"Akas"

A freelance cartoon character work for a local client. They named this character "Akas" which means photographer in Arabic. This will be used in all the merchandising and promotional materials of "Photographya" a photography and event management company based here in Abu Dhabi. This is specially done for their children's line named "Babygraphya."

This is one example of the "quickbucks" Filipino illustrators abroad do in time of immediate need or sometimes just for the heck of practicing their craft and at the same time earning from it. Business and pleasure...(Yes Ma'am, it's my pleasure to illustrate this character for you...$$$$). Haha!

(One more thing, it was my own Art Director who asked and referred me to this client. "Keep your friends close, your enemies closer." Double Haha!)

Software: Adobe Illustrator CS2

See You Again Nar...

Guhit Pinoy Dubai

Guhit Pinoy Dubai had their first activity last Friday, June 15, 2007 at Dome Cafe - Reef Mall, Deira, Dubai.

The meeting was basically a "brainstorming session" so the guests were gathered by invitation only. It was attended by artists from various fields of expertise: painting, sculpture, 3D-design, illustration, comics art and even tatooing.

There was also the presence of a PR Coordinator as a support group that would eventually help GP-Dubai in its future media exposure and event organization.

Many issues were discussed like membership, participation, contribution etc., and everyone had his own bits of wisdom shared. At the end, all the participants pledged their allegiance to the "Jedi Council." As of now we can formally say that Guhit Pinoy DUBAI is existing and so far has seven members.

The next meeting of GP-Dubai will be held next month and hopefully with an increased number of participants. From here we will choose who will be worthy of being called a Jedi, and announce the founding members of the organization.

Darwin's Devolution

"The reason why the "law of the jungle" is the common conduct applied in our society is because we were taught to believe... that we evolved from apes." - Turda

Charles Darwin's admission of the fallacy of his Evolution Theory .

"If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down" (Charles Darwin, Origin of Species, New York University Press, 6th ed., 1988, p. l54).

Not one change of species into another is on record. we cannot prove that a single species has been changed" (Charles Darwin, My Life & Letters).

Even with these confessions, I just find it amazing why people continue to believe this myth. It is even more painful to know that it is still being taught to children in our major educational institutions. What a pity.

Spiderman and Hulk in Dubai

Dubai is known for the biggest, the tallest and the first. Here is another one that will add to that list. However, this is something special for comics enthusiasts, lovers of the tight wearing, masked or bold crusaders of the Marvel world... A Marvel theme park in Dubai. A first ever in the Middle East. It will be located in Dubailand, a sprawling 3 billion square feet of recreational heaven. It will have 7 theme parks including the Dubai Snowdome and Dinosaur Park.

Read the rest of the story at the official Marvel site.

"Marvel theme park in Dubai"
Source: Marvel Entertainment, Inc. March 20, 2007

"United Arab Emirate-based Al Ahli Group and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. announced today a partnership that will bring Marvel's full library of Super Heroes -- including Spider-Man, Iron Man, The X-Men, Incredible Hulk, The Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer -- to Dubai for a major new theme park destination being developed by AAG. The development is in line with the vision set by HH Shk. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, through his innovative entertainment and hospitality driven expansion projects for Dubai and the UAE."

May GuhitPinoy be with you...

Yesterday, at last I was able to join Guhit Pinoy's Drawing Board (GPDB-Message Board) after several attempts and man, I had a wonderful time.

Guhit Pinoy DB is a Filipino creative community message board put up and initiated by no other than Edbon Sevilleno and Val Pabulos, Saudi-based veteran illustrators, and the other members of Guhit Pinoy organization in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

For more of Guhit Pinoy visit their site at...http://guhitpinoykomiks.blogspot.com/

According to them, they are currently organizing Guhit Pinoy in the Philippines and in the United States. The indefatigable Randy Valiente was tapped to form the Manila-based group while the acclaimed Mr Dell Barras will lead the troops in the land of milk and honey. Guhit Pinoy China is also in the works with Gil Arceo and Romi Lizada heading it, I think...

The GPDB initiates you by becoming a new jedi, and as you grow in the community and learn the way of the masters you become a full-pledged (master) jedi yourself. Cool simile, eh?

What's more interesting in this message board are the works posted by the "Jedis" as they call themselves. Man, their illustrations are really inspiring especially to the young generation of artists. Old school, traditional, call it whatever you want but they are definitely "the works," in the real sense of it. You will learn a lot just by looking at how these artists approach each illustration and draw the human figure. They even have threads for tutorials and easy to learn tips in drawing human anatomy, posted by Mr Edbon himself. One guy from Turkey even joined just to learn the basics. Young artists who are new in the industry are not only educated but are also inspired by the commentaries and criticisms contributed by the veteran professionals.

Another good thing about this site is the variety of expertise the members have. They have 3d Artists, Comics Creators, Animators, Storyboard Artists, Manga Illustrators, Sculptors etc., They are into different interests: fantasy, Conan, 3d models, Manga and many more.

This only shows how versatile the Filipino artists are. It also proves that wherever we go our talent and skill as a creative people are respected and recognized. This effort by our fellows in Saudi Arabia likewise impart a traditional Filipino trait of "Bayanihan." Helping each other for a common good, and that is particularly to help and share knowledge in the arts.

I urge each Filipino artists then, especially the OFWs to join this "caravan," and lend a hand in continuing this quest.

Let the powers of this world give me the strength to follow too.
May the force be with you!"