I majored in Creative Writing, and although I have learned a thing or two from my years at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, I have never really improved to a level I can be confident with my work. Even though my heart and my self-esteem were shattered countless times by the scathing and hurtful comments and criticism by my writing professors, I still loved to write. I would show my collection of short stories to anyone who cared and was happy with the few friends who read my work.
After the many assignments and papers and articles I was forced to write in school, I haven’t written anything creative for a long time since then, except perhaps my resume. After graduating I worked as an English instructor, then college professor, then editor. It was during a short stint as an editor/writer at a tourism Web site that I came to a shocking realization: Why wasn’t I writing? Almost 14 years have passed without a story or as much as a doodle, and I have missed out on being a blogging pioneer. I mean, I’m almost as old as the Internet!
It is with that regret and frustration and realization that I forced myself to come out of “retirement” and write again, and I have chosen blogging as my way to reach a wider audience while still being afforded the benefit of anonymity. For my topics I chose anime and cosplaying, things that I have a considerable knowledge about. Sure it isn’t journalism or writing at its finest, but I figured it was a start nonetheless.
It is then a truly ground-breaking, sky-shattering, space-splitting occasion as I, Xtian Mack, age 35, paid $8.17 for my own domain name to officially become a blogger, and henceforth vows to accomplish the following noble goals:
- To solve the mysteries of the universe, like withholding tax, fat-free ice cream, and metrosexuals.
- To guide the curious on a journey to the obnoxious, overrated, and obscene world of pop culture, anime, cosplay, vocaloids, toys, hobbies, gaming, and other aspects of popular culture while trying to turn a profit. Well, recoup my $8.17 investment, at least.
And why should I spend considerable time, effort and money on such endeavors?
- Because the world is falling into ruin from human apathy, debauchery, and greed.
- Because I need proof of my existence.
- Because the world needs more love.
And the world does need more love because modern life has become helplessly absurd with each day that passes. I have taken it upon myself to burn with this love, and I shall go forth and share my love of all things obscure, overrated and obscene to change public opinion for the better one reader at a time.