Q & A Portion

Five questions from Dean Alfar. If you want me to ask you five tailor-made ones, please scroll down for the rules.

1. I know you've conducted a lot of interviews with various celebrities. Now what was the most embarrassing, stupid or inappropriate question you've ever asked anyone, the question you regret ever having asked?

I interviewed singer Kitchie Nadal last year. It went great; I was able to ask her smart questions and she was very generous with her answers. I was about to leave when I asked her about the tattoo near her knuckles. I queried, “What’s that?” and she and her manager laughed. “It’s a tattoo,” she smiled. Well, I knew, but the way I asked it must’ve sounded silly. I have trouble converting my thoughts verbally sometimes. I should’ve asked “What does it stand for?” because it looked tribal. I did ask her seconds later those exact words, after their giggles, so I guess it didn’t diminish the decent interview I conducted.

What’s quite embarrassing was a portion of a certain interview with another person almost two years ago. It’s not something I asked, though. It doesn’t happen often, but an interviewee hit on me, asked for my number and joked about liking mestizos. I didn’t know how to react. It was a little flattering but... okay, I’ll shut up now.

2. A "mondegreen" is a case of misheard lyrics, sort of like the ones horrendously printed in Jingle magazine. What song have you loved, despite the fact that you had the lyrics or part of the lyrics wrong?

I wrote down the words to Seona Dancing’s More to Lose when I was younger. At a nearby mall many years later, after much hesitation, I sang in one of those karaoke booths. I chose the song, and noticed that several phrases on the screen were different from what I knew. I ignored them and sang. The booth guy politely asked after, “Sir, malabo ba ‘yung mata n’yo?” I politely responded, “Hindi, mali lang lyrics n’yo.”

3. You and your partner of choice are cast in the latest TAR (Amazing Race). Would you win or self-destruct? What kind of Roadblock or Detour would really challenge you?

We’d win, of course. Heh. There are cameras rolling, so it would just look awful and sad if my partner or I self-destructed, and millions of people saw it. Bickerings should just happen behind closed doors, I believe. I hated Rob and Amber, but I liked how coolly and deviously they played the game.

Any challenge that requires me to ride a bicycle would just ruin my game, though. I never learned how to bike. Sad, I know.

4. What is the biggest difficulty that faces Filipino comic book creators? What steps can we take to address it?

This is a tough one. There’s no big money in it locally, as far as I know. If you’re a self-publisher, you have to be involved in all aspects of the job. You have to spend for a decent printer. This is a good learning experience, even if it can get tiring at times. Trying to break even is difficult. You have to move on to other practical endeavors eventually, even simultaneously. And for those who wish to make comics-creating a regular day job, the real money is in getting hired by the American companies. And even then, you have to get the high-profile projects to be really comfortable for at least several months.

One of the big challenges years back was that local comics-centric companies were practically non-existent. It’s a good thing that this is being addressed by the focused folks over at Nautilus (with Cast), Mango (with their one-shots and mini-series), and Culture Crash.

If someone, maybe a big publishing company like ABS-CBN or Summit can devise a way that creators are compensated for a new line of diverse, well-marketed comic books that regularly come out, and can guarantee competitive rates, then that’s good. That’s a start. We need someone big to lead the way. We’ll never run out of talented people to work on them if someone was willing to risk on a wide range of products and not just manga-influenced titles. If they can replicate the three comics companies' successes on a much bigger scale, it can mean the existence of a new industry. That’s what I can think of at the moment.

5. Choose one: An interesting life replete with ups and downs, complications, feast-or-famine and a shot at absolute happiness even if it comes very, very, very late in life; OR stable life, regular contentment, predictable rhythms - you're not insanely happy but you're not wallowing in despair either. Explain.

