Once Upon a Decade

Launch the Peas!

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:11:00 +0000

I'm sure a lot of people have heard a bit about Plants vs. Zombies but, nobody can really appreciate it till they try it. For Php 200 (only in the Philippines), you can get an original copy of this addicting game. I'm not talking about, soda or telenovela addiction, I'm talking about high intoxication. I started playing this game around 10pm and ended up finishing it around 3am. It's crazy. I was a bit sad when I cleaned the last stage because I had no reason to bully corpses anymore. However, the game didn't end there. It gave me a Zen Garden where I could collect plants from mini-games... and oh! The minigames are really fun together with the puzzles. Then for those who plan on playing it, they have a survival mode and you could do the adventure stages all over again only, a little more difficult. Fret not because you've got lots of upgrades from buying in Crazy Dave's store. All you have to do is keep on playing the side games and unlock everything you can. You can also collect different kinds of plant and zombie descriptions then later on check them out in your almanac.

Plants vs. Zombies is a game that proves graphics isn't everything. It's how it could make your butt numb from not letting go of it.

Drop by the Popcap site and meet the cute sunflower and the undead. Link

Bumpy Crash!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:01:00 +0000

It's so hard to focus one thing from another. I can't keep up with blogging anymore. But anyway, I'd like to share this cute little game I saw from mmosite.com. OMG it's so cute and it looks really fun to play with especially when you're playing with noisy friends.

Check out this vid:

I think it's a great stress reliever for people like myself and not to mention, it's sooooooooooo cute!!! *squishes stress ball*

I hope to see this game in the scene soon.

Jollijeep

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Jollijeep is not exactly by Jollibee but it started that way.

Today was the first time I tried eating there and it made me realize why the hell I didn't choose to try to try it out before. I ordered some Bicol Express and puto (I have nothing against the actual rice but it just makes me too sleepy after lunch) then a soda to wash it all down. Though the sky was drizzling a bit, it felt... errr... nice :D

I've been gaming for years and I have to admit I'm sometimes a bit of a noob in real life... well... okay most of the time. It's the little things that happen in a day that drags you to places you've never been and then you learn new things, though simple things, but really cool.

I haven't dropped by my blog for months now because of big things running around my life. However yesterday, Malystrix from Perfect World reminded me that I still have a blog I had enjoyed updating in the past. Thanks Malystrix!

See? It's the little things that sometimes steers the wheel to a really nice pitstop.

Seamless Zhu Xian?

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:35:00 +0000

I don't want to make some people envious of me but just to tell you, I was able to do some sight seeing inside the world of Zhu Xian. Though the game is still near to perfection (the patching not done yet), I really wanted to experience a first glance of the game. I was able to use a couple of classes but I kinda stuck with the healer type. By the way, the schools (jobs) in ZX are so far called, Heaven Sound Temple, Azure Cloud School, Bonding Bliss School, Ghost Witchery Level, and Ghost King Sect. I'll probably discuss each class feature next time but the one I first used was a character from the Heaven Sound Temple or the healer. I took her for a walk around the walls of the city and the first thing I opened was the map. It was huge. Not only that but it has this smart navigation feature where you can go anywhere by clicking anywhere in the map and then a pink dotted lines would appear towards your destination. The character followed those dots and as I was observing its route, it dodged obstacles! Oh I miss these simple things that make a lazy me happy.

Here's a picture of the world map and I mean the WORLD of ZX (Click on the pictures for a bigger view):

This one is just the regional map. See the chunks on the world map on top? This is what's inside those parts. If you have a keen eye, you'll see a small yellow arrow near the city. By the way, this is not yet the translated version.

I clicked on the map and I saw the dotted lines. This is the smart navigation point. The characters automatically go to the destination, avoiding obstacles while you chat and watch. *happy*

And a bonus pic here... the tattoo fashion is so err... "angas" lol. Yeah it's fashion and not a permanent thing. You can take it off whenever you want.

Drop by Zhu Xian PH's CM Mei Yan's blog and know more. That's all for now =)

December Breeze

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:49:00 +0000

As I was walking home from work, I noticed that the sky was not as azure as it usually is and the breeze touched my hair like small droplets of dry rain. I can smell it.

When I was a still in pre-school years, I was always waiting for this wonderful time of the season. With everything starting to turn red and when I hear bells from every corner of the street, I believed that anticipation is one of the most exciting things in life. December WAS my favorite year. But I grew up and those moments disappeared.

