Monday, March 30, 2009

The art of negotiation

I was contacted by an old friend of mine last month. He wanted me to help him on a client that needs a Sales and Inventory of their gift shop store, restaurant and an accounting system . He said that he is already having a difficulty with their other operations such as ticketing system and rentals of the companies facilities, Network cabling, Payroll system and web site of the company.

Every thing is well at first, but recently the client got mad because it is not finished (the web site and the ticketing system). On my part, I was not nervous at all because my programs are already finished and ready to use. In fact, their encoders that I instructed to encode the necessary data are not yet using my system. On the other hand, my friends system have many bugs in it. Since he is not really that experienced in programming and talking to other people. And to make matters worst, one of the supervisory staff and my friend are most of the time arguing on modification. They are like cats and dogs. I always find my self mediating between them. I felt like an ambassador. My friend also found out that this guy has a friend who is a web designer that he wanted to do the site of their company. To make the long story short, my friend and I, has this 50/50 chances of being remove from the project. My friend got very upset because he was humiliated and shout at in front of the many employees by the very big boss.

I always advised my friend that always keep a level head. Focus on the task at hand and do not try to promise or sweet talk the owner at first that you will accomplish all of the companies needs if you lack the man power, knowledge or experience to do so. Do not bite more that you can chew, estimate your capabilities and limitations. Do not be carried away by your emotions and let your anger get the best of you.

When I was just starting out as a programmer. I have committed a lot of programming mistake (who doesn't?) . One arrogant employee of our client said to me one "Are you just practicing on our comany?" ("Pinag pa-practisan mo lang ba ang companya namin?"). I did not blew up in anger and stabed him with the pen on my hand. Instead, I have just explained to him that "every company has its own sets of rules and conditons to follow. On the development stage of the software that is tailered for your company, it is very much understanable to encounter a few errors. If you have encoutered them, then just show it to me and I will gladly fix it."

If it is my fault, I will never denie it. Instead of pointing the fingers at others, I will appologise and start correcting it.

One time, a staff and my boss was talking and I was called. My boss said "Gio, tignan mo nga itong report kasi parang mali". I looked at the report for about 20 to 25 seconds and realise that it was my mistake. My boss said "Ano Gio? encoding error ba?" I replied.. "Ahhh hindi po sir eh.. error ko po, my mistake. Ayusin ko na po ito ngayon."

I have see many people looses their client or does not get a project because they seems arrogant to the owner or client. When negotiating, you must be always patient and courtious. You must choose your words carefully and study your product. So that if your prospect client ask you something, you will easily answer them.

When my boss is angry , his voice is still mellow. But his words are direct to the point, and it will hit your heart like a very sharp needle. But he always says those words in the right way and in the right tone that you will not be offended (kumbaga walang personalan, trabaho lang :D) . In my 7 years of knowing him, he never looses his temper.

I hope someday even just a portion, I could be like that.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Updates

Finally, it is all posted. All four first issues of the Kalayaan. I will be updating the official Kalayaan site with all the links of the pages as soon as I have found the time. This past few days has been exausting for me as programmer. And on top of that, this issue will have more pages than the usual issue due to the story. I am a little scared now that I may miss the June release of issue 7.

It is a good thing that some people offered their help for this issue.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Tag Team Daw

Markus tagged me.

1. Name the people who made you laugh last night?
Alex?

2. What were you doing at 8:00?
AM or PM? if AM - preparing to go to a client, if PM - On my way home

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Checking for a computer bugs in our system.

4. What happened to you in 2006?
I was 3 years younger.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
"HAHAHAHA"

6. How many beverages did you have today?
one (water lang, boring ng tanong mo kaya boring din ang sagot ko.) .

7. What color is your hairbrush?
Hairbrush? Wala akong hair brush bruha, hampasin kita ng make-up kit ko eh.

8. What was the last thing you paid for?
FX fare (boring talaga ng mga tanong).

9. Where were you last night?
I was at Bulacan on my way home (Chismoso)

10. What color is your front door?
Black

11. Where do you keep your change?
In my pocket, I do not keep it underneath my socks

12. What’s the weather like today?
A little bit cloudy but still hot.

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?
Choco-Putik

14. What excites you?
New Comics releases

15. Do you want to cut your hair?
yes

16. Are you over the age of 25?
yes

17. Do you talk a lot?
yes (hayup ka Markus.. na babato na ako kakasagot sa mga boring na tanong na ito.)

18. Do you watch the O.C.?
Only my O.C. (Original Character)

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
Yes.. Steven Sugal (but he does not know me)

20. Do you make up your own words?
Yes. I also own a make up kit....see #7

21. Are you a jealous person?
Yes.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’.
Arnold

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’.
Kalayaan

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
Cindy ,one of my staff at the office (Gio's Angels).

