3rd KOMIKS CONGRESS Meeting UPDATES


Emotional Meeting prospered about the Komiks Congress led by
Commissioner Joe Lad Santos last February 3, 2007 held in Maxs
Restaurant at QUEZON CIRCLE, Diliman , Q.C around 3:30 pm.

This is the third formal meeting about the upcoming Komiks Congress
and a lot of developments happened already.Some Concrete activities,and
projects were being lined up.

The developments made the Commission to decide the Komiks Congress to postpone February 15- 16 and move it to last week of February in order to gave way for a more organized preparation,give ample time to the participants on the exhibits and contests and to campaign more for public awareness.

Compared to the past meetings, there were more than 30 key personalities that came from the various institutions including the former pioneers of the Komiks Industry. Attendees were: Ofelia Concepcion, Josie Aventurado,Mike & Liza Tan, Nicky Astronomo, Glady Gimena, Beth Lucion Rivera, Karl Comendador,Joemari Moncal, Al Cabral, Ding Abubot, Nar Castro, Joe Hilario,Jun Malonzo, Orly Aquino,Andy Beltran, Rod Santiago, John Becaro, Mario Macalindog, Randy Valiente,Gener Pedrina,Orvy Jundis,Dr. Berosil of NCCA,(Mr. Efren Montano of Malacanang Press and Peoples Journal) and other key names.

The Carlo J. Caparas Komiks Creation Contest were also finalized. Participants may submit a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 5 pages whether in writing or with a complete drawing/illustrations already.."Filipino Language" was being stress as the language to be use in the entries.Further official details will be announce later

The Art Exhibit was also been discussed. It will be open to all Filipino Komiks Artists in the country. This is an open theme with the emphasis on the sense of "Filipino Touch" on it. There is much to be debated to this "theme" but it is obvious to all of us what is a "Filipino Touch or Style".For details You can contact Nar Castro:0928-390-3316. The deadline of Submissions will be on February 9, 2007. You can also send your exhibit entries in this address (if you think you are very far from Metro Manila)

Leonardo "Nar" Castro
#14 Int. L.R.Yangco St.
Navotas East, Navotas


The anticipated projects and the long term action after the Komiks Congress were also announced and this are the following: The opening of the two offices for Komiks in Valenzuela and Quezon City, upcoming Komiks contests with big prizes, publishing the entries of the Komiks Contest during the Komiks Congress and a whole lot more.

The Komiks Congress was also been PARTIALLY change to "KOMIKS KONGRES" since it will particularly aim to promote our own Filipino Language in our Country. The term "Komiks" will be also destined to be define clearly during the KOMIKS KONGRESS since it already garnered the desciption that entails "an Illustrated Theater".official annnouncements will still be made available in the next days.

After some discussions on the agenda, Commissioner Joe Lad Santos started an informal open forum for all of us to express our views and opinions. It was a total sentimental and emotional open forum. All of the attendees expressed deep and strong love on our Filipino Komiks.And they were overjoyed by the news that there were a move to bring back the Komiks Industry.

Independent (indie) Komiks were mentioned by Ofelia Conception and was been backed up by Randy Valiente, John Becaro, Gener Pedrina, Mario Macalindog and Mike Tan's son.Everyone was been informed that "Indie Comics" has existed when the "Mainstream Komiks Industry" was stagnant and asleep. Modern Komiks Illustrators, writer, publishers was also been tressed.But with muchsurprise, everyone was outspoken when Orvy Jundis presented a much more clearer issues regarding the Komiks Artists/ Creators in the Global Scene and how he is very much happy on the present movement. Orvy stressed a statement that inspired most of us in the meeting : " With all the energy here among us, we can create a much more powerful thing to bring back the local komiks industry and its future". Mike Tan has also stressed out that: "Komiks has not died--it was just sick and was being abandoned.Let us all help it heal and look for its proper medication. "Kailangan rin isipin na sa pagbangon nito, ay meron nag bagong panahon na kailangan na rin nyang sabayan para hindi tuluyang mawala." Rod Santiago ( was also there to expressed gratefulness and support. There are lot of inspiring and excellent sentiments including: "Sana ang Komiks ay di na lang natin mababasa sa mga Museum at sa mga libro ng kasaysayan,Kundi sana patuloy natin itong makita at mabasa sa ating msimong mga palad maging sa mga susunod na henerasyon".

