Thursday, June 8, 2006

   [Manga] Strawberry Panic! Chapter 9
[Posted @ 2:57 PM]
It's been more than month ... the time has finally arrived ... here's StoPani! Chapter 9! [Insert Evil Laugh].

Disclaimer:

I do not scan, so i don't claim credit for it, i got the scans from Yamibo, so please do not ask me where i got my scans again. PLEASE.

If you want to download the translated chapters of Strawberry Panic! Manga, go to Dynasty Scans .

Click on the scans and a new window will open and bring you to the larger and clearer version.

Please do not hotlink on forums, just paste my blog url and direct them to the Strawberry Panic! Page section, thanks.



In Chapter 9 of Strawberry Panic!, 'Etoile's Truth', it's the night before the Etoile Battle and it's also the time for the St Lulim side to shine. As Chikaru goes all out on transforming her little sisters, Kizuna, Lemon and Kagome in lacy maid uniforms XD. Kizuna even said that her uniform looks 'hen' [Hen = Strange/Weird in Japanese] right? Lemon protested that it doesn't look strange. Chikaru said that the club members of the Transformation Club need to be in the spotlight on their 'Late Night Meeting'. Fangirls around began to squeal at the Transformation Club member's cute dressing. [I really like Chikaru's black dress, so gothic!]



Chikaru went into 'fufufu' mode and she introduced the daring and revealing design of hers Kizuna was wearing lol. Kizuna asked Chikaru if it's alright of them to do this kind of thing? Besides the students from the other schools were high from partying before the Etoile Battle night. Chikaru replied, that she's looking forward to this year Etoile Battle because St Spica's Prince, Amane's participating. Kizuna went 'Ah, Chikaru Onee-sama mentioned Amane again, I knew it, you like Amane right?' [LoL.] 'Why don't Chikaru Onee-sama and Amane join the Etoile Battle togther?', Kizuna suggested. Chikaru just smiled and looked on, in her mind she's thinking that it's not a Prince that she's pinning for but a princess ... no, or should she say the cute little sisters in front of her =). Chikaru continued that she has so many cute girls here and they ain't really that bad compared to St Miator or St Spica so it's time for them to step out.

Even though there's a small margin, it makes it even more sweet to win the battle because the smaller the chances of winning, the more interesting it gets ... fufufufu~~~ [LoL! Chikaru really likes challenging stuff =)] Looking on at St Miator and St Spica battling out with each other ... the dark horse St Lulim shall rise and winning the Etoile Title won't be a problem then ne? [Chikaru's thinking like a real strategist lol, reminds me the time when I watched this insects documentary on TV, two male beetles battled each other for the privilege to mate with the female, whereas this small male beetle creep up from behind and mated with the female. LoL, I was like laughing at the two stupid male beetles wondering where the hell the female had gone to after she had been mated.]



Kizuna and Lemon found Kagome asleep under the tree and tried to wake her up. Chikaru commented that Kagome has a cute sleeping expression =) besides it's time for Kagome's bed time. Chikaru added that if Kagome doesn't wake up, she'll get kidnapped by the big bear~ Kagome smiled in her sleep lol. [I think Kagome loves bears, with the teddy bear she's holding every where she goes ... kawaii~] That morning of the Etoile Battle, Nagisa and Tamao were in the big open bath. [The same bath Rokujou and Shizuma were in in Chapter 5] Nagisa's getting jittery over the Etoile Battle, she had momentarily forgotten about it when she was with Shizuma last night but the fears came back this morning and her limbs were shaking.



Tamao walked over and comforted Nagisa, saying she'll support Nagisa no matter what even though she doesn’t want Nagisa to be paired up with Shizuma. [=O Tamao spoke!] Tamao added that she’s a St Miator student afterall, so she’ll definitely support the St Miator couple. Nagisa smiled awkwardly and said she'll try her best. Tamao, staring at Nagisa's back so conveniently in front of her, began to chuckle and kissed Nagisa's back. [GASP!] Tamao proceed on to asking Nagisa if she want a 'Calming Spell'? Fufufufu [LOL!] Nagisa thought, 'Spell?, I have a bad feeling about this ...', excused herself and ran off lol. [Poor Tamao~] However, Nagisa's grateful to Tamao because she felt more relax now. Reaching for her clothes, Nagisa found a letter among her clothes. The letter said that there's something Nagisa should know about, so please wait for the writer of the letter at the library before the Etoile Battle. Do you know the past of Shizuma? the letter ended.



It's almost time for the participants of the Etoile Battle to gather, Shizuma and Chiyo were wondering why Nagisa has not arrived yet. Chiyo's worried that Nagisa might get lost on her way, Shizuma added, yeah, I should had went to pick her up ... is partnering with Nagisa for the Etoile Battle my mistake?, she mused lol. Chiyo told Shizuma that even so, Shizuma-sama's still firm in her decision was surprising and the photo when Shizuma won the Etoile title last year from the book in the library was beautiful. Chiyo also mentioned that last year Shizuma had said that she would participate the Etoile Battle only this one time so why now? ... Chiyo got flustered that she might mentioned the wrong words and apologized that Shizuma must had been really want to join the Battle with Nagisa. Shizuma brushed it off. From afar, Shizuma's classmate, Tougi Hitomi looked on. [I'm reckoning that it's Hitomi that wrote the letter to Nagisa. From the way Hitomi's acting in Chapter 7, mentioning about Sakuragi Kaori, surely she would want Nagisa to know Shizuma's past.]



Meanwhile, Nagisa arrived at the library and the whole place was quiet. 'They were all at the Etoile Battle gathering.', someone replied. That girl's Kanou Mizuho, she's currently on duty in the library. Nagisa asked Mizuho if someone's looking for her and stated her name. Mizuho seemed surprised that she's the Aoi Nagisa. Nagisa noticed a slip of paper with her name on it slotted in a book. She flipped open the book. Mizuho thought to herself, so, this is Shizuma's ... Mizuho asked Nagisa why isn't she at the Etoile Battle gathering? Nagisa replied that she had something she just had to look at.



