Komiks artworks dibuho atbp.

PLANET PANTHEON

2012-01-16T08:28:00.001+04:00

In case you didn't notice... I just placed a link of Planet Pantheon (left banner), a graphic novel that took us years in the making. Finally it's out as a webcomic!

Planet Pantheon was created and written by my "long-time" friend Justin Peniston (Blue Beetle, JSA) who also writes another webcomic "Hunter Black." (link also on left banner) Artwork is by yours truly and beautifully colored by Rainer Petter (Vampirella, Terminator/Robocop, Red Sonja).

Planet Pantheon is as epic as it can get. If you're a fan of Gladiator, Star Trek, Pathfinder, or sci-fi-historical-fiction genre... if you dig gods & goddesses, mythologies with a futuristic twist... then this novel is for your worthwhile reading.

We just started this week... updating Mondays and Thursdays which means our first page is up already... so check it out! Planet Pantheon Dreaming.

It's More Fun in the Philippines

2012-01-10T14:05:00.005+04:00

The Philippine Department of Tourism recently launched a new advertising campaign and I can't seem to find a way to stop myself from making fun out of it. Not that I don't like the tagline which was a total "coincidental" copy of the Swiss.' It was just like I love our country so much that I can't get tired of all the unique, odd and unusual lifestyle and culture we have. The campaign with the tagline "It's more fun in the Philippines," has been trending for quite sometime now and here are some of my takes on it.

(Author's note: Tarsier picture courtesy of the original photographer Edwin Verin and not AsiaWebDirect.)

All pictures are owned by the awesome guys who took it. I have no intention of infringing copyrights. I just want people to smile. However if you want your pictures pulled down from my site then kindly email me. Thanks guys!

San Pablo City Comics Festival.

2011-12-04T10:20:00.004+04:00

Congratulations to Ka Gerry (Alanguilan) and the organizers of the just concluded 3rd San Pablo City Comics Festival.

Certainly, this is one of the comic events I look forward to visiting one of these years. (Yah... it's sad to say but this is OFW life... wherein you plan to accomplish things in years and not just in days.) Well oh well, still wishing I'd be there and salute to you komikeros of San Pablo.

Guhit Pinoy sa KOMIKON

2011-11-20T07:37:00.003+04:00

I just noticed my drawing was part of the official GuhitPinoy poster for this year's Komikon in Manila. Wow... it is truly an honor being featured together with the legends of Filipino Komiks. Thanks GP guys for the recognition. You will remain as an inspiration to me.

Komikon 2011

2011-10-09T12:58:00.002+04:00

Baybayin Art

2011-09-11T09:43:00.007+04:00

After our pastor encouraged our church to know more about our cultural heritage… I decided to get my hands on really learning "baybayin." Baybayin which was incorrectly termed as "alibata," is a pre-Spanish Philippine writing system. Baybay which is it's root word means "to spell" in Tagalog.

My first encounter with baybayin was during the 70's when I became a member of Kabataang Baranggay and awarded by Miss Imee Marcos for winning the Grand Prize in a nationwide declamation contest. Remember the logo of KB?

And… we also get to see some its characters time and again in our history books on red flags used by the Katipuneros during the revolution… particularly the letter "K," right?

But, it was only now I realize… that I have to discover more of my roots. Especially how they communicate with each other in written form.

So, I immersed myself and tried to understand how this writing system works. Recently, I had a go at translating some words and writing it by myself. I don't intend to master this but at least to be able to write and read it somehow would be a personal achievement.

Here, I attempted to write baybayin in a calligraphic style by using the Doctrina Cristiana version. (Illustrator | Photoshop | Wacom Tablet)

I "M" Famous

2011-07-18T19:42:00.000+04:00

One tip that I could give an artist is to never ever keep your hands idle. Baka kasi kalawangin. Aside from that there are always new discoveries that you can encounter with your medium. There are new techniques that you can experiment with it and new styles you can invent. I've been using pencil since I was a kid... but every time I sling that first stroke it always feels like heaven.

Done during spare time at work with HB pencil and Derwent textured paper.

MetroComicCon 2011

2011-03-23T12:09:00.003+04:00

Summer Komikon 2011

2011-03-23T11:55:00.002+04:00

New Job, New Work

2010-10-25T09:22:00.006+04:00

Got a new a job here in Abu Dhabi. New workplace and new set of people to work with.

My first project with the agency was fun and challenging and I got to do what I do best. Kudos to my boss who is as passionate and fresh thinker as I am. In our initial salvo I got to work on a Transformers-inspired robot from the "fastest police car in the world." The Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Police car. Yes, you heard it right, a Formula 1 police car named F999.

While doing this, I could not get my mind out of Mang Floro Dery, the "real" creator of the Transformers franchise. Yes, in case some of you don't know. My countless nights of studying his works and reading his blogs finally paid off. He was an inspiration.

While I am not saying that my work for this particular ad was perfect but I'd say I was perfectly satisfied. Considering the feedback that my boss got from his circle I think our team is on for a rousing start.

The 1st Middle East Film & Comic Con

2010-09-01T11:19:00.004+04:00

THIS IS THE EVENT THAT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR...

And we're thrilled to be part of it. See you there...

Metro Comic Con 2010 and more...

2010-08-04T15:00:00.004+04:00

This is the teaser poster for the Metro Comic Con 2010, or what used to be the Manila Comic Con, which will be held on August 21-22 this year at Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. Don't confuse it with the other Komikon (2010) which is the Annual Philippine Komiks Convention slated on the 13th of November at Starmall Trade Hall, and will conduct its 6th edition of the event.

Another major bash that any Pinoy comic book fan should look forward to is the Philippine International Cartoons, Comics & Animation Festival (PICCA Festival) which will happen this October, 22-25 at the SM City North, The Block, Annex, Sky Garden in Q.C.

Whew!!! This is gonna be one hell of a year ender for all Komiks fans in Manila, and how I wish I could attend, even one. Good luck guys!

Mahmoud

2010-03-10T10:53:00.002+04:00

This is a pencil study of my colleagues portrait that will hopefully be part of my planned exhibit this year in Dubai.
I have never done studies before proceeding with a painting but now I've learned its benefits. I will surely be doing a lot of these soon for I require myself to have the bulk of my exhibition pieces with portraits.

I did this with an HB lead on paper and the final piece will be in acrylic.

LAM-ANG

2010-01-14T16:50:00.003+04:00

I used to draw this Filipino mythological character when I was a kid and even made a comics out of it. Think of those primary notebooks with large blue lines on it? I would make dozens of frames of Lam-Ang's life adventures that I read from this folk tale book I got from my Mom, on these. I sketch it first with pencil and traced ball point pen over it. I recall the pen was even actually blue.

Now I get to draw Lam-Ang again and look back on how I drew decades ago. It's kinda fulfilling how far our skills brought us where we are now. Imagine those drawings I did when I was still in grade school actually served as practice sketches. The good thing back then was I have the guts to "ink" it, even with just a ball point pen. Plus I could even make series of illustrations and stories out of the actual epic poem. Wow, I'm starting to believe I was more creative back then.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T15:18:00.009+04:00

HB Pencil on A4 Textured paper.

I don't know why I love drawing these characters. I think half of the sketches I draw during my spare time are either Vikings or Barbarians. Maybe it's my love for the human figure? My penchant for things Goth and the mysterious Norse mythology? Or is it just my Frazetta admiration?

Anyway, just want to greet all of you a wonderful and a fierce New Year!

Salamat at Paalam SONNY TRINIDAD

2009-12-02T11:47:00.009+04:00

Noong nakaraang buwan ay muli na namang may nagpaalam sa atin na isang haligi ng Komiks sa Pilipinas. Siya si Sonny Trinidad na kilala rin bilang Celso Trinidad. Hindi ko makakalimutan si Mang Sonny sapagkat isa siya sa mga kumakalong sa akin, noong ako'y bata pa, kapag ako'y dinadala ng tatay ko sa GASI ilang dekada na ang nakaraan.

Sa katunayan ang pahina ng Komiks na inyong nakikita sa taas ay isa sa mga original pages na ginawa niya na nais ko pa naman sanang papirmahan kung sakaling ako'y magkaroon ng pagkakataong makita siya sa aking pag-uwi sa Pilipinas. Ang pahinang iyan ay itinago at iningatan ng father ko dahil maliban sa ito ay dibuho ni Mang Sonny... ito ay ang splash page ng 1st issue ng "Pompa" na isinulat din ng isang batikang manunulat na si Elena M. Patron. Ang Pompa ay lumabas sa Pioneer Komiks noong late 70's at ginampanan naman sa pelikula ng yumao na ring si Julie Vega noong 1980.

Muli, paalam at salamat Mang Sonny at pakikiramay ang hatid ng aming pamilya sa inyong mga naulila.

PINOY KOMIKS REBYU is Finally Out!!!

2009-10-08T10:36:00.004+04:00

Narito na po ang pinakahihintay na unang labas ng Pinoy Komiks Rebyu na likha ng ating KaGuhit na si Randy Valiente. Kung mayroon po kayong makitang kopya nito ay huwag po kayong mag-atubiling bumili at kumuha. This is a good resource if you are an aspiring Komiks artist or even a veteran who wants to update himself with the goings-on in our enduring industry.

What's special about this issue is it features the works of GuhitPinoy founder Edbon Sevilleno and one of the most sought of Pinoy International super artist Carlo Pagulayan.

The 5th Filipino Komiks Convention

2009-10-05T09:35:00.000+04:00

National Artists' Award: OFFICIAL STAND

2009-08-26T13:11:00.011+04:00

This official statement from our Negrense friends (GuhitPinoy founder Edbon Sevilleno and other concerned artists from Negros) is the closest I find to my personal sentiments regarding this brouhaha about the "National Artists' Award." I am posting this bearing in mind that it was not the "artists" or the recipient of the awards that I am questioning but the manner in which they were "used" or should I say "let themselves be used" for corruption, and the lack of "delicadeza" or complete absence of it, that this government is practicing.

I also find the government inadequate particularly the "President" in figuring out and choosing who deserves to be awarded this esteemed recognition for the Arts. Thus in addition to this statement, I am pledging my allegiance with the other voices asking for the complete removal of this ominous Presidential prerogative, and just let the bodies concerned particularly the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) have the final verdict.

The Official Statement...

"In moments when our community is in crisis or in jubilation or in reflection, do we not point to the task of creation and name our artists as the vanguards of society’s soul? Art can become profitable, but rarely without a conscience. It is coming from this philosophy that we ask… if the recognition as National Artist of the Philippines can suffer from arbitrary politics, is there then nothing left that is held sacred in this country anymore?

We in the regions are profoundly disturbed by recent events and have decided as a body to likewise express our indignation over Malacañang’s indiscretion in choosing the country’s National Artist awardees and to support the clamor reminding Malacanang to uphold this public’s trust.

We understand that the title National Artist of the Philippines has managed to become a measure held in high affectionate esteem of the potential of artistry realized in a lifetime of pursuit of the ideals of human aesthetics. It is considered to be the highest recognition given to a Filipino who has made significant contributions to the development of Philippine art, the kind of art that will be taught to our youth as realization of artistic ideals that should be emulated.

We share in the outrage that more than half of the seven new National Artists awardees were named so because the President has the prerogative to directly recommend although they were not on the list given by both CCP and the NCCA, entities supposedly empowered to be people-oriented and democratic in nature and the two sole agencies tasked by law to recommend National Artists awardees understandably because they are in the position to be in the know as far as the fields considered are concerned.

We support that the NCCA and CCP are rightly affronted by the grave presidential indiscretion after they went through a rigorous selection process! This is an assault not only to the highest state awards conferred to Filipino artists but to the public funds that such recognition carries, money that is coming from our taxes. To award undeserving and politically-chosen recipients such huge amount of public funds is plain and simple corruption.

It may be true that there are elitist influences among some artists as Caparas claimed, but it is a slap to our faces to say that the art we honor is an art that embraces the Filipino as dim-wits dependent on supernatural forces. If art is the soul of the Filipino then these have to imbue the Filipino’s discerning nature and fighting spirit.

We particularly detest the designation of Presidential Adviser on Culture Cecille Guidote-Alvarez as National Artist as bespeaking of the worst conflict of interest possible in this situation, given that she is currently NCCA chair and heads the secretariat for the National Artists awards. We ask that Cecille Guidote-Alvarez and Vilma Labrador resign their posts in the NCCA!

