Book Spine Poetry: Summer 2015

"Turning pages -

The infinite sea [of] the books of magic

It's not that complicated

This is a crazy planets."

* This is a book spine poetry that I made for a contest conducted on The Filipino Group, a group on goodreads.

* Below are the books used to make this book spine poetry

• Jack of Fables ~ Volume 5: Turning Pages by Bill Willingham, Matthew Sturges, Russ Braun, Tony Akins, Jose Marzan Jr. and Andrew Pepoy
• The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey
• The Books of Magic ~ The Deluxe Edition by Neil Gaiman, John Bolton, Scott Hampton, Charles Vess and Paul Johnson
• It's Not That Complicated: Bakit Hindi pa Sasakupin ng mga Alien ang Daigdig sa 2012 by Eros S. Atalia
• The Best of This Is A Crazy Planets by Lourd Ernest H. de Veyra

Events: Tokidoki Exhibit 2015 at SM Southmall

SM Southmall had another exhibit aside from Lego's #PinoyHeroes. An exhibit from Tokidoki gives spectacle on the works made by Legno. This criminally cute characters full of Japanese culture will surely make you want to have a picture taken with these guys.

Kaiju

 Tiger and Cactus friend

White Tiger 

Cactus friend

Ciao Ciao and Unicorno 

Adios 

Karl  Lagerfeld 

"tokidoki, which translates to "sometimes" in Japanese, is an internationally recognized and iconic lifestyle brand based on the vision of Italian artist Simone Legno and his partners, serial entrepreneurs Pooneh Mohajer and Ivan Arnold. Since debuting in 2005, tokidoki has amassed a cult-like following for its larger-than-life characters and emerged as a sought-after global lifestyle brand. tokidoki offers an extensive range of products which include apparel, handbags, cosmetics, accessories, toys and more. Simone Legno, tokidoki's Creative Director, was born in Rome, Italy and from a very young age developed a deep love of Japan and a fascination with world cultures. As a result of Legno's unique talent and creativity, tokidoki has grown exponentially. Legno has become a sought-after speaker and exhibitor throughout the world at museums, universities, conferences and more. As an innovative company, tokidoki is known not only for its eye-popping aesthetic and criminally cute characters but also its megawatt partnerships with the likes of brands such as, Hello Kitty, Karl Lagerfeld, LeSportsac, Barbie, Onitsuka Tiger, Sephora, Marvel and others. For more information, please visit the tokidoki flagship store in Los Angeles, CA or online at www.tokidoki.it."

Comics: Palitaw Komiks

Illustration and Story by: Andoyman
(4/5 ★★★★☆)

The Plot:

Inspired by the works of Pol Medina Jr. and Manix Abrera, everyday problems, such as election, job interviews and pimples, are laid out by Andoyman in this comic strip compilation.

The Good:

Early on, you will recognize where Andoyman got his inspiration for some of the comic strips here in Palitaw Komiks. The "Isplork" sound already gives you the image of tigidig patrol from Manix Abrera's Die! Die, Evil! Die! (Kikomachine Komiks #3).

The best insight and illustration of reality from the comic strips is the one about the celebration of Earth Hour. It is shown how enthusiastic the people are in saving mother earth only to leave the venue full of trash. A movement that does not fulfill much its goal due to the actions of its participants.

An addition towards the end of the compilation is an entry piece for a contest entitled "Run Justice Run." It looks great and could work well as an illustration for an editorial.

The Bad:

I'm just curious as to why this compilation was called "Palitaw Komiks". No mention or illustration about the dessert appears on any of the comic strip.

The Verdict:

This is an entertaining comic strip compilation from Andoyman. We get to see who his idols are in making comics.

Palitaw Komiks is a fun read. All 23 comic strips are bound to give you a lot of mixed reactions. It ranges from grossness, weirdness and laughter. It will surely make you wonder why this author has a thing for having good stories be filled with "tigyawat" and "kulangot".

He can be seen on:

Facebook Page: "Andoyman"

http://www.andoyman.wordpress.com

Magazine: Bookwatch ~ 2015 Vol. 19 No. 1

Edited by: Paolo Chikiamco

National Book Development Board

(Cover by Bong Sinaban)

Bookwatch is the official publication of the National Book Development Board (NBDB). This issue, which was edited by Chikiamco (co-creator of Mythspace), gives an insight on the current status of the Philippine Book Industry. It also shows how much has changed throughout the years. This is in regard to the books that we publish and the continued increase of Filipino readers, that encompasses those who read books in print and electronically. Some of the interesting things that I had read are about the 1st Bulilit Festival, the death of Martha Cecilia (writer for Precious Hearts Romance) and the upcoming titles of new books from the different publishers.

Feel free to read this magazine digitally for free. Just click on the link below which was provided by the editor through his twitter.

Free Digital Copy (pdf): Book Watch ~ 2015 Vol. 19 No. 1
Buqo Bookstore: http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Magazine/Issue/a07cd32d-07b7-4c77-98c5-ef4c27f561e2

Events: Lego Heroes

The Philippines is currently celebrating its 117th day of Independence. What better way to celebrate it by having a display of our Philippine Heroes. That is why in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day, SM Southmall, together with Lego, brings us LEGO HEROES. It is an exhibit featuring seven portraits of our national heroes reinterpreted in Lego. The exhibit shall run from June 7-30, 2015 at the Food Street of SM Southmall

Apolinario Mabini

Andres Bonifacio 

Emilio Jacinto

Melchora Aquino

Gregorio del Pilar

Gabriela Silang

Short Stories: The Magic Circle

Story by: Gilda Cordero Fernando

Illustrated by: Gilbert Daroy

Anvil Publishing

(4/5 ★★★★☆)

"Umaaraw umuulan

kinakasal ang tikbalang"

The Plot:

Jepoy Baybayin, the poorest boy in town, is invited to the wedding of two tikbalangs. Entering the banyan tree, the world of the invisibles was seen as humans, animals, plants and spirits came together for the ceremony. The celebration came to a halt as sad experiences were told by a tall, sullen, damp and bedragged kapre.

The Good:

This is a nice story that surprisingly uses the marriage of tikbalangs in order to paint the scenery of human selfishness.

The illustrations made by Daroy are really great. They complement well with the story written by Fernando.

The Bad:

I guess this book is a bit expensive. It is best to purchase this book during book sales.

The Verdict:

The Magic Circle tells us a story by using the Philippine mythological creatures. It gives a perspective on the human life through the eyes of the invisibles. A dying kapre opens the window for us to look at what we have been doing to our planet. Our home that we live in side by side with the animals, plants and spirits.