I’d choose the former. I’m actually living that life now. I’m far from being complacent. I’m stubborn that way. But the people I love and those who believe in me make it worth it. I can’t label anything as absolute happiness. Bliss presents itself in many shapes, tastes and textures and I’m just glad when that happens. When I’m older and wiser, maybe I’d be happy with the latter choice. For now, I’m improvising as best as I can.
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Here are The Official Interview Game Rules:
1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying “Please interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions - each person’s will be different.
3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Stranded-on-an-Island Music

I’ve yet to own an I-pod. So I can’t relate to people with the shuffling, hundreds-of-songs-in-one-micro-gadget scenario. Yet. But here are a couple of albums (compilations and retrospectives included) I really enjoy. I’ve dozens of favorites, but will limit it to a few for now. In no particular order:

Dirty Vegas: Dirty Vegas - I like how the meshing of electronic music and Steve Smith’s vocals makes for really audible (and singable) techno. It’s easy to tune out the world on a daily basis with this energetic debut.
Lightning Seeds: Pure - The compilation features some of the band’s finest New Wave tracks. Fell in love with their songs in college, before BMFM became a jazz station.
Sarah McLachlan: Touch - I can never tire of “Vox”, the title track and “Strange World”.
Color it Red: Hand-Painted Sky – Cooky Chua and the band’s first album got me through some challenging times. Heartfelt, rocking Pinoy music.
Tori Amos: Little Earthquakes - Therapeutic. Rage and disillusionment never sounded so beautiful.
REM: Automatic for the People – This album really clicked with me. Haunting and sentimental, it flavored a period of my life perfectly. Stipe rawks.
Toad the Wet Sprocket: Fear – Glen Phillips’ voice is solid and very capable of evoking varied emotions.
10,000 Maniacs: Our Time in Eden – This is very picturesque and poetic. The Maniacs also experimented with different musical styles that complemented the vivid stories well.
Save Ferris: It Means Everything – Very bouncy and eternally sunshine-y ska music. Just yummy all throughout.
‘Til Tuesday: Coming Up Close – The retrospective collects the best of the Aimee Mann-fronted group. The songs mostly dealt with unrequited love and heartbreak. Very ‘80s, yet very relevant.
Joni Mitchell: Hits – The incomparable singer-songwriter had a nice compilation that chronicles her most popular ditties. Hippie chanteys and adult contemporary faves galore.
Cyndi Lauper: 12 Deadly Cyns – From “Time After Time” to “I Drove All Night” and beyond, the CD is an enchanting time capsule. I especially like how her different vocal ranges are featured. Fun, soothing, and even ruminative.
River Detectives: Saturday Night, Sunday Morning – One of my favorite bands that I know next to nothing about. But the album consistently delivers with folk-inspired Wave numbers.
Jars of Clay: If I Left the Zoo – I really like Dan Haseltine’s cool and calming voice. Almost makes me wanna believe in Jesus. Almost.

Escapist?

Meron bang bold?
Jeffrey Jeturian’s campy Bikini Open is okay. Saw it last Saturday at Megamall. The “mockumentary” is different and smartly written, although some parts were just bogged down by awkward acting by some of the sexy stars and most of the extras. There were scenes that could’ve been shortened, too. It’s not the typical Seiko “nakaka-titi-late” or “naka-kiki-liti” sexy film; there aren't raunchy, simulated sex scenes and unabashed nudity (aww, I know). But it does make me wanna check out the filmmaker’s previous work, Bridal Shower.

Bored now
Channel-surfing has been tough lately. Saw bits of Darna… it’s NOT for me. Over at the talk-show front… god. Leno still isn’t funny. Not to be needlessly snarky, but his monologues are just… guuhhh. Over at HBO, it’s getting harder to watch Six Feet Under. It’s just going around in circles now. That’s too bad, because the first two seasons were good. I’m not too interested in any of the local or foreign reality shows. It’s still months ‘til the new Amazing Race.

But there‘ve been some interesting stuff that Solar’s ETC and Jack TV have been showing. Cartoons for adults like Stripperella, Drawn Together, and South Park re-runs are nice alternatives to the animated shows over at the cartoon channels. I’ve also been watching MTV’s nicely selected videos in the nightly show VH-1 (or, as the pretty host with the funky accent pronounces it, “Vee-itch-won”). There are good weekly shows that I really wanna check out, but I missed a bunch of episodes already. I hope to watch CSI, Alias, Arrested Development, Lost, Carnivale and Veronica Mars on DVD eventually. Also, Desperate Housewives airs tomorrow night over at Studio 23. Hope that’s good.

