february is just the beginning.


reading the last question of this article about marvel studio's visit to the country in the hopes of looking over expansion possibilities in the country, caught my eye and reminded me of how challenging it is to collaborate with another person on a writing project.

you see, in co-writing a story there are so many elements that come into play -- plot, characters, consistency, coherence, differences and agreements and the worst -- other priorities and obligations. i can just imagine the enormous challenge these two guys had in weaving good omens into a modern literary classic.

but collaboration isn't the exception to the rule in writing great stories, nor in music and art. musicians and songwriters ian zafra , jude gitamondoc and cattski know what it means to collaborate -- the challenges, suprises and ultimately, the satisfaction it brings.

i'm not really sure if rob does any work with his brother john , but just imagine the possibilities there. and if proof of the partnership is in the blooming, strawberry is an apt example of how alexa and jude's collaborative journey has borne much fruit.

february is just the metaphor we use for remembering the romantic partnerships we have with loved ones. as the month ends, so does our celebration of social, artistic and cultural partnerships, collaborations and everything in between, begin.












penumbra uno: thank you for the use of your photos in this post -- alexa, jude and ysai perez by way of ian z. . salamat kaayo! :)

penumbra dos: coming in from a desk job and taking on freelance work full-time is not easy, let me tell you. in the last ten months, i've crashed and burned so many times, that in every single day, i'm praying and hoping for a miracle. every single day, God provides. thank You for the lifelong collaboration.

sunday roast chicken

12.12NOON. my wife is fussing over the roast chicken (garlic, rosemary and thyme) while i fussed over the local channels looking for where i may be able to view the donaire-montiel showdown.



i had just finished reading through jingo quijano's insightful last round column today and stoked at being able to witness this fistic fest, i turned to tv. alas, my skills on the computer keyboard are no match at searching through channels and decided to wait out for the results. while my wife's roast chicken was still in the turbo broiler, i indulged in some little mma reading.

boxing and mma are just of two sports that enjoy a strong following in the country, and especially in cebu where there are numerous boxing, yaw-yan or kickboxing, arnis and mma gyms and schools around metropolitan cebu. if you're a fan of at least two of these sports, it wouldn't be a surprise to you that cebu is rich not only in cultural and social history, but in the martial tradition and heritage, as well.

i had come across an interesting essay about the philippine yaw-yan foot boxing league, which caught my attention as urcc was starting to gain more and more attention and i was looking for more information about the then-fledgling domestic mma competition.

among the sports that were featured were boxing and yaw-yan -- yaw-yan being a filipino kickboxing style that has made a successful transition into mma, just as boxing had. there is one team that has had a lot of crossover success in the leading domestic mma competition.

in boxing, cebu has become the center for serious professional boxing training. the island cosmopolitan is where one of the most successful boxing gyms outside of the capital is based, and has produced many champions and boxers in both on the international and domestic level.

the success that our filipino athletes have showcased on the international stage is something we are all proud of, and do expect and look forward to continued success. personally, i believe that filipino mma athletes are very, very capable of competing in the international stage, and have done so in many mma and bjj competitions. for ufc president dana white to say that the philippines may be the first to hold the very first TUF International Series is an opportunity for the country to showcase the best of what our mma athletes.

already, the cultural exchange of martial styles has been well-received, if not in the country, here in cebu. there are two schools of brazilian jiujitsu in Cebu city, both in my home city of talisay --john acosta's gracie jiujitsu school in robinson's lawaan -- and deftac in asiatown it park.

i've been able to visit both schools and was most impressed with them. to be there personally and to see how the teachers and students interacted was a great experience and i hope to be able to enrol in a class soon -- something that many fans of the sport should one day take to enhance their knowledge and passion for the sport. who knows, it may just add to your experience of watching mma on tv and enjoying home-cooked garlic and rosemary chicken.






(penumbra: thanks, by the way, to friends, rob carin, and the sports alchemist for the donaire-montiel update!)

is it just me or does lapulapu look overweight?

moving to a new city definitely has its perks. the delightful rustic ambience of talisay city has proven to be a balm for a newly-anointed home-based writer, allowing the shedding of the more urbane proclivities and the adopting of leaner and less complicated trappings -- plus, paying a relatively high monthly mortgage (for the next 30 years) will change your perspectives somewhat.

i finally took a break from work for one short saturday to spend time with the family. it was appropriate; my wife had just come out of the hospital because of a very nasty infection due to complications from her pelvic endometriosis (benign, but nasty little buggers and right then, it was touch-and-go whether she would go under the knife or not) and she needed some fresh air, some time to strengthen her stomach muscles and boost her system with a little walk.

so we went to see lapulapu eat.

crocolandia has been around for decades. my delightful sis-in-law, janice and her hubby, quiet arn, had been there before and had told the matriarch of the family of their experience. mama ching wanted to see reptiles bigger than those sticking to our walls, and the promise of seeing a 15-foot crocodile literally explode out of the water to snap up a carcass dangled a few feet in the air was just too tempting to resist (reference at least three movies, 17 youtube vids and one wikipedia entry). it was exciting just to imagine and we couldn't wait to get there.

when we arrived and saw how puny the fences surrounding the biggest croc's pool, and the many little itty bitty cute little kids with us. like i said, we were there to see the big croc feed. the anticipation was too much to bear.

then the keeper entered lapuplapu's enclave. the crowd started whispering and waiting, anticipating a whirl of water and a sudden parting of water lilies that covered nearly the entire surface of the pool.

but nothing. one minute, two minutes, three minutes.

the guy must have been somewhat miffed as well and pulled back the pole where a large chicken carcass was attached to, and like a professional angler, whipped it over the water.

still nothing (demmet).

but then, there was a stir... a slight movement in the water. the lilies shivered. at the far end of the pool (were i was standing, incidentally), the lilies suddenly parted. i jumped back. i did not want a half-ton of reptile eager to wish me a happy new year.

but that was it. no other movement happened when suddenly, a huge knob of a nose poked out underneath the carcass as it dangled about five or four feet from the keeper, standing there at the water's edge. without any preamble, a huge head, about three feet long, rose from the water. and the leviathan rose from the depths and roared.

well, not roared as to purr loudly.

