santomon's name

Merry Christmas everyone!

2011-12-24T22:20:00.001+08:00

My new blog for all my artworks and commissions

2011-12-09T18:50:00.001+08:00

gilbertmonsantoartcabinet.blogspot.com

Why most independent komiks in the Philippines only sell their stuff during local conventions?

2010-12-15T22:37:00.000+08:00

Why most independent komiks in the Philippines only sell their stuff during local conventions?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 8:05:40 AM | Gilbert Monsanto
This question was raise as a reaction to the recently concluded KOMIKON 2010 event.

(originally posted as a note on my facebook.)

Answer:

Having your title available to bookstores and other retail store is not an easy task :)

Reasons:

1.) Setting up legal stuffs (dti, issn,business permit and some more.) - needs money to spend.

2.) consignment fees- it varies but the the highest still is from NBS(40-50%) half of all your hard work essentially.

3.) footwork- good luck sending them to all the branches. Fare alone getting there will cost you a fortune. And because it is consignment, you have to return and get all the unsold copies.

I am doing this believe me, up to now. I still can't solve the distribution problem.

The real dilemma is that after all these things considered,I think the price tag on our comics should be 4 to 5 times more than we offer at the conventions. Who would buy comics if we do that? That is mainly the reason we need these events

If anyone can help us, Please do.

How about editors for independent komiks in the Philippines?

2010-12-15T22:35:00.000+08:00

How about editors for independent komiks in the Philippines?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010, 3:21:18 PM | Gilbert Monsanto

(originally posted on my note on my facebook.)

Okay this might be a sensitive topic. This is another question raised at the local conventions here in the Philippines.

What are the roles of an editor in komiks?

-If working for a publisher, an editor does a lot of essencial tasks to finish a book including:

a.) concept of a title or what should be inside a title. The decide what is allowed to print or not to print.

b.) follow ups the creative crew, timing is very important. They usual talk to all the people involved in a project.

c.) proofreading. Corrections corrections, corrections before going to print.

There are more but let's just minimize all these shall we? In short he is the manager and boss to most comic titles. A lot of responsibilities but someone has to do it.

There was a time, when I was working as a contributor for GASI,Sonic Triangle and Infinity Inc. A fellow contrbutor had a fight with an editor and decided to talk to publisher about it. The publisher just said. " you know? the reason I have editors is to avoid having talks with you guys. I trust them, so just deal with it."

Artists can learn alot from them, they might not be artists, some are writers and they have a lot of practice looking at details and basically see things creators tends to ignore. I personally learned alot from my editors, I thank them now for giving me the opportunity to work with them.

Now, editors for independent komiks? This might not work the same. Since the owner/publisher of a title is the creators. The roles are somewhat reversed. The last say will be the creator's. Who would want to be an editor with this kind of set up?

I often heard stories of people offering to edit works to some indie creators. " what the f--! he wanted me to change this and that and that, I created this! I know better!." Not a good scene huh? I think that having editors is still a must in order for us to minimize mistakes. The problem was that the creator I mentioned earlier came to another creator with another title of his own. Thus, ineffective.

This is now being avoided by selecting carefully new breeds of editors, collaborators. People who are willing to help and in exchange be helped as well. There are no bosses, just friendly advises.

I am very much in need of these new heroes, I usually have difficulty seeing my mistakes, especially since I am so focused on other details. My editors are there to tell me exactly what I needed to hear and saves the day. The last say is usually mine as a creator but because they are there, mistakes I'd say has been to a minimal.

I am thankful for them.

-Gilbert Monsanto

TEACHING COMICS " ARE SCHOOLS REALLY READY FOR THIS?"

2010-12-15T22:33:00.001+08:00

TEACHING COMICS " ARE SCHOOLS REALLY READY FOR THIS?"
Wednesday, November 24, 2010, 3:15:01 PM | Gilbert Monsanto

(originally posted on my note on facebook.)

People have always asked me different questions regarding comic schools. Do you still teach? Can you teach me? Where did you learn how to do comics? Nagfine arts ka ba? and sometimes it gets silly, but this questions are serious ones.

I had the privilege to be Whilce's chief instructor for his school a few years ago. For three years I have encountered very talented people through this experience, some of them are now well respected names in the business. When Whilce moved out of the country, the school stopped. PWU-LEARN offered me to continue the school but without Whilce, it won't be a Whilce Portacio's comic course. I had to turn them down.

What is it like to teach comics? It was different in all aspect of the word. I'll try to explain why I feel it would be hard for regular schools to actually turn this and turn it into a complete course.

When I started creating comics for a living. I've always wondered why there was no comic making classes in school. I think I know the answer now and this is just one point of the why? This profession was not viewed as a well paying job. There in an industry at the time but it aint high profile. Komiks was known to be the lowest form of entertainment at the time. Unlike top career choices like architectures and such. Anyone can just come in and try komiks, we don't need a degree, just great drawing skills. They called us contributors, we get paid by the piece without royalties and everything else. We are by the way respected by our readers. That was our happiness. That is one reason, there was no need for such classes in school.

Anyways, as for training? We are instructed to go to the artist's ummm lobby near the restroom. There we watch the regulars do their magic. We learn doing that, talking to them helps a lot also. That is where the learning starts. Knowing the dos and don'ts, what the publisher's needs and what you need to deliver, handle deadlines and of course if you can't do it the way they like it? You can't get a script, without a script? Nothing to draw, no money to collect. That was school for us.

Now, it is another story too different from the past. Now, more and more people are getting paid better. Pinoy comic creators are now well-known outside the country. With this comes a new level of respect and a new kind of discipline. This is the new image of comic makers, and you don't know how they do things? Well, it gets harder to break into comics. This is why I think, there seems to be a need to have comic book courses in schools.

I still think, that there is no mathematical formula to succeed in comics. Just determination, skills and a little bit of luck. Komiks is not an organized kind of learning. It is not like counting from one to a hundred or a to z. A student can come in gifted and gets side tracked to other stuffs he'd rather do, or another can start only able to daw a simple apple then after a while becomes the best there is. Learning comics is not just a skill, it is about talent. In fact, I'd say I learned a lot from my students before. I had the experience to pick up new tricks. They are usually afraid to make mistakes. I told them that sometimes? The mistakes we make are the styles we invent, styles that can make you famous.

So what do I think of a degree holding comic artists of the future? I bet it still won't matter. Learning is an experience, and for comics? It never ends.

The truth is, I can only offer to show you ways to create comics, I can encourage you to try things that you might feel is right for you. It can not be forced fed. The real teacher in fact, is yourself.

Happy learning guys!

WHY PINOY KOMIKS ARE MUCH CHEAPER THAN WHAT PEOPLE THINK.

2010-12-15T22:29:00.001+08:00

WHY PINOY KOMIKS ARE MUCH CHEAPER THAN WHAT PEOPLE THINK.by Gilbert Monsanto on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 7:33am (originally from my note on facebook)

A guy asked me how much is a copy of my comicbook. I said, sixty pesos only. He'd go, ang mahal na ng komiks ngayon no? He is not alone in thinking that Pinoy komiks nowadays are expensive. A few months ago I received an email, a guy was insisting that komiks should be priced cheaper, ten pesos even less. He said that's how low he can afford it to be. I told him, we can do that but we have to time travel back to 1996 then. Because today, it is just not possible... at all.

Let me try and explain why this is so. Imagine you are an independent creator. You'll be needing things for you to produce your very own comic book:

Content- This is basically everything you'll be putting inside your title. From cover to back cover.

-Cover art

-articles, editorial page and such.

-interior pages

(around 36 pages standard numbers of pages including cover.)

Printing- reproducing the actual books.

and you are ready.

-photocopy (let's start small)

Okay, so let's start the computations then. If you intend to print just a plain one color book using photocopies. Then That's easy. 1.50 per face. 36 pages divided by 4 (2face) =9 x 3.00= 27.00

If you like the colored cover version. I think the cover is already like 15pesos per face ad that to 24 pesos, equals 39.00

From here you'd think nice, I can sell that for 60 bucks and maybe I can earn a profit.

But wait, we are forgetting something here. Can you guess? Yup. It is the production cost. Yes, the author and the artist is the seller yes. But does it mean, what he wrote and drew is for freeeeee?

Okay, different artists means different rates. So let's start small again. Let's say an amateur's work is at a minimum. Like 100 or 200 per page? 200 x 32= 6,400.00

Writing rates? hmmm let's say 75 -100 per page. 100 x 36 (including editorials and articles) =3,600

6,400.00 + 3,600.00= 10,000.00

Let's say the creator printed 100 copies to be sold at conventions. 100 x 27.00= 2,700.00 + 10,000 =12,700

12,700 divided by a hundred is 127.00 per comic book. He will sell this for 60pesos at the convention. Now tell me is it still expensive for you? You may argue that if he sold a thousand copies of these then he'll be earning more and will cover all the expenses. This is true, but are you seeing young indie titles selling more than a hundred at conventions?

