Oh, and I've also contributed to another anthology, Twenty To Six Books' THE HIEROGRAPH Volume 1. Also available here from lulu.com.
That's all the plugs I have for now. Back to work!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Remember the pencils-to-ink page I posted before? Well, I'm glad to announce that it will be part of 803 Studios' Sequential Suicide anthology this 2008. I'll be posting further announcements on where and when the book can be purchased.
Oh, and I've also contributed to another anthology, Twenty To Six Books' THE HIEROGRAPH Volume 1. Also available here from lulu.com.
That's all the plugs I have for now. Back to work!
Oh, and I've also contributed to another anthology, Twenty To Six Books' THE HIEROGRAPH Volume 1. Also available here from lulu.com.
That's all the plugs I have for now. Back to work!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, 2007...
KUKI: It's Papa God's birthday today, Jade.
RENO: That's right. It's the birthday of Jesus.
JADE: Why he's not here?
KUKI & RENO: We don't know.
JADE: Maybe he's cleaning pa his wounds.
(Kuki and Reno both smile silently...)
JADE: Let's sing Happy Birthday for Him.
And so we did. So to our Lord Jesus, Happy Birthday!
And to everyone, Merry Christmas!
KUKI: It's Papa God's birthday today, Jade.
RENO: That's right. It's the birthday of Jesus.
JADE: Why he's not here?
KUKI & RENO: We don't know.
JADE: Maybe he's cleaning pa his wounds.
(Kuki and Reno both smile silently...)
JADE: Let's sing Happy Birthday for Him.
And so we did. So to our Lord Jesus, Happy Birthday!
And to everyone, Merry Christmas!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
No Komikon aftermath post for me! Yep, I don't have anything to say about the Komikon that hasn't been said anywhere else. I'd just like to say that I enjoyed it the third time around, got some really nice indie reading materials (Heubert Khan Michael's UNSTOPPABLE on the top of that list), got to meet some people I've waited a long time to meet (I'm looking at you, Gio!) and got some nice complimentary stuff (thanks, Gerry, for ELMER #3, and Ed, for KADILIMAN, to mention a few). Thank you, too, to Budjette Tan and the Alamat guys (and gals) and to my bro for sticking around to help me at my table.
Sorry if my thoughts are a bit of a jumble. I just had a two-day bout with the flu and I'm not sure if I'm at 100% yet. I think I'll take a nap now.
Sorry if my thoughts are a bit of a jumble. I just had a two-day bout with the flu and I'm not sure if I'm at 100% yet. I think I'll take a nap now.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
GAH! I've been so busy lately that KOMIKON 2007 has closed in on me, and I just finished everything I needed to do for that event in the nick of time (I hope).
KOMIKON will be held at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, this Saturday, November 17, 2007. I think the doors will be open by 10:00am.
So... let me pimp a couple of things that will be available from my end...
The fifth issue of TABLOID KOMIKS will be available. It should have been available since the start of this year (and if you look closely at the image above, it clearly states January 2007), but I haven't had the time or means to distribute it properly. Oh, and sadly, it won't be free anymore. But I hope you guys still buy it, since it's reasonably priced at PhP10.00. It's got a great story by Josel Nicolas, illustrated by Ian Iranda (my brother, that's just his pen name, in case you were wondering about the last name). Also, a Maskarado short story by partners-in-crime Dodo Dayao and Bong Leal, and a thought-provoking piece by Randy Valiente.
Also, MASKARADO: VISIONS, the portfolio/comic celebrating 15 years of Maskarado will also be available. The cover above was done by Kajo Baldisimo. It's jam-packed with art by Leinil Yu, Hal Santiago, Gerry Alanguilan, Gilbert Monsanto, Edgar Tadeo, Dell Barras and a whole lot more! Plus a 7-page story by Gio Paredes and myself, and a short prose piece written by Budjette Tan. All for the measly price of PhP30.00! What a bargain, eh?
I'll be sharing a table with Alamat Comics. Stop by and say hi to us! :)
KOMIKON will be held at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, this Saturday, November 17, 2007. I think the doors will be open by 10:00am.
So... let me pimp a couple of things that will be available from my end...
The fifth issue of TABLOID KOMIKS will be available. It should have been available since the start of this year (and if you look closely at the image above, it clearly states January 2007), but I haven't had the time or means to distribute it properly. Oh, and sadly, it won't be free anymore. But I hope you guys still buy it, since it's reasonably priced at PhP10.00. It's got a great story by Josel Nicolas, illustrated by Ian Iranda (my brother, that's just his pen name, in case you were wondering about the last name). Also, a Maskarado short story by partners-in-crime Dodo Dayao and Bong Leal, and a thought-provoking piece by Randy Valiente.
Also, MASKARADO: VISIONS, the portfolio/comic celebrating 15 years of Maskarado will also be available. The cover above was done by Kajo Baldisimo. It's jam-packed with art by Leinil Yu, Hal Santiago, Gerry Alanguilan, Gilbert Monsanto, Edgar Tadeo, Dell Barras and a whole lot more! Plus a 7-page story by Gio Paredes and myself, and a short prose piece written by Budjette Tan. All for the measly price of PhP30.00! What a bargain, eh?
I'll be sharing a table with Alamat Comics. Stop by and say hi to us! :)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
MY DESKTOP(S)
Got tagged by Ed Tadeo, so I have to show what my desktop screen looks like. I use two computers, one at home and one at the office, so I guess I'll show them both here.
My office desktop has a cool Maskarado piece drawn by none other than Leinil Yu himself! It's a bit messy with all the folder icons, since I keep all ongoing jobs on my desktop. That way, it'll be easier for me to find them.
My home desktop is much more kid-friendly, since Jade uses the computer more than I do!
Rules:
1.Upon receiving this tag, immediately perform a screen capture of your desktop. It is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun.
2.Post the picture in your blog. You can also give a short explanation on the look of your desktop just below it if you want. You can explain why you preferred such look or why is it full of Icons, things like that.
3.Tag five of your friends and ask them to give you a Free View of their desktop as well.
And now I tag... Dodo, Ariel, Annie, Gio and Bong.
Got tagged by Ed Tadeo, so I have to show what my desktop screen looks like. I use two computers, one at home and one at the office, so I guess I'll show them both here.
My office desktop has a cool Maskarado piece drawn by none other than Leinil Yu himself! It's a bit messy with all the folder icons, since I keep all ongoing jobs on my desktop. That way, it'll be easier for me to find them.
My home desktop is much more kid-friendly, since Jade uses the computer more than I do!
Rules:
1.Upon receiving this tag, immediately perform a screen capture of your desktop. It is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun.
2.Post the picture in your blog. You can also give a short explanation on the look of your desktop just below it if you want. You can explain why you preferred such look or why is it full of Icons, things like that.
3.Tag five of your friends and ask them to give you a Free View of their desktop as well.
And now I tag... Dodo, Ariel, Annie, Gio and Bong.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
OPTIMUS PRIME QUICK SKETCH...
Well, maybe not so quick. My nephew asked me to draw Optimus Prime for him, and I was suggesting he let me draw the cartoon version instead (hehe). But of course, the young 'uns today don't really know the 80s version, so I was stuck with drawing the live-action movie version. All those (not-so-detailed) details took me around 45 minutes to draw. Just think if you had to draw this in a comic book. It would be PUNISHING.
Anyway, I'm one of the few people who didn't see the movie when it came out in theaters. I just bought the DVD, so I hope I can get around to watching it soon.
Well, maybe not so quick. My nephew asked me to draw Optimus Prime for him, and I was suggesting he let me draw the cartoon version instead (hehe). But of course, the young 'uns today don't really know the 80s version, so I was stuck with drawing the live-action movie version. All those (not-so-detailed) details took me around 45 minutes to draw. Just think if you had to draw this in a comic book. It would be PUNISHING.
Anyway, I'm one of the few people who didn't see the movie when it came out in theaters. I just bought the DVD, so I hope I can get around to watching it soon.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
I've recently opened my online store at cafepress.com. I'm not expecting anyone to buy anything from it, but it was free, so what the heck. And if I get lucky enough that someone actually buys any of the merchandise I'm selling. then I thank you in advance.
You can see the link at the sidebar on the right, or you can click here.
You can see the link at the sidebar on the right, or you can click here.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
I don't usually show my pencil work, since I'm really not much of a tight penciller. I have always inked my own work, and it was what I was trained to do since I started working in comics two decades ago. Most of the time when I show work samples, they're fully inked.
But I'll make an exception this time. It's a bit of a departure for me, but here are shots of a page I made for a short story from UK-based writer Patrick Tkaczynski.
Whenever I do rough pencils, I usually have a good idea of how I'm going to ink it. Of course, there will be some tweaking from pencils to inks, like the expression on the shop owner's face on panel 3, which I changed from being annoyed to being dismayed. And on panel 2, I eliminated most of the shadows on the woman exiting the store, to keep her farther in the background.
Anyway, I hope you've liked this little insight on my work process.
But I'll make an exception this time. It's a bit of a departure for me, but here are shots of a page I made for a short story from UK-based writer Patrick Tkaczynski.
Whenever I do rough pencils, I usually have a good idea of how I'm going to ink it. Of course, there will be some tweaking from pencils to inks, like the expression on the shop owner's face on panel 3, which I changed from being annoyed to being dismayed. And on panel 2, I eliminated most of the shadows on the woman exiting the store, to keep her farther in the background.
Anyway, I hope you've liked this little insight on my work process.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
New Mars Ravelo T-shirt designs...
Classic costumes
Modern versions
They'll be available soon from Branded shirts!
