Year: 2021

Oh, where do I begin?

After a few months of absolutely nothing but cobwebs, I am back! Just barely. I am just fixing some stuff here and there to make sure the relaunch for this site is a great one. 

I don’t want to get this into a long wall of text, but a lot of things have been happening with my personal life which has drained me emotionally, mentally, and financially. I have promised that the site will have regular updates sometime a few months ago, but due to some family-related problems, those pushed back. 

I am still struggling from the recent hardship but hey, we come back stronger. I am not sure if I don’t have the funds to keep the site afloat until the end of the month so any amount of support is greatly appreciated. I only need around 18 USD this month. It’s the hosting that I pay monthly. 

What Happens Next? 

Well, as promised there’s some content going up in a couple of weeks. I have to rewrite a lot of them to edit the timeframes and update some info. But a few yuri reviews will be in here as well some feature articles that I have in mind of quite a while. Officially, the non-yuri stuff will be transferred over to Zenbu. The site is just an extension of this one so if you’re looking for my non-yuri anime, manga, and video game reviews, Zenbu would be the place to go. 

So I guess that is all I can share for now. The site might go offline soon to make way for the major changes but I do appreciate yuri fans visiting the site from time to time. With the relaunch, I will do the best I can to provide the yuri and latest fandom news and reviews to you. Thank you so much. It means a lot. See you soon. 

How to Keep Your Online Accounts Secured – A Lesson From A Stressful Ordeal

Just within 24 hours, two of my Facebook accounts were compromised by hackers. The first one is my fandom account (primarily used for The Lily Cat page) in which the hacker attempted to log in and change my password. I was able to catch it first and changed my password immediately.

Then just this morning, my other account (personal and work) was infiltrated by someone who logged in from Brazil. He added random people to my account and that was it. I logged out of the questionable device and changed the password immediately. I went through my profile to see if they have done anything else. Nothing so far, even in my messenger. I have blocked the two recently added people by the hacker just in case.

I honestly don’t know why they were able to successfully get through my accounts. Both of my FB accounts have 2FA enabled and my phone or email address should notify me ASAP if someone attempts to log in. I am not sure if this is crappy security from Facebook’s end or some wise engineering in the works. But if that’s the case, then there’s a chance I might have to slowly leave the platform if these cases persist. This is the first time this has happened to me before on the platform.

Even by just writing this, I’m actually not confident if my accounts are fully secured yet. The paranoia and anxiety are just too high right now and I just don’t feel like doing anything else. I tend to check my security and activity every now and then and so far nothing suspicious has happened. So changing passwords were the best thing after all…for now.

So in relation to this experience, I want to share with you some basic tips on how to keep your account safe from intruders. Remember that we are in a pandemic and having these online accounts are more important than ever so here’s how you can keep them safe:

Install Anti-Virus and Enable Firewall

As basic and obvious as it is, you should have anti-virus running on your PC whenever you are logged in. This was one of my big mistakes. I just remembered that I uninstalled my anti-virus software way back so I was unaware that there are some questionable files running or could be watching my movements. After installing an anti-virus again, my anti-virus warned me of two trojan files that are running in my system. This could be the possible culprit. I am not really much of tech expert so I can’t be for sure. But for the hacker of my personal FB account to be able to bypass by 2FA… this is possible.

Check If Your Email is Compromised

One of the basic entries for hackers to get into your accounts is your email. Once they have access to it, they are able to get into your other accounts.

One way for you to check if your email is included in a data breach is by typing in your email address here. If it notifies you that your email was part of a breach, change passwords immediately. If you have extra time, you must also change the passwords of all the accounts that you registered using this email.

Check Which Devices Your Email Has Signed In To

If you check on the security settings of your Gmail account, you would see a list of devices on which your account is signed into. If you see a PC or device that is logged in from a different location, logout that device first and change your password immediately.

