US trip part 3

I'll add captions later :)

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD HEROES

Sarhento Sagrado is looking a few good Pinoy SuperHeroes to fight crime with him.

Sacred Mountain Publications opens its doors to a new era of artistic cooperation.

WHAT TO DO:
email smp_letters@yahoo.com
subject: PINOYS UNITE

Tell me about your OC and where he is located, including timeline please.

I'll email you back with the deal.

Note: all rights to the characters submitted will remain to their respective creators.

TRYING TO HELP THE KOMIKS INDUSTRY.

2 NEWcategories for commissions

I'm down finishing 2 last free promo art. After that I have to cut the promo short to the last 3 slots. I have 2 reserved slot for James H, so that leaves me with one with a free promo art for a friend.

A while back, I was thinking hard how to help our local comics industry get back on its track. Then I thought it needs more push, more strength will and determination. So, I decided to do something about it.

I have 2 new categories for my commissions that will focus in helping the industry.

Category #1:

I am willing to give out 20% percentage from my commission rates to give out FREE comics from Sacred Mountain Publications. That means if you request a commission from me, that will be 12 free comics for 12 potential new comic readers in Manila."

These free comics will be distributed in key locations like comic book shops, hobby stores, schools etc...

if you want to help me in this category, Place (NOBLE) to the subject of your email to me. email it to smp_letters@yahoo.com


Category #2

I am willing to do the same to help our local creators by co-producing a book that aims to introduce, promote and legitimize their work to the reading public.

If you want to help me in this category, Place (BAYAN KNIGHTS) next to the subject of your email to me. email it to smp_letters@yahoo.com


Donations and/or sponsorships are also welcome.



Please help me in realizing this dream. Rates of my commissions can be viewed below:

RATES
Image File - 8 1/2 x 11, 300 dpi
*Inked Artwork - $30 (single character)
*Colored Artwork - plus $10 (promo rate)
*For every additional character in the same page - plus $10 (promo rate)
*To get the original artwork (B&W Inked, 8 1/2 x 11)- $60 plus shipping

Image File - 11 x 17, 300 dpi
*Inked Artwork - $50 (single character)
*Colored Artwork - plus $20 (promo rate)
*For every additional character in the same page - $10 (promo rate)
*Original Artwork (Pencils) - $65 plus shipping (single character)
* Original Artwork (Inked) - $80 plus shipping (11x17, single character)
*Original Artwork plus colored file on CD - $110

Thank you,
Gilbert Monsanto

http://gammaknight.deviantart.com/gallery/
to view commissions samples.

Our trip to the U.S. part 2b

After that we took another trolley ride and went to the San Diego Zoo. As we feared, it was a big place and we really got tired soon enough hehe. We called this our shortest Zoo Trip ever. It is a good thing we took the ticket with the guide bus ride around the Zoo.



After that we decided to head finally to the Convention Center to get out badges. Unfortunately, the trolley took a detour and did not pass the place, we had to walk several blocks just to get there. The starting tome to get the 4-day badges was 3, it was 5:30 when we got there. We got a huge surprise to find hundred lining up outside just to get inside, it took 2 hours just to get inside, the people are talking that this seemed to be the first time that this happened. It is a crazy snake of a line.





Finally we got inside, it was already too late for most of the preview showing so we just went in and found right away how huge this place is. We got buy a few TPBs and got as much freebies as we could :) It was exciting but because we went to all those places before this, I was too tired to celebrate that I am in COMICON! We checked and planned for what we'll do tomorrow and headed back finally to the Hotel, we took a cab that usually costs around 13 dollars plus tip. I think it was around eleven when we arrived to rest. I tried to work, unfortunately too tired to do so hehe.

To be continued...

Our trip to the U. S. part 2

Our second day in San Diego, we decided to use a Trolley bus. So, we can look around all over the city. The great thing about this one is that you'll learn about the history of the place as you go, if you decide to drop by a certain place. When you ride again, even with a different number, you'll still continue to learn new things but in a different point of view, coming from a specific driver/comedian, they want the trip to be entertaining as well.