Classic costumes
Modern versions
They'll be available soon from Branded shirts!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
MODERN COMICS MASTER MIKE WIERINGO PASSES AWAY
When I opened Newsarama's website today, I had quite a shock. Mike Wieringo has passed away due apparently to a heart attack. I was dumbfounded and a little choked up. I visit his website everyday, read his daily blog and download the d(almost) daily sketches that he puts up. I didn't know him personally, but because I was following his blog I felt like I had gotten to know him a little bit.
He came off as a very humble, generous and life-loving kind of guy. He was a vegetarian, and he went to the gym regularly. So it really is a shock that he died quite early at the age of 44. I remember him blogging about some back problems he once had, but that's the only health-related problem that he blogged about.
Reading some of his peers' reactions, he was very loved by the comic book community at large. Both by his fellow professionals and fans.
I'll miss reading his blog, and I'll miss looking at his art. Thanks, Mr. Wieringo.
Read more here and here.
You can also check out this great book about him, available from twomorrows.com.
When I opened Newsarama's website today, I had quite a shock. Mike Wieringo has passed away due apparently to a heart attack. I was dumbfounded and a little choked up. I visit his website everyday, read his daily blog and download the d(almost) daily sketches that he puts up. I didn't know him personally, but because I was following his blog I felt like I had gotten to know him a little bit.
He came off as a very humble, generous and life-loving kind of guy. He was a vegetarian, and he went to the gym regularly. So it really is a shock that he died quite early at the age of 44. I remember him blogging about some back problems he once had, but that's the only health-related problem that he blogged about.
Reading some of his peers' reactions, he was very loved by the comic book community at large. Both by his fellow professionals and fans.
I'll miss reading his blog, and I'll miss looking at his art. Thanks, Mr. Wieringo.
Read more here and here.
You can also check out this great book about him, available from twomorrows.com.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
The biggest event in Philippine Komiks is here once again! Like it says in the poster, it will be on November 17, 2007, at the UP BAHAY NG ALUMNI, UP Diliman. I'll be sharing a table with Alamat Comics' Budjette Tan, and maybe a few other creators as well. See you there!
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Just got this email from Mr. Boboy Maniquis. Very funny. :)
Top 10 Reasons Why There Couldn't Be a Filipino-American US President
10. The White House is not big enough for in-laws and extendedn relatives.
9. There are not enough parking spaces at the White House for 2 Honda Civics, 2 Toyota Land Cruisers, 3 Toyota Corollas, a Mercedes Benz, a BMW (Big Mean Wife), and an MPV (My Pinoy Van).
8. Dignitaries generallyare intimidated by eating with their fingers at State dinners.
7. There are too many dining rooms in the White House - where will they put the picture of the Last Supper?
6. The White House walls are not big enough to hold a pair of giant wooden spoon and fork.
5. Secret Service staff won't respond to "psst...psst"
4. Secret Service staff will not be comfortable driving the presidential car with a Holy Rosary hanging on the rear view mirror or the statue of the Santo Nino on the dashboard.
3. No budget allocation to purchase a karaoke machine for every room in the White House.
2. State dinners do not allow "Take Home".
AND THE NUMBER 1 REASON WHY THERE COULDN'T BE A FILIPINO-AMERICAN US PRESIDENT IS...
1. Air Force One does not allow overweight Balikbayan boxes!
Top 10 Reasons Why There Couldn't Be a Filipino-American US President
10. The White House is not big enough for in-laws and extendedn relatives.
9. There are not enough parking spaces at the White House for 2 Honda Civics, 2 Toyota Land Cruisers, 3 Toyota Corollas, a Mercedes Benz, a BMW (Big Mean Wife), and an MPV (My Pinoy Van).
8. Dignitaries generallyare intimidated by eating with their fingers at State dinners.
7. There are too many dining rooms in the White House - where will they put the picture of the Last Supper?
6. The White House walls are not big enough to hold a pair of giant wooden spoon and fork.
5. Secret Service staff won't respond to "psst...psst"
4. Secret Service staff will not be comfortable driving the presidential car with a Holy Rosary hanging on the rear view mirror or the statue of the Santo Nino on the dashboard.
3. No budget allocation to purchase a karaoke machine for every room in the White House.
2. State dinners do not allow "Take Home".
AND THE NUMBER 1 REASON WHY THERE COULDN'T BE A FILIPINO-AMERICAN US PRESIDENT IS...
1. Air Force One does not allow overweight Balikbayan boxes!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
I'm back! Again, blogger has been blocked in the office, that's why I haven't blogged for so long. But now, I've got this newly-installed internet connection at home. Bwahahahaha! Ahem...
Anyway, there's been all this hoopla lately about Carlo J. Caparas' new line of komiks coming out this September. There have been some negative things said about it, there are some positive things also being said. That's perfectly normal. Personally, I'd like it to succeed. I'd also like to see other publishers take a crack at producing komiks, too. That way, creators will have a lot of options. Plus, I wouldn't want to see a new komiks industry monopolized just by one or two companies, like what happened before. Monopoly is never a good thing.
Anyway, let's wait and see what's going to happen. Things are happening in the local komiks industry, and I for one am hopeful for its future.
Anyway, there's been all this hoopla lately about Carlo J. Caparas' new line of komiks coming out this September. There have been some negative things said about it, there are some positive things also being said. That's perfectly normal. Personally, I'd like it to succeed. I'd also like to see other publishers take a crack at producing komiks, too. That way, creators will have a lot of options. Plus, I wouldn't want to see a new komiks industry monopolized just by one or two companies, like what happened before. Monopoly is never a good thing.
Anyway, let's wait and see what's going to happen. Things are happening in the local komiks industry, and I for one am hopeful for its future.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
BLOG FILLER #12!
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver".
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what his statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and to get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The silversmith answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"
He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy-when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver".
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what his statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and to get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The silversmith answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"
He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy-when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
CHRIS BENOIT UPDATE
A tragedy made much more tragic...
From wwe.com...
Benoit's death part of a double murder-suicide
Written: June 25, 2007
According to lead investigator Lt. Tommy Pope, of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, in Fayetteville, Ga., the deaths of WWE Superstar Chris Benoit, wife Nancy and son Daniel were the result of a double murder-suicide, WWE.com has learned.
Benoit failed to appear both at Saturday’s live event in Beaumont, Tx., and WWE’s Vengeance: Night of Champions in Houston Sunday night, after informing WWE of a family emergency. Several curious text messages sent by Benoit early Sunday morning prompted concerned friends to alert Richard Hering, VP of Government Relations for WWE, Inc. Hering, in turn, spoke with Fayette County sheriffs Monday, and requested that they respond to the Benoit residence to check on him and his family.
Authorities representing the Sheriff’s Department initially had a difficult time entering Benoit’s new Fayetteville home Monday afternoon, which had been guarded by two large German Shepherds roaming freely around the property. Once authorities entered the residence, they quickly located the bodies of Benoit, Nancy and Daniel. WWE was notified of the discovery at approximately 4 p.m.
At 10 p.m. Monday night, Lt. Pope held a press conference in conjunction with Scott Ballard, the district attorney for Fayette County. The press conference officially ruled authorities’ findings as a double murder-suicide from within the home.
WAGA, a FOX-owned and operated television station in Atlanta, reported that investigators believe Benoit killed his wife and 7-year-old son over the weekend, then himself on Monday.
The three bodies have been received by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s crime lab, in Decatur, Ga., where autopsies will be performed Tuesday morning. Toxicology reports will not become available for at least two weeks.
WWE.com has further information relating to both the investigation and the cause of death, but the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department has requested that WWE.com not release any additional details at this time.
A tragedy made much more tragic...
From wwe.com...
Benoit's death part of a double murder-suicide
Written: June 25, 2007
According to lead investigator Lt. Tommy Pope, of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, in Fayetteville, Ga., the deaths of WWE Superstar Chris Benoit, wife Nancy and son Daniel were the result of a double murder-suicide, WWE.com has learned.
Benoit failed to appear both at Saturday’s live event in Beaumont, Tx., and WWE’s Vengeance: Night of Champions in Houston Sunday night, after informing WWE of a family emergency. Several curious text messages sent by Benoit early Sunday morning prompted concerned friends to alert Richard Hering, VP of Government Relations for WWE, Inc. Hering, in turn, spoke with Fayette County sheriffs Monday, and requested that they respond to the Benoit residence to check on him and his family.
Authorities representing the Sheriff’s Department initially had a difficult time entering Benoit’s new Fayetteville home Monday afternoon, which had been guarded by two large German Shepherds roaming freely around the property. Once authorities entered the residence, they quickly located the bodies of Benoit, Nancy and Daniel. WWE was notified of the discovery at approximately 4 p.m.
At 10 p.m. Monday night, Lt. Pope held a press conference in conjunction with Scott Ballard, the district attorney for Fayette County. The press conference officially ruled authorities’ findings as a double murder-suicide from within the home.
WAGA, a FOX-owned and operated television station in Atlanta, reported that investigators believe Benoit killed his wife and 7-year-old son over the weekend, then himself on Monday.
The three bodies have been received by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s crime lab, in Decatur, Ga., where autopsies will be performed Tuesday morning. Toxicology reports will not become available for at least two weeks.
WWE.com has further information relating to both the investigation and the cause of death, but the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department has requested that WWE.com not release any additional details at this time.
ANOTHER WRESTLING TRAGEDY... CHRIS BENOIT FOUND DEAD
This came as a shock to me when I first read about it today. Even more shocking is that his wife and son were found dead with him. Really tragic.
From www.newsday.com...
WWE WRESTLER CHRIS BENOIT AND FAMILY FOUND DEAD
BY ALFONSO A. CASTILLO
alfonso.castillo@newsday.com
Renowned pro wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife and their 7-year-old-son, were found dead Monday afternoon in their Fayetville, Ga. home, Atlanta police said.
Police would not give any details on how Benoit, 40, his wife Nancy, and son Daniel died, other than to say they were not shot to death, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported Monday. Authorities are investigating the deaths.