I forgot the child in me and how simple things mattered. It's this one month of the year that used to mean something great to me, never fails to surround me with nostalgic memories of my past. I love and i hate it. But when I think about it, at the end of the day, all I really want is to curl dressed in my little pajamas on my small comfortable bed. My mom, going inside my room and tucks me in my warm blanket. She would then whisper, "sleep love, tomorrow is Christmas". Then I would dream of heaven.

The reality is, I am walking along a street and tired. I just got off the bus after fighting off a crowd stressed from work. But here it is again. After almost a year of decisions and indecisions, it still never fails to embrace me. The December breeze is looming from a distance and when it arrives... I would again dream of heaven.

Rai the Wise Guy

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:27:00 +0000

I have this friend who is not only an avid visitor of my blog, but also a really unrecognized wise guy- alright... genius =P

I have to admit I'm a fan. Because little Rai always has something in his sleeves. He pulls out words like a magician pulling out a bunny from a hat. I can say that he's got a lot of potential being a witty yet profitable writer. Check out his blog in my blogroll.

Think about it Rai, I would gladly be an agent. *winks*

Here's a Phineas-Ayekah Magic: The Gathering version card he cooked up from his deck. I find it sweet since Phinny is with his Ayekah. Though, what do you mean "heated lubby-dubby talk", Rai? C'mon we do more than that! *evil grin*

I really want to post the others he made but I don't want my site to become a venue of ruckus. Though it could be fun... hmmm...

Pon in Me

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:47:00 +0000

My thoughts exactly... T_T

GTA Goes MMORPG

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 02:28:00 +0000

Before fans jump up and down with excitement, I would like to bust bubbles by saying that this suck. Grand Theft Auto is a great game (having great gameplay and a few aspects nonetheless) but it is not a good venue for order and moral values. Clowreed said that it's not a good that it'd be converted to MMORPG because it's a little too close to reality. I highly agree.

GTA is a game where the main character fulfills quests that lead him to crime, violence, and sex. The badder you are, the more powerful a crime lord you'll become and you would want that because that has been the objective in the beginning. You'll start off as a small car thief towards the goal of becoming the godfather of the underground society. Yup you can kill, steal, cuss, and have sex with club dancers or with almost all girls in skimpy (or no) outfits.

In the real world, violence and lust has been a problem everybody is trying hard to moderate and prevent from causing destruction. Gaming has been judged with raised eyebrows as an addiction and a disease of the youth. Merge both together, then you get what?

We've been trying to create an advocacy to young people about responsible gaming and then comes GTA that will poison more minds we've been trying to heal. No only will it cause more addiction (it really has great gameplay)but it will also feed violence and sexual content to gamers. This game was built for consoles or PCs with an "R" rating to control minors from buying it. I would "lol" at this because it really hasn't been regulated at all. In fact, pirated ones sell more than the originals. I saw my nephew playing it and I had to react to his parents that GTA is not a good game for a 6 year old to play.

The company that would publish GTA in the Philippines would probably promise that they will create a tight age restriction rule for those who would like to register. But what assurance can you get that the young ones will not have access to it? We have thousands of internet cafe's all over the country and with only one pc each installed with GTA, can you say that they are safe?

For whoever proposed this game's entry in the Philippines, probably would say that it's going to be bankable. It will really sell like crazy and that if they won't get it, then someone else will. What use is your money when in the future you will tarnish young minds? Ruin our children's values? You have no right at all.

I say NO to Grand Theft Auto MMORPG.

Zhu Xian Teaser

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:18:00 +0000

I've got loads of stuff to pour out but they're all clogged inside my ocean of brain cells. But the goodie is here and it's just a taste test. Yup this is real, Zhu Xian: The Immortal Journey teaser site.

Zhu Xian Philippines

Your first glance to enlightenment.

The Immortal Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:38:00 +0000

Everybody has been asking me about Zhu Xian. It really is difficult to look around for information about this phenomenal game from China. Everything is still in Chinese and there are very few translated sites about it. And since it came from the same developers as Perfect World, people tend to comment that it's the same as its predecessor. This is not so.

