Jupiter Rising

Cagayan de Oro Day 1

2011-03-09T22:32:00.009+08:00

Arrived at Cagayan de Oro at 7:30am. Given the choice, we would have gone straight to white water rafting. We had to wait for a couple of cousins coming in at a later flight. We therefore spent the rest of the morning (and afternoon) touring the city.

Gaston Park: This was the site of a Filipino defeat against the Americans in the Filipino-American War, where around 200 Filipinos perished in a "surprise" attack against around 80 Americans stationed in the American barracks beside the old church. The surprise was foiled when the Filipinos shouted their battlecries before heading into battle, enabling the Americans to gear up for the assault. Incidentally, Arthur MacArthur Jr., the father of Douglas MacArthur, was stationed here at that time.

Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest church in Cagayan de Oro, rebuilt three times over the course of two centuries. The first one was destroyed by fire, while the second was bombed during World War III. The cathedral also houses the remains of the two archbihops of Cagayan de Oro.

This cross is all that remained of the second incarnation.

Of note are the stained glass windows depicting the Way of the Cross, made over a century ago and shipped from New York during the church's last reconstruction.

The Wandering Cross that toured the surrounding municipalities in 2000, hence its name.

Outside the church we came across this banana vendor. It was grilled bananas with margarine spread and sprinkled with sugar. Not quite like the typical caramelized bananas in Manila, it had a bit of a salty taste to it.

We then proceeded to Divisoria, more or less the city's center. They have a Bonifacio monument, which is also where the bones of the heroes of the only Filipino victory against the Americans are buried. During weekends the roads would be closed to give way to the weekend night market. At night there are a few entrepreneurs selling clothes and other ukay items. There are also massuers for hire.

After a 10-minute drive, we arrive at a fenced area in the port area. This is the monument that commemorates Douglas MacArthur's escape from Corregidor. After disembarking from the PT boats on this spot, he headed to an airstrip in Bukidnon to board the plane bound for Australia.

Lunch was at Thai Me Up. Of note are the spring rolls with cucumber wrap and the fruit juice with diced fruits. The rest of the food was decent but not spectacular.

The municipality of El Salavador was around 45 minutes from Cagayan de Oro. Oddly, there were three other times when El Salvador was a city but its cityhood was stripped because of revenue issues. Our destination was the Shrine of the Divine Mercy, the site of a 40-foot statue of Jesus with two rays (signifying blood and water) emanating from his chest. Its construction and the land it's on was funded by donations. Of note is that females are required to wear skirts. Men in shorts are also required to wear a skirt. For convenience's sake, guests are given skirts to wear over their clothes.

One can get to the top of the statue, the rays are actually steps leading up. However, one has to endure a 30-45 minute talk of doom and gloom from a member of the Divine Mercy before one is allowed to go up. They don't allow celphones and cameras at the top, and the only thing at the top is the holy euchrist.

Located below the garden is the stations of the cross. Howver, this is the only station that had real life statues. The path going down is a bit difficult to traverse.
It has been said that the water that comes from their deep well has healing properties, and is free for everyone. Colored candles may be lit as offerings. The different colors signify the different aspects of life: career, love, etc.

A 20-minute drive from the Divine Mercy had us at the Ostrich and Crocodile Farm.

The ostriches actually come up and watch you. They seem friendly but our guide told us that they could kill a man with one peck of their beaks.

Ostrich eggs are surprisingly durable. A grown man can step on it without it breaking.

Ostrich at 1 week old. We were allowed to pet and hold them.

After the full day, we were finally able to check in at our hotel, Maxandrea. After a bit of rest, it was time for dinner.

Penong's is a local grill house a block from the hotel. Their specialty was Chicken Inato (like Inasal). Be warned that the jumbo size doesn't look much different from the regular size. Do not order the pork belly, unless you like your food drowned in salt.
We had coffee and dessert at Coffeeworks beside Xavier University, a block away from Penong's. We wandered a bit around Divisoria, buying needed supplies, before heading back to the hotel.

Comic: The War (fixed links)

2009-07-20T02:45:00.001+08:00

Originally appeared in Espesyal Illustrated Stories #2560, cover date May 31, 2001, Atlas Publishing, Inc.
Illustrated by Rodel Noora.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Comic: Anak ng Salamangkero

2009-07-20T02:38:00.003+08:00

Part of an aborted project.
Illustrated by Rusty Limosinero.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Comic: Passage of Love #2 (of 3)

2009-06-17T21:48:00.002+08:00

The English remix of Tagos Hanggang Buto for the iPhone, part 2 (of 3).

