Hello! Mic Test!

Ang Pagbabalik ni Zsazsa!

2012-01-18T21:16:00.002+08:00

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Happy New Year

2011-12-31T10:36:00.002+08:00

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"January was my third month working for oDesk Enterprises (I started in November 2010) and it was probably one of the busiest months of 2011 for me. I was managing two projects for their two biggest clients and it was quite a challenge and a learning experience.

Johnny and I, together with the UP Bugkos, Graphic Literature Guild, and the UP Painters Club were busy preparing for the 2nd KomiksTrip, UPLB’s very own comic book convention."

Find out more about how 2011 went for me. Click here.

Go Nattural Sale!

2011-10-19T12:16:00.000+08:00

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Rice-ing up for Street Children

2011-10-18T21:06:00.000+08:00

It’s the same story: mommy prepares veggies; child says no; mommy chases, threatens, and bribes; child cries and finally mommy relents and prepares hotdogs. This is the case for every other household you visit in the country – but what about those children who aren’t even given a cupful of rice; much less a choice between vegetables and hotdogs?

According to a report from UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization), there are 1.5 million street children in the Philippines – and guess what, you encounter 100,000 of them everyday right here in Metro Manila.

Virlanie Foundation is a non-profit organization striving to provide a better future for these children by giving them a home, a family and an opportunity to study. Virlanie has helped over 13,500 children since 1992 through their 12 Homes and 12 programs within and outside Metro Manila. This October, Virlanie shares the opportunity to help street children through their latest effort—the Rice Up for Street Children campaign.

“Every child’s well-being starts with a healthy meal”
“Street children are not only living in poverty; but more so, they are abandoned, neglected, abused and in need of special protection. They are the poorest of the poor,” shares Dominique Lemay, Virlanie Founder and President.

Through Rice Up for Street Children, Virlanie aims to collect enough pledges to accommodate its monthly needs of 50 sacks of rice per month for its homes and outreach programs in slum communities.

“ Everyone knows that rice is an important part of any Filipino child’s diet—unfortunately, for one reason or another, not every child is given his share of it,’ notes Lemay. “ Not only is rice the only carbohydrate that contains the essential amino acids needed for a developing child, it’s a cultural staple for any Filipino family.”

“Doing well by doing Good”

One is acknowledged as the society eventologist in the Philippines and the other is recognized as one of the top public relations firm in
the region—and a gathering for street children is the last place you’d expect to see them together. But for Tim Yap and GeiserMaclang,

it has always been about doing well in their respective industries, while giving back to the community.

“In GeiserMaclang, we’ve found a way to put social benefit at the heart of a successful business model,” shares GeiserMaclang Communications Director, Amor Maclang. “We don't just sell broadband internet, we do it in such a way that grandchildren teach their lolos and lolas to use the internet; we don't just promote a resort, we find ways to increase tourism and generate jobs inside of communities; we don’t just write press releases; we aim to bring the "social" in social marketing. And this is exactly how we have been working with Virlanie Foundation this past year.”

On the other hand Tim Yap will be taking the lead in Rice Up for Street Children campaign as Virlanie Foundation’s new Ambassador of Goodwill.

“At the end of the day, empowering children to have a brighter future, will always be greater and more important than individuals, affiliations and beliefs,” says Lemay. “And we hope that in the coming years, more and more people will realize this and find ways to help children, especially the disadvantaged ones, to become self-reliant, productive and independent.”

To find out more about Virlanie Foundation and how you can participate in the "Rice Up for Street Children" campaign, please visit www.virlanie.org or contact us through: Tel: +63 2 895.3460, Fax: +63 2 895.5232 or Email: frcom2(AT)virlanie.org.

Coastal Clean up

2011-10-14T08:27:00.000+08:00

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Food Trip to MALABONFor

2011-10-12T14:20:00.000+08:00

From Ivan Henares...

Halina't lusuingin ang Malabon! The Heritage Conservation Society invites you to tickle your five senses with an overload of Malabon culture. Visit the heritage houses and taste the delicious local delicacies as Malabon old families open their homes and kitchens.

Tour fee is Php1,500. Pick-up points are Starbucks 6750 (8:30am) & Starbucks UN Avenue cor. Roxas Boulevard (9am). Meeting place is Pescadores Restaurant along Letre Road (10am). Contact Dorie at hcs_secretariat@yahoo.com to reserve a slot.

See the heritage structures of Malabon (Concepcion & San Bartolome church, houses of the Borja, Paez, Rivera, Buenaventura, Luna et.al. families). Taste the local-cooking of the town, have Pancit Malabon in Malabon and other local delicacies (kakanin, quekiam, daing…). Book now!

Facebook event page.

Haribon Run

2011-10-10T12:08:00.000+08:00

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OpenBook

2011-10-09T17:29:00.000+08:00

Freelance Writers of the Philippines launches OpenBook, a live conversation between authors and their readers on October 21, 2011, 6pm at Conspiracy Garden Cafe.

Bebang Siy, author of "It's A Mens World", will give a short talk on HUMOR WRITING.

