As we all know, animal welfare is not on the list of our current government's priorities. Lining their pockets with the citizens' hard earned cash is. It's quite sad really seeing the state of stray cats and dogs on our streets. Well, dogs more than felines, often suffer the blunt of animal abuse from by us, 'self-proclaimed-evolved' humans. Beaten, kicked, abandoned, poisoned, run over - the life of a stray dog (or sometimes, even people-owned dogs) is no fairy tale especially in Malaysia.
Which is why I salute the efforts of Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB). I have been a huge supporter of their rescue work for a few years now. The beauty of MDDB came in the form of its ability to unite animal lovers in the Klang to take on rescue works and to remind the public that helping animals is not the job of one person but rather an entire community's.
Why hello there, human. Now feed me!
2012 has been an eventful year for MDDB's coordinators and rescuers and to thank all those who have helped and contributed in some way, either by rescuing, donation or adopting a dog from them, MDDB recently threw its maiden Christmas partly at Alt.Space, Jaya One! The event saw humans and dogs alike coming together in the spirit of Christmas to mingle amongst ones another.
Whisks for decorations at Alt.Space
I brought my dog, Shelly which was adopted from PAWS. He never went anywhere without my other two dogs so I thought this event would be a good chance for him to mingle outside of his pack and to get used to other people. Although initially timid at the start of the evening, he eventually warmed up to his surroundings and started prancing around like the happy little bugger that he is.
Shelly: Play with me, human!
Lord Porgi, moving around without aid.
The night's entertainment.
The highlight of the event was the 2013 MDDB calendar of disabled pooches that was on sale as a way to honour their disabled dogs and pups. The gathering also served as a way to show that dogs born with a disability or is disabled due to serious injuries can also function like an ordinary dog if given the proper and dedicated treatment and most importantly, undivided love and attention. In fact, several of the calendar dogs have been adopted into loving homes which is a great encouragement to MDDB.
MDDB merchandise for sale
The calendar is shot and created by professional photographer Carolyn Chon and producer/director Ng Swee Ling and is priced at only RM20. Alongside the calender, MDDB T-shirts were also available for purchase at the party. I bought a calender for my mom and a shirt for myself.
By the way, dog pictures, not easy to take. Believe me, I tried snap dog pictures at this event. Keyword: tried (and failed) So appreciate the work and effort that goes into making the calendar.
Comic Fiesta 2012 was not only an event by fans for fans. It also awarded the most diehard and hardcore cosplayers for their efforts and the most skilled gamers for their talents and dedication to their respective games. Prizes were given out by Mr. CF president himself, Arisa as Coffy and the respective sponsors of each categories.
*Writer's note: My sincerest apologies as some of the winner pictures are unavailable or cannot be properly identified. The same goes if the labellings are wrong. Just let me know or send me the right picture and I'll correct them in a jiffy!
To tell you the truth, I had no idea who bless4 was before Comic Fiesta 2012 (*insert gasps from otakus*)
bless4
I can explain!
Yet to be watched....
I have not watched Genesis of Aquarion or any other mecha anime since Gundam Seed/Destiny, Gundam 00 and Macross. In terms of Japanese artists and bands, I was more familiar with works of TM Revolution (Rurouni Kenshin, Gundam Seed/Destiny OST) and UVERworld (Bleach, Blood +, Gundam 00). I still have them blasting from my playlist now and then.
My mom was once quite puzzled by my liking for Jpop music.
My mom: Why do you even like this song? You don't understand what they're saying.
Me: It's like speaking in tongues (Christians will know). You don't understand the words but you can feel its meaning in the music. It speaks to you. (yes, i really said that with a straight face)
My mom: .......
Anyway!
After starting work, my interest in anime dropped. Then I also caught the recent Oppa Gangnam style Kpop fever because we kept doing Kpop dance routines in my dance classes so my Jpop fan-girl kinda took the back seat for a while.
But when I heard that bless4 will be appearing at Comic Fiesta 2012, I was intrigued especially by the excited reactions of CF-ers. Who was this band anyway?, I wondered.
