The Carver's House

Reprinted from an article written in 2007. Author anonymous. Story ideas are everywhere. You can 1) go over the news; 2) recall a special event in your life; 3) recall a special event in a friend's life; 4) go through history books, etc. Then you ask a lot of "what if" questions. Chances are, you'll find a story hook that'll interest you enough to expand into a full plot. However, not all story ideas will sell. Even the best-laid plans for Hollywood movies don't translate to record-breaking, not even modest, returns. So why invest all that time and energy on a story that's not going to fly? Of course, many aspiring creators have their dream projects. And there may be a chance that these projects can get them somewhere. But this post assumes that you're stuck and would really need a nice kick in the brain for a story idea that can get people interested. According to Amazon, the following magazines top their subscription sales list, in no particular orde...

In the March 2009 issue of Real Living , you'll discover: how to use paint to breathe new life into your old household items; must-see art galleries; different color combos to influence your mood in the bedroom; the basics of rendering faux finshes, from marbling to trompe l'oeil; and a whole lot more! Real Living , the bestselling home magazine in the country, is now available for only P140. Get na! Now na!

That's right. This is the third year of Real Living magazine's highly-successful December promo. All the furniture and home accessories (from Crossings Department Store no less) you see on the cover can be yours. Unlike in previous years where folks have to send entries by electronic or snail mail, joining the promo will now be exclusively through your mobile phones. Each copy of the December issue has a unique code, and you will need that code to join the contest. So if you like what you see on the cover, get a copy of Real Living . Only P140. Other features in this month's issue: Unique ways to display your photos How to set up a 1920s glam-inspired party The basic equipment you need for your mini-bar Tips and tricks for easy home organizing And a whole lot more!

In the November 2008 issue of Real Living , you'll discover: the dynamics involved in working with an interior designer; 45 stylish and value-for-money gift ideas in the Annual Gift Guide; how to organize a gift-wrapping party; some of the most iconic designs of Charles and Ray Eames; and a lot more! Real Living is available at major magazine outlets for only P140. Get na, now na!

This I'm definitely curious about. INVOICE is a new GLBT magazine that seeks to break the mold when it comes to Philippine GLBT publications. Instead of focusing on lifestyle and scantily-clad hunks, INVOICE turns towards business, promising to advocate "the new image of the GLBT community as professional individuals with integrity." (On the Web, other gay business publications include Echelon and GayBusinessWorld .) It also seeks to "provide an inspiration and a call for action to all readers to become entrepreneurs and help in the growth of SMEs (Small and Medium-scale Enterprises) in the country." Refreshing, I say. INVOICE is produced by 3rd Media Publishing , and the maiden issue is currently available at the following stores: National Bookstore C. Raymundo Caniogan, Gerald magazine Shop - Rustans Supermarket Mercedes Ave. Pasig city National Bookstore Megamall Bldg.A, National Bookstore Shangri-La, National Bookstore Bestsellers Robinsons Galleria and Be...

Better late than never... In the October issue of Real Living , you discover: 1) the Best Home Stores for 2008! Over 30 establishments--from value-for-money stores to blow-the-budget shops take the spotlight in the magazine's annual list. 2) the style forecast for 2009! Taking a cue from international sources , Real Living highlights the fearless upcoming style trends ranging from the dramatic to the eco-friendly. 3) Project Runway Philippines judge Jojie Lloren's contemporary-vintage studio! 4) the grand prize winner of Real Living's Best Real Home contest! Jorem Catilo and his wife Sheila transform a small and plain space into a colorful, creative and refreshing sanctuary. ...and more! Real Living is available at major magazine stands for only P140. Get na, now na!