Our first stop is at the harbor to go inside the ships and submarine turned museums. It was neat to be able explore and talk about stuffs inside, it can really stir up you imaginations :)








After that, we waited for the next trolley to arrive, it took like 15 mins wait but you know what? we looked at the schedules of arrival and it turned out that they seldom get late. Almost on time all the time.

Our next stop is supposedly another tourist spot where later on found out that it was just located just behind Hyatt Hotel which is near the Convention center where the SDCC was held. Anyways, it was a tourist trap of sort, lots of souvenir shops there. Danger zone for us, our Spidey senses are tinggling the whole time. We had to get out there soon :)

After that we headed to the beach, if I remember it right the CORONADO beach. We ate mexican food where the taco was superb! The serving was also big that I was not able to finish my plate? Glenda was actually shocked I couldn't hehe. Getting old I guess haha. Glenda likes mexicali in the Philippines, but this is the real thing.





After eating, we went to the beach front at the Hotel del Coronado.

Our Trip to the U.S.

I really don't know how to start this one, we've (my wife and I)been to San Deigo and Hawaii for 2 weeks and it was definitely a memorable trip for me,since this is my first time to set foot on american soil. As a kid I grew up watching Sesame Street and Hollywod movies and I've always wondered what it was like to be there. I've heard stories from relatives and friends about their trips and it always sounds so different. Now at 36, It finally happened. My wife makes things happen for me, she's always been there to push me towards the things I wouldn't have tried when I was single. "Thanks Lovey."


I've always been scared of flying but, I always go and look out the window hehe. Here saying bye to the Philippine air space :)

One thing I realized first is that we'll be sitting inside an airplane for long hours. Good thing we know that drinking coffee is not good for our body chemistry so we tried our best to avoid drinking any. On our stop in Japan, we get to order McDonalds and like a game, we usually compare prices and taste of any brand and try to figure out what they might have done to try and make their brand acceptable to other countries. One thing is for sure, it is expensive in Japan hehe. The serving is not much bigger than in the Philippines so I guess it is really expensive to live there.

Hello American air space :)

Our point of entry is L.A. and as we head off the exit, an officer asked us a few questions. We realized he's pinoy when heasked if there is "la balot? " I actually checked his name tag as we approached them, I think it lugauit or something. It just got confirmed when he said some tagalog :)

We got a bit lost so we missed our connecting flight to San Diego. Good thing we didn't have to wait for the 6pm flight. We got on the next flight within that hour.

We arrived in San Diego around 1-2pm so we head on straight to Best Western Seven Seas hotel. It was a nice place, they said it got renovated just recently so maybe that is good thing we picked that place. Pretty far from the Convention Center but at least it's decent.




My wife is always on the go during trips like these, so off we go to Sea World that same day! We just took a trolley and a bus to get there. We are quite adventurous that way. One thing about the trolley, we paid for our ride using a machine but we found out that there was no conductor, nothing to check your ticket. We just looked at each other thinking people here must be honest enough not to just hitch a ride for free. Will never happen here in our country :) Now the bus driver never carries any cash, there is a machine for that, no change folks, only exact fare. If that could only happen here in Manila, things would be better. Although no conductor means less employment huh? :(







Another chance for us to compare food servings :) This is too much for a single order don't you think? so we usually share hehe.



We went back to the hotel around 11pm. Went to a convenience store to get some ice cream and food, then went back and called it a day.

to be continued...

MANILA COMIC CON the press release

The long wait is finally over. Buckle up, Manila, because the Mecca
of Comic Culture is coming to town. On 18th and 19th of October 2008,
the Glorietta Activity Center and Glorietta Tent will be transformed
to a Comic Culture Wonderland as Hobbylink Productions, Inc. presents
the first world-class comic convention to hit the Philippines, The
1st Manila Comic Con.