From left: Aiki, Kanasa, Akino and Akashi
An all-sibling group consisting of Akashi, Kanasa, Akino and Aiki, bless4 initially started out as part of the martial arts performing group called the Flying Dragons from Arizona. As a result of their upbringing in the United States, they are fluent in both English and Japanese. With performing experience under their belt, they ventured into singing together. Akino made her solo debut with 'Genesis of Aquarion' and 'Go Tight' for the anime, Genesis of Aquarion. It was a major plus point in my book that she collaborated with Yoko Kanno on several songs because I am a huge fan of Yoko Kanno! Wolf's Rain and Vision of Escaflowne anyone?
I had a listen to 'Genesis of Aquarion' and became quite addicted to it. It made me download the anime. I was unable to make it for their concert during CF though but from what I heard and saw on Youtube, it was a stellar performance by bless4 despite a few technical problems.
Alfred and Shaun in the corner.
During their meet and greet session on CF Day 2, I was definitely sold on how nice and down to earth they were in person. The emcees, Shaun and Alfred had given them a berth of the stage and the siblings instead invited the duo to join them in the spotlight (aw... what a way to win the hearts of your fans).
Emcees invited to stand beside bless4 by bless4.
At the request of their fans, they performed 'Genesis of Aquarion' acapella-style followed by 'Jingle Bells' with their fans singing along. Video can be viewed at this link.
Thumbs up to the Malaysian fans.
Their Q&A session was entertaining and insightful as they spoke about working closely with each other as siblings and helping Akino and Aiki pursue their solo careers. I don't know if my sisters would be that supportive of my writing career but I am sure they will be my best critics....
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Q&A with Bless4
Q: What do you think of Malaysia so far?
That's an easy question. The food is
awesome, the people are awesome.
We haven't try the durian yet though but we have tried roti canai and we loved it!
(The emcees offered to take them for Bak Kut Teh for a real taste of Malaysia next time.
I seconded that)
Q: Why Bless? We know 4 is four people. But how about Bless?
Through our music, we receive a lot of blessings from our fans. And we want to give out our blessings to the
people who have supported us in the form of our music as well.
Q: How do you guys cope with each other?
Aren't you bored seeing the same friend,
same family and same people? Aiki: Working with your siblings is a blessing but when I was a teenager, I hated them.
I couldn't have my private time. We share the same circle of friends and we seldom have the
time to go around alone. There was even once when we were on a train,
we all sat in different carriages. But after that we never sat apart.
Akino: We treat each other as friends and we share our stories with each other.
Akashi: I have something to share of us growing up together. There was this time when Aiki and Akino fought.
They were 4 and 6 then. Aiki punched Akino in the stomach and Akino got so angry, she slapped him back.
(Aforementioned siblings began re-enacting the scene)
Aiki punched her again and Akino slapped him again. This went on for a
number of times until Kanasa had to step in to stop them. As punishment, our parents
made Aiki and Akino hug and kiss each other while saying 'I love you' fifty times!
At first, they did it reluctantly then eventually they started to cry.
From then on, we never fought. Even Kanasa and I.
Kanasa: Because we didn't want to get that kind of punishment too!
(neither would my sisters and I...*shivers*)
Reenacting the squabble between Aiki & Akino.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Limited copies of their album was being sold at the official CF booth, Coffytiam on day 2 but I was too broke by then to afford it. I missed out on personally meeting them and getting their signatures that day!
That could have been me (minus the cosplay)..... T_T
(Argh! (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻)
Anyhooooo, I managed to get my hands on their latest album 'Yume Tsugumi' much later on and I currently have the album on repeat on my playlist. The song, Yume Tsugumi (Dream Weaving) is undoubtedly my favourite. Even though I can't understand Japanese 100%, that song just brings tears to my eyes everytime I listen to it. It is just so beautifully haunting. The English version is also available on the album and I am still trying to memorise the lyrics.