25. What does the last text message you received say?
"It's ok sir! Thanks.. Im waiting for u! Racks elpueblo, ortigas center" from Jimwel of PLDT

26. Do you chew on your straw?
sometimes

27. Do you have curly hair?
yes.. use your imagination.

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?
Racks El Pueblo... PLDT product demo..see #25 (libre chibug)

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?
Africa Reyes... my 4th year high school history teacher. She is so rude, even after so many years had past, I still remember her.

30. What was the last thing you ate?
Mega Sardines.

31. Will you get married in the future?
Probably not.. I am already married.

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
Naked gun 2 1/2 (HBO)

33. Is there anyone you like right now?
Chismoso talaga to...sumisimple pa.. secret.

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
2 days ago.

35. Are you currently depressed?
I am always depress (I just do not show it).

36. Did you cry today?
Does "Morning Glory/Muta" counts (when I woke up this moning). Otherwise NO

37. Why did you answer and post this?
Because of Markus (may araw ka rin).

38. 5 people you tag next?
I tag no one...because I am such a nice guy... No I'm not.. hehehe
I TAG Ian Walter Along, Gerry Alanguilan, Reno Maniquis and John Becaro (nag iisip pa ako ng isa pa) :D ...

Monday, March 23, 2009

Kalayaan is Flying to MCC

Here is my poster awareness for the 1st Manila Comic con 2009.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

I'm on a book

Last Jan. 19,2009 at McDonald's El Pueblo branch in Ortigas, I was interviewed by a group of P.U.P. students together with Gener and Wan. They are working on their thesis about "The Current Perspectives in the Philippine Komiks Industry". I was very much happy to accommodate them since I am also a graduate of the same school.



And just last March 16, Monday, I got a copy of their Thesis/Book. And I might say that I am very much impress. I can see the pain staking details that they have done. They have meticulously put together a very consized report on a subject matter. They have even transcribed all of their interviews with other publishers, artist and writers. When I did my thesis in my collage days, it does not comes near to what they have done. Good work guys.



This is one heavy and very thick book. And I just love reading it because I could read the other people in the industry is thinking. People like KC Cordero, Carlo Vergara, John Becaro, Hazel Manzano and many others.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Earth Hour

8:30PM Saturday - March 28,2009
I have missed it last year, this year I came prepared. As early as today, I am already reminding my self. It is a small gesture to help our environment. For more information click HERE.




Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Get Kalayaan Comics Thru The Mail

It really amazes me to know that my comics is already reaching far away places (as far as China). Slow as it may seams, the ordinary post office is still the cheapest way to send my comics. Shipping charge varies on the destination and the weight of the package. The heavier the package (issue 1 to 6), the more it would cost to ship. The farther the destination from Metro Manila, the longer the arrival of the package.

As of today, these are the places that I have already shipped my comics to, with its corresponding shipping charge.

1.) Muntinlupa, shipping charge for 4 pcs. = P34
Estimated arrival = 1 day

2.) Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, shipping charge for 4 pcs. = P55
Estimated arrival=5 to 6days

3.) Dagupan City, shipping charge for 1 pc. = P27
Estimated arrival = 7 to 8days

4.) San Fernando Pampanga, shipping charge for 7 pcs. = P68
Estimated arrival = 3 to 4days

5.) Shenzhen, CHINA, shipping charge for 7 pcs. = P312
Estimated arrival = 9 to 10 days

For those that are interested, please send me your exact address to gioparedes@yahoo.com

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Friday, March 13, 2009

Kalayaan 6 review by Markus

This is a landmark issue. As can be seen on the cover, Gio Paredes' Kalayaan comics #6 is a crossover with Gener Pedrina's iconic Pinoy superhero team, Sanduguan. Now dont make the mistake of thinking that this is just another superhero crossover story just for the sake of doing a crossover. The plot really shows Kalayaan's need of help from other heroes because he alone cant take his villain down this time around. I really like the story and, like Kalayaan #4 did, it made me think for several days.

For example, I thought a lot about Kalayaan's motives. When Kalayaan went berserk and attacked Malikmata, I thougt a alot about the real reasons why he did that. Was it really becasue of what the villain did to him or was it more becasue of what the villain almost did to Diwata? Taking that as my first clue and taking their "mental link" (page 11) as my secod, I went "hhhmmm..." Could this possibly be a 'loveteam' in the future? Has our hero finally found the girl who would accept him despite his "condition"(Kalayaan 4)? I wonder :)

With regards to the art department, Gio, as always, is showing a lot of improvement. Personally, I find it an exhilarating experience to be a witness of his growth both as a writer and as an artist at the same time. Checking out earlier issues of his comics would show that he's somehow having some challenge when it comes to drawing girls. This issue, however, simply proves that the guy has been doing a lot of practice lately. I really love the way he draws Diwata (like on page 8-panel 3), especially how he draws her hair.

