Why Labor Mismatch exists in the Philippines?

Many fresh graduates face the realm of unemployment and job hiring, wherein job applicants are in dire need to secure their future. Therefore, the long standing issue of lack of adequate work force has struck the nation.

Labor mismatch exists where certain job applicants apply for a job, which is not the applicants' area of expertise. Moreover, a certain rise of demands for specific jobs (like the BPO industry, mechanical work force, and the like) that makes job mismatch dance into an upsurge. Here are the probable reasons:

Labor mismatch exists where certain job applicants apply for a job,
which is not the applicants' area of expertise.

1. High setting standards for the job position

This is one of the major reasons why job mismatch exists. Employers of certain companies creates an job opening for a certain position; whereas, most of them requires the applicants to possess college degree to apply for the position. Moreover, a certain time frame of should be met to be suitable for the job, and job applications had strict screening process. On the contrary, this is reasonable for supervisor/managerial jobs... but not to some jobs positions really require job experience, as long as the applicant is trainable.

Furthermore, most of the applicants' educational attainment nowadays range from high school graduate (not K-12) to college undergraduates (vocational/associate graduates included). However, few of which possess high-end skill sets like computer literacy, high language proficiency, software skills/proficiency, and the like, which these had a hard time to secure a job through job openings offered at job fairs and classified ads (regardless if online or in print media).

Thus, most of these underqualified (in terms of educational attainment, yet skilled) applicants had no choice but to look for a job that is either high paying and in demand jobs that is off-tangent in their skill sets; or look for any job for the sake of everyday survival.

2. Contractualization

The existence of contractualization saves the revenue of many companies in terms of benefits and tax to contractual workers to do the same regular work for less of the salary. Moreover, contractualization renders as a probationary period for employees to become a regular part of the company. Nevertheless, the contract expiration (or ENDO) for five months subjects the employee to renew the contract over and over again, and never had the chance to be regularized despite the hard work and dedication rendered to the company.

On the contrary, contractualization has a positive light for those who wish to expand their working experience, and to work on other companies than the previous ones. Furthermore, this is an advantage to experienced job applicant to apply for a higher and better position than the previous one, which offers high salary to support their needs.

3. Less job openings on rural areas

There are few job openings on provincial areas because of fewer job opportunities in the province than those in the nation's capital. Moreover, provincial rate is different than the NCR rate, which is Php 444 to Php 481/hour, contrary to Php 300+/hour. Therefore, people are forced to migrate to NCR for a good pay rate.

Furthermore, the struggle of migrating and applying for a job can be twice, or thrice, harder than in the province because the aspiring applicant should have a relative living in Manila, and have enough pocket money to go to and fro on places around Makati, Ortigas, Quezon City, and other relative areas where hiring agents are anywhere, and job fairs are open.

4. High demand only on specific work sector

Most of the in-demand jobs are call center agents (colloquially known as customer service representative) by major business process outsource (BPO) companies like Alorica, TransCom, and others. Few of which requires a specific educational attainment to apply for positions in BPO companies. Other in-demand job sectors include Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Management, and Multimedia.

These are the list of in-demand sectors in the labor field.
Image courtesy of JobStreet.com

Thus, no wonder why the pop question to kids and teens of "what you want to be when you grow up" always points on becoming a famous celebrity like being a singer, or being an actor/actress, has been a part of the Filipino culture.

5. Many workers go abroad

Because of the growing pains of looking for an ideal job in the Philippines, many Filipinos desire to work abroad instead. However, applying for work abroad requires a local work experience of at least two (2) years before migrating for work. Furthermore, the salary of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) working on a normal position ranges from Php 40,000 to Php 100,000. Therefore, the migration rush is real for a high-risk, high-reward to put their lives on the road to prosperity.

However, applying abroad is not easy because of the necessary requirements prior to work. Moreover, applying on unauthenticated agencies would endanger career, time, and money into human trafficking and employment scams.

Since most of the openings abroad are the Middle East, job applicants are more cautious to apply for the job because of employers' maltreatment toward their workers. Thus, most of the applicants are scanning for job availability online, instead of travelling into agencies to save time and money.

6. Labor discrimination

Labor discrimination exists either if the applicant is underqualified for the job entry, especially if the applicant is differently-abled (persons with disability). Despite having a lot of technological advances to seek a fair game for those who had disabilities, Human Resource representatives and employers would always seek for those who will pass their standards, and will never give opportunity for underqualified/disabled applicants.

Moreover, the applicant would land a job if he/she is neither computer-literate, college graduate, nor had a backer (backdoor referrer) to get into a job. The jobs he/she would be hired on grunt jobs (like factory worker, construction worker, and the like).


It's hard to admit that labor mismatch is inevitable... if the standards of hiring job applicants will change.

Free VIP Tickets on Ozine 2017 by Riku PH

NOTE: All images used on this article are courtesy of Riku PH.

Ozine Fest is an annual anime convention organized by Otakuzine Anime Magazine's editorial staff. The said magazine is published in the Philippines catering the latest trends in Japanese culture, including cosplay, J-music and anime.

Image courtesy of Riku PH Facebook Fan Page

This year's Ozine Fest will feature Mitsuko Horie, a J-Artist behind Sailormoon, Doraemon and Voltes V's theme songs; Takayuki Miyauchi, the man behind your favorite Tokusatsu theme songs; and more guests. You can only hear them on the VIP section of the event where you can hear them performer, or do a meet-and-greet. However, rates had skyrocketed to Php 300 (for normal pass), and VIP rate would possibly hit at Php 500 - 700 range, as retrospected on the previous Ozine Fest 2016 that features the J-Rock band, FLOW.

However, rest your fears aside because Riku has something in store for those who wish to hear your dear Horie-chan and Taki-kun on stage, live and upfront.

A screenshot of Riku PH's announcement of VIP Ticket giveaway. Courtesy of Riku PH.

Riku has a lottery to giveaway two (2) VIP passes for Ozine Fest 2017 TokuSpirits. In order to join the lottery, you have to follow the instructions on her post. Since the spirits of April Fools was high when the post was created, she assures that the VIP Ticket lottery is fool-proof, and real. Therefore, it's a high-risk, high-reward lottery for those who will join.

Winners will be announced on Thursday, 6th of April 2017... one day before the event.

Yoo-Go! Patreon rush

Yesterday was April Fools' Day. It's really tricky that I punned my friends at Star Mall Shaw Boulevard because I could not attend to "Tomodachi no Wa", which is an Otaku Connection event. However, I was more into something that meets the eye: Establishing my Patreon account.

