I have this thing for seminars and workshops, especially if they’re for free. Learning something new from writers, artists and industry professionals has been my pet-peeve, a quality I hope to continue living with. To get my learning fix for the month, I attended a PICCA event called Industry Talks held SM Megamall Powerbooks on October 15. The first part was helmed by Gerry Alanguilan, Gilbert Monsanto and Guia Yonzon about the trials and tribulations in comics publishing. The last part was editorial cartooning in Sydney and Singapore covered by Den Coy Miel and Edd Aragon.

At about lunch time, I headed to SM Megamall. The Powerbooks staff was already preparing the area where the seminar was to be held. In the distance, I could already recognize Gerry, his wife, and Gilbert talking among themselves. Curiously, there weren’t any attendees yet. I roamed around the store to browse on some novels and miscellaneous books. It was about 1:30 already and I proceeded to cosy myself to a seat close to the stage. I nodded and smiled at Gerry when he saw me taking a seat. Though we weren’t acquainted, he has such a good guy demeanour. I was getting a little worried because apart from me, only two other guys were filling the chairs. But that didn’t last long as other attendees were arriving and the talk began.

In Comics Publishing, Gerry Alanguilan, Gilbert Monsanto and Guia Yonzon spoke about their initial experiences in getting their books to see the light of day. Gerry gave a brief recap of the history of Philippine comics, his forays into self-publishing and the making of Komikero Publishing. Gilbert Monsanto shared how he juggles his different projects, why he doesn’t stop making comics and problems in self-publishing. Guia Yonzon talked about the comics revival of Darna and Lastikman, dilemmas in distribution, production costs and monetary support, and her desire for comics to return as a legitimate medium in today’s modern Filipino society. In Editorial Cartooning in Sydney and Singapore, Edd Aragon and Den Con Miel described their lives as cartoonists in foreign publications and how they reflect the Filipino culture in their strips.

One evident characteristic about the speakers this time was their passion for comics and cartooning. They all shared a desire to raise these mediums as valid forms of art and literature. I really enjoyed this seminar as I was again opened to new possibilities. It’s a great feeling to know that there are people that share my desire for comics. Also, I saw John A. Lent, a prominent figure in the study of the comics industry in Asia. He looks like Santa Claus. Haha!

As planned, I recorded the event and here it is for your listening pleasure. Note! The discussions are mostly bilingual – Taglish.

Runtime is 2 hours and 27 minutes.

Download from Mediafire.

Listen online at my Multiply.

Song snippets from Asian Kung Fu Generation’s “Blue Train” and Bamboo’s “Masaya.”

No. 1

PINOY BIG BROTHER – simply moronic.

No. 2

ZAIDO

Tied at No. 3

LASTIKMAN

FANTASTIC MAN

No. 4

KOKEY

No. 5

KRIS AQUINO