and lapulapu didn't really rise, as much as try to pull himself out of the water. oh, he was huge, make no mistake -- and frighteningly fast. fifteen feet of green skin and pure unadulterated fat -- er, muscle, is no joke!

he was huge, and just a little too pudgy around the middle.

one thing i will take away from that experience is this: lapulapu was disgustingly and embarassingly cute!

sure, the beady cunning eyes were there, taking stock of the lot of us, as the beast thought to itself, "Entree #1, entree #2, entree #3... " -- and don't forget the claws. huge easy-access dining complements! he definitely made an impression on me. i was amazed at his size, his majestic bearing, and his absolute -- fatness. i'm fat, overweight, and in dire need of exercise. lapulapu, was just... too fat.

so, after less than two minutes of seeing lapulapu gulp down two chicken carcasses, we were treated to the great reptile's impression of a rug. apart from some idiot dropping her mobile phone a few feet from lapulapu's mouth, we were looking at a contented croc; satisfied with a meal he didn't have to hunt for and enjoying the awestruck and adoring attention of tens and tens of fans that drizzling afternoon. with that, lapulapu closed his eyes and dreamed: the fence was down, he was a few hundred pounds lighter, and there was this rotund overweight bald-headed weirdo, standing stock-still in front of him, camera shaking in fear.

all was well in crocolandia again.





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on freelance writing and the jobs i take

freelance writing has been a part of my life since i left the seminary and took on a few writing jobs for tuition money and allowance. at 19, i began writing, first for a local magazine and a few classmates lazier than i with their theses and reports. it was an easy and expedient way to make money -- i had learned early on never to make the same report in the same tone and voice. from there, it became a matter of survival, a dance of counting out what was left in my pocket against the next freelance project that came along.

i remember my first writing job. it was for sun.star weekend. it was a poem about writing at the late hours of the night, of light and darkness, and of stepping away from the life of merely being a student, to a new life of being responsible for myself. it was revelatory and refreshing. and erma cuizon, literally, opened a whole new world to me. she was my genie in graying hair and reading glasses that dipped down to the tip of her refined nose. and eventually, my friendship and association with fellow writers pointed me to bigger, more lucrative freelance projects.

the thing about freelance writing is that it's always better to do when you don't have anything steady to bank on. for someone whose main source of income was a steady job, doing freelance takes more resources and time management. i am not, i confess, adept at managing my time between work, doing freelance projects and attending to household details. always, there will be one thing that will be left behind. so, when i entered the world of online writing, it was an easy and expedient for me to concentrate on my regular work, and choose my freelance tasks when my time was available and if the project was practicable.

my last two projects were serendipitous -- as half of all freelance writing projects are -- and truly enjoyable writing experiences. (i value enjoyment in freelance writing, because if it's not something i enjoy doing, i'd rather not).

the first is dimension architects. it is a young architectural firm, but it was full of vibrance, enthusiasm and dynamism. they had vibrant and realistic plans and ideas for transforming the cosmopolitan's skyline. so, when they came to me through sean lapus, and explained their need, there was no hesitation. i knew i just had to do their marketing collaterals. i like working with young, emerging companies / individuals because they are open and welcoming, not set in their ways and are forward-thinking. they will not compromise anything in their pursuit of their vision and i find that very refreshing. it's always a good idea for a writer to be in the company of people who are active and dynamic, because it adds to their own experience and breaks down preconceived notions, not just about writing, but of what to write about.

niel quisaba is a joy to work with, i've always said. he is brimming with ideas and new insights that early on, i've decided not to put a price tag on our working relationship. his insights about his art and about life, in general, just adds loads of new ideas and perpectives to how i can approach writing. it's always great to work with him.

as i continue my writing career, i've realized that freelance writing should never be about worrying about where you'd get your next meal, or getting on from paycheck to paycheck. a full-time job should take care of those necessecities. freelance work should be enjoyable, and you must take on projects that you will take pleasure in doing, and derive personal satisfaction from.





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on job security and following your dream

never in a hundred years would i have thought that i would end up doing what i love as my career and my passion: writing.

okay, forget that hyperbole for a moment and ask yourself: are you happy doing what you do at your job? in all honesty, i am. i love what i do. i can deal with the occasional boredom or mind-numbing hours staring at my pc monitor, because i love what i do.

the key to self-fulfillment is the mental masturbation you do in the things you love doing best. for me, writing never gets old. it never gets boring in long stretches. writer's block -- and admittedly, burnout -- is an occupational hazard, but an extended slump doing nothing, is never an issue.

because i love to write.

what i can get into trouble with is multi-tasking. i can't blog when i am in the thick of figuring out a productivity analysis report, or an ad campaign. i can't do freelance work if the process documentation and the the policies my fellow manager requested hasn't been put to bed -- i'm one-tracked in that sense. they say a writer is only as good as his last feature article, and i'm like that: i can't attend to my personal and freelance needs if work calls sweetly and longingly.

you can even say, i'm living my dream career.

working at an office for nearly five years changes you. it makes you build friendships and bridges (and makes you realize that the bridges you've burned before can be mended with a healthy dose of humility and a lot of foot-in-mouth apologies). it enlivens you.

and when that ends, it becomes a nightmare. on a professional level, you're stumped at what to do and where to take the next step in your career. on a social level, it is a painful process of seeing friends that have become old friends, too precious to let go, and too depressing a realization that you'll never see them again to share that pre-work coffee and cigarette.

on a personal level, it is a potential quagmire -- the dread of writer's block, or worse, an extended slump of doing no writing is fast becoming a reality i may have to deal with.

my dear friend said it best when she said that she'd rather write than be promoted to a position that gives her no opportunity to write. like i, celeste is living her dream, and we will both be leaving behind fond memories of brain-wracking ad copy and countlessly-edited process documentation and operational policies. and most importantly, treasured friendships.

i've always wondered why they called it a career -- the holding of jobs in the corporate world, in the call center, in business process, or even in politics. is it because there is no guarantee of job security, only "steps to building your career?"

in closing, doing what you love is important to building your career. what counts is that wherever your feet land, wherever your career calls you to, you are living your dream.





