Double Trouble

Home / Themes (Self Reflection) / Double Trouble

Double Trouble

Naration (limerick in haiku):

Mirror tricks the eye—

Ubi sees his twin and sighs,

“Same as me,” he cries.

Cheeks begin to itch,

Both lean in without a glitch,

Perfect mirrored pitch.

Kayu breaks the spell,

Funny face, a startled yell—

Ubi’s calm? Farewell.

Boot to butt takes flight,

Kayu soars in pure delight,

Twins erupt in light.

Words of Wisdom:

Mirrors don’t lie, but they don’t tell the whole truth.

Ubi sees Kayu as his mirror image, but the moment Kayu breaks the symmetry with a silly face, it reminds us that even those closest to us have their own quirks and surprises. True connection isn’t about sameness—it’s about embracing difference.

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Spin and Splash

Home / Themes (Special Moments) / Spin and Splash

Spin and Splash

 Naration (limerick in haiku):

Splash with a swirl arm,

Twin laughs rise like summer charm,

Ripples dance, disarm.

Leg spins in reply,

Water arcs beneath blue sky,

Joy begins to fly.

Hips now whirl in glee,

Twins twirl like waves wild and free,

Echoes of a spree.

Laughter fills the air,

Sunlight caught in tousled hair,

Brotherhood laid bare.

Words of Wisdom:

Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional! - Walt Disney or Charles Theodore “Chili” Davis

That quote—“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional”—is more than just a cheeky one-liner. It’s a playful yet profound reminder that while aging is inevitable, maturity doesn’t have to mean losing your sense of wonder, creativity, or fun.

Here’s a deeper look at what it really means:

Growing Old Is Mandatory

Biological reality: Time passes, and our bodies age. Wrinkles, gray hair, and birthdays are unavoidable.

Social expectations: Society often assumes that with age comes seriousness, responsibility, and a narrowing of possibilities.

Milestones and roles: We’re expected to follow a timeline—school, career, family, retirement—as if aging means ticking boxes.

Growing Up Is Optional

Mindset over age: You can be 70 and still chase dreams, laugh at silly jokes, or learn to skateboard. Maturity doesn’t mean abandoning joy.

Playfulness matters: Staying curious, imaginative, and open to new experiences keeps life vibrant.

Resisting conformity: “Growing up” often implies fitting into rigid norms. This quote rebels against that—encouraging individuality and freedom.

Why It Resonates

It gives permission to stay youthful in spirit, even as responsibilities grow.

It challenges the idea that adulthood must be dull or overly serious.

It celebrates those who refuse to let age define their identity.

Think of people like Jim Henson, Robin Williams, or even modern creators who never lost their childlike spark. They aged, yes—but they never stopped playing, imagining, or laughing.

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Breaking Point

Home / Themes (Special Moments) / Breaking Point

Breaking Point

Naration (limerick in haiku):

Between brothers’ war,
Bird asks, “Ready?”—points afar,
Battle fierce, bizarre.

Both twins pull with might,
Rope strains in the morning light,
Bird holds on—so slight.

Snap! Rope breaks in two,
Twins fall back, a lost shoe flew,
Hits the bird—askew.

Spinning in the sky,
Feathers whirl as echoes fly,
Laughter can’t deny!

Words of Wisdom:

Everything has a limit.

"Everything has a limit" is a saying that suggests there are boundaries or maximum capacities for all things—be it physical, emotional, or metaphorical. It can mean resources run out, patience wears thin, or time has its limits. It’s a reminder to manage what we have wisely, whether it's energy, opportunities, or even good fortune!

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Coconut Quest

Home / Themes (Life Lessons) / Coconut Quest

Coconut Quest

Naration (limerick in haiku):

Two brothers with glee,

Coconuts high in the tree,

One laughs, irony.

Vernacular architecture in the image:

Lake Toba, a vast caldera in northern Sumatra, is home to the Batak Toba people who reside around the lake and on Samosir Island. This region showcases the unique Rumah Bolon architecture—a traditional, boat-shaped dwelling. The curving roof ridge, rising higher at the back, symbolizes a heartfelt wish for descendants to surpass their predecessors in success and prosperity.

 

Words of Wisdom:

Complacency is a continuous struggle that we all have to fight. - Jack Nicklaus

It’s saying that complacency—getting too comfortable or content with the way things are—can stop us from growing, improving, or facing challenges head-on. If we let our guard down or avoid pushing ourselves, we risk stagnating. Life, after all, is full of opportunities to evolve, but it takes effort and awareness to keep striving and not settle for less than our best.

