Tongue Exchange

Hellishly tired and would really like to sleep but here I am typing away on my netbook. I know I haven't kept this blog alive for quite some time and now I'm being active again.

I celebrated CNY last night at our temple in Manila and was taken by my friends on a road trip to nowhere right after. Slept in a car and I was glad I brought a tooth brush and some change of undergarments. It was only in the afternoon when I finally got back home. I'm happy about getting to spend some quality time with my friends and it was a blast, but it really does take its toll on the body.

Last year, I have decided to commit myself in learning Japanese. To really improve my skill from where I left it a few years ago and a Japanese friend recommended a teacher. I happily organized a small class out of my friends to learn it once a week but I found that it wasn't something that I wanted so I searched for another option, of course there are many ways to skin a cat, I decided to look for ads online of people willing to practice their language with someone. So I found someone in Sta Rosa who was a Japanese and was interested in learning Filipino.

It was something that I never really expect would bear any sort of fruit and it was just a try whether it would work out or not. It took a few days to get a response and just when I thought my message didn't push through, she replied and we immediately set a date to meet in my hometown, a rather convenient place for me and for her.

This is my first experience with utilizing online language exchange sites. I've read about it when I was in Taiwan, how foreign men would not only get a language partner learning Chinese but also a partner in bed... of course it is a mutual kind of relationship.

It gave me a few laughs back then because it was something I had no idea about. Back then I didn't need a language partner to practice my Chinese on, we had classes and was most of the time with people who speak Chinese and were willing to correct my sentences when I braved the atmosphere to say something.
I was finally getting the hang of it and memorizing characters wasn't a bad thing but I questioned my ability with languages and if there's a new language I would like to add to my arsenal of fluently spoken languages, Japanese won out. I had to turn my back on Mandarin.

"I think you're an Otaku" Shino said, my language partner gauged.

"Really? You think so? What are Otakus anyway?" I replied, though I had an idea of what an otaku is, a person who is probably a geek who is interested in geeky stuff. Honestly, she wasn't too far off...

"Otaku is a person who looks forward for the weekend to watch animes or play videogames. They just spend their money on their hobbies like that until they're middle aged. But it is alright, we Japanese are proud of our Otakus." Shino answered.

I simply agreed and continued our studies together, but being labeled as an Otaku was a bit unsettling but I  was fine with it. I know in a few days, I must really become an adult, must make commitments and prepare for a lot of things. I am not always an otaku, or will be...

I meet Shino once a week. At the same time and at the same place. It's been going on for months now. I can say that she's enjoying herself because she asked me to have dinner with her on our second meet, I guess I'm good company. I find that she is an agreeable and pleasant person to be with. Shino is not an Otaku, she prefers to go out into the wild and explore things on foot. Her interest in culture and art is rather insatiable and she has traveled half of the globe to satisfy her free spirit.
I consider myself very lucky to have met her. I'm giving myself three years to master Japanese.

Hand Made Monster Hunter Icons

I really love the Monster Hunter series. So I decided that I would make a wooden carved key-chain out of the icons from the game.

Great Sword Icon

I know it's not much but I wanted to see how the icons would look like on wood because of their simple and recognizable design. I'm a bow user so I decided to make one from the bow icon and I found that the Great Sword icon is rather simple enough to give it a try. 

I've been playing Monster Hunter for years now and it started back when I still owned a PSP, was thinking of buying a PS Vita if they had an MH game but sadly the PS Vita didn't, so I decided to buy a Nintedo 3DS instead. 

Currenlty playing MHX today and I'm quite happy about it even though it is only a Japanese release and we don't have news yet if it's coming to the West. I still have a few projects on wood carving so I'm a bit busy with these projects and I also have an upcoming project that is currently in the works.

I'm rather sad about not having the time to play games but I have to take it like an adult. I'm not ashamed that I love playing games and it is perfectly a wonderful source of entertainment and abnegation. 

I will make more of these and see where I can go from here, as long as I have extra materials and time to work on trinkets like these again. In the mean time, projects and commissions come first and I would be happy to show some of the projects that I have been working on some time soon.

I Got in the First Tier. The Backlash of My Secret Life

I was included in an article about 10 New Filipino artists that deserve recognition.

The article is here by Spot.

Now, I've been living a quiet life recently and didn't know that this came out not until a friend sent me a message.

Still preferring a life of solitude right now. See you.

