Babbling Point

When We Dance

2012-01-28T01:54:00.000+08:00

When we dance,

angels will run and hide their wings

I'm gonna love you more than life
If you will only be my wife

I'm gonna love you night and day
I'm gonna try in every way

(I had a dream last night
I dreamt you were by my side
Walking with me baby
My heart was filled with pride
I had a dream last night)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WELLA!

lyrics by Sting

X.O. Candies 2012

2012-01-16T01:07:00.001+08:00

Client: Universal Robina Corporation
Brand: X.O. Candies
Agency: Neuron / Campaigns and Grey
Creatives: Jun Ureta, Mags Sandoval, Ben Obed
Accounts: Boboy Consunji, Poteet Gimenez, Don Quintos
Director: Luis Tabuena
Producer: Steve Vesagas
Production House: Provill

100 Year Old Man Shares Secret to Happiness

2012-01-11T02:08:00.000+08:00

Ako si Lolo Mario.

At sa isandaang taong ng buhay ko, nagingmaswerte ako.

Maswerte na ipanganak, tulad mo. Namabigyan ng mga kaibigan at pamilya. Na mabuhay ng maligaya hanggang sa araw naito.

Ipinanganak ka sa panahon ng maramingpagsubok. Napaka-laki ng mundo. Napaka-daling maligaw ang landas mo.

Bilang gabay, simple lang ang payo.

Hanapin mo kung ano’ng magpapasaya sa’yo.

Napaka bilis ng panahon. Huwag mongsasayangin sa mga walang kabuluhang bagay. At gaano man kalayo ang marating,huwag mong kakalimutan kung saan ka nanggaling.

Sa haba ng buhay ko, nagpapasalamat ako sabawat sandali na nakasama ang mga kaibigan at pamilya. Ngayon ko nakikita nahindi sapat ang isandaang taon –- kung nasa piling nila.

Pinanganak kapara maging maligaya.

Ang mga kaibigan at pamilya mo angmagpapakita kung paano.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

My name is Lolo Mario.

And in my 100 years of life. I have beenvery lucky.

Lucky to have been born, just like you. Tobe blessed with friends and family. To have lived a life filled with happinesstill this very.

You have been born in challenging times.The world is a big place. Getting lost seems so easy.

To guide you, my advice is simple.

Go find what makes you happy.

Time flies by so quickly. Don’t waste iton nonsense. And no matter where you end up, never forget where you came from.

Looking back at all my years, what I amgrateful for are all the moments shared with my friends and family. Now I cansee that a hundred years is not nearly enough time if a can spend it with them.

Happiness is yourbirthright.

Your friends andfamily will help you find it.

AdoboMagazine features SECRETS TO HAPPINESS

http://www.adobomagazine.com/global/module.php?LM=news.level1&id=1326088186603

A month after its highly viral andemotional “Where Will Happiness Strike Next”, Coca-Cola once again tugged atthe heartstrings of Filipinos with its “100-Year-Old Man Shares Secret toHappiness.” The spot launched January 6 on national television and YouTube.

The adfeatures Lolo (grandfather) Mario and his special trip to visit his new-borngreat granddaughter. Through his journey, he narrates how fortunate he is tohave been born, have friends and family, and be able to live happily throughthe years. “Napakalaki ng mundo (The world is a big place),” Lolo Mario tellsviewers, “napakadaling maligaw ang landas mo (it's so easy to get lost).”Finding the things that make you happy will help guide your way, he adds. ACoca-Cola billboard can be seen through the window of Lolo Mario's cab on hisway to the hospital.

As hisjourney closes with his homecoming in his native province, he is welcomed byhis friends and family, and they share a drink – a toast to happiness, friends,and family. A hundred years is not enough, he says, to spend with loved ones.“Ipinanganak ka para maging maligaya (happiness is your birthright),” LoloMario concludes. The video ends with a message of thanks from Coca-Cola for“100 years of happiness.”

The videohas been shared and “liked” across blogs and social networking sites over theweekend, and has been viewed more than 100,000 times through Coca-Cola'sofficial YouTube channel as of this posting.

But thecampaign also attracted a fair share of wits. A few social media users pointedout that drinking sodas often will most assuredly not let a person live for acentury. But the theme of finding happiness, through and together with friendsand family, has been picked up and shared by a significant majority of viewers.

CLIENT:Coca-Cola Export Corporation

ADVERTISINGAGENCY: McCann Worldgroup

Creatives:Peter Acuna, Ben Deluyas, Mervin Ignacio, Chan Dela Calzada, Che Laureano, FlemAnonuevo

Accounts:Berns Chincuanco, Judy Buenviaje, Jen Santos

Planning:Gino Borromeo, Gen Cruz

PRODUCTION

Director:Stephen Ngo/Film Pabrika

Producers:Chona Bustamante, Cris Dy-Liacco

Caster:Russell Corcuera

Scoring:Allan Feliciano/Loud Box

Coca-Cola Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project

2011-12-30T03:33:00.000+08:00

Market leadership, bigness with heart
Ads And Ends by Nanette Franco-DiycoBusiness World, December 08, 2011http://www.bworldonline.com/weekender/content.php?id=42972

Ting Bongco, McCann Erickson’s associate business group director, hit it right on the head when he mused that practically everyone in our country knows at least a family member, relative, friend, neighbor or acquaintance who works overseas.

And, truly, all of us realize the sadness that these overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families feel when they do not spend Christmas together.

This indeed is the very reason why Coca-Cola’s “This Christmas, Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project” is as good as it gets as a viral activation that hits your gut for this Christmas season.

Beautiful scenes of the respective workplaces abroad, three very well-chosen OFWs who have been working in faraway places for over five years, with laudable reasons for not coming home to their loved ones, with each of them expressing their excitement about finally coming home for Christmas added to the authenticity of the whole material.

Here were an X-ray technologist, a caretaker and a baby-sitter, working in Italy and Saudi Arabia, being separately and individually met at the airport and ushered to their homes by handsome red-capped men of Coca-Cola in bright red Coca-Cola vans.

McCann’s creative team of Peter Acuna with the digital team of Kichi Madlansacay were able to “weave three stories of separation among OFWs and their families into three stories of uplifting reunion and togetherness -- enabled by Coca-Cola”.

The reunions were so real -- the absolute shock of seeing a loved one finally come home, the tighter than tight hugs -- these were raw emotions captured like we were viewing them from a keyhole and we were just allowed to eavesdrop. You can’t help but shed a tear or two.

Ting capsulized the production steps undertaken: “The search was conducted by a team of researchers who have experience in documentaries and features about OFWs. Together, the client, agency and production team went through many profiles before deciding on the three to be featured in the video.

“They looked for stories that move, inspire and uplift. This was about their motivation for working overseas, the challenges they face as OFWs, and the force that drive them to want to come home. Their stories are real. Those tears and laughter are real. Those expressions of longing are difficult to take.”

How were the family members, totally unaware of their loved ones’ arrival in the country that very hour, all grouped together?

They were simply huddled together by Coca-Cola in their home and/or restaurant, anticipating the Skype-ing of their loved one!

Hence, the great expressions of unbelief and shock when the loved one actually appeared before them in flesh and blood!

These all fell under Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaign, “ Pagsasamang hahanap-hanapin” (Relationships that are sought).

Through the years, I have always looked forward to unraveling the Christmas campaigns of Coca-Cola.

This year is undoubtedly one that trumpets bigness and market leadership -- with a big heart that spells the difference.

Credits:
Client-company: The Coca-Cola Export Corp.
Brand, Coca-Cola: Guillermo Aponte, Shakir Moin, Jaideep Kibe, Franz Decloedt, Rachel Bernardino, Anubha Sahasrabuddhe.
Advertising agency: McCann Worldgroup.
Account management: Bernadette Chincuanco, Ting Bongco, Mutch Wright, Jen Santos, Macy Magpayo
Creatives: Peter Acuna, Mervin Ignacio, Che Soriano
Digital team: Kichi Madlansacay, Mike Joson.
Production house: Informer.
Director: Marla Ancheta.

San Miguel Beer “Lifestyle Brews” T-shirt Design

2011-12-29T22:09:00.000+08:00

Here are the designs for the San Miguel Beer “Lifestyle Brews” T-shirts that won a White Trophy in the Philippine Graphic Design Awards last November 2011

McCann Worldgroup Philippines (Agency) Noel Bermejo (Creative Director) Bheng Densing (Art Director)Reg Romanillos (Associate Creative Director) Stevie Del Rosario / Rex Dalistan / Allan Almeda (Copywriters)

MRM Philippines wins Quantum Leap Award

2011-12-27T00:58:00.003+08:00

Early December 2011, Nandy Villar and Donald Lim flew to New York to attend the first McCann Worldgroup Excellence Awards. They went there because MRM Philippines won the Gold Award for the Quantum Leap Category for most improved agency in the McCann Worldgroup network. MRM Philippines was the only Southeast-Asian agency (aside from McCann Japan) to receive a Gold Award.

Team MRM Philippines

Nandy Villar and Donald Lim accepting the award ... and a very large cheque

our little trophy

Nescafe Philippines reaches 1 MILLION LIKES

2011-12-26T12:46:00.000+08:00

The sound of making coffee is musical. With millions of NESCAFE cups being brewed everyday, Filipinos are making music all over the Philippines. Using NESCAFE mugs, spoons, jars and sachets, NESCAFE says One Million Thank Yous to our One Million Fans for inspiring us everyday!

Watch and share this music video done in collaboration with Brigada.

Join the Nescafe Philippines Facebook page at : https://www.facebook.com/nescafe.ph?sk=app_203312576374903

Looking back, here are the milestones and buzz that was generated by the Nescafe Philippines Facebook Page:

Nescafe Philippines as viewed/ranked by SocialBakers.com
http://www.socialbakers.com/facebook-pages/99351244175-nescafe-philippines

JULY 2011
Nescafé Philippines launches points system with My Choice Facebook app
http://www.adobomagazine.com/global/module.php?LM=news.level1&id=1310526473114

Nescafe Philippines' Facebook app creates a more cohesive online community http://wave.wavemetrix.com/content/nescaf-philippines-facebook-app-creates-more-cohesive-online-community-00790

Nescafé Philippines engages consumers with Facebook rewards system
"Nescafé has collaborated with MRM Philippines to launch its loyalty rewards programme, utilising Facebook as part of its efforts to engage Filipino netizens."
http://www.campaignsingapore.sg/Article/264202,nescaf233-philippines-engages-consumers-with-facebook-rewards-system.aspx

OCTOBER 2011

Real Engagement, Not Likes: The Top 100 Engaging Brands On Facebook
http://www.business2community.com/facebook/real-engagement-not-likes-the-top-100-engaging-brands-on-facebook-067012

Top 100 engaging brands on Facebook -- a new metric
http://www.freshnetworks.com/blog/2011/10/real-engagement-not-likes-the-top-100-most-engaged-brands-on-facebook/

Nescafe Philippines was #40 in this ranking. It was the only Philippine brand to get in the Top 100

November 2011

At the 2011 Philippine Ad Congress, Charlene Li of the Altimeter Group used the Nescafe Philippines Facebook page as an example of posting timely content and the power of sharing; how one post can potentially reach 1 million people.
http://www.slideshare.net/charleneli/philippines-adcongress-speech-by-charlene-li

John Lewis Christmas TVC 2011

2011-12-24T19:48:00.002+08:00

Download the Slow Moving Millie track "Please, please, please" from itunes http://bit.ly/slowmovingmillie

The advert from John Lewis which everyone's talking about this Christmas. "For gifts you can't wait to give". There is something even more wonderful than receiving the perfect gift, and that is knowing you have found the perfect gift for someone you love. This year we have brought to life the feeling of excitement and anticipation you get when you have found that perfect gift for someone and cannot wait for Christmas day to arrive.

"Our advert follows one little boy who is impatiently counting down to Christmas. We see him tapping his fingers, gazing out of the window, even trying to cast a spell on a clock to make time go faster, but to no avail. The track 'Please, Please, Please let me get what I want', was originally recorded by the Smiths, and has been rerecorded by emerging artist Slow Moving Millie."

more Jollitown adventures

2011-12-20T15:23:00.002+08:00

Click here and go to http://www.jollitown.com.ph/ now!

Adobo interviews Donald Lim

2011-11-15T02:17:00.001+08:00

Donald Lim, Managing Director of MRM Worldwide on convincing clients to go digital

... [we need to] make digital simple for the brand managers,for the marketing directors. Digital marketing should not be digital… when it ispresented to the top management. When they report to theirs bosses, it has to boil down tobusiness results.

You have toremember that digital marketing is just one of the rules of marketing, and inthe end it will always be about business results.

How will digital marketing drive business growth, increase salesand awareness?

In the end it’s about marketing metrics, not about pageviews, or the number of unique visitors...

What’s important is, after doing all these, are we making asignificant impact on the brand and I think any brand manager or any agency thatcan do that will be very successful.

