Posts

Showing posts from October, 2012

My Big Mistake

Image
Feels like I'm shooting myself in the foot with this post. I don't want to consider my experience as a rare case, having been thrust into the limelight for that work of so-called "brilliance" called Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah , which is only the second comic book I created. But considering the speed at which that success came, a cannonball shot straight at me at pointblank range, especially since multi-page comics had all but faded in the Philippine pop culture landscape, "rare" is the only word I can come up with to describe what happened to me for most of the past decade. I am aware that many artists have struggled, and are still struggling, to attain some notable recognition in the public eye, an acknowledgement that their voice and intent somehow meant something and carried relevance for a great number of people. So, admittedly, I couldn't help but feel a little guilt over my good fortune. Despite the book being

(Not a Few) Life Lessons

Understand that you are responsible for your happiness. With every bit of money you receive, set a portion aside for your future, then feel free to spend the rest. Build your bank account. Understand that money will not make you happy. It just makes things a little easier. Learn about investing. Build an investment account. As much as possible, rely on no one but yourself. Finish what you start. Enjoy the process. Allow yourself to be silly. Laugh at yourself. Spend at least five minutes a day doing nothing, just breathing. Meditate. When everyone posts happy status updates, it doesn't mean you're a loser. Learn about the ins and outs of government services--taxes, social security, health care. Learn about starting a business. Start one, a small one. Nothing too fancy. Freelancing on the side will do. Do charitable things. Refuse help, but not because of pride. Keep a bit of pride, but keep your feet on the ground. Learn about contracts--getting into them, and