Babbling Point

. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world." --Pres. Bartlet, WEST WING Well, we haven't really done anything earth-shattering... at least, not yet, but the writers and artists of ALAMAT have not given up telling stories through pictures and words. Circa 1994.From left: Mark Gatela, Budjette Tan, Mr. Manabat's nephew, Arnold Arre, Brandie Tan, Gerry Alanguilan, Whilce Portacio, Ian Orendain, Chris Bernardo, John Toledo, Oliver Pulumbarit and Alex Manabat. Alamat's second major exhibit, held at the Robinsons Galleria. (The first Alamat event was held in Megamall at Gift Gate's MEGA-B-NANG-LAGIM. Does anyone have pictures from that exhibit?) More pictures in Gerry's blog .

. Yesterday, All Saints Day, at Mt. Carmel Church I met Spider-Man. We went there to visit my dad’s grave and attend mass. Brandie and I were eating fishballs at the car park outside when a little boy in a red shirt and baggy green pants approached us. He put on a sad face and begged for money so he could buy some food. I told him that if he kept watch of our car, I’d give him some money after the mass. He looked around to check for something and asked if he could have the money now because the other, bigger kids would just get the money from him. I repeated my offer and said that if he did a good job of protecting our car, I’d give him the money. If our car got stolen, then it meant he didn’t do a good job and I wouldn’t give him any money. The kid smiled and said (in Filipino), “You know what I’d do if someone stole your car? I’d turn into Spider-Man! And I’d swing from the roof of the church and run after them!” He started to pretend he was shooting web fluid from