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Déjà Vu: Journey Around the World on Hot Air Balloon

Home / Themes (Adventures) / Déjà Vu

Déjà Vu

Journey Around the World on Hot Air Balloon

Naration (limerick in haiku):

Through signs, they did stare,  
"Giza," written there with care,  
Adventure to share.

Torii meets their view,  
Fuji standing proud, anew,  
Floating skies so blue.

Taj Mahal aglow,  
Balloon drifting soft and slow,  
Far dreams start to show.

Back to Giza’s post,  
Echoes of a moment’s boast,  
Time's strange loop, utmost.

Languages in the image and narration:

1) The Arabic script on the sign posts is Giza (al-Jīzah)

2) Sushi, traditional Japanese dish

3) Sake rice wine is called Nihonshu in Japanese

4) Naan, flatbread, commonly found in India and other parts of south Asia

5) Masala chai, mixed spice tea in Hindi

6) Torii (taw-ree) is a shrine gate, in Japanese tori means bird and i means home

Words of Wisdom:

"When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way." – Wayne W. Dyer

It speaks to the beauty of being present and savoring the journey rather than focusing solely on the destination. Dance, in this context, becomes a metaphor for life itself—where each step, twist, and turn holds its own joy and significance. The message encourages us to embrace the process, celebrate the small victories, and find happiness in the moment, rather than being consumed by end goals. Doesn't it make you want to twirl in joy right now?

Worth Mentioning

As mentioned on the home page, architecture and the application of negative spaces (empty spaces around an object which define its profile) have now caught up with this post:

1st panel's Opera House contours

2nd panel's shrine gate columns

3rd panel's minarets outlines

4th panel's geometric shapes

Trivia Questions

Name the places referenced in this yonkoma? How are they referenced? Did you get them from the quirky image or poetic narration?

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There Goes My Nachos: Things Happen

Home / Themes (Adventures) / There Goes My Nachos

There Goes My Nachos

Things Happen

Naration (limerick in haiku):

Under the bright sun, 

Strumming tunes, desert begun,

Guitar strings out-run.

Bag of nachos calls,

Struggling grip and sharp bag falls,

Flying chips like squalls.

Rippling sunset fades,

Wailing tunes where cactus shades,

His song serenades.

Words of Wisdom:

Things happen.

Ah, "things happen"—a phrase with infinite possibilities! It captures life's unpredictability, like when you expect sunshine and it rains, or when you stumble upon a hidden treasure while chasing butterflies. Things happen because the world is always moving, always changing, and often surprising us in the most quirky and wonderful ways. Isn't that the charm of it all?

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Chef's Denture: Put It Back

Home / Themes (Daily Routine) / Put It Back

Chef's Denture

Put it Back

Naration (limerick in haiku):

Pan sizzles with flare,

Denture dives through steamy air,

Gasping in despair.

Dish served, guilty grin,

Silent customer digs in,

Who knows what’s within?

Words of Wisdom:

“Reason often makes mistakes, but conscience never does.” – Josh Billings

The quote, "Reason often makes mistakes, but conscience never does," emphasizes the contrast between logical thinking and moral intuition.

Reason refers to our ability to think logically, analyze situations, and weigh options. While it's powerful, it's not foolproof—it can be influenced by biases, incomplete information, or flawed judgments.

Conscience, on the other hand, is our inner sense of right and wrong. It springs from moral values and empathy, acting as a guide for ethical decisions. According to the quote, our conscience is more reliable in matters of morality, as it stays true to our core values and principles, even when reason might falter.

It suggests that while reasoning helps us solve problems, conscience grounds us in doing what's right, keeping us from straying morally. What are your thoughts on this?

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Spice up: Kanpai Workout

Home / Themes (Daily Routine) / Kanpai Workout

Spice up

Kanpai Workout

Naration (limerick in haiku):

A kimono sway,

Sushi and sake display,

Lures their match astray.

Words of Wisdom:

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

This age-old wisdom, balance keeps life fresh and exciting, even for quirky twins like Ubi and Kayu. Whether you're swinging from tree to tree or tackling to-do lists, sprinkling a bit of play in your day makes things shine brighter! What's your favorite way to unwind?

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Discover Your Hidden Talents: Game On

Home / Themes (Personal Growth) / Game on

Discover Your Hidden Talents

Game on

Naration (limerick in haiku):

Teacher draws the game,

A race against time to claim,

Victory or shame.

Inspiration:

The pedagogical creativity of master Raviraj Padali

Words of Wisdom:

Hidden talents are to be discovered.

They are like buried treasures, waiting to be unearthed. Sometimes, they reveal themselves through curiosity, challenges, or new experiences, and other times, they remain quietly tucked away, waiting for the right moment. The beauty lies in the journey of uncovering them—like finding a spark within yourself that you didn't know existed, ready to shine when nurtured!

