5th Toycon

My fellow Komikeros (L-R: Gerry, Mico, Ilyn, Rod. Sitting: Gerald and Raipo).

Gerry and the gang were busy selling "Elmer" which was all sold out.

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My officemate Cyrus is on a Hellboy costume for the Cosplay.

Hellboy (life-size).

From Hero booth.

Another one from Hero boot.

Voltes 5 gang.

My officemate Julius Gopez have his artwork reviewed.

Scarry Dolls.

More scarry dolls. Waaah.

Dingdong and Karylle.

Coca-cola collectibles.

Child Labor

I was going home after watching a movie and it was already 1 am in the morning. Since MRT is no longer having service during that hour, I decided to ride the bus. I was so tired and sleepy because after work I headed straight to the cinema and had to work the next day.

The front side of the bus was already been accupied so I decided to take the sit at the rear. Upon sitting I noticed a girl w/ steamed peanuts (obviously selling them) on the bench opposite mine and she's already past asleep and her peanuts hadn't been sold out yet. Oh my, it's already 1 am in the moring and why she's still here working late when she should have been at home sleeping and preparing for the class the next day.

I felt pity for the child and same time felt ashamed of myself. I pitied her because she has to work hard instead of going to class. It's no her fault to be poor but it's definitely her right to have a descent education. Her parents should be sending them to scholl but won't. Maybe because all members have to work for them to feed their stomachs.

Obviously, like me most of us just close our eyes and pretend we don't see them. Pretend they don't exist. I'm not rich and I'm earning poor pay but I'm lucky enough to have a job and be able to eat. I felt ashamed because I do complain, that why do I have to work so hard for 7 days a week and yet can't earn as much as anyone else, when there a lot of people out there who haven't have the chance to enjoys life simple indulgences.

What can they do when the time they open their eyes they are already like that. That their parents was doing and living the way their forefathers have been doing in the past. Now, do we have to keep on closing our eyes and keep on pretending that issues like this do not happen? That we go on living our lives ignoring these issues?

Don't we know that we all can't move on if a lot of children hasn't been able to be given a chance to education. We were told and been reminded that children are our nation's hope. In this case, what kind of hope do we expect?

Of course we can't help others if we don't help ourselves first but there are alot of us out there who have more that they can ever want. Why not share. A little is better than nothing at all. If our government will not act, do we keep on blaiming them that they've done nothing when you yourself won't help when issues like this happens right before you eyes? Shame on you. To keep your dignity intact, stop complaining and help. Even if it's little and you think it's not enough, it is and it helps.

I just hope that we do extend our hands. If you have spare centavos, donate it instead of throwing them away. Sabi nga nila, kahit konti pero pagdumami lalaki din.

When Michael weds Rachel (06/01/06)

This was one of the most happy and important day for my brother Michael, saying "I do" to Rachel in front of God, families and friends. I never saw my brother this happy, ever since he told me that he's tying the knot. After years of dating they finally reach the point when they decided to start their own family. I'm so happy for the two of them. Both have a stable job and a place to live in. God bless to you and Rachel.

He's all prepared for the wedding.

The altar of the chapel.

The Bestman and the Groom.

The bridesmaids: Carla (Cousin-father side), Michelle (sister), and Joreen (Cousin-mother side)

Me (wala lang porma lang kase busog na)

Going Back to Manila

I'm goin back to Manila tomorrow via PAL mabuhay class. ETD is at 13:15. Hope I won't have excess bagage.

Bye Old Template

Finally I have the time and resources to edit my blog and change its appearance now that I'm home here in Kidapawan. I decided to change it so that when people visits my blog they would get the impresion that I love comics and I'm creating one too. As you can notice, I posted some of my drawings and the artworks of the people that I look up to in the Industry like Joshua Middleton, Frank Quitely, Olivier Copiel, and Carlo Pagulayan among others. Hoping that like them, people would notice and appreciate my passion.


I've decided to have a hiatus on my proffesion as an engineer to make way for my child-long dream to become a comic artist. That's the reason why I joined animation to enhance my style by drawing everyday and practice some more when I'm home. Yes, if you look closer at my fingers, dami na nya kalyo. Hehehe but it's ok because people started to notice and appreciate my works and it means a lot to me. I've got small projects like tutorials, book covers, indie comics and graphix designs too. Even if I'm still far away, somehow I can already taste what it feels like.


I do hope that you keep on visiting my blog and be patient if at times I won't be able to post some articles. God bless and more power to all of us.

Is that you (Statue)?

I find these guys very intertaining. You can see them regularly at Island Grill located at Shopwise Araneta Center, Cubao. At times they startled passersby who thought they were just statues. They would then dance and do some tricks and would send you smiling (even laughing) and at times you can't help toss coins as a sign of appreciation.

When you take their photos, they would gladly post for you like the guy shown on the photo above. Appart from what they do, unconsiously people would like to see more of them, thus, they would enter the restaurant. What a strategy, and a good one too.