Nagisa flipped to the page where the piece of paper was slotted in and saw the photo of Shizuma and Mizuho winning the Etoile title last year. The writings on the book said, 'The winners of the Etoile Battle are Etoile Ene* St Miator's Grade 5, Snow Class, Hanazono Shizuma and Kadeshito** St Miator's Grade 5, Snow Class, Kanou Mizuho.' Mizuho saw Nagisa looking at that page and explained that Shizuma couldn't find a suitable partner and just then she was conveniently there so she was partnered with Shizuma. Mizuho added that she's not suitable for Shizuma and asked Nagisa not to mind it. Nagisa continued reading the article, 'The story of Hanazono Shizuma brought tears to the whole of St Miator.' 'This Etoile title of Kadeshito** should be truely given to my beloved irreplaceable deceased sister, Sakuragi Kaori ... Kaori, I give you all my love ...' Nagisa was stunned at what she had read as she flashed back to what the letter said, 'Do you know the past of Shizuma?' - END -

* 'Ene', in Katakana, I don't understand what it means ... -.-||| it's in French isn't it? Anyone who understands French, please tell me what is it then I'll update.

** 'Kadeshito', in Katakana, similarly, I don't understand as well lol, I tried searching for the meaning, but failed, it's in Japanese after all.

Update on 28th July 2006 : Thanks to Rin, click here. He/she explained that the titles for the Etoile pair in the manga, the Older is 'Aînée' and the Younger is 'Cadette'. 'Aînée' is French for 'Older' when referring to someone's sister. 'Cadette' is, likewise, French for 'Younger' when referring to someone's sister. Ahh, now it makes sense haha.

Update: Ok, I started searching the meaning of 'Ene' from a English to French online translator, it gives me no meaning lol. With the help of anonymous, I tried searching for 'Older Star', 'Une etoile plus ancienne' came out. Since Shizuma is 'Older', I tried with 'Younger Star' = 'Une plus jeune étoile'. Then I figured, maybe the 'Une' and 'Ene' are the same so I keyed in 'Une' then 'Une' = One. So I tried 'Two' = 'Deux' and 'Three' = 'Trois'. Not wanting to give up, I keyed in 'First' = 'Premiere' and 'Second' = 'Deuxieme' ... From what I can safely assume, 'Ene' or more correctly 'Une' might mean 'Older/One'.

I'm still curious what could 'Kadeshito' in Katakana stands for ... the Younger? the Second? I dunno ... haha.

Other crazy keywords I tried, 'Husband' = 'Mari', 'Wife' = 'Epouse', 'King' = 'Roi', 'Queen' = 'Reine', 'Emperor,' = 'Empereur', 'Empress' = 'Impératrice', 'Moon' = 'Lune', 'Sun' = 'Le soleil', 'Partner' = 'Associe', 'Spouse' = 'Conjoint'.
Thinking back ... it was funny haha.

It's the same with Etoile, in Japanese it's 'Etowaru' but it's 'EtoILE' in French ... oh btw, 'Etoile' means 'Star' in French =). Hope you enjoyed Chapter 9, I did, because will Nagisa return to the Etoile Battle with Shizuma after she learnt the past of Shizuma? Nagisa must be thinking, 'I'm just one of Shizuma's replacement dolls right? The one she loves is not me ...' The plot thickens, will St Lulim take the Etoile title as St Miator and St Spica bickering with each other and underestimating the underdog? Go Chikaru-sama! =X.

[Sign off @ 5:41 PM]
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Wednesday, June 7, 2006

   Strawberry Panic! Ep10
[Posted @ 3:21 PM]
Strawberry Panic! Ep10~ Let¡¯s study French together?

A Shizuma soliloquy again, she remembered the time when she first saw Nagisa and thought of her as another ¡®cute girl¡¯. One of the many ¡®cute girls¡¯ in her passing, really Shizuma had seriously thought so at first. During lunchtime, Chihaya, Nagisa, Noriko and Tamao were chatting about Ichigo-sha¡¯s Summer School, especially Nagisa, she was very excited about it because they get to go to the beach and late night exploring. Chihaya reminded Nagisa of the term exams starting in 10 days and dampened Nagisa¡¯s mood in particular her most hated, French was the first paper. Nagisa asked Tamao who don¡¯t even have to study so hard but still top the class to teach her French, Tamao of course glad accepted the ¡®mission¡¯ lol. You can¡¯t blame Nagisa for being bad in French, because she transferred in at Grade 4 while the others students had started taking up French at Grade 1. Tamao added that if you failed one of the subjects, you have to stay back for holiday remedial lessons and worse of all, no more Summer School! LOL. That night, Chiyo came over to Nagisa and Tamao¡¯s room to study too because it¡¯s the senpai¡¯s [Senior] duty to help the kouhai [Junior] in their studies.

Nagisa¡¯s frustrated that her knowledge of French was even worse than the First Grader, Chiyo lol, so Tamao suggested that Nagisa to take a walk outside. Nagisa went out alone and saw students from all the three schools hard at work. Meanwhile, Shizuma¡¯s sitting on a bench, looking up the sky and sighing. Nagisa walked in whining about French, calling ¡®French¡¯ baka baka baka [Stupid] lol and beating the poor tree truck which happened to be in front of her lol so cute. As Nagisa turned around, she saw Shizuma staring at her and began babbling about her nemesis French and not able to go to Summer School if she fails. Nagisa realized that she¡¯s jabbering her troubles to Shizuma, apologized and started to left. Shizuma called for Nagisa and offered to help Nagisa in her French since helping troubled students is one of Etoile¡¯s duties too. [Since when?! LoL] Nagisa returned to the dorm room and told Tamao about Shizuma¡¯s offer. Nagisa continued that she rejected Shizuma¡¯s offer since she had Tamao to teach her already. Chiyo said that Shizuma¡¯s grade in French was the best in the school, Tamao suggested to Nagisa to let Shizuma teach her French instead of her. For the sake of Nagisa, Tamao further persuaded by saying that if Nagisa were to fail and not going to Summer School, she won¡¯t go too.


