Feb

7

KOMIKSTRIP: The First UPLB Comics Convention is This Saturday!

Filed Under COMICS CONVENTIONS, Comics Artists, Filipino Artists, Komikero Group, Philippine Comics | 1 Comment

Take a Trip to the KOMIKSTRIP: The First UPLB Comic Book Convention happening this February 13, 2010 Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Presented by the UP BUGKOS and JONASDIEGO.COM in cooperation with the 101 Boutique and the Graphic Literature Guild.

Special guest include Manix Abrera, Gerry Alanguilan, Hazel Manzano, Carlo Pagulayan, Harvey Tolibao, Lyndon Gregorio, Mico Suayan, Carlo Vergara, Ariel Atienza, Komikero Artist Group, Bayan Knights, Ian Sta. Maria, Jann Galino, Gilbert Monsanto, Emil Flores, Andrew Villar, Randy Valiente, Dibuhista Comix Legends, Budjette Tan, David Hontiveros, Michael David, Ace Vitangcol, Jed Siroy, Kevin Ang, Rod Espinosa, Ner Pedrina, Edgar Tadeo, JP Cuison, and Boboy Yonzon.

This event is sponsored by T-Pencil and Visprint Publishing with exclusive online video coverage from FLIPPISH.COM.

Sign up at our Facebook Event Page here.

Sign up for the ARTWORKSHOP here. Workshop fee is Php 150.00 with a maximum of forty (40) participants and will be on a first come first served basis.

Join the PINTADOS Comic Book Making/Body Painting Contest! Click here for more information.

For more information about the KOMIKSTRIP visit our official website here.

Feb

6

Let’s Cheer Up ARLAN! (Updated)

Filed Under Bold Star, Filipino Artists, My Comics, Philippine Comics | 52 Comments

February 6 Update: Ilyn and I visited Arlan today at the hospital. We printed out all the messages as of 8:30 in the morning and brought them with us in case Arlan doesn’t manage to go online. He’s taking his treatment well. He has hair and a beard. But the radiation treatment he is receiving (which is different from chemotherapy which Arlan had already undergone) has left him really weak and dizzy, and always in bed. I read some of the messages to him, and he smiled. He appreciates all the messages so please keep em coming!

Many of you met Arlan Esmeña through this blog and because of his art on “Where Bold Stars Go To Die”. I’ve known him longer than that though, having been his friend since the mid 1990’s, Architects together, sharing an interest in comics, robots, and cartoons here in San Pablo City.

He has never kept his cancer a secret, openly telling people that he was undergoing chemotherapy for the past few months and answering any questions about it. He found out he was sick as he was working on Bold Stars and it was Bold Stars that accompanied him on his many trips to the hospital as he studiously worked on the pages.

After a lifetime of building houses, he finally fulfilled his dream of drawing a comic book. I can tell you how happy he was working on it and finishing it. And I for one hope to see him draw more.

Over the past week his cancer seems to have taken a turn for the worse. I’m a firm believer in positive thinking and the power it has not only in uplifting the spirit, but the body as well. I’m very sure Arlan is feeling really down at the moment, and if you are a friend of his, if you met him over the last year at the Komikons, or if you read Bold Stars and you liked it, I really think Arlan would appreciate words of support just about now.

Please feel free to leave whatever message you want to tell Arlan at the comments section below. Anonymous comment will be accepted this time around. I’m very sure Arlan will eventually get to read this, but we will also be printing out comments to send to him directly.

Thank you!

Feb

3

It’s not Jay Leno’s fault!

Filed Under My Art, My Comics | 10 Comments

Feb

1

Flat in Bed

Filed Under Bold Star, Books, General, Internet | 7 Comments

The last couple of days I was flat in bed with fever and an erupting stomach. I missed the Komikero meeting last Sunday. I wasn’t able to work, which bummed me the most. I’m feeling a bit all right today to start working again, and there’s lots of stuff to do.

But for a couple of days I’ve had a chance to really rest, but not quite. Even lying down I came up with comics ideas and one that amused me (and Ilyn) the most was one with the title “Captain Noah and the Battle Ark”, complete with Battlejeeps and Trike-Cruisers. I’ve been puttering with the idea of a huge ark in space for quite some time, not realizing that it had been done many times before. So that’s why Leinil yawned at an ARK idea I had a while back. But this one I came up with sounds really fun, and its going to be for kids. Once again, it’s another idea that goes into the big black book, and as to when I actually start work on it (if I ever do), it won’t be for a long long time.

