E1
SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor
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Young Life
Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com.ph
SLANG WORDS
OF TODAY’S YOUTH CAN’T seem to keep a conversation with someone young or young-ish? Did they, at one point, say something which you were pretty sure was grammatically incorrect or mistakenly used a word or just talked strange English? The advent of texting and social media paved the way for new ways to communicate: various abbreviations have sprung up, some words have gotten a different meaning, and phrases from memes have become acceptable in regular conversations. Update your vocabulary with some of the latest slangs used online and offline:
af
FROM WALLS TO DISNEY TO FB
Definition: (adv.) Abbreviation of “as fuck”, used to describe something—usually a condition or feeling—that is extreme How to use: “I am tired af”
rn Definition: (adv.) Abbreviation of “right now”, used to describe something that’s happening at the very moment or to suggest urgency How to use: “We’re having so much fun rn” / “You need to come here rn if you want to join us”
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By Bernadette Lunas
M
UCH like many of today’s illustrators, Niccolo Balce started from scratch. His first project as a kid was crayon drawings of F1 cars—inspired by Atari game Pole Position—on the walls of their house.
Seeing his potential, his architect dad supported him by giving him proper equipment and sketchbooks, which he filled with drawings influenced by his ‘80s childhood. With a goal to become an illustrator, Balce took up Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Visual Communications at the University of the Philippines and taught himself Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash on the side. Years later, the kid who used to draw on the walls have become an illustrator whose works have been published in several comic book publications and magazines (Viper Comics and Xbox Nation Magazine), were featured in art books (Exotique 4), trading cards (Street Fighter), mobile and social games (Disney Interactive), and have won him major recognition (1st Place in Wizard’s “Bayonetta Re-envisioned” Competition). His creations were even pirated in France, something that made him feel terrible and flattered at the same time. But “I’ll probably seek legal action the next time it happens,” he told Manila Standard. At 36, Balce, also known as Robotnicc (a play on Sonic The Hedgehog 2 villain Dr. Robotnik and his nickname “Nicc”), has built himself pretty impressive credentials to back him up as he progresses into the industry and makes a name in California, where he and his wife Jamie are currently based.
For three years (2011-2013), Balce worked his own magic at Disney where he was a senior artist for Disney Interactive. He was responsible for concept and production art for the graphics used in Armies of Magic and Pirates of the Caribbean: Isles of War. During his Disney stint, the Filipino artist shared how he felt a “happy disbelief” working for something he only dreamt of as a kid. “Never thought I’d actually get in but it happened and it’s done,” he enthused. Balce then worked for mobile gaming company RockYou, drawing environments for Kitchen Scramble. He is currently a contract illustrator for Facebook, while doing many other personal projects on the side. Always ready to evolve and aim for higher goals, Balce said he now dreams of doing visual development for an animated TV series or an animated film. “In my free time I’m taking up workshops and doing personal work that would hopefully take me there,” he related. With ample experience, impressive talent, and right attitude, there is no telling what Balce would be drawing next. One thing’s certain, though, we would be looking forward to watching an animated TV series or film featuring a Robotnicc creation. Check out Niccolo Balce’s drawings on his Instagram account @robotnicc.
Extra Definition: (adj.) Something that is over the top, too much, or overly dramatic How to use: “She sews her own wedding dress. She’s so extra!” / “You’re being extra not accepting his apology”
Fam DRAWN TO DRAWING.
Filipino artist Niccolo Balce, also known as Robotnicc, is making a name for himself in the US as an illustrator. (Photos, from top: Landscape sketch, 1st place winning entry for Wizard Competition, and The Escape from Apartment IA are courtesy of Niccolo Balce)
Definition: (noun) Short for family; used to refer to close friends or squad How to use: “Let’s match our OOTDs, fam!” / “My fam is going to the club tonight” Turn to E2
PRETTY IN PASTELS BEAT the summer heat with chic ensembles in soft and bright color palettes that are cool in the eyes.
Dainty details come together in this ensemble
Smart casual sophistication Pretty laidback Mix and match formal and informal pastel For busy days, opt for comfortable and stylish pieces to get a look that’s perfect for an event- essentials like a cropped top-denim skirt-sneakful yet easy Sunday. Punctuate your look with a ers combination. pair of white sneakers accented with gold details. Dainty details Mix dainty feminine elements in light colors Sunny daze chill for a no-frills OOTD. A pleated dress combined Embrace the summer sunshine by rocking with a pair of crochet sneakers, and finished a bright patterned dress and a pair of white with elegant clutch and accessories is an ensneakers (to balance the look) that are as chillax semble that can take you from Monday errands to Sunday brunch. as Sunday or any other day.
Chill in bright dress and white sneakers combination