The next day, Shizuma started tutoring Nagisa but she¡¯s having extreme troubles with even Grade 2¡¯s French questions lol. Nagisa started talking about working hard so that she could go with everyone to the Summer School, all the while Shizuma¡¯s staring at Nagisa with sparkling eyes haha. Shizuma assured Nagisa that it¡¯ll be okay, don¡¯t be so impatient and continue to work hard. That night, Nagisa¡¯s still working hard with her French and even burning the midnight oil. That morning, Rokujou-kaichou had a little talk with Shizuma about her helping Nagisa in French. Shizuma asked if there¡¯s a problem with it. Rokujou replied no, instead she was happy and besides there¡¯s no St Miator students living in Ichigo-sha to not get a pass. Shizuma answered that it¡¯s not because of Ichigo-sha or St Miator that she¡¯s tutoring Nagisa, it¡¯s because that Nagisa¡¯s troubled that¡¯s why she had decided to help her. Rokujou responded, is that really the reason? Shizuma retorted, would I have any other reasons? and she left. Shizuma found Nagisa asleep on the table, a while later, Nagisa woke up, Shizuma asked if Nagisa¡¯s tired. Nagisa said no and they continued studying. Tamao told Shizuma that Nagisa had been doing late night studying, studying after school, during lunch breaks and even when she¡¯s bathing. [HOW THE HELL DID TAMAO KNOW?! Unless ... they bathed together?! LoL]

Shizuma¡¯s followers, Mizuho and Hitomi looked on as Nagisa and Shizuma had their little session together. They noticed that Shizuma looked pretty happy, happier than since then. Rokujou was also looking on from afar. The day before the paper, Shizuma suggested that they stop for the day as she knew Nagisa didn¡¯t managed to sleep much during the week. Nagisa refused and said that she knows her body well, so it¡¯s no problem, just has to bear with it. After the French paper, Nagisa looked so relieved, Tamao reminded Nagisa that there¡¯s other papers to go too lol. So that night, Nagisa spent the night studying and kept encouraging herself that after this, she would be able to attend Summer School with everyone. Finally, it¡¯s the end of the exams, because Tamao had club activities, Nagisa left first. While walking back to the dorm, Nagisa decided to take the short cut and walked to the lakeside. Suddenly, Nagisa felt so tired, that she sat down and slept while leaning against the tree. [-.-|||] A while later, Nagisa woke up for a while and saw Shizuma¡¯s smiling face lingering in front of her and went back to sleep again. Little did she know that she¡¯s sleeping on Shizuma¡¯s lap lol. Shizuma commented that Nagisa¡¯s sleeping face looks adorable and attempted to kiss Nagisa¡¯s cheeks but kinda stopped. [?!]


During sunset, Nagisa finally awoke and thought that Shizuma¡¯s appearance was a dream. Probably a few days later, Nagisa got back her results and of course she passed =D if not there¡¯s Summer School next episode? LoL. After classes, Tamao had to go for club activities again, so Nagisa decided to go to the cooking class to get Chihaya to help her bake something for Shizuma. At the cooking class, Chikaru, Kizuna and Lemon were there to bake cookies for their cookies party and invited Nagisa to bake cookies too. As Nagisa took out her tray of cookies, Chikaru commented that Nagisa looked really happy, maybe she¡¯s making the cookies for someone she likes? LoL, Kizuna and Lemon began pestering Nagisa on the identity of that person. Nagisa blushed and said she doesn¡¯t have ... Chikaru giggled and said she¡¯s just joking ne? [LoL Chikaru¡¯s so evil~] After wrapping the cookies, Nagisa went to Shizuma¡¯s room but she¡¯s not there. Nagisa even waited outside the school gate to ask Rokujou on the whereabouts of Shizuma. Rokujou replied that she doesn¡¯t know. Nagisa ran off to the greenhouse and on the way, she fell on her cookies =O. Looking dejected, Nagisa waited for Shizuma in the greenhouse and thought to herself why was she in a hurry to meet Shizuma, it¡¯s just to give a present only ... right? Then she was reminded of what Chikaru said earlier and thought to herself that it¡¯s not like that. Nagisa began to think of the times where she and Shizuma were studying together.

It was late evening, probably sunset, Shizuma finally showed up. Nagisa got up from her chair and said she wanted to thank Shizuma for everything by giving her something but it was ruin now. Shizuma took up the bag of cookies, Nagisa said that for Shizuma, she had worked so hard for it but ... Shizuma cut in and thanked Nagisa and said that she was happy =). Shizuma asked Nagisa for her results, Nagisa replied excitedly that she passed and was looking forward to having fun with everyone, swimming in the sea, campfire and setting off fireworks~ Just then, Nagisa accidentally knocked down the watering can, Nagisa rushed forward to capture it so did Shizuma and she fell on top of Nagisa in the process. Both of them stared at each other on that position for a while with Nagisa having this ¡®KISS ME DAMMIT¡¯ expression on before Shizuma leaned in just 3cm away ¡­ and captured Nagisa in a kiss and was foiled by Nagisa again who was exclaiming. Holy! What could be more freaking important?! Nagisa was more worried about her cookies -.-||| but Shizuma doesn¡¯t mind them in bits and pieces and said it was tasty. Shizuma fed Nagisa a piece and Nagisa agreed and said it tasted much better in bits =).


