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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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.

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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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

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.

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.

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.

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)

It is raining again

It is raining again. This will just make maters worst for those people in the flood affected areas. Last night,as I watch the news, I really felt very sad for the people that their homes are still submerged in water. It really made it very difficult for them to resume a normal life. Even after a few days of sunshine. Their villages are still soaked in water. Nakaka awa talaga kasi duon na sila mismo umiihi at tumatae sa tubig baha. Me and my family are fortunate that this has not happened to us.

So for those who can still give. Please help those that are in really needs.

National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) (+632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9115061, +632-9122665) Help hotlines: (+65 734-2118, 734-2120)
Philippine Coast Guard (+632-5276136)
Air Force (+63908-1126976, +632-8535023)
Metro Manila Development Authority (136)
Marikina City Rescue (+632-6462436, +632-6462423, +632920-9072902)
Pasig Rescue Emergency Number (+632-6310099)
Quezon City Rescue (161)
San Juan City Hall Command Post (+632-4681697)
Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (+63245-9634376)
Senator Dick Gordon (+639178997898, +63938-444BOYS, +632-9342118, +632-4338528)
Senator Manny Villar (+639174226800. +639172414864, +639276751981)
Civil Society/ Media

Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)
Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922, +632-6347824)
Go to GMA Facebook page & post complete addresses and names of people in need of immediate help.
ABS-CBN Typhoon Ondoy Hotline: (+632-4163641)
Jam 88.3: (+632- 6318803) or SMS at JAM (space) 883 (space) your message to 2968
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Meralco (+63917-5592824, 16211, +63920-9292824) If you want service cut off to your area to prevent fires and electrocution.
Relief Aid and Donations

Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT.
NoyMar relief Operations: Clare Amador (+639285205508) or Jana Vicente at +639285205499). Drop off for relief donations is at Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao.

Miriam Quiambao drop off points: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood, or message http://www.twitter.com/miriamq for more details.

Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio or GHQ Gym in Camp Aguinaldo are now distributing donations for Ondoy Victims.

Team Manila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk,Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas.

Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (+632-5639298, +632-5639308)

Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Cor EDSA (+632-9257931-40)
Aranaz Stores in Rockwell & Greenbelt is accepting donations of any kind for Payatas communities affected by Ondoy

Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah, a disaster response arm of the Jesuits, is accepting donations. Please drop it off sa Ateneo Cervini Dorm.
Philippine National Red Cross‘ different ways to Donate.

Red Cross Load Donations: Right now the easiest way to make donations from the seat of your chair is via mobile phone load. The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Text: REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)

Ateneo de Manila University is now accepting donations for the victims of Ondoy. Donations can be dropped at MVP Lobby. For those stranded/those who need help: To all students who need help or know of people who need help. Please text the name, location, and contact number to (+6329088877166). ATENEO, which is now an open shelter, accepts refugees. Call (+632917-8952792)

Papemelroti stores in 91 Roces Ave. / Ali Mall Cubao / SM City North EDSA / SM Fairview / SM Megamall / Glorietta 3 in Makati / SM Centerpoint / SM Southmall are accepting relief goods (canned goods / milk / bottled water / clothes – NO CASH pls.)

TXTPower now accepts donations via SmartMoney 5577514418667103, GCash 09179751092 and Paypal http://is.gd/3GvuN

Our Lady of Pentecost Parish (+632-4342397, +632-9290665) per Gabe Mercado, donations are very much welcome. The Parish is located at 12 F. Dela Rosa corner C. Salvador Sts., Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

Nobody

This is one of the reasons why I seldom read news paper. There are times that news really scares me. Kaya panoodin nyo itong video sa ibaba at baka sakaling mailigtas nito ang buhay nyo.

Typhoon Ondoy

Bayan Knights saving people from the typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana).

Kalayaan by Gio Paredes

Kabalyero by Renie Palo

Mananabas by Redge Vicente

Gwapoman by Aaron Felizmenio

Maso by Ramil Ibay

Take responsibility

This was on the Yahoo News Philippines this morning.

MMDA chief on floods: Blame me

MANILA - Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando on Monday shouldered the blame for the massive flooding that hit the National Capital Region over the weekend but said he will not resign from his post.

In an interview, Fernando said the responsibility of enhancing Metro Manila's flood control system falls on his shoulders as MMDA chief. "Blame it on me kaysa sisihin pa natin ang Diyos. It's up to them what they want to do with me but I will not resign as MMDA chairman," he told ABS-CBN.

The MMDA chief said government officials in areas affected by the floods should also take part of the blame since they did not ensure the safety of their constituents. He said the increase in infrastructure in every city takes a toll on the environment.

Fernando, who is mulling a possible presidential bid next year, said last Saturday's massive flood could happen again if no solution is found. "It's a 100-year cycle. It will keep repeating itself unless someone with political will will lead the country," he said.

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I really commend the MMDA chairman for saying this. He did not blame other people , but instead he just took the responsibility into him self. That is one characteristic of a good leader. Instead of making another problem, he is just focusing on the solution.

This thing (floods in Metro Manila) will tend to happen again if we do not find a solution, and that is a better sewage/drainage system. "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure". Giving food, shelter and clothes to the flood victim is good. But it is only a cure and not a prevention. If we really are serious to help our fellow men. We should find a prevention. We could not just give food and shelter to people every time a flood comes, over and over and over again.

I sometimes think differently. During the last summer (and even last years summer[2008]) when the scorching heat of the sun is at its peak. I was not thinking about beach or swimming pool. But instead, I was thinking that it is the best time for MMDA to clean up the drainage of its garbage. Because at that time, it was very dry. I think of this because I believe in the theory of Albert Einstein "For every action,there is an equal and opposite reaction". It was very very hot. Therefore, I know then that there were going to be a big rain coming. I did not know when, but I know that it will come.

I only wish that our leaders would sometimes also think differently.

Fortunate

Me and my family was very fortunate. Because after seeing the devastation that typhoon Ondoy have brought around metro manila, I was very thankful to GOD that nothing terrible had happened to us. We did not experience any flood in our neighborhood. We did not had any electrical power failure. The only thing we lost temporarily was internet connection and phone for about 7 to 8 ours. And water interruption was only 4 hours. But other than that, we are pretty much okay. During the rains, we did not watched any news, instead we just watched some movies on our cable TV. So we did not have any idea on what was actually happening around metro manila. Without knowing, we actually enjoyed the cool weather of the rain. My kids even took a shower above our rooftop. And I took the pleasure of sleeping out the cool weather.

But after seeing the news just tonight. I was very saddened for all the lives that was lost. Shocked for all property that was destroyed. While watching the new, I could not help it to think that the government should start thinking to better the drainage system of Metro Manila. I do not even want to imagine the hardship that people who lives in Malabon and Navotas. The government should be serious on building a BIGGER and BETTER drainage system. Not small pipes that could only fit an average size dog. But more like a GIANT sewage system that can fit a 10 wheeler truck. I know that this would cost a lot of money. The high ranking government officials should stop politics and corruption for a while and start doing good things that would ensure the safety of the people.

Mayweather the loudmouth

He is the most arrogant boxer that I have ever seen. Every body in the world would be jumping up and joy once Manny Pacquiao knocks out this good for nothing loudmouth. This is the second time I saw him disrespect a media person (and also him self). Like father like son. What can I say?

P.S. Brian Kenny... I love you man. :-)