That Sigbin Photo that is Circulating the Internet

There's a "kinda fake, taken from a movie" photo of what's supposedly a Sigbin circulating in forums all throughout the Internet lately.

The one above isn't the photo, that's probably from some local movie or from at one of the many "Shake, Rattle and Roll" movies Mother Lily has produced.

Here's the photo that's been going around the Internet though.

Like I said, it spells faked/shopped/hoax so no need to call that out. A sigbin is described as:

"The Sigbin or Sigben is a creature in Philippine mythology said to come out at night to suck the blood of victims from their shadows. It is said to walk backwards with its head lowered between its hind legs, and to have the ability to become invisible to other creatures, especially humans. It resembles a hornless goat, but has very large ears which it can clap like a pair of hands and a long, flexible tail that can be used as a whip.[1] The Sigbin is said to emit a nauseating odor.

It is believed to issue forth from its lair during Holy Week, looking for children that it will kill for their hearts, which it fashions into amulets."

Sounds scary AND interesting. I just can't see how it could actually kill it's victim but I do not have any intention of finding out. Remember this guy from "Cabin in the Woods" and his fixation with the Merman?



This is truly a case for Alexandra Trese.

CONVERSE x KOMIKS, A MATCH MADE IN PUNK

Converse Philippines recently held an event at their flagship store in Glorietta to launch their in-store customization area “Punk Your Chucks”. Renowned Filipino komik book artists Kajo Baldisimo and Bow Guerrero—of Trese and Dark Colony fame, respectively—were on hand to showcase artwork of their characters donning Converse, and to “live paint” one-of-a-kind pairs of Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers for their fans.

The tie-up was made under the “Shoes Buy Art, Sneakers Create It” campaign of Converse, that showcases how sneakers can be a natural medium to create wearable art.

“Converse has always recognized the inherent creativity of our core market,” said Eli Bonsol, Converse Advertising and Marketing Manager. “Our most iconic sneaker, the Chuck Taylor All-Star, has always embodied this aspect of the brand – the fact that it is literally made of canvas makes it the perfect backdrop to express your own style.”

For Bow Guerrero, creator and artist of Dark Colony, the bond between Pinoy Komiks and Converse is an intuitive one. "Pinoys love art, and express this love in truly imaginative ways,” he explained. “The timeless, laid-back style of the Converse All-Star really appeals to komiks lovers – not to mention that it is customizable in so many different ways.”

Accordingly, a customization area was set up at the venue, which allowed visitors and Converse enthusiasts to alter their shoes according to their taste. Markers, pens, and even metal studs were on-hand to achieve that perfect punk rock vibe. To cap off the event, ten lucky guests were given the chance to get their Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers “punk’d” by Guerrero and Baldisimo.

Other Converse stores across the nation will soon be having their own “Punk Your Chucks” areas, where you can trick out your Chucks, Cons, or Jack Purcells—or if you don’t have a pair yet you can check out all the designs at the flagship store in Glorietta 2, Makati. You can also check out the punk’d Chucks by the artists of Trese and Dark Colony in the flagship store now. Log on to www.facebook.com/ConversePhilippines for updates on the next event.

Punk Your Chucks from Converse Event Coverage

Sharing some of the photos that I took during Saturday's "PUNK YOUR CHUCKS" event which happened at Converse's flagship store over at Glorietta!

Oh and they have special guests Kajo Baldisimo of Trese and Bow Guerrero and JB Tapia of The Dark Colony Book I : Mikey Recio and the Secret of the Demon Dungeon.

Art station, this was where customers who want to punk their chuck taylors got to do so. Converse provided various art implements to customize Chucks.

I totally love the theme and the message that Converse is conveying. #Sneakers

Minutes before creators Kajo, Bow and JB take the stage.

A small crowd gathering and the main men haven't even approached the podium yet

Kajo hard at work with a lucky winner's Chucks! 

Team Recio is also working really hard with their Chucks.

For Bow Guerrero, creator and artist of Dark Colony, the bond between Pinoy Komiks and Converse is an intuitive one. "Pinoys love art, and express this love in truly imaginative ways," he explained. "The timeless laid-back style of the Converse All-Star really appeals to komiks lovers - not to mention that it is customizable in so many different ways."

The Converse flagship store opens their workstation for Chuck Taylor fans who want to punk their chucks. 

The tie-up was made under the "Shoes Buy Art, Sneakers Create It" campaign of Converse, that showcases how sneakers can be a natural medium to create wearable art.

"Converse has always recognized the inherent creativity of our core market," said Eli Bonsol, Converse Advertising and Marketing Manager. "Our most iconic sneaker, the Chuck Taylor All-Star, has always embodied this aspect of the brand - the fact that it is literally made of canvas makes it the perfect backdrop to express your own style."

Oh and if you're excited to 'punk your chucks' don't worry because it's the end of the road as other Converse stores across the country will soon have their own "Punk Your Chucks" areas. This of course is regardless whether you've bough Chuck Taylors, Jack Purcells or Cons. As long as it's Converse, you can definitely "Punk Your Chucks".

While you're at it, you may want to "Like" Converse through their official Facebook fanpage - www.facebook.com/ConversePhilippines for more updates.