Looking at Nagisa¡¯s blushing face, Shizuma actually giggled and laughed along with Nagisa. Rokujou saw the laughing Shizuma and was overcomed with mixed thoughts. Before they parted, Shizuma gave Nagisa a potted plant to express her thanks for helping out at the greenhouse. Returning to the dorm, Chiyo and Tamao were waiting for her, Chiyo hugged Nagisa and congratulated her for passing. At the greenhouse, Shizuma told Rokujou that Nagisa passed, Rokujou thanked Shizuma for it as no St Miator students would have to stay back for remedial. Shizuma replied that it¡¯s not her efforts that Nagisa passed, it¡¯s Nagisa¡¯s own hardworking determination. - END -

Another kiss mission failed -.-|||. Shizuma, what are you doing?! LoL. Just as I was saying Nagisa x Shizuma interaction dropped to zero in Episode 9, it bounced back to 102% in episode 10! Tamao brownie points went down because of the stupid club activities lol. What Chikaru brought up was interesting too, Nagisa¡¯s beginning to entertain her feelings for Shizuma ... very apparent when Nagisa's waiting for Shizuma in the greenhouse with the flashback of them studying together and her own doubts about it. No doubt Shizuma¡¯s interested in Nagisa but it¡¯s the problem of whether Nagisa¡¯s interested in Shizuma. At least in the episode we know that Nagisa harboured some ¡®interest¡¯ in Shizuma too =). .

Ohh, next episode¡¯s about sea, sun and swimsuits~ Chikaru in swimsuit =O. Hey, where is Shizuma going in that black limo?

Art: 7/10
Story: 7/10 [Interest Radar on.]
Characters: 7 /10 [Nagisa¡¯s such a hardworking person~]
Overall: 7/10

=) good news, tomorrow¡¯s Manga Strawberry Panic! Chapter 9 review, so look forward to it XD.

[Signing off @ 10:06 PM]
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Tuesday, June 6, 2006

   New Template Feat Gin And Kirara From Love Celeb
[Posted @ 6:44 PM]
Heh, glad that most of you like the new template =), makes my 6 hours of agonizing over the stupid HTML codes worthwhile lol. Anyways, let's compare the old template with the new template.



Well? The Stefanie Sun background's still the same, because I like it alot and I wanna integrate Stefanie Sun with Anime/Manga instead of having a purely Anime/Manga theme. The good thing about the new template is that even if you use Firefox to view my blog it looks pretty similar to IE too. The old template was pretty horrible on Firefox ... especially the alignment -.-||| Haha.

I placed some easy one-click links on the top of the page, so that you don't have to scroll all the way down to click those popular links =). Ah, I like the Gin x Kirara image too which I edited myself ... almost died ... lol. I've been waiting for ages to place Gin-sama on my blog lol but I can't seem to find any place to place him ... now I've done it yay!

Besides, I'm very bad at this kind thing, sigh. Using paint and image composer ... no photoshop ... was pure torture. I still like the Amane x Hikari image i did but i couldn't find any place to put them ... so probably i'll use it for forum signatures or something. Overall, I'm pretty satisfied ... simple and beautiful heh.

Anyways, cya tomorrow for Strawberry Panic! Ep10 review, saw the screenshots of Ep10 over at Random Curiosity and a Japanese StoPani blog XD. Think I'll be able to get the Mandarin version tonight ... XD hopefully the Mandarin version of Chapter 9 would be out too ... *Cross Fingers*.

[Signing off @ 7:14 PM]
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Sunday, June 4, 2006

   Thailand - Chiang Mai Trip, Day 4
[Posted @ 5:15 PM]
Day 4 -.-|||, before you know it, it's time to go home.

Woke up at around 8 AM [Chiang Mai Time], it's time to go home lol. Kinda lame, probably the best moments I had were watching X-Men 3, watching Channel Star Movies thriller movies on TV and soaking in the bathtub. That's all.

That morning I didn't had any eggs, too sick and disgusted by the taste le ... i'm not too fond of eggs, once a month is enough for me. Anyways, I had ham, lettuce, tomato sandwich XD i made by myself lol, used the ingredients for salad to make my sandwich heh, very very nice. After that, 9 AM, went to the Chiang Mai Airport, sat SilkAir MI701 back. I love the airplane food, yummy, the sauce was heavenly ... maybe because I was craving for some Italian food? I dunno lol. I want pizza~~~ but didn't managed to have Pizza Hut in Chiang Mai ... saw Sizzler there too ... manz, I want STEAK~~~ sigh.


Anyways ... the first thing I did when I got home was to drink from the tap LOL! I love the tap water in Singapore ... so yummy, so different from mineral water ... ahaha. I miss Singapore's water ... ~

Ok that's all I reckon. Time pass so fast when you're having fun. Sigh.

[Signing off @ 5:32 PM]
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Saturday, June 3, 2006

   [Manga] Strawberry Panic! Chapter 5
[Posted @ 5:25 PM]
Chapter 5 ... Wonderful Miyuki x Shizuma bath scene ... 'Shizuma groping Miyuki's boobs' page was edited out due to unforeseen cirucumstances ... =O.

Disclaimer:

I do not scan, so i don't claim credit for it, i got the scans from Yamibo, so please do not ask me where i got my scans again. PLEASE.

If you want to download the translated chapters of Strawberry Panic! Manga, go to Dynasty Scans .

Click on the scans and a new window will open and bring you to the larger and clearer version.

Please do not hotlink on forums, just paste my blog url and direct them to the Strawberry Panic! Page section, thanks.



In Chapter 5 of Strawberry Panic!, 'The Queen's Decision', Nagisa and Shizuma finally finished their duties ... after taking quite a number of detours lol. Chiyo and Tamao arrived at the scene to 'save' Nagisa from Shizuma =X. Shizuma doesn't seem to like Tamao at first glance, even more so when Tamao called Nagisa as hers.