Always. Always. ALWAYS. Use Two-Factor Authentication

Social media and popular platforms these days now include 2-Factor Authentication for additional protection. If there is an email that you mostly use, enable 2FA with it. It can be annoying at times but at least it gives you peace of mind every time you log in. It’s recommended that you use authenticator apps like Authy as a way to get authentication codes.

Regularly Change Your Passwords

For social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and IG, it’s important to regularly change your passwords. Online bank accounts as well. You must make it a habit to change everything when you hear that there is a recent data breach.

Conclusion

I wish I can list down more things related to this one but I have tackled the major ones already. I may not know what the intentions of the hacks are, but it gave me a good lesson to be more mindful and put effort into keeping my online accounts safe and secured. I honestly wished this wasn’t the “comeback” post that was waiting for here on the site, but at least I want to put this out here for you guys. Stay safe out there.

 

Puhon, We Will Meet Again

2021 and things are still not the same as before. Like last year, many events are pushed back. Some canceled. Some are still hanging on the balance if they will push through or not. Although virtual events are possible, it is not enough to fill that empty void that we longed so much.

Meeting friends in a convention, hugging them when we meet, screaming and cheering at the top of our lungs, meeting people who share the same passions as you…

Goddamn, I miss them so much.

These days are tough, but here we are still doing our best to make ends meet in the comfort of our own homes, finding new ways to enjoy ourselves while the world is still uncertain for now. I admit it is really hard to be hopeful when things are still not 100% okay.

Every time when I feel like giving up, every time I wanted to just stop being hopeful for the best. I always remember this one simple word, Puhon.

Puhon is Bisaya for hopefully, someday, or in God’s perfect time. It’s a simple word but it has a beautiful way of expressing something related to hope.

Puhon, We Will Meet Again.

The past couple of years is without a doubt, life-changing. I learned a lot from the many travels I had. I got to be part of a community where I met the best people in my life. They have become my friends, my sisters, my “fam.” I wouldn’t be doing these things, continue to be passionate about this genre if it weren’t for them. It’s not for certain to when I will be able to see them again, but Puhon. I will, once all of this is over.

They say when you travel, you meet the most interesting people in your life that would turn things around, change your plans, and make your destination a place called home.

You will laugh, you will cry. You will face challenges and meet them with victory. At the end of the day, lessons are learned. Memories are kept.

I will look forward to the day when I can finally step on that platform again, heading to my assigned seat beside that small window, my ticket in my left jacket pocket, my passport on my right.

The distance doesn’t matter, the expenses don’t matter. When you meet people who make you feel at home, nothing else matters.

See you soon. Puhon.

Yuri Blogger Erica Friedman to Release ‘By Your Side: Conversations on the Yuri Genre’ Book

Long-time Yuri blogger Erica Friedman announced on her Twitter account on Friday that she will be releasing a book titled By Your Side: Conversations on the Yuri Genre. Journey Press will publish the said book.

She also mentioned that the book is scheduled to be released just in time for the 20th anniversary of her yuri blog, Okazu, and Pride Month. This has been one of her long-time projects, which she mentions as the “Big Book o’Yuri”.

Erica Friedman is the Founder of Yuricon, ALC Publishing, and Yurikon LLC, Social Media Without Delusion. An LGBTQ and Geek Marketing Consultant. Her blog Okazu is dedicated to providing reviews and news centered on Yuri, GL, and WLW media.

The Lily Cat would like to congratulate Erica-sensei on her project and looking forward to reading this book very soon.

 

Source: OkazuYuri (Twitter)

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts here and on Facebook. I’m also on Twitter just in case you’re interested.

Support The Lily Cat in providing news, reviews, and features by leaving a cup of coffee or be part of the Kitty Squad. You may also visit my literary notebook, Fragments.

Yuri Visual Novel LOVE BAKUDAN is Now Available!

Aside from the constant releases of yuri anime for 2021, Noodletub Games has a treat for those looking for a new game to get into. Their latest 18+ yuri visual novel game, LOVE BAKUDAN is now available on Steam and Itch.io!

