I've got something from the Post Office today

Sometime between January and February this year Daniel Clausen offered me a free copy of his book via Goodreads. "Why not?" was my reply in my head. This is actually the second novel that an author contacted me for a book review, in return of owning a free copy and actually the first book to arrive via the snail mail. Once again, thanks bro!

Now that I wrote this gesture of appreciation for the free copy, I want to be objective as a reviewer as much as to enjoy the story while it last. I guarantee that I have no plans of cheating since no author deserved one and this blog is free from shill work. Now, on to Chapter One!
    

Filipino Reader Con 1

I tip my hat to the organizers and volunteers who made the event happen (I know, it's not an easy task and it requires a lot of heart and guts--and food to pull this one off), and the sponsors who showed up and at least recognize the strength of book bloggers. It was a substantial start for a group that formed online, and I see a lot of potentials (from the publisher's point of view) to sell your product, be it personal or collective/collaborative. I agree with Carl Joe's views on the producer/consumer hybrid in the literary market since I think it is also related to the narrowing gap or boundary between the writer and the reader, the journalist and the blogger. To some this gap is actually non existent, as others believe that if you want to be a good writer you must be a good reader (or voracious reader) first. This equation I think attempts to shrink that "academic" gap.

Guest panelists and their stories were interesting, and it's easy to see that they are indeed more popular online, and abroad. For book club admins, stories on how they started their group is equally useful if you plan to build your own group.

I like Tata's stories with Ex Libris given the apparent exclusivity of her group but still able to provide scholarships to college students. How I wish I was able to join her group during my college days even if I have to master first the elvish language. =P

Overall, it was a good start. But I wish to know more people since the time was not enough for me (I came in late) and as expected (since some of them already knew each other), majority of the people flocked within their group. Luckily, somebody from Scholastic gave a seat and that was a good start to exchange ideas, backgrounds, contact details, and opinions.  It was also a good opportunity to finally meet my kababayan/kasimanwa Chris who just planed in from Kalibo.

Battlefield Report #1 - Metro Comic Con 2010

Doomsday!

Entering the area of SM Megamall Trade Hall 2 this afternoon and then seeing the galleries of featured Filipino artists, I can easily identify that highly diversified influence by other well-known illustrators here and abroad spanning from Frank Frazetta and Francisco Coching, to Jim Lee and the Manga artists of old and new. This is just the first day of the convention and I want to tip my hat to the organizers and participants who made this event successful in meeting the expectations of comics and animation enthusiasts.

The usual suspects were there-- I saw Budjette Tan, Gerry Alanguilan, Hazel Manzano, Lyndon Gregorio, Manix Abrera, and the Big Shots (Filipino artists who are currently making waves to US publications like Marvel, DC, Image/Top Cow etc.) led by Leinil Yu, Carlo Pagulayan, Jay Anacleto, and Edgar Tadeo. I also saw the great veteran Danny Acuña busy finishing a penciled portrait. Featured galleries of the legend Alfredo Alcala (I never knew he did one Hellblazer issue before! Wow!) and Jess Jodloman were all eye candies.

Add to these are the rising numbers of indie artists and writers showcasing their works for you to devour. There are just too many names to mention but they are definitely here to stay. In the forum, I saw and heard digital gaming artists sharing their experiences and their forecasts on the future of digital gaming, and its implications to the local gaming industry considering our country's ancient law on digital intellectual property rights.

Manix, Freely, Lyndon, Hazel and Andrew

The second part of the forum focused on the experiences of comic book artists from their initial stage of studying the art of illustrating, to varied personal dilemmas encountered in looking for a publisher, managing the artist's block, and the headaches of final publication of their works.

Alcala Gallery

Jodloman Art

Jess Jodloman Gallery

spot my loot!

Astroboy!

Danny Acuña

To top it all, a band played their modern covers of popular songs as the cosplay kids roam the area for free photo ops hoping to win the ultimate cosplay prize. There's the graphic novel and comics sale from DC and Marvel, toys and cosplay booth, the original DVD sale showing Star Trek and Clash of the Titans for free and the voice acting recruitment booth if you want to enlist for a sideline.

Free hands-on: Wacom tablet

I left with my feet aching as the line for book signing by the Big Shots is still ongoing, but still, it's all worth it. Lumalaban ang Pinoy!

Dude, sign my Wolverine pleeeze

Reporting from the Battlefield

more pictures here