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What Goes Around Comes Around: Banana Trick

Home / Themes (Adventure) / Banana Trick

What Goes Around Comes Around

Banana Trick

Naration (limerick in haiku):

Rage ignites the chase,

fury speeds the losing pace.

A peel finds its place.

Words of Wisdom:

What goes around comes around.

It is like the ripple effect in a calm river! It means your actions, whether good or bad, have a way of circling back to you. Imagine you're throwing a pebble into a pond—the ripples you create will eventually come back to the source. So, if you spread kindness, it tends to return to you, and the same goes for negativity. It’s a reminder that life often mirrors what you put into it!

From a metaphysical perspective, it hints at the cyclic nature of life and reality, where everything operates within a balanced system of cause and effect. This promotes mindfulness in behavior and decisions, as even minor choices can resonate far into the future.

It also encourages personal accountability. By recognizing that our actions might return to us in unforeseen ways, we are motivated to act with integrity and kindness. Essentially, it’s a reminder that the universe has its checks and balances, and harmony is best maintained when we contribute positively to it.

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Why Taking Small Steps is Powerful: Shower Love Song

Home / Themes (Daily Routine) / Shower Love Song

Why Taking Small Steps is Powerful

Shower Love Song

Naration (limerick in haiku):

He opens the door, 

"Click!"—a snapshot, prank galore!

I soaked to the core.

Words of Wisdom:

Little things can clog the drain, do what you can today, last minute can overwhelm.

This phrase speaks to the importance of taking care of small tasks promptly to avoid bigger problems later. "Little things can clog the drain" implies that minor issues, if neglected, can accumulate and lead to a more significant blockage or obstacle. "Do what you can today" encourages taking action as soon as possible to prevent procrastination and build momentum. Lastly, "last minute can overwhelm" highlights the stress and chaos that comes with leaving tasks until the very end, reminding us that planning and steady progress can alleviate unnecessary pressure.

It’s a simple but powerful reminder to stay proactive and mindful in managing responsibilities!

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Themes

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Themes

The quirky tales of Ubi and Kayu are categorized into the following themes, each title has its own interesting twists and turns, but light hearted and always wrapped up in a nugget of wisdom for reflection.

Adventures

• Banana Trick
• Déjà Vu
• There Goes My Nachos

Daily Routine

• Shower Love Song
• Kanpai Workout

Life Lessons

• Coconut Quest
• Karma

Personal Growth

• Game on

Self Reflection

• Double Trouble
• Put It Back

Special Moments

• Artist and Model 
• Breaking Point
• Spin and Splash

Check out the unique personalities of the quirky twins Ubi and Kayu in their interesting journey.

Why Staying Humble is Better: Artist and Model

Home / Themes (Special Moments) / Artist and Model

Why Staying Humble is Better

Artist and Model

Naration (limerick in haiku):

Champion I am so,

adrenaline head to toe.

Tricked by little bro.

Words of Wisdom:

There's always someone with better niche.

This phrase highlights the idea of relativity and competition. "There's always someone with better niche" suggests that, no matter how specialized, unique, or skilled you are in a particular area, there might always be someone who excels even further or has carved out an even better niche. It reflects the endless diversity of talent and expertise in the world, reminding us to stay humble and open to learning from others.

Rather than letting this discourage us, it's an invitation to embrace continual growth and improvement, knowing that there’s always more to discover and aspire to.

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Why Patience Triumphs Over Pride: Karma

Home / Themes (Life Lessons) / Karma

Why Patience Triumphs Over Pride

Karma

Naration (limerick in haiku):

Bait swung teasing low,

unaware how things would go,

from pain one can grow.

Words of Wisdom:

The first to laugh may not have the last laugh.

This phrase is a metaphorical reminder that initial success, amusement, or triumph doesn't guarantee ultimate victory or satisfaction. "The first to laugh" refers to someone who might celebrate or feel victorious early on. However, "may not have the last laugh" suggests that the final outcome might not be in their favor, as circumstances can change over time.

It's a lesson in humility and patience, emphasizing that the journey isn't over until it's truly over. It encourages us not to get too comfortable or overconfident early on—and to remain steady and persistent until the very end.

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The Journey of the Quirky Twins Ubi and Kayu

Update: 2025-09-15 New title "Double Trouble" added to the List of Titles below.

Welcome to the World of Ubi and Kayu!

Slice-of-life Manga Told in Yonkoma

Meet Ubi and Kayu, the twin protagonists of this delightful slice-of-life yonkoma series. Through the lens of daily adventures and sibling dynamics, it captures moments that are both heartwarming and humorous.