Why Patreon?

I already had a fixed goal set on creating a Patreon account. However, it took months to further found the achievement grounded yesterday. Since many song cover artists on YouTube had Patreon accounts, I think it wouldn't harm if I do the same. After all, I am fond of writing songs and singing (it depends on the song if it would hack the notes or not)... which gives me a notion to create an account.

Just for everyone to know, I used to create song covers back in college (2010) as means to "serenade ladies". It is funny to read/hear that I do it for that purpose, and yet... nobody got the good answer to me on a Boolean data parameter of acceptance. I tried creating a song cover on SID's song "Natsukoi" as a Valentine present to a certain college classmate. What made me learn to play "jingo jungle" on a song cover lyrics was making pranks on serious songs when I was a kid. The thing that Bubble Gang used to do create parody out of popular songs.

The song covers

When I started creating a set of song covers, I created an album of 14 songs (2011) that took me a month to finish it, along with the recording and production/post-production of the songs. I used a special, yet simple to use program to commence my song covers.

The tricky part is that I can record, and produce (and do post-production) song covers on a computer shop with good microphone output; and to make the covers released like it came out of the studio. However, the entire process requires patience to complete a cover.

As of now, I had created a few song covers, and there are still more to come.

Here's a sample of my English song cover of GATE II ~Sekai wo Koete~, with an English title of "GATE II ~Beyond the World~" 

DISCLAIMER: I only own my voice. No copyright infringement intended.

I was a bit dismayed on Google because I could not access my original account. However, I was able to create a backup account to sustain the need for speed (of uploading the covers).

I would like to invite everyone to be my patron on Patreon. I would not only be happy but also I could dish out a compilation of song covers in the future for those who wish to have a copy of the songs.

Faults of Playing Airsoft in the Philippines

Airsoft is defined as a goal-oriented, and mock play of military weapons using plastic pellets as ammunition, and firearm replica as the weapon. Nevertheless, since the game is competitive and dynamic in nature (because of the variety of game modes used to play airsoft), Airsoft has been considered as a sport, which has local and international competitions.

Airsoft is defined as a goal-oriented, and mock play of military weapons using plastic pellets as ammunition, and firearm replica as the weapon.

However, there are faults observed along lurking on Airsoft communities. Even though I am not yet playing the sport, and had been a part of the Reserves (which could be a good focal point for the sets of basis), it could be better if I lay them all down despite bashers call it a "noobish pulse". Whatever written here is merely an opinion from a military point of view.

1. Misusage of uniform

An anonymous airsoft group using the SRDU -- the black
digital camouflage currently used by the Army Scout
Ranger Regiment.

Here in the Philippines, there are many men who wish to become real soldiers... or to be a soldier for a day. However, Airsoft operators should consider the legislatures enforced on the respective countries you belong because the usage of military uniforms along civilians (or those who hadn't received proper military training) vary per country.

In the Philippines, a certain legislature known as RA 493 prohibits the misusage of military uniform, especially if the person is not affiliated in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and any military personnel (including reservists) does not receive any letter orders or legal orders to wear uniform on public places. Furthermore, misusage of uniform is a violation of the AFP Uniform Code. Regardless if the uniform will be exclusively worn on the playing grounds or not, Airsoft operators should reconsider on not using unit patches used in the AFP (or the corresponding military counterpart overseas of your country).

On the contrary, there are airsoft teams who use MARPAT, SURPAT, or any foreign camouflage patterns, which is fine. The important point is the uniform itself... which points also to misusage of patches (military tabs are included). 

There will be certain instances that any airsoft operator will encounter a real soldier, who experienced the real training. Therefore, mocking up like the "real guy" does not work because they will be asking you certain things only real trainees of the specialized course only know, especially if you happen to encounter a real member of the Scout Ranger/Special Forces class or unit. I strongly suggest not to use the "real uniform" and even the military patches because it's misusage would lead to imprisonment, and confiscation of the uniform.

I heard on some folks in the Army (even in other branches of service) that soldiers really confiscates the uniform if caught red handed wearing it outside the military installation... which will left you on your bare skin (undergarments not confiscated).

2. Gun discipline

Gun safety and management is one of the skills every Airsoft operator should learn. These includes pointing, handling, and safekeeping of your Airsoft loadout. Since airsoft uses replica firearms, operators should consider the airsoft handgun/rifle as a real one.

There are cases of injuries in the game that lead to blindness, or physical injury. Therefore, you should be careful upon wielding the weapon because the misusage of your airsoft gun can constitute to crimes akin to a real firearm (e.g Illegal possession of firearms, serious physical injuries, and the like) that any Airsoft operator do not intend to go into.

Even though there are off-the-game incidents of shooting to civilians using airsoft rifle, better be careful with your raifu waifu.

3. Wearing of uniform

You're doing it wrong, Carl.

Cosplayers are good portrayers of anyone they desire to imitate. This is just a good example about wearing foreign uniforms properly. There are airsoft groups inspired on foreign armies like the Red Army, JGSDF, and others. 

BDU's are intended to be bloused along the trousers, to follow the proper cover and concealment according to the uniform, and to equip only what is necessary according to the uniform code. It is important not only to properly wear the uniform but also to follow the discipline instilled on the portraying army/unit the airsoft team imitates/portrays.

It is of greater importance to take care of your BDU/airsoft gear to launder it without any optical brighteners, and/or super brightening agents.

On the contrary, wearing private military contractor (PMC) gear depend on the user since PMC's gear and outfit is user defined. Furthermore, PMC gear is suitable in close quarters battle (CQB), and does not offer good concealment in military simulations, especially in jungle warfare.

4. Cover and concealment

Coloration is also important in the concept of cover and concealment. One does not simply use a black vest/chest rig over a woodland BDU. In other countries, black has been considered an obsolete color complementary to the uniform. However, black could be a good alternative for those who wear urban-oriented uniform (e.g. ACU, black suit, PMC gear, GIGN-like uniform, SWAT).

Cover and concealment does not work this way.

Therefore, consider the following colorations:

• Urban = Gray/Black (where black really depends, but just an alternative to gray)
• Woodland = Ranger Green or Olive Drab (consider the brightness of the green on the uniform before choosing either Ranger Green or Olive Drab)
• MARPAT/MultiCam = Coyote Brown
• Desert = Tan/Khaki
• NWU Blueberries = Black
• USAF Airman Battle Uniform = Sage Green

Be careful on choosing the vest because every vest's color per product brand vary and differ to its color counterpart. For an instance, Cordura's Coyote Brown is different from the coyote brown of other tactical vest/chest rig brands.