Leotard-y
I recently read the 6-part Wanted by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones. Man, that’s gritty, gross, crazy, unforgettable stuff. Wow. Also, Young Avengers by Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung is finally getting interesting. The first three issues were pretty slow and bleh. I hope the Kang arc gets resolved soon. I’m an old Avengers reader, and I’ve seen quite enough of the time-traveling character. What got me curious is a new heroine that debuted with a tentative but familiar costumed identity. The letters page is also heating up with the debate on two of the teen characters’ seemingly gay orientations and relationship. Hmm...

Avenging Exes

Pencil drawing, May 2002. Spidey and the Black Cat were my favorite super-duo when I was in Grade 5. (Click image to enlarge)

Thunderclouds

And when summer ends, will you still love me?
When tomorrow comes, will you still give yourself freely?
When the rain falls and the nights steam,
when the light sleeps and your eyes gleam,
will this be my unending dream?

I try to look at the bigger picture; it’s a grainy indie flick.
It’s got passion and grime, seemingly victimless crimes.
It’s a daily comic strip with no punchlines, just pure wit.
Bleed on thumb tacks and screws, blinking wildly on booze,
obvious metaphors for the wrong words we choose.

And when summer ends, where will this take me?
When tomorrow starts, will we still partake freely?
When your heart beats, I feel it.
When my heart beats, I know it.
Summer won’t end.
Don’t let the thunderclouds tell you otherwise.
Let's drown in the tears of dark, breaking skies.

Fanboyish

My art heroes growing up weren’t many. As a boy, I thrilled to Chris Claremont’s strangely verbose and mature X-men tales, but lamented his dangling arcs and unresolved subplots. I also loved John Byrne’s Fantastic Four and Alpha Flight stories, because his super-heroes had an edginess to them I was drawn to. Plus, he wrote AND drew, so I always thought it was possible to be successful in both fields. And then there was John Romita Jr., whose punk-y, gritty renditions won me over quickly when I was just 11.

I bring this up now because I’m at a time in my life when I’m supposedly being looked up to by some people who’ve encountered my work in whatever shape or form. I’m very flattered, but I also understand that this is just part of the whole creative process, and the work obviously doesn’t stop here. I’m also a fan, even if through the years, I’ve outgrown being starstruck and discovered that hero-worship isn’t my thing.

I guess this means I don’t ask for autographs, even when a supposed celebrity’s personal space is easily penetrable. I’ve met up and talked with celebs, but I don’t really feel they’re special people. I’ve witnessed colleagues from the entertainment scene ask for autographs on their complimentary CDs whenever some not-really famous foreign artists go on local tours. It’s not my thing, but again, I understand. I’ve signed autographs on comic books I’ve sold myself. Putting myself in the other person’s shoes, it’s a reminder that somehow, a personal connection was made and the product feels all the more special because of that rare doodle. I won’t begrudge anyone that.

It’s especially encouraging when total strangers write me and relate how they were affected by my work. There’s always that hope that your labors reach the right people, and that they had a blast absorbing it as much as you did investing time and effort in it. In some instances, they’d even compare you to authors you’ve never heard of, people they hold in high regard. There’s also some criticism or indifference, which, thankfully, I’ve been able to use to improve my craft. We all hope to leave something, be it a written, drawn, sculpted or sung legacy. We all want to make a difference, or at least share something that we want others to react positively to.

But more often than not, we’re each other’s fans. Artists, writers, musicians, we've all got stories to tell. We all influence each other more than we care to admit. We learn from each other’s triumphs and mistakes. We’re in awe when one of us comes up with something we wish we could’ve thought of first. We're not flawless, but we recognize mediocrity when it rears its ugly head. And admiring someone—or more accurately his or her works—doesn’t end. We’ll digest culture in its myriadness for as long as our brains function.

