INGGITERO

Yesterday I affixed my signature on the proposed bill by Cong. Bernardo F. Piñol Jr. (2D, North Cotabato) attempt to reduce 10 years of service for all government employees with a compulsory retirement age of 55 years and an optional retirement age of 50 years. House Bill 3032 despite pending with the committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation chaired by Cong. Raul T. Gonzales Jr. (LD, Iloilo) would be safe to write that it will save billions for the government in terms of personnel services funding. HB3032 was filed last 11-07-2007.

I believe the campaign was aimed nationwide to generate buzz among government workers and personally I welcome such move and don’t see fellow civil servants disagreeing as long as retirement benefits are in order. What I would like to see yapping is GSIS Winston Garcia’s take on the issue after personally meddling with MERALCO affairs (thanks to media shift on Sulpicio Lines and Typhoon Frank). If GSIS records are still messed up this HB would be dropping a sledgehammer at their head but I’m pretty sure GSIS members would end-up bleeding.

Revelation is finally out!  According to Wal-Mart Journey’s latest 3-disc set album has sold 104,000 copies in its debut week, their biggest since 1996 (Trial By Fire). In the Billboard Top 100 album it’s sitting at No. 6 and No.1 on the independent and pop charts. There’s something to be orgullo here for the voice behind the rock band is You Tube phenom Filipino singer-songwriter Arnel Pineda, if you do not know him yet here 1 2 3. According to the website New York Times hailed: “…the band seems to have taken rock vitamins: it feels alive.”

Had listened 9 (of 11) new tracks and if you’re a hardcore it’s the ultimate fan collection. Pineda’s vocals has resonated Steve Perry’s soaring tenor though Perry’s voice is unique and no one can replace him — but Pineda’s voice will get you 80s nostalgic again somehow, I was looking for rock ballads which they found fame for … of  the 11 brand-new tracks my personal favorite were After All These Years, Like A Sunflower, Never Walk Away and Faith in the Heartland.

What’s in a name? If you’re familiar with them then you belong to the lucky ones who’ve witnessed Philippine komiks during its glory days but if not then you’ve missed a lot, these are just few signatures of (my) most admired pencillers/inkers. Growing up reading at the pasillo of the supermarket is worth cherishing during the martial law era. Some of them are I hope still kicking well as they will linger in my noggin ’till dementia. From the popular Mar T. Santana, Joey and Louie Celerio, Abel Laxamana, Gonzales, Jim Fernandez, Rico Rival, Floro Dery, Tony Henson, Rod Santiago et.al. I will not forget da man, Carlo J. Caparas without his imagination nothing would have been made (I happened to watch a segment dedicated to him and the komiks industry over ANCs Story Line). Komiks immortals such as Flavio, Invinzor, Totoy Bato, Mong, Shanghai Joe, Zuma, Joaquin Bordado, Bakekang, Banaba etc. etc. made me appreciate art deeper despite not being good at it.

How I was wish I could go back in time and pursue fine arts in college, my parents could not afford (even now) sending their kids to Manila and choose preferred courses. I grew on these komiks and even taught myself to draw. Resurrecting the komiks industry now will never be as successful compared to 70s/80s especially how technology changed this generation.  The new breed such as Leinel Yu, Whilce Portacio, Chester Ocampo, Gerry Alanguilan, Francis Manapul, Lan Medina et.al are now respected for their skills outside the Philippines working with DC, Marvel, Top Cow must have been inspired by old great Pinoy pencillers/inkers.