Albert Customs

Biotrog custom action figure by Randy Albert. This guy really impressed me by doing many custom action figure, both western and Filipino characters. Please do check his site to see more great stuff.

We once meet in the last toycon event. He approached me and introduced him self. He also said that he will be doing a Kalayaan custom action figure soon. I just can't wait do see ito.

Things why Bayan Knights is exciting for me.

In the past few months, we have been struggling on creating and distributing Bayan Knights comic book. And with in those time, we have received many criticism that would depress the most excited comic book creator. I am writing this for the sake of re-energizing the spirit that have bonded us together in the first place. So I will list down the things why BK is still very exciting for me.

1.) My character “Kalayaan” is there. My very own creation, is appearing on another comics other than its own title. To me, this is exciting because I am able to see the beautiful rendition of Kalayaan by none other than Gilbert Monsanto him self. I get the chance to see my character in the hands of a true professional.

2.) Almost 50+ original Pinoy character is there (and counting). To other readers, introducing many character in one book is very confusing. But for me, it is a treat. We have a chance to discover many new and never seen before Pinoy character on a pages of a comics. I always bring a copy of BK issue with me every time. It is fun for me look at each and everyone characters appearing there. I will say to my self, “I wonder who this guy is and what power he has. This one looks cool and that one too.” :D

Without BK, there will be a very slim chances that these characters will see the light of day. If we are going to be realistic. This characters will just fade away into oblivion. And the sad thing is that no one will even know (or care) that they exist and just fade away. Except of their creators of course.

3.)It is a collaboration of many artist. The main goal of Bayan Knights embodies what a country, organization or group should be. And that is helping each other to achieve a single goal. Pulling each and everyone resources to make the group more stable. Because of this group, I was able to meet a very talented colorist like Omi Remalante, Jr. who was very helpful on coloring the covers of Kalayaan. Since I really sucks on coloring, he was a heaven sent to me, through BK.

4.) For me BK is exciting. Because it gives me hope. A shining light in the mids of darkness. A hope that there is still a chance that the ailing local comics industry needs. And hopes someday that it will be revive once again. I also hope that this small comics will inspire future comics creator to do their own titles. A hope that Bayan Knights book will spawn multiple comics title. Each one of those characters that started as an extra in this book will shine and produce its own title.

For others, they may say that I am just dreaming. But without dreams, what is the purpose of doing what we do? What is the purpose of a business man to engage on a investment or business venture, if he does no dream of becoming rich? What is the purpose a righteous man doing the good things that is written in the holy book, if he does not dream of going to heaven? What is the purpose of an athlete to train hard everyday, if he does not dream of winning an Olympic gold?

Sino ba namang independent comics creator dyan ang hindi nangarap na maging main stream?

I hope that anyone who would read this will join us and support us on our little journey. Bayan Knights is very exciting for me, and I hope that it will be exciting for you too.

Commission 001

This is my very first paid commission. I draw it on a 11x17 sized paper. A very big piece compared to the once that I often do. It really gave me a hard time to finished because of the customer wanted a "BULIK" wings. A wings just like the native chicken here in the Philippines. It took me a long time to finish all the stripes on those feathers. But it is worth it since the out come turn out pretty well.

Kalayaan 7 in comic odyssey

I just delivered the latest issue of Kalayaan yesterday at Robinsons Galleria. Kalayaan 7 is now available at

Comic Odyssey
Robinson's Galleria
Robinson's Place Manila
Eastwood

SPUTNIK
Shop 60 at the Cubao Expo on Gen.
Romulo Ave., Cubao, Q.C.

Please support Filipino independent comics.