SOURCE:

http://www.adobomagazine.com/global/module.php?LM=news.level1&id=1320199504270

When you hear that I have died, think of this

2011-11-02T02:59:00.001+08:00

When you hear that I have died, think of this

by Gabrielle Bouliane

Think of cool night breezes while you walk to meet yourfriends for a beer on a Thursday. Think of waking up in flannel sheets on asnowy morning and kissing someone you love. Think of hung-over diner breakfastsand the best cup of coffee in the world. Think of the sound of tires on seamedhighways while you travel, think of French kissing and leather jackets andpush-up bras and bourbon, think of the joy of hard work with friends. Thenthink of me.

Not sad, not the melancholy solitude of empty skies, but thefull days and crowded bars and signed contracts, a smile too big for my face,remember I said I stay busy enough to fit three lives into one. When you hearthat I have died, know that I want laughter, and dancing, real dancing, tomusic that makes you move without thinking, you’re wearing boots and jeans anda great t-shirt and wondering if the girl at the edge thinks you’re cute. Andyou motherfuckers had best DANCE, none of this bullshit rock-nod hands-in-the-pocketsshoegazer nonsense, no, make an ass out of yourself, feel your hips, kick offthe high heels and sway on the shoulder of a stranger, when I die, you’d betterbe laughing your ass off on sidewalks, eating deliciously unhealthy food,drinking shots and tipping your bartender well, no matter how much money youmake.

And Adam has to read the poem he wrote, and Laura, and June,and Scott Carpenter has to play “Don’t Go Away, Chloe”, no fuck that, everymusician I’ve ever made out with or videotaped or road-tripped with has toplay, so drink some coffee, baby, it’s gonna be a long night. When you hearthat I have died, the best thing you can do is to get laid that night with acomfortable stranger, use my story to get their sympathy, and when you kissthem for the first time, think of me then.

When you hear that I have died, and you will, remember yourbest revenge is to live well, take risks, save up money and chase your perfecthappiness. Beat the system and learn to make your art really support you, craftinto something your audience can’t live without. Then make the world an evenslightly better place — stop throwing your cigarettes on the ground, vote inthe next election, graffiti your life on the eyes of the hungry.

Then just do me one last favor. Please. Love something.Anything. Start with yourself, but find passion in everything, from an applepie to a novel, make a family, get a degree, walk whatever path is yours withyour chin up and feet planted firmly. Have the best stories to tell in the oldfolk’s home, about lifelong friendships and epic love affairs, about the timeyou lost everything and yet found yourself happier than when you began.. andremember that time we got in SO much trouble…

Poets.. remember. This is the story that never ends. Whenone of us leaves, another walks through the door. The pages turn, the sun keepsrising. All you can do in the meanwhile.. is to speak for yourself. Raise yourvoice high, tell your story, join hands against the dark and sing our souls tothe sky. Know the best in me comes from the best in you, that as you tell yourstory, you will be telling mine, and our lives will be linked together forever,and everyone who hears you will become a part of the change we make.

So when you hear that I have died...

just ….live.

--Gabrielle Bouliane

BOULIANE - Gabrielle Gué Of Austin, TX, formerly ofBuffalo, NY, died of cancer. The cherished daughter of Thomas G. and GretchenRichter Bouliane of Boston MA (formerly of the Town of Tonawanda) diedpeacefully under the care of Hospice Austin on January 29, 2010. A poet andvideographer, she graduated from Kenmore East and from the University atBuffalo with degrees in English and urban planning (with an emphasis onsustainable development); she wrote for Buffalo Rising and was the host of theNickel City Slam from 2005 through 2008.

Zombies vs FedEx

2011-09-23T23:24:00.003+08:00

Credits

Agency: BBDO Guerrero, Makati City, The Philippines
Chief Creative Officer: David Guerrero
Executive Creative Director: Brandie Tan
Creative team: Joe Dy, Meggy De Guzman, Rizza Garcia
Agency producer: Jing Abellera
Account supervisor: Katy Parr (Bbdo Hong Kong).
Director: Tim Bullock via Prodigy Films, Sydney
Producer: Serena Paull
Director of photography: Geoffrey HallEditor Adam Wills
Sound designed at Song Zu by Simon Kane.
Music was produced at Sound Planet by Damian De Boos-Smith.

Animals Who Tell Stories

2011-09-23T20:37:00.000+08:00

I am a man, and men are animals who tell stories. This is a gift from God, who spoke our species into being, but left the end of our story untold. That mystery is troubling to us. How could it be otherwise? Without the final part, we think, how are we to make sense of all that went before; which is to say, our lives?

So we make stories of our own, in fevered and envious imitation of our Maker, hoping that we’ll tell, by chance, what God left untold. And finishing our tale, come to understand why we were born.
Clive Barker “Sacrament”

heart strings and word balloons

2011-08-19T21:47:00.000+08:00

Story by Budjette and Wella
Script by Budjette
Pictures by http://www.cherryblocks.com/
Word Balloons by Argem, Rina, Neil, Maki
Wedding Creative Director: Maki Maquiling
Make-up by Jen Delica

Special Thanks
Maricel, Alex, and Amy for letting us shoot in Harrison Communications
Rhea and JC for letting us shoot in Fully Booked
Angelo and Tina for letting us shoot in Saguijo

whether it's about space exploration or just getting out of bed everyday

2011-08-08T02:37:00.000+08:00

Joshua Tree Under the Milky Way from Henry Jun Wah Lee on Vimeo.

"If you can't take a little bloody nose, maybe you had better go back home and crawl under your bed. It's not safe out here. It's wondrous, with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross. But it's not for the timid." Q (John de Lancie)

Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Q Who?"

written by Maurice Hurley

from an email I got from Mark, a long time ago, from galaxy far, far, away
(yeah, yeah, I know I'm mixing up shows, ok?)

eat. learn. move.

2011-08-06T14:11:00.000+08:00

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food ....into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films.....

= a trip of a lifetime.

move, eat, learn

Rick Mereki : Director, producer, additional camera and editing
Tim White : DOP, producer, primary editing, sound
Andrew Lees : Actor, mover, groover

These films were commissioned by STA Australia: youtube.com/watch?v=-BrDlrytgm8

All Music composed and performed by Kelsey James (kelseyanne.james@gmail.com)
Music Recorded and mixed by Jake Phillips

Colour Grade : Edel Rafferty and Roslyn Di Sisto
Online Edit : Peter Mirecki

Assistance in titles and production design : Lee Gingold, Jason Milden, Rohan Newman

The Man Without a Facebook

2011-07-28T20:54:00.000+08:00

Of course, this spoof would be funnier if you remember the original movie :-)

where originality comes from

2011-07-22T20:56:00.001+08:00

"Everyone in the world has a unique experience, everyone has one set of eyes in the entire history of life on earth and the universe and that's where the originality comes from, by telling the truth of what they see, and a lack of originality comes from not telling the truth and trying to be like someone else." --Grant Morrison

my Twitter profile infographic

2011-07-22T20:15:00.000+08:00

Coca-Cola/WWF Plant Billboard Fights Air Pollution

2011-06-30T01:11:00.000+08:00

PRESS RELEASE: Coca-Cola Philippines and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) unveiled last 23 June the very first plant billboard in the country - an iconic structure to represent the long-standing partnership between the two organizations to make a positive difference for the environment. The billboard now crowns the Adriano Building, between Buendia and Kalayaan Avenues in Makati City.

The 60 x 60 ft. plant billboard, located along Northbound EDSA-Forbes, utilizes a thriving species of Fukien tea plant, which absorbs air pollutants. According to botanist Anthony Gao, each plant can absorb up to 13 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year, on the average. “This billboard helps alleviate air pollution within its proximate areas as it can absorb a total of 46,800 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, on estimate.” Gao says.

(Let me just proudly share that this billboard was conceptualized by Coca-Cola's agency McCann Worldgroup Philippines.)

OTHERS SITES THAT HAVE FEATURED THE BILLBOARD:

Coca-Cola Plant Billboard Absorbs Air Pollution
The Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/28/coca-cola-plant-billboard_n_886192.html

Coca-Cola Billboard Eats CO2
http://www.takepart.com/news/2011/06/28/coca-cola-billboard-eats-co2

Coca-Cola Philippines and WWF Unveil a Billboard Made of Small Trees
http://popsop.com/47156

Coca-Cola's Green Billboard Made of Plants That Absorb Air Pollution
http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/coca-colas-green-billboard-made-plants-absorb-air-pollution-132966

Philippines’ First Environmentally Beneficial Billboard Launched
http://www.psfk.com/2011/06/philippines-first-environmentally-beneficial-billboard-launched.html

Coca-Cola and WWF Unite to Unveil Country's 1st Plant Billboard
http://www.wwf.org.ph/index.php/news/newsroom/275-coca-cola-and-wwf-unite-to-unveil-countrys-1st-plant-billboard-

Country's 1st plant billboard launched
By Rhodina Villanueva (The Philippine Star)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=699312&publicationSubCategoryId=68

Our Vows, Our Oath

2011-06-23T01:55:00.000+08:00

WELLA:
6 years ago, it was difficult to think we would end up here since we absolutely hated working with each other. Since we got together, I’ve learned a lot. You’ve introduced me to new things, you inspired me to rediscover drawing and learn painting, you made me start reading, you made me want to stay awake throughout a movie and made me eat more. But more importantly, you gave me a different perspective on life and love. I’d like you to know that because of you, I have learned to love unconditionally.

I LOVE YOU FOREVER. Today, these words that we always say to each other will be even more meaningful because this day marks the start of our forever. I promise to laugh with you when times are good and to just be there and hold your hand when they are bad. I promise to take care of you even when we’re old and grey. And most of all, I promise to continue being your friend and to love you even more for the rest of our lives.

BUDJETTE:
Wella, my love, my life, my story

Writing is always a lonely task

Which is why I am so happy, so blessed to now have you as my co-plotter, co-editor, and co-writer

I know that “happily ever afters” are not found in first drafts

I know that it will take numerous revisions before we reach ours

And so I vow:

that even during life’s brightest days and blackest nights

when we are surprised by plot twists and cliffhangers

I will --with all my might—
rewrite and redirect our story towards our happy ending.

And this is the story I will write for the rest of my life.

an email from Mike Carey about TRESE

2011-06-15T13:18:00.002+08:00

Last October, while I was in the UK, aside from getting to meet Alan Moore, I also got to meet Mike Carey, writer of THE UNWRITTEN, and Vertigo editor Pornsak Pichetshote. They were attending the British International Comics Show and they were in the audience of Yuko Shimizu's talk, the cover artist of THE UNWRITTEN.

After the talk, I tried to find the best opportunity to introduce myself to them. But a lot of other people were talking to them and I didn't want to be rude and just butt in their conversation.

I finally saw my chance when they broke away from the crowd and went into the men's room. (No! I did not follow them in there!)

I waited for them to come out and quickly blocked their way and blurted out: Hi!I'mBudjetteTanfromthePhilippines!AndIjustwantedtogiveYOUacopyofmycomicbookTRESE!ThankYOU!

I gave them copies of TRESE and said thanks again. As soon as I walked away, other people came up to them greet them and talk to them. I looked back and saw that they were flipping through the pages of TRESE and that just made me smile.

Before I could take another step, someone tapped my back. I turned around and saw Mr. Carey and Mr. Pichetshote holding TRESE and one of them handed me a pen and they asked me to autograph their copies.

At first I didn't know how to react and panicked, thinking, "What the hell should I write? If I make a typo in my autograph, will this ruin my chance of getting into Vertigo?"

As I scribbled down things that resembled words, I said: OhMyGod!ThisfeelLIKEsomethingthatwouldhappeninTHEUNWRITTEN!

(ugh, hopefully, I didn't sound like some valley girl when I said that)

Anyway, the experience got me all buzzed and I was smiling on the train ride back to Macclesfield.

The other day, I got this email from Mike Carey:

Hi Budjette.
And here I am, more than six months later. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you.

I finally got around to reading TRESE. I was very impressed, by the storytelling, the concepts and the high-contrast art. Trese herself is a very convincing and engaging protagonist, and I very much enjoyed your handling of magic in the story - both for scary and for humorous effect. All in all, a lovely read with a very strong sense of place.

Thanks again for the free copy. I very much enjoyed reading it, and I hope it's been a success for you both in sales terms and in getting your name known and getting further commissions.

Best,
Mike

And I'm buzzed all over again! Dizzy! Feels like vertigo!

babbling about Trese

2011-06-02T00:48:00.003+08:00

Last Monday, despite having a bad cold and cough that made me sound like a muppet, I got on Skype and chatted with John Amor and Migs Santos of TRES KOMIKEROS about how Trese started, how Trese was inspired by my favorite TV shows and how it was actually based on a rejected story I pitched to Marvel, and about how I got rejected by DC Comics and Atlas Komiks, and about how I really, really hate horror movies.

So, if you'd like to hear me babble for an hour and overshare details of my life, download the episode at: http://treskomikeros.wordpress.com/2011/06/01/tk-73-budjette-tan/

Here's the blurb from their blog: In this episode of Tres Komikeros, John and Migs are joined by National Book Award Winner, Budjette Tan. Join us as he talks about the inspiration and research behind his hit noir-horror graphic novel, Trese. In this hour-long interview, we shed light on strange and amusing factoids such as Budjette’s writing process, his “technique” for writing action sequences, his slowly growing case against Brian Michael Bendis, and much much more. Enjoy, folks!