Lying down I also got a bit of a chance to read. Budjette Tan had given me a copy of WISDOM, written by Paul Cornell. Now I’m a huge fan of Paul Cornell because of his stories for Doctor Who. I thought his writing on Wisdom was terrific and it made me want to start collecting his stories.

I also read a magazine on Genealogy, “Who Do You Think You Are?”, published by the BBC, and it’s made me interested in finding the roots of my own family. It may be difficult as there might have been a couple of undocumented name changes in our past that could obscure accuracy. But still, it might be interesting just what I would find investigating our old church records and what it would say about our family.

I also listened to a few podcasts I downloaded into this neat little gadget that Ilyn bought me for my birthday. I’d been hankering for this thing for several years now and I’m glad to say we could finally afford to get it. So I downloaded a few episodes of Comic Geek Speak, which I’ve been listening to on and off for the last few years. Only now did I stumble into an episode that featured “Uncle Sal”, apparently a recurring guest on the show who is much enjoyed. Me, I was laughing my head off the entire time. This guy is hysterical. Politically incorrect, inappropriate, but just absolutely hysterical.

I’m kinda worried for my friend Arlan, whom many of you know as the artist of “Where Bold Stars Go To Die”. It seems his illness has gotten a bit worse. To those out there who believe in a God, please pray for him, and even if you don’t, if you could just send good vibes his way or leave messages for him at his Facebook page, I think it would be great. We are of course, still holding on to hope that Arlan will be with us for many more years to come.

Jan

28

Looking for ELMER and BOLD STARS?

Filed Under Bold Star, Elmer, Philippine Comics | Leave a Comment

If you’re having difficulty finding ELMER and “Where Bold Stars Go To Die”, or if you’re abroad, you can just order copies directly from me.

Just send an email to gerryalanguilan@yahoo.com with the subject : ELMER

Philippine based buyers will send payment via bank deposit, while those from abroad pays through PAYPAL. More details on how to do this transaction via email.

Thanks!

Actually, ELMER should now be available at the local bookstores like NBS, Powerbooks and Fully Booked. At least, that’s what I’ve been told. Bold Stars was never made available to the bookstores, just the comics stores. But unfortunately (or fortunately), they run out faster than I can restock them.

If you like to wait and buy them from me in person, I’ll be at the following events:

KOMIKSTRIP, UPLB
February 13, 2010

RENAISSANCE, Megatrade Hall, Megamall
February 21, 2010

SUMMER KOMIKON
April 17, 2010

Hopefully Bold Star artist Arlan Esmeña can be there at those events as well.

**************

Exciting ELMER news! French comics publisher Editions çà et là has announced at it’s blog the release of the French translation of ELMER in 2010.

Jan

20

The Art of Joey Celerio

Filed Under Filipino Artists, Philippine Comics | 7 Comments

Filipino Komiks Illustrator Joey Celerio passed away last Friday, January 15, 2010. He was one of the more popular illustrators to emerge during the 1970’s when most of the old masters have passed on, moved to the US or have retired and moved on to other things.

Below is only a few of the artwork he has left for us, artwork that may be described as ornate, dynamic, and best of all unique.

Thanks to KC Cordero.

Jan

20

What is the meaning of life?

Filed Under General, Video Blogs | 2 Comments

Jan

17

Broaden Your Artistic Inspirations!

Filed Under Comics Artists, Filipino Artists | 5 Comments

If you are a comics artist wanting to develop yourself as an artist, don’t just look and read at the same old stuff!

VISIT THIS BLOG!
The Pictorial Arts
http://mydelineatedlife.blogspot.com/

Just a sample of what you’ll see. This is an awesome illustration of Prince Valiant by the great Hal Foster.

Filipino komiks trivia buffs! Did you know that Hal Santiago got his name from Hal Foster?

Thanks to the Comics Reporter for the link.

Jan

15

Filipino Komiks Illustrator Joey Celerio Passes Away

Filed Under Filipino Artists, Philippine Comics | 7 Comments

Joey Celerio

I’ve received several simultaneous messages on the passing of another Filipino komiks illustrator, Joseph Christian Celerio, more popularly known as Joey Celerio.

Joey was at one point one of the most sought after illustrators in the country for his refreshing, dynamic style. Joey was the son of well known composer-lyricist Levi Celerio (“Ang Pipit”, “Pasko na Naman”, “Kahit Konting Pagtingin”), and the brother of another well known komiks illustrator, Louie Celerio.