The rest of the album was terrific with a blend of rock, pop ballads and R&B in both English and Japanese. Even though Akino and Aiki are the more recognizable siblings and are often the lead vocalists, Akashi and Kanasa easily hold their own with their smooth and melodic vocals. Beside Yume Tsugumi, I also hooked on 'Around and Around', 'Agare!', 'My Sunshine', Beat Love, Genesis of Aquarion ....
You know what, consider me hook on bless4! I am officially a bless4 fan now! (and like any hot-blooded female, I may have a tiny tiny tiny crush on Akashi...just a tiny one!)
I hope to see more works from them whether in anime OST or a new album in the coming year. Because I can't get enough of their music now. And the next time, they come to Malaysia, I'll definitely be in the front row. With durian and Bak Kut Teh.
Oh, by the way, today (31 Dec) is also Akino's birthday.
Happy Birthday, Akino!
May 2013 be a rocking year for bless4
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
From Happy Days Ahead, a HAPPY NEW YEAR and
AWESOME 2013 AHEAD to all my readers, fellow bloggers, family and friends!
I was dead tired from Day 1 of Comic Fiesta (read about my experience here). But as soon as I reminded myself of the exciting doujin stalls, cosplayers, and photos waiting to be taken, I was out the door in a flash.
Despite having the blogger tag (which gives me certain privilages), I joined in on the queue outside to see how fast it moved and to accompany my friend and my sister. Compared to last year's nightmare, it progressed quite smoothly and quickly for early birds and like the previous day, the halls filled up fast as soon as the doors opened.
Here comes the crowd!
Everyone made a mad beeline for the booths as it was final day of Comic Fiesta and things and products were either limited or being sold at discounted rates. As the next time you get the chance to buy this stuff again will be....in a year's time at CF 2013 so the motto of the day: Buy first, think/regret later. I certainly lived by that motto.
A popular stop of many was the Culture Japan booth due to the limited edition Mirai Suenaga Touch N' Go cards, t-shirts and posters. And guess who was there. The celebrity otaku himself: Danny Choo!
<3 Danny Choo!
And I managed to get his autograph and a picture with him! Sweet!
The opening performance was by an awesome band with an equally awesome name..... Flying Pan! (readers: ........*insert crickets chirping*) I kid you not! Their band name really was Flying Pan but by the end of their performance, I think they should change their name to Standing Ovation.
Flying Pan rocking!
To complete the opening ceremony of Day 2, a video of CF fans was shown in which they had to answer the question, "what is Comic Fiesta?" in 3 words or less in 10 seconds. The different answers and ways of depicting CF to them was astonishing, some meaningful and others funny. I think this event meant the most to those who poured their blood, tears and sweat into it; the CF Committee so it seemed about right to interview them as well.
Mystical Mirage - owning the stage like a Boss!
Next up was Mystical Mirage who belted out songs from very popular animes such as Bleach's 'D-Technolife' by UVERworld (me like!) and Naruto 'Rising Fighting Spirit' and 'Fight Dreamers'.
And the crowd goes literally wild for Raja Farouk!
Raja Farouk and his "Yakuza family" as he called his band then took over and kept the hype up with a very rocking cover of 'Hana Kimi' followed by a very nostalgic song from Cardcaptor Sakura 's 'I am a Dreamer' sung by the uber adorable Huei Chan!
Huei Chan, kawaii!
Now it may seemed as though those stuck in Hall 2 queueing for tickets have missed out a lot but rest assured, there were things to see there too. Namely cosplayers. A lot of cosplayers have set up shop there to fix/amend their costumes and to take photos because there was so much space!
I was in awe once again at the skills, not to mention commitment that goes into cosplaying. These guys are seriously talented! More pictures in my FB album.
Back in the main hall, guess who else was at Comic Fiesta looking for victims cosplayers and fans to interview! Malaysian Youtuber, Dan Khoo! If you don't know who he is (seriously?), go look him up on Youtube. He's freaking funny! Got a picture with him in exchange for a quick interview.
Dan Khoo <3
The solo cosplay competition was one of the highly anticipated CF events and this year the organisers decided to make it a little different by letting the participants draw random locations and means of death, again in line with the 'end of world' theme to act out in a skit. With Shaun and Alfred at the batang mic once more and at the contestests' expanses, cue the 'batang' and ball jokes.
