Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Another side of me

I would like to share to you guys, the other side of me. You already know that Gio Paredes is the publisher and creator of Kalayaan comics. But this time, I will show you another kind of Freedom. And that is financial freedom.

In a nut shell. Financial freedom is the ability to do what you always want to do in life without any worries of any kind of financial problem. To spend time with your family and to do what you want, when you want, whenever you want. A freedom from fear or worry. Having multiple streams of highly leverage income.

But in order to do that. You must first change the way you think. You must also study the game of investing and business. You must also have a mentor to teach you. Learn from their experiences and listen to their words of wisdom. One of my mentor in real estate investing is Trace Trajano. He is the the best selling author of the book "Think Rich Pinoy". In our social networking site (http://buyfirstdeal.ning.com). He recently posted a heart warming story which I would like to share to you.

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Kumusta na kabayan!

First, I would like to thank you for being an OFW. My dad used to be an OFW and I know the many sacrifices you are enduring right now just so that you can provide the best for your family. I admire you, I appreciate you and in my book, you are a true Pinoy hero.

Second, I would like to help you. I would like to help you in the same way I helped Bobet, a former OFW. Under my coaching, from being broke and in debt, in just 12 months Bobet became a millionaire. Bobet is in fact back in the Philippines. He no longer needed to work as a nurse here in the U.S. He no longer misses his wife and kids. He can now kiss and hug them everyday. He has achieved in 1 year what most OFWs will never achieve in their lifetime. How did he do it?

I taught Bobet the Secrets of Wealth. And if you want to be like Bobet, read on because I want to teach you the Secrets of Wealth as well. But there’s a catch. You will only understand the Secrets of Wealth by understanding how my dad, an OFW like you became broke.

I’ve experienced as a child what I call a roller coaster of wealth. In Tagalog, we call this “Gulong ng Palad” (Wheel of Fortune) because there are times we’re on top of the world and there are times we’re at the bottom. When my dad comes back from abroad it is like a fiesta. The alcohol is overflowing. The whole town seems to be at our door step and my dad’s pasalubongs never seem to run out. Packets of cigarette. Bottles of whisky. Chocolates for the kids. Jewelry for my mom. It is like we’re millionaires every time my dad goes home.

But we’re millionaires only for a short time.

Two weeks later, the money’s gone. My mom and dad start to argue. And my dad seriously considers going back to the ship. He borrows money from his mom – my grandmother (we call “Nanay”). One time, my mom and dad even asked me to borrow money from Nanay because both of them were already turned down. I guess that tactic worked because Nanay couldn’t say NO to his apo and we ate dinner that night.

Then things turn for the worse. The many friends who cheerfully greeted my dad’s homecoming are no longer around. Instead, creditors start hounding us, pounding at our door. At 8 years old, I am taught to lie and tell the creditor my mom is not around even though she is just there beside me kneeling and praying the creditor goes away.

From feeling like millionaires for a few days to being dead broke 2 weeks later – describing it as a roller coaster or a wheel of fortune is an understatement. My mom and dad managed to squander all their savings and more.

So 2 months later, my dad is back at the airport again. We have tears in our eyes once again as we bid him goodbye. My dad would have to work hard on a ship 10 months in a year mostly to pay off our greedy lenders and creditors.

My dad tried to invest – buying a tricycle but the business became bankrupt as fast as it was started. My dad recalled that tricycle with pride in his voice “It was the first stainless steel tricycle in our town”. He was proud of the product but he did not take the time to understand the business.

There were many days our home is literally dark because we couldn’t pay for the electric bill. Once, as a 9-year old boy, I was devastated when I saw my books have been sold so that we will have food on the table that day. Then the worst happened: we lost our home to foreclosure because there was no money left to pay for the mortgage.

Is the story above familiar to you? I bet most OFWs have the same lifestyle cycle as my dad. Rich one day then broke another.

Have you discovered the Secrets to Wealth in my dad’s story?

At its core, it really is very simple. You will be wealthy if you do the exact opposite of what my dad did.

Don’t waste your money by throwing a lavish home coming party for the whole town – SAVE your money instead. Have a small gathering with your family and loved ones. Your children will appreciate it more because they want your presence more than your presents. Get into the habit of saving at least 10-20% of everything you earn. The earlier you get that habit the wealthier you will become or the faster you will become a millionaire.