Nobody cares if the operator wears neon colors or bright colors as your base of uniform that are against the rules of cover, camouflage, and concealment. The piece of advice offered here is for survival purpose, and to negate quick detection from your enemies.

Airsoft is a great sport that is hefty on the budget. Therefore, Filipino Airsoft Operators should consider the safety of the game before we spoil our aims. Nevertheless, if you know to play the game, have it your way. However, it is important to enjoy the game as we get to know more about the faults in the game.

All about the Gakuen

I've been an anime convention goer since 2014. However, I've stumbled and joined onto a group as the Team OKE Gakuen.

Team OKE Gakuen (or Team Otaku Karaoke Enthusiasts Academy) is an anime singing contest interest group, which ultimately intends to (1) promote anime culture through singing, (2) promote the popularity of anime singing contest just like the cosplay community, and (3) to perform for fun. This group had been managed by veteran AniSingCon participants since 2012 (or sooner), notably founded by Kapitan Messi Chan Spears (KMCS). The team captain sincerely created the group as a sanctuary for AniSingCon performers, and to fulfill the group's advocacy.

The group's admins guest on an event hosted by Anime Manila. Image courtesy of Team OKE Gakuen's Facebook Page.

OKE Gakuen joined on anime conventions with the contests like Otaku Expo, Ozine Fest, Best of Anime, Ozine Anime Figure Special, J-Pop Singing Contest (hosted by the Embassy of Japan) and other minor anime/J-Pop inclined events and conventions. Furthermore, the group guests on some anime affiliated groups like Otaku Connection, Anime Manila, and others.

The team had produced notable performers who won on big Anime Singing Contests such as Team RNR2DWorld (Rock & Roll 2D World), FuReRu (Fred and Ruu), Tsukino Aoi, and Hino Fujiwara.

So far, the group had grown strong with old and new faces alike, while the group keeps on instilling their mantra to every member aboard their team. At first, the team captain intends to make the group secret to avoid issues with other people and groups, which is akin to the cosplay community with certain bashers and drag-pullers. However, when the group launched their first event known as the OKEfest: Ongaku Festival, the event made the group's mantra feasible, and be known by others the performers' potential in musical performance and the art of singing.

Nevertheless, the group still believes in keeping their advocacy, and to inculcate the masses not to downgrade the general mind set about Karaoke Contests and/or Anime Singing Contest as a minor event/competition, but as an event worth watching for (while having fun on stage).

My Playpark XP experience

I really intend to make a late review about Playpark XP event happened last November 14, 2015. This is to ponder what goes wrong, what is not good, what is great, and what needs improvement with the grand event facilitated by Playpark Philippines.

There is exaggeration to some comers who went as early as 10 PM, the day before the event. It is understandable to people who live far away from Metro Manila (Rizal province, Batangas, etc.). However, people just wanted to grab the early bird items and the slot in the Special Force 2 tournament.

NVDIA team invades Playpark XP! RicoTrooper's the one in athletic attire with boonie hat.
(From left to right) Jeff, Johanest, Rico, John Alfred (our captain), and Jam

I arrived around 6 AM on the area, wearing my athletic uniform. The delay of my arrival was caused by a stupid jeep that I rode where he don't know where Ynares Sports Arena was. People are staring at me as I walk looking for my teammates and wearing the uniform none can ever possess. Others were wearing casual clothes... Other tournament goers wear printed shirts bearing their Corps name in-game, semi-casual, and the rest were like hoodlums and gangsters wearing camouflage trousers. There are few who wear the military uniform but they do not know how to blouse the trousers.

"Kalyeserye na!" On-goers shout as they wait in the long line.

The line was very disorganized and the other on-goers are very undisciplined. They kept on yelling random stuff like "Kalyeserye na", *some complain about the time*, and the heat of the sun. My teammates keep on saying that I need to get some shade... However, I kept telling them that I am used to the heat of the sun.

As 10 AM hits the clock, the security and staff starts to organize the line but it make things complicated. There is no venue map (what inside the venue looks like) posted beforehand, there aren't much concessionaires that sell food, and the event started really late (where most of the on-goers, including tournament players, are hungry and dehydrated).

This traffic is like those in train stations.
Try finding Waldo as you look on this picture

The traffic of the people inside the venue is very heavy. There are no good spaces for people to come by. The SF 2 tournament registration and getting freebies caused the traffic along and near the entrance. However, the group ticket event also caused much traffic inside the venue. The food concessionaire is really far away. People tend to go outside Ynares Sports Arena to buy food... Moreover, it create a huge stress to tournament team players because they don't know when their match starts.

My team (NVDIA) were really stressed to the core that most of us ate lunch around 2 PM because of the great disorganized facilitation of the tournament. I managed to prepare my pack lunch so that I can save money on food (it is base on my experience on how expensive food is on events like this and anime conventions). Since the stage made for sensationalists and entertainment purpose, they did not really used the microphone to announce what really happens along the events covered entirely in the Playpark XP.

There is also no time table on what event will happen on a particular time. If these are impromptu, they can still take advantage of the mic and speakers to announce and call the attention of specific people.

I managed to change to my combat attire with charcoal face paint before the tournament starts. I don't mingle much on other teams but there is that one man from the "ScoutRanger Corps" asked if I am also a member of the Guardians. I didn't speak much about my profile but I think anyone in the Army will get angry at their Corps name... as it (refers to the Philippine Army Scout Ranger Regiment) is regarded with high respect for their achievements in the field.

There are other in-game Corps who joined the tournament like ANBU (popularized Corps from Naruto), Kingsman (from the Kingsman movie, who were neither tailors nor spies at all), and others. From my lurking along the event, I noticed that there is one minor (probably around 13 or 14 years of age) playing the game on the tournament seat, testing his loadout.

I thought anyone below 16 years of age cannot participate in the tournament because of its mature
content. What do you know? The one on the middle (that kid) is the one I am talking about.

The tournament was divided into two brackets: Bracket A, and Bracket B. We were briefed by a Community Master of Playpark about what goes along the tournament bouts. The facilitators catered the great number of teams who desired to participate the tournament, where it really caused the delays in the start of the tournament. Moreover, I was called out for a photoshoot for promoting Special Force 2 (and until now, I haven't seen the camera shots from our photoshoot).

Our tournament bout started around 6 PM.

I tested my loadout as usual. I am fond of using Steyr AUG A3 as my main combat rifle (good for countering snipers). I had the Infinity pistol as my sidearm. Though, while waiting for the bout, I saw quick scope tricks of snipers on different players and grenade throwing contest on booming the enemy right on the spot.