(now, click on the "Next Blog>>" tab so i can think up what i would write about next...)

on writing comic books and graphic novels

about two months ago, i IM-ed with an old friend (and former CannonCreek Asia colleague), louie climaco. apart from the closing of the old company, comparing compensation benefits in the writing industry, and the merits of doing freelance work versus employed writing, we drifted to comic book-writing.

about five, six-ish years ago, he and i, along with roby amor and joe raganas sat down during lunch break and started toying with the idea of working on a comic book. louie, roby and joe, were passionate about illustration and coloring, and taking the idea to the next level was the most logical thing.

then, i got offered a nice comp package by another company. joe went freelancing, following his heart and did freelance graphics for a while. roby and louie stayed at the company for a while, before it closed down.

i didn't know until later that comic book and graphic novel-making was that big in cebu city. seriously. if it wasn't for ian z. and his mad idea to start a comic book about the local music scene, i wouuldn't have known. and there are a lot -- suede monkey and his merry cohorts are a few of the local lads i've started to follow online recently.

going through their artwork, made me wonder: how will we rate against these guys? i mean, suede monkey is good. and while i'm not a graphic designer, nor an illustrator (and will often leave the "judging" to my more graphically-inclined friends), it's easy enough to see that he's got something really good going here.

the thing i like about blogger.com is that when you sign up to be a follower of a specific blog, you are given access to a lot of other things you can browse through -- not just random browsing like googling, but really following a thread that leads you to like sites. what's really great about it is the rich diversity of these sites -- you'll be able to go through so many sites but know you'll never get lost in the clicking, because they are, really, one online community based on a shared experience and medium.

so it was a fine realization for me to see that there are a lot of cebu city-based comic book artists -- some who will remain unknown till you connect the dots, and others who have gone on to fame and fortune, and have established their own online stomping grounds.

it's amazing... the things -- or people -- you discover now and then, about this little island-cosmpolitan called cebu.





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are you ready 4 PoP?

so Niel Quisaba and i got to talking about his interview with computer arts mag and it was interesting to learn from one of the madmen of digital illustration that cebu city is deeply steeped in traditional art (i.e., painting). while this is a good thing, he concedes, a lot is lost in the transition to the more popular graphic design.

graphic design in cebu city has boomed in the last five to eight years, but more so in the last few months. it's ubiquitous, omnipresent, everlasting. at least, to me, whose world revolves around a graphics design and web development company where i, alone, am the sole writer and editor of my life and the content needs of my office. friends and officemates ian diez, pykee and mike tesch are just three of the many manic movers and shakers of the local graphics design scene.

niel is one of my favorite people. he's a good friend, and a keen observer of human interaction. and he should be, being in an industry where inspiration can come from simply sitting back and listening. and one of our favorite topics is digital illustration because, you can see it in his eyes -- that it's his passion. he had been explaining the poignant story behind his new artwork, when he shares that one of the keys to his success as a digital artist was his training and background in Fine Arts. "Lahi jud kanang naa ka'y training kay makita ug ma-appreciate nimu kung asa nag-gikan ang ilang inspiration ug emotion."

so, PoP 4 is just around the corner. check niel's site for additional information. deadline for graphic designers interested in participating in this annual landmark graphic design event.









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Take 3 for PoP 3


Cebu is known for its plethora of artistic talent; its artists are known for their commitment to excellence, creativity and ingenuity. This drive for excellence inspired Niel Quisaba, one of Cebu’s artistic mavericks, to put up the Perfect on Paper exhibit, in 2007.

Since the first installation in 2007, Perfect on Paper has become a local homegrown hub for graphic artists to converge and celebrate their artistry and talent in graphic design. Tomorrow, March 14, PoP III will open at the Outpost bar, featuring the graphic design art of 68 artists based in Cebu.

Lokalpulse takes aside three of PoP 3’s participating artists to shoot the breeze.




LokalPulse: Did you guys know that Perfect on Paper is being considered as one of the premier graphic design exhibits in Cebu? Your exhibit tomorrow, tops both PoP I and II (PoP3 has 68 participating artists; while PoP1 and PoP2 had 11 and 32, respectively). As an artist, what do you think contributes to PoP’s success?
Antonio Ismael Sandiego : PoP 3 for me is a showcase of talents from Cebu's up and coming graphic artists. It is also a good way to educate people about graphic/digital designs – most people are so used to the traditional paintings , murals, and other art forms, etc. We have to show people, specially the so-called "purist-traditional" artists that this is also another medium that artist can use to do their art.
Ralph Pykee Lambaco : Sakto si Maeng, and I guess, that more and more artists are responding to the challenge of putting their art and their expressions out where it can be appreciated and taken for what it is.
Winston Cangsuco: It is seldom that graphic artists get together to do an exhibit like this – we usually have our own sites, or contribute to graphic sites, but it’s all online. Perfect on Paper is a refreshing and new way for me, and the rest of us, of presenting our designs to the appreciative public. The artists themselves, make this annual exhibit a great success.




Lokal: What inspired your art work?
Winston: My artwork was inspired through introspection. I wanted to make an artwork that projects the opposite side of me. A scary and demanding person. It’s titled “Tonto’n” short for “Tonto nga Inton.”
Maeng: It’s called “Escape” and was inspired by problematic and uninspired friend who's trying to escape from his little demons and monsters.
Pykee: My piece is called "Bibingka." Why? Well, it's simple: I know everybody loves to eat bibingka and that's the point. I want everybody to love my artwork – nevermind the innuendo. My dog inspired my piece, by the way – Hahahaha!

Lokal: There must have been someone in your growing up years that inspired you to go into graphic design…
Winston: Believe it or not, I was a sucker for Tweety Bird. Even if it took me twenty seven years to know what his gender was, he was my favorite cartoon growing because he was the easiest character to draw and the yellow crayon was always available.
Pykee: Raphael of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We have same personality back when I first started watching TV, around 5, and we both love to make trouble – Bwahahahaha!



Lokal: Any closing words, like, oh – what was you favorite song when you were five years old?
Winston: The soundtrack from the Aladdin movie, “A whole new world.”
Maeng: Ice, Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice, and Black Cat by Janet Jackson
Pykee: …. Dammit! -- I like those songs too....