Bobet saves 50% of what he earns. No wonder he has become a millionaire in only 12 months.

But you cannot save your way to millions. You have to learn how to invest your savings. My aunt who used to work as a bank clerk, who earned 1/10th of what my dad earned as a seaman is now a multi-millionaire because she learned to invest her money. Your savings must go to “work” for you. They must produce good returns or profit. But you cannot stop there. You have to reinvest your profits so that your wealth can grow exponentially.

My aunt started a business butchering chickens in the wet market (palengke). She saved half of her profits and lived off the other half. She then put her savings to buy a store. The profits from the store and the chicken business were then invested into a farm. The profits from the farm, the store and the chicken business were then invested into a resort. The profits from the resort, the farm, the store and the chicken business were then invested into apartment buildings.

As a result of saving, investing, and reinvesting her profits, my aunt becomes richer and richer even as she works less and less while my dad because of spending, borrowing, then spending becomes poorer and poorer even as he works harder.

The choice is yours. Bobet chose to become rich and he put in the time to learn and apply the Secrets of Wealth. Bobet is now in the Philippines employing 30 people because of the businesses he started. 30 families now rely on Bobet because he applied the Secrets of Wealth and Bobet is proving you can become wealthy even back home.

I like you to be wealthy my friend. But the choice is up to you.

By Trace Trajano
http://buyfirstdeal.ning.com



Monday, November 09, 2009

Kalayaan = Jiyuu

I was doing some research for a possible future issue of Kalayaan. It involves a story about Japan and the Philippines. Then I was suddenly curious what is the Japanese word for FREEDOM or KALAYAAN. To my surprise, based on this site. This came out, Freedom = Jiyuu, Furi-damu, Fuki. I was tempted to use Fuki, but the story might come out a comedy, instead of a serious one. But the one that got my attention is the word "Jiyuu". It almost sounded my name. What an interesting coincidence that is, isn't it? :D

And just to make sure, I have emailed the sister of my wife that now is living in Japan. And she just confirmed it. Jiyuu is the most common Japanese word that is being used to describe for freedom. :D

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Kalayaan site update - Comics Delivery

I have recently updated the Kalayaan Comics site. And the recent update is the very first ever cross over of Kalayaan and Maskarado (created by Reno Maniquis) entitled 'Magkasangga'. I was so glad when Reno gave me permission to publish this as a web comics. To read it directly, just please click here.

Sorry about to the non-tagalog reading people out there, because it is written in Tagalog.

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I went to Comic Odyssey today for a comics delivery. Kalayaan #8 is now available at Comics Odyssey in Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, Robinsons Manila and Eastwood. Back issues are still available at those stores.


And while I was there, I had a chance to meet one of my favorite artist. The famous LAN MEDINA :iconthepunisherone: because he was also there for a signing of his new comics released DEATHLOK #1 under Marvel. I immediately bought a copy and had it sign by him.



Saturday, November 07, 2009

Fan Art by Freely Abrigo

Fan Art by the famous Filipino Cartoonist Freely Abrigo (Creator of Kulas and Kapitan Tog ang Superhero na laging nauuntog!!). Please visit his multiply site at http://freelyabrigo.multiply.com/

Natawa ako sa nag comment sa Multiply site ni Freely. Sabi kasi, para daw may down syndrome si Kalayaan dito. LOL

This makes me wish that my character should have a comic strip of his own. Thank you very much for making this Freely. And recently, he just confirmed me that this version of Kalayaan will be guesting on the 3rd issue of Kapitan Tog. I just can't wait to see it. :-)



Thursday, November 05, 2009

Kalayaan Comics Delivery

I will be going to Comic Odyssey at Robinsons Galleria this Saturday (November 7,2009) to deliver Kalayaan #8. And it also happens that it is the signing of the famous Lan Medina for his new Deathlok #1. See you there guys.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

New Kalayaan Site


This is the new Kalayaan Comics Official Website. Many thanks to Myke Guisinga for helping me with the design. I have transferred to a new free web hosting site (www.x10hosting.com which I think is far better than my previous host in terms of file management and other stuff) , simply because Geocities have stopped its free hosting services. The site is still far being complete because I am still uploading all the fan art and other stuff. Internet explorer users might also experice some minor error on some image alignment which I am still trying to figure out. But if you are using firefox as your browser, you will be just fine.