I’m still in awe whenever I encounter the intricate illustrations of Frank Frazetta, Bernie Wrightson or late greats Albrecht Durer and Nick Manabat. Hearing lyrical and melodic gems from Joni Mitchell, Dar Williams, 10,000 Maniacs and Isha Abubakar inspires me. I adore works by word-weavers Alan Moore, Howard Cruse and Jim Mahfood. Watching elaborate sketches by Conan O’Brien or Robert Smigel (as Triumph the Insult Comic Dog) consistently makes me laugh. Forward-thinking people like my friends keep me on my toes. I’ve numerous filmmaker heroes, and unsung people that keep me entertained with their wisdom on the net. The list is endless, and it keeps growing.

None of them are perfect, but they constantly bombard me with knowledge, ideas, designs, sensory delights and technical proficiency that inspire my own output. And for that, I am thankful.

I consider myself very, very lucky to live in a time when all these muses’ works are easily available to me. If only I had time to enjoy them all.

World-hopping

Rianne sent me this movie meme.

Total number of films I own on DVD/video: I own so few. Roughly less than 20. Maybe because I’d rather watch them on cable. The really good ones, or the ones that mean the most to me, I buy them.
The last film I bought: Hmm. Not sure if it was Attack of the Clones or Y Tu Mama Tambien.
The last film I watched: Star Wars Episode III (press preview)
Films that I watch a lot or mean a lot to me: I like different kinds of movies. As a storyteller, I try to learn as much as I can from them. But in no particular order, here are a few that I can name right now.
The Usual Suspects - It’s very clever and has great performances by the cast.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula - I like Coppola’s stylish take on the book and the historical figure.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Anyone who’s fallen in or out of love (or both) should watch it. Painful and creative stuff. I love it. It really makes you think and feel.
Breakfast Club - The concept of putting a diverse bunch in detention really appealed to me, and it talked of school archetypes and the pains of growing up. I can so totally relate. And Simple Minds’ song fit perfectly at the end.
Ringu - I watched this alone and never expected to be scared. But I was. Too bad for the sequels, remakes and copycats. Blecch.
Terminator 2 - I liked it as a teen, and I still like it now. Cameron really knows how to pace action. And Linda Hamilton was practically the third Terminator. Love her.
The Truman Show - Reality TV at its most bizarre and intrusive. Sad but funny. Or vice-versa.
Wild Things - It's a crazy heist film that had a really nice, memorable payoff.
Go - Very trippy and timeless. It had a subversive feel to it that I connected with.
Hero - Multiple perspectives have always appealed to me because they’re all fractions of the truth or the bigger picture. Visually, the film utilized painterly ideas through a marriage of colors and movements.
Star Wars - The movies were touchstones. Lucas built a galaxy inhabited by disparate beings whose fates lie in a fractured family’s hands.
Y Tu Mama Tambien - The themes of sexuality and self-discovery were presented creatively through a road trip. I feel for the characters.
Duda - It had its off moments, but I was impressed with Cris Pablo’s digital movie. He tackled gay issues with sensitivity and emotional resonance.
King of the Hill - Soderbergh’s drama about poverty was achingly beautiful, brought to life by then-child actor Jesse Bradford.
Scream - The movies were homages to, and parodies of, schlocky slasher flicks. The whodunits kept me guessing.
Back to the Future - Time travel, paradoxes and the '80s. Fun, fun stuff.
Dogma -Kevin Smith’s unorthodox dissection of religion was a blast. Still is.
Romeo + Juliet - Surreal and head-spinning. Fearlessly experimental.
50 First Dates - One of the best rom-coms ever.
To which 5 people am I passing the baton and why?
Movie lovers Chris, Dean, Carl, Ian and Jason. I’d pass it to John but he’s blog-less.
Update: But if you wanna do it, go ahead. Meme's for everyone. :)

United Planets, circa 3004

Mixed media, May 2005 (Click image to enlarge)The Legion of Super-Heroes is a team comprised of teen or young adult volunteers from dozens of planets in the 31st Century. It's perhaps the only group of heroes that's undergone four history reboots. DC Comics events like Crisis on Infinite Earths and Zero Hour have reinvented the characters for newer readers across the decades.

The incarnation pictured above is my favorite "past life" of the team. I did include the largely unused Legion Cadets and other old/new members like Blok, Dawnstar, Tellus and Quislet, who undoubtedly would've joined the team eventually had DC decided to keep the version intact. The team is a nice parallel to Marvel's X-Men (check out the class picture), whose goal is to achieve racial harmony on Earth. The two groups meeting would make an exciting crossover miniseries, a la JLA/Avengers.