When I was in my mid-twenties, I applied for a position in a company that published catalogs of Chinese products for industrial clients as well as a business magazine for managers. During the interview, I was asked what my five-year goal was. And I, in want of a decent answer, resorted to the clichéd "setting up a business." The interviewer, an American, then asked what kind of business I wanted to get into, and I said that I wanted to put together a business magazine that catered to young adults in their late-teens to mid-twenties. It was to be the "for dummies" type of magazine that covered the basics of setting up and operating a small business--think Entrepreneur meets Chalk . I had more conviction over that magazine idea, because back then I had already been buying World Executive's Digest on a semi-regular basis (it was my secret guilty pleasure apart from Tagalog melodramas and kungfu flicks), depending on how much money I had at the time. The magazine,...

Do your friends tell you that you have a great-looking living room? Do your relatives say they love your dining area? How about your bedroom? Do you have a sensible, well-maintained living space which reflects your unique personal style? Of course, you wouldn't want to toot your own horn despite what your friends and relatives say, but Real Living magazine wants you to, to the tune of over P200,000 worth of prizes! So if you have a home that your friends and relatives gush over, why not join the Real Living Best Home Contest ? You'll get a chance to win the grand prize of P160,000 worth of products, furniture and gift certificates from high-profile establishments (Restoration, Elba, BoConcept, etc.), and be the cover feature for Real Living's October 2008 issue--great for framing! Two runners-up will be chosen to win over P40,000 worth of prizes each. Joining is easy: 1) The contest is open to homes located in the GMA and CALABARZON areas. 2) Homes that have not been pro...

In the June 2008 issue of Real Living , you'll find: 1) A directory of two dozen new real estate development options for your future dream home; 2) Loads of tips on how to make the most of your small living space; 3) Fancy appliances that bring home living to a new level; 4) How to create your own sexy bedroom; and a lot more! Get your copy for only P125! Now na!

In the March issue of Real Living , you'll find... • must-know basics of garden lighting . • the home shopping haunts along Granada Street, San Juan • tips on implementing Universal Design Principles to your interiors • the color and style trends for 2008 ...and a whole lot more! Buy na! Now na!

The official blog of Real Living magazine just went online! So if you want to check out the home decor and design scene, or at least see what's available in the local market, Real Living Space can give you that kind of fix every week. If you want to get a preview of Real Living's latest issue, you can click here . It'll also give you an idea of my approach to page design, based on the magazine's marketing brief. If there's one fine lesson that I learned from being part of this mag is that having a stylish and attractive room boils down to knowing where to look and knowing what the spending priorities are. For instance, I had spent about P900 on a human anatomy book that didn't give me much, and wished thereafter that I had yanked that gorgeous metallic modern desklamp off the Robinsons Department store shelf instead -- for almost the same price. I could've put the lamp to good use beside my drawing table.

Oliver Pulumbarit recently interviewed yours truly, Gerry Alanguilan , Filomena "Luming" Coching (widow of Francisco V. Coching, "Dean of Filipino Illustrators"), and Regie Ravelo (daughter of late luminary Mars Ravelo, who authored over 300 komiks novels) for an article about the revival of Filipino komiks. The article appears in today's Philippine Daily Inquirer . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - In the fourth anniversary issue of Real Living , we once again give out informative and inspiring tips on home decor. Our Budget Issue zeroes in on budget-friendly yet tasteful finds, the basics of kids' room decorating, as well as a shopping stopover in Pasay City. We also issued a design challenge to interior designer Marilen Faustino: decorate a living room for less than P20,000. Get your copy at major magazine stands. Now na! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - My second Graphic Classics project "The Mysteries of Udolpho" (adapted by Antonella Caputo) was recen...

In the January/February issue of Real Living , you'll find out: • The different kitchen set-ups that achieve maximum efficiency; • What international designer Karim Rashid recommends for your modern home; • How spending for high fashion compares to spending for home furnishings; • And more! Get your copy now! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Just got back last night from our out-of-town photo shoot, so today's a pretty quiet day at the Real Living area of the office. I came in just to check the Inbox and some of the color proofs that had piled up. I'm going to the gym tonight, as I took a break from my dieting during the whole trip. I wish I could post some photos right now--we've had some pretty breathtaking stopovers--but I can only do so when the April issue comes out.