They say trouble comes in threes, but not everything in threes is bad. There was Charmed, the BeeGees, and the Beastie Boys. And then, there’s Pykee, Winston and Maeng.

See you at PoP 3.



Opening: 14 March 2009, 6PM.
Close: 28 March 2009, 11PM
At: The Outpost Gallery, Cebu City, Philippines.








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Tough love waits in Sto. Domingo @ Carrera Habagat 2008



The driving force behind Habagat Outdoor, the popular brand of outdoor equipment and adventure racing gear is the passion and love for nature and care for the environment. No more, no less.

It was this passion led to the creation of Habagat Outdoor, and in 2000, the Carrera Habagat. Habagat head honcho Randy Su explains that Carrera Habagat was an apt event that celebrated the company’s passion and support for adventure racing and eco-awareness. It also became a practical laboratory of sorts, where Habagat products can be “field-tested.”

“In effect, we are practicing what we preach: It wouldn’t be Habagat if it was not built by hand and tested by nature,” smiles Randy. “The business and development of quality and innovative products for practical and outdoor use, and adventure racing simply grew out of our love for nature and the outdoors.”

Carrera Habagat is considered the country’s toughest and most grueling adventure race. It is a multi-day and multi-discipline event where teams are confronted with orienteering and navigation, cross-country running, mountain biking, paddling, climbing, as well related rope skills..

Another thrust of Carrera Habagat is the introduction and development of awareness for the environment and eco-tourism. “One of the most important things that the Carrera touches on is the appreciation for the environment and of nature. In the Carrera, the countryside becomes your ally, the sea becomes your guide, and the locals become your friends, says Nadine. “Habagat does its best to showcase the many beautiful places that may be found all over the country, not just in the more popular ones. It’s not uncommon for our participants to exclaim they never expected to see places in a particular locality or LGU, that are so beautiful, and yet unknown to anyone else.”

For the 2008 Carrera Habagat, all roads will lead Sto. Domingo, Albay. This coastal municipality faces the Pacific Ocean on the east, and the noble Mount Mayon in the northwest. Sto. Domingo is known for its rare and exotic black sand beaches, which are exactly like the ebonine beaches of the island of Hawai’i (the main island of the Hawai’i state) – sought after and famous throughout the world. This rare and magnificent beachline forms part of the Albay Gulf coastline. The locals say that this rare type of black volcanic beach sand was formed from the erosion of ground lava, and is said to have therapeutic benefits. Very small specimens of several gemstones (including ruby, sapphire, and diamond) may, in fact, be found in black sand.

This year marks the first Carrera ever to be held in Luzon – in Sto. Domingo, Albay, with its exotic magma-black sandy beaches and dreamy landscapes. Nadine Vallejos, 2008 Carrera Habagat event coordinator, says that the organizers are expecting a large field – bigger than any of the previous Carrera events. “We’ve always had a lot of teams from across the country, especially those coming from Manila and Eastern Visayas. With this year’s race being held in Sto. Domingo, Albay, we’re expecting that teams from up north won’t miss the chance to join the Carrera.” Carrera Habagat is known for fielding the best of the country’s adventure racing teams. Team Santorini and the Philippine Mount Everest Team, are just two of the team-participants who consistently sign up for each of the past Carreras, expected to sign up for this year’s race.

To know more about the 2008 Carrera Habagat, for race details, registration requirements and how to sign up, check out the Events page of the company, email the secretariat through events@habagat.com, or call or SMS through 0917.320.9298 / 0922.820.0696.

The 2008 Carrera Habagat “Isang Linggo sa Sto. Domingo” is co-presented by Habagat and the Sto. Domingo Municipality, under the auspices of Mayor Celso de los Angeles. This year’s Carrera is sponsored by T.W.O., Vertigo Wall Climbing Center, Dot Region 5, Graphicstar, Topway Intl., V12 Radgear, Pitman Apparels, Baye, Fluidsurf, Blood Red, Virginia Foods Corp., Trans Asia Shipping,
Julies’ Franchising Corp. Media sponsors are: 8Thumbs, Bite Magazine, Sun.Star Daily, Cebu Daily News, RCTV Channel 36, ABS CBN Davao and Living Asia Channel.


About Carrera Habagat

Carrera Habagat is one of the initiatives that Habagat Outdoor has instituted and held yearly on some of the most challenging environments that abound in our beautiful, island-studded country. The Carrera, as it is fondly called, is a multi-discipline, multi-day sports challenge that pits the teams with a chosen terrain in various events like orienteering and land navigation, paddling, mountain-biking, and other events with only basic navigation tools and skills given, and a tight schedule to follow from one spot to the other.

Setting up shop for an in-house ad campaign







Late this year, several key employees in our company were promoted, and responsibilities and tasks were passed on to other teams and personnel to make way for their new responsibilities. One of those fellow employees happened to be handling our in-house career ads campaign. It was fortunate for my team to receive this responsibility -- not because we're masochistic animals who delight in needless responsiblity, stress and pain. Making an ad was a genuine welcome and exciting challenge.



The copy team immediately took action. From the outset, we were faced with an immediate worry: How do we set up a team composed of members from the different deparments that would be able to deliver on the needs for an in-house ad campaign, as painless as it can possibly do this? In answering this question, we boiled down the necessities for the campaign into three specific elements: Strong identity of the concept, an awareness and close adherence to the schedule, and plain old logistics. (Please do note that this process is not the end-all and be-all for all in-house ad campaign projects that you might work with. This process, I have found, works best for our team and for our campaign.)


The Concept
Despite the initial dampener of having to set up a team for the campaign, coming up with the concept for the campaign was not a problem. It was emphasized at the start that each ad should have four characteristics: Each ad had to look polished and clearly stated its message; each ad must have a professional look and feel; each ad must embody a corporate identity or dynamic to it; and as much as possible, each ad have a little spark of fun, or spunk, in it. The main concept was to present the company as a place where people can establish firm and solid careers foundations. Our challenge was to show our "market" just that.





The Schedule
The in-house ad campaign runs for eight months (May to December) and is composed of 19 separate ads. To generate effective ads without losing momentum, these were divided into four phases, each with its own storyline and concept. The last two were where I and my team came in.