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Something to think about

I just came back from my delivery of Kalayaan 7 at Sputnik comic shop in Cubao. And while there, I have also meet up with a Kalayaan comics fan that wanted me to sign his copies. All seven issues of it. And while there, we have talked about many comics stuff. More particularly the comics industry in the Philippines. But one topic that have grab my attention is when he said something about the Bayan Knights comics. It is more like a constructive criticism. He said to me with an out most respect for me (medyo takot sa akin at nahihiya) "Kasi po sir, wag po sana kayong magagalit. Para po kasi masyadong cramped at story ng Bayan Knights. Masyado pong maraming character ang pinapakilala na sabay sabay. Hindi po katulad ng isang title na nabibigyan ng characterization ang isang character". I have completely understood his side. Since I have been told about this by many people already. Pinaliwanag ko na lang sa kanya ang pinaka basic idea for the Bayan Knights. And that is to legitimize and protect those original characters that is floating around the internet where anybody could copy the idea and make it their own. And second is to help the creator and character to jump start his/her own comics. I explained to him (in my perspective) that we are creating a nuclear like explosion, where the Bayan Knights is in its focal point. Ground zero if you will. And from there, multiple individual comics of each character will go on its own way.

Hopefully that the realization of this idea will push through. And that is why we are working very hard to accomplish this. So just follow along the series for now and you will see in the end its total potential.

KOMIKON AWARDS 2009

The first ever KOMIKON AWARDS was held back in 2006 on the 2nd year of the Philippine Annual Komiks Convention. It is with great delight that we bring it back in a bigger and better venue and in celebrating the event’s 5th year. Once again, let us give recognition to those who continue to pour their heart, soul and income to a said “ailing industry” that still thrives to bring entertainment to future generations.
The categories are as follows:

Best Comic
This is for the ultimate… the chosen one. This is for the best among the rest. This means that the comic has achieved its ultimate potential; it’s all that and then some. This covers the mainstream comics, published and sold in the major local bookstores. This is for those that have reached the pinnacle of comic making; it’s up there, head and shoulders above the rest, looking down on us through a magnifying glass. This is for the comic that embodies all the things that made us love comics in the first place. The Best Comic award is divided in four categories:

:bulletblue:Best Graphic Novel / Anthology*
Graphic Novels are defined as novels whose narrative is related through a combination of text and art, often in comic-strip form. On the other hand, an anthology is a collection of stand alone comic book stories collected in one publication by a group or one author. This award aims to honor the best comic book creator or group of creators for their exemplary work.

:bulletblue:Best Serialized Comic*
A comic series published regularly in a magazine, newspaper or comic book publication.

:bulletblue:Best Comic Magazine
This award is given to the best comic book magazine still seeing print be it a single story or made up of several.

:bulletblue:Best Comic Strip Compilation
Here’s a step from the day-to-day print to more lasting impressions. One strip is never enough.

Best Comic Creator/s*
This award recognizes the talents of a solo artist or team of artists in making the best comic there is.

Best Cover*
A cover dictates how people see your comic. Sales also depend on the cover. And here we salute those covers that made us look and look hard. And the effort to it took to conceptualize, pencil, ink, and in some cases, to color the cover. The award shall go to the artist or group of artists that created such masterpiece.

Best Cartoonist*
The award acknowledges the countless comic strip artists whose works are published in newspapers, tabloids and magazines. Some might say that comic strip artists don’t get the props that they deserve. They give us the simple delight of a smile, a chuckle or an all-out laugh. They’re one of those everyday things we tend to pass by, yet they’re sometimes important as their humor is sometimes the only solace in those dreary days.

Grassroot Award*
This award is for those countless photocopied mini-comics that we now fondly call “indies”. That among those countless black and white comics stood out and proved to be the one with the most Oomph! of them all. This is for the indie that made the biggest dent among the populace be it good or bad, it made enough noise for people to look and take notice. It made enough of a statement that people actually stopped and listened. It brought something new and fresh that has never been done or seen before. Be it the concept, the art, or the story, it was a breath of fresh air among the masses of photocopied, folded in half and stapled twice in the spine comics. This is meant for those who dreamt of making a mark on the comic industry, and have succeeded, quite magnificently at that.