We stand beside the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, alongside every Filipino artist and cultural workers, professionals and advocates in verbalizing our sentiment as we justly detest this latest outrageous act of the present administration.

There is only so much a nation’s heart can take. To taint the one symbol for soul with corruption of culture and the culture of corruption is doing our Philippines a great disservice."

BLACK ARTISTS IN ASIA ASSOCIATION, INC. Charlie Co
NCCA CVA WESTERN VISAYAS Manny Montelibano
BSIDES ART INITIATIVES Edmund Bacia
PRODUKSYON TRAMONTINA, INC. Manny Montelibano
PERFORMANCE LABORATORY Tanya Lopez
KALINGAW REPERTORY
Team Namits Bacolod Hilario Campos III
Pagba Lunang- La Carlota Art Group Susanito Sarnate
Orange Peel- Artists in Residence Gwen Decena
Pintor Kulapol-Fabrica Sagay Art Group Bogie Alvarado
Puwersa Pintura Tristram Miravalles
TUKIB- Cadiz City art group Santiago Onatin
3RD EYE Rodney Martinez / Edbon Sevilleno
SUGA (Silay United Group of Artists) Ian Valladarez
ANIMO- Puppetry Production Dioning De la Cruz
Bugkos Inocentes Cristales
Arte Negrense Mario Stephen G. Regollo
Babayi Artists Group
ARFIEN Forever Arch. UbaldoRamos &nbs p;
Guhit Pinoy Edbon Sevilleno

GuhitPinoy UAE - MYKE TURDA
USLS Students Art Group Ms. Ellen Carmona

KaGuhit Pinoy JAPAT GUEVARRA sa OFW Diaries

2009-08-04T11:24:00.002+04:00

Kamakailan ay nai-feature ang ating KaGuhit na si Japat Guevarra sa "OFW Diaries," isang show sa GMA 7 na kung saan ay ipinalalabas at ipinapakita ang mga tunay na karanasan ng ating mga kababayang OFWs sa iba't ibang bansa.

Isinalaysay dito ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ng "pamilya" ni Japat kasama ang kanyang maybahay na si Melissa at anak na si Mac James. Nabigyang diin dito ang hirap ng buhay ng isang artist sa ibang bansa ganundin ang gantimpala naman nito kung tayo lang ay magbubuhos ng sipag at tiyaga. Proud akong makita na dala ni Japat at ni Melissa ang pangalan ng "GuhitPinoy." Isang "achievement" na maituturing para sa grupo na ang kaakibat na panalangin ay mas mabigyang pansin sana ang talento ng mga dibuhistang Filipino lalung-lalo na dito sa Dubai.

Kasabay ni Japat dito ay ang pag-alis ng isang SPED teacher o yung mga guro na nagtuturo sa mga "specially-abled children," patungo sa abroad. Napaka madamdamin nang segment na ito na kung saan kinailangang iwan ng isang gurong ina ang sarili niyang anak upang magturo sa ibang mga bata sa ibayong dagat.

Para sa akin ay napakahalaga at napaka importante ng episode na ito sapagkat dama ko ang pagiging Artist at ganun din bilang anak ng isang guro, dahilan upang ipost ko dito ang video na ito.

Nawa ay may ibunga ang ganitong mga palabas at mayroon sanang maantig na mga puso. Maging inspirasyon din at gabay sa mga nagnanais mangibang bayan at makipagsapalaran bilang OFW.

JUAN LUNA: Artist of the Month

2009-07-29T13:52:00.009+04:00

Dahil sa ito ang kauna-unahang Filipino na ipi-feature ko dito sa aking blog ay nais ko ring gamitin ang ating sariling wika. Kung kaya nais kong ibahagi sa inyo ang galing ng isa sa mga naging pinakamahusay at pinakakilalang pintor na Filipino noong kanyang kapanahunan, walang iba kundi si, Juan Luna.

Marahil lahat sa atin ay nakabasa na ng kanyang talambuhay kung kaya hayaan n'yo na lang ipaskil ko dito ang sa kanya na hango sa "Tagalog wikipedia."

Si Juan Luna y Novicio ang nagpinta ng pamosong larawan “Spoliarium”. Siya ay nakilala sa buong mundo sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pinsel gaya ng pagkakilala sa kanyang mga kaibigan sa pamamagitan ng pluma at espada.

Siya ay ipinanganak noong Oktubre 23, 1857 sa Badoc, Ilocos Norte kina Joaquin Luna at Laureena Novicio sa Badoc, Ilocos Norte.

Nag-aaral siya sa Ateneo de Manila. Ang pangarap niyang maging isang mandaragat ay natupad matapos siyang mag-aral at magtrabaho sa barko sa murang gulang na 16. Marami siyang napuntahang magandang lugar at iba't ibang tao ang kanyang nakasama. Bagamat napagtala siya bilang mandaragat huminto para lamang maipagpatuloy niya ang pag-aaral sa pagpinta.

Pumasok siya Academio de Dibujo y Pintura sa Maynila noong 1876 sa kurong Bellas Artes. Ipinagpatuloy niya ang kursong ito sa Madrid, Espanya. Personal din siyang nagpaturo sa pagpinta kay Alejo Vera na siyang nagdala sa kanya sa bansang Roma, Italya upang magmasid. Pumunta siya sa Barcelona, Espanya noong 1877, doon siya naging propesyonal na pintor noong 1880 noong ipanalo niya ang ginuhit niyang The Death of Cleopatra. Nagwagi ito ng pangalawang karangalan sa Eksposisyon sa Madrid. Ito ay binili ng Gobyernong Kastila at ginawang permanenteng exhibit sa Museo Nacional de Pinturas, Salon de Pintures Modernas.

Tumanyag ang pangalan ni Luna nang ginawaran ng gintong medalya ang kanyang Spoliarium sa Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes sa Madrid noong 1884. Ito ay binili rin ng Diputación Provincial de Barcelona sa halagang 20,000 pesetas noong 1886.

Ang iba pa niyang nilikha ay ang Pacto de Sangre, Idilio, España y Filipinas, Lavandera, Escena Mariquina, Batalla de Lepanto, at iba pa.

Noong Oktubre, 1884, lumipat siya sa Paris kung saan niya ipinagpatuloy ang pagpinta.

Si Juan Luna ay nagpakasal kay Paz Pardo de Tavera noong 1886 at noong 1894 pagkalipas ng 17 taong pagkawalay sa Pilipinas siya ay bumalik. Siya ay napagsuspetsahan na isa sa mga kasangkot sa pagpapasimula ng rebolusyon kaya’t siya ay hinuli at ikinulong. Pinatawad siya ng Espanya noong Mayo 27, 1897.

Sa taong 1898, si Luna ay itinalaga ni Heneral Aguinaldo na isang sugo sa Europa para ipresenta ang panig ng mga Pilipino sa usaping pangkapayapaan. Siya ay inatake sa puso at namatay noong Disyembre 7,1899 sa Hong Kong.

Ang ilan sa kanyang mga Obra Maestra...

"Damas Romanas"

"Tampuhan"
"El Pacto de Sangre"
"Spoliarium"
"Morte de Cleopatra"

ALEX ROSS: Artist of the Month

2009-06-28T15:25:00.005+04:00

I didn't think of any word the first time I saw Alex Ross' works but... PHENOMENAL!

A master painter like him comes once in a lifetime and he has definitely carved an edge with his style and true to life rendition of iconic comics characters. In this regard, I think I've finally established that one of my criteria in choosing "artist of the month," is somebody that does something unique. A signature work. A style developed only by himself that when you see his artwork you can easily identify it as his, and with this, Alex Ross is tops.

I must suggest that Ross is one of the artists that elevated comics illustration into an art form. I haven't seen anybody that comes close to his picture perfect layout and rendering of super hero characters with the use of the traditional brush and paints. I must say he actually inspired me to use gouache paints, a medium he normally and masterfully uses, in my winning entry at the last Red Bull Art of Can competition here in Dubai. I even mentioned his name in my entry form as one of my inspirations. Although my piece was obviously waaaay too far... with the quality of his art, with the win I think somehow that I gave justice to his name.

Anyway, to all those who still argue that comics is not an art (oh yes they exist...) and to those who are familiar with the mastery and the artistry of the maestro... to thee again I say... YIELD.

Indulge more in Alex Ross' masterpieces in his official site that can be found here.

The 111TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY Celebration in Dubai

2009-06-09T12:48:00.003+04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! CONGRATULATIONS BARCA!!!

2009-05-28T12:35:00.016+04:00

Yesterday, 27th of May will be one of the most memorable.

It was the day FC Barcelona made history by completing the "treble" (Triple or Grand Slam) a rare feat, only four teams have actually done this winning the Spanish Cup, Spanish League and yesterday the Champion's League. Not to mention they are the first Spanish team to pull this off. What's more awesome was that they did it against a very formidable foe, Manchester United who by the way is the defending champion, holder of the last "treble" accomplishment (1999), this year's Premier League Champions and considered right now to be the BEST football team in the world.

What's more interesting is that Barca won all these championship games in a span of 2 weeks. Showing consistency and desire for winning as a team and exposes the leadership and the motivational skills of their coach, Coach Josep Guardiola, who is only in his first season for Barca.

But more than Barca's rare feat yesterday..., it was actually my Father's birthday. My Dad is not a football fan..., 'cause it bores him to death. However, it gave me a good reason to rejoice his day even where far from each other. While he's in Manila celebrating another God-given year..., I am here in Abu Dhabi reveling the victory of my favorite football team. A toast to you Dad on your 61st birthday and a salute to Coach Guardiola, Messi, Eto'o, Henry and the rest of BARCA..., BARCA..., BARCA!!!

Artist of the Month: FRANK FRAZETTA

2009-05-26T11:17:00.006+04:00

Frank Frazetta is an icon.

I believe that no single moment could have passed, to most Filipino illustrators at my age and the generations that are ahead of us, without thinking or have been somewhat inspired by the fantasy world created by Frank Frazetta.

I remember the times when the Internet was still alien to me, that I would scamper in bookstores, cut out magazines and wait for Xerox copies my Father would print, just to lay my eyes in Frazetta's works. But now a click of the mouse would lead you to a number of sites that feature his works and would make you appreciate what genius this artist has.

Known for his depiction of the characters Conan and Death Dealer he stamped his mark in the industry that it was like all portrayals of these barbaric figures in movies, TV, comics etc., should be based in what he has created. His paintings literally grab you and make you shudder in horror, as if your waiting for the next sword that would cut you and worst hack your head to God knows where.

There are lots of artists influenced by Frazetta and there are tons more who copied, imitated and based their style in his works, like Simon Bisley and Boris Vallejo, but no one comes close to the rugged beauty and heroic style of his fantasy art.

His mark will forever be ingrained to artists like me and his style will always be an inspiration. A classic, epic painting style that only he can fashion. Truly a mark of an ICON.

BYAHE TAYO!!!

2009-05-17T14:56:00.007+04:00

Let me share this nice video and song promoted by the Philippine Department of Tourism entitled "Byahe Tayo." I don't know if the English translation would be "Let's Travel," but that's the closest meaning I could think of.

This video was done long ago, well not that long but for sure I was not in Manila anymore when this came out. (2005 maybe?) I've been an OFW for almost 5 years already..., and stuffs like this pumps me up especially when the month of June comes near. I saw a newer version by one of the most famous lady singers from a big Philippine TV Network but what I like better about the old one is the effort of putting well known Filipino artists together in one inspiring video. It even featured the late rapper Francis M doing what he does best.

It's nice to see the beautiful side of our country from time to time. This is one of the things that makes us OFWs sane and in believing that there is still hope for our motherland.

It's flashback time and also my first time to upload a video here in blogger... so enjoy!

KOMIKON 2009 "SUMMER FIESTA"

2009-05-11T10:15:00.002+04:00

Time Of Humanity

2009-05-07T12:33:00.004+04:00

Ngayong araw na pong ito gaganapin ang one-man exhibit ni Darwin "Japat" Guevarra, bise-presidente at isa sa mga founding member ng GuhitPinoy UAE, sa Tashkeel Gallery, Dubai. Pinamagatang "Time of Humanity" ang exhibit na ito at iso-showcase niya ang mahigit 40 artworks na may iba't-ibang rendition ng central theme which is about 'TIME.' Ito rin marahil ay continuation ng kanyang style at subject ("System of Humanity"; see photo below) na ipinanalo niya sa nakaraang Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award na kung saan nakamit niya ang Grand Prize.