Entry Level To Animation

It's been 3 months since I started training as a clean-up/In-between artist and I'm having a lot of fun with it. After the training a month ago I'm dying to start to put into action what I've learned during the training. When I finally started I'm so thrilled and I told myself that this would finally be the first step in fulfilling my childhood dream into reality - becoming a comic artist or animator. I just want to draw and want to share it to all. It's not that far anymore.

During the first week I've realized how hard the field that I'm trying to be a part of. How every minute counts. How you spend your time and effort will surely be felt when you finally receive how much you earned. You will truly value every Peso that you receive during the week ends when you finally take hold of your pay. How you avoid your favorite food and comic book just to have something to buy for your basic necessities. And how you come to realized how you are able to give respect to the people who've been working in the said field for the very long time. It's not that easy.

Despite all the hardship I still enjoyed it. I'm happy just to sit there w/ my pencil and pen drawing all day. I am able to smile from the "out-of-the-blue" side comments of my peers and how we all felt the same with our chosen field. And how we became "very" nervous when "Lizzie" passes by carrying lots of folders to be "fixed-up" by artists who made errors in there drawings. And the endless chats that we exchange when the day ends during our long walk from our office to the Crossing where we part ways. But happiness is not enough to live life, we still need to eat and pay our obligations.

A lot of us in the studio are just starting out and we do our best and exert our efforts to be able to draw as much as we can in a day to receive a much higher pay when the week ends. I'm not complaining though, I'm just merely sharing my experiences in case you get me wrong. In fact, since I started working, this is the only job that I get so excited to go to work. The thing that I look forward to. I've never been so happy but it's difficult and I'm trying "hard" to cope up.

People say that you really can't have it all or it's hard to have it all. You get high pay but you're not happy. You're happy yet you become hungry. Even if that I'm happy being there in the industry but when I look at how much money I left in my savings, I think twice. It's hard to let go of your dreams in exchange of better living. Truly I sacrifice all my high paying jobs to follow the path to my dream. With so much more in stake how am I going to last. Will I ever get there in the end or choose another path that would somehow help me survive and be able to help my family have a better life. Only time will unfold the outcome.

Things you could find inside my bag

It's time one's again that I have to clean my back pack coz it dirty. As what youcan see in the picture, those are the things that you can find inside my bag. Hmmm. Pencils (lots of them, some colored for shadows), Pens (again, lots of pens), erasers (auto, kneeded, rubber, etc.), sharpeners, prayer book (Novena for my panata), markers, wallet, bus tickets, powder (loose and pressed), lotion, cologne/perfume, lip gloss and comb (Hindi ko na pinakita mga scratch papers kase sobra dami d na kakasya sa picture hehehe).

Pinoy Komiks in Danger!!!

Below is some part of the entry that I read from Gerry Alanguilan's blog. Please have some time to read it and comment on the entry, your views are well appreciated.

The Death of a Once Great Industry

by Gerry Alanguilan

I was browsing through one of my online message boards just the other week, the one specializing in the local Philippine comics industry. I read a message from long time illustrator Nestor Malgapo that illustrator Rod Santiago was reporting Atlas Publications' cessation of publication of all their comics.

It was the last report in a long line of alleged reports indicating the end of comics from Atlas. I had been hearing the same thing as early as last year during October's Komikon, the First Philippine Comics Convention at UP Diliman.

Although early reports have proven to be untrue as I continued to see komiks being sold at my local town store, this last report by one of the illustrators working for Atlas itself, seemed to confirm the inevitable truth.

Komiks from Atlas had been limping along for the past few years, appearing only sporadically, and hardly ever these last few months. I realize, much to my chagrin, that the last batch of comics I was able to buy was from late last year and early this year, and then no more.

Atlas Publications had been the repository of a truly great and legendary line of comics, passed down from company to company, beginning with ACE Publications, which originated these comics as early as 1947.

Click here for the rest of entry...

Spacegirl

I also like to recommend this Spacegirl strips by Travis Charest. When you try to access it, Travis has a note for you and this is what it says: "Check back here every Monday night (or Tuesday morning ) for the next installment. Note: This is just a bit of fun I get to have for an hour a week, don't take it too seriously:)"

You know what? His fans and most of his visitors are taking it seriously. So if you'd like to know why just check it out. It's good, really. Here's a link: Spacegirl

P.S. I think you have to be a member to check it though.

Trese #3

This book written by Budjette Tan and drawn by Kajo Baldisimo is good piece of artwork. Book #3 is by far the most emotional and most interresting of the 3 books. The artwork this time is more promising. In this book, Ms. Trese is in search for the murderers of the members of the Black Knights and in the later part of the book will surprise you (really) and might even make you drop your precious tears. I don't want to spoil a good read so you may get a copy at Comic Quest Megamall for only Php 30.00. Enjoy...