Lessons from Talking Funny

2011-05-27T02:30:00.000+08:00

TALKING FUNNY (HBO) Comedy's biggest names — Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Ricky Gervais, and Louis CK — sit down for a revealing (and hilarious) chat on this HBO special. The four stand-up legends get serious about comedy, discussing how they first got into the business, the merits of on-stage profanity, and the science behind getting a laugh.

1

http://youtu.be/_V4q-zb2iI4

2

http://youtu.be/W_L5mYlxlXE

3

http://youtu.be/Xc6WbrOoe8I

4

http://youtu.be/LfwZSFsnm9c

I first read about this show HBO show TALKING FUNNY from this article: Seven Things Designers Can Learn from Stand Up Comics by Michael Bierut.

You can go directly and read the article by clicking the link above or you can watch the show first and then come back to read the article.

As Bierut said in his article, he didn't really intend to find any designer-related-lessons from watching the show, but he ended up finding these seven:

1. It's all about the basics.
2. Once you've mastered the basics, make your work your own.
3. Respect your audience.
4. Know your tools.
5. Honor your craft.
6. Don't be afraid of failure.
7. Finally, never forget you have a special gift.

Looking at these seven lessons, I thought that they also applied to making comics and advertising.

Echoing some of Bierut's points, if you want to become good at what you're doing, you really need to love what you're doing, love to learn the basics, love to fail what you're doing so you can learn from it and try something new.

On his seventh point Bierut wrote:

7. Finally, never forget you have a special gift.
Ricky Gervais, in a revealing moment, asks, "Don't you ever think, when we make people have this feeling of laughter, and they pay us money: what if they discover they can do it themselves?"

The other comics are rather stunned at this.

Seinfeld shouts, "But they can do it themselves!"

Gervais, almost glumly asks, "Then why are they paying us?"

Louis C.K. answers, "We're a high octane version of it. We're pros. They can play touch football, too."

And Seinfeld adds: "But that doesn't hurt the NFL."

We live at a time when the tools of design are more available than ever before. What client doesn't have a nephew who knows InDesign, or, better still, a spouse with a newly discovered enthusiasm for Powerpoint? Graphic design: anyone can do it, right? Well, yes. But the professionals still understand what it means to do something well. And that confidence makes its own statement.

I couldn't help but laugh when I read the line: What client doesn't have a nephew who knows InDesign, or, better still, a spouse with a newly discovered enthusiasm for Powerpoint? How true. In this day and age of DIY software, most people think they've become "experts" at design because they happen to manage a blog or make a Powerpoint slide pretty or learned how to make a soundtrack with Garage Band and edit a film with iMovie. And so, they make comments on agency's work based on their "expert" experiences. They forget that they're working with people who've done this sort of thing everyday for the past how many years. They forget that they're working with people who've probably clocked in their 10,000 hours of doing good ads and bad ads, so they know, more often that not, what will work and what won't work.

Although I'm sure, since the dawn of advertising and maybe a thousand years from now, we'll still have clients who will ask, "Why is there too much white space? And can't you make the logo bigger?"

Going back to the stories of Ricky Gervais, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Louis C.K., you just really have to expect that there will be some meetings where you will bomb and some meetings where you'll get applause. Whatever the outcome, you bow, you say thank you, you move on to your next bit, your next gig, and just keep on lovin' what you're doing.

Read Forever

2011-04-28T20:34:00.000+08:00

NOOK Color "Read Forever™" Anthem
http://youtu.be/xVFqiiRrpdw

READ FOREVER

Til all the books I read are read

and all the pens are put down

and everything there is to learn is learned

Til tears are no longer shed

and the ziggers have all zigged

and the irony is all ironed out

Til the heroes retire

and the monsters return to their dens

and all the plots are wrapped up

Til there are no more twists and turns

No more guns in drawers

No more shaggy dogs

Til rhymes stop rhyming

and pots stop boiling

and everyone is happy and there’s nothing more say

Til that day

By hook or by crook

By book or by nook

I will read

CREDITS FROM : http://adsoftheworld.com/media/tv/barnes_noble_read_forever_anthem

Advertising Agency: Mullen, Boston, USA
Chief Creative Officer: Mark Wenneker
Group Creative Director / Copywriter: Dave Weist
Group Creative Director / Art Director: Tim Vaccarino
Copywriter: Tim Hanrahan
Executive Director of Integrated Production: Liza Near
Executive Producer: Zeke Bowman
Account Service: Alex Leikikh, John Hornaday
Production Company: The Directors Bureau
Director: Mike Mills
Executive Producer: Cayce Cole
Producer: Youree Henley
DP: Natasha Braier
Editorial: Lost Planet
Editor: Saar Klein
Assistant Editor: Greg Flick
Executive Producer: Krystn Wagenberg
Producer: Amy Lazarus
Color Correct: CO3
Colorist: Tim Masick
Visual Effects: Brickyard
Lead VFX Artist: Geoff McAuliffe
Senior VFX Artists: Sean McLean, Patrick Poulatian, Jimi Simmons
VFX Executive Producer: Kirsten Anderson
CGI/Graphics Artist: Robin Hobart
Music: Garth Stevenson Music
Composer: Garth Stevenson
Audio Post: Soundtrack
Sound Design / Mixer: Mike Secher

State of Internet and Mobile Commerce Market Growth in the Philippines 2010

2011-04-24T13:53:00.002+08:00

Donald Lim, managing director of MRM Worldwide shared the latest e-commerce data comparing market developments from 2009 to 2010 at the DigitalFilipino E-Commerce Summit 2010.

Despite growth being flat in this period, Donald shows optimism for 2011 while encouraging market players to address the issue of trust.

ORIGINALLY POSTED IN THE BLOG OF JANETTE TORAL
http://e-commercephilippines.com/state-of-internet-and-mobile-commerce-market-growth-in-the-philippines-2010.html

Picture from Norelyn T. Babiera's Facebook Page.

who make our souls blossom

2011-04-20T02:56:00.000+08:00

Let us be grateful

to people who make us happy;

they are the charming gardeners

who make our souls blossom.

--Marcel Proust

MRM is Philippines’ Google AdWords Elite Team

2011-04-19T17:55:00.001+08:00

MRM Elite Team (From L to R): Amiel Uy, Tonico Maningat, Jim Guzman, Mabie Encarnacion,
Rachel Chua, Debbie Bereber, Nicole Sy, Pat Cortes, Mae Uy and Mattel Soliven

MRM Philippines, the digital relationship marketing discipline of McCann Worldgroup, now holds the most number of individually certified Google AdWords professionals in the country. This was after 10 out of the 15 team members passed the Fundamentals and advanced-level exams covering search, display, reporting, and analysis.

As individually qualified AdWords Professionals, members of the MRM accounts and production team are now equipped with specialized knowledge in Google Advertising. AdWords ads are placed in Google partner sites and display networks, widening the scope of MRM clients’ ad placement in relevant sites online.

Managing Director Donald Lim says, “The Google Adwords Certification solidifies MRM Manila’s authority in the digital marketing arena by ensuring that we are capable and knowledgable in managing the digital marketing projects of our clients. It validates our position in being able to deliver end-to-end digital marketing solutions effectively and efficiently. Our team delivers best in class digital projects not only because we know marketing, but also because we know how to play in digital, as evidenced by certifications like these.”

As Featured in Adobo Magazine
http://www.adobomagazine.com/global/module.php?LM=news.level1&id=1303700316136

Nescafe BANGON NA TVCs 2010

2011-04-15T00:32:00.001+08:00

my Fisher-Price days

2011-04-10T23:59:00.002+08:00

Before me and Brandie started collecting Star Wars action figures, my parents bought us Fisher-Price Adventure sets. These action figures and vehicles didn’t come with any backstory, they didn’t have any animated series, they didn’t even have names.

So, we were free to create stories about that. We were free to think up of brand new adventures using them as the cast and our bed, blankets, pillows as the surface of a new planet.

Of course, when the Star Wars figures started to come out, all those Fisher Price toys got put aside. They were sometimes brought out to play when we needed an extra space ship for Han Solo or Luke Skywalker.

When the G.I.JOE action figures were released, the Fisher Price toys became the Joes’ back-up unit and were used to transport the assault unit to Cobra’s base.

Aside from the Alpha Probe spacemen sets, we also had the safari sets. The safari set had a little boy in blue which my Uncle Jimbo named Johnny Quest, which I thought was the coolest name in the world.

My Uncle Jimbo, who was five years older than me and the closest I ever had to a kuya, would act out these Johnny Quest adventures using all the toys and props we had at hand.

A couple of years later, I finally caught an episode of the Johnny Quest cartoon on TV and was disappointed that it wasn’t as fun as the adventures we had using those Fisher Price toy sets.

On the rare occasion I visit the toy store these days, I look around and try to spot if Fisher Price still makes these Adventure Sets.

I think there’s something important about providing kids with a blank slate to work with, as opposed to action figures that are based on a cartoon, which they will just re-enact when the show is over.

Although I’m sure kids won’t stop at just re-enacting their favorite episode using their toys. Kids will come up with episodes and adventures much better than what’s on TV.

I remember, one time me and my Uncle Jimbo were playing and we divided all the action figures between us. I first picked my two-foot tall Great Mazinger robot (with rocket missiles!). He picked Darth Vader. I laughed because I knew I could just use the missiles to blast Darth Vader.

Before I could ever fire a single missile, the Sith Lord calmly raised his hand and Great Mazinger started to float off the ground and with the flick of a wrist he sent the great robot flying across the planet (the bed).

“You can’t do that!” I yelled.

“Of course, I can! You just underestimated the power of the Dark Side,” said my uncle.

Best! Adventure! Ever!

McCann! Transform... and ROLL OUT!!!

2011-03-31T21:45:00.000+08:00

With a new logo emblematic of the changing face of the agency network, McCann Worldgroup has embarked on a new route towards a "transformation agenda" on the local, regional and global levels. On his recent visit to Manila to formally announce the leadership changes at McCann Worldgroup Philippines, Charles Cadell, Regional Managing Director, McCann Worldgroup SEA and Australia, sat down with adobo to discuss the structural changes within the agency network.

Beginning with the agency identity, developed by Futurebrand, with variations on binaries—analog and digital, fire and smoke, flowers and bees, to name a few—there is a refreshed focus on collaboration, and changes in approaches to talent and product.

Cadell described McCann Worldgroup Philippines as a "star operation across Asia" and expressed his excitement about what is happening in the Manila office: "The vision is one I find terrifically exciting specifically how it applies to the Philippines because it is all about the collaborative nature of the Worldgroup, working with MRM, Momentum, Healthcare and McCann Erickson as equal partners in bringing business solutions to our clients."

Charles Cadell, Regional Managing Director, McCann Worldgroup SEA

The three pillars in the transformation agenda are Creative, Innovation and Performance. Flowing from these pillars are the drive to own intellectual property (which is expected to make up 30% of profit in three years' time), a Chief Technological Officer who makes decisions at the same lavel as the Managing Director and Chief Creative, changes in remuneration and contracts, and new measures of performance. Tools to be employed include an awards show strategy that remains true to it McCann roots, with business efficacy as its driver and zero tolerance for scam, and a quarterly review of creative work, which will receive evaluation scores.

The agency expects a turnaround that will produce results very soon, as the reorganized global team is now complete, regional teams almost set, and major changes set in motion. The bar is set high--the different agencies under Worldgroup are expected to be either best in class in markets where they exist. Otherwise, they will be closed.

Cadell, who joined McCann Worldgroup early this year, cites talent, growth and digital as the region's biggest challenges, all of which applicable to the industry as a whole. But if this is McCann's Year of Transformation, then it might just be the ideal time to address all these.

REPORT ORIGINALLY POSTED IN ADOBO MAGAZINE
http://www.adobomagazine.com/global/module.php?LM=news.level1&id=1301482632228

new leaders of McCann Worldgroup Philippines

2011-03-31T21:35:00.000+08:00

McCann Worldgroup Philippines CEO retires, announces new leaders

Adobo Magazine

PHILIPPINES, MARCH 29, 2011

McCann Worldgroup Philippines Chairman & CEO Patricia “Ricki” Arches announces her decision to retire from her top-level post at the agency effective April 30 this year.

Arches departs McCann after 24 years of steering one of the most successful and best performing McCann offices in the world as well as consistent local market leader since 2007. She joined the agency in November1986 as VP- CFO, overseeing McCann’s finance and administrative service functions. Her management role expanded quickly to include supervision of the client service function and the agency’s business operations with her appointment as EVP and COO in 1992. In 1999, she was appointed President and has served as CEO of McCann Erickson since 2002. Arches is credited for transforming McCann into what is now the country’s biggest multi-discipline marketing communications company, McCann Worldgroup, launched in 2006, which expanded its capabilities beyond advertising to include digital relationship marketing, activation and shopper sciences, healthcare communications and media.