For those of you reading this that owns a site/blog that has the old link. I would very much appreciate it if you change it to this new one -> http://kalayaancomics.x10hosting.com/

Thank you very much.
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Sunday, November 01, 2009

At Erwins house

I went to Erwin Ropa's House a week ago to give him a complimentary copy of Kalayaan 8. For those of you that does not know Erwin. He pencilled and inked almost half of the pages in Kalayaan #7. And he would probably do some pages in issue #9 again. It is a big MAYBE, since I am still working on the script.

Erwin emailed me a very very detailed sketch map going to their house. It became almost impossible for me to get lost. Their house is only about 20 to 25 minute commute from our house. It is only fare for me to go to them this time, since about a couple of months ago, he and his wife came to visit us at our house.

Erwin and his wife, together with his parents lived in a very nice subdivision. And their house has a nice backyard that many fruits and vegetable grows. It is something that I have always wanted to have. Because when I was a kid, I used to plant many vegetables,fruits and trees at my parents house in Caloocan North. And sometimes I miss those things.
Just like geeks, we talk for hour about comics and geeky stuff. Is this a start of a new Komikero North? I am not sure. Will see.. :-)

Monday, October 26, 2009

Kalayaan 8 in Sputnik

Kalayaan #8 is now available at Sputnik comic shop. - Shop 60 at the Cubao Expo on Gen. Romulo Ave., Cubao, Q.C. Back issues are also available (issue 1 to 7). I will also try to deliver some copies to Comic Odyssey hopefully with in this week. But before that, I will try to print more copies. Since all copies of the first batch of issue 8 that I printed are now sold out.

While I was at Sputnik today. They gave me this "Do it yourself" Munny Toy that you could customize. They plan to sell this or auction it some how for a worthy cause. Once I tried to draw lines on it. I just could not stop. It is like some force is forcing me to continue. It is still far from finish. I am still looking for a blue and red pentel pen.

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

Real Pinoy Fighter

Hello guys (and gals), I just want to share this new video of Kalayaan comics that I recently created. It is composed of the covers of issue 5 to 8 and also the wonderful fan-art work that I have ever since. It is a simple way of thanking every body that have send some few of their time to draw my character.




A few years ago, December 2007 to be exact. I also created a Kalayaan video with the background music of "3 Stars and a Sun" of the late Francis Magalona. If you have not seen it before, here it is below.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

KOMIKON 2009 Award Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the 2nd Philippine KOMIKON Awards!

Best Graphic Novel / Anthology: Martial Law Babies by Arnold Arre
Best Comic Series: Cast by Jamie Bautista, Nautilus
Best Comic Magazine: Mangaholix by Groundbreakers, Inc.
Best Comic Strip Compilation: Pugad baboy by Pol Medina Jr.
Best Webcomic: Kubori Strips for the Soul by Michael David (www.kuborikikiam.com)
Best Cover: Cast issue 11 by Arnold Arre
Best Comic Creator/s: Arnold Arre
Best Cartoonist: Hazel Manzano, Callwork
Best Komiks Character: Michiko of Ninja Girl Ko!, Mangaholix
Best Comic Scene: Ces' Poem from Will, Cast issue 10 by Jamie Bautista & Arnold Arre

Grassroot Award:
1st place: Life as Viciously Impossible by Daphne Martinez (Lambchild)
2nd place: Nurse Macho Origins by Mangaholix
3rd place: Kalayaan by Gio Paredes, GMP Comics

Comic Aid Award: Elbert Or and Japan Foundation Manila

Mr. Arnold Arre was unable to attend the KOMIKON to receive his award, but he sent us this message....



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Monday, October 19, 2009

Komikon 2009 Aftershock

I went to our office this morning with Komikon hangover on my head. That is why it took me a while to get my head back on track. This years Komikon was very memorable to me, because it is the first time I have received an award. I won the 3rd price of the Grass Root Award category of comics. As I have said before in this blog, being nominated alone is already an honor for me. That is why I am so happy that so many have voted for me to win this award. Looking at the competition, on how talented they are, I was telling to my self that I was so lucky to be in the 3rd place. Thank you very much again for those people that had voted for me.