The cost for putting these on bookstore for distribution, (legwork, fare and all) are not yet included.

Still think Komiks are expensive?

Now picture this using my rate :) You'd probably realize what you are buying from us is actually a gift. And if you do? Thanks!

-Gilbert Monsanto

Bayan Knights issue5 sa KOMIKON2010

2010-11-10T18:31:00.001+08:00

Available sa komikon ang Bayan Knights issue5 :)

Boy Ipis issue 2 sa MCC aug.21-22,2010

2010-08-15T18:26:00.002+08:00

Sa wakas, mailalabas na rin namin ang ikalawang yugto ng paborito nating... err, ipis. Well, siya lang naman kung sakaling ipis na inyong katutuwaan at di aapakan eh :) So kita kits sa Megamall sa Aug 21 at 22 oks?

My new dream project for next year :)

2010-07-25T01:51:00.000+08:00

ULTRA SPREAD SERIES 1: JLA

2010-06-11T11:47:00.001+08:00

Metro Con 2010

2010-06-10T13:24:00.002+08:00

BK issue 4 is here!

2010-04-16T22:49:00.001+08:00

Guess what just arrived :)

COMIC ARTISTS does not like to hear...

2010-04-01T23:14:00.003+08:00

COMIC ARTISTS does not like to hear #1: Uy ganda ng komiks mo, may free komiks ba ako? Pinagpupuyatan ang komiks, binabayaran ang pa print, tapos at the end of it libre lang pala gusto ng mga tao?

COMIC ARTISTS does not like to hear #2: Pre ang mahal naman ng komiks mo, dapat sampung piso lang yan eh. (sampung piso? Lapis ko pa lang yata yun eh, wala pang drawing. Bumili na lang kaya siya ng lapit at basahin ang storya sa lapis. No. 1, 2 o 3, hb, 2b o kung anumang lapis yan. Baka mas sulit sa komiks eh.)

COMIC ARTISTS does not like to hear #3 Wow! did you say you are a comic book artist? So what cartoons on TV are you working on right now? Sa Disney ka ba nagaanimate? This actually happens to me most of the time. No joke!

COMIC ARTIST does not like to hear#4 While sketching, Are you drawing spidey? where is the leg? No backgound? No webbing??? "like the word 'sketching' is in the past tense"

COMIC ARTISTS does not like to here #5 (a few years ago) Stop drawing! There is no money in art. Stop littering the place (now, same person) Wow! I knew you'll make it. You are a great artist , I had a feeling... bla bla bla... as if i had amnesia.

house fire ALMOST! Thank God!

2010-03-23T00:39:00.004+08:00

Last night our house almost burned. Thankfully my wife smelled something funny, hearing her saying something about a funny smell. I quickly looked around for a burning smell. Then we heard a pop! Our nanny saw an orange light outside their room, i realized it was fire, so I ran as fast as I could alerting everyone, luckily the hose was there at the exact location and we managed to stop the flames.It was scary. There are a lot of fire incident recently, thank god we've prevented this one. It seemed that a worker forgot to unplug a water heater, we are not sure why the heck did she left it there in the first place on top of a box and inside the box was an old cpu, that is gone now, burned badly. So please be careful guys. Never leave something like this unattended.

Finishing Bayan Knights issue 4

2010-03-15T13:12:00.000+08:00

Bayan Knights under a dark Ondoy sky

2010-03-01T19:42:00.003+08:00

This is my humble contribution to the Renaissance "ang muling pagsilang" book. A charity book together with 60 super talented pinoy artists. I recommend you buy this book. It is for a good cause and I am hearing that this is just the beginning.

published by ANVIL publishing Inc.

Alt+Pub

2010-02-12T15:18:00.001+08:00

This used to be my playground.

2010-02-06T23:24:00.005+08:00

Yesterday, my wife and I visited my Mom who lives in Pasay City. Our meeting place is at Greenwich in Cartimar. I lived in Pasay city during my younger days, and I can still remember Greenwich as our favorite place to eat pizza. I guess it was one of there first few branches if not maybe the first. I'm glad it is still there. Anyways, after ordering I excused myself to go out. I brought my camera to take some picture of this place. This was our home.

I can still remember we used to have a Beauty shop here for my mom and an Auto Supply at the front of this building for my Dad. We lived here for years, I think until I was 10 before my parents got separated. This used to look a lot bigger when I was small. A 3-storey building with an attic amd we also have a door to the rooftop where we usually play. The scene would be similar to a daredevil panel where we go from our roof to our neighbors roofs. This was home, and our playground.

This window is what I used to call my nightmare window. I usually have bad dreams where a manananggal was trying to get in thru the grills. I blame that to the movies where I during those times has no strict ratings. I was like grade 3 when I watched Jaws and Phantasm. I'd never admitted it to my folks but it definitely gave me the cold sweet and had nightmares for several nights. Luckily, I manage to control my dreams by forcefully pulling in my favorite superheroes, and mad them beat up my monsters. Did it work? Hell yeah!

I know I could draw the inside of this place so easily. I was sad to see it in a bad condition. After, we left it. only two tenants tried to do business here. All the guards left, they say the guard never stayed inside during the night and would prefer to sit outside. Over the years and this is what it looks like today. I think you already know why don't you? The answer is yes. It is haunted. That is another story maybe for another time.

All I know is that I missed living in a place where we were once a complete Monsanto family.

Summer Komikon!!!

2010-02-02T15:03:00.000+08:00

Biotrog REASSEMBED update

2009-12-17T11:54:00.002+08:00

Just did a test drive on Biotrog redo pages. I did not start from page 1. This is actually page 185. I have a lot to do with this project hahaha!

MAJESTIC XII

2009-11-17T12:11:00.006+08:00

MAJESTIC XII

There is a new comic book in town, and it is Odyssey Comics’ MAJESTIC XII. I’ll review this book from my point of view both personally as a reader and professionally as a comic book creator myself.

Let us start with the cover. You’ll see outright that this is a very well-drawn book, high quality printing and the works. Like most cover with numerous heroes on board. This is the “pick your favorite character” type. It showcased what the creative team has in store for us, the readers. I’d know because I already picked mine in the bunch. One thing I noticed is the “a little too simple and small” word ODYSSEY on the top left of the cover. As a reader, I’ve always liked the branding logo of a comic company like DC or Marvel, it gives a signal that “this is big, look at us.” The art will get our attention and that is important.

Proceeding with the interiors, Justin’s writing is easy to follow, the kind that won’t make you go, “what happened?” In fact, it is like you know the facts, no need to be mysterious and let’s get into it, and you are now suddenly placed smack right in the middle of the action, with the heroes (or so we thought) as the leader and main man finds out in the story. Buy and read the book to find out the real deal with the Majestic XII.

Artwise, Andrew Kilian’s lines are precise, clean and gives out some great artists’ feel to his style, Geoff Darrow/ Bart Sears and some other guys comes to mind. Although I am not so sure why even the guys have the Angelina Jolie pouting lips on them, plus the full-bodied heroes makes them look shorter. Just my artist side nit-picking here, maybe his vision will fit everything in just right. Omi Remalante’s top class coloring skills also compliments the art. Coloring heavy designed team such as this one is no easy task yet he pulled it of quite beautifully.

If you want to follow new and exciting heroes, this is the book to buy. Do we really have a fighting chance with this hidden war? Buy the book and let the Majestic XII do their job for us to find out.

-Gilbert Monsanto

Follow the link to order:
Majestic-XII: TopSecret/For Magic #1

Justin Leach- co-creator, writer, and publisher, Andrew Kilian- co-creator, penciller, and inker, and Omi Remalante Jr.- colorist

Standard Comic
Full Color
Page Count: 24
POD

Legend has returned from retirement only to find the world on the brink of domination at the hands of his long-time nemesis, Anthrax and his team has been replaced by a rowdy, disorderly band of ex-super-criminals. HOW can Legend win and WHO can he trust.

There is an invisible war going on without our knowledge. A battle being waged between our government and an alien empire bent on enslaving our entire species. It is a fight that we are losing and our only hope is a super-human military force known as THE MAJESTIC-XII.

Justin Leach's Majestic-XII: TopSecret/For Magic TM and © Justin Leach and Andrew Kilian. All rights reserved.

Nostalgia

2009-11-02T00:57:00.000+08:00

Something I am cooking up for next year. :)

Spidey vs Ondoy :)

2009-10-17T22:01:00.002+08:00

This is my contribution to Gerry's campaign to support Ondoy's victims. Like he stated, I am among those who got affected by Ondoy. But I think it is worse for others and I am not going to do nothing but to help his cause.

So I hope this helps.