Last year, Arches was appointed Chairman of the Board, marking McCann Worldgroup Philippines’ pivotal role in the continued growth of South East Asia markets in the global McCann network. The appointment was a testament to her leadership, after helping bring the company to new heights of collaborative innovation and profitability.

With her retirement, Arches turns over McCann Worldgroup leadership management reins at the hands of two highly respected industry luminaries. Incumbent MWG Chief Creative Officer Raul M. Castro is appointed Executive Chairman & Chief Creative Officer, and current McCann Erickson Managing Director Nandy Villar takes on the position of MWG President & Chief Operating Officer. The multi-awarded Castro joined McCann in 2007 as EVP- CCO. At the time, he immediately re-engineered the agency’s creative product and processes which led to a streak of new business wins and creative awards, locally and internationally. According to Arches, “The decision to make Raul Executive Chairman while retaining his CCO role is a clear message that McCann Worldgroup believes that creativity must be at the heart of our business, and is the key to unlocking the truths that will guide our search for brand building marketing solutions.”

Nandy Villar has established a long career at McCann and was named McCann Erickson’s Managing Director in 2006. Prior to that, he was McCann Worldgroup’s Chief Strategy Officer and was responsible for setting up what many clients consider the best planning group in the industry. His rich 19-year history in McCann includes handling and overseeing all major accounts of McCann like Coca-Cola, San Miguel Beer, Unilab, Bank of the Philippine Islands, L’Oreal, Globe, Petron, Nestle, Jollibee, and J.S. Unitrade among many others. Villar has also held top industry positions as Chairman of the 4As of the Philippines, Vice-Chairman of the Adboard, and Board Member of the Ad Standards Council.

In his new role, Villar will be responsible for taking MWG’s multi-discipline solutions to the next level— transforming brands and growing client’s businesses with increased accountability. Arches says, “Nandy’s background in strategic planning and account management will certainly be put to the fore in marshalling the Worldgroup’s multi-disciplinary expertise and resources to serve the growing needs of clients for more integrated, media-neutral business solutions to the rapidly changing marketing communications challenges that face brands today.”

Arches is positive that these changes will only push McCann Worldgroup in strengthening its foothold on market leadership. “I am confident I have laid down necessary infrastructure and built the right management team to ensure McCann’s continued business success long into the future. The new batch of leaders is prime and ready to move to the next level and actively pursue game-changing strategies.”

Charles Cadell, McCann Worldgroup Regional Managing Director for South East Asia and Australia says, “I am immensely proud of what Ricki has achieved for McCann Worldgroup in her 24 years with us, and especially over the last 8 years as President & CEO. She has built McCann into the powerhouse it is today and so allows Raul and Nandy to step on the shoulders of a giant, taking us into the next chapter of the McCann Worldgroup Philippine story.”

REPORT ORIGINALLY POSTED IN ADOBO MAGAZINE

http://www.adobomagazine.com/global/module.php?LM=news.level1&id=1301373834319

Even Angels Will Fall (Lynx Excite campaign)

2011-03-24T19:37:00.000+08:00

What Teachers Make by Taylor Mali

2011-03-22T01:22:00.000+08:00

What Teachers Make, or Objection Overruled, or

If things don't work out, you can always go to law school

by Taylor Mali

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxsOVK4syxU

He says the problem with teachers is, "What's a kid going to learn

from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminds the other dinner guests that it's true what they say about

teachers:

Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.

I decide to bite my tongue instead of his

and resist the temptation to remind the other dinner guests

that it's also true what they say about lawyers.

Because we're eating, after all, and this is polite company.

"I mean, you’re a teacher, Taylor," he says.

"Be honest. What do you make?"

And I wish he hadn't done that

(asked me to be honest)

because, you see, I have a policy

about honesty and ass-kicking:

if you ask for it, I have to let you have it.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional medal of honor

and an A- feel like a slap in the face.

How dare you waste my time with anything less than your very best.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall

in absolute silence. No, you may not work in groups.

No, you may not ask a question.

Why won't I let you get a drink of water?

Because you're not thirsty, you're bored, that's why.

I make parents tremble in fear when I call home:

I hope I haven't called at a bad time,

I just wanted to talk to you about something Billy said today.

Billy said, "Leave the kid alone. I still cry sometimes, don't you?"

And it was the noblest act of courage I have ever seen.

I make parents see their children for who they are

and what they can be.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids wonder,

I make them question.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them write, write, write.

And then I make them read.

I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely

beautiful

over and over and over again until they will never misspell

either one of those words again.

I make them show all their work in math.

And hide it on their final drafts in English.

I make them understand that if you got this (brains)

then you follow this (heart) and if someone ever tries to judge you

by what you make, you give them this (the finger).

Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:

I make a goddamn difference! What about you?

AT&T's new print campaign

2011-03-18T00:26:00.000+08:00

Love the artwork of this new AT&T campaign that talks about their superior international coverage.

Advertising Agency: BBDO, New York, USA
Chief Creative Officer: David Lubars
Executive Creative Directors: Greg Hahn, Ralph Watson
Creative Director / Art Director: James Clunie
Creative Director / Copywriter: Pierre Lipton
Designers: James Clunie, Paul Wagner
Illustrator: Snarlik

Ads found at http://adsoftheworld.com/

This show was brought to you by Buddy Tan

2011-03-01T23:47:00.000+08:00

When our dad was just 27 years old, he was already the General Manager of a TV station. Under his management, many of today’s great actors and singers were discovered and to star in their own shows.

When he was 32 years old he left the TV station and set-up his own business as blocktimer, buying shows from the US and Japan and aired them on different Philippine TV stations.

When he was 45 years old, he finally got to run his own TV station, SBN 21, the first local UHF TV station.

It’s been 12 years since our dad passed away. Below are 12 shows that he brought into the country; shows that shaped our childhood and made us want to make our own stories.

Thanks dad!

Buddy Tan: January 28, 1945 – March 2, 1999

Trese and Kambal celebrate VDAY

2011-02-14T20:02:00.000+08:00

As a VDay treat, here are some romantic scenes (as romantic as we can get in the world of Trese) from Heubert Michael Khan and from Kajo.

Art by Heubert Michael Khan

Art by Kajo

And here are some old stories from the Diabolical about love, lost, and magic.

I CARRY YOUR HEART
http://diabolical13.blogspot.com/2010_02_13_archive.htm l

COFFEE BLACK
http://diabolical13.blogspot.com/2009_04_13_archive.html

THE USUAL SPOT
http://diabolical13.blogspot.com/2009_02_13_archive.html

Enjoy!

Alodia vs Everyone! FIGHT!

2011-02-10T01:11:00.000+08:00

Photographer Marc Nicdao and the Tattoo Team from Harrison Communications having too much fun at the shoot with Alodia.

Jello is no match for Alodia's sword skill.

Yes, Marc Nicdao and Alodia can really fly! Just believe!!!

Pahate pretending to act cool, but he actually peed in his pants.

See the new Tattoo TV commercials at:
http://babblingpoint.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-tattoo-tvcs-2011.html

new Tattoo TVCs 2011

2011-02-09T00:35:00.000+08:00

While I was away in Manchester, the team had a lot of fun putting this campaign together. For the Globe Tattoo campaign of 2011, the team got to work with marathon runner Coach Rio de la Cruz, singer and real-life tattoo artist Sarah Gaugler, and the Philippines' cosplayer goddess Alodia Gosiengfiao!

Director Stephen Ngo and the special FX / CG team at Underground Logic did a great job in producing these FX-heavy TV commercials. I was told that the Alodia shoot took two days because of all the costume changes! But it was all worth it, I think, because after a only a couple of days of airing and being put online, it already got over 29,000 views.

These TVCs were recently featured in Adobo Magazine:
http://www.adobomagazine.com/global/module.php?LM=news.level1&id=1296797455996

See behind the scene pictures at:
http://blessmybag.com/2011/02/06/behold-the-cosplay-queen-pt-1/#more-2677
CREDITS
Client: Globe
Product: Tattoo
Agency: Harrison Communications
Concept Team: Alex Arellano/Randy Tiempo/Mark Pahate/Reinard Santos
Accounts: Jello Tan-Goloy/Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas
Production House: Pabrika/Underground Logic
CG: Jose Ticsay
Director: Stephen Ngo
Make-up: Jing Monis

Forbidden Planet reviews TRESE

2011-01-15T00:46:00.001+08:00

Trese – dark mysteries on the streets of Manilla
a review by Richard Bruton

Trese is a supernatural series starring a female investigator who steps in to protect the streets of Manilla when the police can’t deal with the supernatural weirdness that appears. Produced by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, this Filipino book does so much right it’s practically scandalous we haven’t heard more about it here in the UK.

...Trese is definitely from the same mold as Hellblazer, just as it’s writer Budjette Tan is channelling equal parts Jamie Delano and Warren Ellis and artist Kajo Baldisimo does some impressive black and white work somewhere on a scale of Frank Miller and Eduardo Risso. But there’s a lot of other influences in there as well – is it just my prejudices or can I see Alan Davis as well?

But the most important thing is that it’s a very impressive take on the whole mysterious magical investigator. Its’ a very original take on an old genre idea. A hugely entertaining series of 13 stories across the 3 volumes.

READ THE COMPLETE REVIEW AT:
http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2011/trese-dark-mysteries-on-the-streets-of-manilla/

Dear 2010

2011-01-02T06:08:00.000+08:00

Just wanted to say thanks…

For the great “thought we’d never get it done” challenges…

For allowing us to have fun at work…

For giving me the chance to meet my heroes…

For all the times we lost, so we’d savor those moments when we finally won…

For taking me far away from my comfort zone…

For being with my family when it mattered most…

...for bringing me home.

To My Perfect Love

2010-12-20T06:31:00.001+08:00

Down by the boathouse at Shaker Lake

When there wasn't nothing but love to make,

They were two young lovers wishing on the stars above.

Well, they carved their initials in an old birch tree

with a heart and an arrow and a 'sixty-three.

You had to be blind not to see... It was a perfect love.

It was a perfect love. Ooh, yeah, yeah.

Well, they worked one summer together at the '64 World's Fair.

They met Robert Kennedy there.

Well, that was... right before the fall.

And they saved up a little bit of money for his career,

And they talked about the future underneath the giant sphere.

And all around them, the little voices were singing

it's a small world after all. Yes it is, small world after all.

And it was... perfect love.

Now they were dizzy from dancing on Rockaway Beach.

They came to Rockaway.

Yeah, and everything they dreamed of was still within reach;

dreaming... dreaming as the years roll by,

like they always do.

Well, they had their share of hard times, too.

But whatever they were, they never let it get them down.

Now, they just go walking down a country lane;

See the leaves changing in the misty rain.

And only one thing remains the same... ooh, yeah, yeah

Just a perfect love Ooh, yeah, yeah.

(Under the moon and stars above it was a perfect love)

VIDEO

"Perfect Love" by Marc Cohn

Trese's Victory

2010-12-18T14:07:00.001+08:00

Two articles about Pinoy comic books came out in the Philippine Daily Inquirer today.

The first one reprints our Trese interview by Paolo Chikiamco of RocketKapre.com

For fans of komiks, Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo need no introduction, and neither does “Trese”, their komiks collaboration, now published by Visprint, which is one of the most popular and most successful komik series’ in recent memory. While komiks still remains, at this point, a niche market, “Trese” continues to make inroads into mainstream consciousness, its most recent success being recognition in the National Book Awards in the category of Graphic Literature. In their first post-award interview Kajo and Budjette talk about the success of “Trese”, the importance of their fans, transmedia storytelling, and the future of Philippine komiks:

READ THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW AT:
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/super/super/view/20101218-309565/Treses-victory

The second one is an interview by Oliver Pulumbarit, where he talks to me, Gerry Alanguilan, and Carlo Vergara about the potential and future of the Philippine comic book industry.

The local comic book industry has evolved dramatically in the last couple of years. The weekly newsprint “komiks” are gone, but the number of independent comic book creators who bring their vision to their own publications continues to grow.

Filipino-made comics are alive, kicking, and here to stay, according to three of indie movement Alamat’s most successful creators, Gerry Alanguilan (writer-artist of the acclaimed “Elmer”), Budjette Tan (author of 2009 National Book Award-winning “Trese”), and Carlo Vergara (creator of the multimedia sensation “Zsazsa Zaturnnah”).

READ THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW AT:
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/super/super/view/20101218-309544/Pinoy-comics-pride-and-possibilities

THE FEAST in UNO magazine

2010-12-17T15:53:00.003+08:00

It was December, when four friends went on a road trip in search of the best tasting dishes in the province.

Unfortunately, in their quest for the most delicious meal, they may have driven into a town where someone eagerly awaits to have them for dinner.