Now, what has a storyline have to do with the schedule? Everything. In the standard prose plotline, you have: One, the introduction of the character; two, the rising action, or exposition; three, the climax or the crux of the story; and finally, the denoument, or the ending (or anti-climax, to be technical about it).



Figure out your storyline. Brainstorm. Get the story straight and everyone in your team facing the same direction, and you'll be able to figure out how many ads can be made, which ad has to be the hook, etc. Once done, you can now be able to visualize the idea and get your photographer, your graphic artists, and ad copy writers moving in the right direction.


Then, you can start organizing your schedule. Since we were colloborating with an external client, we had to beat their deadline. Note that even if you are the client in this ad campaign, the classified ads people will drop your ad if you miss a deadline, and that's money you can't get back. So be prepared ahead of time, and make sure that all the people you work with for each ad know that and that any delay at their level will compound and cost you in delivery time.



The Logistics
Getting the graphic artists needed for the ad campaign was a big dilemma. While our office clearly cornered the local graphics talent pool -- no doubt about that -- they were all assigned to different teams and projects -- it would be easier to walk through broken glass than try haggling for their time. Luckily, department managers Rob and Ericson found a loophole: Graphic artists tend to shut down when faced with rote work. To cure this, they would gladly lend their resources on the condition I didn't take them away from their time. I jumped on the chance without looking back. (It's simple, really: "When they know, you'll know -- you know?" Thanks, Crush the Turtle.)

Working on an in-house ad campaign with these three elements in mind helps. But, it should be noted, however, that the team came up with these three elements knowing in advance what these elements were, and what the expectations from the campaign are. Working from the ground up -- that's a different story.


Penumbra: Thanks to my team, and to the graphic artists who worked on these ads you see in this blog post -- salamat kaayo!!!




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Penumbra: Christian Darius Zafra is the erstwhile guitarist of Sheila and the Insects and man-behind-the-scenes of Midweek Sessions, a local monthly rock show at the Outpost Cafe, and a regular scribbler on the goings-on in the local Cebuano music scene. This is an article I wrote about him in the June 2008 issue of Bite Magazine. Enjoy!

Papait ala Zafra

The key to delicious papait (or in colloquial English, savory goat innard stew) is goat bile. Without it, papait with its mélange of sweet and savory ingredients, the odd meat bits and goat parts, some herbs, a lot of ginger and spices, becomes a simple, tasteless affair.
Papait is Ian Zafra's favorite dish. But for the songwriter-slash-erstwhile axeman of SATI, the dish is more than that. Read on and know what Ian puts into that delicious bowl of steaming hot stew called his life.
BITE: Okay, first off... Situational question: You're in Boracay, clad only in board shorts, with a cold drink in your hand when suddenly, two women in skimpy bikinis come along. The first is a good friend you see everyday -- at the workplace, gym, bar, or -- whatever. The second is your childhood crush, looking every bit as the girl of your dreams, only more endowed and appealing than twenty-two years ago. Who do you say 'hello' to first?
Ian Zafra: (Takes a Johnny Bravo-esque pose and says loudly to himself) Hellooooo --- Mama! Hoo-hah!

BITE: (Laughs) Okay, seriously now. You haven't really been out of the loop, but you haven't logged in your playing time. What keeps you busy these days?
IZ: Quite a lot, actually. There's work, and there's the Midweek Sessions, too. I host the show because, basically, I can’t afford a proper host (laughs).
And I'm also working on and off with Jay Young on demos for songs I've written. Also, when I can, I'd go to pocket venues like Iamics and play my songs, just to see if audiences respond positively to them.

BITE: So, contrary to the urban myths of burnout, you're actually working on your music career?
IZ: I'll have to correct you on that bit: Playing music never felt like a career. Songwriting is one of the things I love doing. I guess I was lucky to have great band-mates to collaborate with so my songs could be made. I’m very grateful for that. In terms of my life outside performing and music-writing, I have a lot of catching up to do. But I knew I couldn't stop writing songs. What I did need was a fresh perspective and being able to do things in my own time. I really don't see this as a career. I always feel the need for a creative output. I suppose that is my benchmark.

BITE: How single-minded are you about your music and song-writing?
IZ: It's like this: I can't be faithful to a single songwriting process. It's always arbitrary and polygamous. Maybe because good tunes don't cum (sic) often. But of course, there must be a little courtship and an artful stimulation to get things heated up. Sometimes when the urge cums (sic--again), I'd like to do it in bed, in a chair, bathroom, even on the road on my way to work. Sometimes I start down there -- the melody; sometimes I'd like to work on the lips -- words. It's always important to understand that when you're aroused (inspired), there are no clear-cut policies in love making... er... songwriting. Just hammer it on -– Wham-bam!!!

BITE: Ooo-kay.. moving on... Your day job -- describe how different your music and your day job is.
IZ: Music is like meditation -- I try to speaking from the soul. I pause, sing and understand what I'm about to say before merging it together. In retrospect, my songs then are not the same as what I'm writing now. Some of my earlier stuff had that tinge of vengeance, arrogance and angst streaming through the words. I still appreciate them but that was my youth. A different perspective. I suppose it's true what they say about age... you sort of "mellow" down.
My day-job, on the other hand, is a totally different experience. It's mostly bound to the five senses. It's also very much oriented to the physical, mental, financial priorities. Most often I can't afford to be emotional about my job and the things around it. The challenge is learning to understand how to breath for both sides. Otherwise, it will tilt to one side and you drown.

BITE: What keeps making your life more flavorful from day to day?
IZ: I'm a workaholic, so I like to take my time and appreciate the little things in life. Like, I would spend about an hour and a half -- maybe even more -- getting ready for work. I love to slack off before going to work. Work can be stressful and you'll never know what hits you that day. I don't like the idea of making haste. Haste makes waste. Sometimes it's necessary and inevitable but when it becomes a habit, it's never good.
Also, I write songs, do sketches, draft blog entries for my Midweek Sessions and Indieology webpages, and read books. I like to keep in touch with people, posting 'Joke Of The Day' in YM, and I especially love getting emails from friends in the local music scene. Weekends are always for family. I love my family very much.