Anyway, our team had a difficulty in dealing with ANBU-II because the captain does not have a clear plan on carrying out the tactics (because the ANBU-II sniper is good at aiming); we just only scored a point on the bout. Moreover, the map he called on was a commonly used map since the first Special Forces and everyone is familiar on the tricks around the place (especially when striking the target points A and B). Lastly, we don't have a team practice before the tournament because of schedule problems.

The bout ended on the score of 5-1, emerging ANBU-II as the winner. I had nothing to blame because both teams did their best on whatever they can to win... but only one will emerge as winner.

What went wrong to Playpark XP

The facilitator should have prepared at least three (3) days before to lay everything out because events like E-Sport tournament will really rally many event-goers from tournament participants to walk-in goers to see what's in the event will come. Of course, walk-in goers will be after for the freebies.

Some even made videos of how did their Php 100 go like... "You cannot get all of these for Php 100 of buying stuff elsewhere but Playpark XP."

The ticket booth really lacks system, as well as the orderliness of the line. The bouncers and the staff had a hard time organizing the line quickly because of that. Some on-goers argue about their poor timing of fixing the lines despite of what they said, "10 AM, magpapasok na kami." 2 hours cooked in the heat is alright with me, but to the others with respiratory problems and poor heat resistance is "grilled on hot charcoal for dinner for two hours." Heat sears at 32°C as on-goers took cover on the shade and rehydrate themselves while waiting in line.

Because of their poor system, the entire event started late! Our team got in around 12:30 PM, haven't eaten lunch because our team needs to register for the tournament. Tournament lines made the great traffic in the venue. That really adds toll and pain to the on-goers.

The bleachers/seats in the venue is great for the on-goers to take some rest, but it's just made the venue space small; and every booth is compressed! Perhaps consider getting a bigger venue (or a strategic place) and quite accessible (easy to go since it's a well-known place) for on-goers to visit the place.

Summary

My Playpark XP experience is quite fair. To be fair enough, arriving early takes toll to my pocket money... but a little organized stuff in the system might help improve Playpark's events in the future... and it will take less toll for on-goers like me.

SF 2 Play with the GM experience

Date: November 2, 2015

Time: 6PM to 7PM

Location: Open Server 10

It's the Game Masters vs Players on the bout for Sabotage mission. Passwords were announced via lobby of Open Channel 10 as many players wanted to play against the masters. During those moments, I am pretty calm that time but pretty irritated because of the spam chat blocks for 30 seconds... as I wanted to mingle with other players. Other players who are very arrogant wishes to "knife the GM in-game (saksakin ang GM sa game)."

It was around 6:43 PM that I get in the legit GM Event room....

There were technical problems at first on the Embassy map. The GM's that we fought were Curse, Aika, Sargas, Snake_Doc, Agent47, and Ghost. All of which do not bear the "[GM]" alias in-game. The teammates that were with me are seen on the screenshot. The real bout (Last GM Wars) happened at the Desert Camp, a Sabotage mission race to ten. My music was set to Starcraft II Terran 01 Theme Soundtrack the entire gameplay. I am armed with Steyr AUG A3, Infinity (I dunno what's the real handgun name of this one), and a pair of frag grenades.

As the game started, I somewhat briefed them (not in the room lobby where it can compromise the OPSEC of the team). I told them that it should be a buddy system (there's one buddy that should watch your back), and two marksman only in the team (I consider myself as an AR marksman, very fit in long range fights, even against a sniper). After the briefing that I conducted, it didn't go well because the GM team went all out (all six of them) on a single charge. All of my teammates (except me) wasted their all of their grenades while the enemy is not yet sighted. Almost all of them don't know how to aim their sights (except for snipers).

To be honest, I don't like one of my teammates who cursed at me when I died against a gun fight. It happened twice or thrice that he chatted the words "bo bo," a somewhat indirect speech telling that my way of gameplay is "dumb" according to them. I mean, come on! Nobody intends to die against the enemy, y'know. Everyone on the team wants to win against the GM team. Kindly bear that in mind! Some managed to curse their gameplay! Oh, well... just check the hyperlink to see what I mean here...

Red marks the Killzone.
Teal colors correspond to 

My teammates somewhat told me that I am like a ninja. They don't know where am I gonna appear. On a military perspective, I am applying tactical movements and cover and concealment on an urban setting. Even though it is a game, I am dealing with the enemies seriously and with tactics, if needed. I even lean my vision up whilst reloading my rifle. Moreover, I just watch my teammates' back (checking where the base of fire comes from), check for incoming enemy and a place for cover, and a place for evasion. I somewhat found the enemy on the earlier round not facing in my direction and said "Hello" via hail of bullets. Lastly, I don't charge first. I let them (my teammates) charge first, then I provide them covering fire.

The GM Team are just skilled computer gamers with no military background, and armed high powered, no design rifles in-game (at any rate, I don't like designed guns because at my perspective, it will ruin my cover and concealment). Their ranks are very deceiving but roughly taunts players that they're easy to picked up and telling the players, "Who wants to get some GM bullets from us?" Some GM's are fast moving (my teammate noted of Aika's fast movement speed because of the sneakers that any player can receive in-game).

On a certain point when we got the offensive; we change our plans to all out, alternating sabotage point charging (A on first, B on the other). I told them to use "smoke for deception," which I literally mean, "Use your smoke grenades to conceal the path so that they won't see our movements." Indirectly, I am teaching them the proper use of smoke grenades.

It was a very close fight where the scores tied up at 8 - 8. Everyone feels the adrenaline rush to win. Because of individual skills and teamwork, the player team managed to win against the GM by 10-8. I managed to have the "Luckiest" award at the end of the game, which is pretty ridiculous! I am not a lucky player, but a skilled player.

However, I don't like playing team-based games like these because of players constant swearing towards the last man standing. Moreover, to most Filipino players, I think the words "teamwork" and "coordination" is not in their vocabulary in game modes like these. I am more on TDM's (Team Death Match mode).

                                                                                                                                            

If you wanna meet me in Special Force 2, just look for "RicoTrooper" in-game. I always hang out on TDM rooms. Moreover, I don't like to be invited in Corps. If I will be needing a legit Corps in-game, it better be as tactical as the Army Scout Rangers or perhaps, the Light Reaction Regiment, to count with. I am more of a team player, rather than an individual player.