Punk Your Chucks This Saturday with Bow Guerero, Kajo Baldisimo and Converse Philippines

Inviting you guys to this once-in-a-lifetime crossover between lifestyle, fashion and good ole Pinoy Komiks as macho gwapito artists Kajo Baldisimo (Trese) and Bow Guerrero (The Dark Colony Book I : Mikey Recio & the Secret of the Demon Dungeon) joins forces with Converse Philippines for "Converse x Komiks (Trese, Dark Colony) // Punk Your Chucks"

The event happens on Saturday, September 21 at the Converse Flagship Store in Glorietta 5.

Below is the official event 'blurb' and poster if you want to check it out...

"Filipino comic book artists Kajo Baldisimo and Bow Guerrero, of Trese and The Dark Colony Book I : Mikey Recio & the Secret of the Demon Dungeon fame will be at the Converse Philippines flagship store in the new Glorietta, this Saturday.

Get a chance to have your Converse shoes customized with one-of-a-kind designs by the artists, or also customize them yourself with studs in the "Punk Your Chucks" section.

Be one of the first four people to buy a pair of Chucks at the event and instantly get your brand spankin' new Chucks punked (two for Trese, and two for Dark Colony) on the spot.

If you brought your own authentic Chucks (or whatever Converse sneaker you have) you can join the raffle to win a chance to get them punked. Four will be drawn (two for Trese, and two for Dark Colony). Just show your authentic Converse product at registration to be able to join.

We'll also be giving away some Converse GCs.

If you don't win the raffle, we still provide you with awesome materials for you to Punk Your Chucks at the customization area."

I'll be around guys so if you want to punch me, squeeze me or just talk geeky I'll be there. Fuck I'm wearing a frigging pirate hat just for you to know that it's me.

FILBARS Looking Great as Ever as it Reopens in Festival Mall

Got the chance to get a special look at the new and improved FILBARS store over at my old stomping grounds in FESTIVAL MALL on Saturday (July 27).

Let's admit it, we at one time or another bought our comic books from Filbars. It was either this CQ (remember, back then Southeners like me rarely go to Robinsons Galleria or Magallanes.) I distinctly remember spending my entire second salary buying CIVIL WAR tie-ins and INFINITE CRISIS stuff. In a nutshell, this was part of our childhood. 

It was a small event. I actually loved the fact that the who's who in the local komiks scene were present plus some colleagues and indie creators including the guys and gals (and dominatrix) of Frances Luna together with Kai Castillo...

Oh and they also invited my new IDOL Robert Magnuson; who was very, very pleasant to talk to...



The new Filbars is just plain cool. I found the revamped store so appealing. It's like literally beckoning me to go and visit their place and buy stuff from them. In fact, here's what a panoramic shot of the new store just to give you a feel of what the place looks like now.

They have a lot of great products in their store. Took some photos to prove that it's worth checking out when you're in the south.

















AND THEY HAVE GAME OF THRONES including Khal Drogo and Danaerys Targaryen



(I apologize for the photo Ryan and Carina)





Here are the other photos during that afternoon.

Sharing a split second with Uncle Budj. :)

Check out the ceiling. Sorry I rarely make a fuss about an establishment's ceiling but it looks totally cool! I want to have something like this installed in my pad.





Finally here's a selfie before I close this:



Again, thank you FILBARS and more power to you folks.

Rhian Ramos Wants Trese Movie Badly

Trese is hardcore. We all know that. The supernatural detective created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo has been captivating readers of all ages for years now and the idea of having a movie featuring Alexandra Trese's supernatural adventures seems ripe. And now actress Rhian Ramos seems interested in getting the role.

Apparently the actress went online and shared her thoughts about the still untapped movie; which leads to series writer Uncle Budj (as I fondly call him) to share Ms. Ramos' thoughts to the rest of fandom.

So what do you think? Is it about time we kickstarted a Trese movie franchise? Seeing the quality of the horror stuff Filipino filmmakers come out with, I can say that we're ready. We just need to find a director who shares the same vision as the creators plus an amazing visual effects team and we're good. 

Casting wise, she'd (Ramos) be a good fit. 

Wonder whatever happened to that Trese fan film that was making buzz a few months ago (or was that a year ago)? 

“Trese” wins National Book Award, Best Graphic Literature for 2011

Press Release - Trese Book 4: Last Seen After Midnight, written by Budjette Tan, illustrated by Kajo Baldisimo was awarded Best Graphic Literature for 2011 at the National Book Awards.



The award was received by Tan, Baldisimo and their publisher Nida Ramirez of Visprint, Inc.



This is the second time that National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle have recognized and awarded the works of Tan and Baldisimo. Last 2010, Trese Book 3 won the same award.

TRESE 5 MIDNIGHT TRIBUNAL PREVIEW

I've been a fan of Trese fan for quite some time now and I've always recommended this book to my non-comic book reading friends. Luckily for us fans, Uncle Budj (Trese writer Budjette Tan) ain't a George R.R. Martin in terms of releasing new materials. Here's a look at TRESE 5 - Midnight Tribunal.

Sadly though we won't be able to read anything off of the previews as the ones that I got was of the unlettered variety. Still it's nice to look at the pretty pictures. Check out the preview after the cut.