On this night: special participation of Actors Pleygrawnd and Jeff Pagaduan, an OpenBook discussion, book signing, photo op and awarding of raffle prizes.

Tickets at P100, inclusive of one free beer and one raffle stub.

Reserve your seat by texting (0917) 937-8617 (Ime) or (0918) 927-1147 (Jeng). Check out the event page at Facebook.

12th National Conference in Special Education

2011-10-08T21:54:00.002+08:00

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National Teaching Conference

2011-10-05T10:36:00.000+08:00

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American Sign Language Training

2011-09-19T11:50:00.000+08:00

Training starts on OCTOBER 8, 2011

SCHEDULE:
Every Saturdays (4 meetings)

VENUE:
Resources for Educational and Allied Consultancy Habitat, Inc.
2F Uniwide Sales Metromall, Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas City

FEE: Php 6,000.00 inclusive of handouts and certificate.

For inquiries/reservations, please contact:
(02) 873-3438, 871-5167 or (0915) 643-3662

ARTICULATION

2011-09-17T09:30:00.002+08:00

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The IBON Foundation at the Manila International Bookfair

2011-09-07T11:34:00.000+08:00

Check out the IBON Foundation at the Manila International Bookfair!

Carlo J. Caparas is NOT a National Artist

2011-08-27T10:32:00.001+08:00

The Manila Standard Today released the following news about Carlo J. Caparas and Viva Films’ mega deal in their entertainment section written by Isah V. Red last August 20, 2011 Saturday. You can check it out here.

Screenshot taken 10:33 AM August 27, 2011

It goes on to state the following:

“It is widely known among Pinoys that Carlo J. Caparas, who earned the monicker “Komiks King” and proclaimed National Artist, is credited with about 800 blockbuster serial novels. On the other hand, Viva used to be the giant in showbiz.”

I must go on to point out however that Carlo J. Caparas is NOT a National Artist.

“MANILA - The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday issued a resolution stopping Malacañang from conferring the Order of National Artists to seven individuals pending a petition filed before it.

The high court issued a status quo order while it resolves a petition seeking to disqualify four of the seven National Artists, including movie director Carlo J. Caparas, selected by President Arroyo.”

You can read the news article in its entirety here.

Gerry Alanguilan has more to say about the topic in his blog here.

The 2nd Cebu Comics Con

2011-08-23T22:51:00.000+08:00

What can you expect at the upcoming 2nd Cebu Comics Convention? Lots from the looks of it. Check out the list of activities!

• Gundam Plastic Model Display
• Selling of International Comic Books
• Selling of Local and Indie Comic Books both from Cebu and Manila
• Cosplay
• Toy Display
• Contests
• Local Comic Book Give-away
• Meet and Greet Comic Book Creators both from Cebu and Manila
• Military Plastic Model Display
• Art Display
• Mini Seminars

Work with Stan Lee and earn US$ 10,000!

2011-08-17T09:20:00.000+08:00

Photo from MTV.

Who doesn’t want to work with Stan “The Man” Lee!?

He’s the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics and he has co-created Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, and many other fictional characters which are now box office blockbusters.

MTV Comics and POW! Entertainment offers you the chance to write or illustrate the digital graphic novel “The Seekers!” and be paid (approximately) US$10,000.00.

The deadline is on August 26, 2011 so time is short so you better get cracking.

Click here for the complete details.

GTMACCON

2011-08-14T06:21:00.000+08:00

The GTMACCON is happening this coming October 22, 2011 Saturday 12:30 PM at the SM San Lazaro Activity area.

It's a cosplay event which features local and original comic book characters so it's an event definitely not to be missed. For more details check out the poster below.

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Time to Sketch!

2011-08-11T10:03:00.000+08:00

Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Philippines, in collaboration with SexAndSensibilities.com, presents another night of DAMES, DRINKS and DRAWING! Featuring after-school hotties,Dear Prudence and Jooley Cola! With site-specific theatrics courtesy of the Sipat Lawin Ensemble!

Real-life Superheroes

2011-08-09T07:25:00.000+08:00

Superheroes exist and they're trying to make a better world!

"Director Michael Barnett explores the world of Real Life Superheroes in his documentary , SUPERHEROES, premiering Monday night on HBO."

Click here to read the article on Newsrama.

Click here to watch the trailer.

KOMIKERO Anniversary

2011-08-04T13:31:00.000+08:00

Happy anniversary, guys!

Ilang taon na nga ba tayo? :D

The 2nd Cebu Comic Book

2011-08-03T05:51:00.000+08:00

Mark your calendars! The 2nd Cebu Comics Convention is happening this October 1, 2011 Saturday at the UP CEBU Grounds.

Go Cebu!

Security Checks at the MRT

2011-07-25T22:15:00.002+08:00

Normally I hate security checks.

This is where security guards rummage through your belongings to check if you’re carrying weapons, bombs, or other such objectionable materials on your person. I don’t object to the security checks per se but rather the lack of application on the part of the security guards. Most of them just poke around with a little stick and don’t even look most of the time. I mean, c’mon! If you’re going to inconvenience someone this way the least they can do is do the job right.