Best Webcomic*
A lot of effort goes into the webcomics we see and enjoy on the net. And they do not get the credit they deserve. But that’s why we are here, to give props to those under-appreciated webcomics, to give to where it is due.

Komiks Character of the Year
This award is for the most memorable, the funniest and most unforgettable komiks character. It could be male, female, a robot, an animal…anything. This is for our respective favorites, villain or hero.

Best Comic Scene
Who would forget that first kiss, that most tragic death, that most exhilarating fight, or even that scene that brought you to tears or made you curl up in laughter?


Comics Aid Award
Komiks would have not been possible if creators did not have any help. This is for those who have helped take comics from concept to fruition, from the little things to the humongous tasks. For all those who helped from photocopiers to publishers, family and friends, for artists, fans and fellow believers who continue to spread awareness about the industry, this is for those who have helped make what we see before our eyes.


NOMINATIONS
* Different titles created by a single artist/group can be nominated in one category.

• Nominated works, whether published, independent, or web comic, should have been released from 2006 until May 2009.

• Artists and works that have been nominated during the first KOMIKON Awards can still be nominated considering that their work/s is/are still being published during the nomination period.

• Nomination period will begin on July 1, 2009 and end on July 15, 2009.

• E-mail your nominations to komikon.awards@gmail.com with the subject: KOMIKON AWARDS NOMINATION. Only e-mail nominations will be accepted.


VOTING

• Voting period will be from August 10 – September 20, 2009. The voting procedures will be announced.

For inquiries about the awards, please feel free to comment or direct your questions to komikon.awards@gmail.com

Up up and away

Many people noticed that my character resembled Supermans attributes. Even random buyers on events are always saying that my character looks Supermanish in his looks. Even an old friend of mine once blunted out (teasing me) "Eh si Superman yan eh".

It really does not bothered me at all. In fact, I am kinda flattered that people have noticed that. I assure you that it is not intentional. It is just a coincidence that I wanted the same powers to my character. When I was conceptualizing my character back then. I wanted character that could (and hope) represent our country to the international community. I wanted to create a Pinoy Superhero we can all be proud of.

Being compared to the "man of steel" is just a big WOW to me. I mean, this is Superman that we are talking about here. He is a classic Superhero that other Superhero look up to. An icon of strength and purity of good. My character and I, are just unknown entity compared to him.

Delivery noticed

I will be delivering some copies of the latest issue of Kalayaan (number 7) to Sputnik Cubao this Wednesday (tomorrow) . I will arrive there at around 7pm since I often leave our ortigas office pass 6pm. One Kalayaan fan is already going there to meet with me for a copy of Kalayaan #7 and an autograph and requested a free poster.

Anyone would also like to come, just come there. Here is the exact address of the place.

Sputnik comic shop
Shop 60 at the Cubao Expo on Gen. Romulo Ave., Cubao, Q.C.

This place is near Alimall.
See you na lang there guys.

Happy Fathers Day To ALL

Each of my three daughter gave me a fathers day card today. I am so happy and proud of receiving each one of them. And I just want to share to everyone my Joy. These are the times that I really enjoy being a father.

I also would like to thank everybody that have text me and greeted me a happy fathers day. Pasensya na at di ako nakapag reply sa inyo, na ubusan ako ng load eh. :-(

Toycon 2009 - Day 2

Me and Steph selling Bayan Knights comics and Kalayaan comics. She always says that she is an Ogre, but I always disagree with her on that matter.

Me, Steph, Myles and Wan (in front)
Me (again), Steph and Graffista, which I got these images (I hope he doesn't mind) on his blog.

Toycon will not be toycon without any toys. This is the Hulk Buster Ironman that I am dreaming to have someday when I get more financially stable. Toys now are not as cheap when I was in elementary anymore. And they have also very much improve on quality exponentially.