How to Register as an Artist with BIR

Artists who are serious and are climbing up their careers need to provide receipts for every artwork that is sold or services provided. Those who are no longer "Just Dabbling" in art and is taking a more professional approach should register. Here are instructions on how to register yourself and become a legitimate artist in the RP. I'm cutting the sweet talk on why you need this as an artist, these are the things that an artist should know already. Yes, if we earn through our art, we need to pay taxes as good citizens. Otherwise if we become famous, the BIR will be on our asses.

What you need:
* A registered tin number. If you don't have one, click the link.
* P500 Registration fee. (To be quick, don't wait til you're at your BIR branch to pay. See below)
* Copy of Birth Certificate (NSO)
* BIR 1901 Form (2 Copies, Fill them up.) Download them here Part I and Part II.
* 605 Payment Form (Bring the original (1) and photo copy them, twice (2)) Download here.
* Proof of address (Ex: Meralco Bill, Internet Bill, etc.)
* Photocopy of a valid ID with signature and date of birth. (Ex: SSS card, Postal ID, Driver's License,            Passport)
*** Printer's I906 form (Application for Authority to Print Receipts and Invoices)
       Provided by your printer. See below for more info on this one.
       * Sample Receipt ( Just one is enough )
* 2 Columnar Books, 1 Ledger, 1 Linear Journal (Depends on your RDO, but at least buy one                 Columnar book in school supply stores upon coming to the BIR office, they normally sell them there but buying before hand saves you time.) I was only required the Columnar book, nothing more.

* If married (Marriage Certificate copy and birth certificates of dependents if any)

X No need for DTI. If they asked then tell them you are registering as an individual, self-employed, professional.


***The 1906 form is nothing to worry about, but it should be something you already have before heading out to the BIR office. If you submit everything above, then it's possible to finish registering within the day in one sitting with the BIR officer. This is how you save time and seize the day, and perhaps have the good part of the afternoon to celebrate with a snack.
By that, I mean before scheduling to go to the BIR office in your area, you should have downloaded the 1901 form, filled them up and visited a printer's office or shop. They would need your 1901 form so it's important you already have it by then.

Sample Receipt
If you have a logo, it would be best to bring it and give the file to the printer. Since you are already there at the Printer's office, ask whether you need Vat or Non-Vat, OR or SI. Explain your situation clearly.
There are templates and sizes of receipts to choose from and an option to place your logo wherever on the receipt. Make it look cool.

Going to a printer before hand saves you time and money because if you fail to go to one and went ahead to the office, they will refer a printer that will charge you twice the amount you'd have paid for. Printers are called IMPRENTA for locals.

Once everything is settled, the printer will give you the 1906 form with your 1901 attached and of course, the Sample receipt. Printing for the receipts will depend on how many you want to be printed. Mine was 10 books and it took three days from date of registration. I gave a down payment but it's not necessary. I was just allocating my budget that way. The printer owner was also a good friend of my dad, they were childhood friends so I got a huge discount.

PAYING FOR THE REGISTRATION FEE
Can be done on the same day you visited the printer, before or afterwards. Either way is your choice.

BANK
It's very simple and hassle free when paying with banks. That's the easiest right now. I paid with Land Bank but there are other banks where you can also pay for your P500 registration fee. Ask the bank to be sure.
When paying, don't forget to bring the 605 Payment Form you downloaded and printed. It is a requirement when paying with banks.

GCASH
GCASH is also available, I used it to pay for my DTI before but you should have a GCASH account. I chose the bank payment instead even if I have a GCASH account simply because I would have to go to a GCASH center to deposit P500 then send a text message to pay. It's pretty much the same as paying in the bank and the bank was nearer my house. Here's the link to GCASH payments.

BIR eFPS or Electronic Filing Payment System
Here's the link. I found it slow and painful. Never got past the enrollment process but worth a try because you can also pay taxes through here.

After this, you will get your payment receipt. Don't lose it. It's good to be organized with all these papers.
You are pretty much good to go to your BIR office.

At the BIR Office
You will be paying for the following in the office:
Document Stamp P15 (For the COR)
Columnar Book, Ledger, Linear Journal. From P45 to P150. Depends on what will be required to be purchased but the Columnar Book is a good bet.

*You may also apply for a Tin Card which is free. It takes three days to be completed, I've applied but haven't retrieved it.