BITE: And you're still actively engaged in writing music -- or is it an on-and-off thing?
IZ: I'm actively looking for time to write music, if that's what you mean. But the most trying part of it these days is the schedule. It can be very challenging when you have to learn and relearn how to switch between moods and modes versus tick-tock-tick-tock. There are only 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week. The discipline required between the band and my other priorities can be very demanding. I just had to realign my priorities.

BITE: What sounds better with papait: Steamed long-grain rice (from the caldero), or puso (hanging rice)?
IZ: Rice is best. I can eat papait for every meal of the entire day -- even for the entire week. The only best chef I know for this dish is my uncle Bob.

Like papaitan, things need to simmer for a time before they're ready to serve. Ian says that, music-wise, he'd like to perform again, but states that before that happens, he'd like take time to let things in his life happen naturally and enjoy what he's doing – Midweek Sessions, work and songwriting; taking an hour or two to get ready for work; and taking the weekends off for family time. To take a page out of Ian Z.'s book: With the right mix, and ample time, the papait you'll stew won't just warm your belly, it will feed your soul.

(Note: No goats were harmed in the process of writing this article, nor were any trolls, or bridges involved.)

Penumbra: Thanks to Bite Magazine for the photo!

Penumbra: This little ditty came out in Bite Magazine's May 2008 issue. ENJOY!

Bulate_69 vs Paborito


Online gaming is so popular in the Philippines, covering all forms of sport ever imagined – from realistic military operations, to surreal sci-fi settings, historic arena games, and the hugely popular fantasy genre. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if you’ll find gamers of every size and demographic, hunkering down and doodling away, creating their own versions of online gaming characters.

What’s exciting for these would-be character designers is Mojizu.com. Self-styled as a “contemporary character design community,” Mojizu.com is an online portal for artists and enthusiasts to see their original character creations posted online.
But it goes further than the simple posting of your character design art. The big difference between Mojizu.com and online sharing, and social networking sites, is that it is also an online community of artists, character designers and fans from around the world, who view, read up on character profiles, and vote on their choice of characters.

Relatively new, Mojizu.com’s objective is the development and nurturing of an online community of artists and art fans, where the former may showcase their character art globally. The site is very user-centric, and derives most of its traffic from artists and character art enthusiasts who visit the site to post, or vote, or view the regular Mojizu wars – a voting-based competition between uploaded original character designs. In Mojizu.com, the character that you design is called a Moji. It can human, animal – or a combination of both. It could also be mechanical, fantastic, or something only your mom would try to love and understand. You may design your Moji characters digitally, or by hand. In the meantime, the MojiWar feature is currently under development, but essentially, the most popular Moji character advances to the next level, until there is a grand winner. The grand winner receives special prizes and recognition on the home page of Mojizu.com.

To start, all you need to do is visit Mojizu.com. Registration is free; for added features, a special subscription package is offered that provides other benefits like unlimited Moji submissions, unlimited downloads of Moji art and ad-free surfing. Regular registered users may submit up to ten Moji character designs per month, while subscribers can upload an unlimited number of Moji’s. The site also offers financial benefits to its users through merchandise tie-ups.

A lot of artists from Cebu have joined the site and find it both refreshing and welcoming. Local graphic artist, Aji Mechilina (Moji profile name: bulate_69), whose interests range from air-brush, web, industrial and graphic design, says that Mojizu.com is a great way to showcase character art, and in particular, the talent and skill of graphic artists. “It’s not limiting at all,” says Mechilina. “Pwede kang gumawa ng maraming character at i-post sa site tapos i-rate ng mga online viewers ang MOJI mo or katong character mo, to see how people like your art. It’s fun and I’m happy na may nag rate sa character ko na si Demonyito.” Mechilina has also created two other characters, Angel and Purplegirl.

Will other budding online gamers, doodling away at paper napkins in coffeeshops, or at the comfort of their home office pc, take Mojizu.com as the next step? With enough experience points and HP, anything can happen.

Setting Up Shop with MyMarket.Ph


No more registering new accounts, no more logging in --- all you need to do if you've got something to sell is to have a verifiable and legitimate email address. New ads directory site, Mymarket.ph, is getting the goods and services to the market in a safe, yet hassle-free way.

By getting advertisers online as economically and easily as possible, Mymarket.ph allows its users to be able to market their products and services as quickly as pushing the "Post" button.

And it is this quick and easy ad-posting access that gives Mymarket.ph an edge over other existing sites --- these sites usually which require advertisers and prospective buyers to register member-accounts, and other site restrictions before they can start doing business online.

Mymarket.ph, literally cuts through that "waiting" period, and gives its users a free hand in posting their goods and services.

According to Cherry Dungog, owner of Mymarket.Ph, while there are a lot of sites that offer similar services, "a lot of sites can be limiting. What I wanted to do was allow people to be able to shop around, look for something that they may need, and be able to get it as soon as they want to. What is important to us is providing a venue for people to conduct business, be it selling products, or even offer job opportunities."

The site not only caters to Cebuanos, but to other customers around the country. Dungog adds that eventually, Mymarket.ph would be going global, allowing users from around the world to post ads, and shop for products and services in their localities.

To post your ad for an item, a service, or a job offer, all you need to do is:

1) Click on your regional location;
2) Click on the "Post an Ad" button, then enter the needed information (adding a picture is encouraged), and you're all set.
NOTE: You will need a legitimate email address for verification purposes and contact.

Registering to an account, logging in to post your ads, and going through other account-specific guidelines is a thing of the past. Mymarket.Ph brings the market to you fresh and sound.

Mymarket.Ph was launched in January of this year, and has quickly gained a following, for the easy access and the wide reach that it provides.

“BANTAWAN SA BATHALAD” features Poet Gerard Pareja



A little less than three years ago, a band of wordsmiths, verse-fiends and storytellers found this nook of a place called Kahayag Café. They found it suitable conversation, the sharing of dribbles and oodles of words that poured forth from random musings and politically incorrect conjecture. Thus, was born, “Bantawan sa Bathalad.”