The news came just a day after Benoit mysteriously pulled out of a World Wrestling Entertainment pay per view event, during which he was expected to be crowned Extreme Championship Wrestling world champion. Various pro wrestling news sources reported that Benoit was unable to appear at the event due to a family emergency.
"There are no further details at this time, other than the Benoit family residence is currently being investigated by local authorities," the WWE said in a statement on its Web site.
Benoit was a 22-year ring veteran and perennial favorite of wrestling purists, who praised his high-intensity style and technical acumen. His aggressive wrestling technique earned him the nicknames "The Crippler" and "The Rabid Wolverine." In 2000 and 2004, he was named Oustanding Wrestler of the Year by the Wrestling Observer newsletter and in 2004 he was named Wrestler of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine.
The Edmonton, Canada native trained to become a wrestler in Calgary, and honed his skills in Japan before becoming a regular on U.S. national promotions in the mid-1990s. Benoit's career highlight took place in New York, when he won his first World Wrestling Entertainment world heavyweight championship in Madison Square Garden in the main event of WrestleMania XX.
Benoit cried as he celebrated in the ring with his wife and son, as well as best friend, wrestler Eddie Guerrero, who died in 2005.
"Wrestling has consumed my life," Benoit said in a 2004 WWE career retrospective video. "Wrestling is my mistress. It's my passion. It defines who I am as a person."
WWE last night canceled its scheduled live 3-hour "Monday Night RAW" program, which coincidentally was originally billed as a "memorial service" for WWE chairman Vince McMahon, whose character was recently killed off in a controversial scripted storyline.
McMahon opened the show from center ring in an empty arena and clarified that Benoit and his family had died "in reality." McMahon called Benoit "one of the greatest WWE superstars of all-time."
This came as a shock to me when I first read about it today. Even more shocking is that his wife and son were found dead with him. Really tragic.
From www.newsday.com...
WWE WRESTLER CHRIS BENOIT AND FAMILY FOUND DEAD
BY ALFONSO A. CASTILLO
alfonso.castillo@newsday.com
Renowned pro wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife and their 7-year-old-son, were found dead Monday afternoon in their Fayetville, Ga. home, Atlanta police said.
Police would not give any details on how Benoit, 40, his wife Nancy, and son Daniel died, other than to say they were not shot to death, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported Monday. Authorities are investigating the deaths.
The news came just a day after Benoit mysteriously pulled out of a World Wrestling Entertainment pay per view event, during which he was expected to be crowned Extreme Championship Wrestling world champion. Various pro wrestling news sources reported that Benoit was unable to appear at the event due to a family emergency.
"There are no further details at this time, other than the Benoit family residence is currently being investigated by local authorities," the WWE said in a statement on its Web site.
Benoit was a 22-year ring veteran and perennial favorite of wrestling purists, who praised his high-intensity style and technical acumen. His aggressive wrestling technique earned him the nicknames "The Crippler" and "The Rabid Wolverine." In 2000 and 2004, he was named Oustanding Wrestler of the Year by the Wrestling Observer newsletter and in 2004 he was named Wrestler of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine.
The Edmonton, Canada native trained to become a wrestler in Calgary, and honed his skills in Japan before becoming a regular on U.S. national promotions in the mid-1990s. Benoit's career highlight took place in New York, when he won his first World Wrestling Entertainment world heavyweight championship in Madison Square Garden in the main event of WrestleMania XX.
Benoit cried as he celebrated in the ring with his wife and son, as well as best friend, wrestler Eddie Guerrero, who died in 2005.
"Wrestling has consumed my life," Benoit said in a 2004 WWE career retrospective video. "Wrestling is my mistress. It's my passion. It defines who I am as a person."
WWE last night canceled its scheduled live 3-hour "Monday Night RAW" program, which coincidentally was originally billed as a "memorial service" for WWE chairman Vince McMahon, whose character was recently killed off in a controversial scripted storyline.
McMahon opened the show from center ring in an empty arena and clarified that Benoit and his family had died "in reality." McMahon called Benoit "one of the greatest WWE superstars of all-time."
Thursday, June 21, 2007
MAGKANO NGA BA MAG-PUBLISH NG KOMIKS SA PILIPINAS?
That's the question on the minds of the local creators. Let's break it down a bit, okay?
Ito ang specifications ng ating hypothetical komiks:
6.625" x 10.25" (Standrad comic book size)
Glossy, full-color cover
Black & white interior pages, newsprint paper
20 pages (24 including covers)
10,000 copies
Actually, kapag magpa-pa-print ka ng komiks, 10,000 copies ay conservative number na. And sa mga printers, the more you print, mas mababa ang cost. Puwedeng magpa-print ng mas konti, pero tataas ang cost per unit.
Iyung natanong kong printer, ang estimate nila overall na priting cost ay Php100,000. Ang sabihin, cost per copy ay 10 pesos lang. Parang mura, di ba? Sandali, di pa tayo tapos.
Kung ikaw ang sole creator at wala kang binabayaran na artists at writers, iyan na ang magiging cost mo per copy. Pero let's say na gusto mo lang maging publisher, so kukuha ka ng writers at artists. Ilagay na natin na ang ibabayad mo sa artist ay Php1,000 per page. Teka! Ang mahal ba, 'ika niyo? Iyan na siguro ang mura at fair price para sa artists. Alam niyo ba, kumikita ang mga illustrators ng around Php3,000 per spot illustration, depende kung saan gagamitin (mababa na iyon ha?). O kaya puwede silang gumawa ng storyboard (max siguro of 20 panels) for around Php10,000 to Php20,000. Ikumpara mo sa isang komiks page na Php1,000 lang ang bayad, aling trabaho ang pipiliin mo?
So, may Php1,000 ka, multiply by 20 (number of pages) equals Php20,000. Ang writer, ilagay mo na sa Php500 per page (again, mura na iyan). Php500 x 20 = Php10,000. So, if you add all of the costs above, it would amount to Php130,000 ang gastos mo. Ang cost per copy, Php13. Wow, mura pa din! Puwedeng ibenta ng Php20 per copy!
Hep hep hep! Hindi ganyan mag-presyo ng mga products na hindi consumer goods. lalo na sa mga libro, magasin, at komiks, dahil hindi naman lahat ng kopya ay mabebenta. At teka, kailangan mo din ng distributor! Paano mo ibebenta ang komiks mo sa Pilipinas kung walang magdi-distribute nito?
Nagtanong na din ako, at ang mga freelance distributors, minimum ay 40% off ng cover price mo ang kukunin. Minimum iyan, ha? Some distributors charge as much as 60%. Sila na ang bahala makipag-usap sa mga bookstores, newsstands at iba pang outlets na puwedeng pagbentahan ng komiks mo. So kung Php20 mo lang ibebenta, lugi ka pa kasi yung Php8 mo, napunta sa distributor. Php12 lang mapupunta sa iyo, lugi ka pa ng piso per copy.
Wala kang choice kundi itaas ang presyo mo, para makapag-break even ka man lang. Kaya't ang mga publishers, x4 or x5 ng cost ang pinapatong nila. Remember, NOT ALL COPIES OF YOUR COMICS WILL SELL. Masuwerte ka na kung kalahati bebenta.
Ito ang dahilan kung bakit hindi na puwedeng i-presyo ang komiks na tulad noong dati (huli kong naalala ay Php15 ang cover price). Malamang, minimum of Php50 ang magiging cover price ng komiks.
Ang isa pang tanong... Kaya bang bumili ng Pinoy ng komiks sa ganitong halaga? Ka Randy, ikaw na lang ang sumagot niyan. hehe. :)
That's the question on the minds of the local creators. Let's break it down a bit, okay?
Ito ang specifications ng ating hypothetical komiks:
6.625" x 10.25" (Standrad comic book size)
Glossy, full-color cover
Black & white interior pages, newsprint paper
20 pages (24 including covers)
10,000 copies
Actually, kapag magpa-pa-print ka ng komiks, 10,000 copies ay conservative number na. And sa mga printers, the more you print, mas mababa ang cost. Puwedeng magpa-print ng mas konti, pero tataas ang cost per unit.
Iyung natanong kong printer, ang estimate nila overall na priting cost ay Php100,000. Ang sabihin, cost per copy ay 10 pesos lang. Parang mura, di ba? Sandali, di pa tayo tapos.
Kung ikaw ang sole creator at wala kang binabayaran na artists at writers, iyan na ang magiging cost mo per copy. Pero let's say na gusto mo lang maging publisher, so kukuha ka ng writers at artists. Ilagay na natin na ang ibabayad mo sa artist ay Php1,000 per page. Teka! Ang mahal ba, 'ika niyo? Iyan na siguro ang mura at fair price para sa artists. Alam niyo ba, kumikita ang mga illustrators ng around Php3,000 per spot illustration, depende kung saan gagamitin (mababa na iyon ha?). O kaya puwede silang gumawa ng storyboard (max siguro of 20 panels) for around Php10,000 to Php20,000. Ikumpara mo sa isang komiks page na Php1,000 lang ang bayad, aling trabaho ang pipiliin mo?
So, may Php1,000 ka, multiply by 20 (number of pages) equals Php20,000. Ang writer, ilagay mo na sa Php500 per page (again, mura na iyan). Php500 x 20 = Php10,000. So, if you add all of the costs above, it would amount to Php130,000 ang gastos mo. Ang cost per copy, Php13. Wow, mura pa din! Puwedeng ibenta ng Php20 per copy!
Hep hep hep! Hindi ganyan mag-presyo ng mga products na hindi consumer goods. lalo na sa mga libro, magasin, at komiks, dahil hindi naman lahat ng kopya ay mabebenta. At teka, kailangan mo din ng distributor! Paano mo ibebenta ang komiks mo sa Pilipinas kung walang magdi-distribute nito?