Arrive early, as early as 8:30am or at least before 9am when the office opens. Being at the beginning of the line helps. Get a number if necessary and wait for your turn, if you think it's going to take a while, bring a book, comic, sketch pad, and kill time until your turn.

While waiting, you can go ahead and pay for the document stamp which is P15. The officer will require you to buy the books, normally it's them selling it so you don't have to go anywhere.

Registering as an individual, means you are a self-employed professional and they have categories for that, for artists, the category would be under ART GALLERIES or something similar to it. You will be asked by the officer and will lead you to a closer and appropriate category depending on what kind of artist you are. Don't be afraid to ask and explain your situation.

Pretty much, that's it. Just wait for the whole process to end and you will be given your COR (Certificate of Registration Whoohoo!!) and you will be lead to the boss where he or she has to sign the released COR. That's it.

It's not that hard now is it?
Don't let intimidation get ahead of you. It's not intimidating. It's very simple and only exerts a little bit of effort. Don't waste time. I just did it on my own and I think it took me about 3-4 hours, because I made a mistake with the receipt and had to take another sample back from the printer.
If there are seminars about tax filing at the BIR, take it, it's free. It's like workshop on tax paying.

Congratulations you are now legit! Go put your COR in a frame and hang it in your studio!
Now that you have a COR then having your own website is next.
You can check out my website at www.veronicalaurel.com
It is a simple and easy to update site which I will be posting up instructions very soon. So subscribe if you want to learn more about it. Click here to subscribe to my mailing list.

After registering, one should also know about income tax and how to file them.
Here's a useful link.
I found out how to register through this link. Very helpful indeed. I'm grateful for resources online like these.

Short Travels on Two Wheels and a Million Things to be Sad About

A biker on a corner of a huge painting, a Siopao vendor riding a
vintage bike, I think.

September is here and I did a little bit of travelling where I get to see art. I have been using my bike as far as I could but had to commute all the way to Angono. I sort of regret coming all the way there but it was because I had to help a friend in need of someone to fix their roof and ceiling not to mention she's been depressed and been wanting to kill herself since June. I thought that going there might alleviate the misery and ease a little bit of pain even if it were environmentally, like the ceiling that has been leaking. Unfortunately, I realized that it was a bad idea and found myself trapped in a rather unpleasant situation.

Apparently, depression has always been a puzzling subject for me and I wonder how people stay sad for a very long time. It must be tiring to think about killing oneself every now and then and to be sad that it gets in the way of routine or normal human functions. It must also be very mind-exhausting to think about the shitty things that happened to one's life and sulk about it. When that happens to me I usually get mad and try to avoid situations but I don't normally act on it.
It doesn't mean I haven't been sad or depressed, I have been sad and depressed but I don't let it last for weeks or months. I do get heartbroken because I know I lay my heart too often and it may last for a while but it doesn't mean I'll stop functioning or stop living. I always try to find things that will make me happy or find a way to be happy doing mundane things. Merely existing is not enough, one must live and provide meaning to the void that one has because it will not come and fill itself up on its own. Too often than not doing leisure hedonistic things actually gets me down, what's really rewarding and fulfilling is to create things that reflect parts of my soul and hopefully, I would get to live by it and earn just enough to survive.
My friend said she has been crying herself to sleep and thought that death is a sweet release. There have been shitty things that happened to her recently that she couldn't bare accept it.

It was a huge inconvenience for me and I have wasted time, effort, and money doing so.
The commute to Angono from Cubao was a grueling ordeal, I don't know how these people do it each day.
It was like being in a container van with strangers, ready to be trafficked across the border except for the very loud ghetto music that the jeeps going there play on end. No wonder my friend is depressed.

For the sake of our friendship I decided to just go ahead with it and just look at the positive side of things.

As a consolation, I decided to visit Pinto Art Musem for the second time and see what new art works they have in store. Since my friend have no idea how to travel around her province, we have wasted an hour and a half going around to Antipolo and spent a few more bucks. It really pays to know one's province.

At the Pinto Art Museum, Antipolo. It was a breath taking 25 ft by 10 ft
painting, at least the approximation of the size.

A pocket 2014 planner I bought for 20 bucks

I told my friend that she might enjoy getting a hobby like biking in order to get her mind off her sorrow. She said she could use it to travel back and forth Manila but I noticed she's not so into it. But as one can see, the beauty of bike is undeniable and there're art to prove it so. It is one of the hobbies that I would like to keep and share with friends.