Illustrated by Jim Jimenez.

Available on the App Store.

Comic: Passage of Love #1 (of 3)

2009-04-13T00:23:00.004+08:00

The English remix of Tagos Hanggang Buto for the iPhone.

Illustrated by Jim Jimenez.

Available on the App Store.

Comic: Chance Encounter

2009-03-31T23:13:00.003+08:00

Appeared in Basted!, published 2005.
Illustrated by Bing Cansino.
Click on the thumbnails for the larger images.

Comic: Lost in the Desert

2009-02-17T17:16:00.002+08:00

My very first published work, originally entitled "Disyerto" ("Desert") and appeared in Espesyal Illustrated Stories #2536, cover date December 14, 2000, Atlas Publishing, Inc.
Illustrated by Ramil Lomo.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Comic: Prosti part 4 (of 4)

2009-02-16T17:20:00.001+08:00

Originally appeared in Pilipino Illustrated Stories #3120, cover date April 8, 2002, Atlas Publishing, Inc.
Illustrated by Al Abetchuela.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Comic: Prosti part 3 (of 4)

2009-02-13T16:28:00.001+08:00

Originally appeared in Pilipino Illustrated Stories #3119, cover date April 1, 2002, Atlas Publishing, Inc.
Illustrated by Al Abetchuela.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Comic: Prosti part 2 (of 4)

2009-02-11T16:25:00.001+08:00

Originally appeared in Pilipino Illustrated Stories #3118, cover date March 25, 2002, Atlas Publishing, Inc.
Illustrated by Al Abetchuela.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Comic: Prosti part 1 (of 4)

2009-02-10T00:39:00.002+08:00

Originally appeared in Pilipino Illustrated Stories #3117, cover date March 18, 2002, Atlas Publishing, Inc.
Illustrated by Al Abetchuela.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Comic: Kerida part 4 (of 4)

2009-02-04T10:33:00.001+08:00

Originally appeared in Pilipino Illustrated Stories #3116, cover date March 11, 2002, Atlas Publishing, Inc.
Illustrated by Rodel Noora.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Comic: Kerida part 3 (of 4)

2009-02-02T22:23:00.002+08:00

Originally appeared in Pilipino Illustrated Stories #3115, cover date March 4, 2002, Atlas Publishing, Inc.
Illustrated by Rodel Noora.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Comic: Kerida part 2 (of 4)

2009-01-26T13:17:00.002+08:00

Originally appeared in Pilipino Illustrated Stories #3114, cover date February 25, 2002, Atlas Publishing, Inc.
Illustrated by Rodel Noora.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Comic: Kerida part 1 (of 4)

2009-01-21T00:56:00.003+08:00

Originally appeared in Pilipino Illustrated Stories #3113, cover date February 18, 2002, Atlas Publishing, Inc.
Written by yours truly, illustrated by Rodel Noora.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Comic: Runaway

2009-01-19T21:25:00.003+08:00

Originally appeared in Tagalog Illustrated Klasiks #2654, cover date May 2, 2002, Atlas Publishing, Inc.
Written by yours truly, illustrated by Art Pantaleon.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Out of Time

2008-12-02T15:16:00.002+08:00

Written and lettered by yours truly, illustrated by Arman Mernado, toned by Gener Pedrina.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Regatta is Live!

2008-09-22T16:23:00.004+08:00

It's a tale about rowing, friendship, and boys. It may not be to everyone's liking, but I'm sure you know someone who'd get a kick out of it.

Written by me and illustrated by the talented Lara Yokoshima.

Click on the picture or click here to read the first (and only) chapter, at least so far.

Audition!

2008-08-27T22:39:00.003+08:00

Hideout

2008-07-08T23:49:00.002+08:00

This was entered in the 2nd Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards but wasn't enough to impress the local judges to make it to Neil Gaiman. This was also slated to appear in a horror anthology that never saw the light of day.
Written and lettered by yours truly, illustrated and toned by Joel Cotejar.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

The 'Eyes' Have It (re-post; complete)

2008-06-27T01:40:00.002+08:00

Circa 2006.
Written and lettered by yours truly, illustrated by Mannie Abeleda.
Click on the thumbnails for the larger images.

Ten Years Later...