Japat is continuously making his mark in the Dubai art scene making him one of only a few Filipino Artists given a chance to have a solo exhibit in one of the prime art galleries in the UAE. Japat and his works have been featured in different publications here in the Emirates and one of the recent was a documentary being made by artist and film maker Katy Chang.

Aside from spearheading GuhitPinoy UAE in Dubai, Japat will soon be busy sharing his creative skills as he was chosen to teach photography in one of the clubs supported by the Philippine Consulate in Dubai.

Featured Artist of the Month: ANDRZEJ DRAGAN

2009-04-23T09:56:00.008+04:00

In a wink of an eye, in one of my uncool hours I just decided to put up this feature in my blog, "The Artist of the Month." Interestingly, this could urge me to constantly blog at least once a month and maybe soon thereafter I will add other monthly features so as not to be downtrodden by my inactivity and idleness. This feature will showcase artists that I find extraordinary in their contribution to the field of Visual Arts.

So..., first up is, ANDRZEJ DRAGAN.

I was completely stunned and humbled the first time I saw his work in Digital Camera Magazine. It was like..., hey, this is something that I cannot do. Until of course I saw some Photoshop tips to "Draganize" a photo. But still, his images are the stuffs that take you aback and make you admire their intriguing beauty and subject. Although, I don't freaking know how to exactly pronounce his good name, at first it sounded like he's an old veteran photographer the likes of Elliot Herwitt and James Nachtwey, until I found out he's just in his early thirties. This man is a genius..., he graduated cum laude in his Phd in Quantum Physics, winner of various international music composing competitions and one of a kind artist/photographer. Geez... he is an epitome of a Renaissance man.

Here are some of his compelling images and the link to his site.

Comics Workshop in Cadiz City

2009-03-18T15:03:00.002+04:00

Mukhang tuloy na tuloy na ang Komiks workshop na co-sponsored ng GuhitPinoy sa pangunguna ni kaGuhit John Becaro na gaganapin sa Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. Isang malaking responsibilidad ang dala ni John sa activity na ito, subalit dito natin makikita kung gaano ka-passionate ang mga kasama natin pagdating sa kanilang role bilang advocates of Komiks art.

Mabuhay kayo John sampu ng mga kasama mong organizers. We pledge our support to you and in this event.

Salute!

What Else Do I Do?

2009-02-12T10:23:00.007+04:00

I do a lot of drawings, illustrations and storyboards here in the agency I'm working with but some friends are asking what else do I do aside from these.

Well, being a Graphic Designer requires me to use CG tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Aside of course from page layout software like InDesign and Quark Express, I personally use on my PC, Corel Painter X for digital painting and Strata 3D for dimensional drawings. However, when new iMacs came in our office we haven't got the chance to install 3D tools on it. So, I have to go back using Photoshop for presentations that require a little 3D effect, and here are some it.

Photoshop is a very useful tool for this purpose, you just have to have an eye for perspective to make it look real. And you know what? If there's one thing that these presentations really do is..., it make me save time doing "mock-ups" for the client. No cutting, no pasting, no dirty work. Just present it to them like showing pictures and that's it! Don't leave the imagination to them or you'll get nowhere. Haha!

GUHIT PINOY UAE BRIEF HISTORY

2009-02-09T11:36:00.007+04:00

I am a humble member of this group we founded more than a year ago, and up until now I feel blessed to be one. So here is a brief history of our organization that has grown by leaps and bounds but never forgets to touch the ground.

GUHIT PINOY UAE BRIEF HISTORY

"Guhit Pinoy UAE is a duly recognized and registered organization of professional and budding Filipino artists under the auspices of the Philippine Consulate in Dubai. Founded by a group of visionary artists hailing from different backgrounds and expertise, Guhit Pinoy started with a dozen members and grew into one of the biggest all-Filipino art group in the UAE. With diverse visual arts disciplines such as painting, photography, graphic design, sculpture, illustration, fashion design, filmmaking and even modeling, Guhit Pinoy has already produced award-winning talents in national and international arts competitions.

Guhit Pinoy UAE is the local chapter of Guhit Pinoy Global, the founding organization established by a group of Filipino comics illustrators from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With hundreds of thousands of Filipinos working overseas, it was no wonder that the organization swiftly grew legs and gained momentum. Guhit Pinoy has now truly gone regional and even global, with chapters all over Asia and the United States. Most of its founding members are currently affiliated with multinational advertising agencies such as Fortune Promo Seven, Impact BBDO, Memac Ogilvy, J. Walter Thompson, Publicis, McCann Erickson and others. Some of its international members are veteran artists working in multinational production firms like Walt Disney, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Pixar, DreamWorks, Warner Bros., and 20^th Century Fox.

Born of a passion for creativity, Guhit Pinoy UAE is a product of individual minds coming together to craft an organization of artists whose main purpose is to promote Philippine arts. Thus, its initial project was a group exhibit held at the Global Village in Dubai inside the Philippine Pavilion during the 2007 Dubai Shopping Festival. Entitled “Unang Guhit” (First Stroke), the show was met with enthusiasm by the international community, thereby inspiring other Filipino talents to join the young organization.

Guhit Pinoy UAE regularly hosts some of the most exciting and stimulating art activities and sessions for Filipinos in the country. Likewise, the group actively participates in various art competitions sponsored by public and private institutions all year round. Its socially-oriented activities include participation in last year’s Environmental Clean-up Drive held in Mamzar Park sponsored by Dubai Municipality. Future initiatives include creating a program to assist distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) as well as establishing fund drives to support charitable institutions in the Philippines.

Recently, Guhit Pinoy joined the national art competition, Red Bull Art of Can 2008 edition, through a group entry entitled “Unified Chaos”. The collage/mixed media piece was a product of true collaboration—springing from each member’s abundance of artistic gifts and generosity of spirit. The output reflected Guhit Pinoy’s guiding credo of teamwork and unity. To cap 2008 calendar of events, Guhit Pinoy UAE with the other international chapters, took part in the 4^th Philippine Comics Convention held in Manila last November at the University of the Philippines, which was attended by hundreds of comic book enthusiasts.

To date, Guhit Pinoy UAE boasts of fifty (50) members residing in the UAE and more than a hundred online members. Guhit Pinoy Global members are spread around the globe and represented by these chapters: GP-Riyadh, GP-Jeddah, GP-UAE, GP-Beirut, GP-China, GP-Manila, GP-Bacolod, GP-Singapore, and GP-California.

Guhit Pinoy continues to spread its wings by providing a creative venue for people who have a genuine love for the arts and an intense passion for life."

- GPUAE Founding Members

In Support of Gary Granada's Case

2009-02-02T10:21:00.008+04:00

I saw this posted in Soundcloud, tried researching the issue and found Gary Granada's argument valid. As an OFW living here in the UAE for the past five years, updating myself with Philippine news by watching GMA shows online, I can say I have nothing against the questioned institution. What I would like impressed here is the right of artists like us to claim recognition for what we humbly do. I don't know Mr Granada personally, what I know about him is the song "Bahay" which he composed and won the 1988 KBP Musicfest. I remember watching Gary singing this on TV with my Mom, who was herself a Quezon City Teacher's Choir soprano.

So, is Mr Granada just up for the moolah or is he really fighting for justice? Is he standing up for us/artists or just seeking sympathy? You tell me, after you listen to this.

KONG HEI FAT CHOI!!!

2009-01-27T10:00:00.007+04:00

Happy new year to my Chinese roots!!!

And since 2009 is the Year of the Ox, let me post this artwork I did entitled, "My Year." You can also see some other works from my animal series all done with graphite.

We got tons of references from our image library here in the company so I thought..., why not draw it during my spare time. So, here they are... enjoy and Kong Hei Fat Choi!!!

"MY YEAR" Graphite on paper, 29.7cm X 21cm. Abu Dhabi 2009.

"BEAUTY" Graphite on paper. 2009.

"PRIDE" Graphite on paper. 2009

"THE FRIEND" Graphite on paper. 2009

"TUSK" Graphite on paper. 2009

Thank you... TIME OUT DUBAI.

2008-12-23T09:49:00.018+04:00

I had an interesting interview recently from one of the popular 'zines here in the UAE and this is what came out of it. It was rather short cause I was actually in the office when Christopher Lord, the Arts and Culture Editor of Time Out Dubai, who was actually one of the Red Bull Art of Can judges, called me for this phone chat.

What makes this refreshing is that I was able to express somehow that there is an ongoing struggle of 'Filipino Artists' hunger to expose their works,' in this country. And if by any means I could have started the fire with this comment... so be it, I have to thank Christopher and Time Out Dubai for printing it.

Guhit Pinoy UAE regular art session held in Safa Park, Dubai. December 2008.

Image courtesy of Arian Marcos.

TIME OUT DUBAI 22 December 2008

What's happening in this painting?

It's about the different nationalities of the UAE all rushing after a diet red bull can. This is supposed to be the last one in the country, and the mob is rushing to get it. (You can read the rest of the interview here)

Red Bull Art of Can - Dubai 2008

2008-12-11T01:06:00.022+04:00

You can finally see the official coverage of the Red Bull Art of Can 2008 in this link...
http://www.redbullartofcan.ae/

Don't forget to click the Media Space to see the Official Press Release or click here for... Red Bull's International Website.

Kindly visit the Gallery too, to see stunning works of art made by the Emirates' awesome artists!!!

WE DID IT!!!

2008-12-05T17:04:00.009+04:00

This is one of the most unusual feeling i've ever felt in my entire life.

Last time I felt this was during my wedding and now..., after several years of painful struggles here in Dubai and Abu Dhabi I've finally come to claim a worthy prize. A prize aspired by many artists around the world, and here in the Emirates... We finally did it!!!

Yes..., the Grand Prize winner in the last Red Bull Art of Can 2008 edition here in the UAE!

My piece that I just posted down there, won it for us. Us, yes..., because there were several important people for me that played a vital role for this victory.

First of course is my wife Maria, who just arrived here in Abu Dhabi a few days before I actually started this piece. The angel who was always standing beside me, during the nights I created this work and up to the night we claim the award. My best friend, my strength, my inspiration.

My colleagues from GuhitPinoy UAE, Japat Guevarra, Ferdie Bernales, Jeff Quinones, Melissa Guevarra, Edward Yap, Orly, Bernard, Melchor, Jon, Jorald, Raks and all our members this trophy is ours.

GuhitPinoy Global this is for us too! Thanks for the motivation guys... especially to Edbon S., Randy V., Val P., Sonny DS, Gil Arceo, Dell Barras, Mark C., Marboy M., and to all KaGuhit... Tagumpay natin lahat ito!!!

My company here in Abu Dhabi, that sustains my living, Viola Communications and the rest of the gang. Thank you for all the good words.

My mother-in-law who believed in my creativity even before I officially became her son. To my wife's brothers and sisters and all my relatives I offer this to you.

And of course to my father Bob Turda, who served as my guiding light and introduced me to the world of arts. To my sister who always believes. My mother who's up there with God's angels watching all these triumphs. Thanks for being a part of me.

TAGUMPAY ITO NG LAHING PILIPINO! KARANGALAN PARA SA PILIPINAS! MABUHAY ANG DUGONG PINOY!!!

To God be the Glory!

I AM LEGEND

2008-12-03T17:55:00.007+04:00

This gouache painting entitled "I Am Legend" (The Last of the BullyCans) got me qualified as a finalist in the recent 2008 edition of the "Red Bull Art of Can" national competition here in Dubai. Tomorrow, December 04 will be the Awards night and the regular exhibit will run from Dec 05-19 at The Galleria, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.

Inspired by the movie of the same title, the fictional painting depicts the story of the last Red Bull can in the UAE. Artwork size is 122cm X 60cm, mounting board using gouache paints.

AJAAJ – The First UAE Superhero

2008-11-26T16:39:00.006+04:00

I’ve heard about this comic book superhero some months back but didn’t mind until I saw a print ad of its theater play version. I thought it might be selling well that’s why the producers thought of bringing it on stage. It was shown at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) last August and ran for a month.