Kita kits bukas sa KOMIKON!

A long ang tiring weekend.

2009-10-01T13:11:00.002+08:00

It started slow, woke with a sweet sound of weak rain. The rythmic sound of it was soothing to my ear. Okay, got to get up. It's Saturday morning, enopi day for Kyle. After a few hours, we got into the car. My wife Glenda will just drop us there and will just get us after lunch. Going there, we can see that the streets were already flooded but we did not think it will get any worse. It usually floods during rainy days anayways and this is just like one of those days.

We got there and a few more minutes, I got a text from Glenda saying it was already like knee deep near the entrance of our subdivision. They were parked just near that location. Good thing, there was a back gate the the subdivision only uses for emergency, so they got of the car and walked just to get home, the water was now above their knees. Our nanny carrying my two and a half years old baby Shawn. It was a good thing that they did. After an hour they'll be stranded for good because that place got flood, neck high.

While all that was happening, a few more hours and the rain just kept on pouring and the water kept rising. We heard news that they had to open dams because the water level is already too much. With that, I knew I'll be stranded with my five year old kid. I was hoping that the situation would change for the better. We went to a mini-mall bought some stuffs at the supermarket and stayed dry as long as we could. I decided to go to the computer shop so that my kid could play some online games while I think. I have always been like this, I need to plan things through before doing what know I had to do. Observing and planning over 5 options before time runs out. Around 5pm, the mall closed so we had to go out to look for possible transportation to anywhere. At this point there is no way for us to go home, it was already neck high of water outside our subdivision, it was already flooded inside our house and my wife texted me to go find shelter for kyle. That is the prime objective. Keeping my boy safe.

People outside the mall are all worried and wet. There are people offering rides using their carts and asking for 70pesos for the ride. I remembered that there was an inn near by. By this time it was already dark we have to move fast. Kyle was reluctant at first to go into the water, I told him it was like at the beach, remembering that he agreed to walk with me, the water was up to his knees, unfortunately, that inn was darn closed and with no lights. so we walked some more. I think we took the right road since at the end of it was on higher grounds. There, we took a taxi that was lucky to pass by and decided to take a u-turn. Thankfully he agreed to take us to the nearest motel. Yes, the sleazy type. I know it had to be done because my boy was wet and I had to get him dry soon before he could get sick. At this point when he grows up this will be a funny tale to tell. Already checked in at age five.

So, we got there. It has a nice set up with lots of mirrors, Kyle would go counting himself and after told me there are 11 kyles inside the room. He's a brave and funny boy. Then after cleaning up, and fortunately Kyle's yaya made me bring his red backpack. It has kyle's clothes, snacks and water. We watched TV, he basically wanted to watch the racing car channel and the cartoons but when we finallyn watched the new, he screamed " Sa Atin yan!" That were we live!. He was right, the most famous image on the news was at ortigas bridge. That is the starting point of where people sends in help towards the worst affected area where houses are literally under water.

We stayed there until monday morning. He wants to go home, my cel died. My wife called us up using the only living celphone in the house which is my mother in law's. Imagine that phones lasted 2days? What a battery and to think she was texting people left and right, I even sent her 100 pesos worth of load before my celphone went braindead :)

Finally, we got home. Fortunately, everyone's safe. The flooded destroyed a lot of stuffs including hundred copies of komiks we are selling. Fortunately not all of them, so I figured we could still get up to break even.

It will take another few days for things gets back to normal. Electricity is back on, phone lines too, just waiting for our DSL to finally kick in. I heard there is another storm coming. I pray it won't be as bad as this one.

Oh how I pray...

Kalayaan issue 8

2009-09-01T17:36:00.002+08:00

I've finally colored a cover of Kalayaan. :)

Kalayaan is created by Gio Paredes

Bayan Knights: the first year

2009-08-24T10:26:00.005+08:00

It also started with an idea, and like everything else wonderful, it all seemed like just a dream. The best thing about dreams is that it is free. Realizing that dream is another thing altogether - there will be costs, sacrifices and consequences. All things considered, we are all willing to take them. The start of this venture was easy enough. I've sent out invitations and hope that people will consider trying this idea out, without anything to lose except for their agreement to one simple task - to support, each and every Bayan Knight who will join the cause, past, present and future members.

Bayan Knights is not just the name of our comicbook. It was a title, an opportunity to be there when we really needed, right at the center of everything. A chance to touch people, to help fuel their dreams and forge them into a reality. A choice to voice out ideas and to be empowered and do something you'd only think of maybe finishing.

The initial member was 7, now we are forty plus strong. Each one dedicated to improve their craft, fueled by talented people around them. Their second family. I am
not really sure how to sum up all the things we've achieved within the year. But try, I will.

In a span of a year, we've managed to finish and publish two issues of Bayan Knights, backed with numerous independently published and owned books like BOY IPIS, KALAYAAN, SANDUGUAN, MANANABAS, GWAPOMAN, MORION and many more.

We managed to work with other studios and artists, breaching walls and boundaries. Helping each other for the sake of our local comics industry.

We've been featured in newspapers, magazines, including online reviews. We are thankful for these people for spreading the word for us.

Some of us are now working together for projects, making things easier, faster and more profitable for the members/family.

The real magic here is the undeniable truth that there is a hero in all of us. We can work together if we just do things simple and right. Frankly I was worried when I started this, thinking that putting all these people in one table could be quite a handful. A headache to beat all headaches and I feared the worst. Surprisingly, as it turned out, these fine talented individuals are just so warm funny and so easy to be with - a different kind of headache, but a headache nonetheless.

I thought I was helping them by giving them a favor with all this. Now, I find myself lucky for all their help. They are all truly a blessing to be with. We are cooking up a storm my friends, I do hope you'll be with us for another year. Thank you for the company. All I can say is, you wouldn't want to miss what we have in store for another year.

We have yet to sail countless seas with our ship, for this is just the beginning. Won't you come and join us with this voyage now? All we really needed was a little faith to blow us towards our destination, through your hearts.

-Gilbert Monsanto
a Bayan Knight

SS: Alagad ng batas page 4

2009-08-20T16:26:00.001+08:00

ikaapat na labas :)

Bayan Knights #1 VARIANT COVER

2009-08-12T09:43:00.003+08:00

The stocks are dwindling. This will be the next cover you'll see for the possible reprint of our first issue. So, If you can, grab your white version of this cover.

The DARK

2009-08-07T11:11:00.002+08:00

Another coming soon book under Sacred Mountan's Bayan Knights Event books.
The DARK

KOMIKON AWARDS '09 Nominee for BEST SCENE

2009-08-06T18:08:00.001+08:00

METRO COMIC-CON poster

2009-08-05T12:45:00.003+08:00

Thank you!

2009-08-05T10:46:00.002+08:00

May IPIS! May IPIS!!!!!

2009-08-03T14:20:00.001+08:00

Dumating na ang copies ng Boy Ipis issue 1

Order na! hehe.

The 1st Metro Comic-Con Schedule of Activites

2009-08-02T21:46:00.000+08:00

MCC Program of Activities

August 8, 2009 - Saturday
10AM – Ribbon Cutting

Onstage Activities
11-AM – Band Performance – Matilda

12PM – Suspended Animation Media
Get to know the people behind the SAM (Suspended Animation Media), Yuri Timg, Abet Ongkingco and Lali Saulo-Ongkingco as they explain how your concepts can come to life.

1PM – Creativoices Panel
What would you do, if you find out that you're actually "talking" to Naruto? Meet the voices behind your favorite anime shows and learn more about the art of voice acting, hosted by the Voice Master, Pocholo Gonzales!

2PM – Pinoy Toy Kolektors: Show me your desk Awarding
See PTK member’s creativity in designing their own desk full of toys, action figures, statues and replicas. The best will be awarded with an Exclusive Mono Vinyl Toy courtesy of Mindstyle, PTK Shirt and Mug

2:30PM – Craze Cosprsay product launch
A new product promoted by cosplay.ph that will dye your hair with different colors. NOTE: It's washable!

3PM – Band Performance – Gupit Binata X

4PM – Indie Film Panel – Alessandro Productions
Learn the secrets of Indie Film making and see how Filipino Indie Films made it in the international scene hosted by Film maker, Paolo Herras, of Alessandro Productions.

5PM – Indie Comic Panel
Bakemono High. Bayan Knights. Maskarado. Sanduguan. Trese. Unstoppable. YOUR OWN INDIE TITLE COULD BE NEXT! Visit the Indie Comic Panel and know more about indie-making from Gilbert Monsanto, Budjette Tan, and friends!

6PM - Pinoy Mainstream Artists Panel
Meet some of the country's internationally-acclaimed comic book artists! Listen and learn how they made it in the industry. Get the chance to ask them questions about anything under the sun. Featuring Carlo Pagulayan, Harvey Tolibao, Jay David Ramos, Ernest Jocson, Stephen Segovia and Mico Suayan.