2008-06-24T18:04:00.001+08:00

Originally titled "Kuwento ng Isang Barkada", appeared in Basted!, 2005.
Written, lettered, and toned by yours truly, illustrated by Jomar Bulda, layouts by Gilbert Monsanto.
Click on the thumbnails for the larger images.

Bummer God (re-post; complete)

2008-06-23T17:56:00.000+08:00

Circa 2004.
Written and lettered by yours truly, illustrated and colored by Jim Jimenez.
Click on the thumbnails for the larger images.

Dragon's Bane (re-post; complete)

2008-06-23T15:19:00.000+08:00

Appeared in Blitzworx Comic Magazine, 2005.
Written and lettered by yours truly, illustrated by Jim Jimenez, colored by Gilbert Monsanto.
Click on the thumbnails for the larger versions.

Prom Night

2008-06-17T20:42:00.000+08:00

Appeared in Basted!, published 2005.
Written, lettered, and toned by yours truly, illustrated by Jim Jimenez.
Click on the thumbnail for the larger image.

Legend of the Guava

2008-06-17T10:04:00.000+08:00

Appeared in Alamat ng Tatlong Prutas (Three Fruit Legends), published 2003.
Written and lettered by yours truly, illustrated by Kriss Sison, colored by Gilbert Monsanto.
Click on the thumbnail for the larger image.

Summer Fling

2008-06-12T17:41:00.000+08:00

Appeared in Basted!, published 2005.
Written and lettered by yours truly, illustrated and toned by Joel Cotejar.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

Legend of the Macopa

2008-06-10T21:08:00.000+08:00

Originally appeared in Alamat ng Tatlong Prutas (Three Fruit Legends), published 2003.
Written and lettered by yours truly, illustrated by Mico Suayan, colored by Gilbert Monsanto.
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.

"Kopa" in some Filipino dialects means "Bell".

... But a Dream

2008-06-09T21:14:00.000+08:00

Originally published in Basted!, 2005.
Written, lettered, and toned by yours truly, illustrated by Fritz Casas.

The Summoning

2008-06-09T19:39:00.000+08:00

Originally appeared in True Philippine Ghost Stories, book 12, 2005.
Written and lettered by yours truly, illustrated by Mannie Abeleda.
Click on the thumbnails for the bigger images.

Golden Hills

2008-06-09T17:38:00.000+08:00

Originally published in Haunted Philippines book 4, 2005.
Written and lettered by yours truly, illustrated by Fritz Casas.
This story is based on true events, as narrated to me by the daughter of "Alfie".
Click on the thumbnails for a larger image.

Judy Johns

2008-05-07T22:34:00.002+08:00

May 6, 1944 - May 6, 2008
A good friend and adviser.

"Sigaw" Hollywood Remake

2007-06-12T22:46:00.000+08:00

From Scifi.com

"Jesse Bradford has signed to star in The Echo, a remake of the acclaimed Filipino supernatural thriller Sigaw, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Roy Lee and Doug Davison of Vertigo Entertainment are producing.

Yam Laranas, who co-wrote and directed Sigaw, is directing the remake, which is also being produced by Shin Shimosawa, Tyler Mitchell and Will Wright.

The story centers on a young ex-con (Bradford) who moves into an old apartment building only to learn his neighbor is an abusive police officer who savagely beats his wife and daughter. When the ex-con tries to intervene, he becomes trapped in a curse. Eric Bernt wrote the screenplay.

Shooting is scheduled to begin mid-August in Toronto."

Battle for Ham's Deep

2007-05-29T00:46:00.000+08:00

Muppets take over Middle Earth!

More pics here.

Superhero Personality Test

2007-05-24T21:49:00.000+08:00

Your results:
You are Hulk

Hulk		65%
Spider-Man		65%
Superman		65%
Robin		62%
Green Lantern		60%
Catwoman		55%
Supergirl		45%
The Flash		40%
Wonder Woman		30%
Batman		25%
Iron Man		25%

You are a wanderer with
amazing strength.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

Grand Theft Galaxy

2007-05-10T18:53:00.000+08:00

Check it out! My friend Jim did the art for Grand Theft Galaxy, his first GN from Tokyopop!

Chance Encounter 8

2007-05-09T14:51:00.000+08:00

script and letters by Reg Ting; art by Bing Cansino (Spawn, The Innocents).

originally appeared in Basted!, published by PSICOM.

first previous home

Chance Encounter 7

2007-05-07T18:31:00.000+08:00