Special Force 2 (Tutorial for noobs)

Warning: This post contains brutal honesty and hyperlinks that directs you to HTML5 videos. Please use an updated browser, equipped with HTML5 feature. Whatever you hear in-game (like the music that I play while I record it), kindly disregard it and watch the video. The videos serves as guide on how things go... The weapons I used in the tutorial vids are Infinity, a normal knife, AUG A3, and CheyTac M200.

Welcome to the "Special Force 2 Tutorial for noobs article." If you came from the world of Crossfire, Counter Strike (regardless of version), Assault Fire, and from the former Special Force Philippines; and you haven't played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series, Black Ops, or Ghost; or from the Battlefield series, I can consider you as a noob player.

As a starter, consider reading this article before proceeding on the other contents of this tutorial. MMOFPS games is considered an E-Sport (electronic sport) where teamwork exists. If you're a constant cursing player regarding your latency, behavior, and passing the buck to your teammates, I'll tell you that Special Force 2, and other MMOFPS games are not for you (even MOBA games don't fit you).

If you don't want to read this article, I'll give you a straight answer to familiarize yourself in the game: consider running a Training mode, the ones below the "Hangar" part. All sets of instructions are already in the map as you go along the way.

Why?

Special Force 2 is a different core of Massive Multiplayer Online First-Player Shooting (MMOFPS) Game. This is not just your Aunt Fanny's typical shooting game (like Wolfenstein 3D, Quake, and Doom 1 and 2) where snipers have only the chance to aim for their sights; and handgun (pistols as others called), machine gun, shotgun, and assault rifle users have no chance to aim for a clear shot. 

If you came from the world of Call of Duty series and Battlefield series, you only have less to familiarize yourself with the game.

Again... welcome to Special Force 2! If you're either a Close Beta Player like me, an Open Beta Player, or a new player from its official release, this is a must read article for you.

Game interaction

If you know playing FPS that much, you just have to familiarize with these things:

If you're an FPS gamer who shoots like this (who heavily relies on your in-game crosshair), I have to be brutally honest with you that Special Force 2 has the aim sights feature. The aim sights feature was first introduced in the First Call of Duty created by Activision, way back 2003. This feature revolutionalized the way of encountering enemies in the game.

First things first. You must know that all weapons (except Kukri, Hammer, Shuriken, and other melee-capable special weapons) can aim their sights. Crossbow and composite bow can aim their sights like Cupid and Green Arrow. Handgun can aim sights. Your "all-well-cursed-to-weak-players" assault rifle can aim their sights. Shotgun can aim sights (no video evidence to prove that claim but it can). Machine guns can aim sights as well... Quick turn does not work anyway.

Why aim sights?

If you know Sgt. Foley of Modern Warfare 2, he surely hates people like you who fires from the hip because it is not accurate. Aiming sights let you fire accurately, even at far ranges (if you feel like going on a 1v1 fight with a sniper with your weapon). If you notice that there's a green portion on the iron sights, it refers as the "guide" where are you really aiming at. Consider checking the fire rate, reload time, and recoil of the weapon you're using if you can do rock and roll to multiple enemies.

Secondly, I prefer firing from the hip if it is Close Quarters Combat (in civilian understanding: CQC is engaging the enemy in close distances). Otherwise, I'd rather prefer getting close to your enemy and melee your enemy's head for an instant kill.

Running

Unlike its predecessor, players can sprint. On the start of every mission/map, the button that corresponds to running/sprinting is flashed while everything is in grayscale.

Crouch

Crouch is the button CTRL by default. However, if you came from the Call of Duty and Battlefield Universe, there is no prone position in SF 2.

Melee Attack

How melee attack works?

Melee attack by default is "F." Since I am familiarized with the Call of Duty Modern Warfare series, I use "V" button instead of "F." For some reasons, melee attacks can come in handy when you wanted to finish off nearby enemies that can be chased with a knife. Just beware: if your enemy can shoot you whilst running, you can be in grave danger.

However, it is not like the one-hit wonder of Call of Duty to instantly kill your enemy with just a swing of a knife. Though, it can do the one hit wonder by hitting the enemy's head. It can be used for ambush attacks (The surprise notification shows when the enemy's killed via melee by surprise), and when you really had no ammo at all!

High Jump

There is a high jump feature in SF 2. The combinations are Crouch + Jump button. At first, it just requires momentum from below to jump to a higher place. At some key places, high jumps can be an advantage to sneak on a killzone.

Weapon Switch

Weapon sets are set from A - C. A corresponds to F1, whereas F3 corresponds to Set C.

Grenade Throwing

Grenades are assigned at Weapon slot #4. If you know the arrangements of grenades in Counter Strike (of any version), you will be easily familiarized with this weapon arrangement. The normal throw is LMB (Left Mouse Button) click. If you want to throw relatively farther than your range and quite accurately (perhaps too accurate), consider clicking RMB (Right Mouse Button).

Unlike the Call of Duty series and Battlefield, grenades don't cook even when you hold it too long (that really make SF 2 a not quite realistic game... but graphics-wise, it is).

Scoring system

Basically, scoring systems are once based on your kills and achievements in certain game modes. However, on SF 2, assists are already added. Don't curse your teammate who kill-steal you. It is already counted in the assists. Since certain game modes are assigned by teams with certain assignments, you should probably learn how to make use of teamwork, instead of Plankton's "Tea-Em-Work".

Respawn and invulnerable mode

The player is invulnerable four (4) seconds after the player respawns. By five (5) seconds, the player's invulnerability mode fades out. This is hard to knock down enemies rushing while invulnerable.

Quick Respawn

Quick respawn works after you die before the respawn bar goes full. Each quick respawn costs 30 SP. It only works on Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch modes.

Chatting in lobby or in-game

Here's what you really need to know. /wb [Alias] is whisper-blocking a certain player. /w [Alias] is whispering to your friend. /r is a quick response to the ones who previously chatted friend/player. In-game, F9 is for team chat. F10 is for General. F11 is for Corps/Clan/"Whatever-you-call-faction" chat. I don't join Corps (or frigging clans) because I am good on my own skills and weapons.

If there's one thing you don't know in the lobby, press F1.

Corps Creation and joining

If you want to create your Corps, you must be at least at the rank of Corporal and above. All written statements in the form you've written are permanent. Consider thinking twice before making one.

Otherwise, if you are joining the Corps, take note that there is no requirement to join a certain Corps in-game. Only the key members of the Corps make their own preferences and regulations who will join their Corps. Their always preferred criteria to be members are active (and addicted), good kill ratio, and a good shooter (commonly, for cowardly snipers).

