fates Birthright.

Shidou Hikaru from Magic Knight Rayearth

Two words. Childhood crush. My younger self would be very happy.

Neku Sakuraba from The World Ends With You

One of my favorite shots, and I even have to edit this for maximum effect.

Johnny Bravo

A blast from the past! Main character of one of the famous shows of Cartoon Network back in the 90's.

The Final Fantasy X squad.

This is what makes cosplay fun, group cosplay!

I always wanted to try cosplay, with a group of Fire Emblem characters. Sadly, this plan got ruined two years ago, for the same convention, because of some reasons, and then I had trust issues.

Batman V Superman

Parenting done right! This kid attracted the attention of crowds. He's dragging a superman mannequin around the hall, and steps on a tomato pillow thing. The fruit is labeled "Rotten Tomatoes", the "true" enemy of the DC universe.

The different cosplay in the convention shows that there's no such thing as "outdated" in cosplay. As long as you love the character you cosplay, why not?

Apart from the cosplay, there are also other activities which can be done, mainly from sponsors.

Answer the question correctly, and get a "medal", and some souvenirs. This is from NHK World channel. I always get the hard topics, and have to do it three times before I answered correctly (with luck). At the same booth...

A pic with Domo! There's also the Domobics, where you do acrobatic exercises with Domo.


Like every other conventions, I always leave the event with some hauls. Most of these are from the fanart section, where there are stalls which sell their art in the forms of keychain, bookmarks, button pins, and etc. Requesting an art for commission is also available there.

I shouldn't have this many stuff, but because of me recently getting into another fandom, Love Live!,  my haul increased drastically. In fact, half of these stuff are from one fandom only. Could've been more, but the art stores ran out of my favorite character of this fandom.

For the next convention that I will be going, I would wish for a new companion. Why? I have a friend who goes with me to conventions, but as the time flows, I don't think he's the right one for company. I'm kinda fed up with how he behaves during these events.

He criticizes people, and sometimes loud enough that people might hear him. It also feels like he's complaining about everything in the convention. I was with him during the first day of Cosplay Mania, and I've heard enough. He would say things like, "That cosplay is not accurate enough", "The cosplayer is not even pretty", and stuff like that. Little did he know that the first time I attended this convention two years ago, I would appreciate any character that I would recognize, and take pictures.

He also complained that most art booths contain Love Live! stuff and Mystic Messenger stuff, and he has harsh words when it comes to hating.. I hope he realizes that sometimes it is better that he just shut his mouth, so he would not hurt others. What he had done is ruining the mood. I'm supposed to be enjoying, and now I also have to deal with him.

Going back to my haul, my Love Live! stuff were bought at Day 2, because I do not dare buy them with my friend around, which is why some stuff of my favorite character ran out of stock. If I did, I would have to deal with his hate comments. I tried explaining in a calm way, how this certain fandom became so popular, but this does not seem to convince him. He could just say that it's not in his books, but he would go too far by saying "yuck".

I would like to say to him, "Walang basagan ng trip." which roughly translates to "Don't ruin what others want." Each of us have different likes, so just respect each other and appreciate each others' fandom. Even once, I did not bash any of the fandom he is into.

As for cosplay, in my opinion, I would cosplay a specific character, because of how much I like/love this character, and most cosplayers would do the same. Even though the cosplay is not perfect, people put their heart into that character, and that's what cosplay is all about.

And again, here I am saying that I need a new companion when I attend these conventions.