The Core Group of the Komiks Congress will eventually discussed the finalization and the mobilization of the event this coming Wednesday, February 7, 2007.


The objective is Clear: "BUHAYIN ANG KOMIKS, ISULONG ANG WIKANG FILIPINO
AT ITAGUYOD ANG SARILING KULTURA NG BANSA".

Komiks Congress is another high effort to test the challenge of time to the Philippine Komiks
Industry, bringing high hope to its "total revival".

Tulungan po natin.And manatili po tayong nakaantabay sa mga susnod na official na announcements.

Below are the photo coverage of the meeting attended by various key personalities
in Philippine Komiks Industry :

February 1, 2007

Hello Everyone!

Greetings of Peace!

I will schedule myself in attending various meetings for the
Upcoming Komiks Congress especially this Saturday, February
3, 2007.

Almost all of us know that I was always talking about Indie
Comics and its Creators and how I appreciate it.

I strongly believe that indie comics was been a forefront
In bringing back the attention of the people in Comics
during the times when the Philippine Komiks Industry
was still asleep. The indie comics is growing and growing
based from the past Komikons and other related events.

Now, An upcoming Komiks Congress was being collectively
facilitated by various people in the field of making comics.
Its primary objective is to promote an awareness in the past
Glory of the Philippine Komiks Industry and to create new
actions to refresh it and be able to campaign for public
acceptance once again.

I guess this is the time for us to be heard and to be able
Give our support for the love of Philippine Komiks Industry.

It is in connection herewith that I am asking everyone
of us here who makes or was involved in indie comics.
Please let Us know your:

1. Names,
2. the titles of your Indie Comics
3. and the name of your Indie publishing (optional).
4. if you can send the URL, much better (applicable for web comics)
5. Or your group name.

Any Indie Comics, ranging from different styles including Manga,
Cartooning, western, Filipino, or anything under the sun. BASTA
GAWA NG PILIPINO kahit ano. PANAHON PO NGAYON PARA
MARINIG TAYO AT MAGKAISA.

And This is in order for me to have an actual bases and data to
prove that Pilipino Indie comics is really existing during the meeting
and the Komiks Congress…And to know your Sentiments, suggestions,
opinions, views on HOW we will able to make Philippine Komiks a
DEMAND in the public once again. SAMA SAMA TAYO LAHAT
sa pagsulong ng pinakamamahal nating medium---ang Komiks.

Hihintayin ko po ang mga email responses ninyo hanggang
Saturday ng Tanghali (February 3, 2007).

Kasi meron rin po akong ihahandang mga “proposal”
para sa mga nag I- indie comics.

Thanks for giving your time on this one.

Sincerely,

John Becaro

For more information about the Upcoming Komiks Congress, you can visit this links:
http://usapang- komiks.blogspot. com/

http://johnbecaro. deviantart. com/journal/ 11525608/ #comments

http://alanguilan. com/sanpablo/ wbnormal. html

you need to log in here first or register, but this is the most updated unofficial webpage of the Komiks Congress

http://komikero. proboards107. com/index. cgi?board= cnews&action=display&thread=1169618064

KOMIKS CONGRESS UPDATE 01

The announcement of a Komiks Congress has already made
A wide awareness in the Komiks community as of this
writing.And almost everyone seems to positively support it while
Some of us questions it.

Whether what will be our conviction, the main objectives of the
Komiks Congress is to promote The Filipino Language and the
Komiks itself in the Philippines once again.