War is Over

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (SPOILERS!)

And so it ends.

While Revenge of the Sith is studded with numerous glossy CGI effects all over, it’s still about the beloved and reviled characters of the most popular fantasy movie franchise. It satisfyingly draws to a close George Lucas’ 6-part space opera and the saga of the Skywalker clan, as we say our goodbyes (and yes, hellos) to heroes and villains that many of us adored as children. It answers a lot of questions, and raises a few more. But overall, this prequel installment is, in a word, awesome.

Everyone knows how tragically this story will end, except maybe children or new fans watching the movies chronologically. So everything is dependent on how Lucas fills in the blanks and renders in the details. And render it, he does. Yes, Anakin (Hayden Christensen) goes massacre-crazy (“You shall be called Darth…VADER.”). The conflicted young war hero has been getting prophetic visions of his secret wife Padme Amidala’s (Natalie Portman) death, so he voluntarily turns to the Dark Side of the Force to learn the secret of immortality and save her. And that’s when he gets exploited and manipulated by the daddy figure he never had.

Palpatine (the compelling Ian McDiarmid) finally reveals himself as the Sith Lord orchestrating the Clone Wars (“The Sith will rule the galaxy… and there will be peace.”). The Jedi Order is decimated by “Order 66”, the new Emperor’s ordinance to the Clone Troopers to turn on their peace-keeping allies. But Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), as we all know, puts the kibosh on Vader’s rampage and flees with Jedi Master Yoda and, in the last few scenes, future rebel heroes Luke and Leia.

Gripe-wise, the dialogue sometimes really clunks with Padme and Anakin’s scenes (“Anakin, you’re breaking my heart!”). But not a lot of eye-rolling ensues, fortunately, as Palpatine’s and Obi-Wan’s lines were mostly very piercing.

Story-wise, there are questionable out-of-character moments. Why did Yoda just quit fighting and decide to hide? He would have found a way to rally freedom-fighters to his cause and not let the new dictatorship get out of hand. And why was General Grievous not as threatening as in the Clone Wars animated series (aired by Cartoon Network last month)? He hunted and killed multiple Jedi knights but was easily humiliated (and defeated) by Obi-Wan.

Still, Revenge of the Sith neatly put future elements in place, such as the construction of the Death Star, the separation of the Skywalker twins, and the explanation to Obi-Wan’s spectral form in subsequent episodes.

It’s sad to bear witness to harrowing tragedies in the lives of these heroes, but Lucas, while his storytelling abilities will be questioned for many years to come, stuck to his vision and made these characters as real and as prone to failure as anyone. As the final piece in the Star Wars puzzle, the film adds dimension to an ex-slaveboy who wanted to be a hero and ended up as his future children’s ultimate tormentor. We hear James Earl Jones’ voice again, and when he mentions the name “Padme”, we finally realize and believe that the original Star Wars villain was a broken-hearted man who gave away everything he had for love.

And lost.

Happy Birthday, John!

SeventeenHe’s one of the most talented and most intelligent people I’ve ever met. Look at this pic… damn, we were young. Blacklight, the Image comic book he’s illustrating, will be in comic shops by the last week of June.

There is No Try

I wrote this for Men’s Zone’s November 2003 issue. In anticipation of Episode III, which we’ll be watching tonight (thank you, 20th Century Fox), I’d like to share a speculative look at George Lucas’ final Star Wars movie from way back. This was before the Clone Wars animated series and the trailers. I also know major plot points now thanks to the reviews and spoilers , so many of these ideas obviously won’t come to pass (I even had a drawing that showed Padme holding a lightsaber and Anakin sporting Darth Maul’s black facial tattoos). I edited the article accordingly to remove my thoughts about X-Men 3 because of space constraints.
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Geek Mythology
With The Matrix’s final installment out of the way, it’s time to second-guess the other sequels

We all have our own blockbuster movies in our heads, our own visions of what would make the as-yet unreleased fantasy sequel memorable and excellent for repeat viewings. We’ve been disappointed, more often than not, when would-be geek-pleasers fail to adhere to the checklist of ideas in our heads. But as much as we convince ourselves that we left expectations at the door, it can’t be helped to ponder what-ifs regarding franchises we’ve loved for ages. Especially when their last installments kicked butt.