Another awesome piece of craftmanship. Hulk VS. the Unstoppable Juggernaut.
During this last day of the Toycon. I got lucky and bought these two toys on a very bargain price. The first one is very rare Captain Marvel(Shazam), which I got for only P480. The original price is actually around P1,000 to P1,200. They were selling on a discounted price of P700 to P800. I was lucky enough to see one seller that was selling it for a mere P480.

The second on is Hawkman: Identity crisis edition. At ordinary price (and ordinary day), they are selling it around P500 to P900. I only got it for a very very discounted price of P150. That is right. It is not a typo. I got it for just One hundred and fifty pesos. I guess the seller was already tired for two day talking and making bargain deals with the buyer that he sold it to me with that kind of low price. I said to the seller "Mahirap po iyan hindian yang ganyang klase ng presyo manong". Sabay bunot ng pera :D

So here is the tip for next years toycon event. If you want to have a very good deal. Go to that event on the last day and stay up to the last remaining hours. Save your money up to the very last hour. There are surely many sellers that will give you this kind of deal. All you have to do is look around.

Renie Palo having fun with Captain Marvel (Shazam) that I bought. I know someone, that is very envious of me right now. :D

Toycon 2009 - Day 1

This is the first day of Toycon 2009. I sold a lot of Kalayaan copies on this day. Mainly because of the huge crowd of people who attended. I arrived at megatrade hall in Megamall building B around 11:45am, and the line to the event was still very very long. It has reached all the way to building A. And that was already noon, two hours after the opening. This event has really blown out of proportion.

Me and baby Myles, the youngest of the Bayan Knights. I really admire this young lady for her dedication to help the group. She was the very first one there on day 1 and 2.

From left to Right. Mike Ignacio (creator of Boy Ipis), Wan (Morion), Erico Calimlim (Pag-Asa), a honsome guy and Renie Palo (Kabalyero).

The three cute little pigs... este Knights pala. Me, Dexter Entera and Myles
Myles is going to hate me for posting this. Hehehe. :D
Me and a very weird guy. :D

Kalayaan 7 now available, get your copy guys.

Bill on RP flag

Mag tatagalog uli ako dito dahil tungkol nanaman sa gobyerno itong topic ko. Nakakahiya sa mga poren-ger kung mababasa nila itong article na ito na tunkol sa makitid na utak nating gobyerno.

Matagal ko na gustong i-blog ito eh.. ngayon lang ako kinati ng daliri sa pag-ta-type. Tungkol ito sa isang article na tinuro sa akin ng isa kaibigan.. paki click ito.

Pasintabi na lang po sa lahat ng Pinoy na makakabasa nitong post na ito dahil medyo mainit lang talaga ang ulo ko ngayon dahil sa Bill na ito at sa mga nag pasa nito. Bill on RP flag daw yan. Nabahala ang kaibigan ko dahil sa character ko na si Kalayaan.

Ako, personally ay hindi ako masyadong nag wo-worry dyan.
because of the following reasons.

Ang pinag babawalan dyan ay yung national anthem na binabago ng mga singer ang tono. Which I think is not intentional naman. Kanya kanyang style kasi ang pag kanta. Tulad ng pag drawing. Napaka hirap gawing standard talaga yan lalo na pag nakasanayan mo na ang istilo mo. So hindi mo pwedeng pilitin na exactong exacto ang kanta ng mga singers talaga. Napanood ko at napakingan ang pag kanta ni Martin. Okay naman para sa akin, hindi nya naman binago ng husto, bagkus ay mabilis at pa marcha pa nga ang kanta nya, which is very similar sa original na tono ni Juan Felipe, yung sa bandang huli lang yata sya bumirit. At dapat lang, alanganamang hindi bibirit sa huli. Edi nag mukhang kawawa naman tayo sa national anthem ng US at UK. Demmmet.

Yung ipag bawal na lang siguro yung pag kanta ng wala sa tono. Masakit kasi sa tenge eh. Isama na rin natin yung pag babawal sa pag kanta ng "My Way". Kasi may namamatay dyan eh.