The said Congress is a joint activity by Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino
at National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
The Congress is now shaping up and already drafted some intial
Activities that will include a Komiks Contest sponsored
By Carlo J. Caparas that has Php50, 000.00, 30, 000.00 and Php20, 000
prices at stake respectively. And there is also a corresponding
Art Exhibit during the Congress entitled: ISANG SIGLO NG KOMIKS
Eksibit at Pagpapakita ng mga Dibuho sa Komiks. which will be held
on February 14-20, 2007 at the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts (NCCA) building.

Various meetings, plannings and organizing are still on its way and
Komiks Congress really needs our support now.Official announcement of
competitions and activities will be posted soon.

above image is an article from Pilipino
Reporter Magazine about the Upcoming Komiks
Congress last Jan 23, 2007.
















above image: informal meetings by
Commisioner Joelad Santos (in white polo barong),
Nar Castro, Secretary of Joelad, Nestor Malgapo,
Vic Poblete, Rey Atalia, (standing) Mario Macalindong and Randy Valiente.

images courtesy of Randy Valiente : http://usapang-komiks.blogspot.com/

An interview last year from Director Carlo Caparas in which he mentioned about Komiks Congress:
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=felMaragay_aug28_2006

If you wanted to chime in and update yourself on Komiks Congress
you can log in here:
http://komikero.proboards107.com/index.cgi?board=cnews&action=display&thread=1169618064&page=1

What is Komiks Congress?
http://johnbecaro.deviantart.com/journal/11525608/#comments

















If you wanted to support the Congress,
please feel to repost the above image
in your respective websites.

Please feel free to repost this
in your respective blogs and
webpages--etc.

This is our Shout Banner in
support for the Upcoming Komiks
Congress.

For the the love of Filipino Comics.

UPCOMING: KOMIKS CONGRESS

Joe Lad Santos, our Commissioner on National Commission
for the Filipino Language (Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino)
had recently announced its plan to sponsor a
Komiks Congress in a gathering held last January 21, 2006
in Loren Banag's Place, Valenzuela City .

The said Congress will tentatively be set on February 16, 2006
and the venue is still on the process. This will showcase an
Art Exhibits featuring the masterpieces of the great Komiks
Illustrators of 1960's up to present. Various activities and
competitions are being lined up also. Its primary objective is to
promote an awareness in the past Glory of the Philippine
Komiks Industry and to create new actions to refresh it and be
able to campaign for public acceptance once again.

In the process, the Congress will also identify some
selected persons to carry out projects benefiting the
welfare of the Komiks Industry and its people.

The event will be a little bit of similar to Komikon that was
held in two consecutive years but with the focus on the
past Komiks Industry and with the attempt to merge it
in the the present generation of Komiks Industry.This time
the past generations are already bigger in numbers when
it comes ton public appearances participation.

The Commissioner has a great concern from the Komiks Industry
in which he came from. It was been remembered that he was also
a long time and active Editor of Various Philippine Publications
before he became a commissioner. However, he also expressed deep
concern about the present status of Komiks and was disappointed
because some of his colleagues has considered Komiks as a dead
medium in the Philippines already. He wanted to prove it wrong.
And good thing, he had said that the Commission listed Komiks as the
No. 1 medium that promotes Filipino Language. Radio Broadcast and
TV is only next to it. He also reiterated that it was high time
that Komiks be given an utmost attention.

The gathering was attended by several personalities in the
Komiks Industry. They were able to come up a simple discussion
and informal forum with the Commissioner. And the Commissioner
humbly answered some pressing issues including the political
motives on the said event since it will have a participation
from the government.

Carlo J. Caparas, one of the most successful and celebrated
person and creator of the Komiks Industry has also expressed
his full support and views on the said event. This was a
message relayed by the commissioner during the gathering.