Server Channels

There are four servers. Beginner, Open, Clan, and Xanthid. Beginner are for the new ones who wanted to familiarize in the game. Open channel is made for those who wanted to play with the big boys, and for those who already graduated from the Beginner channel. Clan Channel is dedicated for players who already joined a Corps. Xanthid Channel are for players who wanted to play Xanthid mode.

Game Modes

These are the things I wanted to make clear with you, guys... Deathmatch modes are free-for-all. Team Deathmatch is a chase to get the highest point against teams. AI Team Deathmatch is matching against AI players (they are categorized per difficulty). Xanthid game modes involves alien invasion and survival. The rest requires teamwork to win the objectives of the game.

If you have questions in-game, comment below... or look for me in-game. My alias matches in the name of the blog (RicoTrooper). Otherwise, message my page on Facebook (facebook.com/RicoTrooper). Last but not the least, luck does not exist.

Thread and yarn store @ Rosario, Pasig

I stumbled upon many bloggers who write incomplete and misleading articles about stores of yarns and threads per kilo. I find all the previous articles about "Yarn and Thread store Rosario, Pasig articles" ranging from 2009 to present, by Toni's Favorite, Gantsilyo Guru, to Nheng's very less substantial. I mean all of them, even from websites and results from all search engines.

It is kinda frustrating that none of those lady bloggers came up to make updated and credible posts, and write substantial and reliable details of all these pieces of information. Let me all help you with all of those endeavors.

First and foremost, where are all the stores of threads and yarns per kilo located at?

You can locate it on Google Maps via this link. Moreover, the Street view will really help you a lot on where are all those thread and yarn stores located. If you're up for the Street view, focus your sights on the area with the red circles as illustrated. It is just Lacion's General Merchandise alone whom you can just go and buy for threads and yarns. If you will look at the street view and look at those areas, you will see more than just one store there. There are lots of stores there to look onto, and they are still open.

How to get to the place?

If you’re coming from the South, try riding a jeepney or an FX going to Pasig, ask the driver to drop you off after the first footbridge of Rosario Bridge (as indicated in the hyperlink above). Cross the street via footbridge and you’d see the stores selling threads in cones and yarns.

If you’re coming from the North, you should at least go to Cubao and ride a jeep with a Cubao-Rosario via Libis boundary, and it also passes through the same bridge mentioned above. It’s really easy to recognize the stores because there are a lot of them and you could see a lot of threads.

If you are coming from Manila (or if you want to have a comfy ride), ride a Quiapo-Taytay bus as it also passes through the same bridge. You can see the path of the bus through this link. There are many buses passing through Ortigas. The bus company/bus type (ordinary or aircon bus) is not the issue, but as long as you ask/tell the bus conductor to drop off on the same spot as I first mentioned.

How's the price?

According to those blog writers dated from 2009 to present, the price of threads and yarns are measure per kilo, not by single quantity. The price of the threads is Php 170 per kilo. On the other hand, yarns are priced at Php 270 per kilo.

Some tailors prefer to buy threads on Pasig, rather than going to Divisoria for three reasons: (1) Divisoria is very congested and a prone to crime area (if you just got some of your stuff stolen just by going there, try to tread lightly when you go there); (2) Though threads in Divisoria are cheap per individual cone (or spool quantity), the quality isn't trusty as it is (simply don't buy threads from walking merchants; it depends on your threadly needs), and (3) some might prefer proximity-wise and budget-wise place to buy threads (and yarns) at Pasig.

I haven't been there but these are just my inputs. Anyway, this blog article will be updated. It includes my first-hand experience going there.

ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman on Cosplay Mania 2015 (Review)

Warning: May contain spoilers of the event for other countries who will participate on ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman. Experiences vary from person to person.

Kids and teenagers are fond of watching Anime since the 90's.
Image came from Google Search Engine.

Ever since Anime was popular in the country... like Voltes V, Dragon Ball series, and other popular anime series aired by mainstream free TV channels in the Philippines. In every time the show starts and the episode ends, anime features a certain song from a certain Japanese artist. From those music and the traits shown on the anime, that starts their enthusiasm for Japanese culture and music.

Once they start listening to Japanese music derived from anime series, movie, Japanese games, and even their likeness (or becoming a fan) towards the artist of a certain OP/ED/IN (Opening/Ending/Insert) song will trigger them to sing and memorize the song. Since there are Karaoke Contests held in the Philippines in anime conventions, some of them use these contest to start their way to stardom, or start making covers (either English cover, or Japanese cover) on the social media like Facebook, YouTube, SoundCloud and other sites that can give themselves exposure.

Rico Trooper singing Courage by Haruka Tomatsu on Otaku Expo 2015.
Image courtesy of Von Jeremy Alday.

Ozine Fest, Otaku Expo, and Best of Anime are the popular anime conventions that held Karaoke contests all throughout the year. However, when an Asia-focus karaoke contest went in the country, many people went to push their luck to get on top to represent their Motherland in a form of Nodojiman Contest — ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman.

ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman is a Japanese karaoke singing contest held on participating countries for anyone of legal age who loves Japanese music to represent their country. The scoring system of the said contest is just like Karaoke, with a twist!

Since many Filipinos love to sing and love Karaoke to express themselves and tone their voice talents, many anime lovers take the bite to have a chance to visit Japan, an all-expense-paid trip to sing for the World Stage in Tokyo.

I first heard of this kind of contest, way back on the first week of September 2015. I am part of a group of people who loves to join Karaoke contests on anime conventions — Otaku Karaoke Enthusiasts (OKE). My friend, Messi, posted it on the Facebook group. I checked the link on the post and I saw the list of songs that has Romaji (Japanese written in Latin alphabet). Since I am a fan of Gackt (Gackt Camui), I made an entry submission to the said contest and will sing Redemption by Gackt.

First and foremost, the participant(s) must be of legal age (18 years old). The contest is first open only to solo performers. However, one week before the contest started in the Philippines (on Cosplay Mania 2015), I heard that contest is now open to group performers. The contest does not allow professional singers/artists to join the contest (to prove that they can also be good in singing Japanese songs as well).

I took my time practicing and researching for the song I am going to perform. I viewed the song track on YouTube about people singing the song on Karaoke bars (the original Karaoke track played on Karaoke bars). I did my practices on computer shops via Audacity; as well as singing out loud while I play the instrumental of the song or the original track with my MP3 player during free times and when people are not around. I am not fond of singing when people are around because what I like listening Japanese music since my elementary days.