LOVE BAKUDAN is an 18+ erotic yuri dramedy, focusing on the life of Haruka Mishima. When she returns to her coastal hometown of Akiyama after a long time away, she finds that there’s much more waiting for her than just inheriting her family’s erotic bookstore, Bakudan Books. But between romancing girls and selling erotica to the locals, Haruka finds that she’s in for an even wilder ride than she expected…

The game gives you the option of dating the beautiful lovelorn bartender, your cheerful best friend, a dangerous mobster, a drop-dead gorgeous firefighter, a mysterious Korean idol or a shy mangaka in the making. Finding the girl you like is all entirely up to you!

The project was launched in February 2020 and funded via its Kickstarter backers.

Get the game on Steam and in Itch.io today! They are currently doing a giveaway for those who want to get the game FOR FREE.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts here and on Facebook. I’m also on Twitter just in case you’re interested.

Support The Lily Cat in providing news, reviews, and features by leaving a cup of coffee or be part of the Kitty Squad. You may also visit my literary notebook, Fragments.

‘The Rich Man’s Daughter’ Actress Rhian Ramos Sends Birthday Greetings to Co-Actress Glaiza De Castro, Fans Hyped and went on a #TRMD Throwback

Fans of GMA’s 2015 lesbian TV drama series The Rich Man’s Daughter cheered and went on throwback when actress Rhian Ramos posted a birthday greeting to her co-star Glaiza de Castro on Thursday, January 21 on her official Facebook page. Ramos and De Castro played the lead roles of Jade and Althea respectively.

Happy birthday, Glaiza De Castro

Posted by Rhian Ramos on Thursday, January 21, 2021

As of press time, the said post has reached more than 21,000 reactions with almost 700 shares. The majority of the comments were birthday greetings to Glaiza with some saying that they missed The Rich Man’s Daughter. Their chemistry is well-loved by fans that their fandom ships are named RaStro (a combination of the girls’ last names) and JaThea (a combination of their TRMD character’s first names.) Posts (e.g. fanfiction, fanart, fan videos) related to this pair are still very much around the net even if the series has ended years ago.

Glaiza made a response for everyone who greeted her on her birthday on Twitter.

 

Unfortunately, the ship will not be sailing as Glaiza is happily engaged to her Irish boyfriend. A September 2020 report revealed that Rhian is single again after dealing with a bad breakup with her boyfriend.

Missed the series? You can watch the entire episodes of The Rich Man’s Daughter here.

Glaiza De Castro is a Filipino actress and singer notable for playing the role of Althea from GMA Network’s 2015 top-rating lesbian TV drama series The Rich Man’s Daughter. The show also starred Rhian Ramos as Jade. De Castro also stars in the 2016 remake of Encantadia as Pirena and the titular character of the network’s 2010 TV fantasy series Grazilda. 

Source: Rhian Ramos (Facebook), GMA Network, Manila Bulletin

Join our growing Yuri and Girl’s Love Community, Yuri/GL Philippines

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts here and on Facebook. I’m also on Twitter just in case you’re interested.

Support The Lily Cat in providing news, reviews, and features by leaving a cup of coffee or be part of the Kitty Squad. You may also visit my literary notebook, Fragments.

[SakuTomo] Look at the Sky / You, and Only For You

Author’s Notes: 

  • This one-shot will be published temporarily here. It will be moved to AO3 when I finally received my email invitation.
  • It’s been a long time since I published fanfiction. I hope you like this one. I enjoyed writing this.
  • This one-shot has two titles and I am having trouble which one to pick so I placed them together. Look at the Sky is actually based on the upcoming song by Porter Robinson (he released a preview on his previous Secret Sky session here.)
  • The cover art and the story are actually inspired by a Sakura and Tomoyo doodle done by kai_teru_ last year.
  • There is another one-shot I’m working on after this that is kind of like a continuation for this oneshot. It should on AO3 by then.