To quote Alfred, "CF is a batang Fiesta." No wonder Hard Gay turned up....
No guy was safe that day...
Death by Meatball Shower.
"I am all wet and sticky!" she said.
Judges are amused.
Alfred: She reminds me on my roti man. Pom pom!
The Malaysian Mandarin Comic Society took to the stage next, giving out prizes to their gifted talents who came up with their own comic strips and drawings. If only the Malaysian government supported the local comic and anime industry, I am sure we could match Japan. Take Korea for example; a lot of animes have been produced in South Korea.
Mandarin Comic Society
Finally the time came for the most anticipated VIPs of the day, bless4!
From left: Aiki, Kanasa, Akino and Akashi <3
From what I heard, their concert the previous evening drew in a crowd of over 1000 people! And when Akino sang her popular single 'Sousei no Aquarion' (Genesis of Aquarion), everyone sang along. In Japanese no less! (Only in Malaysia, own national language subject fail in exams but Japanese, no problem!)
Check out the crowd!
bless4 shared what they loved about Malaysia and it was no surprise that it was our local food they enjoyed the most. They tried roti canai and said it was delicious! Then Alfred and Shaun offered to take them for Bak Kut Teh the next time they visited. I second that! Can I come too if you do go?
Besides performing an acapella version of Sousei no Aquarion, the band also wished their fans a Merry Christmas with an interactive cover of Jingle Bells. I managed to video it up close (again, thanks to my blogger pass) so enjoy!
After a very insightful and personal Q&A session with questions from the emcees and the fans, the meet and greet session commerced for the fans who bought the bless4 CD at the Coffy Tiam booth. These lucky fans got a chance to shake hands and have an exchange of words with the siblings as their CD was signed. I liked how pleasant and friendly bless4 was with everybody, smiling and thanking them for their support!
Several gaming competitions were also held throughout Comic Fiesta such as IAH Games' Superstar Live and Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom. The finals of the Counter-Strke: Global Offensive tournament between Malaysia and Philippines was held after the bless4 meet and greet. Now, I used to play a bit of CS back in college and I still play first shooter games like Modern Warfare when I can. But the level these players were on was OVER 9000! (yes, I know. I couldn't resist)
Gamers at work.
The final order of formal CF business was the prize-giving ceremony for the games tournaments, CF Side Quest, Coffy Creative Challenge and the cosplay competitions. (Results can be viewed here) Then after that, was part-ay!
As per-usual Comic Fiesta tradition, the after-party was held in the form of a dance off! Too bad I couldn't stay for that too. Next year, I will drag my friends along and join in the party!
By the end of this wonderful weekend (why must it end? sob!), I was in a state of euphoria, exhaustion and was incredibly broke. Here's my overhaul from Comic Fiesta 2012.
Buy now, think/regret later.
While I may have spent a lot of ka-ching! this time, I also came away with some priceless memories like meeting Danny Choo and Dan Khoo, catching a Redjuice-thrown-CF-shirt and seeing bless4 live. But more importantly, I have reinforced perspective that IT IS COOL TO BE AN OTAKU!
Redjuice shirt & Danny Choo signature.
In case you didn't know, this year also marked a milestone for Comic Fiesta. This event has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall. Read about its history here.
Congratulations, Comic Fiesta, on your 10th year Anniversary and for reaching
over 25,000 visitors in just two days!
My deepest gratitude and appreciation to the committee members, volunteers and everyone involved for making this event a huge success! I know it wasn't easy pulling off an event of this magnitude and I know there'll be ungrateful farts those who are unaware of the hard work, effort, blood, tears, sweat, sleepless nights, hair-pulling moments, I-want-to-beat-up-someone days and stressful times that goes into making it happen. But from this humble writer's point of view, it was by far the best Comic Fiesta she have ever attended! It truly was an event for fans by fans because only diehard fans will put so much into it!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to cover it as one of your bloggers especially Wayne, the Head of photographers, videographers and bloggers. I look forward to collaborating with Comic Fiesta in the many years to come!