THE FEAST

Story by Budjette Tan

Script by Budjette Tan and Alex Arellano

Art by Kajo Baldisimo

Exclusively available in the December issue of UNO magazine. (Look for the one with the delectable Iza Calzado on the cover)

RocketKapre inteviews Team TRESE

2010-12-01T02:39:00.000+08:00

Trese (and Komiks) After the Award: Budjette and Kajo Interview
by Paolo Chikiamco

For fans of komiks, Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo need no introduction, and neither does Trese, their komiks collaboration, now published by Visprint, which is one of the most popular and most successful komik series’ in recent memory. While komiks still remains, at this point, a niche market, Trese continues to make inroads into mainstream consciousness, its most recent success being recognition in the National Book Awards in the category of Graphic Literature. In what I think is their first post-award interview, Kajo and Budjette talk about the success of Trese, the importance of their fans, transmedia storytelling, and the future of Philippine komiks:

READ THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW AT:
http://www.rocketkapre.com/2010/trese-and-komiks-after-the-award-budjette-and-kajo-interview/

John Lewis TV commercials 2010

2010-11-27T00:07:00.000+08:00

TV Commercials for the department store JOHN LEWIS

John Lewis Christmas ad 2010

John Lewis Ad with Fyfe Dangerfield 'She's Always A Woman' soundtrack

a handprint on my heart

2010-11-22T06:22:00.000+08:00

i've heard it said

that people come into our lives for a reason

bringing something we must learn

and we are led

to those who help us most to grow

if we let them

and we help them in return.

well, I don't know if I believe that's true

but I know I'm who I am today

because I knew you...

like a comet pulled from orbit

as it passes a sun

like a stream that meets a boulder

halfway through the wood

who can say if I've been changed for the better?

but because I knew you

i have been changed for good

so much of me

is made of what I learned from you

you'll be with me

like a handprint on my heart

and now whatever way our stories end

i know you have re-written mine

by being my friend...

who can say if I've been

changed for the better?

i do believe I have been

changed for the better

because I knew you...

i have been changed for good...

"For Good" from the musical WICKED

songs and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

my speech for the National Book Awards

2010-11-15T10:02:00.001+08:00

When TRESE: UNREPORTED MURDERS was nominated in the 2008 National Book Awards, I wrote this speech, thinking we had a good chance of winning since we were the only finalist. As most if you already know, we didn't win last year.

When were told that TRESE: MASS MURDERS was a finalist for the 2009 National Book Awards, I felt happy and excited, but tried not to get my hopes up. And yet, I couldn't help up but dig up that speech I wrote, thinking that maybe November 13 (the day of the awards) would be our lucky day.

Since I knew I'd still be in the UK during the night of the awards, I emailed my speech to Nida Ramirez, our publisher and asked her to read it in case we won.

As it turned out, November 13 was our lucky day as TRESE: MASS MURDERS got awarded the National Book Award for Best Graphic Literature of 2009.

Here's the speech I would've wanted to read on the night of the awards:

To the National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle, thank you very much for recognizing our work and giving us this award.

To Ruey de Vera, who has shown support to local comics since 1995, writing reviews and interviewing local comic book creators, introducing them to Pinoys through his newspaper articles.

Thanks to Bow, Taps, Arnold, and Mark --the skeleton crew who conjured The World of the Unknown, a radio show about ghosts, aswang, and witches and most especially to Mark who thought of the name Trese.

Thanks to…

My dad, who told me all those stories that start with … There’s aswang outside the window!

My mom, who told me all those stories that ended with “happily ever after”

My brother Brandie, who drew my first horror comic book story and made me want to write more

Ka-Jo, my partner-in-crime, who asked me to do the impossible

Nida, our publisher and willing accomplice

Wella, who stands by my side during those days that seem like nightmares

Let me just take this opportunity to make an appeal to all the publishers in the room, to all the writers and artists in this room, to consider creating one comic book next year, to publish one graphic novel next year. (Although I’m not sure if my publisher will agree with me, that I’m encouraging you to become our competition.)

We once had a golden age of komiks, when supposedly it sold in the hundreds of thousands and reached millions nationwide.

We once had a golden age of komiks when it was the source material of many TV and radio programs -- and movies as well.

But maybe the age of the 10-peso newsprint komiks magasin sold at the bangketa is over.

Maybe this new age of comic books will flourish in the bookstores, sold at the price of a value meal.

I understand that as publishers, you have an editorial line to maintain. So, maybe aswang-hunting kick-ass women are not your thing and maybe gay beauticians swallowing giant magical stones that turn them into superwomen are not your thing-- but please do consider, the next time you plan a book about Rizal, why not tell it as a comic book – he was our country’s very first comic book artist after all.

The next time you do a biography of Ninoy or Cory, why not tell it as a comic book?

When I picked up Dolphy’s autobiography I thought, “This should’ve been told as a comic book!”

The next time you do a cook book about paella – maybe it the instructions can be told using comic book panels.

We once had a golden age of komiks.

I invite you to take the leap – to take a super human leap and bring back that marvelous age, that wondrous age, that fantastic age.

Thank you and good night.

Trese wins National Book Awards

2010-11-15T07:40:00.001+08:00

The Official Citation from the 2009 National Book Awards : Powerful, iconic characters comic book characters Darna , Zuma and Captain Barbell, among others, emerged fully-formed from the mind of Filipino comic creators. That creativity continues to this day, in all directions, in different ways. But in Trese, Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo have a stunningly original idea, swathed in the irresistible spookiness of our folklore and the edged mythology of our urban legends. Alexandra Trese, the enigmatic paranormal investigator and her lethal bodyguards the Kambal helps the police when encountering cases that just don’t make any sense of the normal kind. In the process, Tan and Baldisimo offers us a peek into the supernatural embedded into Metro Manila’s badly lit corners.

In the first volume, Trese: Murder on Balete Drive, we are introduced to Alexandra and her team, and the second volume, Trese: Unreported Murders, showed us one peculiar procedural after another. But it is in this third volume, Trese: Mass Murders, where we find out where and how Alexandra Trese came to be who and where she is. Instead of hemming us in, Trese: Mass Murders actually opens up another world of narrative possibilities.

The rabid fan following Trese has earned is impressive, and that only adds to the fact that in Trese, Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo has crafted a testament to the limitless capacity of the Filipino imagination, as well as one of the best Filipino comic books of all time.

It is for those reasons that Trese: Mass Murders is given the National Book Award for Graphic Literature.

thanks to Ruey de Vera for sending us a copy of this citation

birthday spaghetti

2010-11-12T08:41:00.000+08:00

As far we can remember it, my mom always cooked spaghetti during our birthdays.

Eventually, she taught Manang Terrie, our loyal cook, how to make that spaghetti with ground beef and hotdogs and basil leaves and it became a staple for every birthday celebration.

When we were kids, we associated birthdays with big celebrations, where the house was filled with family and guests.

At the end of the evening, when all the guests had left, our friends would stay behind and we’d continue talking late into the night, occasionally standing up to get our third or forth helping of spaghetti.

After two months of living here and coming home to an empty apartment, it felt wonderful to come back to my apartment and be welcomed with a home-cooked meal made by my mom, Brandie, and Wella.

Indeed, it was a very happy birthday day.

the man with the plan

2010-11-11T06:08:00.002+08:00

This is Talis and he's got a plan to save the world.

I’ve been itching to do a Pinoy super hero story for the longest time. So, early this year, when I was supposed to be working on the Trese Book 4, I ended up scribbling this story and pitched it to Kajo.

We had a grand plan to juggle working on Talis on one month and working on Trese on the other month. Well, our dayjobs and other projects got into the way, so we ended up getting delayed with both books.

So far, this is the only finished TALIS story and we’ve decided to focus on the very delayed Trese Book 4, so it might be sometime before we can get back to revealing the other people who’ve crossed paths with Talis.

We hope to release Trese Book 4 early next year and if we’re lucky, we’ll get the chance to do another Talis book soon after that.

That’s the end of my intro and this link http://tresekomix.blogspot.com/2010/11/talis.html leads you the first issue of TALIS. Please do give it a read and tell us what you think.

Enjoy!

TALIS #1
Story by Budjette Tan
Art by Kajo Baldisimo

Mina needs to do a lot of things today, like study for her exams, take care of her ailing mother, and when the world needs her help, swallow a magical gem and transform into the high-flying super-hero Minakawa.

Mina was chosen to receive this magical gem because of her brave heart and kind soul; chosen by the man only known as Talis.

So, just when Mina thinks she’s done saving the day, Talis shows up to ask for one more favor. How can Mina say refuse the man who gave her all this power?

Read the complete story at:http://tresekomix.blogspot.com/2010/11/talis.html

NU107 rocks forever

2010-11-08T08:50:00.001+08:00

I started listening to NU107 when I was in college because of a girl. I found out that NU was her favorite radio station, so I thought if I tuned in as well, I’d have something to talk about with her. “Hey! That Midnight Countdown! That so rocks, yeah?” Did it work? Well, let’s just say I freaked her out and she didn’t talk to me for an entire sem.

But I kept listening to NU anyway. It’s always Station #6 in my preprogrammed settings.

It was 1993, I was trying to find parking in that patch of dirt that was considered the university car park when I heard these lyrics on NU: “Ilang isaw pa ba ang kakainin, o giliw ko? Ilang tanzan pa ba ang iipunin, o giliw ko? Gagawin ko ang lahat pati ang thesis mo!” Me and my blockmates were in the middle of preparing for our thesis and as far as we were concerned, that was the impossible task that needed to be done that year. When I got to the barkada tambayan I was raving about this song from a band I’ve never heard of, a song about a guy willing to do a girl’s thesis just prove his love for her. We all agree that was an insane thing to do.

1995. We heard that the NU107 Rock Awards was happening at the Music Museum, so we drove there in my Nissan Maxima. As it turned out, you needed an invite to get in. So, we just stayed in the Greenhills car park, cranked up the volume to 11, listened to the bands play and the awards being handed out and pretended we were part of it all.

Strangely enough, because of Alamat Comics, we became part of the Rock Awards the following year. We had started sending copies of our comic books to NU107 and struck an exchange deal with them to plug our books on-air in return for ad space in all the titles we were going to publish. (Yeah, we thought we were going to release monthly Alamat titles back then.) So, when the next Rock Awards came up, Marceline Santos and Camille Portugal (who were in charge of NU107’s Ad&Promo) called us up to design the stage of the event. Which is why, if you any of you have pictures from that particular Rock Awards, you’ll see characters from Batch72 as part of the stage design.

I remember that we were given production passes that night, which we flashed around and said, “Backstage Pass! Backstage Pass!” –doing our really awful imitation of Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey.

Ever after that Rock Awards, we continued to do projects with Marceline and Camille.

Camille always found a way to include Alamat in various NU events. We were even able to launch Batch72 during an NU Pocket Concert at Robinsons Galleria, which featured Color It Red.

With Marcelline, we staged events in Club Dredd that combined poetry readings, comic book launches, and illegal screenings of X-Files episodes videotaped and shipped from the States.

Talking about X-Files, that was the reason why I got invited to an NU107 show in 1995. I realized that the MTRCB was censoring certain episodes of X-Files and I wrote to Jessica Zafra about it. So, she invited me to talk about it on TWISTED IN THE MORNING which was co-hosted by Claire Miranda and Allen Yotoko.

There was also that period of time when I worked at my dad’s office, which was in the same building as NU, which gave me an excuse to hang out at the DJs booth, hang out with Myrene, Zach, Joey, Francis Brew, April aka Tabitha, Roxy, Jelly Jean, Ron T, and Jaedee. I think I even got to attend two drunken anniversaries of NOT RADIO.

We loved NU so much, we even tried to pitch for the concept of the ROCK AWARDS. We got as far as presenting the idea to Atom Henares himself, but they didn’t buy the idea of basing the theme of the awards on a noontime variety show. Well, we thought it was fun and crazy enough for NU. Still, we had fun putting together that presentation.

I am now 7000 miles away from the Home of New Rock, wishing there was a way I could’ve listened to the last blasts of soundwaves from that great rock’n radio station.

Thank you NU107 for providing the soundtrack for the best and not-so-great moments of my life.

Secret Cinema presents BLADE RUNNER

2010-11-06T09:28:00.000+08:00

Secret Cinema is a growing community of all who love cinema, experience and the unknown.

Secret audience. Secret locations. Secret worlds.

The time is now to change how we watch films.

Whisper only amongst yourselves. Tell no-one.

http://www.secretcinema.org/

Well, with over 60,000 Facebook fans, it's not really a secret anymore. Every couple of months, the guys behind Secret Cinema invite you to watch a movie, but they won't tell you what it's all about. They'll give you clues, like "wear goggles, bring an umbrella, beware of acid rain, we're going to another planet". Participants are asked to assemble at a certain area and they are lead to the secret venue where the movie will be shown.

When Secret Cinema screened BLADE RUNNER, they brought the movie-goers into a warehouse that resembled the neon-lit Chinatown in the movie, where they interacted with the Decard, Pris, Rachael, and Gaff.

During the classic scene where Roy Batty lamented about seeing the attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion, two actors repelled down the screen and re-enacted the scene live! Makes me wish I could've attended this secret screening.

Before the movie began, some people were scanned and tested to find out if they were replicants.

