Yo Work FUN Homies! 

While many of us are observing the Holy Week (Visita Iglesia, stations of the cross, and other church services), there's also a lot of us just chilling, vacationing, or traveling ngayong Maundy Thursday.

Whatever you're doing though, this long weekend is also the perfect excuse to stop and relax, mag muni-muni..

and get off from our daily grind.

As a freelancer kasi, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle, constantly chasing after that next big gig or client.

So today, I'm giving you something that's entirely out of left field and so utterly random. (But I think you'll love it, hehe)

It's my glowing recommendation for an Anime Series called Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. (Available on Netflix and on many free streaming sites like this one)

If you saw my email a week ago, you might remember my tribute for Akira Toriyama, the late creator of Dragonball Z, who gave me a lot of great memories growing up.

Then probably this email might not be so weird pala. ^_^ Kaya reply naman dyan if you're a fellow anime fan.

So now, while you enjoy your long weekend break, let me introduce you to Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe' masterpiece, and why I think that even non-Anime fans should watch it.

Yes, the story is simply that transcendental that I'm sharing it with the entire Work Fun Home nation.

It follows the journey of Frieren, an ageless elf who once adventured alongside the group of heroes who ultimately defeated the final mega evil boss in their universe, known as the Demon King.

This campaign lasts around ten years, and the story actually starts AFTER they save the world.

(In fact, di mo nga makikita yung main boss. hehe, they're that powerful)

While that quest was certainly the most epic achievement that any human can comprehend in a lifetime.. it was just a small blip in Frieren's millennia-long existence. (For her, parang nautusan lang sya bumili ng suka sa tindahan, and may pila don na ten years long lol)

But.. it planted a seed that profoundly shaped her mindset in ways she couldn't initially comprehend.  

Also the main character, Frieren, isn't really much of a "powerful and ambitious" protagonist; She's better described as an observer to the world around her.

We get a condensed perspective through her eyes as an elf who lives for many hundreds of years, while most of her friends and companions live for little less than a hundred. 

Despite her vast knowledge and power, Frieren is emotionally aloof, often treating her mortal companions as mere means to an end.

Kasi in fairness, masakit din sa kanya mag-invest ng feelings with someone who will grow old and die so quickly.

Kinda like how we humans perceive the life cycle of a mayfly.

However, as she embarks on a new journey decades after their hero party disbands, she's forced to confront the harsh reality that she never truly knew her 10-year companions – the warmth, the depth, the beautiful fragility of their lives.

So now, 80 years after they defeated the Demon King, Frieren is writing a new chapter that is one of growth and redemption.

With each new companion she meets, be it the former apprentice of her dearly departed friend or a young warrior forged in her comrade's image, Frieren is slowly learning to open her heart.

While the stakes may not be as earth-shattering as slaying a Demon King, her quest to truly know and cherish those around her is arguably the greatest adventure of all.

It's just so different from everything I've seen so far, and it revels in the slow and quiet moments, and doesn't focus on all the flashy bits and action sequences lang.

Pero when it needs to... boy! It delivers like nothing else and can easily rival the best fight scenes in the whole of anime!

I actually forget that its target demo are young adults and that it's an adventure anime in a fantasy land. (You should too, so it doesn't get in the way of the message)

What stands out is the intimate relations between the characters and the emotions that come with it. It's about enjoying the little things and appreciating the relationships and company we have around us.

I binged the entire series again after watching the weekly releases and I have to say, it's like I lived three lives worth in three days.

And this is why it's already one of my best Animes of all time.

So... today and in the coming days really.. let's take a page from Frieren's book (or should I say, grimoire?)..

and reach out to those you may have neglected

to express your gratitude,

and make a conscious effort to nurture the connections that bring joy and meaning to your life as a person.

Because at the end of the day, these are the relationships that will sustain us long after the projects have been completed and the feathers in your hat have faded.

Di man tayo tulad kay Frieren who can create second, third... and fourteenth chances, we certainly have the ability to make the most of the time we have left.

May your Holy Week be filled with reflection, gratitude, and maybe just a sprinkle of elven / mythical / pious / agnostic magic, whatever that may be.

Cheers, .

Shoden “Bigla na lang na reco ng Anime” San

PS. As always I remain here to serve you, and I reply to every email kahit anime-related yung comments mo hehehe.

PS2. Thanks Dionard and Pat for the idea of writing something non-freelancing related. (although di ko pa din mapigilan i-connect sa freelancing yung topic natin haha. Thanks Coach Allan for teaching me this unbeatable skill hehe)

🎉 Pst. Don't Keep Me A Secret. I know you liked this email, so Refer this newsletter to your freelancer friends na gedemet! (kung naisahan ka dun sa mga pranks ko in some of my emails and gusto mo ng kadamay, share mo na!)

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