From what’s available of their respective mythologies (including existing non-film stories and creator interviews), the third parts of the Star Wars and X-Men movies can actually be pieced together with doses of speculative fanboy theories. And because it’s going to be years before they’re actually shown, let’s pierce the veils of time and marvel at the possible scenarios and some obvious cast choices for X-Men 3 and Star Wars Episode III. Third time’s the charm, and going for broke is the only way to go.

STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH/ FALL OF THE JEDI
The Clone Wars is on its second year, taking its toll on Jedi knight Anakin Skywalker, who has become more reckless than ever. He bungles a vital mission, as his attention has been constantly divided between his duties and his secret wife Padme Amidala. Frustrated, he verbally abuses her, almost physically hurting her as well, if not for Obi-wan Kenobi’s timely intervention. This results in a Jedi court-martial, revealing details of the couple’s secret union.

Anakin has been training Padme in the ways of the Force, to better defend herself from further assassination attempts (and it does take their relationship to a different spiritual level). She’s a quick learner seemingly favored by Midichlorians, and is designated by the Council to study further under Obi-Wan, with whom she confides in. Jealous Anakin misinterprets their closeness and comes to blows with his mentor, resulting in Padme’s revelation that he slaughtered a tribe of Sand People two years ago. This results in his expulsion from the Jedi order.

Chancellor Palpatine and Count Dooku immediately take him under their sinister wing, the pair revealing a grand plan: A secret facility in Kashykk (planet of the Wookies) has successfully cloned hundreds of deceased Sith Lords, all subservient to them. The hate-filled Anakin leaks this information to lead the remaining dozens of Jedi into the trap and kills several of them in the process. Padme confronts her estranged husband, now sporting Sith facial paint, in a lightsabre duel but the former queen is defeated after an impressive bout. Obi-Wan steps in and sends this new “Darth Vader” hurtling into a fiery pit that heavily damages his body. Count Dooku perishes at the hands of Mace Windu, who in turn is killed by Palpatine.

Palpatine easily stages a coup with the Jedi defeated, but his Sith army and cloning technology are destroyed by Amidala and Bail Organa’s well-placed thermal detonators. With the help of the Skywalker’s honeymoon vessel, the Millennium Falcon, they escape the forces of the new Empire. Vader wears his mask for the first time (and James Earl Jones’ voice gets heard again, for the last time), the story ending with a scene happening months later. The “family picture” is reminiscent of the last scene from Return of the Jedi, this time showing Obi-Wan, Yoda, Bail Organa, Owen and Beru Lars, R2-D2, C3PO, Padme and her newborn twins Luke and Leia.

Of course, there’s a huge possibility that we may never see these half-expected plot details come to life, but they’re the obvious routes that can cap off the movies nicely. If the filmmaker can surprise us with a cleverer, more heart-wrenching popcorn movie, then all the better. But for now, this is the action flick in our heads, and we’re crossing our fingers, hoping that the real final product won’t freaking blow.

Time Traveler

Downpour
It’s raining heavily as I’m typing this. There’s thunder, lightning, the works. Hope it stays cool for a bit. Obscure ‘80s weather-themed songs are playing my head, like this one: “I remember the rain on our skin and his kisses hotter than the Santa Ana winds. Whispering my goodbyes, waiting for the train. I was dancing with my baby in the summer rain…” (Belinda Carlisle, Summer Rain).

Superfreebies
Benedickie and I got some nice comic books last Saturday, Free Comic Book Day. I got four from Comic Quest. Vinnie let me pick which ones I found interesting (thanks!), including Flight, Comic Festival, Star Wars, and Impact University. Also got the second issue of the always-free Tabloid Komiks (which had a dark, gripping story about a bank robbery). Got two more free comics (Ronin Hood of the Samurai, and the thick manga digest Tokyopop Sneaks) at Druid’s Keep later.