“Bantawan” is monthly poetry reading activity that features the oral form of the works of Cebuano writers and poets of the Bathalad, or “Bathalad-ong Halad sa Dagang” (Divine Gift of the Quill). It is a venue for the expression of the Cebuano language, and aims to usher renaissance of Cebuano literature, and nurture appreciation of Cebuano language. Local writers and people in the audience are always invited to read their original poetry during the session. A few months earlier, “Bantawan” began featuring the “Poet of the Month.” This new feature added opportunities for audience members and other writers to discuss the Poet’s works and voice their opinions about them. It broke ground beginning with Cebuano poets Bambi Beltran, Vince Cinches and Kaira Zoe Alburo. For June, "Bantawan" will be featuring the works of poet-photographer Gerard Pareja.

Bathalad is helmed by notable Cebuano writers Michael Obenieta, Januar Yap, Jeremiah Bondoc, Greg Fernandez and Josua Cabrera. “Bantawan sa Bathalad” will be featured at the Tapas Lounge, at the Crossroads, in Banilad, this Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at 8PM. This will be a temporary arrangement as their home of many readings, Kahayag Café, closed down late last month. Cabrera says the Bathalad is eyeing a few venues and hope one may be receptive to sponsoring a spot for this merry band of wordsmiths. ArtCebu is also sponsoring this month’s reading as Bathalad is in the thick of searching for a new home.

A little less than three years ago, a band of wordsmiths, verse-fiends and storytellers founded monthly event that celebrated the Cebuano language, and featured the works of local writers. Since then, the “Bantawan” has become part of local fare, entrancing audiences with the Cebuano spoken word, inviting them to beguile and be beguiled by the sharing of verses written in a language that both strange and alluring, as it is very much their birthright.






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Stagecrew makes studio time for "Dreamland"



The pop-alternative band, Stagecrew, has been together since 1997. The band is based in the Cebu City, Philippines and is popular in the Visayas, especially in the Leyte-Samar region, where their new hit single, “Kapiling Na,” has gained a massive following. They are especially known for their energetic live performances, as well as their rapport with audiences.

Stagecrew’s stint in Manila between 2001 and 2004 added experience and maturity to their music. The trip gave them exposure to the music and entertainment industry, where they guested in television shows and live events. Stagecrew was also able to launch their self-titled debut album. Some of their songs have been included in a few original movie and television show soundtracks such as “Jologs,” “Bituin,” and the Pinoy Big Brother edition.

Formed ten years ago, Stagecrew was composed by Rommel Tuico, Jason Dacua, and George Castro, Jr. Joel Gabucan and Edward Ceballos were playing for their own bands before joining the trio. Their first months together were marked by their disagreements over musical preferences that Tuico subscribes to as birthing pains.

Fortunately, they were able to find their groove and Stagecrew has been playing sweet music ever since. Dacua says that it was mainly being high school buddies and friends that kept their egos in check (and keeping the band together). Playing and keeping their musical chemistry came in second.

The band has regular gigs at Ratsky’s resto-bar and Sunflower City bar. The band is popular on the live performance circuit, playing regular events like SMB’s “Sarap Magbabad” concert series. Stagecrew is also favorite guest at local televisions shows and is featured regularly at local variety shows such as GMA 7 Cebu’s “Oi!” variety show. Their influences are varied; from reggae music, hard rock, popular music, and romance ballads. Their repertoire is equally determined by the venue and event that they play at. Stagecrew’s repertoire covers songs by favorite bands like U2, Keane, Coldplay, The Police, REM, Sublime, Big Mountain and Sting. Not content to just sit on their success, Stagecrew expanded their repertoire by including original songs.

Stagecrew is currently logging time in the studio. The band is currently working on their second album and has finished laying down the tracks for ten original compositions (Five in English, and five in Tagalog). Already, “Kapiling Na,” the carrier single of “Dreamland,” is getting heavy circulation in Eastern Visayas and in Cebu City and has in fact, begun making rounds online via Youtube.com.

Ten years in the making, ladies and gentlemen, on center stage… Stagecrew!


Stagecrew is:
Rommel Tuico (Lead Vocals)
Jason Dacua (Keyboards/vocals)
George Castro, Jr. (Drummer)
Joel Gabucan (Bassist/vocals)
Edward Ceballos (Guitarist/vocals)

Notable Singles
“Next in line” – Afterimage cover that became part of the “Jologs” OST and the Pinoy Big Brother reality show soundtrack
“Cinderella” – Along with “Next in line” was used in the Pinoy Big Brother OST album
“Alam ko di ako, okay lang” – Entry for Himig Handog 2003, interpreted by Bayani Agbayani
“Ulan” – penned by Rommel Tuico for all-male band Cueshe

Albums
Stagecrew (self-titled)
Dreamland (in production)

Repertoire includes music from:
U2, Keane, Coldplay, The Police, REM, Sublime, among others.

Notable Appearances
“Jologs” movie, as the house band
"Bituin" TV series, as the lead character, Melody Sandoval's, band.
“Oi!” GMA 7 Cebu variety show, as regular guest band.

Awards and Nominations
1997 DYRT Artist of the Year
Best Jingle, SMB Jingle Contest 2000
Artist of the Year, Cebu FAME Awards




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WHEN BARDS BAND TOGETHER, WHAT SONGS DO THEY SING?


   When bards of old --- wandering musicians and poets --- were wont to gather, what tales did they weave? What stories would they share about their travels? In this same vein, Powerhouse Entertainment and BisayaOnline.net are bringing some of local music’s wandering bards to tell their music tales and misadventures.



   According to IndieCultureOnline, co-presentor of, "Banded," this unique Lola Basyang-esque event happening at the Handuraw Events Café, this Saturday, March 31, 2007, some of the bands taking turn at telling their tales are Silhouette, Cold Transfer, Indephums, UNO, One Man Down, Ruined, Glass of Dirt, Missing Filemon, Balde Ni Allan, Aggressive Audio, Xephra Project, and Zarah Smith Band.


   Also taking their turn at the helm are members of the seminal RockEd Philippines volunteer group.


   Read up on the full ICO story now.





Penumbra:
      Many thanks to Ian Z. of ICO, for the info!

Bringing the “Island Riddim” to the Island-Cosmopolitan

March ushers in proms, grad balls, final exams, and the onset of summer, to this small island-cosmopolitan of Cebu. To urban Cebuanos who have done their academic dues, March is more notable for being the unofficial month of reggae. It is the month when pocket concerts are held in honor of that rastafarian prophet and reggae statesman, Robert Nesta Marley.