I've tried my best to cheer her up and tell her that sadness is just a state-of-mind but she argued that she's having a mental illness which results to depression. In the end, there was nothing I could have done, she'd be sad either way.

I'm very happy about what I discovered and to set aside the ordeal I had to go through. I'm just glad I got home and was welcomed by hungry kitties who have been waiting for my return. Although finding out that my family ate one of my chickens while I was a way made me sad for a bit, I'm just not that sad enough.

As for depression, people are going to be depressed because they unknowingly keep themselves depressed. They kept on thinking about the sad thing that happened and they chose not to move on. There are in fact at least a million things to be sad about and the list doesn't end but we can provide a few things to get people down and experience agony even just momentarily.
Which I will then discuss on my next entry because I don't want to make reading this entry awfully long and might trigger depression to some.

Adopt a Pitbull with CARA Philippines

A pitbull contemplates a forever home.

More than a year ago there were more than 200 pitbulls rescued from a dog-fighting syndicate where they were mistreated and forced to fight to death with one another. Dog fights were then caught on webcam as online gamblers bet on their mishaps. They were bred in a terrible environment and were raised for terrible reasons, to please the gambler's lust for carnage. Some of them died of sickness and were unable to go on living a normal dog's life after a very traumatizing experience, those who survived suffered irreversible damages, intellectually, emotionally and physically.

This is Bailey, she has serious issues where she tends
to lick her cage ceiling every time someone approaches her.
She was used as a dummy for pitbulls in training where her
snout was taped and her teeth were filed so she won't be able
to fight back or harm the dogs attacking her. It made her socially
retarded and awkward towards any living creature.
She's not ready to be adopted yet, through dog
psychoanalysis and therapy, she will be. For now,
healing her physical wounds is priority, hence the silver nipples.

My visit to the rescue center was prepared and I did all the paper works before hand, I came in as an adopter and would like to give one of these dogs a forever home in Sta Rosa. The trip to Tiaong Quezon was smooth on a Sunday morning where traffic was very cooperative.

The many adoptable pit-bulls fighting for the visitor's
attention through barking, puppy eyed glares, and tail wagging.

Adopters will get to know the dogs better through volunteering their time at the center and also by bonding with their dog of choice.

This one caught my eye because of her beautiful coat and charms.
She got me at "ARF ARF ARF!"

Adopting one of the dogs here requires total commitment and preparedness for the responsibility at hand. It's like wooing a person. I am willing to cross seven mountains and give a day of my week for a dog whom I'm willing to give a forever home. It's hard work, but I know it's worth it. Knowing the dog's personality and behavior can't be done in a single visit, just like Rome was not built in a day.

Let's start with giving her treats and a walk with an interview
"What are your interests?"
"What do you think about interplanetary travel?"
"Do you like cats?"

Volunteer work consists mostly of giving the 164 dogs a walk and giving them baths, at least that's the more active things to do. Observing them and checking out if something's wrong with them is also part of it. There aren't a lot of volunteers and CARA is looking for people who are willing to give their time for these poor dogs.
It's a great way to spend a Sunday and can be done with friends or family. Volunteering here is a satisfying activity that's definitely worthwhile.

This is one of the most aggressive pitbulls in the center. He should never
be approached and is considered to be very dangerous. I think I like him.
He has a nice dark coat as dark as his past and has a look reserved for
grandma-rapers.

Pitbulls are loving dogs who are loyal to the point that they'd do
anything for their masters, even so to kill off another creature of
their race. Their master's happiness is their happiness.

It's terrible that these dogs were raised to kill off the next dog
they bump fur with. It's twisted and had thwarted their
chance at a meaningful dog to dog connection.

Adopt a Laguna pitbull and give these poor creatures
a chance to live in a caring environment where it is safe.
Some dogs are not adoptable yet because they are still sick physically
or must recover from their PTSDs.

Buying a dog or a cat is a shame but adopting an animal
is a gallant and respectable deed. It helps so much in abolishing animal
exploitation in many ways.

I walked three dogs and checked out a group of dogs as part of the volunteer work, the walking part was a bit tiring as I tried running with the dogs to see if they were fit for jogging along with. The dogs were harmless but my shirt and pants were not spared of mud as one of the dogs kept lunging at me with excitement.