The security people at the MRT stations (Magallanes, Ortigas, and Quezon Avenue specifically) seem to be doing it RIGHT (and consistently I might add) at least. They go through all (or most) of your bag’s compartments, they pay attention, and the search applies to everybody.

Let’s face it: security checks are a hassle but knowing that some folks are doing it right (and quite possibly saving lives in the process) makes it a little easier to take.

Keep up the good work, MRT security guys and gals!

Cockroaches at T.G.I. Fridays!

2011-07-20T23:47:00.000+08:00

Ysa and I recently had a rather disturbing meal at T.G.I. Fridays at Robinson’s Galleria branch early today July 20, 2011 Wednesday.

We decided to have an early dinner and picked Fridays (unfortunately, it turns out). We were seated at a table beside the inner walls (the kitchen, I assume) where the seats were padded and comfortable. We placed our order which arrived promptly enough. While we were eating however, several small cockroaches started appearing from cracks in the wall (about 3-5 of them).

We complained to the waitress who proceeded to move us to another table. We didn’t really want to make too much of a fuss as we were having too good a time catching up on each other’s day. Just then more cockroaches started appearing on the walls on our new table. We once again caught the attention of the waitress (who was apologizing profusely) and asked to be moved to another table, this time away from the inner walls.

I’ve lost my appetite at this point but I figure it won’t happen again. Apparently I was wrong.

Just as we were more than halfway through our meal, we spied a teeny tiny cockroach was making its merry way across our table. That was the last straw. I called for the bill and informed the waitress and the manager about what apparently is some sort of infestation.

We were offered our choice of dessert, “on the house” they said as a way of apologizing, but we were completely turned off by then. Since we refused the dessert they gave one of the dishes we ordered for free and struck it off our bill (small consolation, in my opinion).

Suffice to say we won’t be returning anytime soon at the T.G.I. Fridays’ Galleria branch anytime soon.

The food is good but the creepy crawlies flitting about leaves a lot to be desired.

Batibot Soars High with Exciting Second Season on TV5

2011-05-05T23:02:00.000+08:00

The iconic children’s show Batibot soars higher as TV5 Kids and Philippine Children’s Television Foundation, Inc. (PCTVF) present a whole new exciting season starting this May 7. Loads of fun and learning await kids as Kuya Fidel (Abner Delina) and Ate Maya (Kakki Teodoro) bring in the freshest and the most interactive Batibot along with muppets Kapitan Basa, Manang Bola, Ning Ning, Ging Ging, and Koko Kwik-kwak.

Batibot fans across generations have a lot more to expect this season as the show offers more fun-filled segments in addition to its signature activities, such as story-telling, live action films and interactive games. There will be thematic episodes featuring “How children lived”, bringing kids on a wonderful journey in time where they will learn history in ways that are relevant to them. They will enjoy the how-to segments which present step-by-step instructions on creating and doing things. On top of having more celebrity guests, Batibot’s young viewers can also look forward to seeing a new and adorable muppet they will surely love.

With TV5’s popularity among children, as proven by the strong TV5 Kids block, Batibot made a successful comeback last year. The show was able to stir the nostalgia for the well-loved Filipino children’s program and at the same time attract young audiences to watch an educational and fun show that’s particularly made for them.

“We at TV5 felt it was high time for today’s children to have a share of the Batibot experience their parents enjoyed during their youth. We’re very happy with the show’s successful comeback. For something as intrinsic to Pinoy culture as Batibot, it deserves to continue its worthwhile advocacy of teaching good values to our children in the most entertaining way,” shared TV5 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Roberto V. Barreiro.

According to Teacher Feny delos Angeles-Bautista, Philippine Children’s Television Foundation Executive Director and Batibot Executive Producer, introducing Batibot to a new generation of Filipino children has been worth all the effort. “The summative research we conducted with children in both public and private schools and their active engagement during the live performances in schools, parks and even at the PGH Cancer Ward reaffirmed our expectation that kids would welcome Batibot and make it a part of their lives,” Bautista added.

Batibot begins its second season on TV5 on May 7. The show airs every Saturday at 8:30am with 3-5 minute shorts on weekdays at 9:00am and 2:55pm.

FREE Comic Book Day!

2011-05-02T09:46:00.001+08:00

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2011 is SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2011 at Comic Odyssey's ROBINSONS GALLERIA branch. This year is the 10th Anniversary of Free Comic Book Day and it promises to be the biggest one yet!

Aside from the yearly FCBD sponsored comics, Comic Odyssey will also be giving away thousands and thousands of comics from their own backstock going back 15-20 years.

They will also be holding their annual FCBD SALE...their BIGGEST SALE of the YEAR!

Save up to 50% OFF all graphic novels, hardcovers, action figures, manga, and more.

PLUS all back issues in our bins will be only Php 50.00 each!!! Our Back Issue bins will be fully restocked for FCBD.

For more info and a peek at the confirmed Artist Guest List, please click here.