Ajaaj is touted as the first UAE superhero and set in the year 2020. The book was released in a hard cover format with a 44-page maiden issue which can also be downloaded in their website. Cover illustrations and promotional pages are excellent and could be so far the best that they’ve done here in the region. On the other hand drawings from the inside pages especially of the current episodes are just fair enough for their target audience who are basically kids from primary and secondary schools.

The site however is appealing and informative, it gives you all you need to know about the characters. It also lets you download latest pages from current issues and even has a dramatic trailer. http://www.ajaaj.ae/english/trailer.html

To pioneer in this industry is very refreshing in this region with conservative cultural background and it’s a good start to say the least. However my point of view dictates that the comic book needs a lot of consistency especially with the illustrations. At this point it was like Mark Waid doing “Kingdom Come 2” after Alex Ross did the first one. Got my point?

Ajaaj is produced by WATANI, a social development program headed by Mohammed Baharoon, Deputy Coordinator General.

THE RICHEST CITY IN THE WORLD

2008-11-25T10:15:00.013+04:00

“You’re wrong…, it’s not Dubai.”

I chanced upon this article from CNN a month ago and was excited to share it with you. Why? Because I could not believe that I am actually here, living in it, the richest city in the world. Oh yeah, I thought too it was Dubai, but it’s actually Abu Dhabi the capital of United Arab Emirates. Here, where I’ve been working for a couple of years now and where the Emirates Palace, the most expensive hotel in the world was built. And contrary to some stories, that you have to pay to be able to gawk the luxurious edifice, it is totally untrue. Fact is, I got to gawk several times not only its gold plated doorknobs and walls but also expensive Picasso art pieces during one of its public exhibits.

To find out why Abu Dhabi is right now on the pedestal, read the article here: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/03/19/8402357/index.htm

So, you know why this conservative city is on tops?

I’d rather not repeat and discuss what Barney had to say about this city ‘cause what I’d like to show are the projects that will soon be built here. From what I see, it could somehow rival Dubai’s stunningly outrageous skyscrapers and construction projects. Moreover, some of these will eventually put the capital in the world’s top tourist destination, being found only here than anywhere else in the globe.

Folks here now is the future of Abu Dhabi… and I haven’t listed them all..., yet.

Tameer Towers

The Gate Towers

The Corniche Hotel

Reem Island Development

The Strata Tower

The Fairmont Hotel

Diamond Ring Hotel

Etihad Towers

Abu Dhabi World Trade Center

Abu Dhabi Convention Center

Ferrari Theme Park

And these are my favorites...

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Center

Awesome eh?!!!

Pictures are copyrighted by their respective owners and used for the sole purpose of promoting Abu Dhabi as a new haven for tourists. - Author

GuhitPinoy at Komikon 2008

2008-10-12T15:24:00.006+04:00

GuhitPinoy Global will be participating in this year's Komikon 2008 which will be held at the UP Bahay ng Alumni this coming 22 November in Quezon City. Founding member Edbon Sevilleno is currently in the Philippines to organize and facilitate GuhitPinoy's participation in the said event. The group was able to acquire 2 exhibition booths wherein artworks, illustrations and other masterpieces of the members will be showcased.

It is a well anticipated event where GuhitPinoy members from all over the globe are expected to come and be reunited with other veteran komiks artists. Randy Valiente and Marboy Macalindog, GuhitPinoy Manila moderators will be playing hosts for the members.

Here are the posters of the 4th edition of Komikon organized by our good friends from The Artists' Den and UP Luna Rock.

Here's the link to the official site... http://komikon.blogspot.com/

2008-09-04T13:37:00.002+04:00

I'm doin' some sketches lately that eventually turned into final pieces. I usually start by sketching a hero pose and then build a whole scene from there. Not the typical process but works well for me.

"THE BARBARIAN"

Pencil on paper

"DATU"

Pencil on paper

Coloring the Masters

2008-08-28T17:40:00.003+04:00

Isang napakalaking karanasan para sa akin na sa edad kong ito ay inabot ko pa rin ang mga mahuhusay nating dibuhista sa Komiks ng nakaraang tatlong dekada. Sa message board ng GuhitPinoy (Drawing Board), ay mapalad ko silang nakakadaupang palad, o sabihin nating nakakahuntahan sa pamamagitan ng Internet. Maliban sa nakapagpapalitan kami ng kuru-kuro at komento ay nagagawa din naming magpakitaan ng mga dibuho, drawing, painting atbp. At isa nga sa kahanga-hangang feature nito ay nakakapag-kolaborasyon kami ng mga gawa.

Simula ng ako ay bumili ng Pen Tablet ay nahumaling ako sa pagkukulay digitally sa Photoshop, at dito nga sa blog kong ito ay nai-post ko na ang ilan sa mga katas ng kakaibang teknolohiyang ito. Masasabi kong nabawi ko na ang pinambili ko ng art gadget na ito at higit pa.

Subalit, higit sa financial blessings na naibalik sa akin nito, ay iba pa rin talaga ang sayang naidudulot ng acknowledgment at papuring ipinararating ng kapwa mo artist, lalo na kung ang mga ito ay yaong mga taong hinahangaan mo pa. Ilan sa mga nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataong magalaw at makulayan ang mga obra ay ang mga beteranong sina Sonny Delos Santos at Val Pabulos na mga kasama rin namin sa grupong GuhitPinoy. Sa kanilang pahintulot ay binigyan ko ng kulay at buhay ang tig-isa nilang gawa na parehong may makaluma at classic na tema.

I tried hard to preserve the richness of strokes that these two veteran illustrators executed in their artworks. After all it is their illustration that is central to this piece. The colors I applied are just to set and add the mood. I am an advocate of the principle that coloring an art piece, especially comics illustration is to compliment and not to steal the limelight from it. I have seen several DC and Marvel comics that fell into this trap of digital coloring. Maybe they were so engrossed by the power of this technology that they forgot who's really behind the artwork.

I hope I did justice to the awesome works of these two respected komiks illustrators.

"I went, shared, gave my all, then left with nothing but fun."

"THE SINNERS"

Line art-Sonny Delos Santos

Colors-Myke Turda. Photoshop CS2_Pen Tablet

"THE BARBARIAN"

Line Art-Val Pabulos

Colors-Myke Turda. Photoshop CS2_Pen Tablet

Great Art for a Great Rock n' Roll Band!

2008-08-06T16:01:00.006+04:00

So much has been talked about the inclusion of our fellow-Filipino Arnel Pineda with the 2008 Journey line-up and with so much member changes particularly in the vocalist spot it seems like they are just a sports team going through an annual draft. This time however, it looks like they got the better end of the deal and got the number one pick after a long wait. Finally, they were able to form their Dream Team now with the arrival of our kababayan Arnel. And Journey had never been formidable than before, well at least during the post-Perry era.

I've been surfing the Net like man-possessed everyday just to read significant news about the band. From their concert in Chile, to their European gigs and now their 2008 US Concert Tour. Last i've heard they're having a concert in hometown Manila, February of next year, that would surely put my annual leave in chaos. Bon Jovi had a concert here in Abu Dhabi a few months back and I didn't watch it. I guess I found the reason why and another to visit home earlier than I already planned.

Meanwhile, I saw this nice piece of artwork from the Journey website (which I already added a link here in my blog). Produced by ZVue, a Journey preloaded MP3 player containing all the songs from their new Revelation album. I first saw the "scarab" art in the jacket and thought it was all the same as the old Journey covers but here when applied to a cute player was totally freakin' awesome.

So here it is, a nice piece of art for a great rockin' band!

Zakat Fund Storyboard

2008-08-06T15:03:00.010+04:00

I got a chance to do a quick storyboard for Zakat Fund which are usually given to us and should be finished all in the same day. The shoot was done last month and will be aired in local TV this August. I got a nice compliment from the French Director who did the commercial and he made sure I heard it from one of our executives. Woooa, Thanks!

Done with Photoshop CS3 using Wacom Tablet.

GUHITPINOY UAE Na!!!

2008-07-08T15:31:00.004+04:00

Ito ay isang mensahe sa aking mga kasama sa GuhitPinoy UAE, para sa isang matagumpay na aktibidad na ginanap noong nakaraang Biyernes sa Safa Park, Dubai.

"Sa isang meeting na ginanap noong Hunyo ng mga officers ng GuhitPinoy Dubai ay napagkasunduan na gawin nang GuhitPinoy UAE ang opisyal na pangalan ng samahang ito. Ito ay sa isang simpleng kadahilanang inaabangan po natin ang paglago ng grupo sa labas ng Dubai. Sa katunayan ay may mga miyembro na po tayong naka base sa Sharjah at isa nga po dito ay ang ating Treasurer na si Jeff Quinones. Samantala sa Abu Dhabi naman ay ang inyong lingkod na may halos dalawang taon na ring naninirahan dito.

GuhitPinoy UAE na!!! Opo at dito natin sisimulan sa pangalang ito ang pagtaguyod sa isa sa pinakamalaking Art Organization sa bansang ito ng UAE. Bagamat gaya ng prinsipyong nais ibahagi ng mga opisyales at core members ng grupong ito... hindi po sa bilang o dami ng miyembro ang basehan ng isang matagumpay at malaking organisasyon kung hindi... "sa mga proyekto at aktibidad na may kaugnayan sa sining at kung paano tayo magiging makabuluhang institusyon sa ating ginagalawang komunidad."

GuhitPinoy UAE na!!! Nais din po ng samahang ito na pag-isahin ang lahat ng mga artistang Pilipino dito sa bansang UAE, hindi lamang sa kanilang lokasyon... (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah at Umm Al Qwain) kundi pati na rin ng ibat-ibang organisasyong Pilipino. Ang GuhitPinoy UAE ay kaisahan ng mga miyembro ng ibat-ibang samahan na may kanya-kanyang linya ng sining. May pintor, iskultor, photographer, designer, modelo, writer, ilustrador atbp.

GuhitPinoy UAE na!!! Ito po ay patuloy na paanyaya sa lahat ng may pusong Pilipino at may pag-ibig sa sining, nagmamahal sa ating kultura at handang ipagmalaki ang pagka-Pilipino. Bukas ito sa lahat ng nais magbahagi ng kanilang talino at galing sa larangan ng sining biswal.

GuhitPinoy UAE na!! Tuloy-tuloy na ang mga aktibidad ng ating grupo kung kaya't lagi po kayong tumutok sa site na ito para sa mga darating pang kaganapan. Ang 1st GPUAE Sketching and Photography Session na ginanap noong nakaraang Biyernes sa Safa Park, Dubai ay isa lamang po sa marami pang nakalinyang proyekto natin. Kung kaya't inaanyayahan namin kayo na patuloy na makihalubilo at makibahagi.

Sa pagkakataong ito ay nais ko pong magpasalamat sa mga dumalo sa nakaraang aktibidad ng GPUAE noong Biyernes. Salamat din sa mga nagbahagi ng pagsasaluhang pagkain. At higit sa lahat maraming salamat sa aming dalawang magagandang binibining modelo na si Abba at Mitch. Sana ay hindi kayo magsawa na ibahagi ang inyong mga angking galing."

Muli maraming salamat mga kaGuhit at mabuhay kayo!

The MightEs

2008-07-03T09:42:00.009+04:00

I just finished a big project for a company in Dubai and here is the poster that I made for them. These characters are drawn separately and I just composed this final layout in Photoshop. The good thing about this is that, I had the freedom of using different softwares; Photoshop, Corel Painter and Illustrator, thus making it easy for me to add different textures and effects. The art director was also fond of exaggerated human muscles and he allowed me to explore undefined contours of human anatomy making this piece unnatural.

And in case you're wondering why their faces are all visible and different from the rather familiar heroes you know, these are the employees of the company with their superhero suits on.

A Night in Picasso's Life

2008-06-16T12:31:00.006+04:00

The visit we had at the Picasso Exhibit in Emirates Palace was one for the ages. It was one of the things that I had done in my life that will forever be ingrained in my mind. What you expect in an event of international importance is what you will actually experience.

T'was a perfect Tuesday night after work, a weekday, not too much people and traffic. We knew beforehand that cameras were not allowed in the show so I prepared myself and patched up my "photographic memory." The audio gadget however, that the exhibitors provided was truly amazing as it explains the story behind each of Picasso's artwork. From the paintings to the sculptures, from the drawings to his scribbles you'll be continually amazed of his genius. And as you learn the reason behind the creation you learn to admire the creator.