A little tension between Shizuma and Tamao as they tried to taunt each other lol. Tamao went on her knees to apologize for Nagisa if Nagisa had done anything wrong in front of the great Shizuma-sama. Nagisa quickly got Tamao up and told Tamao that she was so kind to help Nagisa when she first transferred in, so Nagisa considered Tamao as her best friend. Tamao thought to herself that she's not really worth the innocent kind honest Nagisa's friendship because of the wrapped up family she was brought up in. Tamao went on to hug Nagisa in front of Shizuma =O and acting all lovey-dovey. Shizuma went into extreme jealousy mode lol. [So cuteeee~]



In her 'jealousy rage', Shizuma made a decision to enter the Etoile Battle with Nagisa as her partner. Shizuma went on to remind Nagisa if she should break her promise, Shizuma will 'punish' her~ fufufu lol. Shizuma stared at Tamao's hand on Nagisa's shoulder and slapped it away. =O, so possessive~ lol.



Shizuma proceed to hug Nagisa, whispering in her ear that if Nagisa were to let another person touch her again, Shizuma would not forgive her. That was the true meaning of calling Shizuma 'Onee-sama'. Rokujou-kaichou broke the tension by walking in and manipulating Shizuma to sign up for the Etoile Battle immediately as that day was the last day. Shizuma left with Rokujou-kaichou, leaving Nagisa and Tamao. Nagisa still didn't know what happened and about the Etoile Battle but Tamao knew.



Miyuki x Shizuma bath scene =O, they were chatting about old times ... how they used to tell each other secrets in the bath. Miyuki noticed that Shizuma's in a really good mood ever since then. Shizuma felt that too, she felt more cheerful than before. Shizuma knew Miyuki was playing her into entering the Etoile Battle but Shizuma was willing anyways just this once. Miyuki tried to protest but Shizuma slienced her by groping Miyuki-chan's boobs and praising her body ...



Shizuma got up and asked if Miyuki wanted her to help wash her body, Miyuki blushed and said she never thought of it lol. After Shizuma left, Miyuki thought to herself what a scary individual Shizuma was and felt sorry for Nagisa lol. Back in Nagisa and Tamao's dorm room, Nagisa asked Tamao what was Shizuma planning to do. Tamao replied that Shizuma's going to register for the Etoile Battle. Nagisa doesn't know what Etoile or what the Etoile Battle was all about.



Tamao explained that an Etoile couple was chosen once a year from the three schools [St Miator, St Lulim and St Spica] and they served as a model couple. Although the Etoile couple has no power, they're considered as a really honourable position. Tamao told Nagisa that in St Spica, there's a prince and everyone said that she would be a shoo-in for the Etoile title this year. Tamao added that Shizuma seemed to have decided Nagisa to be her partner in the Etoile Battle but changed the subject by hugging Nagisa and saying that they're sleeping together tonight. So the two girls snuggled with each other on the same bed, with Nagisa thinking to herself that although tomorrow might be another crazy day like today but she still felt a little happy and hoped tomorrow would be a good day. -END-

LOL, I can't help but feel that the jealous Shizuma's so cute~~. Shizuma's serious this time =). Miyuki x Shizuma bath scene was great too, Miyuki and Shizuma seemed to have a really weird relationship whereby they made use of each other for benefits? ... Hmm. As for the Nagisa x Tamao scene in the end, it was sweet =D.

[Signing off @ 6:17 PM]
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   Thailand - Chiang Mai Trip, Day 3
[Posted @ 3:34 PM]
Day 3 stuff.

Got up at 5.30 AM [Chiang Mai Time] because we're going to Chiang Rai on Day 3, took us around 4 hours to reach there. Along the way, we stopped by the so call hot spring at Maekajan ... lol, they sell eggs boiled in the murky dirty hot spring for tourists too ... but I'm already freaking sick of eating eggs for breakfast. After that we went to this Cashew Nuts plantation =O, it's the first time i saw a real life cashew nut tree. The cashew fruit is shaped like a pear then the cashew nut is below the fruit. VERY NICE. XD.


Then we went down to Mae Khong River in the heart of Chiang Rai to visit the famous Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Vietnam and Laos meet.


Then we sat a long tail boat and sailed in the Mae Khong River.


We even stopped by Laos and posted some postcards to ourselves LOL. But, it'll take a month for them to reach us -.-|||.

EDIT: We finally got them on 22nd June 2006 lol. Here's a photo of them XD.



Here's A Map Of The Four Countries sharing the same river. From China, Laos, Vietnam to Thailand.



Away we go~


After that, we went to a market, walking around for 45 mins ... boringgg. A while later, we went to the Akha and Yao hilltribe villages, see them do their little dance, paid them some money ... then went off to see the Palong long-neck hilltribe =O.

Along the way into each tribe, we saw a so call union between a male wooden puppet [Cos of the long ahem] and a female wooden puppet. See above. LoL. The kids were like 'Ewwwwwwwwwww.' LOL. Chuz told me, whoa, so precise ah. I replied huh, really THAT BIG and LONG meh?! It's really freaking big ... poor girls. Then he went on babbling about erection and stuff ... i don't wanna remember lol. But he got a little egoistic, so I shut him up by saying how painful it will be for the girls if such a big freaking thing was stuffed in. Wanna try? LoL.



Oh did i mentioned that we played the 4-way swing there?! LOL SO FREAKING COOL! Two kids managed to get up, but it's really too dangerous for more than 2 to sit on the swing la ... what if they fell? LoL. Very thrilling. Btw, the clouds looked so heavenly ... so beautiful.


Oh yes, we walked a god damn freaking long route [At least hm 500m? Up slope, down slope kaoz, freaking tiring lol. I saw the sign 100-200m to Palong Tribe, i was like WTF?!] to the Palong long-neck hilltribe. Whoa, I have never saw a real life long neck till that day ... so it's pretty cool. Took some pictures with them too ... I wonder if it hurts ... ouch my neck haha.