7PM – Band Performance – Giniling Festival

*other activities
Costrip Day – Cosplay.ph booth
Are you shy to stand up on stage but has the guts to wear your favorite anime, mecha and pinoy superhero? Then be what ever you wanna be and join the “Unleash the Hero within Costrip day.”

Toy Customization Contest – Cosplay.ph booth
Attention toy customizers everywhere! Get a chance to win exciting prizes at the MCC Toy Customization Contest! Just bring your customized toy and register at the Cosplay.ph booth. One toy per registrant only. Sponsored by Magnavision and Otakuzine.

August 9, 2009 – Sunday
10am – Opening
Onstage Activities

11am – Band Performance – Los Chupacabras

12pm – International Game Developers Association – Manila Chapter
IGDA will be sharing their knowledge and will have a panel discussion regarding game development and the gaming industry.

1pm – Creativoices Voice acting contest
You think you could scare EUGENE as the voice of the dreaded TAGURO? Or make MIYAKA fall in love with you as TAMAHOME? Join the voice acting contest and find out! Awesome prizes await THE NEXT VOICE ACTING STAR!

2pm - E-games
What's new with the world of online gaming? Join E-Games as they present their latest online game in town. There will be demos, promotions and other exciting stuff!

3pm – Band Performance – Gorgoro

4pm – Animax Cosplay Competition
Talented cosplayers will take part and showcase their live performances as ANIMAX gives you “Animax Cosplay Star” and be the next Cosplay Idol.

7pm – Band Performance - Nexxus
*Other Activities
Comics Creation 101 – Conference Room SM Megatrade Hall.
Learn how to draw, ink, color and build up your portfolio and get a chance to have your art critiqued by some of the country’s best comic book artists!

See you there!

NEW COMMISSION DEALS

2009-07-28T11:16:00.002+08:00

KOMIKON AWARDS '09 nominations

2009-07-26T14:29:00.003+08:00

Got this email just yesterday :)

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You and your works are nominated in the upcoming KOMIKON AWARDS 2009.
Nominations were held last July 01 - 15, 2009. You were nominated for the following categories:

For Best Comic Series:
Bayan Knights by Gilbert Monsanto and the Bayan Knights, Sacred Mountain Publications (http://bayanknights.deviantart.com/)

For Best Comic Creator/s:
Gilbert Monsanto (Bayan Knights, Rambol, Tropa ) (http://www.gilbertmonsanto.blogspot.com/)
Bayan Knights (Bayan Knights) (http://bayanknights.blogspot.com/)

For Best Cover: -
Bayan Knights issue 1 by Gilbert Monsanto, pencils; Edgar Tadeo, inks; Rain Beredo and Mark Anthony Taduran, colors
Bayan Knights issue 2 by Lan Medina , pencils; Gilbert Monsanto, colors

For Komiks Character of the Year: -
Boy Ipis of Bayan Knights, by Paul Michael Ignacio (http://astigingboyipis.deviantart.com/art/ANG-ASTIGING-BOY-IPIS-issue-1-129832338)

For Best Comic Scene: -
The Bayan Knights in an epic battle against the endless battalion of wolf-monsters, called “Sipakas” (Bayan Knights Issue 2)

For Comics Aid Award:

Gilbert Monsanto is a writer, an artist and a publisher of local comics. He owns the Sacred Mountain Publications which published titles such as Tropa, Rambol and Bayan Knights. Gilbert formed the Bayan Knights calling on independent comic creators who wants their characters to be recognized by forming a unique league of Filipino superheroes. He is also known internationally, working on different comics abroad.

Ayala Foundation for Bayan Knights#2

Voting period will be from August 10 – September 20, 2009. The official list of nominees and voting procedures will be announced anytime next week. Visit http://komikon.deviantart.com or http://komikon.blogspot.com for updates. Winners will be announced at the 5th Phiippine Annual Komiks Convention (KOMIKON) in October.

Good Luck!
KOMIKON Committee

Sagot sa gamot?

2009-07-15T16:33:00.001+08:00

Pinepressure naman ngayon ng Govt ang mga multinational Pharma companies para ibaba ang gamot ng 50%? ano ba sila? baka magsialisan ang mga iyan sa bansa at lumipat sa ibang bansa, tayo rin ang iiyak! Kahit maging piso pa ang mga gamot pero wala namang piso ang mga maliliit na tao, di pa rin sila makakabili ng gamot no?

Sarhento Sagrado ALAGAD NG BATAS page 3

2009-07-12T15:43:00.001+08:00

SS: Alagad ng batas page 2

2009-07-12T03:33:00.001+08:00

BAYAN KNIGHTS using animoto

2009-06-30T18:10:00.000+08:00

Darna art colored

2009-06-29T15:57:00.002+08:00

Darna art

2009-06-21T16:46:00.002+08:00

Something new lang na nagawa ko :)

A DREAM REALIZED

2009-06-19T11:43:00.003+08:00

Somebody wrote me an email today:

Good day Sir Gilbert Monsanto,

I just want to share with you this piece of nostalgia. Attached with this email is a scanned page from the Letters to the Editor page of the Superman Comics published locally by Atlas, I think this was published during the latter 80's. I just want to congratulate that the dream you had envisioned at the time you wrote your letter is now a reality via your Bayan Knights. No small thanks to you that we now have a bunch of original Superheroes and their own stories to tell. I think this would be fun if you'll post this on your blog. I just want to show that with persistence and a lot of perseverance we all can achieve our dreams--and certainly you had achieved yours.
Along with this is the cover of the comics where your letter appeared.

More power to you and to your league of Knights who staunchly fights for the revival of the Komiks Industry here in the Philippines. I admire all of your efforts.

Thanks for now,
-jzhunagev-

Thank you my friend for reminding me about the dream. Keep looking forward right?
I dont have the copy of this reprint anymore. It is nice to know that you still have it with you.

So I guess, I'll have to ask people again on this one. Who's with me? Para sa Komiks!

coming soon!

2009-06-16T18:51:00.002+08:00

Just something we are planning to finish within the year :)
This piece is only 90% done.

Bayan Knights #2 - Now Available At The Following Stores

2009-06-04T20:39:00.006+08:00

BAYAN KNIGHTS # 2 is now available at the following stores:

Comic Odyssey

Robinson's Galleria
Robinson's Place Manila
Eastwood

Comic Quest
SM Megamall
SM North

National Bookstore

SM North Edsa
Trinoma
Mall of Asia
Recto
Tutuban
Rizal Avenue
Super Branch, Cubao

Donald Gonzales Store
Stall 49, Novelty Village, Tiedesitas shopping center, Pasig City

SPUTNIK
Shop 60 at the Cubao Expo on Gen. Romulo Ave., Cubao, Q.C.

PROVINCIAL OUTLETS
National Bookstore
SM Clark
SM City baguio
SM City Pampanga
SM City Lucena
Nepo Mall Angeles City
Olongapo City
Subic
Tuguegarao
Baguio

*The book will be available nationwide soon. Watch for it! Visit our blog frequently for more updates about where you can grab your copies of Bayan Knights #2.

**BAYAN KNIGHTS#1 is still available at selected National Bookstore branches, specialty shops and comics outlets. Stocks are limited. Grab a copy now!

http://bayanknights.blogspot.com/

TRESE digital art

2009-05-22T19:15:00.003+08:00

Just started with the eyes, and continued slowly. I am not sure how far I'll go, let's see :)
Budjette Tan's Trese is still available at National Bookstores.

Bayan Knights issue 3 Cover UNCOVERED!

2009-05-18T00:53:00.003+08:00

We held a little contest at the KOMIKON summer fiesta, guessing who is our very special guest artist for Bayan Knights issue 3.

and the winner for that day is JON PALOMA. He took home the print out of the said cover and an Original art from Gilbert Monsanto

The cover is by Leinil Francis Yu
and colored by Gilbert Monsanto

Malapit na ang Komikon Summer!

2009-05-12T10:25:00.010+08:00

Minsan di ko maisip kung busy ba ako o hindi? Well, sa sabado malamang oo! Dahil ngayon pa lang ay madami na ako kailangan ihanda para sa KOMIKON summer fiesta! Ito ay gaganapin ngayong sabado, May 16 sa Bahay ng Alumni, U.P. Diliman. Nakakatuwang sabihin na ngayon, sa tatlong mesa na magsasama-sama ang buong Bayan Knights! Ano ba ang inaasahang bago mula sa amin? Anu-ano nga ba?

