The Carver's House

These five tips are more reminders to myself than anything else. A) Punch your reader with a strategically-placed potentially iconic moment , that is, 1) a critical part of your story that's 2) not only visually arresting, but also 3) triggers a strong emotional response in your reader that 4) lingers long after your book is put down. It becomes iconic when the reader 5) associates that moment with a real-life event. B) Make advantages disadvantages, and vice-versa. Add depth to your characters by exploring situations where a character's strength is actually a weakness (because perfection is boring), and where a weakness is actually a strength (because we root for underdogs). And make these developments matter in the course of your story. Strengths and weaknesses can be, but are not limited to, abilities, a personality trait, a status in society, or even a relationship. C) Apart from dramatic roles, assign thematic roles to charac...

[Press release from Tanghalang Pilipino] In honour of Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday, Noli Me Tangere: The Musical will officially open Tanghalang Pilipino’s Silver Theater Season. The critically acclaimed musical adapted by Ryan Cayabyab from Rizal’s most famous work will be restaged, with libretto by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera and under the direction of theater luminary Audie Gemora . Costume design is by National Artist Salvador Bernal . The artistic panel is now on its final stages in completing the powerhouse cast, including the finalization of the participation of Mark Bautista as Ibarra and Cris Villonco as Maria Clara. The official cast will be announced during the latter part of May. A series of special events are now in the planning stages as part of the prestigious celebration, such as an exhibit of Bernal’s works – which will be mounted during the entire run of the production. A special auction is also set as renowned jeweler, Hans Brumman, creates pieces ins...

With the May issue of Good Housekeeping, you'll learn: how to save time, money, and effort prepping for the coming school year; recipes your kids can help make; how to add oomph to your garden with potted plants; the most important lessons celebs learned from their moms; Mother's Day ideas and treats, and a whole lot more... for only P100!! Mas mura pa sa sine! Also, get the chance to win a P150,000 Kitchen Makeover! Buy na! Now na!

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EDITORIAL SENIOR STAFFWRITERS – [2] YES! Must be 25-35 y/o and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, Management, or any related field At least a year of related work experience preferably gained in a publishing industry. Able to write, edit, and think creatively and independently; A self-starter and can conceptualize new ideas on a constant basis Able to communicate well with confidence. Detail oriented, focused, and has a knack on meeting deadlines without sacrificing the quality of work to be done. Hard working, patient, and organized, very resourceful and high-spirited. BEAUTY EDITOR – OK! At least a Bachelor's/College Degree in Editing & Publication, Mass Communications, Advertising/Media or equivalent. At least 2 years of related working experience. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Very interested and well-versed in beauty topics. Loves topics involving women issues. A team player, very organized and focused on deadlines...

Better late than never. I'd like to extend thanks to Nikky Nicandro and the management of Bed Bar in Malate for allowing me and my friend to sell tickets within their territorial waters. Bed has been helping us promote the Feb 26 evening and March 13 matinee shows of the Zaturnnah musical, and I was lucky enough to check out the place without paying a dime. It was an early weeknight, so there wasn't so much of a crowd. If you've the time, do check out Bed and their swanky new interiors. I hear Saturday nights can get really exciting, at least, depending on which side of the fence you're on. Anyway, if you still wanna catch this Sunday matinee's performance of the Zaturnnah musical, do contact my work-a-diva-holic friend Jam. Her contact details are at the bottom of this webpage: http://bit.ly/zaturnnah2011 .

They say that sometimes a little means a lot. Two of our local comics masters give this adage a ton of truth with their short piece of fan fiction featuring no less than the Philippines' most enduring superhero, Darna. Gerry Alanguilan and Arnold Arre make a lovely pair, bringing to the fore the beauty and power that Pinoy comics can possess. Do check out their masterwork at the Darna Lives! blog. I just have to say that I wasn't too thrilled with Arnold's work in Martial Law Babies. But my admiration for his art has shot up the scale with this new piece, especially with the gorgeous colors. A part of me was expecting the images to move--they have this quality that's perfect for animation. There's obviously a lot of love here. Too bad the "story" is a mere introduction--they could only post eight pages. This deserves publication and wide circulation.