After that it's back to hotel, i had planned to watch MI:3 that night, but when we got home, it's already 11 PM =O, way too late. So, too bad sigh.

Next post~

[Signing off @ 5:18 PM]
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Friday, June 2, 2006

   Thailand - Chiang Mai Trip, Day 2
[Posted @ 9:40 PM]
Watching X-Men on Channel 5 just now =)~ Anyways, here's Day 2's photos.

On Day 2, we went to the summit of Doi Suthep. We sat this so called 'cable car' [It's just a freaking lift that moves side ways up] up instead of walking 306 steps to see the large golden pagoda in the center of the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple and many other Buddha statues. After that, instead of sitting the 'cable car' lol, we walk down the shaped like a Dragon-headed serpent 306-steps staircase down ... it's even more fun that way. 23 people squeezing + tour guide + lift boy = 25 people in an enclosed space for 1-2 mins was pure hell. After that we sat the Baht Buses [Song Taw] to this Meo hilltribe village living in the mountain to see how they lead the village life and stuff. We got to see how a poppy plant looked like too =) which was totally cool. The tour guide told us that the poppy plants were used to be grown for their opium but now it's grown to make Morphine to relieve pain. Look below for the photo of the plant.



After that, we went to this silk making place where they showed us how silk were made and stuff.


I kinda forgot what else we went, like those jewellery places, honey and others.


The most fun was going to this paper umbrella factory where they made paper umbrellas via hand and they paint what pictures you chose from on the spot. Very nice.


I don't wanna buy cos I felt it was such a waste of money, looking was enough hahaha.

You know, I feel like changing the template/design of my blog ... but I'm lazy ... sigh. XD.

Oh yes, by the way, Strawberry Panic Manga Chapter 9's out =O ... A brief summary from what i can understand from assuming here and there;
- Chikaru's cosplaying fetish goes into full blast lol. No more peace for poor Kizuna, Lemon and Kagome~ fufufu.
- Kagome gets some cute screen time =)
- Nagisa and Tamao in a nice bath scene ... which includes Tamao licking kissing Nagisa's back =O.
- Nagisa learnt Shizuma's past ... how will Nagisa take it?

I'll do the review of it when the mandarin version is up k?

Cya.

[Signing off @ 10:41 PM]
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Thursday, June 1, 2006

   Strawberry Panic! Ep9
[Posted @ 3:18 PM]
I feel kinda tired~ 12 hours of sleep is not enough for lazy old me =).

The episode started with Nagisa narrating that she likes the summer, pool, sea and swimsuits. She’s not afraid of holiday assignments or storms or thunders but she’s darn afraid monsters, spirits and ghosts stories lol so stay away from her please? LoL. [Not surprising, Nagisa showed signs of being terrified of ghosts in Ep5] Hikari and Yaya paid a visit with some yummilicious cakes to Nagisa and Tamao’s room. Hikari noticed that Nagisa’s not around, it seemed that Nagisa’s in the bathroom with her swimsuit on and she’s embarrassed to come out lol. Yaya knocked the door and called for Nagisa but she refused to come out. Yaya tried the ‘threatening’ tactic by saying resistance is futile, so drop your weapons and walk out of the door with your both hands up in the air. Hikari added that if Nagisa made such a fuss, they might attract the sister but Nagisa seemed unaffected. Tamao, patted Hikari and Yaya on the shoulders and they planned the ‘seducing’ tactic LOL. Yaya started the ball rolling by tempting Nagisa out saying it’s such a waste for Nagisa to miss the yummy cakes she brought. Tamao continued by exclaiming how delicious the tarts looked, followed by Hikari and back to Yaya again. Nagisa couldn’t help it any longer, she peeped out of the door, the moment Nagisa opened the door, Yaya pulled her out lol. The three girls began to praise Nagisa in the swimsuit, causing Nagisa to whine lol. The instant Tamao mentioned that the cakes were waiting for Nagisa, she’s back to normal again.

After that, Hikari and Yaya walked through the hallway back to their room, Hikari commented that Nagisa has a nice style so she shouldn’t be that shy. Yaya agreed and said that in terms of proportions, Hikari seemed to lose out to Nagisa though lol. Yaya heard a crying sound and thought it was Hikari crying but Hikari wasn’t crying. The crying sound got louder and louder … The next day, Tamao told Chihaya, Noriko and Nagisa about what happened to Hikari and Yaya last night. Chihaya said that it’s the ‘Hallway Maiden’, Tamao added that it’s one of the Seven Mysteries of the Ichigo-sha. When Tamao and Chihaya elaborate on the seven mysteries, Nagisa was already scared outta her wits lol. As the two girls were listing out the seven mysteries, they realized that they didn’t know the same ones. Noriko tried to comfort Nagisa, saying that those mysteries were just fiction. Class started, but Tamao’s still deep in thoughts over the discussion with Chihaya and Noriko. During lunch time, Tamao showed Nagisa her research findings on the Seven Mysteries of the Ichigo-sha. Tamao deduced that the mysteries usually revolved around peers. From example, the similarities with Chiyo’s understanding of the mysteries and Chihaya were higher than Oosaki-sensei’s even though Oosaki-sensei was from St Miator too. Tamao’s really interested in the topic and planned to use it as her report for her club, starting from the ‘Hallway Maiden’. Nagisa realized that what Hikari and Yaya met might be ghosts, got agitated to the point of squeezing her cup of juice too hard till it squirted out lol. Tamao smiled and said, yep, that’s it LOL.