Subukan kong himay-himayin:
1.) Bayan Knights issue 2- Malalaman na rin natin ang kahihinatnan ng pinakaunang misyon ng ating mga bida. Bukod dito, lalo pa naming pinaganda ang aming handog para sa inyo. Dahil sa mga tulong na natanggap namin mula nang kami ay nagsimula, nagawa naming magdagdag ng mga pahina nang walang dagdag sa presyo. Isa itong patunay sa layunin naming makatulong sa industriya ng komiks. At tulad ng dati, apat na namang Orihinal na likha ang aming ipakikila sa pamamagitan ng "Origin pages" na makikita sa loob nito upang lubos ninyong makilala ang ilan lamang sa magagaling at makabagong henerasyon na manlilikha sa komiks ngayon.
52 pages, 60 pesos pa rin.

2.) Bayan Knights sketchcards- Bawat isa ay natatangi, walang katulad. Ang sketchcards ay isang bagong produkto na gusto naming umpisahan sa bansa. Bawat isa sa mga ito ay maituturing na collector's item. Isa rin itong pagtulong sa ating mga "Comic book creators" at sa Bayan Knights projects. Ang layunin naman nito ay upang itaguyod ang tamang pagbahagi ng kita mula sa gumagawa at sa naglilimbag sa kanila. Ilang bahagi nito ay mapupunta sa paglathala ng komiks at sa mga dibuhista.

Maaari kayong magpakomisyon dun mismo sa araw na iyon o kaya naman ay sumulat sa amin. Ang isang kulay ay 30 pesos lamang at ang may kulay ay 50 pesos lamang. Sana po ay suportahan natin sila.

Mga karakter lamang sa loob ng Bayan Knights ang maaari naming gamitin.

3.) Maipapakita na rin namin ang ikatlong pabalat ng Bayan Knights! Sa araw na iyon, lahat ng bibili ng kahit na anong prdukto mula sa amin ay pwedeng manghula kung sino ang aming bagong "artist cover" sa ikatlong handog ng Bayan Knights. Kung sino man ang mabubunot at makakapaghula ay may matatanggap na premyo at Orihinal na gawa mula sa sa akin. 11 x 17 ang laki nito.

4.)Mga bagong komiks mula sa miyembro ng Bayan Knights- Ito ang bago mula sa kanilang lahat. Sadyang ginawa para sa inyo.

5.) Yun na! Magenjoy tayo at kita kits!

-Gilbert Monsanto

BK issue 3 cover revealed!

2009-05-07T09:52:00.001+08:00

First it was Gilbert Monsanto and Edgar Tadeo
Then it was the award winning Lan Medina
Who could be our very special cover artist for issue 3?

ABANGAN!!! :)

>>> BAYAN KNIGHTS#2 now available at Comic Odyssey, Robinson's Galleria!!!

2009-05-06T09:18:00.002+08:00

>>> BAYAN KNIGHTS#2 now available at Comic Odyssey, Robinson's Galleria!!! Be among the first to discover the outcome of our heroes' first mission. Will the core group of heroes find themselves helped or hindered by the aptly named Powerhouse Division? How will the newest recruits fare against their own adveraries? Is The Council gathering too many heroes?

The book will be available nationwide soon. Watch for it

>>> BAYAN KNIGHTS#1 is still available at selected National Bookstore branches, specialty shops and comics outlets. Stocks are limited. Grab a copy now!

Bayan Knights #2 (the arrival)

2009-05-01T11:12:00.005+08:00

Tha copies are here!!!!

FCBD, May 2, 2009

2009-04-30T18:28:00.002+08:00

Plus, I'll be able to bring freshly printed copies of Bayan Knights issue 2.

See you ther guys :)

Sarhento Sagrado ALAGAD NG BATAS page 1

2009-04-28T17:49:00.000+08:00

Boy Ipis is coming!

2009-04-26T21:55:00.003+08:00

Now, it might not sound right if we are to say that a cockroach is coming at you and you'd love it right? But, we are going to do that with the Boy Ipis issue 1. Mike Ignacio (Boy Ipis creator)is promising it will be one fun and satisfying read. Coming out from the pages of Bayan Knights. I hope you'll give Boy Ipis in his solo title a try. Plus Phantomcat will also join him to spice things up.

Scheduled to be available at the coming Manila Comic Con 2009 this August.

KOMIKON 2009 SUMMER FIESTA

2009-04-21T15:41:00.001+08:00

NEWS BITS

2009-04-11T12:21:00.003+08:00

I haven't posted anything hear for a long time. This summer might be the busiest days will ever have. My wife's relatives from the US and the UK are here for vacation. We are literally everywhere whenever this happens, very rare though. It is so much fun for all the kids :)

As for work, I am happy to say that We've completed Bayan Knights issue 2 and we will be able to send the materials by monday. It's a bit late for exciting reasons:

1.) More pages, from 36 pages to 52 pages is a big thing for me to finish on time. So thanks for the patience.

2.) We've managed to get the Best of the best talent to help our cause. Thanks guys! You are our heroes.

3.)The best thing about it? The price is still just 60Phil. Pesos. This is another proof of our dedication to give you our best for less. All we ask is your support.

I am also busy with commissions.

Also started with the Boy Ipis pages. Expanding the Bayan Knights's universe a bit more, slowly but surely.

We are also preparing for some events where Bayan Knights will ba a part of.

It has been a juggling act these past few months for me. Let's find more about them in a couple more months, shall we?

Wish me luck!

UPPER DECK

2009-03-30T09:52:00.003+08:00

Just got this on the mail recently. It is actually for the 200pcs. Marvel Masterpieces 3 Sketchcards I did for Upper Deck. It's a bit late but for me, just to be included into this is really exciting!

Good thing they did not misspelled MnOsanto :)

I hope I can do something like this again.

Tag Team

2009-03-26T09:20:00.002+08:00

Markus tagged me. Ngek, pano ba maglink? Saka ko na lalagyan haha!

1. Name the people who made you laugh last night?
My wife, cheated because she tickled me silly hehe.

2. What were you doing at 8:00?
am or pm?

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
answering emails, commish and more commish stuffs :) also surfing.

4. What happened to you in 2006?
If this is an interogation, I'll be in a lot of hurt. Can't remember hehe, wait if you can just give me more time... shucks who cares?

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
Kakaligo lang po ng mga bata.

6. How many beverages did you have today?
orange juice and watah

7. What color is your hairbrush?
what? you mean the big wooden brush with black bristles? Not mine. :)

8. What was the last thing you paid for?
The other night, starbucks coffee, wait we used Glenda's card on that one, so a 7pesos jeep ride to meet her after office hours.

9. Where were you last night?
Trying so hard to stay awake, and failed.

10. What color is your front door?
light yellow, the main door is narra varnished brown that we rarely use.

11. Where do you keep your change?
if you need some just sweep our floor in the blue room :) but most them are in a black mug.

12. What’s the weather like today?
gloomy cool weather.

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?
double dutch

14. What excites you?
hmmmm let me think... wonderful people around me. Shawn and kyle's laughs especially.

15. Do you want to cut your hair?
still too short.

16. Are you over the age of 25?
yep.

17. Do you talk a lot?
even when my mouth is full hahahaha!

18. Do you watch the O.C.?
O C ka diyan!

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
Funny but wala yata. No.

20. Do you make up your own words?
Not unless I am a schizo :)

21. Are you a jealous person?
Nah. but I hate being ignored.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’.
Ali gaye thor, sige na nga Aaron na rin.

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’.
Kuh ku rat cha, Kriss na nga lang.

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
Glenda

25. What does the last text message you received say?
who u? actually it was a forwarded message from my wife about a summer ek ek for kyle.

26. Do you chew on your straw?
bite but not chew.

27. Do you have curly hair?
i anybody gets a curl somewhere there unless.... :)

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?
my room, need to fix the mess and draw a lot of pending stuffs.

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?
I think the anonymous hater on my blog.

30. What was the last thing you ate?
egg and rice.

31. Will you get married in the future?
I sure hope you dont think our wedding was a fake.

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
Watchmen.

33. Is there anyone you like right now?
change that to dislike, because I like 99% of the people I know, if don't know someone, you know why :)

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
I miss doing that.

35. Are you currently depressed?
I get frustrated but never depressed.

36. Did you cry today?
i have to read the script if it is required today hehehe. pero BAKET???

37. Why did you answer and post this?
I could never let down a friend.

38. 5 people you tag next?
Bayan Knights! Hala lagot kayo ngayon hahaha.

Good luck guys :) Be happy!

HAVE YOU BEEN ME LATELY?

2009-03-22T03:11:00.001+08:00

I'll start writing soon. I just don't want to forget the topic so, I wrote this down here as a primer.

1st Manila Comic Con 2009 awareness image

2009-03-19T17:08:00.001+08:00

GET SMP TITLES thru the MAIL

2009-03-01T04:57:00.004+08:00

Getting our comics thru the mail:
Within the Philippines only for now.