Joey began working in komiks in 1968 beginning with Gold Star Publications. He was soon working for other companies including RAR Publications, GASI, Rex Publications, Atlas Publishing, etc.

His well known works include “Captain Barbell” (written by Mars Ravelo), “Sinasamba Kita”, “Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin” (written by Gilda Olvidado), “Karibal Ko ang Aking Ina”, “Modelong Tanso” (written by Nerissa Cabral), “Blusang Itim” (written by Elena Patron), and “Inday Bote” (written by Pablo S. Gomez).

Joey even illustrated “Vampirella” for a US Company in 1979.

One of Joey’s most recent works include “Beauty Queen”, written by Carlo J. Caparas which was published in Estudyante Komiks in 2007 for Sterling Publishing.

Joey passed away at 4:00pm, January 15, 2010

(Reference: “A History of Komiks of the Philippines and Other Countries”)

Jan

13

PUNNX Komiks Virgin Issue, Launching at KOMIKSTRIP, Feb 13

Filed Under Philippine Comics | 6 Comments

PUNNX COMIX
Model: JP Cuison

Eto na ang pinakawalang kwentang komix sa buong kalawakan!!! Punnx Komix (VIRGIN ISSUE)!!!

Mabibili sa “KOMIKSTRIP” (1st UP Los Banos Convention). Feb 13, Saturday. CAS ANNEX UPLB, LAGUNA)

Bili na dahil collectors item ‘to! Makikita niyo na lang sa Ebay to sa year 2025 na Milyon na ang presyo. Bumili habang mura. Samantalahin. Mag-invest sa future niyo at magiging anak niyo. Ginawa lang nman para sa kinabukasan niyo, because we care =)

JP Cuison Blog
http://jpcuisonart.blogspot.com/

Jan

13

Didn’t You Say You Wanted To Be a Comic Book Creator?

Filed Under Creating Comics, Philippine Comics | 3 Comments

As I mentioned in my previous article waaay back in 2006, one of the easiest ways to create comics is to write and draw it yourself (or with a partner), photocopy your work, staple the pages, and there you go! You’re very own comic book! It’s as simple as that.

That’s how comics are made nowadays, they are self published. Gone are the days of the big publishers who can give you jobs. Now, you have to create your own jobs. You have to find ways to get your comics out there on your own. I can’t give you a job. Budjette Tan or Arnold Arre or Carlo Veragara can’t give you a job working on their comics. You have to create your own, and you have find your own way of getting yours out there and into the hands of people who like to read them.

In 2010, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to do this through events wherein which you can promote and sell your comics. The first event is the KOMIKSTRIP: The First UPLB Comic Book Convention on February 13. Based on my experience, conventions like this are great venues for you to get in touch with people who love comics. Your potential audience is right there just waiting to give you money in exchange for your work.

Interested? Click here for more info.

If you can’t make it this time, hang on, as more events for this year are going to be announced.

Jan

12

Facebook and ME

Filed Under Internet | 5 Comments


http://www.facebook.com/gerryalanguilan

At the invitation of a friend I joined Facebook a long time ago. After a few months I didn’t like it because people I didn’t like wanted me to add them as my “friend”. I closed my account instead. But disturbingly, even though I had closed my account, I could still activate it if I wanted to. Eventually, I did open it again because I discovered great uses for it.

One is that I could find and get in touch with old friends and classmates I thought I’d never see again. Second is that I could connect with fellow comics pros and it led to a few small little jobs here and there.

But Facebook remains as a networking site and it works as such. People can find me there and add me as a “friend”. “FRIEND” is a term that has come to be bastardized and demeaned in the age of the Internet. Friends no longer meant what it used to, which are people you form close bonds with through shared personal experience. In the Internet age, “friend” can mean as little as adding you on Facebook, whether you truly know this person or not.

I wish I can decline requests, but with me being in the line of work I am, there is a great possibility that I have met these people before, but I just forgot. It’s a difficult situation to be in. Because of my work, more people get to know who I am and what I do than what I would normally occur had I remained working in an architecture office. I meet a lot of people at conventions and similar occasions. The problem with me is that I don’t have that excellent of a memory. I tend to forget a lot of things, and tend to forget to have met many people I come across. Who knows, it may well be them knocking on my Facebook door.

So I pretty much add everyone. With a few exceptions.