Subjecting the movie-goers a retinal scan and the Voight-Kampff test was the ingenious solution of the McCann London team on how to incorporate Microsoft's Windows 7 phone into event -- without doing the usual posters and banners that you see in movie events.

Would be great if we can do a similar type event in the Philippines.

More pictures at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/futurecinema/

creating yourself

2010-10-23T00:09:00.000+08:00

LIFE ISN'T ABOUT

FINDING YOURSELF.

LIFE IS ABOUT

CREATING YOURSELF.

George Bernard Shaw

Live Long And...

2010-10-19T07:39:00.000+08:00

ME: LIVE LONG AND PROSPER

WELLA: LIVE LONG AND CONQUER

ME: UMMM... NO... NO... NO...

ME: OH, WELL... SURE... LIVE LONG AND CONQUER!!!

WOOT WOOT GANG

2010-10-19T05:42:00.001+08:00

WOOT WOOT GANG comic strips

Stories by Shirley Tan

Art by Reinard Santos

These jokes were originally supposed to be made into TV commercials. When we couldn't produce all the stories, I thought we could try to pitch them as comic strips that would run in magazines and newspapers. The campaign eventually changed directions and we weren't able to use these stories. Hope you like them!

Trese: Trick or Treat Contest

2010-10-13T17:09:00.001+08:00

Come knocking at the door of The Diabolical and get the chance to win a treat from Trese.

What’s the treat? This limited-edition Trese poster by Kajo Baldisimo.

To win, draw any character from the Trese graphic novels and show them trick-or-treating. Drawings can be in black-and-white or full-color. 13 winners will be chosen by me and Kajo.

To submit:
1. post your drawing in your blog, DeviantArt, Twitpic, Flickr, Tumblr, or wherever it is you post your artwork.
2. Label it as TRESE: TRICK OR TREAT
3. Post a link of your artwork in the comments page and include the following:
YOUR FULL NAME
YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
LINK TO YOUR ARTWORK

Ready! Get set! Scare us! BOOO!

Deadline is on October 31, 2010

Meeting Alan Moore

2010-10-11T05:12:00.000+08:00

Couple of weeks ago, I read this announcement in Bleeding Cool that Alan Moore was giving a talk in Northampton for the benefit of the Fight for Sight Eye Research.

I quickly checked Google Maps and saw that Northampton was two hours away by train from Manchester. I didn’t care if it was four hours away by camel. It felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet one of my comic book idols.

The event was held in the Great Hall of the Guildhall. The hall could’ve comfortably fit a hundred people, but there were only 50 of us, maybe even less. While waiting outside, I saw people walk up to the poster, read it, and then try to explain to their companion who Alan Moore was. “He wrote Watchmen and V for Vendetta!” One lady just said, “Well, he looks scary,” and continued to walk down the street. I just couldn’t believe that people from Northampton weren’t excited to meet Alan Moore.

His heavy footsteps echoed as he strode down the hall clad in a beige paisley blazer that seemed golden under the light and at certain angles revealed the patterns on the cloth. His electric blue necktie seemed to crackle above his black shirt, matching his black jeans and his black leather shoes, which seemed to reflect a purplish hue, reminding me of The Joker.

He stood at the foot of the stage and didn’t use the mic. “You can all hear me okay, right?” His voice boomed and reverberated in the hall. “I’ve been here before for other performances and I know this hall has really great acoustics.” None of us disagreed with him.

It felt like I was in front of Ozymandias, listening to his master plan on how to take over the world. If he floated off the ground, it would’ve felt like being in the presence of Dr. Manhattan.

“I assume you all know who I am and that’s why you’re here,” Alan Moore said. “Unless there’s someone in the back who came in here thinking, `I thought we were going to see that guy from Die Hard! No? He’s not Alan Rickman?`”

Alan Moore paced as he continued to talk, “Since most of you are probably not from here, let me tell you a little about Northampton.” And for the next hour, he told us the history of Northampton, starting from the dawn of time. As it turned out, he was going to use all that knowledge for his second novel Jerusalem, which would detail his home town’s history, specifically, an area called The Boroughs, as well as his family’s history.

“The book will spiral between memories and tales from Moore's family history, fantasy elements and historical dramatisations from Northampton's past.”

He said, when he’s finished with the book, it’ll be 2,000-pages thick and while most books will have a blurb in the back that says, “I just couldn’t put it down”, the blurb of this book will probably be the exact opposite.

He talked about how one of the knights who went on the crusades, ended up in Jerusalem and walked up to Golgotha. An angel appeared before him and told him to pick up this stone (or was it a cross?) and to bring it back to England. The knight walked all the way back and was guided by the angel set it down at the center of all England. That place was Northampton. Alan Moore also mentioned that Hitler stopped invading England when he reached Northampton because Hitler considered it the center of the country and if he already had that, then he generally had control over everything. So, Alan Moore pointed out, if angels and Hitler considered Northampton as the center of it all, then that was good it enough for him, because as he earlier mentioned, for some strange reason, Northampton is ignore by most of the country. He said, it isn’t even mentioned in the weather reports.

When he reached that point of Northampton’s history when they supposedly didn’t burn two witches, he read a chapter from his first novel Voice of the Fire, that focused on two women who were burned at the stake for practicing witchcraft and for being knitting partners.

He took a sip of water, sat down, and read from the book. He first apologized if what he was about to read would offend anyone, because most certainly, everything he has ever written has offended someone for some reason or another.

Alan Moore is as great a storyteller as he is a writer. His deep voice droned as he begun his tale, but he’d shift his tone as he read the dialogue of the different characters, whisper when need be, and pause at the right moments, looking up from the book, staring at you, as if to check if you haven’t freaked out yet.

He continued to talk about the history of The Burroughs and then read from an issue of Dodgem Logic, his underground magazine about Northampton. He took a walk around The Burroughs with a friend and jotted down notes, which he turned into heroic couplets. He said, “We are all heroes. That’s how we see ourselves – heroes in our own stories.” His poem begins and ends with the line, “Heroic couplets. That’s what this place needs.” Over two pages long, he described the different people he saw on the streets of Northampton and talked about their lives and their struggle.

He then entertained questions from the audience.

Someone pointed out that his most recently works shows how much he loves Northampton and asked would he ever considered doing something like what Harvey Pekar did and how he wrote about life in Cleveland.

Alan Moore mentioned that Pekar was a good friend, felt sad for his death, and proceeded to describe one of Pekar’s comic strip, where Harvey just goes to the kitchen, opens the refrigerator, gets some lemonade, and drinks it. The strip didn’t use any words, but the visuals were like poetry, said Moore. It showed how wonderful life was and how we can enjoy drinking lemonade. He admires Pekar’s work but doesn’t think he can do the same thing.

But he really loves his hometown. When he heard some high school students were doing a film about the Boroughs, he decided to help them out and wrote some parts of their project. (Now, how many kids out there can say their film was written by Alan Moore?)

He talked about why he has not watched any of the films that have been based on his work and he said he wrote those stories for comic books. They weren’t designed to be made into movies. He said, he was showing off what comic books could do and that he was doing things that can only be done in comics, just like the Black Freighter comic-book-within-a-comic-book-story that he did in Watchmen.

He did mention that he’s written a script for a 10-minute short film. It’s called (not sure if I heard this right) Jimmy’s End and it’s about a writer, novelist, occultist living in Northampton, trying to take over the dreamtime of the Borough, the whole of England, and maybe even the world. As expected, the moment the universe hears, “Alan Moore has written a film script!” he suddenly got calls from producers and studios wanting to be a part of it.

In the film, the characters play a video game, so a video game company has called him up and said they’d want to produce the actual game. The characters in the film also watch a soap opera, so another studio called up and said they want to produce the episodes of the soap that will appear in the film. A music company that manages some well-known bands has offered to do the soundtrack for the film.

Goes to show Alan Moore’s powers at work. He conjures a story and the universe unfolds for him.

Given the chance, would he ever go back and write another superhero comic? He said, no. What attracted him to super hero comics was not the super heroics, it was the world of wonder that they presented. It was world that fascinated his imagination, a world where cities could be placed in bottles and dogs with capes could fly. And as much as Superman’s dog was fantastic, Batman’s dog was even better because he wore a cape and—a mask! (Just in case the other dogs might recognize him.) Moore continued to say that, back then, the writers were actually telling science fiction stories in the guise of comic book. Later on, this generation of writers came in and just wanted to do fan-service to the medium and just started to tell more of the same stories.

When he wrote Watchmen, he was trying to bring in things that he learned from novels and science fiction stories and tell it as a comic book. In writing Jerusalem, he’s now trying to bring in all that he learned from writing comic books, being descriptive and wanting the reader to visualize this world, and tell it in novel form and that’s why it going to be over 2,000-page thick.

He gave examples of why he didn’t like the American comic book industry anymore and talked about the time Marvel was about to give back Jack Kirby some of his original art. Marvel, being gracious, Kirby they were ready to turn over 900 pages of his artwork (even though they still held on to over 9,000 pages).

Later on, boxes filled with Jack Kirby pages mysterious disappeared from the Marvel offices and mysterious appeared at an art dealer’s office somewhere in New York. This was all supposedly masterminded by an editor from Marvel.

Years ago, at a comic book convention, Moore told the same story but pretended it happened to a British artist. As he told the details of the crime, he stared at the Marvel editor who was in the audience. When he finished talking, the editor supposedly stood up and yelled, “This is a kangaroo court!” Makes me wonder on the identity of that editor.

Moore was asked about the progress of the next issue of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. His eyes widen, got all excited, and said that Kevin O’Neill is almost done with the first part of the 1960s story arc, that it might take them a couple of years to finish everything but we’ll get to see the first issue soon. He said, it’s the best one yet! And because all the characters they’re depicting as still owned and copyrighted under their respective companies, they’ve had to tap dance around how those characters are named and drawn.

Someone asked him, would he be interested in setting up an academy for writers in Northampton. He said, he’d be willing to help it out, but he doesn’t think he can run it or teach fulltime. He said, he didn’t imagine how much time it takes to run an underground magazine like Dodgem Logic and that it has affected his schedule for writing other things.

“But shouldn’t you set one up? What happens when you’re gone?” the man persisted.

Moore said, he thinks what he’s doing now is already something for the future, that his stories will outlast him. He asked, what do you know about the Victorian era -- is mostly about what we read from Charles Dickens. What do you know about England in the 1600s -- is mostly about what we read from Shakespeare. They shaped and created those realities for us and we can do the same today.

After the Q&A, we all lined up to get our stuff signed and he signed everything that was placed before him. It didn’t matter if people brought their old copies of Watchmen or the latest Absolute Edition of Promethea, he signed them all. One collector brought an original page from one of Moore’s comic books (I couldn’t see what it was) which was already signed by the artist. Another guy painted portraits of Moore and asked him to autograph the canvass.

I brought along a copy The Killing Joke. When I read it back in 1988, it contributed to my mind getting warped and brainwashed me into loving the comic book medium even more.

As Moore signed the book, I asked him if he’s ever seen or heard Neil Gaiman and Warren Ellis do their imitation of him. He said, he’s heard about it, but they’ve never done it in front of him. He has asked Gaiman to perform it. “C’mon Neil! Show me your Alan Moore,” he’d tell Gaiman. “But he’d always dry up,” said Moore.

I mentioned that when they imitate him, they make their voice very deep and exaggerate a bit. “I’m sure it’s all very satirical,” he said. “Eddie Campbell does a good me. He’d pretend to have my long hair and try to swipe it away from his face.”

I then gave Alan Moore a copy of Trese and told him its secret origin. “I originally pitched this story to Marvel with Marvel characters, but it got rejected. So, I changed the story, changed the setting from New York to Manila and I was able to find a publisher who liked it.”

“And why not!” Moore said as he flipped through the book. “Why does everything need to be set in New York? Why not set in Wolverton or Northampton. Keep it close to home.”

I had my picture taken with him, shook his hand, said thank you, and then shook his hand again.

Felt so excited and energized. I think I was running like a mad man all the way back to the train station. I think I could’ve run all the way back to Manchester.

Thinking about everything that Alan Moore said, I think the Philippine comic book scene is on the right track. It’s great that we’re telling stories about home, about our heritage, about ourselves. Our stories celebrate our being Pinoy, whether we are telling our own versions of spandex-clad heroes or using silent panels to depict our so-called mundane life, which will look like poetry in the eyes of the reader, which will shape the reality of future generations.

“Heroic couplets. That’s what this place needs.”

the story of your universe

2010-10-08T20:58:00.000+08:00

When you start working on a story set in a new universe, where do you find it easiest to begin?