Little by little, Zhu Xian is making its way in the international scene with the Philippines as the first venue for its English release. I've seen the game and it is really different from Perfect World. I would know because I played PW for more than a year already. I could put into account everything I have witnessed about ZX but it wouldn't compare to what you'll actually see. So, I have dug up this slightly extensive video that demonstrates a lot about the game- from places, races, battles, skills, fashion, and mounts. Here goes:

This one is the Chinese official soundrack sung by Richie Ren. The song became an instant hit in China upon its release. The video depicts the novel story of the game:

In the Philippines, this amazing mmorpg's name is now Zhu Xian: The Immortal Journey. Its coming is near.

Visit ZX Philippines Community Blog to track its development.

Things To Do in an Elevator

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:35:00 +0000

A list finally! When I go through other blogs, I really enjoy when I see points being enumerated. Aren't they easier to read? But anyway, lists and blogs go together (lahat ng kumontra panget).

Kidding aside, this elevator do's and do's are one of my favorites. I stumbled upon it when I was having my OJT in an Advertising Company located in... errr... I forgot but it was on a high floor of a really tall building.

Here goes and I hope it gives you really good ideas. I just hope I won't have to see you doing whatever it is.

---

When there's only one other person in the elvator, tap them on the shoulder and then pretend it wasn't you.
Push the buttons and pretend they give you a shock. Smile, and go back for more.
Ask if you can push the button for other people, but push the wrong ones.
Call the Psychic Hotline from your cell phone and ask if they know what floor your on.
Hold the doors open and say your waiting for a friend. After a while, let the doors close, and say, "Hi Greg. How's your day been?"
Drop a pen and wait until someone goes to pick it up, then scream, "That's mine!"
Bring a camera and take pictures of everyone in the elevator.
Move your desk into the elevator and whenever anyone gets on, ask if they have an apointment.
Lay down the twister mat and ask people if they would like to play.
Leave a box in the corner, and when someone gets on, ask them if they can hear ticking.
Pretend you are a flight attendant and review emergency procedures and exits with the passengers.
Ask, "Did you feel that?"
Stand really close to someone, sniffing them occasionally.
When the doors close, announce to the others, "It's okay, don't panic, they open again!"
Swat at flies that don't exist.
Tell people that you can see their aura.
Call out, "Group Hug!"and then enforce it.
Grimace painfully while smacking your forehead and muttering, "Shut up, all of you, just shut up!"
Crack open your briefcase or purse, and while peering inside, ask, "Got enough air in there?"
Stand silently and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, without getting off.
Stare at another passenger for a while, then announce in horror, "Your one of THEM!" and back away slowly.
Wear a puppet on your hand and use it to talk to the other passengers.
Listen to the elevator walls with your stethoscope.
Make explosion noises when anyone presses a button.
Stare, grinning at another passenger for a while, then announce, "I have new socks on".
Draw a little square on the floor with chalk and announce to the other passnegers, "This is MY personal space!"

----
Okay so by the time you've done all this... I suggest anti-depressant pills would probably help.

Got Spore?

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:13:00 +0000

I can't help it. They are sooo cute and weird looking.

Yesterday I got my dips on Spore - another ingenious game from Maxis and EA Games. Yup, from the SIMS people. I really had fun creating my aliens and although some turned out to be meat eaters, I am tickled when I see them bounce back and forth. But since I just had begun playing it, I will still have to see if it has good replayability. SIMS last me a few days only so, I hope this one won't be too boring in the long run.

This small dude is, Filli. My little carnivore O_o.

Granado Espada Education

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:16:00 +0000

I have to admit, I was very impatient in learning the curves of Granado Espada. The idea of handling three characters at a time (or one party with three members), wasn't very tasteful for me. Thus after installing the game three times as well, including triple the patch efforts, I've decided to give it a bit of my attention for just a few minutes.

There were just too many buttons and too many scripts. Even a gaming enthusiast such as myself would still opt for an easier to learn mmorpg. That is probably because I want to grab the feel of the game in an instant, and in fact, World of Warcraft was a breeze for me considering its tons of features. But Granado Espada? Well, it was different and hmmm... yes, revolutionary. Once you figure out the unifying controls of the characters and when you start your mobbing chaos, you won't stop clearing up maps. It was so engaging and with it's new form of gameplay, it would make you feel like you're a gaming newbie (that is if you've played more than 5 mmorpgs in your lifetime). I wouldn't really recommend this to beginner online gamers. But if you're a smart person and you like the challenge, go for it. Granado Espada is not a game for the stupid but for people who are patient and have average I.Q's or higher.