On the other hand, Gener Pedrina does the artworks for the other half of the story (pages 11-20). Of course, the transition from Gio to Gener's arstyle was pretty obvious, even without looking at the credits but mind you! As different as their styles may be, it wasn't distracting in any way. Its a welcome treat for readers actually. Page 13, for example, was a very dynamic page that it became one of those moments when I wished the comic book was available in full colors (who knows in the future, right?) Overall, I'm sure followers of Kalayaan comics will enjoy reading this particular issue.

Now you got to pat Gio on the back for his consistency and perseverance. Way back issue #1, he shared with readers his desire of releasing a new issue every four months. The guy's now on his 6th issue and it looks like Gio's constantly achieving that goal, one issue at a time, sometimes even finishing an issue earlier than the intended schedule. As a reader, it gives you a good feeling knowing that you can count on him to release a new issue on a regular basis. So when he promises more action for the next issue, you can just be sure he'll be back after 4 months. Really.

I won't be surprised at all if, in due time, Kalayaan might indeed become the country's longest running indie comics. For that reason - and for many, many others - Gio Paredes deserves being praised.

Mark Rosario
(read his original post HERE)
---------
As always, Markus has been good supporter and a good critic. At first I was a little concern that readers will have trouble adapting the transition of art from mine (pages 1-10) to Geners style (pages 11-20). I am so glad that this is not the case here. Thanks you very much for this review. But I was a little bit nervous on your last few paragraph. Even with 6 issues, and lot of motivation. The future is still not in our hands and very much uncertain. Anything can happen at any time. The only thing I can promise for now is it that I will do my best.

In this issue, when I was making the script. I specifically took note of the individual characters (with Geners permission of course). I deliberately make each character distinguishable with their dialogs (sinadya ko talaga yun).
I envisioned Sandata as a good tactician.. Analise first, before doing action.
Bato being a comedian and always charging first.
Supremo an optimistic never looses hope hero type.
Bernardo an old fasioned hero that is pessimistic.
Diwata a sexy, jaw dropping enchantress.

As for a possible 'love team' of Kalayaan and Diwata, I asked Kalayaan about it and with a blushing face, he admits that he do have a BIG crush on Diwata. But he said to me that he is afraid to show his feelings to her because of his "condition". And he is a little bit shy when it comes to women (torpe ang damuho sa madaling salita).

I am already very busy working on issue 7 and 8 story arc. This will feature a darker side, not only of my character, but also in an environment that he lives in. Issue 7 will mirror the ugly side of the community and people that we live in. A lethal protector will be born that does not hesitate to kill. With that idea, I decided to have a 2 (two) version of issue 7. An ordinary version that is tone down that can be read by children that will be distributed to all existing stores (this is written in Tagalog). And a matured version (anything goes), for Adult only that will be a limited edition that will be available only on comic events and direct sales from me or thru mail order (this is written in English).

Issue 8, I assure you will be a very heavy in dialog and heavy in action. Heavy in dialog, because lots of idealism and belief of the characters will be thrown at each other.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Monday, March 09, 2009

Not giving up

Again and again, trials have been there in my life. But I did not give up. And that is what this video is all about. If you tried and fail 100 times, you should never give up and continue moving forward.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Francis M. is Dead

Yes, it is true. Francis Magalona, the master rapper had just passed away. At first, I did not believe it because I thought it was just a gossip. Because I often visit his blog and he guessed one time at Eat Bulaga, I thought that his condition is already doing well and he is already coming back to Eat Bulaga very soon permanently.

He is without a dought, one of the most talented artist in the Philippines. His songs can compete internationally anytime if you ask me. Growing up on my teens in the 90's, it is undeniable that I am one of his legions of fans. I still remember that I could memorize ALL of his rap songs together with the songs of Andrew E., which is also one of my favorite rapper. When there was a "happy battle" between Rock Metal and Hip-hip. I always say that am with the hip-hop.

R.I.P. master rapper.
You will surely be missed.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Isang Lakas Photo Shoot

Is this cool or what. I could only Imagine the Bayan Knights would also a life sized action figure like these. If we only have the backing finances of a major TV network. That will be the day. For more information on Isang Lakas, you can go to KomikVerse.

Monday, March 02, 2009

Dance Showdown - Michael Jackson Vs. MC Hammer

Who do you think is the better dancer? I know that this two are a little bit old now. But their move are still undeniably fantastic. But before you say your answer, you better see this video first and then decide who is better.