OFFICIAL LIST OF NOMINEES

OFFICIAL LIST OF NOMINEES for the KOMIKON AWARDS 2009

Thank you to all who participated in nominating the following artists and works in their respective categories. All nominees were screened by the organizers and here is the OFFICIAL LIST OF NOMINEES for the KOMIKON AWARDS 2009. Congratulations to all who made it in the list!!!

GRASSROOT AWARD:
Kalayaan by Gio Paredes
Sanduguan Himagsikan by Gener Pedriña
GradS Tayo: The Kolokoy's Colloquium by Ian Walter Along
Nurse Macho Origins by Mangaholix
Ang Maskot by Macoy Tang
Unstoppable by Heubert Khan Michael
Trese (issue 1-7) by Budjette Tan and kajo Baldisimo
Pasig (issue 16) by Melvin Calingo
Life As Viciously Impossible (issue 1) by Lambchild
The Metro (issue 1) by Jerome Jacinto
Atomic Underground by M3 Comics
Komikero Komiks 1 edited by Gerry Alanguilan and Jonas Diego
Kapitan Tog by Freely Abrigo
PAG-ASA by Erico Calimlim
GOG 1 and 2 by Borg Sinaban, REVEL Productions
Ambush by Andrew Villar
Girl Who Turned into a Fish by Mary Rañises
Cresci Prophecies by Joanah Tinio-Calingo
Bayani Nights by POINT ZERO


BEST WEBCOMIC:
What the Cigarette Said by Andrew Drilon
Moon Alone by Hai Ibardoaza
Kubori Strips for the Soul by Michael David
No Need For Kaide by Andre' Salvatierra
Fifty Peso Ninja by Lico Reloj


KOMIKS CHARACTER OF THE YEAR:
Boy Ipis of Bayan Knights, by Paul Michael Ignacio
Bertong Badtrip of Kikomachine, by Manix Abrera
Michiko of Ninja girl ko!, Mangaholix, by Marco Dimaano and Kriss Sison
Tomas of Pugad Baboy by Pol Medina Jr.
Ambrosia of Pugad Baboy by Pol Medina Jr.
Alexandra Trese of Trese by Budjette Tan and kajo Baldisimo
The Kambal of Trese by Budjette Tan and kajo Baldisimo
Maliksi of the Tikbalang Tribe of Trese by Budjette Tan and kajo Baldisimo
Kikiams of Kubori Kikiam by Michael David
Kapitan Tog of Kapitan Tog by Freely Abrigo
Kulas of Kulas by Freely Abrigo
Elmer of ELMER by Gerry Alanguilan
Mina of Pasig by Melvin Calingo
Bakal A of Bayani Nights by POINT ZERO

BEST COMIC SCENE:
Keon vs. Kraust (Mangaholix Issue 2)
Michiko fights Kamao Vendors (Mangaholix Issue 6)
First strip of "Pamilya Sabaybunot" (Pugad Baboy 21)
Unstoppable’s late father, Mr. Unstoppable, was revealed to be just an actor in a hit self-titled TV series (Unstoppable Issue 1)
Rules of the Race - The Alberto and Maliksi Car Race (Trese)
Ces' Poem from Will (Cast Issue 10)
Will and Lel's kiss (Cast Issue 10)
“Manny’s new face” (strip no.170 of Kubori Strips for the Soul in kuborikikiam. com - [link])
The Bayan Knights in an epic battle against the endless battalion of wolf-monsters, called “Sipakas” (Bayan Knights Issue 2)
Kalayaan flying off in shame on discovering that he was sterile (Kalayaan Issue 4)
Boy Bato throws flames at the enemy (Andong Agimat)
Pinakamakabayan, Bakal-A, Maskulado and Jaguar turn the tide against the janitor fishmen. Bouyed by the super nationalistic fervour of Manny Pacquiao's song, Pinakamakabayan grows into epic proportions to put the beatdown on the south american fish pests. (Bayani Nights:Rise of the JanitorFishmen 12) [link]