During the event, I also have launched the 8th issue of Kalayaan. Which I humbly say that it sold pretty well, despite I did not do any promotion or announcement that I am releasing it there. I was so quite before the event, simply because I did not know if I was able to finished it on time. It was again a photo finish for me (as usual). The event was Sunday, but it was only Saturday night (or rather Sunday 3am[madaling araw]) that I have already finished printing the first batch of Kalayaan 8. I was relieved that once again I have pull it off.

Twenty eight (28) sequential pages, Four (4) fan art pages, One (1) credit page, One (1) letter page and a full color front and back cover. That is reasons why I think that I would not make it this time around. I was telling to my self that I must really have gone crazy by doing this.

Randy Albert also went to the event and gave me this two awesome action figure. A beautifully crafted Kalayaan action figure that is way better than I have previously created. And my very own action figure for my birthday. Yup, that is me (Macho ano? hehehe) .... Gener said that I am already immortalized because of this. :D

Many thanks again to you Randy. Antayin ko sa blog mo yung mga picture ko na kinuha mo na hawak hawak ko ang mga ito. :D


I had a lot of fun on the event. The picture below is me and Manila Man. Or should I say a costplayer of a character of my fellow Bayan Knight Rhiver Quilantang. I forgot to take a picture with Manila Man last time. But this time hindi na ako nag pa tumpik tumpik pa. Now, if only I could get some one to costplay my character Kalayaan. :D



Friday, October 16, 2009

Bayan Knights connecting covers

This gives me a reminiscing of what Whilce Portacio did during the hay days of Image comics in the 90's. Whilce did one heck of a connecting covers on the most popular titles of Image back then such as Wild Cats, Team 7 and Wetworks.

This time, it's Gilbert Monsanto will take on on the connecting covers of Bayan Knights. And ofcourse my very own Kalayaan is included. I am planning to make this a variant cover for Kalayaan 9. The only concern that about this project is the coloring. Individual coloring of each cover will most probably done by their respective creators. At that might not be a good thing when all of the colored covers will be put side by side. Different colorist has a different style. Just like in drawing. I hope that there will be only one colorist that would do this job. Any takers out there?

As of this writing, there are already 6 titles included. This is still a work in progress. More characters/covers will be added soon.




Friday, October 09, 2009

I'm an action figure


Never in my wildest imagination that somebody will make an action figure of me. This is truly an unexpected and wonderful birthday surprise. Thank you very much to Randy Albert for making this for me.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Komikon and Original Art Auction


The countdown begins for the KOMIKON 2009!!!!
October 18, 2009
Sunday, 10am - 9pm
Megatrade Hall 1, 5th Level Bldg. B, SM Megamall
Entrance Fee: P80.00

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An auction will be held at the Komikon to benefit Komikeros affected by floods caused by Typhoon Ondoy. Items on hand to be auctioned will be original comics artwork, a signed Leinil Francis Yu sktechbook, a signed rare hardcover slipcase edition of ELMER, and many more.

The online auction is STILL going on! You can check out available items on Ebay here:
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZkomikeroQQhtZ-1

I wish there were more bidders to this. I know we’re on an economic crisis and original art sales are slow in general, but it’s for a good cause.



Monday, October 05, 2009

Happy News

I just got in the phone with Chez (of Sputnik Comic Shop). And she told me many happy news. And while talking to her, I could not help but smile (ngiting aso ang lolo nyo. :D) with all the good news she is telling me. The only problem is that I could not announce it here yet (Baka kasi maudlot eh). Chez, Paulo(Chez husband) and all the people behind Sputnik comic shop has been very kind to me. Always supporting me and others like me.

I was already happy even before I got in the phone with her today because most of the Kalayaan Inventory are being delivered there. According to Chez, Kalayaan is the best selling comics in their shop. And now, things just got better. Many many thanks to Sputnik.

So please visit Sputnik at Shop 60 at the Cubao Expo on Gen. Romulo Ave., Cubao, Q.C.
(Near Ali Mall)