However, I am still not a fan of his work but I respect the art that goes beyond it. I respect the man and recognize the struggles he had to go through. For me, his works are mere products of what was going on during certain periods of his time. It was the manifestation of the influences and the emotions that he experienced in life. And upon seeing the hundred and so pieces of work from this brilliant mind I can say that his art are not the paintings, not his ink drawings or bronze sculptures, not his doodles and sketches on paper, not his writings and poems. Picasso's art was actually his life.

I didn't have any camera to save a remembrance and to gamble with my mobile phones' could cause me penalties that'll spoil that already memorable evening. However, might I forget the titles and names and the night we went to Emirates Palace, the images of Picasso's work will remain fresh in my memory till I have my grandchildren around to impart my story, of their "Lolo's night in Picasso's life."

Paalam Mang Joe...

2008-06-08T10:16:00.006+04:00

Naaalala ko pa nang madalas akong buhat-buhatin ni Mang Joe (Joemari Mongcal) sa loob ng mga haligi ng Artist's room sa GASI noon. Hindi ko rin makalimutan ang paghatak niya sa akin noong maliit pa ako sa isang picture taking kasama ang grupo ng mga batikang nobelista, illustrator at letterer sa isang outing sa Montalban. Hanggang ngayon ay nakalarawan pa rin sa aking isip ang saya ng araw na iyon. Isa siya sa mga malapit na kaibigan ng father ko noon sa Komiks. Kung mayroon mang bukambibig ang Mother ko sa mga kaibigan ng pamilya ay isa si Mang Joe doon.

Subalit ngayong araw na ito, sa aking pagbukas ng Message Board ng mga Komikero ay tumambad sa akin ang isang napakasamang balita mula kay Mang Dell Barras.

Pumanaw sa isang vehicular accident si Mang Joe sa may Baclaran. Dali-dali akong tumawag sa Father ko sa Pilipinas upang ibalita sa kanya ito. Lungkot at gulat ang naramdaman ko sa kanya. Marahil sa kadahilanang apat na araw rin mula ngayon ay dadalaw naman ang aming pamilya sa labi ng mother ko para sa ikalimang taong death anniversary niya.

Muli kong nakita si Mang Joe after more than thirty years sa 2nd Komikon na ginanap sa UP Bahay ng Alumni. Hindi ko akalain na dito uli kami magtatagpo sa paaralang humubog sa pagiging ganap na artist ko. Subalit habang pinagmamasdan ko sila ng tatay kong nag-uusap ay hindi mawalay sa aking isip na ang dalawang taong ito talaga ang mga unang naghulma sa akin at nagbigay ng unang edukasyon sa larangan ng pagdidibuho. Sinubukan muli akong buhatin ni Mang Joe gaya ng ginagawa niya sa akin noong maliit pa ako, pero ang yakap at akbay lang niya ay sapat na sa amin upang ibalik ang alaala ng nakaraan.

Paalam Mang Joe... at kung sakaling magkita kayo ng Mother ko, pakikumusta ako sa kanya.

Kuha namin nina Mang Joe (nasa gitna) kasama ang tatay ko (nasa kaliwa) sa 2nd Komikon sa UP Bahay ng Alumni.

"Painting is all about sign"

2008-05-29T11:53:00.020+04:00

"Painting is all about sign."

Does this quote sounds familiar? Well of course, it was uttered by nonetheless than the great Spanish painter and co-founder of the Cubist movement, Pablo Picasso.

I am not a Picasso fan. I am not into cubism or abstract art either. I am as I say, has always been a realist when it comes to art style. But I am an artist and artists should never stop learning. Artists must learn to respect and learn from each other. Learn from each others experiences, skills and knowledge.

I remember when I was browsing some books in our college's F.A. library and saw Picasso's pre cubism works..., leaning into the academic and classical realism, that was the time I realized why so many people admire this man, particularly the evolution of his style. We also had this film showing of the movie Surviving Picasso, whom Anthony Hopkins starred in and you could see how all of us (students in a somewhat activist-filled institution) got affected by this man's principle and idealism. Set aside his political views and moral perspectives, I find him as a typical artist/painter like us who just needs to survive day to day struggles of life. Reason enough why I would go to his exhibit.

Wow, I am going to a Picasso Exhibit. Yes, a dream come true for anyone. Artists or not. Seldom do we get the opportunity to admire firsthand and up close the works of these famous individuals who graced the walls of the equally famous galleries of the world, and this is my chance. Picasso's works will be exhibited here at the Gallery One of the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi from 27th of May - 4th of September. Picasso Abu Dhabi - Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso Paris, will feature 183 of his works including paintings, sculptures and works on paper some of which came directly from his studio.

Still, I am not a fan. But maybe after I see this genius' showcase of his masterpieces I could be one.

Here are some of the paintings that will be featured in the exhibit...

Self-Portrait. 1901, Oil on Canvas

Portrait of Olga in Armchair. 1918, Oil on Canvas

Three Figures Under A Tree. 1907, Oil on Canvas

The famous...

Portrait of Dora Maar. 1937, Oil on Canvas

Jacqueline with Crossed-hands. 1954, Oil on Canvas

All pictures are from the Picasso Exhibit Official site http://www.artsabudhabi.com/picasso_default.htm

The Filipino Invasion

2008-05-14T13:21:00.006+04:00

When I went for vacation last February in Manila, I was fortunate to snatch up the famous Volume 2 Issue 4 of Comic Book Artist (CBA) in Fullybooked, The Block branch in SM North Edsa.

For those who don't know, it is the issue where it featured the CBA interview with the great Alex Nino and the prolific Tony DeZuniga. It is also where it showcased the first batch of Filipino illustrators that migrated to the States to find better luck in DC and Marvel comics which the editors interestingly titled "The Filipino Invasion."

Here are some inspiring pages from Alex Nino, and the intro page of the Filipino Invasion segment wherein they used Nestor Redondo's Darna splash page in color.

Sorry for the awkward images. These were just taken with an IMac built-in webcam.

Welcome to the Jungle!!!

2008-05-06T10:13:00.005+04:00

Finally I was able to take hold of the 8th issue where The 99 team first set foot in the Philippines to fight some bad ass terrorists.

Here's the cover and the page of most importance.

Hearts and Darkness

2008-05-05T14:15:00.008+04:00

This is the 9th issue cover of The 99, an oversized superhero comicbook based in Islamic culture, produced by Teshkeel Comics.

I once wrote here in my blog about Widad, a Filipina character who's part of the pioneering members of The 99 team. Widad was created alongside the 90 other characters (in the works) by Fabian Nicieza, the writer responsible for the creation of popular X-men characters such as Deadpool, Shatterstar and X-Force.

However, what's cool about this Hearts and Darkness issue of The 99 is..., this is the 2nd of a series of 2 issues that Fabian N. will feature our country, the Philippines, particularly the island of Mindanao. That's why you see a jungle-like background in the cover, (waterfalls and banana leaves?) Oh, by the way, the cover and half of the interiors were done by none other than Ron Wagner, yes Mr Ron Wagner of Batman, Blaze, Hawkman etc. (http://www.rjwagner.com/home.shtml). And I'm sure you noticed the pink colored girl behind the three slightly darkened figures in front, with rays emanating from a pendant, she is actually Widad, our hero. Cool eh?! This is supposed to be her formal introduction to the team that's why they made this cover special.

I expect now that Widad, will appear in the coming issues of The 99 and will be an integral part of the team. Well, it's always an honor to see a "kababayan" fighting for truth and justice to save us all from the corruption of evil men. YEHEEY, GO WIDAD!!!!

Oh, sorry..., I'm over-reacting.

KOMIKS, Sa Paningin ng mga Tagakomiks

2008-05-05T12:46:00.004+04:00

Para sa mga kababayan nating mahilig sa Komiks at sa mga nais maintindihan ang takbo at pag-inog ng industriya ng komiks sa ating bansa, inirerekomenda po ng inyong lingkod ang librong ito.

Komiks, sa Paningin ng mga Tagakomiks, mula sa pangunguna ni Randy Valiente at Fermin Salvador, isang compilation ng mga natatanging impormasyon at karanasan mula sa mga taong bahagi ng isang makulay na mundo na minsang nagpaikot sa buhay ng mga Pilipino.

Ako ay nagpapasalamat kay Randy V sa pagbibigay sa akin ng pagkakataong maging bahagi ng aklat na ito. May mga akda akong nalathala dito na minsan ring lumabas dito sa blog ko. Ang una ay ang aking karanasan at dahilan kung bakit ako napasok sa industriya ng komiks at ang pangalawa ay ang "To Draw or Not to Draw Manga," isang pagbibigay importansya sa ibat-ibang uri ng sining katulad nga ng Manga.

Available na rin daw ito sa Popular Bookstore na matatagpuan sa Timog Ave. cor Morato Ave., sa Q.C. matapos ma-sold-out sa unang labas nito.

Nang huling magkausap kami ni Randy nung ako ay magbakasyon sa Manila, binalita nya sa akin na sinisimulan niya na ang sequel nito at tayo nga ay mapalad pa ring naimbitahan na mag-contribute. Sana nga ay mabigyan ko uli ng oras ang pagsusulat dito.

Sana rin ay marami pang mga kasama natin sa komiks ang makapaglabas ng ganitong klaseng babasahin at nawa ay dumami lalo ang magka-interes dito.

Kung kaya may isang bagay lang akong gustong iwan sa inyo, huwag na huwag niyong kalilimutang bumili ng kopya nito.

(Wala akong bayad kay Randy dito ha, compli lang.)

Wonderful Bohol

2008-03-12T14:08:00.001+04:00

Bohol is absolutely an interesting place to visit. It was not only the beach that lured us to come here, but also some other renowned places like the Chocolate Hills, the Loboc river and the Oldest Stone Church in the country, the Baclayon Church.

We didn't get to tour the whole province but here are some gorgeous pics of the wonderful places we were able to see.

2008-03-12T14:06:00.000+04:00

2008-03-12T13:54:00.002+04:00

2008-03-12T13:52:00.003+04:00

The Idyllic Bohol Beach Club

2008-03-11T11:03:00.003+04:00

The exclusive Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island in the province of Bohol went far beyond our expectations. To say the least, me and my wife spent there one of the most peaceful 4 days and 3 nights of our lives. For me..., this is more like paradise than Boracay. True to what we've heard, it's Bora without the nightlife, idyllic and even more. This is for romantics and for people who loves tranquility and rest for their souls. This place pulls you in to unite with nature. It's kinda weird... but being there was like spending your last freakin' days on earth.

Here are some lovely pics from our memorable getaway...

2008-03-11T11:01:00.000+04:00

2008-03-11T10:52:00.004+04:00

Bohol Beach Sunset

2008-03-10T17:49:00.005+04:00

Who says there is no beautiful sunset in this side of Panglao Island? Armed with a 3.2 megapixel compact digital camera and its presets feature, here..., The Majestic Bohol Sunset.

Windows Server 2008 Project

2008-03-05T12:44:00.003+04:00

Isa ito sa mga malalaking raket ng mga katulad kong illustrator dito sa UAE. Isang ahensya sa Dubai ang kumontak sa akin upang gawin ang illustrations na ito para sa isa nilang malaking kliyente. Online promo comics ito para sa isang software development competition.

These are just some of the pages. Drawn manually, scanned and colored with Painter X using Genius Pen Tablet and finalized with Photoshop CS2. Actual interface done by the agency.

Images courtesy of Malesh P. and the agency.

MUMBAKI

2008-03-05T11:55:00.005+04:00

Isa sa mga napag-usapan namin ni Randy V. ay ang tungkol sa darating na Komikon 2008 sa October or November na gagawin sa Megatrade Hall ng SM MegaMall. Nabanggit ko sa kanya ang plano kong makapaglabas ng isang Indie bago pa man ako tuluyang mapalayo ng husto sa Pilipinas kasama ang aking pamilya.

Sketch ito ng mga main characters sa istorya kong may working title na "Ang Huling Mumbaki." Mukha siyang traditional pero Sci-Fi talaga siya. Naisip ko ng i-post ito para medyo ma-claim ko na yung title baka may makasabay tayong mag-release at least maiwasang magkapareho.