It was sunny in Tomoeda. Sakura and Tomoyo were, as usual, went home together after a very tiring day. Tomoyo prepared for a big choral competition, while Sakura had to recover after days of continuous cheerleading practices. They usually tag along with their other friends going out the campus—but today was slightly different.

“Competition is tomorrow, right?” Sakura asked as both she and Tomoyo walked going to Penguin Park.

“Yeah,” Tomoyo smiled, “I’m honestly nervous since the song was something that we never used in the previous competitions.”

“Wait, it’s a new song?” Sakura paused,

“Umm… yes,” Tomoyo blushed, “It’s… actually an original song.” She then shook her head and continued, “It… it took me a while to get it right. I hope I don’t mess it up.”

“Why would you mess it up?” Sakura wondered, looking at Tomoyo with a confused face. It was the first time she has heard something like this from her. It honestly wasn’t like her. “I mean, you always sing perfectly, Tomoyo-chan.”

Tomoyo couldn’t give a reply to Sakura’s question anymore as they both arrived at the park. It was perfect. No one was around yet, and the Cherry Blossoms were slowly blooming.

However, Sakura was honestly worried for Tomoyo. It puzzled her as to why, of all people—why would Tomoyo be nervous over something she’s good at? She has witnessed her best friend nailed every song she performs. Not once she heard anything from her that she felt pressured and anxious over singing before. These thoughts clouded her mind that she almost forgot about why they were at Penguin Park.

Spring is here. That afternoon was perfect. They wanted to unwind before the park is filled with people who would drop by to witness the blooming Cherry Blossom trees in the area.

Sakura immediately zapped back to reality when Tomoyo held her hand and pulled her onwards to one of their favorite grassy spots in the park area.

They both rested there enjoying the calm afternoon. Both of them never spoke a word. However, Sakura felt that she had to open up something to Tomoyo.

“Tomoyo-chan.” She began, looking at the sky as she laid down on the grass, “I received a letter from Syaoran-kun yesterday.”

As she was about to lay down on the grass beside her, Tomoyo paused with a bit of concern. It has been a couple of months since Li left for Hong Kong, and she noticed that he hasn’t been sending letters to Sakura like usual.

“There’s no definite date of when Syaoran-kun will come back,” Sakura continued, “…and honestly, I don’t know if waiting this long is worth it anymore.”

Hearing that broke Tomoyo a bit. If there is one thing that she doesn’t want to hear or witness, it’s seeing her best friend sad and giving up on what she has been hanging on to.

In the first few weeks since Li left, there was never a day that Sakura would miss opening a conversation related to him. But as days go by, the anticipation for his next letter to Sakura became less frequent. According to Sakura, the reason was because of the many family obligations he had to deal with.

There was a bit of relief in Tomoyo that Sakura no longer opened up about him anymore. To her, it was for the best. She is willing to do anything to keep Sakura’s smile—even if it has to do with keeping her hidden feelings to herself.

Tomoyo then knelt on the grass, her purple eyes still focused on Sakura. She then dropped it: “But, you still love him…right?”

Before she could utter a reply, Sakura took a deep breath and closed her eyes. It was true—she seemed to have lost hope of seeing Li again. She was confused if she felt stupid in holding on to these feelings for him or if she is just selfish that she had to let go. The past few months were emotionally stressful for her.

Her thoughts went running about.

Should I hang on? Should I just give up? Should I let go? What happens if it doesn’t work? What would happen to me? What would happen to Syaoran-kun? What would happen if I—

She then opened her eyes. Instead of the sky, she saw something that was even more breathtaking.

Innocent lavender eyes locked to hers. It was the first time seeing Tomoyo’s face up close in this view. The long pause for an answer might have worried her, so she had to lean closer to check if Sakura was alright.

Sakura froze. She felt her heart beating loudly. Her hands were rested on the grass, but it felt like they were getting warmer. She held her breath as she looked at Tomoyo’s face. She was beautiful. Those eyes were warm, peaceful, and lovely. She wanted this moment to stay longer. All her worries, the stress, the disordered thoughts of unsure feelings were all forgotten for a while. Those eyes. It was like Sakura was staring at Tomoyo’s soul.