COMICS AID AWARD:
Hugo “Boboy” Yonzon III Publisher Boboy Yonzon believes in the Filipino's ability to produce top-caliber stories and art. He believes in comics as a legitimate art form, and is intent on raising the bar for Philippine-produced comics, and, consequently, other forms of entertainment. Boboy is the President and CEO of Yonzon Entertainment Syndicate (YES!), Mango Comics' mother company. He has been the president of the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas (SKP) and the spearhead of the upcoming First Philippine International Cartoon, Comic and Animation Festival.
Orvy Jundis He is a comic collector and historian having written numerous articles about comics internationally. Orvy is one of the core members of the KOMMIX Veterans, supporting veteran comic artists and teaching children and young adults in Angono, Rizal about the art of making comics.
Komikero.com is a website created by the comic artist Gerry Alanguilan. It hosts video blogs, articles on comics and includes The Philippine Comics Art Museum, an online museum featuring Filipino vintage comics and articles on veteran comic artists.
Comic Odyssey one of the very few comic stores in Metro Manila that carries local independent comics, owned by Mr. Sandy Sansolis. Comic Odyssey has 2 branches located in Robinson's Place, Level 3 Ermita,Manila and Robinson's Galleria, Level 3 Expansion Mall, Edsa cor. Ortigas.
Elbert Or is currently finishing his thesis as a final requirement for his MA in Education while teaching in Ateneo de Manila University. There he regularly incorporate comics and graphic novels in his freshman English Literature classes, and teaches comics production classes for their Fine Arts Program. He’s been conducting workshops and seminars across the country for Nautilus Comics, where he served as editor-in-chief for a couple of years.
Visual Print Enterprises has been publishing a large number of great quality local comic books such as Manix Abrera’s Kikomachine, Freely Abrigo’s Kulas, the graphic novel Trese by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo
and Carlo Vergara’s Ang Kagila-gilalas Na Pakikipagsapalaran Ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah. Hopefully more publishers will follow suit.
Gilbert Monsanto is a writer, an artist and a publisher of local comics. He owns the Sacred Mountain Publications which published titles such as Tropa, Rambol and Bayan Knights. Gilbert formed the Bayan Knights calling on independent comic creators who wants their characters to be recognized by forming a unique league of Filipino superheroes. He is also known internationally, working on different comics abroad.
Ayala Foundation for Bayan Knights#2 The Ayala Foundation works to extend the benefits of recent technological developments to a greater number of men, women and children. Through these new technologies, the Foundation continues to work for the cultivation of Filipino ingenuity and talent, as well as the preservation of our rich culture, history and traditions. With this in mind they have helped in the production of Bayan Knights 2 to promote good values in comics.
Japan Foundation Manila The Japan Foundation (JF) aims to promote and encourage cultural exchange and cooperation between the Philippines and Japan. The Japan Foundation has been holding “The Asian Cartoon Exhibition” (one-cut and multi-cut cartoons) annually since 1995 for the purpose of capturing Asian society, culture and customs of daily life through the medium. They have sponsored a number of local artists, bringing them to Japan to be part of exhibit, some of which are Pol Medina Jr. (Pugad Baboy), Elizabeth Chionglo (Loveknots) and Lyndon Gregorio (Beerkada).
U.P. Vargas Museum recently opened its doors to comics holding the Panel Collective Art Exhibit last March 22 to July 12, 2009 at the Edge Gallery.
UP Shopping Center houses a number of shops that caters to every independent comic need. Surely it has given birth to a number of great of indie comics.
U.P. Bahay ng Alumni The home of the Philippine Annual Komiks Convention (KOMIKON) for the past 5 years.
The Manila Bulletin the longest running newspaper in the Philippines is also a great supporter of local comic strip artists having its comic page the most number of locally made comic strips.
Intellectual Property Office opened The Alab Art Space, the first exhibit area in an IP office, to provide a venue for the country's creative industry to showcase their works. It hosted Sining, Kamalayan at Paglikha, an art exhibit featuring over 30 artworks of the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas whose members are foremost cartoonists from the country's leading newspapers and magazines last October 20 – November 20, 2008. The IPO is currently active in activities such as these to promote more awareness about protecting people’s intellectual rights.


VOTING
• Voting period will be from August 10 to September 20, 2009

*Voting Ballots will be available in the following stores:
Comic Odyssey
•Robinson's Place, Level 3 Ermita,Manila
•Robinson's Galleria, Level 3 Expansion Mall,Edsa cor. Ortigas
Comic Quest
•Lower Ground Floor Bldg. A, SM Megamall
•2nd Floor Main Bldg., SM City North Edsa

*ONLINE VOTING POLLS to be announced

Winners will be announced at the 5th Philippine Annual Komiks Convention (KOMIKON) this October 2009!!!

I am nominated

I just received this from my email.
It seams that I have been nominated for Grassroot Award.
I hope you guys vote for me.
Many Thanks.

