Thursday, December 01, 2005

Gift guide for the Goth at heart
By Ces Cabangon, 2bU! Correspondent
Inquirer News Service
http://you.inq7.net/2bu/stories/11292005/sto2-1.htm


GOTHS ARE STEREOTYPED often as depressed, angsty, gloom-and-doom sort of people. Usually they are depicted as people with heavy makeup, dominantly black clothes and pained facial expression.

Unknown to many, there are different types of Goths: Romantic Goths, Perky Goths, Cyber Goths, Punk Goths, Traditional Goths.

One does not have to wear black day after day to be a Goth. People join the Goth subculture for different reasons. They may be drawn to its art, literature, Victorian history, music or fashion.

This gift guide is for those who find beauty, consolation and meaning in the Goth darkness and embrace it.

"Nightmare Before Christmas" figurines and alarm clock. Start off the morning with a scream from Jack Skellington. An altar of these figurines brings the Halloween spirit right in the sanctuary of one's room.

Black Strawberry, Glorietta, from P900 to P1,000.

Dave Hontiveros' Penumbra novels. These books can be devoured in one sitting, with no particular reading order. The author's powerful writing captures the reader in a tight grip as it explores various themes in the realm of horror and dark fantasy. The dark humor, eloquent narrative and amusing social commentaries make these novels a bloody delicious read.

Available at National Bookstore, PowerBooks, and Fully Booked; P120 each.

Tarot Cards. Delve into the mystical arts and unlock powers of the unconscious. Tarot decks vary from the more traditional Rider Waite pack, to the more eclectic such as The Egyptian Tarot, The Buddha Tarot, The Celtic Tarot, and Gothic Tarot of Vampires. Fully Booked carries more choices to sort through with decks from P830 to P2,195.

Emily the Strange and "Nightmare Before Christmas" bags and accessories.

Let the rebel inside loose with pins, hair clips, wallets, bags and watches that express diversity, humor and witticisms of a darker blend.

Check out Iba 'Di Ba? stalls at Robinsons Galleria, Alabang Town Center, Tiendesitas Libis, and Greenbelt. They have a number of items with prices ranging from P10 to P1,100.

Role-playing games from White Wolf's World of Darkness. Be a werewolf, a mage or a vampire and discover delights the darkness has to offer.

Comic Quest carries RPG starter decks and RPG guide books from P1,800 and up.

The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror Monopoly Board Game.

Monopoly has never been more evil and wickedly fun. Dig this at Hobbes Greenbelt 3; P2,960.