Rough Groove

Dear Erap –> from Kit

Below is the letter from Kit Tatad to Erap as published in major dailies (a two page spread) the other day. I am not so impressed with Tatad before considering that he was a member of Marcos’ cabinet. He was the one who announced on TV back in 1972 the imposition of martial law. A senator and ardent supporter of Erap during his presidency, I’ve always considered him to be another hopeless case. Not until he published this letter, I’m beginning to give him some respect.

I’m grateful that he wrote this, as far as the issue of political dynasties are conncerned.

15 January 2007

President Joseph Ejercito Estrada
Chairman Emeritus
United Opposition

Dear Mr. President:

I write to make of record my position on certain issues related to the May 2007 senatorial elections. My only concern is the honor of our party and wellbeing of our people.

I shall start by recalling our UNO meeting on Polk Street on New Year’s Day (morning). Joining the President then were Mayor Jojo Binay, Ernie Maceda, Tito Sotto, Chiz Escudero, Boy Morales, and myself. Fred Lim and Baby Asistio joined later.

More »

First week of the year

Nothing much happening this week. We’re already wrapping up the book project and in a meeting yesterday at the San Agustin Museum, I need to reshoot 7 - 9 churches since it was overcast when those were taken. No option there as I really can’t control the weather. I’ll be going back again to the Cagayan Valley, Ilocos, Laguna and probably Bicol. I really miss travel.

More »

Smart Comm Inc gives out 21 month bonus

Last Wednesday, during the telecoms company’s Christmas party, Manny Pangilinan announced that employees will be getting their 21 month bonus! And so last Friday, credited to staff and supervisors payroll accounts were bonuses from 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 months equivalent!

I would not like to think of it. I’ve made my decision and I stand by it.

Graphika Manila

It was very fortunate that I was able to participate in the Graphika Manila 2006 Multimedia Design Conference held in SM Mall of Asia yesterday. Not that I’m a graphic designer but I’m looking at this field as a new career in the coming months and with the top caliber speakers, I’m convinced. I actually don’t know any of the speakers but with their portfolios being shown and with their talks, these are the top in the field.

I was very much impressed with Joshua Davis’ whose dynamic absraction and mutation is just indescribable and I’m very much impressed. I should also say that this guy is FUN! (some links by bloggers who were also struck with this man: REBELPIXEL PRODUCTIONS and A Bugged Life).
Or the interesting collaborations of Inksurge with different international arts and graphic design entities as well as top artists in the country. Their body of work is awesome.

Team Manila is another respected graphic design studio whose work incorporates iconic Philippine symbols and whose reach is extensive. Just this morning, while reading the Philippine Daily Inquirer, I saw one of their designs in an editorial article on fashion.

And who wouldn’t be cracking with laughter with Avid Liongoren? This energetic graphic designer/video and commercial director is so much fun. With many awards earned for his graphics extensive commercial work, he is breaking new ground (guerilla?) that is shaking up the foundations of commercial/postprod industries with his budget yet great projects (and some say, cheapening the industry –> but hey, that is the beauty of competition).

Nico Puertollano’s broadcast design is something to look out for and will be interesting to note if it will be accepted by the big stations here.

Black Flood’s black and white illustration/design book will be launched soon.

MK12 was one of the most aniticipated speakers but unfortunately, they chickened out because of typhoon Milenyo and cancelled their trip. They instead did a videoconference but the sound was just choppy and poor. How unfortunate. But their work is really very impressive.

My Flickr Moo cards arrived

Moo’s Flickr minicards (more like small businesscards) gave away 10 sample cards to 10,000 Flickr pro users and I was fortunate to be one.

The minicards up close…