Art by Charless Vess, from the book INSTRUCTIONS, written by Neil Gaiman

"Begin with the story. Always begin with the story. (Unless you're Lud in the Mist.) The world is there for the story to happen in. Here and now, you don't need to tell the history of the world before you start telling a story that happened on the Isle of Man. You tell the story and let the background and the history creep in where it's needed. The same goes for worlds you've built yourself." NEIL GAIMAN

Tribute to Teachers 2010

2010-10-05T07:04:00.025+08:00

AMBETH R. OCAMPO – Honoree
BRINGING OUT THE STORY IN HISTORY
Aguinaldo’s restaurant receipts, Rizal’s quickly scribbled notes on the margin of a page
and the contents of Bonifacio’s pockets aren’t your usual historical references.
But Ambeth Ocampo isn’t your usual history professor. In his books and articles,
he transforms dry and dead tales of our past into stories so full of contextual detail,
you can almost touch, smell and hear our national heroes.
TEACHING THAT GOES BEYOND THE BLACKBOARD.

ZOILO JAYOBO PINONGCOS, JR. - Honoree
MOVING TEACHERS FROM THE BLACKBOARD TO THE KEYBOARD
For a lot of teachers, their knowledge of the web can be summed up in a document of less thant 2kb. That will soon change
if the 2009 Teacher of the Year has his way. Zoilo Pinongcos has pioneered a series of programs designed to convert
technophobe educators into next generation digerati. How serious is he about his mission?
He refused a promotion to principal and turned down a teaching post abroad.
TEACHING THAT GOES BEYOND THE BLACKBOARD.

DONALD BAGUIO DUNGOG – Honoree
USING MATH TO FIND HUMAN SOLUTIONS
His coaching + students’ time and effort = a robot that made it to the finals of the 2009 World Robotic Olympics.
Degree of difficulty: extremely high, considering the Philippines ranks 77th worldwide in Science, Math, and Engineering.
But that’s not his greatest achievement. For him, nothing compares to the sight of his former students regularly
coming back to Lapu Lapu City and using the problem-solving skills he’s taught them to find answers to real-world
questions and issues that face their communities.
TEACHING THAT GOES BEYOND THE BLACKBOARD.

EFREN BANARES BINO – Honoree
STAYING TRUE TO COMMITMENTS NO MATTER HOW HARD.
Since he set foot on the island of Barangay Mataas 14 years ago, nothing could take him away.
Not typhoons or tidal waves, not the lack of water or electricity. For 12 years, he was the school’s
lone administrator, teacher, tutor, property custodian, and night guard. When help came two years ago,
he still stayed. Because the desire to teach was stronger than anything else in the world
TEACHING THAT GOES BEYOND THE BLACKBOARD.

MA. CRISTINA ENCINAS MEDINA – Honoree
CHANGING LIMITATIONS INTO OPPORTUNITIES
Blind since 2003, she has seen her condition as a door and not a barrier.
And through it, she has reached out to visually impaired children and taught them
to push against the walls of their limitations. A master’s degree holder in special education
and industrial education, she refused a scholarship to Austrailia because it would
take her away from the place she truly loves – the Laguna Resettlement Community School.
TEACHING THAT GOES BEYOND THE BLACKBOARD.

Client: DIWA Foundation
Agency: Harrison Communications
Creatives: Alex Arellano, Budjette Tan, Kevin Sabino, Paolo Fabregas
Illustration: Rommel Joson
Accounts: Ethel Dino

it had to be you

2010-09-20T01:39:00.000+08:00

it had to be you, it had to be you

i wandered around, and finally found

the somebody who

could make me be true

could make me be blue

or even be glad

just to be sad

just thinking of you

some others I've seen

might never be mean

might never be cross

or try to be boss

but they wouldn't do

for nobody else gave me the thrill

with all your faults, I love you still

it had to be you

wonderful you

it had to be you

Finalist for the 29th National Book Awards

2010-09-16T16:17:00.001+08:00

The NBDB and the Manila Critics Circle are pleased to announce this year's finalists of the 29th National Book Awards. Winners will be announced on November 13 at The Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

Graphic Literature
1. Trese: Mass Murders, Ferdinand-Benedict G. Tan and Jonathan A. Baldisimo (Visprint)
2. El Indio A Graphic Novel by Francisco V. Coching (Vibal Foundation)

See the complete list of finalists at:
http://nbdb.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=827&Itemid=1

Globe "RUN" tvc

2010-09-15T05:52:00.000+08:00

Client: Globe
Product: EverybodyTXT20
Agency: Harrison Communications
Creatives: Raul Castro, Alex Arellano, Budjette Tan, J.B. "Taps" Tapia, Reinard Santos, Ronnie Tres Reyes
Accounts: Dino Laurena, Maine Gatbonton, Rose Natanauan, Andrea Santos
Producer: Datu Gallaga,JhoMoya
Director: A.F. Benaza

PRECINTO 13: A Domestic Disturbance

2010-09-11T02:15:00.002+08:00

page1

page2

page3

page4

page5

page6

PRECINTO 13: A Domestic Disturbance
Story by Budjette Tan
Script by David Hontiveros and Budjette Tan
Art by Atan http://atanbz.deviantart.com/
TRESE created by Budjette Tan & Kajo Baldisimo

Brandie's TRESE re:vision

2010-09-11T02:14:00.003+08:00

Check out Brandie's interactive artwork for the RE:VISION exhibit. Following the idea of "revisions", you can mix and match the comic book panels and it will still tell you a story.

Read the story at:
http://brandietan.blogspot.com/2010/09/trese-revised-at-revision-exhibit-at.html

Idea by Brandie Tan.
Art by Brandie Tan
Story by Budjette Tan
TRESE created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo

Year 4

2010-08-26T00:09:00.001+08:00

And you can tell everybody this is your song

It may be quite simple but now that it's done

I hope you don't mind

I hope you don't mind that I put down in words

How wonderful life is while you're in the world

So excuse me forgetting but these things I do

You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue

Anyway the thing is what I really mean

Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

Visprint at Metro Comic Con

2010-08-20T18:07:00.002+08:00

Come to the Visprint booth at the Metro Comic Con (Aug 21 & 22, MegaTradeHall) and get these preview books:

TRESE: CADENA DE AMOR
Story by Budjette Tan
Art by Kajo Baldisimo
22-pages, P50

SONGS OF THE LEWENRI
Story by Budjette Tan
Art by Mark Torres
8-page, P20

BATHALA APOKALYPSIS #1
Story by David Hontiveros
Art by Ace Enriquez
32-pages, P50

FREEBIE PROMO!
Buy all three TRESE books and get Trese:Cadena de Amor & Songs of the Lewenri for free.

Buy all three of David Hontiveros' Penumbra books and get Bathala Apokalypsis for free.

Year 4

2010-08-19T00:01:00.015+08:00

I've been awake for a while now
You've got me feelin' like a child now
'Cause every time I see your bubbly face
I get the tingles in a silly place

And it starts in my toes
And I crinkle my nose
Where ever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time

I've been asleep for a while now
You tuck me in just like a child now
'Cause every time you hold me in your arms
I'm comfortable enough to feel your warmth

Where ever you go

"Bubbly" by Colbie Caillat
"Doppio" artwork by Wella

Balut Egg in IRON MAN

2010-08-17T02:28:00.001+08:00

In INVINCIBLE IRON MAN # 28...

... we get to meet Mr. Cababa from Manila.

When Tony Stark asked him about the Pinoy super hero team "Triumph Division", Cababa mentioned that there's a "new regime" running things. (It should be interesting to point out that this issue came out on the week of President Noynoy Aquino's inauguration.)

Stark then invited him to join his new company and become part of the team that will create a repulsor-powered electric car.

Find more balut eggs at

http://babblingpoint.blogspot.com/2009/06/balut-in-superheros-underpants.html

Bathala Apokalypsis begins

2010-08-04T01:07:00.001+08:00

What if there were only one superhuman in the whole world?

What if the world was about to end as predicted in the Book of Revelations?

What can one superman do to hold back the hand of the Almighty?

read the first chapter at

http://www.davidhontiveros.com/bathala_pages/coverplus_bat.html

Story by David Hontiveros
Art by Ace Enriquez
Based on an idea by Gerry Alanguilan
Costume designed by Kajo Baldisimo & Ace Enriquez

infographic as advertising

2010-08-02T23:41:00.000+08:00

Advertising Agency: Rafineri, Istanbul, Turkey
Creative Directors: Ayse Bali, Murat Cetinturk
Art Director: Ozer Yalcinkaya
Copywriter: Gorkem Yegin
Illustrator: Pelin Kirca
Published: January 2010
http://adsoftheworld.com/

the pain from an old wound

2010-08-02T23:29:00.001+08:00

Nostalgia — it’s delicate, but potent. Teddy told me that in Greek, “nostalgia” literally means “the pain from an old wound.” It’s a twinge in your heart far more powerful than memory alone. This device isn’t a spaceship, it’s a time machine. It goes backwards, and forwards. It takes us to a place where we ache to go again. --Don Draper

I've only watched the first two seasons of MAD MEN and this is still my favorite quote and favorite scene.

Watch Don Draper's complete preamble and pitch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suRDUFpsHus&feature=related

Picture and quote from:
http://crabcakes.tumblr.com/post/890794310/annahinks-acrossoceans-marinersubmariner

Presto Creams "Ang Favorite Cookie Mo"

2010-08-02T23:13:00.001+08:00

We were so happy that were able to get the Itchyworms "Gusto Ko Lamang sa Buhay" for this TV commercial.

Client: Jack N Jill / URC
Product: Presto Creams Cookies
Agency: Harrison Communications
Creatives: Alex Arellano, Budjette Tan, Kevin Sabino, Bow Guerrero, Mark Mendoza
Accounts: Monday Gonzales, Jello Tan-Goloy, Ethel Dino, LJ Almendras
Director: Henry Frejas
Producer: Datu Gallaga

Pinoy Adfest Winners

2010-07-28T15:13:00.001+08:00

(click the images enlarge)

Congratulations to Ace Saatchi & Saatchi for their wins in the recent ADFEST!

Press Category of the Lotus Awards
Best "Our Ride - She Hated" Vespa, Ace Saatchi & Saatchi
Bronze "Our Ride - Behind" Vespa, Ace Saatchi & Saatchi
Silver Campaign "Our Ride" Vespa, Ace Saatchi & Saatchi

Great to see ads that tell you a nice, little story instead of trying too hard to sell, sell, sell you something.

See the complete list of Pinoy ADFEST winners at
http://brandietan.blogspot.com/2010/07/adfest-2010-results.html?spref=tw

The Empire Does Not Endorse This Generator

2010-07-19T22:52:00.000+08:00

Saw this ad in the Philippine Daily Inquirer today:

Which makes me wonder...
is the owner of this company a Star Wars geek?
is the writer/art director of this ad a Star Wars geek?
what will Lucas do when he sees this ad?

(here's the complete page)

GENTXT (2005 campaign)

2010-07-16T01:00:00.003+08:00

!!!FLASHBACK FRIDAY!!!

Back in 2005, I got dragged into helping out with this project, where I got to work with director Romeo Candido.

This campaign was Romeo first advertising work in the Philippines. He would later say that this project gave him a crash course on how it is to work in Philippine advertising.

Years later, after he directed the horror movie "Ang Pamana: The Inheritance", we got work with him again on the viral videos we did to promote the Neil Gaiman event in Subic.

1

2

3

4

This commercial stars Teddy Corpuz, who was just starting out as the singer of the band Rocksteddy. The team found him in a casting session for a project that never pushed through. When we needed to find a new Gentxt guy, they immediately remembered him and knew that he was perfect for the role.

INCEPTION movie posters

2010-07-12T18:57:00.001+08:00

Goes without saying how excited I am to watch INCEPTION. Good review so far! Love these posters, especially the ones that introduce the characters. They sound like superhero codenames and I am such a sucker for getting to know new characters.

All posters were found from Empire's site:
http://www.empireonline.com/futurefilms/film.asp?id=136118

Empire's review of INCEPTION:
http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/review.asp?FID=136118

Plot : Corporate spy-for-hire Dom Cobb (DiCaprio) steals ideas in dreams, but then he's hired to achieve the impossible: "inception" - planting an idea in the mind of a target. If he succeeds, he can see his estranged children. If he fails, he'll be trapped forever.

Verdict : Like The Matrix mated with Synecdoche, New York — or a Charlie Kaufman 007. To paraphrase Casino Royale’s Vesper Lynd, it’s a meaningful pursuit in a summer of disposable entertainments. With physics-defying, thunderous action, heart-wringing emotion and an astonishing performance from DiCaprio, Nolan delivers another true original: welcome to an undiscovered country.

Year 11

2010-07-09T00:39:00.001+08:00

This month marks my 11th year in Harrison Communications. Time certainly flies by when you're doing a lot of OT.

During one of those nights, an officemate said she'd read my palm and tell my fortune. One of the things she said was I was going to stay in the agency for 10 or more years. I laughed, shook my head and said, "No. No. I don't think I'll last that long."

Well...

Yeah...

Right...

And so...

Moving on...

Many thanks to be given to many people. You know who you are. :)

So, let me just share some of the TV commercials that I've worked on in the past 11 years. Enjoy!

GLOBE "Kookaburra

MAGIC CREAMS "Lipsynch"

BPI "Let's Begin"

GLOBE "Kami na!"