One cool thing about GE is its somewhat legalized botting feature. Don't get me wrong but I'm not talking about hacking stuff. I'm referring to it's "spacebar" feature that enables your characters to kill all monsters around while you do something else more important than playing. I did it and gained around 5 or more levels in an hour *wink*. To think I only started playing it.

By the way... (I really just have to mention this) the characters are pretty (even the male ones). lol. Besides, everybody should get their gameplay's worth from an mmorpg developed by the Godfather of gaming, Hakkyu Kim (the Ragnarok guy).

Whatever Happened to Tantra?

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:22:00 +0000

When I was in a meeting, one of the people in it shared what had happened to Tantra (MMORPG published by ABS-CBN Interactive). It's really simple: sock a gamer, and the community bites back. I'm not saying that a player was physically abused, but a GM (game master) rather pi**ed him off so bad that that guy (gamer), did a bit of hacking up his sleeves. He did something that made him able to acquire rare items in the game and then literally gave all of those stuff away or if not, sold them at a very cheap price. Ouch.

Tantra's economy underwent a catastrophe and eventually led to the abandonment of gamers. But this is not the entire reason I believe. If one person can manipulate the game in such a way, then probably others did their tricks thus, hacking and cheating became rampant. Too bad because Tantra was such a good game.

See that's the problem with MMORPGS. It starts from the gods to the denizens. Those who run the game should know better than to tick the community. As gods, they have to be slaves and keep the world go round. On the other hand, gamers who love the virtual life they're living, should do their fair share in protecting the order. Stop with the hacks and cheats, demmit!

My fellow gamers... do you smell or see a dark cloud looming in the distance? I hope that "Tantra" storm won't pour in what was supposed to be a "Perfect World".

What's in a Hug?

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:24:00 +0000

Have you ever hugged a person and felt like you were a piece of a jigsaw puzzle that has found its whole? It felt like you were meant or built to be there and then your heart tries to tear its way out to freedom. I think that that's a real hug- the kind without hesitations or limits. Whether it be your dad, mom, friend, or loved one, an embrace is more than a gesture of love. It's a sense of belonging entwined with the promise of security; that outside that grasp of each others' arms, the world is too much of a dreary place.

I've prayed for you, and I think I found you. I wish we could be together for all eternity and if there's a chance for us to meet in another life, I want your hug to fit mine perfectly just as it does now.

All of us wish for those words to find its way to its rightful person. How I envy Pon and Zi.

Crazy for...

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:34:00 +0000

Have you ever been "crazy" for something/somebody that it always makes you think?

A mere sip of coffee and a small walk to the bus, makes you count each step and gulp of a bittersweet drink. And when you wake up, you can't help but imagine each upcoming hour of the day. Then you wish and long for something but eventually snap out of a really good daydream. There are so many things in this life that cannot be justified by religion or law. There are no calculations or theories that would support answers that weren't meant to be questioned.

I'm starting to go insane (and I can just imagine your eyebrows raising out of confusion). But isn't LOVE illogical, immeasurable, unexplainable, puzzling, mystical, and yet very real? Yeah love is crazy and it does not choose anybody.

Bedlam here I come...

Saisaki!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:31:00 +0000

Omg. It's funny when you're hungry, you imagine stuffing yourself with plates and plates of food but when you're actually there, you would think you'll forget being hungry for the rest of your life.

Last night, my friends and I went to Saisaki in Glorietta to eat Japanese buffet. Actually, we all had plates for the other buffets as well (Dad's and Kamayan) but my eyes were set on the sushi bar. I first had a plateful of those seaweed coated yummies and raw salmons *drool* then I got some kimchi side dishes (oh the joy of being Asian). Imagining it again is making we wish I'll eat dinner there later. However last night after going through the second round, I thought my stomach was set for life without eating.

You should see my friends though (whom I met in an online game). Robin was the lord of the plates! I can't remember how many servings he's had, all I know is that everytime I glance at his corner of the table, he was standing up for another round of food. Too bad Rai came late. He could've been a threatening contender for the title but he ran out of time.

Next time leave at 2pm Rai, if you want 3-4 hours in buffet heaven.

But it was sooo fun. Not only do I get to drown myself in good food, I got to spend a long dinner with really good friends. Thanks Robin, Rai, Timmy, Shermie, Aileen, Yuta, Mikey, Jenn, Marc, Kath, Droid, Jemi, and Ole! Let's try Heat next time.