----

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Your work is nominated in the upcoming KOMIKON AWARDS 2009.
Nominations were held last July 01 - 15, 2009. You were nominated for the following category:

For Grassroot Award:

Kalayaan by Gio Paredes (http://gioparedes.deviantart.com/)

Voting period will be from August 10 – September 20, 2009. The official list of nominees and voting procedures will be announced anytime next week. Visit http://komikon.deviantart.com or http://komikon.blogspot.com for updates. Winners will be announced at the 5th Phiippine Annual Komiks Convention (KOMIKON) in October.


Good Luck!
KOMIKON Committee

Erwins special pin-up

Erwin Ropa surprised me again with this very special pin-up. It is a little bit coincidence that the new cover of Kalayaan (issue 8) is some how a little bit similar to this.

I just could not post the cover here yet, because it is still too soon. But in the cover that I made, Kalayaan is bleeding very bad. And other character such as Salamangkero, Cyfer and Grayhorn are also there.

The market is there

When I was on my way home a few days ago. I passed by Comic Quest in megamall. I was surprised that many people were flocking there. Curious that I am. I went there to take a quick look. It was the scheduled day that the new shipment of new comics. Many people were there to get their new bunch of western comics. Without a shadow of a doubt. I can say that the market for comics is there. We all need is just to tap it more. All the previous talk of a declined in the number of people that read comics are just not true. If people realy realy like your product, they will buy it, no matter what.

Writing a story

It is a little bit weird for me this past few weeks, because I am enjoying more and more writing stories. Even though I am very very busy at my work, I still find my self getting this many ideas for a story. Thus writing it every where I am. At lunch break, on FX taxi and even in the toilet.

This past few weeks, I have been writing small bits of pieces of story for Kalayaan 9. Yup, that is right 9 and not 8. I decided to write a story for 9 as long as the inspiration and ideas are still here. Issue 8 plot was already finished a long time ago. And the only thing it need is polishing it with details. All I can say, is that this story that I am writing for issue 9 is another emotional for our hero. More emotional than issue 4 (I think). But I will try my best not to make him cry in front of the camera. Baka kasi mabasa nanaman ng taga FHM eh, sabihing iyakin nanaman ang character ko.

This issue will be a little unique since it is a Love story. See?, I told you it was weird. Me?... writing a love story for my character? A few years ago, I would never imagine me doing this kind of thing. But I guess it will suits nicely since this will be release in Feb. 2010 next years valentine special.

Another unique thing on this issue is that, it is a "one shot" story and not an arc. Because a few people that I know says that they HATE "to be continued" stories. Gusto nila ay wakasan. I really did not know so many comic book fans share this kind of sentiment. So this is just to show you guys that I am really listening to you. :-)

All we need is Laugh (Love)

I heard this on a radio when I was on my way at work inside the FX taxi. At first I thought it was a new song of a local rap artist. As I googled the song title, it was an (not so) old song from one of my favorite artist Michael V. Aside for being well known as a comedian and singer. Many people does not know that Bitoy is also a comic book artist. Yup, that's right. And a very good one. I still remember meeting him in person at robinsons galleria (1994 or 95, forgot the exact year) while he was doing sketches for a fan. He was drawing on a backing board of a comics during the Jae Lee visit here in the Philippines. It was also the time of a talent search was held. I think that was also the time when Nick Manabat was chosen to do Cybernary.

Kalayaan 7 - Page 17 and 18

(click image to enlarge)

(click image to enlarge)

Kalayaan 7 and all back issues are still available at Comic Odyssey and Sputnik comic shop.

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

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

Speaking of Sputnik, I just recently went there to deliver another additional 5 copies of issue 3 of Kalayaan. The owner requested me to replenish that particular issue because they say that their existing inventory were all sold out. I was more than happy to do it because it only means an opportunity for additional sales. I really love this store, because it is the only store that I am currently distributing that does that. Other store already stops selling back issues once they are already sold out. Which is the normal case.

This makes me think, that in the future, I should compile my comics to create a trade paper back and sell it as graphic novel. "Kalayaan collected edition volume 1", wow, I like the sound of that. I think that this is the logical next step for me because major book store treat single comics and graphic novel (compiled comics) differently. Ordinary Comics only have 2 to 3 months shelve life, depending on how it sells. The graphic novel however can be replenished continuously. It means, an income for me for generations to come. (I hope)


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Kalayaan Action Figure by Randy Albert

( click the image to enlarge)

I was very surprised when I received an email from Randy Albert saying that he had already finished the customized Kalayaan action figure. I was totally blown by the result of his labor. It is way way better that the one I have already created.