This year, a tribute in his honor will be bringing the “island riddim” to the island-cosmopolitan dubbed, “High Noon on the road to Mout Zion.” This event will begin at high noon, no less, and will open with a reggae bazaar, with an assortment of activities and booths toting reggae-themed items and accessories.

This year’s tribute event will feature many of Cebu's foremost reggae bands, like, Junior Kilat, Urbal, Skunky Muggles, Island Joe, Coolie Dread and the Microphone Commanders, Crown Royale, Bambu Spliff, Skankin' Brew, Potent Bush, Domestic Grass, Powerspoonz, Paskanin, Big Marvin and D'Wigiws, Toy Souljahs, No Parking Anytime, and Santing Scalawags, and more!

To add spice to the reggae brew three non-Cebu based three reggae bands have been invited, namely, Reggae Mistress, Milagros Dancehall Collective and the much-loved Enchi.

Check out the event details below and I’ll see you at the festival!

"HIGH NOON ON THE ROAD TO ZION"
The 12th Tribute to BOB MARLEY
12Noon, March 24, 2007
At the Paseo Mall, Panagdait,
Mabolo, Cebu City, Philippines.




Penumbra:
Thank you to Wikipedia for the photos used in this entry
(despite the lack of permission, thank you kaayo)

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October to February: There and back again.

Feel-good February

For a month steeped in romance and commercial pandering to the heartstrings of every person deeply in love, I was more caught with preparing for PODD Corp’s 2nd anniversary, more than anything.

The PODD @ 2 anniversary party was it for me, as February was concerned. It was a great party and the PODD Digital Art Contest was the best way to say, “Happy Birthday!” The venue was great, the spread was delectable and the finalists outdid themselves with their entries. (Mitch Tedor and Ian Zafra’s exclusive on winner, Luke Tornilla, in an earlier entry). And although, we weren’t able to finish out the production as much as we hoped and expected it to turn out, but shit does happen even to good guys --- damn that Murphy’s Law!

But I wasn’t completely out of it, celebrating Valentine’s and all. At the start of the day, Joyce and I had a romantic brunch, and I bought her chocolates and books on --- what else? Historical romance.


Here ends this five-month sojourn. More stories to come about Cebu and the beat of this island-cosmopolitan's thriving cityscape.

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October to February: There and back again.

January: Sinulog, Fiery Pigs, Pinnipig, Midweek Session and Perfect on Paper.

January heralded the year of the Fiery Pig. PODD Corp marked its second year, with a digital art contest open to college students. Luke Tornilla, of UP Cebu, won the first prize of this inaugural digital art contest.

January was also auspicious for three things: The Sinulog Video-Docu Contest, Pinnipig and the Midweek sessions. Clee Villasor, my erstwhile cohort at itzamatch.com, contacted me to do consulting work on his script. The piece came in 8th place (I think). Not bad, for a first-time director and screenwriter. Kudos, Clee!

Niel Quisaba and Ian Zafra, are probably two of most artistic and hardworking people I know, and the idea of them joining forces to form an online store just blew me away. In fact, I think it blew the two of them away, too. Pinnipig.com, their joint online effort into promoting Niel’s artwork, became so popular that, within a month of its birth, the site crashed because its bandwidth limit was exceeded. Peejay, another friend on mine, told me that bandwidths are only exceeded if your site has had too many users clicking and trying to access your site, or if you’ve exceeded your weight index two times over. Which is quite an achievement for a young online store like pinnipig.com. Kudos, Niel and Ian, to your success!

Another digital delight was last January 17’s Perfect on Paper, skippered by Niel Q., this group exhibit featured the digital artwork of Cebuano graphic artists such as Rocky Barria, Palot Umali, and Leo Guevara, among others. Watch out for these individuals because they’re more than just perfect on paper.

Segue to music and then some... In the early 2000s, a small, albeit inocuous band-space, called Midweek Sessions was created at the now-dead-and-revered Artist Dais music bar. It was a weekly gig that featured local artists who wrote and sang their own material. Many local music aficionados and fence-sitters tried to dissuade the trio of Eimer Tabasa, Fern Villaflor, and Ian Zafra that gathering a horde of mostly young bands together to play their original material may look great on paper, it may just be a pretext to a very flat note. Unfazed, the trio approached Edwin Asis of Artist Dais. The rest, as they are fond of quoting, is history.

Midweek Sessions made its comeback last Feb 28, Wednesday, at the Outpost, in Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu city. Indie freshmen, The Line Divides, and local pop-chartbusters, Missing Filemon opened the relaunch.









Penumbra: Next “Feel-good February”

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October to February: There and back again.

Samal Christmas holiday and Poker de Pamilya

I spent my holidays with the in-laws in Davao. Three whole days of sun, sun and more sun. We started with a boat ride to Cagayan de Oro, followed by a grueling 6-hour road trip to Davao, where temperatures raced from noontime-hot, to midnight-deathly cold. I wouldn’t want to be stranded in Buda, at 3AM in the morning, that’s for sure.



Davao, is by far, the biggest city I’ve been to. From my cousin-in-law’s place, to the commercial district was something like 45 minutes to an hour, in early morning traffic, which is a bit longer than I’d expect, coming from an island-city that Davao city’s port could probably swallow up, and still have enough space to include Barangay Punta Prinsesa. I wouldn’t want to be caught in mid-hour jams there, that’s for sure!


But I enjoyed Davao. Very likey! And Samal Island was great! For want of a better comparison, it was like Malapascua. Same travel bumps going there, but very, very, very much like Malapascua. (I want to go back there!)


Christmas was also a time for me to strengthen family ties, renew bonds of friendship, cuddly with my wifey, Joyce, and play home poker games --- what else?



It was fun at first, then, the kids got better and better. Negreanu, Lederer, Hansen and Esfandiari, you better hold on to your winnings because when these Tan kids come of age, they’ll be sweeping the tables clean!



Penumbra: Next “January: Sinulog, Fiery Pigs, Pinnipig, Midweek Session and Perfect on Paper.”

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