Just a tidbit: 

What is good on listening Japanese music? Japanese songs are meaningful, unlike Western songs and even OPM (Original Pilipino Music) songs. I am not saying that most Western and OPM songs are bad, or I hate Western and OPM music. I like Phil Collins, Jose Mari Chan, and Gary Valenciano songs though. 

However, nothing beats the rhythm and meaning of the songs of Japanese music (despite they are in Japanese)!

On the day of the contest, I was notified via the contact information I provided on the form I sent about when the contest will start. However, since Cosplay Mania is under SM Tickets, I bought the ticket before the event day (to avoid the long lines that every anime convention goers face). I seriously hate going early to get in early to register on Karaoke Contest (because Karaoke Contest have limited slots for contestants).

When I got inside the venue, I took time to observe how the flow of the contest go. Since the Asia Nodojiman staff got overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to join the contest, the qualifiers are chosen via lottery and assigned per blocks divided to three. I am assigned on Block B and provided proof that I am one of qualifiers on that block (printed out on paper, or a screenshot on smartphone). They made certain announcement that participants can change their song they want to sing on the registration booth.

The registration booth of ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman on Cosplay Mania, Day 1.

Image courtesy of ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman Facebook Fan Page.

Participants are given a number tag, and papers to sign as proof of their participation to join the contest. There are cameras on all angles of the stage. There's a different screen seen on the stage level angled approximately from 45 - 60˚, where the lyrics are written. Unlike the Karaoke contests held on the country that only allows songs featured in Anime series/movies, Tokusatsu, Metal Heroes and Vocaloid; ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman offers a wide variety of Japanese songs from J-Pop, Visual Kei, and other related Japanese music genre; and as a norm by most Karaoke contest participants, they must memorize the entire song. However, lyrics written on paper or saved on the phone/tablet is allowed on the contest, since there are limited songs that are written in Romaji, and the rest are written in Kanji... and there's no deduction on the points for that participant using lyrics on paper.

Since ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman is the first amateur singing contest that opens its doors to people who love Japanese music (unlike the other singing contest facilitated by the Japanese Embassy that has stricter restrictions on the songs to sing), and even have their dream to visit Japan for the first time; participants have only an allocated time to sing the song and they will be judged using the Precision DX Scoring System by Daiichi Kosho Company. This cutting edge scoring system from Japan analyzes the vocal input by the participant according to its rhythm, pitch, timbre, volume, and lyrics accuracy. Thus, the contest strongly emphasizes that the contestant must be proud of his/her voice (the translated meaning of the word "Nodojiman") to rise on top.

I had difficulty talking to the staff because I am first of all, curious and doesn't know how to talk in Japanese. I only know a few expressions like "Excuse me", "I'm sorry", "Thank you very much", "Alright" and the basic Yes or No answer. Though, I learn a few of these expression by reading the subtitles of the anime I am watching like Sword Art Online, Eureka Seven, and other of my kind of anime and by listening on how they respond as per the subtitle written. However, I speak in English in a British accent way back there. Nevertheless, the common "nosebleed due to lack of Japanese vocabulary" occurred to my head, but Filipinos will have nosebleed because they don't have enough English vocabulary (which different on my case).

There are given times for participants to register (as mentioned on the white board on their booth; slightly adjusted on the time mentioned on their e-mail). However, the competition started on 5:00PM sharp. Unlike the staff of the local Karaoke Contests in the Philippines, because of their Filipino antics in terms of handling time, there are minute delays in the start of the competition due to some people love to be specially mentioned (or too much endorsing of themselves regarding their audio). On the contrary, the Nodojiman staff have good personnel and time management, (and the ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman staff are very enthusiastic with what they are doing and very accommodating). Despite technical and operational problems, they know how to keep the people awake.

A backstage shot of ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman, Day 2.
Image courtesy of Von Jeremy Alday.

On the competition proper, Rei Mastrogiovanni hosted the qualifying rounds and the Grand Prix round on 3 and 4 of October 2015. People are given less time to showcase their voice because it is just a qualifying round. To compensate for the time allocation per block, it is very clever to cater such a large number of qualifiers to give them a rightful grade base on their performance, and to sow the best qualifiers per block to advance on the higher tier of the competition. Since people have an attention span of a fly (roughly 13 seconds to get interested on what a person perceives), the pressure is entirely on the participant to make the crowd alive. Moreover, this a great chance for the qualifiers to become a one-day idol in Budokan (though Budokan is a hyperbolic expression though).

I am observing how the contestants react on the score they get after they perform. Most of the low score performers are quite dismayed because some or most of the goers are hardened contestants from the local Anime Karaoke Contests. Few made swears not heard on the mic. Some acted all sporty and accepted what they had. Some felt like a prompt is shown on their field of vision (like those in SAO's Nervegear) showing "Achievement Unlocked: Rocked on stage @ Nodojiman." To those who got 83 and above, they were surprised on their score and jumped for joy inside.

On the contrary, when I knew that my score didn't reached the top scores, I bowed for respect because it's a once in a blue moon event that many audience roared and cheered as you perform. Like what I use to do when I perform, I see to it that the crowd will enjoy my performance, despite the score I will receive. Of course, many are vying to advance to the Grand Prix and have the honor to represent their country. Many of these want to visit key places like Akihabara, Tokyo Tower, and the like.

The performance proper

Rico Trooper was Contestant # 19 on the qualifying round, Block B, held at the CosMania 2015 on SMX Convention Center. I am wearing an all-black shirt and trousers, a brown Honda jacket, gold shades with red frame, and a standard issue boonie hat I received from my previous training.

When I was called, of course, I said, "Yosh (Alright)!" twice, while I am feeling determined to rock the stage. When I am about to step in the stage, I requested the production staff near the stage for a mic stand (I said there: Maikusutando, onegai?)

I greet the emcee, "Konbanwa (Good evening)" because it was already 6:00 PM on the clock when I am about to perform. The emcee/host asked for my name. To be straight, I mentioned my real name (which is very long like Spanish names; and I am not going to tell you what my real name is) but I mentioned my entry name as Rico Trooper. He asked what am I going to sing, and I said my entry song (which was Redemption by Gackt in the game Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus). I even mentioned that I am an avid of Gackt Camui, ever since I saw his PV of Mizerable way back 2004. I mentioned him that I will be using a mic stand, where (it's history) I am the first contestant in the contest to use a mic stand.

When the music starts playing, I removed my shades. People started to roar when I removed my shades. I try to perform like Gackt just like what I saw in his concert and his promotional video in the song Redemption.

The Facebook comment of my friend on our group at Otaku Karaoke Enthusiasts (OKE)
on Facebook, regarding my performance.

