The Carver's House

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 ...

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 ...

" Vergara says that continuing Ada and Zaturnnah’s story was something that he did not intend to do, but was something that was spurred on by the enormous success enjoyed by the first book. 'It’s been a while since Pinoy komiks had an ‘enduring character,’ one that readers wanted to see more of. I had no intentions of creating a sequel, but I saw the clamour as an opportunity,' Vergara says. 'I had no idea what was going to happen to the characters when I finished the first book. The challenge was exciting and scary at the same time.'" Read the entire article here.

That's what my Chinese Horoscope says. It also says that the Year of the Water Dragon may not be all well for my fellow Dogs. But what they hey. We'll still do out best. :-) Happy Chinese New Year! I got my sample copy of "Zsazsa Zaturnnah sa Kalahang Maynila" Part One last Thursday and, overall, I'm very happy with it. Super publisher Visprint will be releasing the book this Wednesday, initially in Metro Manila bookstores. Bookstores outside the region will follow. For the curious, bibliophile blogger  Charles Tan was able to get an advanced copy and generously gave a review. He says, "Zsazsa Zaturnnah sa Kalakhang Maynila is a complex beast and might well be one of the most important comic releases for the year. Carlo Vergara is attempting to outdo himself and so far, he's on the right track." The review is mostly spoiler-free, so you might want to check it out . Thanks, Charles! If you decide to get a copy of the book, thank you. But it...

Many have been doing their share interpreting the new tourism campaign. Here's my share. :-) (image from Erika Jumps ) (image from The Food Pirate and Ovah Coffee )    (image from the National Statistical Coordination Board )

I happen to like the new tourism campaign message "It's More Fun in The Philippines." It's versatile, modern, and affecting if used well. I'm loving it. I initially had reservations about the word "more," because it courts comparison, and it's a promise that becomes challenging to fulfill because you have to be "better" than someone else. Another nit is the length of the slogan, but the official website effectively shows how the slogan is used. The graphic on the right needs work, in my opinion. The woven mat motif is nice, but it's too small, and it's meaning is obscure. As a symbol, it has to carry some of the qualities of the communications message. If the message is "more fun," the symbol should give at least the slightest impression of that. Which is why I tried to make something of the woven mat motif and tie it to the message. I took it as a creative exercise. If the key word is "fun," can we ha...

If there ever was a "Zaturnnah sa Maynila" book trailer, it would look a bit like this...