Any issue price plus 20 pesos shipping.
Bayan Knights ---------------- P60+20=P 80.00 pesos
Rambol Komiks--------------- P60+20=P 80.00 pesos
Tropa--------------------------- P75+20=P 95.00 pesos
(additional copies plus 10.00 on shipping rate)

Promo:
Complete set (BK1+ RK 1,2and 3+Tropa 1 and 2) 6 items= 400.00 minus 20%= 320.00
Add only 50 pesos for shipping
(regular price at P460.00), with the promo get them for ONLY P370.00 and save P90.00
plus get a free sketch.

Deposit payment through any BPI branch to Sacred Mountain Publications, Account # 4033-04277-4.

Kindly write your name on the deposit slip and fax a copy to 655-6780.
You may also scan or take a clear photo of the deposit slip and email the image file with your contact details to smp_letters@yahoo.com.

We also accept payments through Paypal, Kindly enter smp_letters@yahoo.com as the payee account.

We would be happy to answer questions sent to that email address as well :)

Sulat mula kay JUAN DELACRUZ

2009-02-23T10:16:00.000+08:00

Meron akong gustong ibahagi para sa ating lahat na mga PILIPINO. Simple pero parang mahirap gawin ng karamihan sa atin.Hindi ito makukuha sa puro daldalan lang or walang kabuluhang pagtatalo,kumilos tayo ngayon na.

Sa ibang bansa: Pag nagkasala ang Pinoy, pinarusahan siya ayon sa batas.
Sa PINAS: Pag nagkasala ang ang Pinoy,ayaw niyang maparusahan kasi sabi niya mali raw ang batas.

Sa ibang bansa: Pinag-aaralan muna ng Pinoy ang mga batas bago siya pumunta roon, kasi takot siyang magkamali.

Sa PINAS: Pag nagkamali ang Pinoy, sorry kasi hindi raw niya alam na labag sa batas iyon.

Sa ibang bansa: Kahit gaano kataas ang bilihin at tax sa USA okey lang, katuwiran natin doble kayod na lang.

Sa PINAS: mahilig ka sa last day para magbayad ng tax minsan dinadaya mo pa o kaya hindi ka nagbabayad. Rally ka kaagad kapag tumaas ang pasahe at bilihin imbes na magsipag mas gusto natin ang nagkukwentuhan lang sa munisipyo o kahit sa alinmang tanggapan.

Sa Singapore : Kapag nahuli kang nagkalat or nagtapon ng basura sa hindi tamang lugar, magbabayad ka na 500 Singapore dollars. Sabi ng Pinoy, okey lang kasi lumabag ako sa batas.

Sa Pinas: Kapag nagkamali ang Pinoy katulad nang ganito, Sabi ng Pinoy, ang lupit naman ni Bayani Fernando , mali naman ang pinaiiral niyang batas eh akala mo kung sino. Ayun nag-rally na ang Pinoy, gustong patalsikin si Bayani Fernando kahit na alam niyang mali siya.

Mga igan, ilan pa lang iyan baka may iba pa kayong alam.

Bakit ang PINOY, pwedeng maging 'law abiding citizen sa ibang bansa ng walang angal' pero sa sarili nating bayang PILIPINAS na sinasabi ninyong mahal natin, eh hindi natin magawa, BAKIIITTTTT? ????????

ETO PA, 'Ang Pilipino NOON at NGAYON':

NOON: Wow ang sarap ng kamote (kahit nakaka-utot)
NGAYON: Ayaw ko ng kamote gusto ko French Fries (imported eh)

NOON: Wow ang sarap ng kapeng barako
NGAYON: Ayaw ko niyan gusto kong kape sa
STARBUCKS (imported coffee 100 pesos per cup)

NOON: Bili ka ng tela para magpatahi ng pantalon like maong
NGAYON: Gusto ko LEVI'S, WRANGLER, LEE (Tapos rally tayo 'GMA tuta ng KANO ') Di ba tuta ka rin naman.

NOON: Sabon na Perla OK ng pampaligo
NGAYON: Gusto mo DOVE, HENO DE PRAVIA,IVORY, etc. may matching shampoo pa

NOON: Pag naglaba ka batya at palopalo ok na, minsan banlaw lang sa batis pwede na
NGAYON: Naka-washing machine ka na plus ARIEL powder soap with matching DOWNY pa para mabango Alam ko mas marami pa ang alam ninyo tungkol dito, pero mangilan-ngilan lang iyan para bigyan ng pansin.

Mga Pilipino nga ba tayo? O baka sa salita lang at E-Mail pero wala naman sa gawa.

My Fellow Filipinos,

When I was small, the Philippine peso was P7 to the $dollar. The president was Ferdinand E. marcos. Life was simple. Life was easy. My father was a farmer. My mother kept a small sari-sari store where our neighbors bought sang-perang asin, sang-perang bagoong, sang-perang suka, sang-perang toyo at pahinging isang butil na bawang. Our backyard had kamatis, kalabasa, talong, ampalaya, upo, batao, and okra. Our silong had chicken. We had a pig, dog & cat. And of course, we lived on the farm. During rainy season, my father caught frogs at night which my mother made into batute (stuffed frog), or just plain fried. During the day, he caught hito and dalag from his rice paddies, which he would usually inihaw. During dry season, we relied on the chickens, vegetables, bangus, tuyo, and tinapa. Every now and then, there was pork and beef from the town market. Life was so peaceful, so quiet, no electricity, no TV. Just the radio for Tia Dely, Roman Rapido, Zimatar, Dahlia, Tawag ng Tanghalan and Tang-tarang- tang. And who can forget Leila Benitez on Darigold Jamboree? On weekends, I played with my neighbours (who were all my cousins). Tumbang-lata/ preso, taguan, piko, luksong lubid, patintero, at iba pa. I don't know about you, but I miss those days.

These days, we face the TV, Internet, e-mail, newspaper, magazine,grocery catalog, or drive around. The peso is a staggering and incredible P45 to the $dollar (last year ay umabot pa nga ng P55 per $1). Most people can't have fun anymore. Life has become a battle. We live to work. Work to live. Life is not easy. I was in Saudi Arabia in 1983. It was lonely, difficult, & scary. It didn't matter if you were a man or a woman. You were a target for rape. The salary was cheap & the vacation far between. If the boss didn't want you to go on holiday, you didn't. They
had your passport. Oh, and the agency charged you almost 4months of your salary (which, if you had to borrow on a '20% per month arrangement' meant your first year's
pay was all gone before you even earned it). The Philippines used to be one of the most important countries in Asia . Before & during my college days, many students from neighboring Asian countries like Malaysia , Indonesia , Japan and China went to the Philippines to get their diplomas. Until 1972,like President Macapagal, President Marcos was one of the most admired presidents of the world. The Peso had kept its value of P8
to the $dollar until I finished college. Today, the Philippines is famous as the 'housemaid' capital of the world.. It ranks very high as the 'cheapest labor' capital of
the world, too. We have maids in Hong Kong , laborers in Saudi Arabia , dancers in Japan ,migrants and TNTs in Australia and the US , and all sorts of other 'tricky' jobs in other parts of the globe. Quo Vadis, Pinoy? Is that a wonder or a worry? Are you proud to be a Filipino, or does it even matter anymore? When you see the Filipino flag
and hear the Pambansang Awit, do you feel a sense of pride or a sense of
defeat & uncertainty ? If only things could change for the better...... . Hang on for this is a job for Superman. Or whom do you call? Ghostbusters. Joke. Right?

This is one of our problems.

We say 'I love the Philippines ... I am proud to be a Filipino.' Dati pa nag, ang pamasahe nun sa jeepney ay 25 sentimos, ngayon ay tumataginting na P7.50 na at may mga nagbabalak pa na itaas ito. Ultimo text messages sa cellfone ay balak pa rin lagyan ng tax ng mga ungas na pulitiko eh sila itong dapat taasan ng tax. Mga pulitikong graduate ng 4 na sikat na kolehiyo/unibersida d sa Pilipinas (alam nyo na kung ano yung mga yun) na namumuno ng bansa, mga aktibista kuno ngunit may bahid ng pagnanasa na nakawin ang kaban ng bayan! Mga ungas at magnanakaw talaga na nagsipag-aral pa sa mga sikat na kolehiyo upang gawing perpekto ang pangungurakot!

When I send you a joke, you send it to everyone in your address book even if it kills the Internet. But when I send you a note on how to save our country & ask you to forward it, what do you do?

You chuck it in the bin.

I want to help the maids in Hong Kong .. I want to help the laborers in Saudi Arabia .. I want to help the dancers in Japan .. I want to help the TNTs in America and Australia ..

I want to save the people of the Philippines .. But I cannot do it alone. I need your help and everyone else's.

So please forward this e-mail to your friends. If you say you love the Philippines , prove it. And if you don't agree with me, say something anyway. Indifference is a crime on its own.