Bought Villains United # 1. DC's biggest bads form a coalition. Impressive dialogue, intriguing premise and good art (thanks for the tip, Dean!). Also got Justice League Elite # 11 (of 12), which is still consistently good. Just ignore Manitou Raven’s iffy morale-boosting speech about how the Elite is the world’s last and only hope. But it’s still worth reading. Hope it becomes an ongoing title.

The Dark Side beckons
Yaaaayyyyy!!!! Got invited to a Star Wars: Episode III preview within the week! John and I will be watching it. Just like three years ago, when I won tickets to a sneak preview of Attack of the Clones at Louie’s THX, which coincided with his birthday. As a kid who grew up on the fantasy franchise, I’m excited to see how the last piece of the puzzle fits. I read in the latest Time magazine issue (Darth Vader cover) that kiddie-favorite Jar Jar Binks appears but has no lines. Hmmm… I wonder if he gets lightsaber-whacked or Force-choked? Or just disappears in shame? Anyway, yaaayyy!!!!

Color it pink
Support ProGay Philippines’ event, the third Pink Film Festival at the Gateway Mall in Cubao from June 1 to 7. For details, or if you want to be a volunteer, please click here.

Cyberpals
To people who keep inviting me to join Friendster, I apologize for not replying right away. I will not be able to maintain an account because of various reasons at the moment. But when I do find the free time for it, I’ll let you know immediately. Thanks.

This one goes out to the ones I love
“I sometimes misunderstand. Things you say lose all since I command. We collide in a time, almost drowning. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. Oh, I love you…”—Primal Scream, Love You

Shiny Happy Person

Happiness for me is a work in progress, but I can safely say that I really am happier and more content these days. I’m definitely counting my blessings, because there are times that I do tend to forget in the never-ending mad whirl and just take things for granted. While there will always be obstacles in the form of envious, two-faced and malicious individuals, I continuously learn and am assured that they cannot ruin the things I have worked for these past few years. The things I treasure most are the people that I love and those who love me unconditionally. I also have the gift and will to create, which I constantly hone because I want to please myself first and foremost. I don’t feel or think that I’m above anyone, except perhaps those who act horribly towards me and those who feel the need to damn me for imagined troubles. In a world shaped by opinion, both informed or not, I do my best to form my valuable own, and be comfortable in my little space in this sphere.

Whether it’s an occasional byline, a filling meal, or quiet moments with those who matter, I am grateful. I am not complacent; I know I never will be, but I’m more appreciative of the good things that I get. I am here in whichever place I am because I worked hard for it. I still do. And I am loving myself, and believing in myself, more each day. It’s about time, too.

Vengeful Vigilantes

Pencil drawing, June 2000 Magical beings Bloodwish and Crimson Unicorn patrol the supercrime-ridden corners of Southern Zoyad.

Mixed Bag

Bully shit
McPigs recently told me about a co-worker whose strange behavior is quite disturbing. The person gets mightily sarcastic and verbally offensive at every possible opportunity for no real reason. The ass just reminded me of a few but annoyingly memorable bullies I've encountered myself, people who couldn’t handle the pressures they signed up for. None of them are my age; they’re always someone enjoying some semblance of authority. They probably get off on threatening, picking on, or yelling at those they consider lesser than themselves. In truth, they’re just repressed, self-loathing, hideous pieces of crap who can’t pick on someone their own size or age. And that’s just pathetic. To those who feel more complete by causing other people grief, don’t work out your hang-ups and issues on those who have nothing to do with them, you stupid freaks.

Comicky goodness
Moving on to nicer things. Ran into talented writer-artist Chris Costello last weekend at Megamall. Recognized him from his journal pictures. Gave him a copy of LNA I was carrying with me. He seems like a nice fellow.

Speaking of giving stuff away, FHM Philippines has this little contest with a familiar prize (scroll down that page). Also in the May 2005 issue of FHM is their nice “quotable quotes” portion where they culled “winning comic book lines” from, ahem, my brainchild (Thanks, Chrissy I.!).

Anyway, Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday. Visit your favorite comic book shop and get some imported freebies (not sure if a prior purchase is necessary, if ever, so ask them about it).

Happy Birthday, Mom!
We love you. :)