Nagtanong na din ako, at ang mga freelance distributors, minimum ay 40% off ng cover price mo ang kukunin. Minimum iyan, ha? Some distributors charge as much as 60%. Sila na ang bahala makipag-usap sa mga bookstores, newsstands at iba pang outlets na puwedeng pagbentahan ng komiks mo. So kung Php20 mo lang ibebenta, lugi ka pa kasi yung Php8 mo, napunta sa distributor. Php12 lang mapupunta sa iyo, lugi ka pa ng piso per copy.
Wala kang choice kundi itaas ang presyo mo, para makapag-break even ka man lang. Kaya't ang mga publishers, x4 or x5 ng cost ang pinapatong nila. Remember, NOT ALL COPIES OF YOUR COMICS WILL SELL. Masuwerte ka na kung kalahati bebenta.
Ito ang dahilan kung bakit hindi na puwedeng i-presyo ang komiks na tulad noong dati (huli kong naalala ay Php15 ang cover price). Malamang, minimum of Php50 ang magiging cover price ng komiks.
Ang isa pang tanong... Kaya bang bumili ng Pinoy ng komiks sa ganitong halaga? Ka Randy, ikaw na lang ang sumagot niyan. hehe. :)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY to all my fellow Filipinos! Ipagmalaki natin na tayo'y mga Pinoy!
Art by Jon Zamar
In keeping (a bit) with the Independence Day feel, here's a sneak peek from the back-up story included in the next issue of Maskarado, featuring a team-up with flag-based superhero Kalayaan...
On a completely unrelated note, the 6th PHILIPPINE TOYS, HOBBIES & COLLECTIBLES CONVENTION (or TOYCON for short) will be held this weekend, June 16 & 17 at the SM Megatrade Hall at SM Megamall. I'll try to be there, but i can't guarantee it. Although I can guarantee that Maskarado comics will be sold there courtesy of my good friend Ariel.
And from what I hear, there will be two US comics artists who will be guests at the TOYCON. One will be longtime Marvel artist Walter McDaniel. I don't know who the other one will be.
It's kinda funny. I met Walter McDaniel many years ago during the short time I lived in New York. My cousin was his sister's co-worker, and I had the opportunity to meet him (I went straight to his home!) and show him some of my stuff. He then accompanied me to the Marvel offices and introduced me to some editors. One editor gave me a sample script to test me out (it was an issue of WARLOCK AND THE INFINITY WATCH). I think I still have those tryout pages tucked away somewhere. I even got a ton of complimentary comics. They never did get back to me. Haha. After that, Walter signed some comics for me, and we went our separate ways.
I next saw him at the 1998 San Diego Comic Con, though I never got to introduce myself again and talk to him since he was busy setting things up at the Marvel booth. Now, he's coming over to Manila, and I can't help thinking it's such a small world, after all. Who knows? Maybe this time I'll get around to talking with him again. :)
Art by Jon Zamar
In keeping (a bit) with the Independence Day feel, here's a sneak peek from the back-up story included in the next issue of Maskarado, featuring a team-up with flag-based superhero Kalayaan...
On a completely unrelated note, the 6th PHILIPPINE TOYS, HOBBIES & COLLECTIBLES CONVENTION (or TOYCON for short) will be held this weekend, June 16 & 17 at the SM Megatrade Hall at SM Megamall. I'll try to be there, but i can't guarantee it. Although I can guarantee that Maskarado comics will be sold there courtesy of my good friend Ariel.
And from what I hear, there will be two US comics artists who will be guests at the TOYCON. One will be longtime Marvel artist Walter McDaniel. I don't know who the other one will be.
It's kinda funny. I met Walter McDaniel many years ago during the short time I lived in New York. My cousin was his sister's co-worker, and I had the opportunity to meet him (I went straight to his home!) and show him some of my stuff. He then accompanied me to the Marvel offices and introduced me to some editors. One editor gave me a sample script to test me out (it was an issue of WARLOCK AND THE INFINITY WATCH). I think I still have those tryout pages tucked away somewhere. I even got a ton of complimentary comics. They never did get back to me. Haha. After that, Walter signed some comics for me, and we went our separate ways.
I next saw him at the 1998 San Diego Comic Con, though I never got to introduce myself again and talk to him since he was busy setting things up at the Marvel booth. Now, he's coming over to Manila, and I can't help thinking it's such a small world, after all. Who knows? Maybe this time I'll get around to talking with him again. :)
Thursday, June 07, 2007
A letter from Tony Isabella, posted on the Philippine Komiks Message Board by Gerry Alanguilan...
*********************************
Dear Comics Professional,
If you are approached by an individual named Rick Olney or a representative of this man, if you are approached by Olney or anyone else representing entities known as The Mighty Mini-Con, TightLip Entertainment, or ORCA, we strongly urge you to run in the other direction.
There is a very long, very well-documented history of non-payment, deceit, emotional manipulation, and fraud in connection with this man and his projects. Despite searching and publicly requesting evidence for over three months, nobody has been able to produce any evidence of any artist ever having been paid in full for their work for TightLip. Many attending professionals to his conventions were promised reimbursement of their expenses, but while some were provided with lodging, none are known to have received full compensation for travel and meal costs, and many have been the subject of vicious personal attacks as a result of having inquired about the promised reimbursement. In addition, Mr. Olney has a considerable history of erratic and unprofessional behavior on many message forums and mailing lists on the internet, several of which have banned him due to his frequently racist, sexist, and homophobic rants, as well as his willingness to hurl vicious insults in response to legitimate questions about his business practices. As far as we can tell, nearly everyone who has ever had any professional contact with TightLip, the Mighty Mini-Con, or Rick Olney, has a “war story” to tell about being misled, cheated, and used.
You can find more details here:
http://www.unscrewedcomic.com/
Please, do not attempt to do business with Olney. In fact, please pass along this warning to any comics professionals, aspiring comics professionals, retailers, exhibitors, media guests, and fans you know.
Do business with Olney at your own risk.
We would prefer to not do this in such a public manner, but, with Olney again advertising a convention and claiming that he is still planning to publish comic books, the greater good demands we speak out.
Check out the website.
*********************************
I had to delete the names of the undersigned, since it would take up so much space, but most (if not all) of them are respected comics pros. Gerry also pointed out the Rick Olney has begun dealing with artists here in the Philippines, so this should serve as a warning to my fellow Pinoy artists not to deal with this man.
*********************************
Dear Comics Professional,
If you are approached by an individual named Rick Olney or a representative of this man, if you are approached by Olney or anyone else representing entities known as The Mighty Mini-Con, TightLip Entertainment, or ORCA, we strongly urge you to run in the other direction.
There is a very long, very well-documented history of non-payment, deceit, emotional manipulation, and fraud in connection with this man and his projects. Despite searching and publicly requesting evidence for over three months, nobody has been able to produce any evidence of any artist ever having been paid in full for their work for TightLip. Many attending professionals to his conventions were promised reimbursement of their expenses, but while some were provided with lodging, none are known to have received full compensation for travel and meal costs, and many have been the subject of vicious personal attacks as a result of having inquired about the promised reimbursement. In addition, Mr. Olney has a considerable history of erratic and unprofessional behavior on many message forums and mailing lists on the internet, several of which have banned him due to his frequently racist, sexist, and homophobic rants, as well as his willingness to hurl vicious insults in response to legitimate questions about his business practices. As far as we can tell, nearly everyone who has ever had any professional contact with TightLip, the Mighty Mini-Con, or Rick Olney, has a “war story” to tell about being misled, cheated, and used.
You can find more details here:
http://www.unscrewedcomic.com/
Please, do not attempt to do business with Olney. In fact, please pass along this warning to any comics professionals, aspiring comics professionals, retailers, exhibitors, media guests, and fans you know.
Do business with Olney at your own risk.
We would prefer to not do this in such a public manner, but, with Olney again advertising a convention and claiming that he is still planning to publish comic books, the greater good demands we speak out.
Check out the website.
*********************************
I had to delete the names of the undersigned, since it would take up so much space, but most (if not all) of them are respected comics pros. Gerry also pointed out the Rick Olney has begun dealing with artists here in the Philippines, so this should serve as a warning to my fellow Pinoy artists not to deal with this man.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
(Sort of) tagged by Budjette...
6 WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME
1) I've always dreamt of becoming a back-up singer. Not the main singer. Just back-up.
2) When we were kids and Ghostbusters was really popular, we used to go out at night with plastic spraying containers filled with gas, a lighter, and a mini-aquarium strapped to my back hoping to catch ghosts (you put together what all the equipment was for). I doubt my parents knew that I was sneaking those things out of the house.
3) I don't know how to talk in public. But tell me to dance, sing or perform (not that I do all those things well, mind you) and it's no sweat. But ask me to speak, I stutter and freeze up.
4) I was a cheerdancer back in my senior year in high school. And a theatre club member. That's why some people think I'm gay.
5) Small kids stare at me. I don't know why.
6) I have exactly ONE chest hair.
And I tag... nobody. If you'd like to participate, then just do it. No pressure. :)
6 WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME
1) I've always dreamt of becoming a back-up singer. Not the main singer. Just back-up.
2) When we were kids and Ghostbusters was really popular, we used to go out at night with plastic spraying containers filled with gas, a lighter, and a mini-aquarium strapped to my back hoping to catch ghosts (you put together what all the equipment was for). I doubt my parents knew that I was sneaking those things out of the house.
3) I don't know how to talk in public. But tell me to dance, sing or perform (not that I do all those things well, mind you) and it's no sweat. But ask me to speak, I stutter and freeze up.
4) I was a cheerdancer back in my senior year in high school. And a theatre club member. That's why some people think I'm gay.