Juan Delacruz

Make way for the Bayan Knights

2009-02-22T01:56:00.002+08:00

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/republicofcomics/view/20090220-190122/Make-way-for-the-Bayan-Knights

A special feature about Bayan Knights can be found in today's (Feb 21, 2009)Phil. Daily Inquirer. Grab your copies now and read more about us. We express our appreciation to Mr. Ruel S. De Vera for featuring our group in their paper.

Bayan Knights #2 COMING SOON!

2009-02-17T01:01:00.002+08:00

Second issue with a very Special LAN MEDINA cover and colored by GILBERT MONSANTO

BK2 cover update WIP

2009-02-16T13:37:00.002+08:00

BAYAN KNIGHTS cover 2 WIP

2009-02-02T22:00:00.003+08:00

Work in progress. from my concept sketch to Lan Medina's preliminary sketch to full pencils and the the inked version. Colored version coming soon :)

Bayan Knights cover issue 2 by LAN MEDINA

BK,kalayaan featured on FHM

2009-01-30T12:21:00.000+08:00

inside the February issue of FHM :)

Bayan Knights #1 - is now available at the following stores:

2009-01-26T09:01:00.006+08:00

National Bookstore - Recto
National Bookstore - Tutuban
National Bookstore - Rizal Avenue
National Bookstore - San Lazaro
Robinson's Galleria - Best Sellers
National Bookstore - Sta Lucia East
National Bookstore - Trinoma
National Bookstore - SM City North
Comic Quest - SM North Edsa
Comic Quest - SM Megamall
National Bookstore Cyber One - Eastwood City
National Bookstore Glorietta
National Bookstore- Market Market
National Bookstore- North Ave.
National Bookstore- Q Plaza
Comic Oddyssey- Robinson's place ermita
Comic Oddyssey- Robinson's Galleria
Comic Oddyssey- Glorietta
Comic Oddyssey- Eastwood City
Dynes Salon and Spa - Main branch
#21 Paso de Blas, Valenzuela City
tel.# 444-78785
Dynes Salon and Spa - Malabon branch
#34 Governor Pascua Ave. Acacia Malabon
tel.# 287-64354
Dynes Salon and Spa - Fatima branch
119 McArthur Hi-Way, Marulas, Valenzuela City
tel.# 445-8885
National Bookstore - Harrison Plaza
National Bookstore - Ermita
National Bookstore - SM Manila
National Bookstore - Metropoint
National Bookstore - Megamall
National Bookstore - Greenhills Missouri
National Bookstore - C. Raymundo
Carmen Philcoa newstand -near jeepney terminal to U.P.
National Bookstore - Ever Gotesco Ortigas
National Bookstore - SM Cebu
National Bookstore - Mango Plaza
National Bookstore - Ayala Cebu
National Bookstore - Bohol Island City Mall
Cartimar- stall C-40 pasay city

I'll update the list as we deliver copies to more stores,

New Conan piece :)

2009-01-20T23:09:00.001+08:00

I'm open for commissions :)

My wife's General Manager's Award

2009-01-14T16:33:00.003+08:00

My wife bagged an award this year. Galing ng mahal ko no? :)

New OLD pics :)

2009-01-14T15:48:00.003+08:00

While cleaning, we've found these pictures :) We call those times, the good ol' LEARN days :) 1998-99

TROPA#3 Cover WIP

2009-01-13T15:02:00.002+08:00

Bayan Knights #2 Ultra spread :)

2009-01-08T01:42:00.001+08:00

3rd double spread WIP

2009-01-07T17:41:00.001+08:00

Old picture

2009-01-03T18:01:00.001+08:00

Just found an old picture with Lui Antonio, dated 1994 :)

BK 2 page 4-5 wip

2009-01-03T02:17:00.000+08:00

ITUTULOY!

2009-01-02T21:00:00.002+08:00

To be continued in english, the word itutuloy means a lot to me. As a man of comics I usually end my serials using this word, meaning this is not the end.

As I start the year 2009 I think of this word. I have no intentions of stopping any of my goals in life and most especially my projects. 2008 was a year when I thought to my self, before this year ends, I'm going to do something meaningful. The year went okay for me. I had a few bumps here and there but nothing too tragic until the last few months when we had a miscarriage.

I am happy just to have accomplished a few breakthroughs, like our trip to San Diego Comic Con and got to talk to some DC editors that said real neat stuffs about my work. Meeting people who are dear to me at the con was certainly a treat. Our vacation to hawaii was tiring but worth it. As my wife would tell me a zillion times during a trip. It might be a while before we could do this again, so let's fill up our schedule with things to do while we are here.

Our publishing venture was a bit slow, but moving. We manage to publish three issues within the year so I guess that is quite an acchievement for me. But, something I'll always be proud of had finally came to fruition. That is, BAYAN KNIGHTS. The title was supposed to be for a book I was thinking of where all my characters won't be overdressed for a real feel story. But I decided to us it to this new project where I asked some of the most creative people I know to join me and create a book for one purpose alone. To help each other. Something that was never done before in local comics. No politics, no barriers, no nonesense, just plain selfless act of heroism between my brothers and sisters in the comics community.

We've met a lot of heroes that also share our dream to revitalize the local comics scene. But I'd like to say thanks to Edgar Tadeo, Rain Beredo and Mark Taduran for helping the Bayan Knights with our cover. Bless you guys!

Komikon 2008 was also a very memorable event. People can only wish that we could do this more often :) All the new titles that came out? there are no specifics, all of them are important. From the smallest and youngest creators to the best we could offer, I congratulate you for all your efforts and love for the medium. Thanks for keeping the flame and dream alive guys!

2008 came and ended but not my dreams, not my work, I plan to push harder. Some might think, what is this guy thinking? The dream might be to big for him. All I can really say to that is, if I can, then I will. Nothing really special to what I am doing, but if it could make a difference, why stop me? Let me be. You could ignore me or join me, either way I'll continue.

So 2009 for me is not a new start and everything else? ITUTULOY!

Still working before the New Year! :)

2008-12-31T19:37:00.001+08:00

Elfyourself dance

2008-12-31T19:09:00.001+08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Monsantos at the Makati Shang :)

2008-12-30T02:22:00.004+08:00

In our yearly Hotel sampling :)

Mga nakakatuwang Piktyurs with our kids :)

2008-12-30T01:55:00.004+08:00

Gusto ko lang ishare kung what's keeping me sane hehe.

3rd Toys and Collectibles Christmas Fair 2008 and BK xmas dinner pictures

2008-12-30T01:12:00.003+08:00

Konti lang pics ko nakuha :)

Second time namin nagparaffle ng original art, this time si Zheya naman ang ginawa kong art, created by Myles Chua.

At ang nanalo ay si Mr. lorenzo Bernardo ng Pasig City. Nakakatuwa na siya ang pinakaunang bumili sa event :) So No. 1 siya talaga! Congrats and thanks sa support.

6 weeks and 3 days

2008-12-07T01:24:00.002+08:00

It all started with two red lines, made us smile. I thought this would be the perfect ending for a good year. Been busy all year long, started a lot of things while ending a few. Expecting a baby could only be good news to us. We've already talked a lot for our new exciting project. But is was not meant to be. On our second ultrasound, we expected heartbeats but there was none. All hope was lost. We wondered alot and waited for another week to make sure there was no mistake. Sad to say, they could have been twins, two egg sacks one so tiny and the other almost made it. Sleep well my little unnamed angels, we are grieving the fact that we had no choice, it was fate. We love you none the less. I'll never forget. Thank you for the smiles you gave us, your mommy and daddy loves you.

Sleep well.

Random notes about Komikon 08

2008-12-01T08:53:00.002+08:00

Because my brain is still a bit out of order, I'll do a random recollection of my thoughts about Komikon '08

* It is exciting to find more titles this year. More titles means more to offer, more for our readers to choose from.

* It is wonderful that it was not too noisy, the focus is now more into Komiks rather than gaming or cosplay. It was fun to find cosplayers but not for competition. Thus meant more sales for the exhibitors. That is what they came there for anyways right?

* The sound system should be fixed though, Our table was near the stage but we can't hear squat! we have to close our eyes just to understand who is on stage sometimes.

* Bayan Knights did well, including all participating creators. We all agreed to get a joint long table next time to maximize visibility. We are one this year, but scattered all over the place hehe. Next time guys :)

* Lan Medina was there! Now that is worth a lot, I just hope they had announced that fact more.

* I wasn't able to go around much, wish I did. One this I guess we need to do just like at the SDcomicon though. Flyers, flyers, flyers! It is so hard to understand what is going on, or who is at which table no less.

* One good thing also are the food stands, at least this time. there's a lot of selections.

* No where to showcase the products. I'm not really sure if dividers are more convenient so can post posters/ images about the products we are selling? Although tables are much more friendlier but also needs more talk to convince people to check your titles out.

