HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! CONGRATULATIONS BARCA!!!

Yesterday, 27th of May will be one of the most memorable.

It was the day FC Barcelona made history by completing the "treble" (Triple or Grand Slam) a rare feat, only four teams have actually done this winning the Spanish Cup, Spanish League and yesterday the Champion's League. Not to mention they are the first Spanish team to pull this off. What's more awesome was that they did it against a very formidable foe, Manchester United who by the way is the defending champion, holder of the last "treble" accomplishment (1999), this year's Premier League Champions and considered right now to be the BEST football team in the world.

What's more interesting is that Barca won all these championship games in a span of 2 weeks. Showing consistency and desire for winning as a team and exposes the leadership and the motivational skills of their coach, Coach Josep Guardiola, who is only in his first season for Barca.

But more than Barca's rare feat yesterday..., it was actually my Father's birthday. My Dad is not a football fan..., 'cause it bores him to death. However, it gave me a good reason to rejoice his day even where far from each other. While he's in Manila celebrating another God-given year..., I am here in Abu Dhabi reveling the victory of my favorite football team. A toast to you Dad on your 61st birthday and a salute to Coach Guardiola, Messi, Eto'o, Henry and the rest of BARCA..., BARCA..., BARCA!!!

Artist of the Month: FRANK FRAZETTA

Frank Frazetta is an icon.

I believe that no single moment could have passed, to most Filipino illustrators at my age and the generations that are ahead of us, without thinking or have been somewhat inspired by the fantasy world created by Frank Frazetta.

I remember the times when the Internet was still alien to me, that I would scamper in bookstores, cut out magazines and wait for Xerox copies my Father would print, just to lay my eyes in Frazetta's works. But now a click of the mouse would lead you to a number of sites that feature his works and would make you appreciate what genius this artist has.

Known for his depiction of the characters Conan and Death Dealer he stamped his mark in the industry that it was like all portrayals of these barbaric figures in movies, TV, comics etc., should be based in what he has created. His paintings literally grab you and make you shudder in horror, as if your waiting for the next sword that would cut you and worst hack your head to God knows where.

There are lots of artists influenced by Frazetta and there are tons more who copied, imitated and based their style in his works, like Simon Bisley and Boris Vallejo, but no one comes close to the rugged beauty and heroic style of his fantasy art.

His mark will forever be ingrained to artists like me and his style will always be an inspiration. A classic, epic painting style that only he can fashion. Truly a mark of an ICON.

BYAHE TAYO!!!

Let me share this nice video and song promoted by the Philippine Department of Tourism entitled "Byahe Tayo." I don't know if the English translation would be "Let's Travel," but that's the closest meaning I could think of.

This video was done long ago, well not that long but for sure I was not in Manila anymore when this came out. (2005 maybe?) I've been an OFW for almost 5 years already..., and stuffs like this pumps me up especially when the month of June comes near. I saw a newer version by one of the most famous lady singers from a big Philippine TV Network but what I like better about the old one is the effort of putting well known Filipino artists together in one inspiring video. It even featured the late rapper Francis M doing what he does best.

It's nice to see the beautiful side of our country from time to time. This is one of the things that makes us OFWs sane and in believing that there is still hope for our motherland.

It's flashback time and also my first time to upload a video here in blogger... so enjoy!

KOMIKON 2009 "SUMMER FIESTA"

Time Of Humanity

Ngayong araw na pong ito gaganapin ang one-man exhibit ni Darwin "Japat" Guevarra, bise-presidente at isa sa mga founding member ng GuhitPinoy UAE, sa Tashkeel Gallery, Dubai. Pinamagatang "Time of Humanity" ang exhibit na ito at iso-showcase niya ang mahigit 40 artworks na may iba't-ibang rendition ng central theme which is about 'TIME.' Ito rin marahil ay continuation ng kanyang style at subject ("System of Humanity"; see photo below) na ipinanalo niya sa nakaraang Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award na kung saan nakamit niya ang Grand Prize.

Japat is continuously making his mark in the Dubai art scene making him one of only a few Filipino Artists given a chance to have a solo exhibit in one of the prime art galleries in the UAE. Japat and his works have been featured in different publications here in the Emirates and one of the recent was a documentary being made by artist and film maker Katy Chang.

Aside from spearheading GuhitPinoy UAE in Dubai, Japat will soon be busy sharing his creative skills as he was chosen to teach photography in one of the clubs supported by the Philippine Consulate in Dubai.