Justice

The world is in great danger because humans rely too much on super heroes and the only people who can stop the end of the world are the super villains. These villains share the same nightmares on how the world ends so they alone can save it. Now they have to stop all the super heroes from ever saving anyone to stop the world's annihilation.

Wow, this also is a super book like the Infinite Crisis. I already have the copy of the 1st issue and it rocks. Alex Ross's art is superb. It almost stole (if not stolen) the attention, instead of reading the story, you can't help but stare at the artwork. Tsk, tsk, tsk... From time to time I have to remind myself to focus on the story, otherwise, I won't be able to finish reading it. The 1st issue so far is good, intriguing and crazy at the same time. I can't wait to have the rest of the installments.

Civil War

This is another offer from Marvel. I still have to find out what this book is all about but I think this have to do on the outcome of the House of M story. How they handle the situation that most of the mutants have lost their powers/abilities. That the remaining mutants protected by Emma Frost (X-men leader) and Doctor Strange (Old Avengers member), have to decide what to do on the situation. One thing for sure is that it's already on my Must-Have list.


According to friends who closely on the lookout of the book, She-Hulk, Spider-Man and Emma Frost play a vital role on the story. But if you happen to have a copy of the Illuminatti, you might have an idea on what will happen on Civil War.


Well all of us still have to find out though this May. I have the list of the schedule of release of the books including several books featuring characters who play huge roles on this story. I don't have it now here with me but when I come back I might put the release schedules. OK? OK.


P.S. The story of Illuminatti is about the secret organization of 7 mutant leaders (Professor X, Namor, Iron-man, etc.) who are having a meeting/debate on how to deal with the situation brought about by the result of House of M. Please have a copy of it too.

House of M

I already read it last month but I just remember posting it on my blog tonight. This is a story of Avengers and X-men, deciding on the fate of Wanda (Scarlet Witch) if they have to keep her alive or just decide on how to handle her situation because she has become a threath to the world (to humans and mutants alike). Wanda lost control on her reality-altering abilities after her major nervous breakdown and put the world in grave danger. Her brother, Pietro (Quicksilver) upon knowing the meeting of the two groups, went to see Wanda and their father Magneto. Yet Magnito himself does not know how to handle the situation.

X-men decides to vote for Wanda's situation but the Avengers refuse to vote. They decided to visit Wanda and decide her fate upon seeing her. Unfortunately they can't find her (pietro and Magneto too). Upon searching, everything went white and the next thing they know, they got what their hearts desire.

The story is great and so is the artwork. I really love the book. It's a must have. I really can't tell much because I don't want to spoil the fun. It has a lot of twist and turns. Hearth thumping suspense and action. I recommend it to all comic lovers out there. When you have the copy just sit back, read and have a great ride. Enjoy!!!

Tuesday Morning

Just realized na nakakapagod din pala to chase someone/something na you know you won't ever reach. Been trying your best but no matter what, it all amounts to nothing. In the end you will just end up being hurt and left all by yourself. No matter how much you tried and do your best it won't matter. For it will not be yours.

I've been a fool trying to dream that someday it will all pay off. That I won't ever give up. Yet it seems that it will all stay to be just a dream as a new day unravels before my eyes. Should I wake up now or forever live in a delusion.

It's hard to let go. Everyone says I must. My mind says I should. My heart whispers otherwise. Whichever I will follow, I know I'll end up being hurt and I'm tired. Tired of facing it. Tired of chasing. Tired of endless disappointments. But still can't let go.

I tried not to care. I tried not to bother. Yet it only hurts me even more.

Most people thinks that I'm a fool to allow these things to happen. Afterall, it's still my decision. Yet I can't decided. Confuse. Afraid. Hurt.

How much longer should I wait? How much longer I can go on like this? How much pain should I have to endure? How much?

Tuesday morning I ask again myself, but still there's no relpy from me.

Animate Me... Us...

Here is a sketch made by Kenneth Chan,one ofmy officemates at Sunwoo Animation Philippines. He sketches more or less 30 of us including 2 of our trainers. If you'll see all the sketches and saw the actual peoplebehind it,you can't help but burst out laughing. He's also deviant account. Just click this link: Zerochakra

Sunwoo Pipol

Here are some ofmy officemates @ Sunwoo Animation Philippines. Aren't we having fun?!

MRT Queue

Just look at howlong the queue is when you're trying to enter the MRT Station Cubao. It reaches below the stairs leading to the Farmers Market.

Inside MRT

After a few days of posting the "MRT Sardines" entry, someone e-mailed me photos of what really is happening inside the can. Below are some photos that was sent to me by the anonymous reader.

As you can see, the people struggles to fit inside but I think it's OK for them as long as they arrived their destinations on time. Even if it would mean they would be exchanging smell and faces. Below are two more photos.

1.2

I don't know anymore....