Sakura knew. She knew what Tomoyo yearned for. It was more than just friendship. She knew that her best friend has been keeping such feelings for so long.

Her thoughts then went running again.

Why is she still hanging on after all these years? Why is she still here with me? Why is she not willing to let go of those feelings? What happens if she doesn’t feel the same way anymore? What would happen to our friendship? What would happen if I—

“Sakura?” Tomoyo called, trying her best not to blush a lot in front of her.

When she heard her name, Sakura went back to her senses. Today wasn’t the day to think about these things. This isn’t the right time to know what these feelings are.

I just wanted to be with her today. That’s why. She thought.

Sakura finally let out a warm smile. “I’m sorry. It’s not the right time to talk about these things.”

“I…I see..” Tomoyo stuttered.

“Today, I just want to hear you and only you, Tomoyo-chan.”

“Sakura-chan…” Tomoyo’s eyes grew wide. She then laid down beside Sakura, still looking at her. She then held Sakura’s warm hand as they enjoyed the calm breeze on that beautiful afternoon.

The world was too overwhelming for them at the moment. Figuring out those feelings can be left for another day to tackle. Right now, they have each other. The warmth of each other’s hand was enough to forget about the world for a while, and Sakura only wished to hear only one person’s voice alone.

“So… can you sing that new song for me now?” Sakura requested as she smiled at Tomoyo,

Tomoyo then replied, still looking at the face of her most precious person in the world. “Of course. You know that I will only sing for you, and only for you, Sakura-chan.”

END.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts here and on Facebook. I’m also on Twitter just in case you’re interested.

Support The Lily Cat in providing news, reviews, and features by leaving a cup of coffee or be part of the Kitty Squad. You may also visit my literary notebook, Fragments.

Let me tell you about ‘The Doll Maker’ – A story made in Adobe Flash (RIP)

As of this writing, the support for Adobe Flash is dead. Effective December 31, 2020, it is encouraged that you must uninstall all plugins that are linked to Adobe Flash to protect your system.

Just knowing this news feels really odd for me. I grew up browsing the internet and enjoying everything about Adobe Flash even during the dial-up connection days. The transitions, movement, and sound–everything. It was one of those features that I look forward to on every website I visited. Even small fansites that are run by Angelfire and Geocities also jumped in putting Flash elements on their pages.

While people remember Flash due to the games and other fun things, I remember it as one of those ways to share stories. This story in particular was officially part of my childhood. So let me tell you about The Doll Maker.

The Doll Maker was a story made simply in Adobe Flash by an artist named Dan Kim. I have been following his work since high school particularly for his Tomoyo42’s Room webcomic (Just a small note that the comic is NSFW and it could be uncomfortable for some people.)

Another Note: Don’t worry, I’m going to explain further how I got into this kind of hell hole way back in the next blog. Don’t worry. 

While some of his works were mostly dark and edgy at times, The Doll Maker was the opposite of what he commonly does, and I guess that is why this is memorable. I guess was really caught me into this story is the narration and the music that go along well with this simple story.

I had the Flash file in one of my archives for a long time. I went back to the artist’s site to look for the original link and I think it’s nowhere to be found. I decided to upload it for everyone to watch.

Watching this again at present makes me feel nostalgic. I visited the site and checked out his Twitter and he seems to be living the dream now.

I just feel happy that I got to see and listen to this story again. Quite timing as we are still not out of the woods of this pandemic yet. As for me, I’m going back to those things I love way back to keep myself happy emotionally and mentally.

Take care of yourself. Also, RIP Shockwave and Adobe Flash. You will be forever missed.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts here and on Facebook. I’m also on Twitter just in case you’re interested.

Support The Lily Cat in providing news, reviews, and features by leaving a cup of coffee or be part of the Kitty Squad. You may also visit my literary notebook, Fragments.