Reminiscing

2008-03-05T11:13:00.006+04:00

I just got back from my vacation in Manila and I was able to unearth some old pictures in my drive. And some of those are these series of pictures I took from the 2nd KOMIKON in UP Bahay ng Alumni.

Natutuwa ako dahil sa isang buwang bakasyon ko sa Manila ay nagawa kong makadaupang palad si Randy V. at masasabi kong sa limitadong oras namin ay nakapagusap kami ng mga makabuluhang paksa tungkol sa Komiks. Bagamat walang litrato ang aming conversation, naks... eh ito na nga lang mga pictures na ito ang ipo-post ko.

Yung kuha namin ni Gerry A. at ng father ko ay noong ipinakita ni Gerry sa amin yung Elmer illustration ko na binigyan niya ng chance na mai-post sa Elmer Book Two niya.

Yung chicks na naka-red... walang gagalaw dyan! Sister ko yan!

Of course that's Ed Tadeo and us admiring some Alcala works.

I LOVE MY iMAC

2008-01-27T16:34:00.001+04:00

I'm gonna miss using my iMac, well at least just for a month.

I'll be leaving Abu Dhabi for my annual vacation this February and I have to settle with my old laptop in Manila. An Acer notebook running Windows XP with an AMD Athlon processor, (o ha sa'n ka pa?) But in fairness, my laptop had its share of glorious days with me. From planning our wedding in Manila to my wife's application and eventually passing the NCLEX examination in Hong Kong up to our regular communication while we are worlds apart. Suffice it to say, it had served its master well.

My other slave is this iMac I have in the office with a ferocious beast (Tiger OS) in its system. We haven't upgraded to Leopard yet because its MidEast version was just released recently. Even so, this beast is freaking enough for all my Graphic Apps it hadn't given me trouble ever since I laid my hand on it leash, and it's not even G5. Although we have to upgrade the memory to 2GB to release its full power, but other than that it works fast and so furious. I am not a tech geek, but what I know is that I've been using this for several months now without worrying about any technical errors. Uuum, I love to say, "My wish is its command."

Does that mean I prefer Mac OS than Windows?

Hell, yeah!!!

Viola Creative Department

2008-01-24T18:16:00.000+04:00

Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa akong sabihin na dito sa buong ahensya namin which is composed of five departments and around 75 employees, eh ako lang ang Pinoy.

I feel alone and isolated most of the time, pero sa isang taon ko mahigit dito, I get the hang of it somehow. It's a lonely world out here, really. Kung hindi lang ako well-compensated baka hindi rin ako nagtagal dito. Isa pa pala, I'm the only non-Arabic in our Creative Department, can you dig it? Kapag nag-usap sila, sila lang ang nagkakaintindihan. What I do is just... smile, (ngiti Myke, kunwari naintindihan mo.)

Well, somehow I haven't felt disrespected naman, and that's another consolation sa subexistence ko rito. :D

It's easy to spot me in this picture, or whenever I'm hanging out with the gang. Naka-red kasi ako eh. :)

MESSI'S BACK

2008-01-24T12:32:00.000+04:00

The second best football player in the world is back after being laid-off for more than a month. Akala ko hindi na makakabalik, I almost re-pledged my allegiance with Manchester United. Hahaha, buking ako! Naging Man U fan din ako. But until now, I am still a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, for the main reason that he is a devout Christian.

However, for a reason I stated on my earlier entry, I am still and have always been a Barca fan. I love my roots, so even if Paulino Alcantara is long gone, it still is an honor for us Filipinos to have had someone historically prominent in this great team.

Lionel Messi, completes the Barca triumvirate of Ronaldinho, Henry and him, Messi and this what makes this team formidable. Messi's presence in any game adds intimidation against the opposing team. Just like what they did with Racing during their last match. Anytime, this Argentinian can shoot and produce goals. No wonder he belongs to the top scorers of the league.

And now that he's back they are definitely out in their best fighting form, ...again.

Planet Pantheon

2008-01-17T19:15:00.000+04:00

This is the first time I am posting pages for Planet Pantheon, the graphic novel I am doing with an American Indie Publisher and these are some random pages from the first issue. This has been the only comics project I am doing full time for months now aside of course from the ones I’m doing with our agency. I got several offers of illustration job from other indies but I already fell in love with this story and to not translate it visually would definitely be a major mistake for me.

Our creative team is very confident of landing this to one of the major publishers in the States and go to print this year, it’s just a matter, I believe, of chances and proper timing.

Bora in Black & White

2008-01-17T17:25:00.000+04:00

My wife and I took these pictures on our Boracay honeymoon more than a year ago. I made these pictures black and white to be part of my selected black and white photo collection. Taken with an ordinary 3.2 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 3700 compact digital camera my wife bought during our stay in Dubai, I retouched these images with Photoshop using different filters. NO cropping done.

I'm a C-Traveller

2008-01-15T18:37:00.000+04:00

This is interesting...

I've been to almost both ends of the country from the North - Claveria, Cagayan (hometown of my Dad, farther than Aparri) and down South to Basilan, Mindanao, but I feel I haven't travelled the Philippines at all after I tried out this survey. What's more funny, and it was only now I recalled, is that i've already been to two places in the country named Isabela. Isabela Province, in Luzon and Isabela City, waaaaay down there in Basilan.

This February, me and my wife will be going to the province of Bohol in Central Visayas for our annual vacation, via Tagbilaran City. This will be our second trip in the region after Boracay, Aklan (Western Visayas) more than a year ago. So I think that would add up another point at my rating. Well, maybe... or as long as I keep this survey in my blog so as to encourage myself to travel round the country more. Or..., as long as my wife travels with me.

(Btw, Kudos to Eugene Villar for making this awesome and inspiring site)

My Lakbayan grade is C!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

UNANG GUHIT

2007-12-16T16:37:00.000+04:00

"Unang Guhit," is the title of the 1st GuhitPinoy Dubai Exhibit. Translated in English, it is the "First Stroke." As in the first step, most of the time momentous and memorable, in doing an artwork.

Guhit Pinoy Dubai On the Go...

2007-12-16T16:31:00.000+04:00

Napakabilis ng mga pangyayari... at sa loob lamang ng ilang linggo ay tuloy na ang exhibit ng GuhitPinoy Dubai sa Philippine Pavilion ng Global Village dito sa Dubai. Napakabilis kong masasabi dahil noong November 30 lang naganap ang aming 1st General Meeting. It took us just another meeting last December 07 to organize things and another week to prepare and at last we were able to acquire the stand at the Philippine Pavilion courtesy of their Organizing Committee. Yes, we were able to get it for free.

This Eid Holiday we are expecting to have our installation, opening, 3rd General Meeting and planning for the next major exhibit at a well-known mall in Dubai. Ganyan kabilis ang paglago ng GP Dubai. Panalangin lang namin ay matuto din kaming magpreno at bigyang panahon ang pagnamnam sa mga maliliit naming accomplishments.

Here are some pictures taken during the two consecutive meetings held last November 30 at Dome Cafe, Reef Mall, Deira, Dubai and December 07 at the Creek Park. Pictures courtesy of one of our prolific artist/photographer Japat Guevarra.

2007-12-16T15:48:00.000+04:00

GuhitPinoy Dubai 2nd General Meeting - December 07 at Creek Park Dubai. Photos taken by Japat Guevarra.

"V" in Dubai Media and Marketing Show

2007-11-12T16:32:00.000+04:00

The past week was all too busy again for me. Just like last year, when our agency participated in the Dubai Media and Marketing Show (DMMS) at the Dubai Convention Center, we are expected to be present during the event. Although my participation last year was limited since I was still a rookie, this year was totally different.

I actually had a shot doing pages for the company brochure which will be used for the DMMS event, a rare opportunity I would consider, since I am still a newbie in advertising design. Branding is not my forte, so I guess being trusted by our Creative Director to contribute in it was truly an honor.

This artwork is supposed to be the "personal page/show who you are thing," which was cancelled for no apparent reason. I really like this collage because I was able to show my frustration of being a garage monster and love for cars. I could have used my dog's pic (I have a Jack Russel Terrier in Manila) but opted for a Bull to fit my tagline. Until now, nobody in my office knew why I used a dog as a hero image.

Al Ain Airshow Artworks

2007-10-30T11:01:00.001+04:00

Another illustration I did for the Al Ain Airshow event is this retro collage. Inspired by the "Maximalism" trend and the hours I spent reading and digesting art noveau style by Mucha and its more modern advocates like British painter Chris Ofili and Japanese artist Takashi Murakami I did this with an upbeat mood. Hoping the "traditional" event would welcome a modern approach even just through its advertising.

The "kid with airplane" saved my day, after searching for pictures that would complement the collage. I remembered the movie "Armageddon" when the kids went running with their toy planes after NASA with its shuttles and crews saved the world from an impending global catastrophe. The image also kinda reminds me of the Liberty statue, that somehow adds a little monumental feeling.

Here done, with the layout for the press.

2007-10-29T14:30:00.000+04:00

Para naman may art related akong post for this month let me put up this work I did for Al Ain Aerobatic show. It's an ad for a kids magazine, Majed. I used Painter X, which is getting to be my favorite illustration tool now, and Adobe Illustrator CS2 for layout.

Barca Barca Barca Goaaal!

2007-10-28T10:14:00.000+04:00

Whoah! This is how busy I am. Imagine it's my birthmonth pa naman and I don't have anything to post. However, I guess all is not late.

I am now a Barca fan. It's how they call, or 'we' (ehem) call FC Barcelona football club from Spain. It is also the team where the famous Brazilian player (now Spanish) Ronaldinho plays for. Moreover, it is also here where 'one of the best forward' the game has ever produced now plays, the former Arsenal ace Thierry Henry.

Barca is technically the strongest team now in world football. Feared, revered and if possible avoided. But it's not the credentials I've mentioned above that made me a fan. Rather, it was the club's history.

Did you know that FC Barcelona had a Filipino player way back 1912? Actually he played for more than a decade for Barca. And man, he is not just an ordinary player mind you. He is the all time leading scorer in the club's history. Scoring 357 goals in 357 games. Isn't that an extraordinary feat? Mga kababayan... introducing the man... the legend... the Filipino... Paulino Alcantara.

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/club/historia/jugadors_de_llegenda/alcantara.html

Well there it is... I guess this will preoccupy my time for a while.

I always want to be the underdog, but after cheering on Barca yesterday and saw Almeria crumble 2-0 with goals each from Barca's new star Henry and the ever reliable Messi, who wouldn't like to be with the best (llamado, 'di ba?)

Oblivion War

2007-09-10T16:53:00.000+04:00

Nawili yata sa trabaho ko si Devin Richard at nagpagawa uli ng bagong commission piece para sa karakter niyang si Oblivion. Kaya eto, inilaban ko naman sa mga dragon ko. Nga lang nadale yung isa. Pero gaya ng dati nakaumang na naman yung kamay ng isang kontrabida. Kung nakalusot siya doon sa saksak ng Viking na nasa ibaba, makailag pa kaya itong si Oblivion sa dragon na ito?

Pero miski anong mangyari, bayad naman itong artwork na ito eh. Hehehe... Magkano? Secret...

Conan

2007-09-10T16:50:00.000+04:00

Ngayon lang ako nakatapos ng isang Conan Illustration sa tanang buhay ko, peksman, walang biro. Pero sa tingin ko nga may kulang pa eh..., teka...

O heto na muna siya...

2007-08-25T17:47:00.000+04:00

May nagpagawa sa akin sa Deviant Art, a writer named DevinRichard ng comics character niya na ang pangalan ay Oblivion. Naaliw lang ako sa karakter kaya pinatulan ko. I don't expect anything in return naman so ok lang. Masaya naman ako sa ginawa ko and he gets to fight my Viking Warriors.

Here, niyari niya yung isang viking ko pero notice the one on the left? Nakaumang na yung dagger. Let's see how fast Oblivion is. Monk yang si Oblivion so I opted to use a samurai sword instead of the usual big sword. That's also another thing kasi may pagka oriental or asian yung karakter kaya nagustuhan ko.

Masarap din mag-drawing ng mga karakters ng iba kasi you get to explore and widen your imagination while adapting to the creator's own concept. In the end, you get to satisfy somebody and also yourself. And for me, that's a good thing!