Yours Truly, only wishes its success and hoping that the event
will not be used as a props for politicians for some of their
political agenda (remember that the campaign period is coming).
Komiks Congress needs our full support especially by the present
generation today. If this could help promote the industry, then
let us make our way in giving an attention to this event. Let us
remember, the people involved were considered already as our
pioneers in our Komiks History. It will only be a sad moment
to ignore them and do not recognized how Komiks came to be before us.

.

above images: Joe Lad Santos proposes
Komiks Congress among the attendees
and discuss the scope of it.

Above Images:Attendees busy listening during the
informal open forum.
















above image: Nestor Malgapo (in red shirt)
and Abe Ocampo (in pink shirt)
carefully listens.

above image: Randy Valiente (In blue collar shirt)
and Gener Pedrina (In black shirt) plots questions
for the informal open forum with the Commisioner.















above image: Lawrence Mijares (In violet polo shirt)
and Marboy (in white polo) also lend their
ears on the speakers in front.















above image: KC Cordero (the brain behind
Filipino Komiks and an Editor of the
Buzz Magazine) makes his wacky pose
on the camera for the first time!

KC:" We want you..Yes...You! Support the Industry!"




















above image: Yours truly talked
with the Commisioner about the
Upcoming KomiKs Congress.
image courtesy of : Marboy

related article: http://usapang-komiks.blogspot.com/

Tony DeZuñiga's Superheroes

Tony DeZuñiga's Opening of Art Exhibit entitled "Superheroes" was
a phenomenal success.Numerous personalities from the Art and Comics
Community has attended and was spotted during the said
event. It is indeed a night of art, fellowship and with a solemn background
music!Filipino atmosphere can truly be felt during that night.And his
appearance in his exhibit was been the most significant during the
opening.This was held in Crucible Gallery, 4th Floor, SM Megamall,
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila last January 16, 2007.

It was been best noted that Tony DeZuniga was the first Filipino
Artist who made it in the US Comics Mainstream. According to
Randy Valiente (a Komiks historian, artist, creator and writer),
Tony was Considered to be the Father of Filipino Artists Invasion
in the US comics.Tony started in the Philipine Komiks Industry
at the age of around 16 as a letterer.Alfredo Alcala and
Nestor Redondo was among his mentors.At around 1960's
that he went to New York for schooling and then went back to the Philippines
to do some Advertising related works as a Creative Director.But due to his
passion in drawing Comics, he went back to US and made an appointed
to Orlando Bloom, one of the editors of DC Comics.Jonah Hex, a western
anti-hero character, was his first ongoing series in collaboration with the writer
John Albano.When DC had a problem on fiscal matters, they have no other
choice but to adjust their budgetting including the reprinting of their back
issues and problems on the increasing fee of an American Artist's professional
fee.In 1972, it was Tony who introduced the Filipino artists and their works in
DC Comics and Marvel Comics.It was then the start of the so called "Filipino
Artists Invasion".Tony was also the first Filipino artists to work on
Marvel's popular comics title: X-Men.

His works can be best described in his mastery on Illustrating human
anatomy, pen and brush strokes, beautiful women,detailed and strong
realistic approach. He is also a very versatile artist. He does not just
concentrate in one medium because it looks he wanted to explore
time to time--ranging from, pencils, charcoals, watercolors, pastels.
colored pencil to oil painting.

His achievements as of today is still dominant and will marked in the Philippine
Art History. He truly inspires fellow artists and had broken the barrier between
Comic Artists and Illustrators including painters in the local art scene.

Today, Tony spend more time in painting and was still doing professional
works as a concept designer for Sega Game Systems in the United states..
We can also conclude that he is one of the most successful Filipino Comic
Artist and our living inspiration.A Truly World Class Filipino Artist indeed.