1. I don’t add people who don’t have profile pictures. It’s like you coming up to me asking to be my friend but you’ve got a bag over your head. Or maybe you’re wearing someone else’s face. or maybe your face is a drawing. It’s annoying. Sorry guys. You can see my profile picture. I think it’s only fair that I see yours.

2. I don’t add people with fake names. Ok, I don’t know if the name you use is fake or not, but if it sounds pretty normal I would add you. But if you’re name is something like Captain Singhot Man or Tyler Durden… come on. How OLD are you? I use my real name. If you want me to add you, it’s only fair I ask the same.

3. I don’t add groups, causes, products, businesses, or characters as FRIENDS. How can I be a friend to something that isn’t even human? If you have a personal account, that’s what you use to add me, and *WE* can be friends. Don’t add me to be a friend to your creations. That’s what groups and fan profiles are for. Create a group, create a fan profile. If I like the group and if I’m a fan of your creation, I’ll add myself.

4. Don’t ask me or anyone else to become a fan of YOU. That’s just pathetic and desperate.

5. I don’t add politicians. Or anyone campaigning to run for whatever. I’ll speak with my vote. I prefer not to align myself with anyone publicly. My political choice is my own private matter.

And within Facebook itself, I should let you know of things that I do.

1. I’m an UNTAGGER. Tag me to your photos, drawings, notes all you like, but if it has nothing to do with me, I’ll untag myself. Imagine this: If you post a picture of yourself posing naked on the beach and tag my name into it because you want me to see it, this is what happens: . If a bunch of your friends comment on it, I get a bunch of email notifications from people I don’t know, filling my inbox with messages that has absolutely nothing to do with me.

One time I woke up to see nearly a hundred freakin’ Facebook notifications on my email, produced by people tagging my name to their images, with a bunch of their friends commenting, cracking jokes, fighting. Right in my inbox, for goodness’ sake!

Your photos then gets posted on my wall . They get posted in “Photos of me”. If my real friends check my “Photos of me”, they’ll see you posing naked on the beach and wonder what the hell that picture is doing there. You don’t have to do that. If you post a photo of yourself naked on the beach, I promise you, I can FIND it. :)

2. I usually don’t add people you recommend me to add via Facebook, specially if I don’t even know you to begin with. If I don’t know them, and you want me to meet them, please introduce me first rather than just asking me to add them right away. To me it feels weird.

I think I’m fulfilling my new year’s resolution to be a bit nastier rather well.

Jan

9

Why Sen. Manny Villar Does Not Get My Vote

Filed Under Philippine Comics | 21 Comments

For those with short memories, let me remind you.

The Anti-Obscenity Bill and What It Means for Artists
http://gerry.alanguilan.com/archives/652

Why I Oppose the Anti-Obscenity Bill
http://gerry.alanguilan.com/archives/866

“Regardless of the Motive”
Article by Armida Siguion Reyna

Sen. Manny Villar on Komiks and Obscenity
http://jonasdiego.com/theblurb/2009/07/sen-manny-villar-on-komiks-and-obscenity/

*******************

I cannot have a President whose personal conservative views would seek to hamper my creative freedom as an artist, and seek to decide for me what I should and should not be reading and what I should and should not be creating.

Jan

8

“Where Bold Stars Go To Die” Review at GMA 7

Filed Under Bold Star, My Art, My Comics, Philippine Comics | 6 Comments

Gerry Alanguilan waxes poetic about dead bold stars
FAYE ILOGON, GMANews.TV
01/08/2010 | 10:17 PM

Gerry Alanguilan’s Where Bold Stars Go to Die—which tells the story of young man named Daniel who is obsessed over a dead 80s bold star—is more than what it seems. Despite its title, it’s not just about bold stars.

Read entire review here.

NOTE: The Review has MAJOR spoilers.

Jan

6

ELMER in 2010

Filed Under Elmer, My Comics | 13 Comments

Ruel S. De Vera of the Philippine Daily Inquirer picks ELMER as one of the most notable books of 2009. Woo hoo! :) I actually almost missed seeing it. A friend of my dad called him up on Tuesday telling him about the mention in last Monday’s Inquirer. My dad went to Sta. Rita, our local institutional newspaper and magazine store (I say institutional because it’s been there long before I was born) and asked if there were any issues of the PDI from the previous day. Good thing there was!

I’m told that ELMER has started to appear in branches of Powerbooks. It’s about time! If anyone has spotted it anywhere, please leave a comment about what store it is and what branch. It would be much appreciated!

Things are just starting for ELMER though! It’s going to get a foreign translation sometime later this year. Yeah!