The 1st Manila Comic Con will bring together the best and the
brightest comics talents the country has to offer. Celebrated Filipino
comics artists will honor their patrons, staunch comic book
aficionados, by conducting an exclusive book signing and book
launching all throughout the event. Not to be outdone, Filipino
sculptors will join in and exhibit their masterpieces. To top it all
off, a Cosplay Masquerade Party will be held on October 18 at the
Glorietta Tent to create an awesome venue where enthusiasts, hobbyists
and artists can get together socialize and build a positive comics energy!

Too good to be true? Think again! The 1st Manila Comic Con will go
where no other comic convention has dared. It will bring a hail storm
of toy sale, panel discussions, life-size and museum-type displays -
all done in an international- convention style.

What are you waiting for!? Spread the word and Get ready for the next
Big Thing!


For updates please check www.manilacomiccon. com

join the Yahoogroups: manilacomicconventi on@yahoogroups. com

TAGGED by Gerry Alanguilan

Just Got home from a 2-week vacation in the US and guess what? Gerry Alanguilan Tagged me :)

1. What do you want for your birthday?

Hmmm, I don't usually expect anything. If there is one thing, I'd like to

2. Who will be your next kiss?

Glenda,then our babies Kyle and Shawn

3. When was the last time you went to the mall?

A few days ago, at the ALA MOANA mall in Honolulu.

4. Are you wearing socks right now?

Nope.

5. How did you spend your summer?

It is still summer in the U.S. so I guess, we went to San Diego Comicon and Hawaii. The tours and hiking are so tiring and exciting at the same time.

6. Have you been to the cinema in the last 5 days?

Went to see Hellboy 2 with Glenda in Hawaii. Expensive tickets(500 Php) but we just wanted to find out if it was any better. I am pleased to say, our local cinemas are better and cheaper at that.

7. What was the last thing you had to drink?

Ovaltine, I bought it in hawaii because I think our local Ovaltine is not the same, not like the Ovaltine I loved when I was a kid. My verdict? I was RIGHT!!!!!

8. What are you wearing right now?

White T-shirt, shorts, slippers, make-up with a big grin--- "why so serious?"

9. What was your last purchase?

Last purchased? GI Joe Snake eyes action-figure.

10. What was the last food you ate?

Hungarian Hotdog, egg and fried rice.

11. Who would be the person you would call if you were up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep?

ikaw ba'y nalulunggkot? walang makausap? (joke) I'd call no one.

12. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

nah.

13. Do you have a pet?

None

14. What made you laugh in the last 5 days?

My kids.

15. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

In front of my computer writing something on my blog before I can get back to my work. Hey! I'm doing that right now. Cool :)

16. What is the last thing you purchased online?

hmmm, if that includes tours... Nah my wife did that.

17. One thing you hate about yourself?

tummy's getting a bit bigger everyday. Need to exercise more :)

18. Do you miss anyone?

anyone.

19. What are your plans for the day?

finish pending projects. A lot of them got hold because of the trip/vacation.

20. Last person you msg’d?

like email? Francis Takenaga

21. Ever went to a camp?

I can't remember.

22. Are you a good student in school?

average.

23. What do you know about the (your) future?

the future is always a day after today. I'll take it one day at a time thank you.

24. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?

natural scent all the way baby! yeah!

25. Where is/are your best friend/s right now?

always there when I truly need them. I don't don't usually ask favors, but my friends would usually anticipate whenever they think I need one.

I inflict this tag on my Renie, Reno and whoe ever reads this! hah! beat that tagging folks!

Don't get your hopes up :)

Talked to the editors later that day and I still need to prove something to them before I can get a project. Good thing is, I now have actual editors who will be waiting for new pages from me :)

It is now truly up to me, really.

SanDiego (Sea World)

Kararating lang sa San Diego, nag Sea World muna hihi. Kwento ako more soon :)

MARVEL vs DC spread sample art

I am a man without sleep :)

PARENT - Job Description

PARENT - Job Description

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way,

I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!