Zhu Xian

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:22:00 +0000

The word "Zhu Xian" means "death of the immortals". However, in the game, Zhu Xian is the name of the most powerful sword that one can attain in the game. The game is based on the popular Chinese internet novel of the same name that started in 2006, and is composed of a total of 8 books. All are now available in print, in Chinese language.

The story is set in traditional Chinese wu xia (martial arts) setting where good battles with evil. Zhu Xian is centered around the story of a man who is torn between two loves, one from good and the other from evil. The woman from the evil side falls unconscious, and the man chooses to switch to the evil side in order to save her.

Unique Game Features

Full 3D Pathing System
Zhu Xian boasts of the first full 3D pathing system in a seamless environment. Players can simply click on a location in their map and the system will automatically navigate the character to that location, automatically avoiding obstacles along the way.

Evolving Pet System
Unlike most massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), Zhu Xian online's pet system is unique because pets evolve: they grow, learn new skills, and eventually, "go to heaven" and leave a special jade talisman to bring luck to their owners.

Flying System
In traditional Chinese martial art myths, the ultimate sign of a powerful warrior is when he is able to fly his sword. Zhu Xian brings this fantasy alive in the game.

Talisman System
Talismans are a known to be a source of a Chinese warrior's source of auxiliary power. In the game, players are able to create their own talismans, as well as combine two or more to create a much more powerful one.

Mount System
Mounts are animals that allow gamers to travel faster. In Zhu Xian, there are various mounts available, including the Chinese divine beasts such as the unicorn, phoenix, and dragon. Two players can ride one mount, provided that they are a couple :)

Cooperative Quests and Missions
Quests and missions are more engaging and require cooperation among gamers. There are quests and missions designed for couples, groups, families, and guilds.

SOON...

Nostalgic Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:09:00 +0000

It's really ironic how life takes surprising turns along the way. Ten years ago, I used to dream of presenting in front of these huge telco bosses. I had and idea and I wanted to sell it to them. But that was all imagination at its best.

Who would've thought it would lead to almost that same moment I dreamed of it, but this time, it's real. Yes, two days ago I was beside my boss presenting to a conference room almost filled with representatives of that same telecom company I had imagined in the past.

I may not have sold to them that "idea" of mine ten years ago, but I shared to them something better. I discussed with them about (my passion as of the moment) Online Gaming.

I would have to share the business I'm in next time or maybe... we could set up a meeting =P

Pon and Zi

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 03:49:00 +0000

Cute little people. I just love them. See my slideshow for reference.

It's really nice how they show their affection for each other.

Friends?

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:41:00 +0000

I recently had a revival. I thank God for both the good people and the bad people.

The "good" being elements that made me feel life is easy and the "bad" being things that leave huge dents on my heart. What I'm simply trying to be grateful for are friends who stick and friends who forget.

I had this friend whom I've spent lots of time with for months playing an online game. He was a buddy who has a short hair I could easily grab and pull (that if he was inches away... heck I never even met him personally). It's a wonder why it's so easy to forget when life changing things get in the way. With him suddenly disappearing from my life (which I somehow expected), it made me value some of my friends who I meant to run away from and some of my friends who were just there even if I myself had seemed to have dissipated.

Most of all, I learned to value friends who are with me now (one person in particular who is very important to me).

I wish him well with his life and I will continue to pray for his well being. I just hope that his definition of "friendship" has a more deeper meaning and has more value than his timidity or pride.

Design Disease

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:19:00 +0000

I slept at around 3am in the morning just to fix this friggin blog. I have this disease that pumps up my blood all over my body when I feel like something is just not enough or right. After reverting my activities from trying to setup my own server (for one stupid blog skin), I've settled down with this design.

I find the "jeans" theme kind of cute :D zzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Little Steffy and Me

noreply@blogger.com (Steffy) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:22:00 +0000

Yes. I've finally decided to open up my life to people I know and don't know. It's not as if my therapist told me to do so (I don't even have a shrink), but my little Steffy on my shoulder (the one wearing the white robes) insisted that it's about time.

Why the title? *laughs out loud* I'm not even in denial that it's been ten years since I've been transformed from little radical, naive, idealist me. This would probably help me trace back things I've lost all these years and in the process, hopefully win things I ought to have had.

This is crazy. But oh well, with little Steffy squeezing my ear from time to time, I hope I won't revert to being too quiet. She's been bugging me and it's getting quit irritating.

Here we go...