5) Small kids stare at me. I don't know why.
6) I have exactly ONE chest hair.
And I tag... nobody. If you'd like to participate, then just do it. No pressure. :)
BITS AND PIECES
Just got back from Boracay. Seems like we were just in time since it looks like the rainy season just kicked in last night, as anyone who was in Metro Manila at that time can attest.
Jade had a lot of fun building sand castles and managed to make a friend in the process. A kindly woman and her granddaughter (named Samantha) approached us on the beach asking if they could play with us. We said yes, of course. They were balikbayans from Los Angeles, and I hope they have a safe trip going back to the US.
A little plug... if you plan on going to Boracay and can afford it, stay in Discovery Shores. A bit expensive, but worth it!
Rode the MRT this morning, and, in relation to one of my previous posts, it seems that some women are proving me wrong. There was this pregnant woman who got on the train right before me, and another woman offered her seat. God bless her. I wouldn't mind seeing this kind of thing more often.
At alam niyo bang naghihirap na daw si Kuya Germs?!?!
Kasi, WALANG TULUGAN!!!
Wengk wengk wengk...
I'm outta here. :P
Just got back from Boracay. Seems like we were just in time since it looks like the rainy season just kicked in last night, as anyone who was in Metro Manila at that time can attest.
Jade had a lot of fun building sand castles and managed to make a friend in the process. A kindly woman and her granddaughter (named Samantha) approached us on the beach asking if they could play with us. We said yes, of course. They were balikbayans from Los Angeles, and I hope they have a safe trip going back to the US.
A little plug... if you plan on going to Boracay and can afford it, stay in Discovery Shores. A bit expensive, but worth it!
Rode the MRT this morning, and, in relation to one of my previous posts, it seems that some women are proving me wrong. There was this pregnant woman who got on the train right before me, and another woman offered her seat. God bless her. I wouldn't mind seeing this kind of thing more often.
At alam niyo bang naghihirap na daw si Kuya Germs?!?!
Kasi, WALANG TULUGAN!!!
Wengk wengk wengk...
I'm outta here. :P
Thursday, May 24, 2007
THE SUPERHERO PERSONALITY TEST
You are Spider-Man
You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have great power and responsibility.
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test
You are Spider-Man
You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have great power and responsibility.
|
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
ANG MGA BABAE SA MRT
Madalas, ang mga lalaki ang nagpapa-upo sa MRT. Kapag may buntis, matanda, o babaeng may kasamang anak, pinapaupo ng mga lalaki. Di na gaano ngayon kapag babae ka lang na mukhang matibay naman ang tuhod (although minsan may gentleman na nagpapa-upo pa rin sa kanila). Di ko maintindihan kung bakit ang mga babae di nagpapa-upo ng iba.
Tulad na lamang noong isang beses na nakasakay ako sa MRT. Nakatayo ako, siksikan, at yung hanay ng mga upuan sa harap ko ay puro babae ang nakaupo. Sa tabi ko, may matandang babae na payat na siguro mga 70 years old na, pero wala ni isa sa mga babaeng nakaupo sa harap ko ang tumayo at nagbigay ng upuan nila sa matanda. Ganoon ba talaga iyon? Porke't babae ka di ka na kailangan mag-magandang loob sa mas nangangailangan?
Tulad din ng isa pang beses na sumakay ako. Siksikan, natural nagkakaroon ng konting tulakan o kaya'y may natatapakan. May isang lalaking matanda na natapakan ang isang babaeng mukhang disente at naka-office attire. Aba, talagang sukdulan naman ang pagkagalit niya sa matanda, kesyo di raw nag-iingat. Sinusubukan naman magpaliwanag ng matanda na may mga nakikiraan kung kaya't kailangan niyang umusod ng kaunti, malas na lang at natapakan niya ang paa ng miss na ito. Pero tuloy pa rin ang talak ng babae. Sa huli, sabi ng babae... "Nakakahiya kayo, pumapatol sa babae." Sagot ng matanda... "Mas nakakahiya ka, pumapatol ka sa nakatatanda." Doon natahimik ang mahadera. Muntik na akong mapa-palakpak. Beeh buti nga!
Sabi rin ng kaibigan kong si Annie, marami raw babae ayaw sumakay sa harapang bahagi ng tren (kung saan eksklusibo lamang sa mga babae, matanda at bata) dahil wala daw nagpapa-upo sa kanila doon. Sabi rin ni Annie siya rin mismo ay naiinis sa kapwa niyang mga babaeng sumasakay doon dahil nga kahit may matanda o buntis na nakatayo wala talagang nagpapa-upo.
To any female readers out there, I hope to be proven wrong.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Absorbascon, a comics blog that I visit everyday, has a good article about decompression in comics. The author, Scipio, basically states that "Slow storytelling means fast reading; fast storytelling means slow reading. The first is boring; the second is exciting."
I agree. Most single issues of comic books nowadays have long, drawn out stories that run for six issues when in times past, it could fit into one or two issues. I guess we can blame the trade paperback market for that. But, isn't single issue stories also worth collecting into trades? Like what Scipio argues, those Showcase volumes from DC and Essentials from Marvel sell very well, even though they have mostly compressed stories.
I am mostly a DC fan. This is because when I first started reading and buying comics, most DC comics had done-in-one issue stories, as opposed to Marvel who's stories usually took two to three issues to be resolved. This was way back when National Bookstore had those reprints which usually sell for Php1.75 (an expensive purchase during those days, especially for a 5-year old kid like me). Comic shops were nonexistent, and it's hard to track down consecutive issues.
Even up until the mid-80s, DC comics were mostly self-contained stories, so I had no trouble following them, while Marvel still had multi-part stories. of course, I still bought some Marvel comics, especially those done by John Byrne (Yep, I'm a big Byrne fan), but those were few and far between. By then, I didn't mind if I got the whole story or not, because at this time of my life I was mostly collecting for the art and not the writing.
But now, I've become a reader again, much like my younger days, and I hate it when I don't read a story from beginning to end. That's why it's a turn-off to start collecting new titles, since I don't want to start reading in the middle. And, also, it's getting to be quite expensive.
Anyway, I've gotten quite a bit off track with the decompression topic, haven't I? I guess the point I'm making is decompression turns off new readers, and even some old readers like me. I dropped the new Moon Knight series after the first arc because it was excruciatingly slow. I had dropped JLofA, but picked it up again because of the crossover with JSA. But after that, I'm dropping it again. That's the effect decompression has on me. I want to get my money's worth, not pay for six comics when the story inside is only worth two.
I agree. Most single issues of comic books nowadays have long, drawn out stories that run for six issues when in times past, it could fit into one or two issues. I guess we can blame the trade paperback market for that. But, isn't single issue stories also worth collecting into trades? Like what Scipio argues, those Showcase volumes from DC and Essentials from Marvel sell very well, even though they have mostly compressed stories.
I am mostly a DC fan. This is because when I first started reading and buying comics, most DC comics had done-in-one issue stories, as opposed to Marvel who's stories usually took two to three issues to be resolved. This was way back when National Bookstore had those reprints which usually sell for Php1.75 (an expensive purchase during those days, especially for a 5-year old kid like me). Comic shops were nonexistent, and it's hard to track down consecutive issues.
Even up until the mid-80s, DC comics were mostly self-contained stories, so I had no trouble following them, while Marvel still had multi-part stories. of course, I still bought some Marvel comics, especially those done by John Byrne (Yep, I'm a big Byrne fan), but those were few and far between. By then, I didn't mind if I got the whole story or not, because at this time of my life I was mostly collecting for the art and not the writing.
But now, I've become a reader again, much like my younger days, and I hate it when I don't read a story from beginning to end. That's why it's a turn-off to start collecting new titles, since I don't want to start reading in the middle. And, also, it's getting to be quite expensive.
Anyway, I've gotten quite a bit off track with the decompression topic, haven't I? I guess the point I'm making is decompression turns off new readers, and even some old readers like me. I dropped the new Moon Knight series after the first arc because it was excruciatingly slow. I had dropped JLofA, but picked it up again because of the crossover with JSA. But after that, I'm dropping it again. That's the effect decompression has on me. I want to get my money's worth, not pay for six comics when the story inside is only worth two.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Monday, May 07, 2007
BLOG FILLER #11!
Mga Kasabihang binago ng panahon... :)
1) Ang taong nagigipit...sa bumbay kumakapit.
2) Pag may usok...may nag-iihaw.
3) Dont judge the book by its cover... if u are not a judge or else you will cover the book!
4) Ang taong naglalakad nang matulin... may utang.
5) No guts no glory... no ID, no entry.
6) Birds of the same feather that prays together... stays together.
7) Kapag may sinuksok at walang madukot, may nandukot.
8) Ang buhay ay parang bato, it's hard.
9) Walang matigas na tinapay sa gutom na tao.
10) Ang taong di marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan... ay may stiff neck.
11) Birds of the same feather make a good feather duster.
12) Kapag may taga, may tahi.
13) Huli man daw at magaling, undertime pa rin.
14) To err is human, to errs is humans.
15) Ang naglalakad ng matulin, late na sa appointment.
16) Matalino man ang matsing, matsing pa rin.
17) Better late than later.
18) Aanhin ang palasyo kung ang nakatira ay kuwago, mabuti pa ang bahay kubo, sa paligid puno ng linga.
19) Ang sakit ng kalingkingan, kailangan ng alaxan.
20) Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, lumaki sa ibang bansa.
21) Kapag maikli ang kumot, tumangkad ka na!
22) Behind the clouds are the other clouds.
23) Aanhin pa ang damo... kung bato na ang uso!
24) It's better to cheat than to repeat!
25) Do unto others... then run!
26) Kapag puno na ang salop... kumuha na ng ibang salop.