These dogs enjoy having visitors because they don't really get a lot of people visiting on them.
For those who wish to volunteer or have inquiries with regards to volunteering, they can email: volunteeratlpb@gmail.com
For those who wish to adopt can email: adopt.a.lpb@gmail.com
Donations are also welcome! Visit http://helpsavethepitbulls.com

Repainting my Japanese Cruiser Bike Part 1 Updated

Hanging the bike frame to dry after spraying the third coating of primer.

I'm taking a holiday for myself and won't be doing any work for a while. My artworks would have to wait just a bit and writing too as I have decided to just restore a rather beat up Jitensha vintage cruiser bike.

One of the reasons why I preferred buying a used bike is that I can customize it the way I want to and I started with stripping the old paint that has been chipping away and thankfully, the frame has no rust despite being decades old.
The main reason why I bought a used one is that I don't have much of a budget and it's definitely a steal for its price.

I'm rather becoming obsessed with my new cruiser bike which I take as a healthy and fun obsession.
I started repainting today while yesterday was spent stripping paint and cleaning out old rusted parts with a solution that removes rusts. I also bought new bike parts to replace the old ones.

Decided to paint this one too.

Having a cruiser bike is not very popular for young people around here and I only seem to see them being used by laborers and working mom's in my area, I didn't see much of this in Metro Manila but people don't understand the elegance and nostalgia that this type of bike has. Everyone seems to clamor over mountain bikes with brand names all over them or bikes that cost for at least P50,000.

Audrey Hepburn riding a cruiser bike with a straight
step-through

These bikes are considered romantic and has that style and charm that not all bikes possess, it provides a lot of space for customization but still retain flair with its simple design. Perfect for casual bikers like me.

After the primer, the color is added. Now it's just waiting
for the top coat.

Unfortunately it started raining and I was not able to finish painting important parts of the bike like the frame because it takes at least 24 hours for the primer to dry. I had to stop and wait and hope for a sunny tomorrow.
Nonetheless, I certainly enjoyed painting the bike, it's rather expensive to have them repainted in bike shops s0 I'm happy that I bought a compressor a year ago. It's various uses never cease to impress me. Now I'm able to do it on my own.
Repainting the bike is also a good recreational activity for me as it took my mind off a lot of things.
Hopefully tomorrow, I'll be able to finish painting everything and can start making the wooden handlebar grips, boxes, and box carrier.

Updates:

Repairing the nicks of the fenders with automotive putty

Even the smallest parts were air brushed with the color I
chose. After spraying the color it is then followed by
several layers of the top and final coating.

I decided to repaint the bike the way they repaint cars, a complete and meticulous process that I won't compromise. The weather wasn't as cooperative as I wanted it to be so up to now, everything is hanging to dry and would wait for three days to make sure the paint has dried properly. The next activity on my list is to start bushing the frame of the bike.

Hanged the bike parts on our clothes rack

Investing on Two Wheels

An artist must live a frugal life, something that I have had no complaints about. I eat, get to spend time with friends, eat out with them and drink, and so on without spending so much. I have embraced destitution a long time ago, also one reason why I don’t really go out on dates – it’s too expensive so I prefer less-expensive and modest activities like biking around.

Since my fold-able bike was stolen over a month ago, I have been meaning to buy a new one. This time I’m not getting a fold-able one, I’m getting a Ladies Bike.

As a casual biker roaming around town, I thought it would be perfect. A used one would suffice since I don’t have much of a budget and I'm excited to setting it up the way I want to. Creating boxes on the back and a small wooden basket in front. Something to hold wine at the back and a place I can put my Picnic basket.

I'm rather excited to go around with this sort of bike because I haven't really bought any huge bikes lately as I have settled with practicality and portability. It's nice to see lesbians in this sort of bike talking while riding in nice places like Nuvali, which reminded me that it's a nice date activity.
There are also bikes for rent in Nuvali, I went out with someone way-way back and we rode bikes, hanged out on the pier when there were several of them still despite being inaccessible to people. It was a cheap way to go out because rentals only cost about P60 an hour and that's enough to bike around the place. Picnicking afterwards is also inexpensive and relaxing. It's possible to drink wine without paying corkage or have tea or coffee. Several sandwiches, salad, fruits, and cheese and that should be enough.

It also means that whenever I'm stressed out with work, I can easily just go to Nuvali and go take a round then have milk tea at a friend's tea house. :) Going around with a foldable bike is rather difficult.
I'm looking forward to this as I'm very thrilled.