We salute you Sir. You are a superhero in real life.

above photo: Tony DeZuniga (with shades, black shirt
and holding a pen) Was busy signing
of his printed books of Masterpieces.


















above photo: Edgar Tadeo ( The Innocents)
and Gerry Alanguilan (Superman Birthright and Elmer)
talks tough.



















above photo: KC Cordero ( A veteran Editor and
founder of Filipino Comics) and Randy Valiente
( Diosa Hubadera and Guardian Empires)
enjoys watching people passing by the exhibit.



















above photo: Gener Pedrina ( in black shirt/
Sanduguan Creator) enjoys the meal during the
opening of the Exhibit.


















above photo: Azrael Colladilla( a proffesional events
coordinator) was busy chatting with the owner of
one of the prestigious comics bookstore in the country.


















above photo: Marboy (in blue shirt, the
famous moderator in Philippine Komiks Message Boards)
was tantalized on the works of Tony DeZuniga in
The Crucible Gallery.

















above image: One of the Books
being sold in the exhibit that
showcases the masterpieces of
Tony DeZuniga
(image courtesy of http://www.media-blastoff.net)






















above image: one of the recent oil paintings
of Tony Dezuniga found in
the exhibit gallery. image courtesy of :
Gerry Alanguilan www.komikero.com


















above images: other artworks that can
be found in the gallery
image courtesy of: Randy Valiente
http://usapang-komiks.blogspot.com/


Full Video Coverage can be found here
specially made by Gerry Alanguilan :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n2dl-iudnE

below images: Some of his early works in comics
( Left: MoonKnight of Marvel Comics and Right:
Philippine Local Komiks)
images courtesy of: http://www.lambiek.net

Courtesy of
www.komikero.com
http://alanguilan.com/sanpablo/wbnormal.html




















SUPERHEROES

Tony DeZuniga Art Exhibit
Crucible Gallery
4th Floor, SM Megamall
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila
Exhibit Opening: 6:00 PM, January 16, 2007

Informations about Tony DeZuniga can best viewed on this sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_DeZuniga
http://www.tony-dezuniga.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=listing&rid=66&pageid=1&id=551
http://alanguilan.com/komikero/museum/dezuniga.html

KEEP TUNING IN

Thanks for visiting on this blogsite that celebrates Filipino Comics and the people involve on it. It's been inactive for almost more than 1 month to give ample time on the last article. This will be back on its regular features and updates by next week . I will be posting some articles based on the book provided by Mr. Gerry Alanguilan himself: Comic Book Artist Issue no. 4: The fearless stylings of Alex Niño that also includes an Article about The Invasion of Filipino Artists.:

Meanwhile, while Christmas and New Year is Fast Approaching, we would like to greet everyone Advance Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!.

Keep tuning in since we will provide you some articles that celebrates Filipino Komiks. As well,as we will feature Artist of The Month, Featured Blogsites and Websites, some interviews on the Industry and Philippine Comics Reviews. 2007 will be a new exciting year for this blogsite.

Anyone who would like to contribute on this blog or share some Articles that you think would be beneficial for Philippine Comics Industry please feel free to email: johnbecaro@yahoo.com or notify us here. We would be glad to welcome your comments and suggestions.

For The Love of Filipino Comics

*image courtesy of http://www.topshelfcomix.com

Thoughts on Komikon 2006

Well it was almost two weeks after our Komikon 2006 event
but I can't still get rid my hang over on it.We have all the
same sentiments--it was a total BLAST!Indeed it created a ripple
not only here in the Philippine comic Industry but as well as
in the international community.Believe me, we are watched by
other countries.One thing Im proud to say, is that we as Democratic
Society showcased a Tsunami of Talents within ourselves.

For the past few days, I'd been busy browsing and reading some articles,
blogs, comments,reactions and news about the Komikon 2006.I smiled on it
and said, its a new HOPE for all of us who belong in this Industry.
A lot of positive Aura about this were being established.

However, I wanted to go deeper on the true significance of having a
Komik Convention here in the Philippines. I have observed that we
are all preoccupied on things and ignored some current issues that we
need to address accordingly.After Komikon, WHAT'S NEXT FOR US?