Akira Club

2007-08-25T17:22:00.000+04:00

Darkhorse Comics finally released "Akira Club," a collection of artworks from the world renowned film, "Akira" by director Katsuhiro Otomo.

Details here... http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/preview.php?theid=12-538

Hindi ko lang mapigilan to post this kasi ang galing talaga. I've been a fan ever since I saw the film and now ito namang book. Sayang, I just hope may maligaw na kopya dito sa Dubai.

I posted some of the artworks for posterity. Galing!

SAN DIEGO COMICON

2007-08-02T09:59:00.000+04:00

Kararating lang mula sa nakaraang SAN DIEGO COMICON ang mga kaibigan kong Kano na nag-pitch sa ilang mga publishers doon. Nakakatuwa dahil miski wala ako physically sa event na iyon ay masuwerteng nakita na ng mga international publishers ang mga artwork ko.

Very positive ang naging response ng mga nakakita sa collaboration namin ng mga "friendship" ko although wala namang nag-commit to publish our stuff which is the usual thing doon, dahil hindi naman lagi upfront eh bibigyan ka ng offer, ok na rin ang naging resulta para sa amin.

Our team actually is so positive with what we have because even there were no takers we will continue to "self-publish" our graphic novel.

At dahil diyan tuloy ang aking paglapis ng mga pages ng nobela namin and hopefully before the year ends ay mailabas na namin ito.

Isa sa mga characters doon ay itong "Viking Dwarf" na ito. It's my first time actually to color my work with a graphics tablet. I am lucky to be granted by our office with a Wacom Intuos 3 na 12x18 ang size. I also installed Corel Painter X kaya eto pinag-practisan ko kaagad ang sketch ko. Masarap mag-work sa tablet kasi halos yung sensation ng traditional coloring ay pick-up niya. You have ready colors and unlimited canvas... Well I don't have to explain all the advantages of this technology pero one thing's for sure, "I found something that would play a major role in enhancing my skill as a Graphics Designer."

Because of this, I actually bought a tablet of my own. Medyo cheaper siya, Genius Sketch Pad na 8x6 pero ayos na rin. Alam niyo kung bakit? I recently installed Corel Painter X sa sarili kong PC at nang subukan ko nang gamitin ang Genius tablet, surprisingly, it produced the same effect. So, nasa program din. And speaking of program, siyempre Adobe Photoshop goes hand in hand with Painter. Ang galing ng combination nito kasi both programs keep its layers intact miski palipat-lipat ka. You do the painting in Painter and the effects and enhancement in Photoshop, SUPER!

So iwan ko muna kayo with this character sketch I did for the novel, colored with Wacom and Painter X.

Merlin

2007-07-26T14:18:00.001+04:00

Another character sketch...

VALI

2007-07-18T13:05:00.000+04:00

A character sketch I did for a graphic novel.

This Viking warrior is "Vali," one of the sons of Odin, the chief Norse god.

To Draw or not to Draw Manga

2007-07-12T18:05:00.000+04:00

Gaya nga ng sabi ko sa nauna kong article, magkakaroon ng pagbabago sa blog kong ito. Obvious naman siguro ang kaibahan pero inuna ko muna ang masthead at titulo nito.

"Komiks, artworks, dibuho atbp."

Sabay nito, "bilingual" na rin ang gagamitin kong medium para ma-accomodate din at tumugma sa mga susunod ko pang postings dito.

At para sa una kong article, gusto kong sumawsaw sa isyu ng pagdo-drowing ng Manga.

TO DRAW OR NOT TO DRAW MANGA

Hindi ako nagdo-drawing ng Manga, Japanese style comics o Anime pero nanonood ako nito. At dahil hindi ako nagdo-drawing nito ay hindi ibig sabihin ay ayaw ko na nito. Meron akong kopya ng ilan sa mga classics na anime gaya ng Akira at ako ay bilib na bilib sa pagkakagawa nito. Inaabangan ko dati sa TV ang Samurai X, Lupin etc. pero hindi ako nagdo-drawing ng mga taong dilat, maliliit ang ilong at mga bibig. Kapag minsan ay nagiging krus at spiral ang mata at nagsi-zigzag ang mga labi. May mga posters ako ng Ghost Fighter, Dragonball Z, Ranma 1/2, atbp, pero hindi ako nag-attempt na kopyahin man lang ang mga ito. May t-shirts ako ni Astroboy pero hindi niya ako fan. Nagkokolekta pa ako ng Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars noong elementary ako, buti na lang at natigil kasi baka kung ano ang nangyari sa pagkatao ko.

Isa lang ang natatandaan kong madalas kong i-drowing noong bata ako, si Voltes V, Mazinger Z, UFO Grendaizer, si Ballatack, si Daimos ang paborito ko, ang mga tinatawag namang Mecha o transforming robots. Pero tao, na malaki mata, maliit ang labi at ilong… dehins!

Ang dino-drawing kong characters noon ay si Superman, si Batman, si Incredible Hulk, si Green Lantern, si Spiderman, si Mighty Thor, si Conan, si Zuma, si Darna, si Lapu-lapu at si Lam-Ang. Oo si Lam-Ang at kasama pa si Pilandok.

Bakit hind i ako nagdo-drawing ng Manga noon?

Noon, sa mura kong edad, hindi ko nararamdaman yung challenge sa pagdo-drawing ng line art. Mas gusto ko yung may rendering, may blacking, sang katerbang hagod at kutkot. Gusto ko mukhang tao talaga at hindi “alien.” Realistic rendition ng human anatomy ang gusto ko hindi distorted. Bagamat namulat akong sabay sa Komiks na gawang Pilipino at sa Manga o Anime, I preferred drawing Komiks. Miski alanganin ang mga foreshortening, hindi proportion ang katawan, doon ako natuto. Ang reference kong gawa ni Andrew Loomis ay bahagi na ng trabaho ko. Ang The Bible na dibuho ni Mang Nestor Redondo ang inspirasyon ko at ang tatay ko ang motivator ko na naging bahagi rin ng Komiks industry ng Pilipinas noon. Sa tatay ko rin una kong narinig na “mag-aral muna ako ng tamang proportion ng tao at madali na lang mag-‘cartoons’ later on.” Kapag alam mo na ang basic madali na lang mag-distort.

Subalit sa kalaunan, at sa hindi o inaasahan mang pagkakataon, dumating sa punto ng aking career bilang illustrator ang malagay sa gitna ng isang dillema. Isang sitwasyong hinarap at kinakaharap ng ilan din sa mga kasama nating dibuhista ngayon. Ito ang…

"To draw or not to draw, Manga.”

Nang maging part-owner at Art Director ako ng isang Publishing Company sa Pilipinas ay hindi ako nag-dalawang isip na tanggapin, mag-drawing at i-implement ang Manga style sa aming mga proyekto. Kuwestiyon na kasi ito ng demographics at siyempre ng sales, ng benta at kita. Elementary at secondary schools ang market namin late 1990’s ang mga panahong ito, ano ang aasahan mo? Mas may appeal sa mga bata ang mga cartoons na dilat ang mga mata, maliit ang ilong at labi, nakatayo ang mga buhok, na pati nga sila mismo ganun din ang mga itsura. Isa pa, may investment ka sa kumpanya, alangan namang pagsuotin mo ng baro’t saya ang babaing naka-bikining pulang kumukuyakoy sa puting kabayo. Hindi ka kikita.Ngayon, did I commit injustice sa kinalakihan kong style ng pagdo-drawing?

Sa tingin ko hindi. It’s just a matter of coming up with the right formula. May mga guidelines akong inimplement sa mga illustrators ko noon na ang underlying objective was to make their characters, although Manga style, Filipino as much as possible. Paano? I’ll share one major rule. “Kailangang lampas tuhod ang palda ng mga school girls,” miski kasing laki pa ng basketbol ang mga mata niyan. O, need I say more?

Sumabay ako sa mga batang apprentice ko noon sa pagdu-drawing ng Manga. Kung tutuusin nga mas may natutunan pa yata ako sa kanila. Samantala, habang gumuguhit ako noon ng mga taong malalaki ang mata ay doon ko na-recall ang mga pinapanood kong Anime noong bata ako. Ginamit ko ang mata ni Astroboy sa mga drawing ko at ang proportion ng katawan ni Hello Kitty para naman sa pre-school cartoon illustrations ko. At dahil sa demanding frequency ng aming mga publications noon, minaximize ko ang pagiging madali ng line art sa akin. I applied basic proportions sa mga adult characters ko tapos dahan-dahan kong binali-bali ang mga katawan nila. Voila! MANGA na!

Pera lang ba ang iniisip ko, that I’m willing to sacrifice my artistic ideology?

Hindi, pero kasama yon sa iniisip ko. ”Kung hindi ako kikita sa hanap-buhay ko hindi hanap-buhay ang tawag d'on kundi hanap-patay.” Kung gusto ko talagang i-practice ang pure sense ng comics art, gagawa ako nito pero hindi para ibenta at kumita, kundi just for my own satisfaction. Ang komiks na gawa ni Jose Rizal tungkol sa isang pagong at matsing ay magandang halimbawa ng Komiks art. Kung kaya sa ngayon, ang mga kasama nating Komiks illustrators na gumagawa ng Komiks na inilalathala sa Internet “for all the world to see,” ay isang modernong halimbawa ng Komiks art. Samantala ang trabahong gawa ko doon sa kumpanya ko dati ay Komiks illustration.

Ibig sabihin ba na ang Komiks art ay dapat not for profit para ma-consider as such?

Maaring sa isang banda ay hindi pero nasa puso na ito ng isang dibuhista. Kapag ang trabaho at sakripisyo niyang ibinuhos sa isang Komiks ay hindi na kayang tapatan ng bayad sa kanya... at “ginagawa niya na ito, for the love of his craft,” para sa akin, maaari na itong i-consider na Komiks art.

Idi-discuss ko na lang ng malawig ang difference ng Komiks art sa Komiks illustration sa susunod kong mga posts.

Hindi na ako nagdo-drawing ng Manga ngayon, pero once in my life as an artist nag-drawing ako at hindi ko pinagsisihan ang experience na ‘yon. Marami akong natutunan at natulungan.

Ngayon, kung tatanungin ako, kung magdo-drawing pa ako ng Manga, ang sagot ko, bakit hindi? Trabaho lang naman ito, walang personalan…

Carpe Diem

2007-07-05T13:38:00.000+04:00

I remember that I put up this blog just for my colleagues to know more about me and my interests in art, particularly comics art. And now that it's been up for more than a year, I don't know if it even served the purpose. Well maybe yes, in a way. This site would not appear on some of my friends' blog links for nothing, right?

However, some developments in the Filipino Komiks industry prompted me to add a new mission and I find this blog as a fitting venue for it and I guess my timing is somewhat perfect. So..., for sure there'll be changes here and I hope those add-ons will help me meet my objectives soon.

For now, let me close this with a sketch of one of my favorite characters from a pitch I'm doing with my friends from California.

"Akas"

2007-06-25T10:15:00.000+04:00

A freelance cartoon character work for a local client. They named this character "Akas" which means photographer in Arabic. This will be used in all the merchandising and promotional materials of "Photographya" a photography and event management company based here in Abu Dhabi. This is specially done for their children's line named "Babygraphya."

This is one example of the "quickbucks" Filipino illustrators abroad do in time of immediate need or sometimes just for the heck of practicing their craft and at the same time earning from it. Business and pleasure...(Yes Ma'am, it's my pleasure to illustrate this character for you...$$$$). Haha!

(One more thing, it was my own Art Director who asked and referred me to this client. "Keep your friends close, your enemies closer." Double Haha!)

Software: Adobe Illustrator CS2

See You Again Nar...

2007-06-21T14:46:00.001+04:00

Guhit Pinoy Dubai

2007-06-19T14:29:00.000+04:00

Guhit Pinoy Dubai had their first activity last Friday, June 15, 2007 at Dome Cafe - Reef Mall, Deira, Dubai.

The meeting was basically a "brainstorming session" so the guests were gathered by invitation only. It was attended by artists from various fields of expertise: painting, sculpture, 3D-design, illustration, comics art and even tatooing.

There was also the presence of a PR Coordinator as a support group that would eventually help GP-Dubai in its future media exposure and event organization.

Many issues were discussed like membership, participation, contribution etc., and everyone had his own bits of wisdom shared. At the end, all the participants pledged their allegiance to the "Jedi Council." As of now we can formally say that Guhit Pinoy DUBAI is existing and so far has seven members.