Whatever I do on stage, I am doing it confidently. I keep both my eyes on the lyrics and to the audience (and to the camera as well since there are cameras everywhere). I did poses and stances that remarked my performance. However, the score disagrees with my way of singing.

What's good with ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman?

Unlike most of the local Karaoke contest held by Otakuzine and Otaku Asia staff managed, participants are not required to provide their own audio for them to perform (with the hefty file type requirements and the need to download the instrumental from YouTube), or be left in the dead air singing an A Capella like Pentatonix (as they brag for those who didn't have audio material on the Karaoke performance).

The upper hand on going to ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman is that people can buy the ticket before the event day, which ultimately avoids them being on stress who will join the Karaoke Contest later on. This avoids them being tired and catching for breath, a great factor that affects performers for having a good performance. Since not all songs that performers sing needs enough stage presence (a criterion not included for judging performers in their singing on the contest), participants will focus on choosing the right song fit for their vocal range. That also led me to choose a Gackt song on the qualifying round.

This is how contestants are judged using the Precision DX Scoring System
on ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman (close enough).
Image source from Smash.org.au

Since the reward of joining ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman isn't as petty as winning a jacket from a certain sponsor of the convention event, many will perform at their best to have a great reward to visit Japan and compete on a World Stage. That is something that anyone wishes to film with their eyes in their lifetime, and be documented not only on Japanese television, but by history itself.

Furthermore, ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman is a top of its class Karaoke Contest derived from NHK's Nodojiman contest from TV and radio dated during the Second World War, many might be on their get ups to be an eye catcher to the audience, and to the camera. Moreover, since it is showcased on Cosplay Mania (and as expected), the contestant(s) cosplayed a certain character from a certain Anime they like the most.

The scoring system requires less people to man the scoring. In fact, the machine does the scoring per participants of the contest. This avoids biased judgment and favoritism (on the contestant's appearance) on scoring them, unlike Karaoke Contests that are judged by three people. Moreover, the scoring system pinpoints where the contestant excels and what flops the contestant's performance.

Lastly, it is a great marketing strategy for whosoever who partnered with ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman to let them be a part of the convention since it can promote more knowledge about the Japanese culture and music, another opportunity to promote Japan, and trade their culture in the event.

What went wrong with ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman?

If a certain thing has ups, there will be downs on the event. Many of the songs that has romaji lyrics are J-Pop (or Popular Japanese songs), and featured on Anime, Games, and heard on podcasts and Internet radio. Of course, most of the Filipinos are avid anime fans and viewers.

Since many Filipino anime fans range from teenage years to 40's, it doesn't cover much of anime series like Yu Yu Hakusho, Rekka no Honou, Voltes V, Code Geass, Shaman King, RayEarth series and other mostly viewed anime series on free TV. Few of these anime fans like certain Japanese artist like Megumi Hayashibara (the golden maiden voice in anime opening/ending song during the 90's and 2000 in the Philippines), FLOW, SCANDAL, Porno Graffiti, and others. Moreover, since mainstream free TV broadcasting companies don't have time for ending songs and opening songs, but ridiculously have more time for repetitive commercial advertisements, ending and opening songs are not that featured.

The karaoke developed by Daiichi Kosho Company have flaws in terms of the Romaji lyrics. Since there are misleading Romaji lyrics roaming around the Internet on a song I performed (which is Redemption by Gackt), even in JPopAsia website on other songs featured, there is a difficulty in attaining a better score (like 80 - 83) even if their voice is much better than Gackt or the artist him/herself. Though, on the contrary, I asked other contestants who performed a different song than mine, and they said that they don't have problems with the lyrics written on the screen because their song was from the latest (and well known anime/artist ranging from 2012 'till now). Yet, it needs to be tweaked!

Another thing that went wrong with most of the winners who advance to the Grand Prix round (and even the contestant who will represent the country) are women. I am not doubting the scoring system but there are also criteria to consider what went wrong with the men's way of performing. Since most of the known Japanese songs are sung by female artists (in anime series/movies), it is a common denominator for women to outperform men. Since most Filipino men have lower pitch voice because of their puberty changed their vocal tone, they might stick with mainstream male anime songs that have a suave voice like Daybreak's Bell, Sign, and other relative songs. Though, the song "Memeshikute" is sung by Golden Bomber where Kyan is quite a tenor or a high pitch performer.

As I researched the list of aired anime series in the Philippines, there are a lot of anime that can be featured on the list of songs. I can suggest some songs from Yu-Gi-Oh!, Rurouni Kenshin, Gundam series, Voltes V, Inu Yasha, Full Metal Alchemist (both the original and the Brotherhood) and others listed on the hyperlink on this paragraph.

The entire challenge of the contest is that other songs is encoded in Kanji. Few people (or less one percent of the population) can write and understand Kanji. Perhaps, adding more songs on the list encoded in Romaji might persuade more participants to join the contest next year. Yet, perhaps considering to have trusted sites to have the official Romaji lyrics of every song on the list so that there is lyrics accuracy, and applied pitch and rhythm precision on every track applied on every song. Otherwise, I'd like to consider that the staff or the maker(s) of Precision DX Scoring System, along with its karaoke video tracks, need to have a precise romanized lyrics of the songs (base on a reliable source, or base on the Kanji lyrics on the album/single of the artist) for the next year's run of the contest, either outside the Asia, or on other regions of Earth.

On the other people, it can be hard for others who will join that they receive scores ranging from 74 and below. Filipinos have a mind set that line of 7, in terms of grades and score, are bad.

Summary and Last Remarks of the Review

ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman is a great experience. It's great to talk with foreigners, and it's great that a great contest organizers went to the country to search for the best voice to send to Japan. However, the track list must be friendly to both genders, and does not underpower the male performers/contestants of the contest by adding karaoke tracks with Romaji lyrics for contestants to choose from on the said karaoke machine made by Daiichi Kosho.

It's a good to join this prestige contest because it's a great experience. Regardless of the score, it is better to leave an unforgettable performance and impression to the audience and the judges (either they will judge your performance, and the staff/facilitators of the contest) watching your performance. Of course, the spirit of sportsmanship is important! Win or lose, it's all the same as long as the people enjoy your performance.

The contest event is really a total box office hit! It's because Filipinos are fond of singing Karaoke.

_________________________________________________________

Note: The images featured on this blog article came from the Facebook Fan Page of ASIA Karaoke Nodojiman, from my friend, Von, in Facebook, and from Google. I don't own the photos featured on this blog article.