I am actually a newbie on this so called industry.But even a newbie like
me do have observations and critical analysis.It is all up to you whether
you believe on me or not.I just want to express and I don't intend
to dictate everyone.Who knows? This might be an Eye opener to all of Us.
Afterall, everyone is entitled or do have the right to give an opinion.

First and foremost, I salute the Artist's Den with the cooperation of
At The Drawing Board for organizing this much awaited event.As what I have said,
organizing and facilitating such event is not an easy task.It requires
a lot of effort.You guys, actually succeded in bringing together all the Komiks people
in one venue.This kind of event made us all become more acquainted with each other.
We became more aware that we are not alone and with one voice- we exist.It is
enough to bring more inspiration and make the industry more active once and for all.

On Being an Indie

You know guys, I love doing and supporting indie comics because Im an indie also.
Being an endie, means doing all the things we wanted the most as an artist
with out the prohibition or limitation for art sake.Being an independent.
I understand that.

We have witnessed lot of indies who managed to attend the convention.
And its is a true fact that we are increasing in numbers based on my research
on the internet.We are therefore existing!And is it a sign.A sign that we can
still become more and more until we reach to the point that we can attract the
attention of the public.

But the sad questions: Do we really understand what we are doing?
I have observed that we just do it because we love doing it.But never have
the idea on how to explain it? Do we really know the consequences on what we are
doing, might effect the next generation and the future of the industry?
Does we really mean it or we just do it for the sake of satisfying our own belief or
artistic ways?Or because we just want to express?I guess we are doing this simply
because we wanted to create.It is our natural tendency as an artist.If everyone ask you
about it, just say, it is I wanted to create that's why i went indie.I think
we need reasons first before we say that.Reasons and feelings are forces that drives
us to think and then create.It saddens me to hear some people do not understand
the aesthetic and importance behind what we are doing.If you are aware, don't you see
that until now, we can't still determine where we are going? Are we satisfied and contended
on what were doin now? Or we will just continue seeking for excellence?

"We are being branded as children who just wanted to spoil ourselves".I wanted to
break this notion and slap those people who said that. Because, they just don't understand.
They have just little knowledge on what we had been through.Will you accept that notion?
Or we'll do something about it? Let us show to them that what we create are not just a product of a childish persona but a result of a creative mind or even a potential genius.We tend to be deviant to the norms,coz we know how to innovate, we are the trendsitters.Ask them if
they can do it, they'll answer, "everyone can do that". Uh uh..I dont think so.

"Destructive Competition among us will eat us all and will lead us to nothing". Accept it or not we are competing during the convention of not just who will be the best but for the respect of the attention of others.This is an evident atmosphere that I observed during the event.We are not intact. I can see divisions/factions among artists with different styles varrying from cartooning, manga, western, realistic, painting etc.I can sense struggle between the traditionalist, modern and digital artists.WE NEED TO STOP INFLICTING DAMAGE TO EACH OTHER. If our aim is to revive the local comic scene, let us be united, set aside our differences, focus on what will be our contribution and support each other.It is high time, can't you see?I can also sense that there are other people who mocks the works of other, please don't do that. Art is unlimited and every artwork has an aesthetic value or its beauty can be interpreted in different ways.Let us respect each other or better shut up if we don't have a solid constructive criticism.It will not help.We will learn on the long run, we will become more active giving more life to the industry.Don't act as if you know everything.Humble down.Later on you will see, that what Im suggesting will help you a lot in becoming a more matured and responsible artist.Try to share your talent and only then you will find that it will later return in double with out you realizing it.