Magkano kaya ang halaga nito pag binili ko na sa kanya?

Coming soon!

Sarge (Gilbert Monsanto) already posted this on the internet, so I guess it is safe to post it here. I am still not in a liberty to say any details on this project. But suffice to say, that we (Bayan Knights) are hopping to finish this project with in this year. And boy, this will be one action packed comics for every comic geeks out there to enjoy. Just look at this awesome cover (front and back) that Sarge created. It is one heck of a cover if you ask me. And this is just a penciled version. Just wait and see the finished colored version.

MCC in UP Diliman

Tickets to Manila Comic Con are now available!

(click image to enlarge)

Born on the 4th of July

Born on the 4th of July, 1932
Jose M. Paredes, Jr.


Happy Birthday Pa.
The best dad in the world.

Ed Tadeos tribute to MJ

I am a Michael Jackson fan ever since I was a small child and I am also a video game fanatic in my early years. One day, my kuya Gerry and ate Gene gave me each a gift for my B-Day. They gave me a brick game console and a tape album "Dangerous" of MJ. They were both surprise when I rush towards them and grab the tape of MJ. Akala nila ay mas gusto ko yung brick game. It was then that they discovered that I am more of a Michael Jackson fanatic than a video game fanatic.

It was very nice of Ed Tadeo to stop working just to make this tribute video. Just like me, Ed is a Michael Jackson fan, it is nice to know that we artist also share the same interest like music. :D

Bakit mabenta ang Kikomachine? Now I know.

My intensions for posting "Bakit ba mabenta ang comic strip na ito." a few days ago is actually to gather information. It is like a feasibility study for me on the things that we should do to make a comics (or any product) to make it a hit. This list can also be applied to any product in business in general. And thank you very much to those that have contributed on answering this question. And here are the list.

1.) Be nice
And yes, Manix Abrera of Kikomachine is a very nice guy. It is not forced, but rather comes out naturally from him. Noong last comic-con nakasalubong ko sya bandang miryeda time. Without any hesitation, he smiled at me and I smiled back. Yung iba kong kasama, ang sabi sa akin ay kinamayan nya kaagad kahit hindi nya naman kilala talaga ito. Ganyan talaga sya ka bait. I think it is a common sense that if you want your product to sell. You should be friendly with your customers. When I was still in elementary, we had a family sari-sari store. Customer are always piling up, I think it is because my father is a very friendly person. He always tell jokes and make people laugh in our store. And I think that it is a key ingredient to have a in any business.

2.) Know your target market
Kaya daw mahaba ang pila sa table ni Manix noong last Komikon ay dahil swak na swak daw ang target market nya dun sa UP area. Dahil ang Kikomachine ay na ka setup sa isang student/collage life setup. Tamang tama ito para sa mga buyers nya sa UP. At ang mga umatend ay karamihan ay estudyante or atlease ay nakaka relate sa story nya. In business, I think knowing your target market is very important.

3.) Do your research
Isa sa nag post dito sa blog ko ang nagsabi na pinag isipan daw talaga ni Manix ang mga script nya kaya patok na patok at kwelang kwela. Nakabasa ako online ng mga gawa nya. And I very much agree, some of my friends even says that they laugh their ass off every time they read his comic strip. Hindi daw ito katulad ng ibang comic strip na parang naubusan daw ng idea or parang pilit daw ang dating. Product research are constanly being done by companies and even individual that wants to better their products.

4.) Good product
Good product is always a key factor for the customer to like it, with a compromising cost(of course). Buyers will always goes for a better quality product. You must constantly upgrade your comics in terms of story, art and the quality of the paper it self. Always try to reinvent your product for the better.

5.) Love what you do
Manix realy love what he does. And it shows naman dahil kwelang kwela ang mga komik strip nya. At ang mahabang pila sa Komikon ang magpapatunay nito. So in comic strip making, you must have a good sense of humor. If you are a serious person that wants to do a funny comics strip, I sudgest that you do a serious story instead like drama, action or suspense. Because you will be much effective there. Loving what you do, or investing something that you like, it is much probable that you will succed there. There is also a saying that "If you love what you do, you will never work a single day of your life."

If I still miss something else, please feel free to add more on the comment area.

GMP Project : Bato

I have penciled and inked this one more than a month ago.
It is only now that I had the time to color it.

Character owned by Gener Pedrina