GLOBE "Punk"

Globe "Funny Guy"

Globe "Proof"

Globe "Trophy"

MAGIC FLAVORS "Rambol"

QUAKE "Habulan"

MAGIC CHIPS "Bakeman"

MAGIC FLAKES "Serpentina"

a High Profile feature

2010-07-08T23:54:00.000+08:00

The latest issue of HIGH PROFILE magazine just came off the press and if you can somehow stop staring the fantastic Georgina Wilson photo-spreads and the "Land of Legend" fantasy pictorial, you'll get read three geeks (i.e me, Mark Torres, and Paolo Fabregas) talk about comics and making comics.

Many thanks to the High Profile-crew, headed by Marco Venditti, Carmena Moura, and Chad Rialp.

Flip through the digital version of HIGH PROFILE magazine at:http://www.vegamedia.com/pagcor/issue6/pageFlipper6.html
Or better yet, go to the bookstore and grab a copy!

CHIPPY tv commercials 2010

2010-06-22T00:01:00.001+08:00

Chippy THE INITIATION

Chippy TRY-OUTs

Ever since the "Chippy Barkada" was introduced several years ago, the teams have always had fun working on the new Chippy campaign. It's also been tough trying to come up with new misadventures for the new Chippy Barkada and make it as fun --if not funnier-- than the last ones. Hope you all like these two new Chippy commercials.

Client: URC/Jack 'n Jill Product: Chippy Agency: Harrison Communications DECD: Budjette Tan, CD: JB Tapia Writers: Budjette, Taps, Reinard Santos, Henry Gonzales Art Director: Mark Mendoza, Henry Gonzales Accounts: Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas, Monday Gonzalez, Jello Tan-Goloy, AR Riparip III Producer: Jho Moya/Netnet Valencia Director: Henry Frejas ProdHouse: Filmex PostHouse: Optima

Casting Call: TRESE short film

2010-06-15T02:12:00.006+08:00

First of all, let me say how excited I am to make this announcement. Yes, we are in the process of producing a short film about a Trese mystery and we are in need of a few actors, actresses, and aswang.Please read the casting requirements below. If you would like to audition for any of these roles, please email your pictures (one headshot and one full body pic) along with your bio-data. Send them to: osh @ revolver.ph with the SUBJECT: TRESE CASTING CALL

ALEXANDRA TRESE, female, in her late 20s

Physically fit, looks like the type that practices martial arts or is an accomplished dancer

Height: 5’5” – 5’6”

She commands authority even if she is just sitting quietly in one corner.

If you saw her alone in a bar, you’d be curious to meet her, but would hesitate to approach her.

KAMBAL, male, in their early 20s, Trese’s loyal bodyguards

(Real twins are encouraged to audition, but we’re willing to see actors who closely resemble one another)

Height: they should be taller than Trese, preferably 5’9 and abovePhysically fit, looks like the type that practices martial arts

Basilio is the LONG HAIRED KAMBAL. His long hair runs past his shoulders – he sometimes wears it in a ponytail. He is the younger Kambal. Cocky. Loves to joke around. Loves to flirt with the girls.

Crispin is the SHORT HAIRED KAMBAL. He keeps his hair neat and trimmed. He is the eldest. Acts like the typical kuya. Very serious. Asserts his authority over Basilio. If Basilio goes out of line, he will pull him back and remind him to behave.

GUERRERO, male, late 40s

Medium to heavy built

Has a beer belly, has been sitting behind the desk for too long

Preferably balding or bald with moustache and/or beard

Guerrero is a captain in the PNP. He’s seen it all. And just when he thought he had seen it all, he ends up investigating all sorts of strange, unexplained crime that requires the help of Trese.Guerrero’s known Alexandra ever since she was teen-ager, so he treats her like his niece

TAPIA, male, mid-20s

He’s the rookie cop and Guerrero’s right hand man. Clean cut hair. Looks like he just got out of the police academy.

POGI, male, 30s

He’s Mr. Pretty Boy. He’s Mr. Male Model. He’s the guy that girls swoon over. He can sweet-talk anyone into bed. He’s very romantic when he talks, but the only person that he really loves is himself. He walks and talks like he’s a prince; head held up high.

REY, male, mid 30s - 40s.

Rey is a tired, old guy who’s just trying to do honest work after years of doing dirty and unspeakable work. Looks like the type who’s been in jail a lot. Now works at a construction site– which still requires a lot of physical labor. He doesn’t want any trouble, but if you push him, he’s more than ready to fight back.

IRMA, female, 20s

Impulsive. Hot headed. She an “amazona”. She takes matters into her own hands just to get the job done. She’s very protective over her family. She’s sure about herself, about her decisions, and will not listen to anyone else about what she should do.

NINO, male, 7 to 11 years old

Preferably lanky, thin body frameVery talkative. Very expressive when he’s telling a story.

To audition for any of these roles, please email your pictures (one headshot and one full body pic) along with your bio-data. Send them to: osh @ revolver.ph with the SUBJECT: TRESE CASTING CALL

Thank you!

I AM A FILIPINO

2010-06-12T00:01:00.002+08:00

I am a Filipino – inheritor of a glorious past, hostage to the uncertain future. As such, I must prove equal to a two-fold task – the task of meeting my responsibility to the past, and the task of performing my obligation to the future.

I am sprung from a hardy race – child many generations removed of ancient Malayan pioneers. Across the centuries, the memory comes rushing back to me: of brown-skinned men putting out to sea in ships that were as frail as their hearts were stout. Over the sea I see them come, borne upon the billowing wave and the whistling wind, carried upon the mighty swell of hope – hope in the free abundance of the new land that was to be their home and their children’s forever.

This is the land they sought and found. Every inch of shore that their eyes first set upon, every hill and mountain that beckoned to them with a green and purple invitation, every mile of rolling plain that their view encompassed, every river and lake that promised a plentiful living and the fruitfulness of commerce, is a hollowed spot to me.

By the strength of their hearts and hands, by every right of law, human and divine, this land and all the appurtenances thereof – the black and fertile soil, the seas and lakes and rivers teeming with fish, the forests with their inexhaustible wealth in wild and timber, the mountains with their bowels swollen with minerals – the whole of this rich and happy land has been for centuries without number, the land of my fathers. This land I received in trust from them, and in trust will pass it to my children, and so on until the world is no more.

I am a Filipino. In my blood runs the immortal seed of heroes – seed that flowered down the centuries in deeds of courage and defiance. In my veins yet pulses the same hot blood that sent Lapulapu to battle against the alien foe, that drove Diego Silang and Dagohoy into rebellion against the foreign oppressor.

That seed is immortal. It is the self-same seed that flowered in the heart of Jose Rizal that morning in Bagumbayan when a volley of shots put an end to all that was mortal of him and made his spirit deathless forever; the same that flowered in the hearts of Bonifacio in Balintawak, of Gregorio del Pilar at Tirad Pass, of Antonio Luna at Calumpit, that bloomed in flowers of frustration in the sad heart of Emilio Aguinaldo at Palanan, and yet burst forth royally again in the proud heart of Manuel L. Quezon when he stood at last on the threshold of ancient Malacanang Palace, in the symbolic act of possession and racial vindication.

The seed I bear within me is an immortal seed. It is the mark of my manhood, the symbol of my dignity as a human being. Like the seeds that were once buried in the tomb of Tutankhamen many thousands of years ago, it shall grow and flower and bear fruit again. It is the insigne of my race, and my generation is but a stage in the unending search of my people for freedom and happiness.

I am a Filipino, and this is my inheritance. What pledge shall I give that I may prove worthy of my inheritance? I shall give the pledge that has come ringing down the corridors of the centuries, and its hall be compounded of the joyous cries of my Malayan forebears when they first saw the contours of this land loom before their eyes, of the battle cries that have resounded in every field of combat from Mactan to Tirad Pass, of the voices of my people when they sing:

Land of the morning.

Child of the sun returning . . .

Ne’er shall invaders

Trample thy sacred shore.

Out of the lush green of these seven thousand isles, out of the heart-strings of sixteen million people all vibrating to one song, I shall weave the mighty fabric of my pledge. Out of the songs of the farmers at sunrise when they go to labor in the fields; out the sweat of the hard-bitten pioneers in Mal-ig and Koronadal; out of the silent endurance of stevedores at the piers and the ominous grumbling of peasants in Pampanga; out of the first cries of babies newly born and the lullabies that mothers sing; out of crashing of gears and the whine of turbines in the factories; out of the crunch of ploughs upturning the earth; out of the limitless patience of teachers in the classrooms and doctors in the clinics; out of the tramp of soldiers marching, I shall make the pattern of my pledge:

I am a Filipino born of freedom, and I shall not rest until freedom shall have been added unto my inheritance – for myself and my children’s – forever.

I AM A FILIPINO by Carlos P. Romulo
Read the complete text at:http://magnakultura.multiply.com/journal/item/2

Artwork from SKYWORLD by Ian Sta. Maria / LAKAN by Gerry Alanguilan / HUMANIS REX by Gerry Alanguilan

Happy Birthday Kajo!

2010-06-09T02:13:00.003+08:00

The secret origin of my dynamic team-up with talented Mr. Baldisimo aka KA-JO.

I first met Kajo when he was part of Virtual Media Studios -- which was the unofficial tambayan of Alamat Comics way back when.

During those years we'd drop by and hang out, I got to see Kajo and guys work on the pages of A.R.C.H.O.N. Kajo actually finished three fantastic issues of that comic book. All the art was colored and letter and then... their PC crashed and they lost all the artwork. So, we may never know whatever happened to that band of law-enforcers in outer space.

Here's one of Kajo's pin-ups from A.R.C.H.O.N., showing Troy, the team leader.

My first collaboration with Kajo was a comic book that only got distributed in Malate. We were hired by an NGO to make a comic book about AIDS and HIV. So, I wrote a story about a guy who sleeps around and ends up getting AIDS and gives it to his wife as well. The issue ends with some literature about the benefits of regularly going to clinics and get tested. We never did get a copy of that comic book.

The next time I worked in Kajo was in the year 2000. I was already working for the ad agency and we had to do print ads to promote Globe's text-based games of X-MEN and PUNISHER. So, if you ever remember seeing those ads or posters of Globe with those Marvel characters, those were drawn by Kajo!

Couple of years later, Kajo started "NWA" a comic strip that was serialized in MTV INK, the channel's music magazine. He then asked me if I wanted to collaborate on something that we can pitch to the magazine. Around that time, I had already released the three issues of Batch72 and wanted to bring back that old barkada. So, I thought of revamping them and we pitched it as 8 HIT COMBO. (By the time we did pitch it, the magazine had shut down.)

Sometime later, Kajo said he wanted me to help him write a story. So, he sent me this 24-page story with no words. The art was amazing! I got excited and asked Kajo, "So who's this girl? And why is she running? And who's the guy? What about this monster?" Kajo just looked at me and said, "Oh, I leave all of that up to you. So, we really get to collaborate on this 50-50." Left without a clue, I held on to those pages for how many months, until I slowly started to make sense of the pictures.

Those wordless pages eventually became THE LAST DATU.
http://komix7107.blogspot.com/2009/11/last-datu-lawanas-story.html

Of course, if you're a regular visitor of this blog, you already know about that text message Kajo sent me back in June 2005; the text where we asked the ridiculous question: "Do you think we can work on a a monthly comic book?" I laughed and just thought, "Okay, maybe we'll get to do ONE issue!" That one issue later became 13 cases.

So, as you can see, on several occasions, it was really Kajo who would nudge, poke, and prod me to do a comic book project. So, please do help me greet my partner-in-crime! (If you're linked up to him in Facebook, please greet him there or maybe greet him on the Trese Facebook page.)

By the way, aside from working on TRESE Book 4, we've got another surprise for you this year; something that we hope to launch in the next comic book event.

Brandie & Tin: Executive Creative Directors of BBDO-Guerrero

2010-05-29T00:30:00.000+08:00

Talk about a very late announcement. Goes to show what happens when you party first and blog later (and then work catches up with you)! Anyway, the official announcement after this really chic pic.

cut-and-pasted from : http://bbdo-go.com/?p=271

...we formally announced the promotion of Brandie Tan & Tin Sanchez to the position of joint Executive Creative Directors. Brandie & Tin were the team responsible for the our highly awarded ‘Lola Techie’ campaign for Bayan Telecommunications, and they will take over the creative leadership from Simon, who is returning to England as Creative Director of a top London Agency.

Brandie & Tin have been with us since 2008, when they joined as Head of Art and Head of Copy, prior to that they were joint Executive Creative Directors of Lowe Vietnam. As well as their highly recognized work for Bayan Telecommunications, they were the winners of the first and only Cannes Gold Lion for the Philippines.

Remarking on the appointments David [Guerrero] said, “Brandie & Tin have proven themselves to be ready to take on creative leadership of the Agency. They are one of the few teams in the region to have won gold this year in both regional Effectiveness award shows and Creative award shows. This perfectly summarizes our ambition to demonstrate that the same work can win both. Quite simply our aim is to become the leading agency in executing this vision for both local and international clients and Brandie & Tin’s creative leadership will be instrumental in continuing to deliver this."