The next meeting of GP-Dubai will be held next month and hopefully with an increased number of participants. From here we will choose who will be worthy of being called a Jedi, and announce the founding members of the organization.

Darwin's Devolution

2007-06-11T17:03:00.000+04:00

"The reason why the "law of the jungle" is the common conduct applied in our society is because we were taught to believe... that we evolved from apes." - Turda

Charles Darwin's admission of the fallacy of his Evolution Theory .

"If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down" (Charles Darwin, Origin of Species, New York University Press, 6th ed., 1988, p. l54).

Not one change of species into another is on record. we cannot prove that a single species has been changed" (Charles Darwin, My Life & Letters).

Even with these confessions, I just find it amazing why people continue to believe this myth. It is even more painful to know that it is still being taught to children in our major educational institutions. What a pity.

Spiderman and Hulk in Dubai

2007-06-06T15:19:00.000+04:00

Dubai is known for the biggest, the tallest and the first. Here is another one that will add to that list. However, this is something special for comics enthusiasts, lovers of the tight wearing, masked or bold crusaders of the Marvel world... A Marvel theme park in Dubai. A first ever in the Middle East. It will be located in Dubailand, a sprawling 3 billion square feet of recreational heaven. It will have 7 theme parks including the Dubai Snowdome and Dinosaur Park.

Read the rest of the story at the official Marvel site.

"Marvel theme park in Dubai"
Source: Marvel Entertainment, Inc. March 20, 2007

"United Arab Emirate-based Al Ahli Group and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. announced today a partnership that will bring Marvel's full library of Super Heroes -- including Spider-Man, Iron Man, The X-Men, Incredible Hulk, The Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer -- to Dubai for a major new theme park destination being developed by AAG. The development is in line with the vision set by HH Shk. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, through his innovative entertainment and hospitality driven expansion projects for Dubai and the UAE."

May GuhitPinoy be with you...

2007-06-04T13:10:00.000+04:00

Yesterday, at last I was able to join Guhit Pinoy's Drawing Board (GPDB-Message Board) after several attempts and man, I had a wonderful time.

Guhit Pinoy DB is a Filipino creative community message board put up and initiated by no other than Edbon Sevilleno and Val Pabulos, Saudi-based veteran illustrators, and the other members of Guhit Pinoy organization in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

For more of Guhit Pinoy visit their site at...http://guhitpinoykomiks.blogspot.com/

According to them, they are currently organizing Guhit Pinoy in the Philippines and in the United States. The indefatigable Randy Valiente was tapped to form the Manila-based group while the acclaimed Mr Dell Barras will lead the troops in the land of milk and honey. Guhit Pinoy China is also in the works with Gil Arceo and Romi Lizada heading it, I think...

The GPDB initiates you by becoming a new jedi, and as you grow in the community and learn the way of the masters you become a full-pledged (master) jedi yourself. Cool simile, eh?

What's more interesting in this message board are the works posted by the "Jedis" as they call themselves. Man, their illustrations are really inspiring especially to the young generation of artists. Old school, traditional, call it whatever you want but they are definitely "the works," in the real sense of it. You will learn a lot just by looking at how these artists approach each illustration and draw the human figure. They even have threads for tutorials and easy to learn tips in drawing human anatomy, posted by Mr Edbon himself. One guy from Turkey even joined just to learn the basics. Young artists who are new in the industry are not only educated but are also inspired by the commentaries and criticisms contributed by the veteran professionals.

Another good thing about this site is the variety of expertise the members have. They have 3d Artists, Comics Creators, Animators, Storyboard Artists, Manga Illustrators, Sculptors etc., They are into different interests: fantasy, Conan, 3d models, Manga and many more.

This only shows how versatile the Filipino artists are. It also proves that wherever we go our talent and skill as a creative people are respected and recognized. This effort by our fellows in Saudi Arabia likewise impart a traditional Filipino trait of "Bayanihan." Helping each other for a common good, and that is particularly to help and share knowledge in the arts.

I urge each Filipino artists then, especially the OFWs to join this "caravan," and lend a hand in continuing this quest.

Let the powers of this world give me the strength to follow too.
May the force be with you!"

Planet Komiks

2007-05-31T15:35:00.000+04:00

Two brief issues of Hulk brought pride once again to the Filipino people as one of the most talented nation of artists in the planet.

Carlo Pagulayan and the rest of the new generation of artists like Leinil Francis Yu, Harvey Tolibao, Mico Suayan are bannering our flag in the field of comics not locally but in the international field.

With Carlo's stint in Hulk, for sure, hundreds of young Filipino artists were once again inspired to break into the industry, which ironically is considered dead locally. They would aspire to be the next Carlo or Leinil, the future lead slingers of Hulk, X-Men, Superman etc.

Hoping lest these guys lose their passion and be affected by the state of once the nation's most beloved past time, I believe that a resurgence is occuring. Many of us, fans, artists and enthusiasts have mentioned this a gazillion times that Komiks will be resurrected. But with the continuous achievements of these young guns, it has already begun.
____________________

The two covers done by Ladronn which definitely could be better if executed by Carlo as well, some of the reasons why I like the intelligible story of Planet Hulk are the inside pages that made it extraordinary.

Again, a definitely worthy expense...

WIDAD- Filipino Superhero in the Gulf

2007-05-29T17:56:00.000+04:00

Like most of us, I feel sort of proud whenever a Filipino is recognized in the global comics industry. And most of this recognition comes from the dozens of Filipino artists who are excelling in their respective fields. Comics creators who are being lauded by thousands of fans all over the world.

Here in the Gulf, hundreds of Filipino illustrators
are acknowledge for their incomparable talents. What
with the addition of one of the most respected
illustrator in the industry, Mr Rico Rival, who now
works in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The organization of
Guhit Pinoy that is continuously establishing the
Filipino artistic talent as an institution in this
part of the world. The numerous artists in major
advertising firms like Mc Cann E, Leo Burnett, J
Walter Thompson, etc.

But hey, whatabout a "comics character," a Filipino
comics character, recognized internationally or at
least known in a major geographical region. Like say
here in the Middle East?

Introducing "Widad-The Loving," one of the major
characters in Teshkeel Comic's "The 99." Widad,
who's real name is Hope Buenaventura is a pure
blooded Filipina who works for a certain "Bounty
International," a relief organization headquartered
in the Philippines. Although, she doesn't play a
significant role in the exploits of the group, she
nonetheless has this power to control minds and has
used it against Dr. Ramzi, a Dr. Xavier kind of
character who is the chief recruiter of the group,
to achieve her humanitarian goals. Her profile
likewise reflects the innate character of a Filipino
which is loving, compassionate and happy
individuals. I wondered who thought of giving Widad
these distinct attributes?

And you know who? The writer of this series is none
other than Fabian Nicieza, best-known for his work
on top-selling Marvel titles such as X-Men, X-Force,
New Warriors, Cable, Deadpool and New Thunderbolts.
I haven't made enough research about Fabian but I
suspect that other than his research he could have
worked with several Filipino artists who had showed
him the same personality as what are hero Widad has.

As her profile summary goes...
• A Filipina concerned with social justice, she
works with a humanitarian organization.
• Ability to make others feel ‘happy’ thus making
them susceptible to her arguments.
• Meets Ramzi and uses her powers on him to obtain
the supplies and attention she wants for her cause.

Very Filipino huh?!

You can see her character details here...

http://www.teshkeelcomics.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=328

Anyways, acknowledgment of our roots has always been
an energizer for me. In an alien world like where I
am right now, being the only Filipino in this
advertising agency, it's always a pleasure to banner
our culture and our people. Mabuhay ang Pinoy!

Happy National flag day to everyone!

Deviant Art's Top 21 2006

2007-05-21T13:05:00.000+04:00

I cannot help myself to comment on this news I read from DeviantArt.com posted by my good friend John Becaro. It is worth reading and knowing that a good number of Filipino Artists are really showing great stuffs on this creative community.

What I admire about this article is how the writer rates the artists. Incidentally, Gerry Alanguilan (Elmer, Humanis Rex) who is not that presently active in the international scene and most works are locally published, gets the top spot. While, two of the most in demand young guns in the American market Leinil Yu (The New Avengers) and Carlo Pagulayan (Planet Hulk) are in the 3rd and 5th spots respectively.

Also, Mico Suayan of the Moon Knight fame is somewhat superseded by low profile artists like my friends Randy Valiente (Guardian Empires) and Ner Pedrina (Sanduguan).

It doesn't also mind what genre the artists are into whether Manga or traditional, line art expert or crosshatching demon.

What I absorb here is that the artists were judged by John according to their invaluable contributions in the comics industry and their impact as inspirations to young aspiring Filipino artists and not by their skills.

Further, the author even recognized Jay Anacleto (Aria), Ian Vergara (Zsa-Zsa Zaturnah), Reno Maniquiz (Maskarado) and the others who are not with the DA community as equally worthy of the accolade he bestowed to those who are on the list.

Because of this, I laud this writer for his modesty. However, if I would make my own list I would include him and even put his name in the Top 20. John Becaro doesn't only have the skill which catapulted him to catch a stint with an international indie but his efforts in the revival of the Philippine comics industry is also thankworthy. He was one of those who represented the young generation of Filipino comics artists in the much talked about Komiks Kongress. Together with him were Randy Valiente and the dashing Marboy Macalindog.

So, I'd say that his Top 20 list is worth a read. But as I said, if I would make my version of the list... well, I'd rather make it Top 21 instead.

(Read John's Top 20 list HERE...)

http://news.deviantart.com/article/24974/

Kongreso ng Komiks' Pillars

2007-05-21T11:46:00.000+04:00

I got this image from my design folders a few days back. It was my contribution to the Komiks congress that my fellow Komikeros in Manila staged several months ago. I don't know if it had gone printed but whatever happened to this image it was for me a worthwhile effort.

I am still hopeful that the Komiks congress event's objectives were met despite of the negative feedback I heard from my colleagues. However, the fact that it's over meant that it was successful whatever the outcome. At least, voices were heard and Komiks in the Philippines was once again mentioned and talked about by the media. For me it's enough for now and worthy to put a smile on my face.

This poster somewhat was talked about by my friends in Ka Gerry Alanguilan's Komikero message board. Suggestions were poured in by different personalities until this final version went out. The images herein are the works of Alex Nino, Nestor Redondo, Alfredo Alcala and Francisco V. Coching. Pillars of the once great era of Filipino comics.

If only, the Komiks congress for whom this poster was for could mirror the civility and respect the Komikeros in the Philippine Komiks Message Board (PKMB) have for each other...

If only, they reflect the greatness of these four pillars of our comics industry, only then...

Inkless works..., best!

2007-05-20T16:23:00.000+04:00

I am currently collecting Leinil's work on The Initiative, The New Avengers #29 being the latest.

As always, Leinil's pencils rock! No wonder no inker would want to ink over it. My opinion dictates me to surmise that with the layers feature of Photoshop and the existence of other digital coloring techniques who would want to spend twice more than this quick procedure. Moreover, creatively I think it adds richness and contrast in the artwork.

Although of different style, but much like Jay Anacleto's Aria rendering, Canadian Doug Wheatley of Darkhorse's Star Wars (Revenge of the Sith Series) has really put a mark in this genre.

I wonder when will Carlo Pagulayan's work be inkless?

Sandata and the Orcs

2007-05-17T13:12:00.000+04:00

This is the original Sandata fan art I did for my good friend NerP. A friend whom I saw but never met. I am really overwhelmed with Ner's enthusiasm for the Filipino roots. By using Filipino inspired characters he has created a pantheon of heroes from local folklore, history and culture. Very few individuals survive this fire, excitement and energy. Man, how I wish I'd be caught with the heat someday.

Again, Sandata with my "Igorot" Orcs. (Ahh, trying hard.)

Darna in Exelsis Deo

2007-05-17T13:00:00.000+04:00

I was so inspired to see my fellow Filipino Komiks Artists doing old Pinoy heroes. And Darna of course as always is on the top of that list. I did a version here which I titled "Darna in Exelsis Deo," for no reason at all. Also here, I am experimenting with perspective which is my weakness, for I am no draftsman like some other artists with architecture and technical skills. Again just to save my hand from being idle.