27) Magbiro ka na sa lasing, magbiro ka na sa bagong gising,'wag lang sa lasing na bagong gising.
28) When all else fails, follow instructions.
29) No man is an island because time is gold.
30) An apple a day... is too expensive.
31) An apple a day, makes seven apples a week.
32) An apple a day cannot be an orange a day.
33) Hindi lahat ng kumikinang ay ginto... muta lang 'yan.
34) Kapag ang puno mabunga... mataba ang lupa!
35) When it rains... it floods.
36) Pagkahaba haba man ng prusisyon... mauubusan din ng kandila.
37) Ang buhay ay parang gulong, minsan nasa ibabaw minsan nasa... vulcanizing shop.
38) Batu-bato sa langit, ang tamaan... sapul!
39) Try and try until you succeed... or else try another.
40) Ako ang nagsaing... iba ang kumain. Diet ako, eh.
41) Huwag magbilang ng manok kung alaga mo ay itik.
42) Kapag maiksi na ang kumot, bumili ka na ng bago.
43) Pag may tyaga... goodluck.
44) If you can't beat them, shoot them.
45) Practice makes perfect... but nobody is perfect... so why practice?
46) Money is not everything... there is Mastercard and Visa.
Mga Kasabihang binago ng panahon... :)
1) Ang taong nagigipit...sa bumbay kumakapit.
2) Pag may usok...may nag-iihaw.
3) Dont judge the book by its cover... if u are not a judge or else you will cover the book!
4) Ang taong naglalakad nang matulin... may utang.
5) No guts no glory... no ID, no entry.
6) Birds of the same feather that prays together... stays together.
7) Kapag may sinuksok at walang madukot, may nandukot.
8) Ang buhay ay parang bato, it's hard.
9) Walang matigas na tinapay sa gutom na tao.
10) Ang taong di marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan... ay may stiff neck.
11) Birds of the same feather make a good feather duster.
12) Kapag may taga, may tahi.
13) Huli man daw at magaling, undertime pa rin.
14) To err is human, to errs is humans.
15) Ang naglalakad ng matulin, late na sa appointment.
16) Matalino man ang matsing, matsing pa rin.
17) Better late than later.
18) Aanhin ang palasyo kung ang nakatira ay kuwago, mabuti pa ang bahay kubo, sa paligid puno ng linga.
19) Ang sakit ng kalingkingan, kailangan ng alaxan.
20) Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, lumaki sa ibang bansa.
21) Kapag maikli ang kumot, tumangkad ka na!
22) Behind the clouds are the other clouds.
23) Aanhin pa ang damo... kung bato na ang uso!
24) It's better to cheat than to repeat!
25) Do unto others... then run!
26) Kapag puno na ang salop... kumuha na ng ibang salop.
27) Magbiro ka na sa lasing, magbiro ka na sa bagong gising,'wag lang sa lasing na bagong gising.
28) When all else fails, follow instructions.
29) No man is an island because time is gold.
30) An apple a day... is too expensive.
31) An apple a day, makes seven apples a week.
32) An apple a day cannot be an orange a day.
33) Hindi lahat ng kumikinang ay ginto... muta lang 'yan.
34) Kapag ang puno mabunga... mataba ang lupa!
35) When it rains... it floods.
36) Pagkahaba haba man ng prusisyon... mauubusan din ng kandila.
37) Ang buhay ay parang gulong, minsan nasa ibabaw minsan nasa... vulcanizing shop.
38) Batu-bato sa langit, ang tamaan... sapul!
39) Try and try until you succeed... or else try another.
40) Ako ang nagsaing... iba ang kumain. Diet ako, eh.
41) Huwag magbilang ng manok kung alaga mo ay itik.
42) Kapag maiksi na ang kumot, bumili ka na ng bago.
43) Pag may tyaga... goodluck.
44) If you can't beat them, shoot them.
45) Practice makes perfect... but nobody is perfect... so why practice?
46) Money is not everything... there is Mastercard and Visa.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Okay, there's something I want to get off my chest.
I can't help but feel disappointed with GMA 7 over Captain Barbell. Yeah, the TV series is finished, it made tons of money... good for them. What galls me is they did not even for one instant acknowledge me as the designer of the new Captain Barbell costume.
Part of a verbal agreement that we had with the Ravelos was that we would get credit for designing the costumes for their stable of characters. In fairness to the Ravelos, they have, time and again, requested GMA 7 to include my name as the costume designer of Captain Barbell in the fast-rolling credits at the end of the show. But it didn't happen. Even when QTV (GMA's UHF channel) interviewed me for a segment in one of their shows which dealt about komiks, the interviewer asked me all about how I designed the costume. But when the show aired, all the things we talked about which pertained to that topic ended up on the cutting room floor (or, in this age of digital editing, the trash bin).
I really don't know why. Was it because they've already issued statements to the press that Hollywood costume designer/sculptor/FX master Miles Teves designed the costume? Did they not want to shatter the illusion that, hey, they can afford to have someone from Hollywood do this for them, making it a "big-time" thing? Not to take anything away from Mr. Teves, but he just recycled an old Robin costume and painted it yellow and gold. Take a look...
(You can view more angles here.)
Hey, those belt buckles look nothing alike (Sarcastically speaking)!
I'm not angry at GMA 7. Hey, I'm a Ka-puso. I watch mostly GMA 7 shows. I still like GMA better than ABS-CBN (programming-wise). I'm just a bit teed off. But maybe now that I got to write about it, maybe I'll feel better tomorrow.
I can't help but feel disappointed with GMA 7 over Captain Barbell. Yeah, the TV series is finished, it made tons of money... good for them. What galls me is they did not even for one instant acknowledge me as the designer of the new Captain Barbell costume.
Part of a verbal agreement that we had with the Ravelos was that we would get credit for designing the costumes for their stable of characters. In fairness to the Ravelos, they have, time and again, requested GMA 7 to include my name as the costume designer of Captain Barbell in the fast-rolling credits at the end of the show. But it didn't happen. Even when QTV (GMA's UHF channel) interviewed me for a segment in one of their shows which dealt about komiks, the interviewer asked me all about how I designed the costume. But when the show aired, all the things we talked about which pertained to that topic ended up on the cutting room floor (or, in this age of digital editing, the trash bin).
I really don't know why. Was it because they've already issued statements to the press that Hollywood costume designer/sculptor/FX master Miles Teves designed the costume? Did they not want to shatter the illusion that, hey, they can afford to have someone from Hollywood do this for them, making it a "big-time" thing? Not to take anything away from Mr. Teves, but he just recycled an old Robin costume and painted it yellow and gold. Take a look...
(You can view more angles here.)
Hey, those belt buckles look nothing alike (Sarcastically speaking)!
I'm not angry at GMA 7. Hey, I'm a Ka-puso. I watch mostly GMA 7 shows. I still like GMA better than ABS-CBN (programming-wise). I'm just a bit teed off. But maybe now that I got to write about it, maybe I'll feel better tomorrow.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Last Saturday, we were involved in an auto accident.
It was around 9:00 in the evening. We were riding in my sister-in-law's Revo, along Shaw boulevard, and as we were turning left on one of the side streets, a Jeepney with no headlights came careening and smashing at us at full speed. The jeepney driver had a lot of time to put on the brakes, since he was still a bit far off, but I didn't even think he slowed down. It hit the right side of the Revo, near the wheels. I immediately embraced Jade (who was sitting on my lap) and tried to cushion her from the impact. I hit my upper lip on the back of her head, resulting in a busted lip for me, but thankfully just a "bukol" for Jade. Thank God no one else was hurt.
My lip wouldn't stop bleeding, so Kuki hailed a cab and we went home to get our car, we dropped off Jade and her yaya at my in-law's house and she drove me to the hospital. I got four stitches, and unbeknownst to me I also had a bit of a nasty bump on my head. So I had to get my skull x-rayed, and it turned out alright. I remember thinking while I was being stitched up that four stitches wasn't that bad, but then I'm a guy who watched his own circumcision as a kid, so maybe that makes me a bit of a masochist. Kuki pointed out that the fact that I required stitches at all meant that it was already bad.
After a few hours at the hospital, we went home to pick up Jade. We then learned that the jeepney driver was drunk, but still he had the gall to drive, even putting his passengers at risk. He didn't turn on his headlights, and (according to him) his brakes were defective. And still he tried to turn the tables on us at the police station, telling the cops that I punched him after the mishap. What an @$$hole! He was jailed that night, but I don't know as of this writing if he's still incarcerated or not.
The jeepney drivers' association is willing to pay for all the damages incurred, but personally I don't care about that. I only want irresponsible drivers to be taken off the road. Do we have to wait for someone to get killed before we change our ways?!?
It was around 9:00 in the evening. We were riding in my sister-in-law's Revo, along Shaw boulevard, and as we were turning left on one of the side streets, a Jeepney with no headlights came careening and smashing at us at full speed. The jeepney driver had a lot of time to put on the brakes, since he was still a bit far off, but I didn't even think he slowed down. It hit the right side of the Revo, near the wheels. I immediately embraced Jade (who was sitting on my lap) and tried to cushion her from the impact. I hit my upper lip on the back of her head, resulting in a busted lip for me, but thankfully just a "bukol" for Jade. Thank God no one else was hurt.
My lip wouldn't stop bleeding, so Kuki hailed a cab and we went home to get our car, we dropped off Jade and her yaya at my in-law's house and she drove me to the hospital. I got four stitches, and unbeknownst to me I also had a bit of a nasty bump on my head. So I had to get my skull x-rayed, and it turned out alright. I remember thinking while I was being stitched up that four stitches wasn't that bad, but then I'm a guy who watched his own circumcision as a kid, so maybe that makes me a bit of a masochist. Kuki pointed out that the fact that I required stitches at all meant that it was already bad.