* more soon :)

BAYAN KNIGHTS: The story thus far

2008-11-24T02:24:00.001+08:00

(Originally posted on our Bayan Knight blog dated Nov. 20, 2008)

“Looks like we made it” could be on everyone’s minds right now. For now, Bayan Knights #1 is being printed maybe even as we read this entry. Just like before, I can’t help but be a bit anxious about what the final product would look, smell, and feel like. For someone who has done this for a long time, I am wondering how the Knights are taking the pressure of knowing that the time is fast approaching. I could still remember every time a new comic book I made gets released to the market. The best way to describe that feeling would be“exhausting.” The expectations are there along with some morbid thoughts about people hanging me for my work. But this time, it is different. I’ll be sharing these feelings with more than 30 people - each one waiting for this issue to come out.

This book has represented a lot of things for me. The idea that people from different walks of life but with a deep appreciation of comics can truly band together and share not just their hopes and dreams but the idea that all of us can help each other and support everyone in the group is somewhat amazing - even for me. With only a few months to do the actual comic book and find funding for it, it was not an easy task for all of us.

So where are now exactly? We are a critical point where possibilities might come from all sides, both good and bad. All expectations – and doubts - are high and when we finally get there, we’ll all realize that this is actually just the beginning. The work to be done will be more challenging than the first time. There is a bigger picture that is still hidden under this project of ours and we will be needing more heroes to help us along the way. Rest assured that we will be transparent to all members.

Miracles, a lot of these seem to keep popping up for all of us. Little surprises and wonderful experiences have surrounded us with every step we take together towards one direction. Yes, there may be sceptics who will surely show up and we are ready to face them together. We’ll learn from them and we’ll listen with open minds and hearts. This family of dreamers and builders will not be hindered because we’ve all accepted the fact that the only way for all of us to succeed is by caring for each and every Knight no matter who or where they are. I am amazed and glad to have met these people, all white knights to the cause.

“We are one”. That line holds us together and will only make us stronger while we continue learning from each other. If you look at the progress of each member in terms of artistic maturity and compare that with the individuals that they were before being a Bayan Knight, you would see their considerable growth. This rally of progress can only be described in one word -- infectious. It is my dearest hope that this will continue and in turn, bring forth more opportunities for all of us.

Heroes have also stood with us; we are grateful and proud to walk among them, brave individuals who reinforce the realization that heroes do still exist in all of us. We hope we’ll also inspire others to find the hero in every Juan in the country.

So are we truly there yet? Not by a long shot, but we are definitely getting there.

Gilbert Monsanto

A Bayan Knight

BAYAN KNIGHTS at Komikon 08

2008-11-23T15:14:00.005+08:00

I am bad at this, it'll take me a bit of time before I could recover and make a detailed entry about our KOMIKON 08 experience. But It was a smashing success, congrats to all of us who are there. Ang daming magagandang Titles ngayon.

Successful din ang unang labas ng Bayan Knights issue 1. Congrats mga Knights!

The whole time, we were getting all the names of all the people who supported us during the day, while I came up with an original 11 x 17 Bayan Knight art to be raffled later that say day, and the Original Bayan Knight art raffle winner is Christian Dior Barcelona no.83rd who logged on our book.

I'll post more about that day soon.

Bayan Knights issue 1 is finally HERE!

2008-11-20T19:14:00.001+08:00

KOMIKON Schedule of Activities

2008-11-14T02:29:00.002+08:00

KOMIKON: The 4th Philippine Comics Convention is not limited only to November 22. It will be a week-long event which includes panel discussions, exhibits and workshops, all happening within the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City.
THE FOURTH ANNUAL PHILIPPINE KOMIKS CONVENTION
withUP LUNAROCK and UP GRAILbrings you a week long KOMIKON 2008!!!
Besides the convention proper on November 22, 2008, there will be activities held from November 17 - 21 at the UP College of Arts and Letters (UP CAL) and in the UP College of Fine Arts (UP CFA) for KOMIKON. Our schedule is as follows:

November 17 (Mon)
KOMIKS 101 TalkVenue: UP CFA Auditorium
“KOMIKEROS FOR HIRE”Filipino Comic Artists Working for Companies AbroadTime: 10:00am - 12noonPanelists:
Harvey Tolibao
Wilson Tortosa
Gilbert Monsanto
Melvin Calingo

“KOMIKS IN EDUCATION”Including Comics into the CurriculumTime: 1:00pm - 4:00pmPanelists:
Gerry Alanguilan
Gilbert Monsanto
Elbert Or
Jose “Chong” Ardivilla
Emil Flores

November 18 (Tue)
OPENING of EXHIBIT at UP Faculty Center Galleria 1
UP CAL Workshop: “Comic Making for Writers”Time: 2:30-4:30pmVenue: UP CAL (classroom to be announced*)
Speaker:
Jonas Diego

November 19 (Wed)
UP CAL Workshop: “Old Comics to Modern TV Adaptations”Time: 2:30-4:30pmVenue: UP CAL (classroom to be announced)
Speaker:
Gilda Olvidado

November 20 (Thurs)
UP CFA Workshop: “Comic Writing for Artists”Time: 2:30-4:30pmVenue: UP CFA (classroom to be announced)
Speaker:
Gerry Alanguilan , Elbert Or and Jamie Bautista

November 21 (Fri)
UP CFA Workshop: “Publishing Comics: Mainstream and Independent”Time: 2:30-4:30pmVenue: UP CFA (classroom to be announced)
Speaker: Ian Cang, Lyndon Gregorio, Michael David

November 22 (Sat)
Komikon 2008: 4th Philippine Komiks ConventionTime: 10 am - 6pmVenue: UP Bahay ng Alumni

For more information about the event please contact Rikki of UP LUNAROCK at 0915-4269190; Roja of UP GRAIL at 0919-3354089 or email us at komikon@gmail.com
Official Komikon Sitehttp://komikon.blogspot.com/

RAMBOL #3 delivered!

2008-11-07T14:14:00.003+08:00

We just need to put them inside plastics and they are ready to be distributed :)

RAMBOL #3 will be out next week!

2008-11-04T10:38:00.002+08:00

Rambol#3 will be delivered within the week. If you are near the Megamall area, you can order them directly from me and we'll just meet up.

Just email me at smp_letters@yahoo.com

60 pesos lang!

-Gilbert Monsanto

BAYAN KNIGHTS update

2008-11-01T02:10:00.002+08:00

pencil by Gilbert Monsanto

inked by Edgar Tadeo

colors by Mark Taduran and Rain Beredo

Nuff said! :)

We'll be using the white version for the actual print.

CARS props for Kyle's Halloween party

2008-10-27T16:00:00.001+08:00

Bayan Knights article on Sunday INQUIRER Mag

2008-10-27T08:41:00.000+08:00

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/sim/sim/view/20081026-168534/In-Search-of-Real-life-Heroes

BK coming real soon :)

2008-10-25T01:10:00.001+08:00

EVIL YAYA

2008-10-14T20:07:00.007+08:00

BEWARE OF THIS YAYA!

As I write this, I can't help to be emotional. We got this yaya from an agency. a few weeks ago. She claimed that she was the yaya for one of Lucio Tan's grand children. So, we thought that if she came from that family, she might be a wise choice. We were sooo wrong. So wrong that we did not know that she would hurt Kyle from behind our backs and even taunted another yaya not to say anything. The yaya gave in finally and exposed this BAD EVIL yaya. We talked to our son and all the horror came out. She would hit, put pillow on his face and even strangle him a bit every chance she got. I let her go not knowing all the facts. How I wish I knew more. But just as well, because I could never imagine how I could hurt this evil person.

I am doing this now, with the hope to prevent her to hurt another baby. Please, if you hired this yaya. Keep an open eye. She could have killed my child.

I pray for the safety of your child.

Her name is Evangeline "VANGIE" Salamat

Bayan Knights

2008-10-09T02:38:00.002+08:00

Standing L-R Joriben, Omi, Mark Shoti, Wan, Gilbert, Mike Boy Ipis, Redge, Aaron, Levy and Jash
Seated L-R Myke, Rhiver, Gio, Robin, Ner, Erico

We are one! nuff said.

Bayan Knights ad

2008-10-06T19:23:00.003+08:00

MM3 1-200 a photo scan index

2008-10-02T00:14:00.002+08:00

METROPOLITAN villains sketches

2008-09-30T03:35:00.002+08:00

Some sneak previews on the return of some the villains.

HYPERNAUT VIRUS

BIOLANTE

BOGEYMAN- Midguards lethal arch enemy.

MM3 sketchcards

2008-09-24T13:13:00.002+08:00

Almost done with all the 200 skecthcards assigned to me. Just received 10 artist proof sketch cards so I am open for commissions on them.