Another point of the article is the fassion accesories. Sikat kasi ngayon dito ang 3 stars and a sun na t-shirt na pinauso ng yumaong si Francis M., at lalong sumikat pa ito nang namatay sya. Kung talagang seryoso sila (ang gobyerno) sa batas na ito. Una nilang punahin ang mga (kawawang) athlete na nag susuot ng sweater na Phil. Flag. Which I think is not a disrespect. Ipinapakita lang nila na proud sila na maging Pilipino. Kahit nasa loob at labas sila ng bansa.

Sa batas kasi, there must be a malicious intent na dapat makita ng judge para mapatawan ng kaukulang parusa ang isang tao. Kahit na nakapatay ang isang tao, if it is not intentional, mababa ang parusa. Yang batas na iyan ay para ma protektahan ang mga sagisag ng ating bansa sa pang babastos at pang bababoy. As far as I know, hindi naman baboy ang character ko. Kalayaan ang name nya at hindi SuperPig. At lalong hinding hindi binabastos ng comics ko ang kahit na anong sagisag ng ating bansa. Bagkus ay ipinopromote pa nito ang pagiging nationalistic at pagiging proud na maging Pinoy. Saan ka ba naman nakakita ng comics ngayon na guest star nila si Lapu-lapu? At sa tingin ko ay kailangan ng bansa natin ngayon ang pagiging nationalistic. Kaya nga tayo masaya pag nananalo si Paquiao eh, dahil tumataas ng konti ang moral natin na pagiging Pilipino. Dahil sa sunod sunod na scandal sa gobyerno. Hindi pa sumusulpot ang video scandal ni Hayden Kho at Katrina ay napaka rami nang scandal sa malakanyan.. helllo?.. hellooo?, Garciiiii?

Ang intent ko kasi talaga kaya ko ginawa ang character kong ito. Ay para meron tayong (ang Pilipinas) pang tapat kay Captain America at Captain Britain. Na kokornihan lang ako kaya hindi ko ginawang Kapitan Pilipinas eh. Kalayaan na lang, mas cool di ba?

Sa nabasa ko sa article, hindi naman sakop ng batas na ito ang Superhero sa comics. So, my comics is pretty much safe. It will only apply to a real life person wearing and disrespect the flag. It does not apply to a fictional character like in the comics.

At ang isa pang dahilan kaya hindi ako kinakabahan sa batas na ito ay dahil sa mga nagpapatupad ng mga batas. Alam nyo naman dito sa Pilipinas. Implementation of Law is very hard to come by. Kahit na may batas na bawal manigarilyo sa public place. Walang humuhuli. The Law, here is not strictly being implemented, unlike in other countries (teka, bat ingles to?, back to tagalog uli). Bawal ang mandaya ng tax pero lahat ng company dito ay may 2 book (sa accounting). Isa para sa BIR(yung peke) at isa (yung totoo) para sa may ari ng company. Bawal din ang corruption sa batas. Pero 100% ng ahensya sa gobyerno ay meron nyan. Meron bang nakulong sa kanila? Meron ngang isang nakunan na ng video camera na tumatangap ng lagay eh nangangatwiran pa.

If worst comes to worst na pupunahin nila ang comics ko na Kalayaan. Mag aabroad na lang din ako, at duon ako gagawa ng comics. Letche sila.

Buti pa sa abroad hindi pinagbabawalan yung creator ng Captain America.

Kalayaan 7 is now available

Kalayaan 7 is now available. This issue is the thickest Kalayaan comics ever. This issue is consist of 26 pages of sequencial art (black and white), 1 Fan-Art page, 1 Ad page (consist of Bayan Knights related titles), 1 awesome pin-up Poster (from Erwin Ropa) and Photopaper Colored Cover.

--- Delivery through mail ---
I am now accepting request delivery of Kalayaan 7 through mail. Just email me your complete mailing address at gioparedes@yahoo.com

The price of the comics is P65 plus shipping charge.

I will start delivering this latest issue next week to comics stores. Starting with Comic Odyssey in Robinsons Galleria and Sputnik in Cubao.