After a few hours at the hospital, we went home to pick up Jade. We then learned that the jeepney driver was drunk, but still he had the gall to drive, even putting his passengers at risk. He didn't turn on his headlights, and (according to him) his brakes were defective. And still he tried to turn the tables on us at the police station, telling the cops that I punched him after the mishap. What an @$$hole! He was jailed that night, but I don't know as of this writing if he's still incarcerated or not.
The jeepney drivers' association is willing to pay for all the damages incurred, but personally I don't care about that. I only want irresponsible drivers to be taken off the road. Do we have to wait for someone to get killed before we change our ways?!?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Cover by KAJO BALDISIMO
2007 is the 15th anniversary of Maskarado. I'm trying my hardest to release a new issue within the year (issue 8, to be exact). And as a special treat, it will be an extra-sized issue with no price increase. It will feature a second story which will be a team-up between Maskarado and Gio Paredes' Kalayaan.
Simultaneously, I'll be releasing a Maskarado Gallery booklet, the cover of which is pictured above. I'm thinking of giving it away for free as a promo of sorts. All one has to do is buy ANY issue of Maskarado and he (or she) will get one booklet for free. At least, I hope to. If production cost becomes prohibitive, maybe I'll just charge it AT COST. We'll see.
I'm really excited about this. And the artists who'll be contributing are among the best in Pinoy komiks today (and some from yesterday). Those who've already submitted pin-ups are: Jonas Diego, John Becaro, Gilbert Monsanto, Ner Pedrina, Dell Barras, Ed Tadeo, Kajo Baldisimo (see art above), Randy Valiente, Godfrey Escota, Jonathan Ledesma, Jaime Salangsang and Jac Ting Lim.
People who've already agreed to contribute include Ariel Atienza, Jon Zamar, Bong Leal, Arnold Arre, Elbert Or, Mico Suayan, Honoel Ibardolaza (HAI), Gerry Alanguilan, Joel Chua, Dario Carrasco and Hal Santiago. Plus short stories from Budjette Tan and Dodo Dayao. There are other artists I'm trying to contact and hopefully more will be added to this list.
It's a good year to be a Maskarado fan. :)
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Jonas Diego has started a new company under IAS, Inc. that produces web content (games, animation, etc). They wanted to make a big splash and get a lot of attention and since the US Elections is quite hot right now, They developed the animated feature CHALLENGE OF THE SUPER DUPER FRIENDS!
As Jonas puts it... "It's a tribute to the old Saturday Morning Cartoon show except that, instead of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman it's the US Presidential Aspirants in the colorfult tights. We're very proud to finally be able to unveil it."
As Jonas puts it... "It's a tribute to the old Saturday Morning Cartoon show except that, instead of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman it's the US Presidential Aspirants in the colorfult tights. We're very proud to finally be able to unveil it."
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Babe in Toyland...
Jade loves to make faces in front of the camera. I don't know why. Maybe she takes after me. I remember there was this one year where I swore I would never have a decent photo of me taken in that particular year (I think that's the same year my photo on the upper right of this blog was taken).
But I swear there's a lot more of Kuki in her than me. I guess it proves there's such a thing as "mana-mana."
Jade loves to make faces in front of the camera. I don't know why. Maybe she takes after me. I remember there was this one year where I swore I would never have a decent photo of me taken in that particular year (I think that's the same year my photo on the upper right of this blog was taken).
But I swear there's a lot more of Kuki in her than me. I guess it proves there's such a thing as "mana-mana."
Thursday, April 12, 2007
From Azrael Coladilla...
International Book Day 2007
A day of books and roses… Although not celebrated in the Philippines, this is an important event in several European countries like Spain, and Instituto Cervantes aims to establish the date as a tradition in the Manila cultural calendar.
In celebration of this special occasion, Instituto Cervantes will organize a whole day Open House with many fun activities like concerts, film showings, Spanish food fair, photo and declamation contests on April 21, 2007 from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. It will begin with a Book Market where Instituto Cervantes will offer at token price more than 4,000 brand new books. Aside from the Instituto Cervantes, the market will include a sale of books by popular Filipino publishing firms and leading bookstores at 20% off! Also following the tradition during the Day of the Book in Spain, a rose will be gifted to every book buyer!
Instituto Cervantes (Manila)
For more details, please call Instituto Cervantes at 526-1482 to 85.
Apr 21, 2007 - 10:00am to 11:0pm
International Book Day 2007
A day of books and roses… Although not celebrated in the Philippines, this is an important event in several European countries like Spain, and Instituto Cervantes aims to establish the date as a tradition in the Manila cultural calendar.
In celebration of this special occasion, Instituto Cervantes will organize a whole day Open House with many fun activities like concerts, film showings, Spanish food fair, photo and declamation contests on April 21, 2007 from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. It will begin with a Book Market where Instituto Cervantes will offer at token price more than 4,000 brand new books. Aside from the Instituto Cervantes, the market will include a sale of books by popular Filipino publishing firms and leading bookstores at 20% off! Also following the tradition during the Day of the Book in Spain, a rose will be gifted to every book buyer!
Instituto Cervantes (Manila)
For more details, please call Instituto Cervantes at 526-1482 to 85.
Apr 21, 2007 - 10:00am to 11:0pm
Thursday, April 05, 2007
My short story, "Inherent Tendencies," will be included in The Hierograph, an 80-page quarterly anthology from TwentyToSix Books. It will be out in July, 2007. For those interested in purchasing the book, it will be made available through Amazon.com.
Also, I'll be taking over TwentyToSix's ongoing comic, Wall of Angels, as of issue 7. More details on that in the future.
And don't forget, "The Witness" (written by Carlo Borromeo) will be coming out in Dead By Dawn #4, due out around May, 2007. I think Dead By Dawn is available through Previews, so you can ask your local comic shop to order that if you want.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Last week, FILIPINO KOMIKS was requested to cease and desist publication and to pull out all remainging copies from stores because, according to Atlas Publishing, it infringes (according to them) upon the title of their now-defunct PILIPINO KOMIKS.
It's sad to read about things like this. While other people are talking about reviving the komiks industry, Rising Star (publisher of Filipino Komiks) is there doing something about it. But then remnants of the old, failed industry come along and tries to shoot them down before they can even begin to establish themselves.
Crab mentality at its best.
Read more about it on Randy Valiente's blog.
It's sad to read about things like this. While other people are talking about reviving the komiks industry, Rising Star (publisher of Filipino Komiks) is there doing something about it. But then remnants of the old, failed industry come along and tries to shoot them down before they can even begin to establish themselves.
Crab mentality at its best.
Read more about it on Randy Valiente's blog.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
COMICS LEGEND MARSHALL ROGERS PASSES AWAY...
From Newsarama:
"Comics have lost another luminary. Details are still sketchy, but word came earlier today that Marshall Rogers died yesterday or Saturday. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. "
Full story here.
From Newsarama:
"Comics have lost another luminary. Details are still sketchy, but word came earlier today that Marshall Rogers died yesterday or Saturday. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. "
Full story here.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Here's something I've been tinkering with lately...
A tentative cover to a Maskarado trade paperback collection (collecting the first three issues, including the preview)...
The first page of issue #1, completely colored and re-lettered, with minor retouching...
It's something I'm hoping to get done, and I'm shopping around for a good distributor. That means it's gonna be a legit publication, not just "indie."
I'm also of two minds whether to leave the interiors in black & white (lower printing cost) or coloring it to give it that extra gloss.
What do you guys think?
A tentative cover to a Maskarado trade paperback collection (collecting the first three issues, including the preview)...
The first page of issue #1, completely colored and re-lettered, with minor retouching...
It's something I'm hoping to get done, and I'm shopping around for a good distributor. That means it's gonna be a legit publication, not just "indie."
I'm also of two minds whether to leave the interiors in black & white (lower printing cost) or coloring it to give it that extra gloss.
What do you guys think?
Friday, March 16, 2007
I'm in Thailand right now for the ADFEST. It's pretty okay, but I've been away for more than a day and already I'm missing Kuki and Jade. I can't wait to get back home on Monday.
Anyway, that's not even why I'm blogging right now. I'm really excited because I've got my first US comics gig, as an inker on THE ADVENTURES OF LIGHTNING SQUIRREL. It's written by Jeff Kipnis, pencilled by Victor Cabanelas and published by Rabidfrog Productions. I'm on board for issue number 3. It's a six-issue miniseries, so I'll be doing four issues total.
But that's not all. I'm going to be PENCILLING and INKING another book for another US independent publisher by the middle of this year. I don't know if I can give away the details yet, but it's an ongoing book. I'll post updates as soon as I can.
On top of that, I'm trying to get issue 8 of Maskarado finished and have been seeing if a colored TPB collection of the first Maskarado storyarc will be feasible. Plus I'm doing a 7-page short story for yet another US indie.
Oh, and THE WITNESS was picked up by SCAR COMICS in the UK for inclusion in their anthology, DEAD BY DAWN Quarterly. At least I don't have to draw that anymore. Hehe.
Pile that on top of my regular job, and I think I'll be dead by 2008. :)
But really, I'm very excited that all this comics work is coming my way. I just hope I can keep up.
Anyway, that's not even why I'm blogging right now. I'm really excited because I've got my first US comics gig, as an inker on THE ADVENTURES OF LIGHTNING SQUIRREL. It's written by Jeff Kipnis, pencilled by Victor Cabanelas and published by Rabidfrog Productions. I'm on board for issue number 3. It's a six-issue miniseries, so I'll be doing four issues total.
But that's not all. I'm going to be PENCILLING and INKING another book for another US independent publisher by the middle of this year. I don't know if I can give away the details yet, but it's an ongoing book. I'll post updates as soon as I can.