Table of Contents:

• Manga Characters
• Comic Structure
• Posting Schedule
• List of Titles
• Behind the Scene
• Characters Development
• Setting Consideration
• Poetic Narrative
• Onomatopoeic Quirks
• Tools
• Why You'll Love Ubi and Kayu

Manga Characters

Ubi

Personality:

Extroverted, gutsy, and impulsive

Physical Traits:

Three spiky hairs that stand out

Outfit:

Tank top and shorts

Quirks:

Agility, often blurts out his "signature" onomatopoeic interjection waku-waku when excited in anticipation

Habits:

Impulsive decisions, often driven by a sense of adventure and curiosity

Kayu:

Personality:

Introverted, intelligent, laid-back, and contemplative

Physical Traits:

Two curly hairs that rest flat against his sculp

Outfit:

Cross-back overall shorts

Quirks:

Deep thinker, who has an uncontrollable "signature" onomatopoeic stomach growling goro-goro when resisting temptation

Habits:

Prefers taking a step back and analyzing situations before acting

Comic Structure

Each comic strip follows a whimsical and engaging format:

• Narrative Style:
• Described using the lighthearted rhyming limerick in compact haiku form

• Conclusion:
• Each title wraps up with a nugget of wisdom, providing thoughtful reflections and life lessons

Yonkoma Posting Schedule

New comic strips are posted around the beginning and the middle of each month, bringing regular doses of joy and reflection.

List of Titles

Delight in the yonkoma slice-of-life tales of Ubi and Kayu, each title brimming with quirky charm:

- Artist and Model

- Banana Trick

- Breaking Point

- Coconut Quest

- Déjà Vu

- Double Trouble

- Game on

- Kanpai Workout

- Karma

- Put It Back

- Shower Love Song

- Spin and Splash

- There Goes My Nachos

Behind the Scene: Breathing Life into Ubi and Kayu

Character Development 

Crafting the protagonist began as a journey through vivid imagination—a female street dancer in a summer kimono, complete with a straw hat and wooden clogs. Opposing her was a scruffy hippy antagonist, rich in quirks and mystery.

To diversify the supporting cast, characters from various cultural backgrounds were explored. Their names, sounds, writings, and deeper meanings became threads weaving a vibrant narrative tapestry.

Even animals joined the brainstorming frenzy: a tapir, a crow, and even a mischievous pair of apes became contenders.

As the process progressed, it was the personality traits that took center stage. Inspiration came from studying MBTI personality types, balancing introversion and extroversion to design contrasting yet complementary characters.

Facial expressions were thoughtfully brainstormed to match each name and personality, giving physical attributes a unique vibrancy.

The twin apes, Ubi and Kayu, emerged from this creative chaos as siblings with distinct quirks.

The names Ubi (pronounced 'oo-bee') and Kayu (pronounced 'car-you'), come from a Malay collocation 'ubi kayu'  for cassava, a kind of yam. Yam as name seems to complement quirkiness.

Their personalities were shaped by Japanese onomatopoeia—Ubi’s “waku-waku” embodies cheerful excitement, while Kayu’s “goro-goro” reflects his endearing laziness. Thus, these dynamic twins came to life, ready to charm readers in this yonkoma manga!

Setting Consideration

The initial idea drew inspiration from vernacular architecture around the world, imagining these culturally rich structures as backdrops. The interplay of negative and white space was also explored to give the visuals breathing room. While these elements may not feature in the twins’ debut, they could find their way into future stories.

Poetic Narrative

Ubi and Kayu’s lighthearted slice-of-life tales are presented in the short punchy four-panel format of yonkoma manga. Their narration feels at home with playful limericks and compact haikus, merging rhymes and brevity to bring a unique poetic rhythm to their adventures. Balancing these two styles is an ongoing quest, ensuring the storytelling remains both fun and evocative.

Onomatopoeic Quirks

Finding a signature touch for each character extended beyond their appearances. Japanese onomatopoeia, rich in charm and resonance, provided inspiration. Ubi’s playful “waku-waku” chant perfectly captures his excitement, while Kayu’s “goro-goro” stomach grumbles add a relatable and humorous touch. These quirks breathe life into their personalities and make them unforgettable.

Tools of the Trade

The magic begins with simple tools: four pens, each with a unique point size, and a sketchbook. These humble instruments have birthed a vivid world filled with laughter, quirks, and heartfelt moments.

Why You'll Love This Quirky Twins Slice-of-Life Stories

Whether you're drawn to Ubi's spirited adventures or Kayu's thoughtful musings, there's something for everyone in this whimsical world. Through their quirks and habits, let's explore themes of adventures, life lessons, personal growth, and more!