POSITION :

Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma

Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop


JOB DESCRIPTION:


Long term, team players needed, for challenging

permanent work in an

often chaotic environment.

Candidates must possess excellent communication

and organizational skills and be willing to work

variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends

and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.

Some overnight travel required, including trips to

primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!

Travel expenses not reimbursed.

Extensive courier duties also required.


RESPONSIBILITIES:


The rest of your life

Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,

until someone needs $5.

Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.

Also, must possess the physical stamina of a

pack mule

and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat

in case, this time, the screams from

the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.

Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,

such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets

and stuck zippers.

Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and

coordinate production of multiple homework projects.

Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings

for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.

Must be willing to be indispensable one minute,

an embarrassment the next.

Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a

half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.

Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

Must assume final, complete accountability for

the quality of the end product.

Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and

janitorial work throughout the facility.


POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT &PROMOTION :


None.

Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,

so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you


PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:


None required unfortunately.

On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.


WAGES AND COMPENSATION:


Get this! You pay them!

Offering frequent raises and bonuses.

A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because

of the assumption that college will help them

become financially independent.

When you die, you give them whatever is left.

The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that

you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.


BENEFITS:


While no health or dental insurance, no pension,

no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and

no stock options are offered;

this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,

and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.


Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis,

letting them know they are appreciated

for the fabulous job they do...

or forward with love

to anyone thinking of applying for the job.

** AND A FOOTNOTE ?

THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!! **

If you are fortunate enough you will become grandparents!


Keep Laughing,


Best medicine for the heart and mind.

HELLSWORD preview time

Did this one while waiting for my son at his school :)

new samples :)

PAYPALable commissions gallery :)

Here are just some of the commissions I've done within a month, mostly the reason why I was not so active here.

Anyways, I am thankful for all the guys who placed their trust in me and my art.

If you want me to do commissions for you. please email me at smp_letters@yahoo.com

Paypal is cool :)

CHIBITROG fan art by Xtianity

"good day sir, pa post naman ito sa blogsite mo, sa santomon's name. pagpasensyahan mo na kasi sira talaga ako pagdating sa colorings.... i'm trying to learn photoshop. nga pala, wat happen na sa digmaan? salamat sa inspirasyon na ibinigay mo samin... mula pa noong panahon ng bata-batuta at kick fighter... xtianity"


Salamat sa nakatutuwang drawing :)

Almost finish with these pages :)

http://www.comicspace.com/augustine_mar/comics.php?action=gallery&comic_id=21284

Whole day without electricity because of "FRANK"

Frank is the name of the storm that our country is experiencing right now. As early as 5am yesterday up to 4am this morning, there was no electricity. We still went to church without the kids, and went straight to the mall for our weekly grocery. We were suppose to go to a kiddie birthday party that afternoon but were informed that it was postponed; the area around the venue was flooded.

Back at home later that day, I tried to draw even though it was a bit dark. The whole time, I realised that our work relies too much on electricity. Without it, all I can really do is draw without any ways of scanning and sending the images via email. I felt trapped and although it was a chance to really play with the kids and rest, I'm still wondering about how things will be like if the brownout was frequent like a few years back?

We relied on my father in law's portable radio that has a wind up feature to store battery. He said it was new and he'd not recharged the batteries yet so I volunteered to wind it up every 5 minutes or so hehe. It was fun to do. The news was of course dreadful, lots of accidents and casualties.

During the night we had to stay up late because there was no electric fan and my wife and I had to take turns and be the fan for the kids :)It was not really hot but we are making sure that they won't sweat and catch cold in the process. The kids getting is far worse than staying up to make sure they won't get sick we figured.

I just hope the storm ends soon. And pray that everyone I know is safe.

Got this Aries horoscope on friendster :)

"A huge workload doesn't have to intimidate you. You can do this! You are a star."

Bagay na bagay di ba? hehehe.