On top of that, I'm trying to get issue 8 of Maskarado finished and have been seeing if a colored TPB collection of the first Maskarado storyarc will be feasible. Plus I'm doing a 7-page short story for yet another US indie.
Oh, and THE WITNESS was picked up by SCAR COMICS in the UK for inclusion in their anthology, DEAD BY DAWN Quarterly. At least I don't have to draw that anymore. Hehe.
Pile that on top of my regular job, and I think I'll be dead by 2008. :)
But really, I'm very excited that all this comics work is coming my way. I just hope I can keep up.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Friday, March 09, 2007
Well... at long last I've switched to the new Blogger. Which really doesn't mean anything, really. I'm still the web-illiterate guy that I always was. :P
Haven't blogged for so long because, once again, Blogger had been blocked in the office. Time will tell if it's gonna get re-blocked again.
What's new? I've gotten a comicspace account, which is great. Lots of comic fans, creators, publishers there. if you're a comic geek like me, you should definitely sign up. You can find my page here.
Gio Paredes has announced that he'll be releasing his indie comic soon, entitled Kalayaan. Be on the lookout for that as well.
Speaking of Gio Paredes and Kalayaan, a team-up between Kalayaan and Maskarado will occur in MASKARADO #8, plotted by Gio and scripted and drawn by me. Hopefully it'll be out by the middle of the year.
This year is also Maskarado's 15th anniversary, and I'm cooking up something for Maskarado readers and fans. I can't announce it yet, I want it to be a surprise. :)
I've got another a few international projects lined up, but I don't know if I can announce them yet. I'll update stuff here as soon as they become much more definite.
That's all for now, I guess. TTFN!
Haven't blogged for so long because, once again, Blogger had been blocked in the office. Time will tell if it's gonna get re-blocked again.
What's new? I've gotten a comicspace account, which is great. Lots of comic fans, creators, publishers there. if you're a comic geek like me, you should definitely sign up. You can find my page here.
Gio Paredes has announced that he'll be releasing his indie comic soon, entitled Kalayaan. Be on the lookout for that as well.
Speaking of Gio Paredes and Kalayaan, a team-up between Kalayaan and Maskarado will occur in MASKARADO #8, plotted by Gio and scripted and drawn by me. Hopefully it'll be out by the middle of the year.
This year is also Maskarado's 15th anniversary, and I'm cooking up something for Maskarado readers and fans. I can't announce it yet, I want it to be a surprise. :)
I've got another a few international projects lined up, but I don't know if I can announce them yet. I'll update stuff here as soon as they become much more definite.
That's all for now, I guess. TTFN!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Pics of the small salu-salo with veteran komiks creators last January 6...
Ang mga barako.
Bong Leal makes his dramatic entrance
Erwin Cruz smiles for the camera
Steve Gan
Jun Lofamia
Noli Zamora with Vic J. Poblete in the background
Hal Santiago and JoeMari Mongcal
Mel Capital, Rudy Villanueva, Hal Santiago
JoeMari Mongcal and Al Cabral
Detail of Hal Santiago's original art
Another detail of Hal Santiago's original art (can't show it whole, it's FOR ADULTS ONLY!!)
Yet another original Hal Santiago piece
Photos provided by Bong Leal and Erwin Cruz. Special thanks to Randy Valiente!
Ang mga barako.
Bong Leal makes his dramatic entrance
Erwin Cruz smiles for the camera
Steve Gan
Jun Lofamia
Noli Zamora with Vic J. Poblete in the background
Hal Santiago and JoeMari Mongcal
Mel Capital, Rudy Villanueva, Hal Santiago
JoeMari Mongcal and Al Cabral
Detail of Hal Santiago's original art
Another detail of Hal Santiago's original art (can't show it whole, it's FOR ADULTS ONLY!!)
Yet another original Hal Santiago piece
Photos provided by Bong Leal and Erwin Cruz. Special thanks to Randy Valiente!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
"I AM CHRONOS... MASTER OF ALL TIME!"
Kuki used to jokingly call me Chronos, Master of All Time. It was from an episode of Johnny Bravo where he encountered a hibernating bear who called himself by the same name.
Why did she call me that?
Simply put, I'm a time-watcher. I'm a bit obsessed with time. I can go a whole day without a cellphone, but I feel lost without a watch. If I forget my watch at home, I feel uneasy throughout the day.
I even synchronize all my watches. Even the clocks at home. I know when a clock is running early or late. Even my office computer and home computer are on the same time.
When I travel to another country with a different time zone, I carry two watches. One, for the time here in the Philippines, the other, for the time in whatever timezone I'm currently occupying.
I remember this one time, I had to go to this ice cream factory. They made us leave our watches. Any kind of timepiece was forbidden inside the factory! If I had to work there, I'd go crazy in a few days!!!!
I really don't know why I watch the time. Maybe I don't like to waste it. Maybe that explains why I walk faster than other people. I don't want to waste my time travelling, so I try to get from point A to point B in the fastest way possible.
And, as you can see, I've installed a clock in my blog. The good folks at worldtimeserver.com made it possible.
Does anyone find this weird?
Kuki used to jokingly call me Chronos, Master of All Time. It was from an episode of Johnny Bravo where he encountered a hibernating bear who called himself by the same name.
Why did she call me that?
Simply put, I'm a time-watcher. I'm a bit obsessed with time. I can go a whole day without a cellphone, but I feel lost without a watch. If I forget my watch at home, I feel uneasy throughout the day.
I even synchronize all my watches. Even the clocks at home. I know when a clock is running early or late. Even my office computer and home computer are on the same time.
When I travel to another country with a different time zone, I carry two watches. One, for the time here in the Philippines, the other, for the time in whatever timezone I'm currently occupying.
I remember this one time, I had to go to this ice cream factory. They made us leave our watches. Any kind of timepiece was forbidden inside the factory! If I had to work there, I'd go crazy in a few days!!!!
I really don't know why I watch the time. Maybe I don't like to waste it. Maybe that explains why I walk faster than other people. I don't want to waste my time travelling, so I try to get from point A to point B in the fastest way possible.
And, as you can see, I've installed a clock in my blog. The good folks at worldtimeserver.com made it possible.
Does anyone find this weird?
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Real-life vigilante superhero. From BBC NEWS...
POLICE HUNTING MYSTERY SWORDSMAN
Police on Tyneside are seeking a man carrying a sword who came to the aid of plain clothes officers during a burglary attempt.
The officers were threatened by a man with a knife after they discovered armed men trying to break into a house in Laygate, South Shields.
Another man armed with a samurai sword appeared and attacked the man with the
knife, before leaving the scene.
Three men have been charged with aggravated burglary.
One faces an additional charge of attempted wounding with intent to resist arrest.
POLICE HUNTING MYSTERY SWORDSMAN
Police on Tyneside are seeking a man carrying a sword who came to the aid of plain clothes officers during a burglary attempt.
The officers were threatened by a man with a knife after they discovered armed men trying to break into a house in Laygate, South Shields.
Another man armed with a samurai sword appeared and attacked the man with the
knife, before leaving the scene.
Three men have been charged with aggravated burglary.
One faces an additional charge of attempted wounding with intent to resist arrest.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Saturday, January 6, I was invited to a little salu-salo at Hal Santiago's house. It was great! There was no real occasion, just a gathering of some komiks veterans.
Bong Leal tagged along with me. Dodo Dayao was supposed to go, too, but he was finishing up a painting or something.
I got there a bit early, and Jun Lofamia and Rudy Villanueva were there, along with Mang Hal. Rudy Villanueva is Hal's brother-in-law, and he lives next door. It was great that Mang Jun still recognized me since we met only briefly at the Komikon. Mang Hal and Mang Jun showed some original stuff, and they were amazing (and huge). They auction off original art on ebay, with Steve Gan being their sort of online agent. If you see the original pieces upclose, you'd be amazed at the craftsmanship that went into them. The brushstrokes really flow across the paper. And the sense of composition is flawless.
Others in attendance were Steve Gan, Freddie Fernandez, Florie Medina, Vic Poblete, Noli Zamora, Mel Capital, JoeMari Mongcal, and several others that I can't remember. Komiks collector, historian and all-around fanatic Erwin Cruz was also there. It was especially exciting for me and Bong to be able to meet Noli Zamora, who we both admire greatly.
One thing that I admire about these men is that even though they've all gone to different things and different jobs, they still hold a special place in their hearts for komiks. We all talked about different stuff, but every now and then the topic would go back to komiks.
I forgot to bring a camera (d'oh!), but Bong did. I hope he e-mails me the pics so I can post them here soon.
Bong Leal tagged along with me. Dodo Dayao was supposed to go, too, but he was finishing up a painting or something.
I got there a bit early, and Jun Lofamia and Rudy Villanueva were there, along with Mang Hal. Rudy Villanueva is Hal's brother-in-law, and he lives next door. It was great that Mang Jun still recognized me since we met only briefly at the Komikon. Mang Hal and Mang Jun showed some original stuff, and they were amazing (and huge). They auction off original art on ebay, with Steve Gan being their sort of online agent. If you see the original pieces upclose, you'd be amazed at the craftsmanship that went into them. The brushstrokes really flow across the paper. And the sense of composition is flawless.
Others in attendance were Steve Gan, Freddie Fernandez, Florie Medina, Vic Poblete, Noli Zamora, Mel Capital, JoeMari Mongcal, and several others that I can't remember. Komiks collector, historian and all-around fanatic Erwin Cruz was also there. It was especially exciting for me and Bong to be able to meet Noli Zamora, who we both admire greatly.
One thing that I admire about these men is that even though they've all gone to different things and different jobs, they still hold a special place in their hearts for komiks. We all talked about different stuff, but every now and then the topic would go back to komiks.
I forgot to bring a camera (d'oh!), but Bong did. I hope he e-mails me the pics so I can post them here soon.
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