At St Spica’s swimming pool, Hikari and Yaya’s class were having swimming lessons =O, the underwater shots reminded of me Mai Otome LOL. Anyways, playful Yaya did this monster like action, charged towards Hikari and splashing water everywhere. Then they held hands and floated on their backs on the water, a cute, sweet scene. After the swimming class, they were approached by Nagisa and Tamao in the shower about what happened last night at the hallway. While Nagisa’s clinging on to Tamao like a wittle girl, so cute, the other girls were discussing about what could had happened. As Hikari was thinking of what to reply to Tamao, she suddenly looked behind Nagisa. On reflex, Nagisa looked behind, Yaya abruptly appeared and did her monster like action again lol. While doing so, Yaya’s towel which was wrapped around her body, slides down. Nagisa had a weird expression and action [Like Ultraman lol] on after that. Tamao said that seems like looking at Yaya naked had more reaction than seeing a monster lol. Yaya replied, huh why? [Whoa, Yaya had pretty well-endowed assets. =O Fanservice too, they jiggled a bit too LOL.] Back in their room, Tamao told Nagisa that she discovered something interesting regarding the Seven Mysteries of the Ichigo-sha. The older the students were, the less they knew about the ‘Hallway Maiden’ so it’s safe to assume that it’s a pretty recent thing. When Tamao related the story of the ‘Hallway Maiden’ to Nagisa, she was so scared that she covered herself under the blanket.

Tamao smiled and said they’ll ask the six graders tomorrow. Lying on her bed, Tamao noticed Nagisa standing beside her bed. [?! Kannazuki no Miko rip off!!!] Nagisa was too scared to sleep alone, so she asked Tamao if they could sleep together. Tamao apologized for scaring Nagisa, Nagisa replied that it’s okay, as long as they stay like this. Tamao remarked that it’s the first time they’re sleeping together, Nagisa added that she had always been lonely since she transferred in but she was too shy to ask to sleep together. Nagisa snuggled closer and held Tamao’s hand and Tamao was shining with so much happiness lol. Tamao told Nagisa that if they held hands while sleeping, they will have the same dream. Sleepy, Nagisa told Tamao not to dream of scary stuff ok? Tamao nodded and grasped their hands tighter. The next day, Nagisa and Tamao asked Rokujou-kaichou about the Seven Mysteries of the Ichigo-sha and the ‘Hallway Maiden’. Rokujou brushed them off saying that it’s stupid and told them not to go around asking for information regarding it. When Nagisa said that there’s someone who heard about it, Rokujou excused herself and left. A while later, Nagisa and Tamao went to the greenhouse to ask Shizuma, Mizuho and Hitomi. Shizuma asked Nagisa if they had asked Miyuki, Nagisa didn’t know who Miyuki was. Shizuma said, Rokujou Miyuki, Nagisa realized Shizuma’s talking about Rokujou-kaichou. Nagisa replied that Rokujou refused to answer and even warned them. Shizuma smiled and said that, then, she will refuse to comment too.


Nagisa and Tamao asked Chikaru and she told them everything she knew about the ‘Hallway Maiden’. Tamao told Chikaru that the number of students who know about the ‘Hallway Maiden’ fifth grade and below were higher than those sixth grade and above. Chikaru added that the incident was a hot topic when she first entered in Ichigo-sha. Nagisa asked Chikaru why isn’t she afraid, Chikaru replied that because the Ichigo-sha had been around for about hundred years and girls their age from different periods shared their joys, sorrows and feelings here, so isn’t it normal to have this kind of rumour? That night, Tamao thought Nagisa was asleep and wanted to go out alone to investigate but Nagisa was called her back and wanted to go with Tamao. The girl held hands and walked to the hallway Hikari and Yaya mentioned. The crying sound suddenly echoed in, Nagisa grabbed Tamao for dear life lol chanting, it’s alright, it’s alright, I’m not afraid, I’m not afraid lol. As they walked towards the source of the sound, they saw a cat and Nagisa quickly concluded that the cat had been making the sounds all along lol. But Tamao wasn’t that easily appeased. -Flashback- A girl was hiding in the hallway corner, sniffing and crying. Another girl called the crying girl, Miyuki and said that she’s crying at the hallway again? Miyuki called the other girl, Shizuma.

Shizuma continued that she knows that it’s normal to be homesick, held Miyuki’s hands and led her back. Shizuma added that rumours were going around about crying sounds in the hallway lol. Miyuki said, it’s alright now, she’ll do her best and Shizuma had come for her. Shizuma smiled and said then it’s okay that they don’t sleep together tonight then? Miyuki yelled out no and said that tonight, tonight would be the last time. [Awwww, kawaii Chibi Shizuma~~~~~~~~] -Back to present- Rokujou’s day dreaming in class =O and didn’t answer when the teacher called her. Shizuma called her, flustered, Rokujou got up but didn’t know which page, Shizuma came to the rescue again. While reading, the flashback, Rokujou Miyuki told herself that she’ll get a grip and one day she’ll be as strong as Shizuma. Present, after Rokujou finished her reading, Shizuma remarked that it’s rare for Rokujou to zone out like that and told her to get a grip. Rokujou blushed and thanked Shizuma, thinking to herself, get a grip huh … looks like Rokujou has a long way to go =). Meanwhile, Nagisa’s having fun in the pool and was back to her old energetic self till Tamao said she wasn’t satisfied with the lack of evidence from the ‘Hallway Maiden’ so that there’s six more mysteries of the Ichigo-sha to investigate lol. Nagisa went into hyper, god, please let me off mode and sunk down the pool lol. Tamao was actually teasing Nagisa and stuck out her tongue. - END -


From the yuri-filled fan service early episodes, Strawberry Panic! is moving in to characters developments, not that I’m complaining =). In this episode, we learnt of the relationship between Rokujou Miyuki [Miyuki is Rokujou, Rokujou is Miyuki, I'll stick to Miyuki when Shizuma calls her that, if not it's Rokujou] and Shizuma, they used to be room mates, not sure if they still were now and it’s surprising to see the usual collected Rokujou-kaichou to use to be dependent on Shizuma. Rokujou really reminded me of Youko from Maria-sama ga Miteru, ok besides from the hairstyle, their characters seemed to be pretty similar some way or another. Both admired their strong dependable friend, for Youko it’s Sei, for Rokujou it’s Shizuma. More similarities? Even Shizuma reminded me of Sei, Sei lost Shiori, Shizuma lost Kaori. Interesting =). I don’t think the Miyuki and Shizuma relationship can develop any further, like Youko, Miyuki’s afraid to lose, she would rather die than to admit to Shizuma her weakness. Unless, Shizuma force it out of Miyuki ... Oh Chibi Shizuma’s sooooo cute, her eyes were so big and innocent haha.