--- Comic Book Launching ---

I will be launching this latest issue at the 8th Philippine ToyCon this June 13 and 14 at the Megatradehall in Megamall. I will be there together with the Bayan Knights gang selling the 2nd issue of Bayan Knights. I will also be selling back issue on this event. All 6 of them, from Kalayaan #1 to #6. During this event, I will be giving away Kalayaan cards for free. That's right, you heard it right. I will be giving them for fee to anyone who will dropby our table.

---- The Cover ----

And this is the final front and back cover. The back cover is a commission to a fellow Bayan Knights member DCel (Donne Ephraim Celadiña), the owner of the character “Codename : KAWAL”. The proceeds of that commission went straight to the printing of Bayan Knights #2.

(Front Cover - click to enlarge)

(Back Cover - click to enlarge)

Many many thanks for those people that had made this issue possible. The credit section on the inside front cover keeps getting crowded with new names. Which I am not complaining, in fact, I am very happy with it. When I started with issue 1, I really do not know what to write on the credit section. My name was the only one there, which I am not very comfortable with, because I do not want people think that I am so self centered. But now, there are a handful people written there, which I am very much happy to share the lime light with. :D

(Inside Front Cover - click to enlarge)

(My quality control officer, hard at work)

K7 - Fan Art

This is the new Fan Art section that will be included in Kalayaan 7 issue. It is much more organize and more artist chipped in this time. Thank you very much to each and every one of you. I only hope that the next issue will be as many as this one.

Bayan Knights #2 - Stores

BAYAN KNIGHTS # 2 is now available at the following stores:

METRO MANILA

Comic Odyssey
Robinson's Galleria
Robinson's Place Manila
Eastwood

Comic Quest
SM Megamall

National Bookstore
SM North Edsa
Trinoma
Mall of Asia
Recto
Tutuban
Rizal Avenue
Superbranch Cubao

Donald Gonzales Store
Stall 49, Novelty Village, Tiedesitas shopping center, Pasig City

SPUTNIK
Shop 60 at the Cubao Expo on Gen. Romulo Ave., Cubao, Q.C.

PROVINCIAL OUTLETS
National Bookstore
SM Clark
SM City Baguio
SM City Pampanga
SM City Lucena
Nepo Mall Angeles City
Olongapo City
Baguio City
Subic
Tuguegarao

*The book will be available nationwide soon. Watch for it! Visit our blog frequently for more updates about where you can grab your copies of Bayan Knights #2.

**BAYAN KNIGHTS#1 is still available at selected National Bookstore branches, specialty shops and comics outlets. Stocks are limited.

Mighty Man and Yukk

This is one of my favorite cartoons back in the 80's and I am so glad that they have put many of the episode on Youtube. I can still remember when I was in grade school, I always rush home to watch cartoons like this one.

Almost finished with K7

I am already on the home stretch of publishing Kalayaan issue 7. It is just polishing a few things by this stage. It is my work as a computer programmer that is rally stopping me at this point. It is just very tough editing the pages while you just came from home and very exhausted.

This is an artwork done by Erwin Ropa. I decided to put this on the center of the my comics as a pin up poster, a last minute changes that I made. It is just to darn beutiful not to include in this issue. Erwin had helped me a lot on this issue. He had done, most of the 26 pages of this issue.

GMP Project: The Poster WIP

GMP Project: The Poster WIP (Work In Progress).
Still very far from completion.
Still missing 30+ more characters.

Delivery Report

I just delivered BK #1 and #2 at
Donald Gonzales store ni Tiendesitas, the complete address is
Stall 49, Novelty Village, Tiedesitas shopping center, Pasig City.

and I also delivered BK#2 at
Sputnik Comic Shop at
Shop 60 Cubao Expo, Gen. Romulo Ave., Cubao Q.C.

---

I am too tired to blog right now.
Ahhhh over fatigue.... gotta sleep now.