RAMBOL 3 preview

A page preview of METROPOLITAN inside Rambol issue 3.
Although the actual page might be printed in grayscale. As much as I want to print it like the first and second issue, I am afraid, reality has sunk in and in order to survive, we have to accept some compromises. :(

Lumabas sa Manila Bulletin nung Saturday

Nasa toy con ako nung inabot sa akin ito ni Ner P :)

Poor scanning hehe sorry.

just copy and past this link to your browser:
http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/06/14/YTCP20080614127280.html

Rambol komiks- hard to find? Click the link

I've heard this story from different people already, this is the first time that somebody actually wrote something about it. Please click the link to read Mark's tale.

PlanetMarkus


Thanks Mark for sharing this one.

Kyle's latest work :)

My son Kyle showed me his work this morning so I decided to post it here. Don't ask me why he wrote NO CAT hehehe.

Family time in IslandCove June 7, 2008

We went to Island Cove in Bacoor Cavite. The place has new sections that the family will surely enjoy. Since I was a kid, I've had nothing but fond memories here, the place was named differently before, I think it was Covelandia. I think it just got even better with its addition of the mini Zoo.

We went swimming 'til noon then straight to the mini-zoo after Shawn took a nap in the car. The animals here are all healthy looking and it is so easy to go around. There is a bike rental or you can ride to what my kid refers as the Toy Car :) that will get you to the crocodiles. They fed the crocs when we went in with a chicken (dead one). At firt Kyle got excited and said. " I'm Happy! " Then we explained how deadly these creatures are so he won't go too near the fences.

Within the farm are the monkeys surrounded by water, my wife told me, it reminded her of the show "LOST" they are stranded in a man made island hehe. the funny this is. If even the crocs escape, they will the first to get eaten. Yikes. We went back to the where the birds and the tigers are kept. We saw this young Hawk that got his wing trapped between the screen cage. Its attempt to free himself only caused more injury because it was using it's sharp beak wounding the wing, blood trickling down already. I rush to call the caretaker, they managed to fix the prob and thanked us. They'll just call the doctor I guess to fix the wounds. After that we enjoyed the geese as they came close as if talking to us but I knew they wanted to chase us away hehe. Anyway, they are making funny noises. We then saw a Cassowari bird, a big strange lookig one that reminded me of the Jurassic park film. I told my wife that the strange thing on its head would give out a noise akin to the dinosaurs in the film I was looking at the female, I was making bird noise then it happened. The male bird shout at me full blast, he was in a different cage but he was staring at me, maybe got jealous. I was right! It really was a scary dinosaur sounding voice. This bird is taller than me so you could imagine it was one hehe.

After that we went back to the other kiddie pool where me and my kids stayed until 5:30 pm.

Not much time to go around but the stay was worth it in my book. I'd recommend that place anytime.

My wife still asks the question, Why do they breed deadly Crocodiles?

:)

My niece's work

During the M3 event, my niece Tintin came and it was also the first time I showed her how I draw,teaching her in a way. This is her drawing that she drew during the event. Fast learner eh? :)

...

Haven't posted anything here since my return home from M3 on the last day of May. It is now June and I've been hammering away with new pages from all sides. I have come to realize a lot of things after Mangaholix 3. The event was successfull and I'd like to thank the Mangaholix crew for letting us join the fun.

Fun, he he he, I came to realize that I am not young anymore. The music was too loud for me, we were so err too close to the stage/speakers and most of the time I can't hear myself. One of the rare times that I'd shut up because my motormouth was useless there hehe. I also found out that COSPLAYERS are the real star of the show. They are fantastic to look at and I think that even without anything under that roof, the event will be successfull. You don't have to put anything there to show. The showcased artworks all came in eventually, The cosplayers were the walking artworks there. It is an amazing sight.

Urbandub rocks!!! Me and my wife agrees on that.

I'd also like to thank Renie and Levy for always giving us a helping hand.

I can't write much yet, need to draw faster to meet deadlines so ciao for now. Will post previews soon though.

link sa mga pix: http://gilbertm.multiply.com/photos/album/23/Some_M3_pics

Stay tuned :)