As for the swim suits, hm, the St Miator’s looked like normal Japanese high school swim suits but St Spica’s looked more stylish with the turtle neck cutting. Looking at the seriously terrifed Nagisa expressions was cute lol ahhh~ the bed scene ... really reminded of Himeko from Kannazuki no Miko, 'Chikane-chan, may I sleep with you tonight?', hugging the pillow, half hiding her face, muffling her voice ... really such a rip off lol. The Nagisa x Shizuma pair interaction seemed to drop to near zero as the episode goes while Nagisa x Tamao gets more brownie points ... Similarly with Amane x Hikari, everyone is rooting for the angsty Yaya-chan. As Chikaru said, it’s still too early to count the chicks before they hatch. Muahaha.

Art: 7/10
Story: 7/10 [Character development.]
Characters: 7.5/10 [Blushing Rokujou~]
Overall: 7/10

Sorry I took so long, I was getting lazy haha and tired. Didn’t managed to sleep well the last few days in Chiang Mai and sitting on the bus for hours didn’t help much.

[Signing off @ 10:45 PM]
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Wednesday, May 31, 2006

   Thailand - Chiang Mai Trip, Day 1
[Posted @ 9:09 PM]
Miss me?

Ok, I'm back from Thailand, went to Chiang Mai and a day trip to Chiang Rai. Can't say the trip was fun but it was not utterly boring too. It's a kinda cultural learning journey la. My idea of FUN is PLAY, PLAY, ROLLER COASTERS, THRILL, GO CRAAAZZZZY and EAT EAT EAT lol.

Anyways, the first day WAS DAMN LAME. From Singapore, it took around 3 hours for us to reach Chiang Mai airport. Our flight was at 1510 which is 3:10 PM [Singapore Time] so when we reached there, it's like almost 6 PM [Chiang Mai Time] so it's 7 PM in Singapore, as they're one hour later. Anyways, after that, we met the tour guide, sat the bus lol, the whole bus was for us, 23 of us went, one big family [Well, we're related in some way or other] =). Anyways, enjoy the photos taken from the plane

We sat SilkAir, MI701, then during the flight, we encountered quite number of turbulence LOL. We were like, oh yeah this feels so good, like a roller coaster. Every kid in my family were shrieking ... [13 kids, not including me of course, I ain't a kid but i was shrieking too LOL] not in fear, but JOY LOL. Weird, crazy but true. We should be shaking with fear when the plane kinda wobbled up and down while we were having a late lunch LOL but nooooo, we were talking among ourselves excitingly lol. I was playing with my cup of Coke lol, staring at the liquid hovering around my cup LOL. Ah, but we made it safely ... =).


Then our first stop was the hotel, we stayed in this dark, gloomy, hotel called Lotus Hotel [3-4 stars] ... if I'm not wrong lol. The lightings were really dim ... too dim for my liking, kinda scary haha, it's like i'm expecting something to pop out and say 'BOO!' XD. But the room's biggg, Chuz and me in a room, Fish and mum in another room, aunt and grandma lol. After unpacking our stuff, we went to the nearby shopping centre beside the hotel. Half of us, mostly kids went to catch a movie, we watched X-Men 3: The Last Stand ... sooo cool and cheap, just 90 BAHT per person for public days and weekends ... and 60 BAHT per person for weekdays! It's like around $4 Singapore dollars ... oh my god. I can watch TWICE sia lol. The movie was good, great effects ... too bad Professor X died =O, spoilt ya LOL. Cyclops and Jean died too ... awww.

Here's the ticket =).



Well, the theater was soso lor, the seats could be reclined so it's pretty comfortable. The funny thing that happened to us was that, while waiting for the movie to start, they aired some advertisements mah then suddenly, everyone stood up LOL. Like typical Singaporeans, we followed and stood up too. You know why? Because they were playing Thailand's national anthem on the screen, so we have to stand up lor. The Thais really respect their king alot and love their country alot ...

So i'm wondering, if Singapore were to air the national anthem before a movie, will we stand up? Will we sing the national anthem with pride? Ah, i wonder. As students, sometimes we don't even sing, we had to be FORCED to sing, if not we cannot return to the classrooms lol.

Anyways, after the movie, we went back, slept. That's all. Lame isn't it? One day wasted just like that lol. Wanted to watch another movie on the second day ... MI:3 ... but it's a story for another day.

I'll post Strawberry Panic Ep9 review tomorrow, I downloaded it just now ... I like St Spica's swimsuit, nice =). Hmm Yaya fanservice heh.

[Signing @ 9:52 PM]
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Saturday, May 27, 2006

   TCZ Merchandises 1
[Posted @ 11:29 PM]
Won't be blogging cos i'm going to Thailand~ yay.

Away from 28-05-2006 to 31-05-2006

Anyways, here's the TCZ merchandises i bought last night! =O.

I still got the Senba Zuru banner and clock ... but they were both made to order, so it'll take 3 months before they send it to me ... XD Yay so happy.

Ok, gotta go to da airport ... cya.

[Signing off @ 11:40 PM]
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