" Indie Comics cannot revive the local comic scene." HUH?! THEN WHO ELSE? The bankers? The nurses? The politicians? The preachers? I gravely disagree on this issue.We are all aware that the Past Comics Industry was already Six feet under.In the past years, many comic people attempted to revived, they succeded for sometime but eventualy failed.Because they lack support.We have no other choice but to accept the fact and move on.Indie creators are the product of this struggle and will remain a forefront in making comics still visible to the eyes of Filipino people.Philippine Publishers nowadays do not gave importance on comics instead they are busy doing lifestyles and special interests magazines specially glamour.We can see it everywhere on the bookstores.But despite of that, indies did not stop doing.That's why I admired creators, writers and artists who still proceeded.If we will eliminate the existence of indie people, are we sure about the future of the Industry?

Don't just stay as an indie. What I mean is stop being so over independent.Artists tend to become loners and usually branded as eccentric Try to socialize sometime.Gather suggestions and accept criticism from experts but do not compromize your own conviction.Learn from them but you do not need to be dictated.Join clubs or groups.Proposed your indie creations to publishers.If rejected, don't stop, adjust it and make it more better.Maybe something wrong or lacks with in it.Sometimes, we are blinded by ourselves and do not understand that it is already our ego at work.Get some advise, surf and chat with other artists on the internet.There are free web accounts there, post your artwork or create your gallery.Being an indie creator is a tough decision and a choice.

Lastly, don't stop creating!Don't tell me you'll just doing comics for the Komikon purpose only.That is wrong!Find more place to present your works.There are still kind stores that accepts indie comics.Do not lost Hope.Your perseverance and determination will be your key to success.Don't listen to unnescessary negative energies, just do what you think is right.But don't forget to put responsibility on it.There are zillions of beings in the world.And it means a zillions of chances for us also.In playing a game hundred times,I don't believed you can't get even 1 victory overthere.A mistake is a path to understanding what is right.Becoming you a master of your own field.

On the Philippine Comic Industry

How and when can we revive the industry?I think we are doing it right now. Supporting
each other.Now,that we still continue to know each other, different ideas were also shared
and creates new ideas that might help survived the Industry.

Komikon promises us a lot.It excites us.But until when? Komikon is just but a venue, the real struggle will be inside of us.Though I sound like the tagline used in the teaser of Spiderman 3, it is still quiet true.If we will try to check, our overexcitement might blind us to know the real state of the industry as of this moment. Komikon is just a firestarter, it is just up to us to continue the flame.I hope we will not end to "ningas kugon" again.I appreciate those creators who up to this moment never surrendered despite of the crisis.We know this people who strive hard, and let us follow them.

The style, language or the price is not the issue here.What is more important right now is that we must work on how to make comics accessible to the market and how can we make it a DEMAND again just like the old glory days.Now that we know that we have a lot of potentials-bring it on. We need to focus on that instead of checking the fault of each other.The law of Supply and demand can be applied here. If comicbooks are in- demand in the market again, all of its prices will go down because most of the publishers will compete on the pricing already.If we will always argument on what style or language we are going to use in creating a comics, we will again end up to nothing.Let us respect the prerogative of the creator.But once again, please try to check that comics is a medium and it can influence readers.Creating comics also accompanies responsibilty.Don't forget that.Language is also not a question since Philippines do have the diversity on dialects and English are also dominant here.For me, it does not affect the entire industry.The industry battles other forms of medium such as the internet, movies, etc..You see?That is more important right now.We ,must make the market aware that we are offering them a worthy medium for their consumption.

Originality is somewhat we need to gave priority also.I know all of us understand this term.If we can create a more and unique piece then you are a full matured artist.I don't mean to offend anybody but we as an artist must create and not copy.Yes, not all of us still on the process of exploring our artistic side.But hopefully, you can work it out.I know you can, you are an artist!

Komikon will marked in the rich history of our Philippine Comic Industry.And I know it inspired us all.It's a good sign. And this will serve a Challenge to all of us who loves doing comics.

There are still lot of questions that runs along my mind but this is enough for now.

Goodluck to all of us.


For the love of Filipino Comics,


johnbecaro
Philippines