Babbling Point

+ “The law doesn’t shape people’s opinions, TV and Hollywood do. I tell my students, `If you want to change the world, be a TV or movie producer, don’t become a lawyer.` Popular culture is the most powerful force.” Larry Kramer, New York University Law Professor Makes me wonder if Professor Kramer has ever been to the Philippines where popular culture / popular personalities have used and abused their popularity to attain even more powerful positions in government. Which makes me go back to my babbling about the need for heroes in Pinoy pop culture. Which makes me wonder if the characters of our tele-novelas and so-called Chi-novelas offer enough “heroes” for the people. More importantly, do we have enough heroes for our children whose minds are being shaped by the things that they see and watch and read. Something to keep in mind as we create these characters for the sake of entertainment— that they can be so much more.

+ DING! ANG EXHIBIT! Mars Ravelo: Sixty Years Retrospective 13 December 2003 – 15 February 2004 The Edge Gallery U.P. Vargas Museum Roxas Avenue, University of the Philippines Diliman An exhibition organized for the family of the late comics creator Mars Ravelo, explores his many talents and other facets of his life. The retrospective gathers all material culture in his family’s collection such as original illustrations by Ravelo, memorabilia items and other materials inspired by the artist’s creations. The exhibition is a contribution to the growing academic and popular interest in Pinoy komiks and to further contemporary appreciation of nearly 75 years of the local comics industry. Mars Ravelo: Sixty Years Retrospective will run from 13 December 2003 to 15 February 2004 at the Edge Gallery of the U.P. Vargas Museum. For more information, please contact the U.P. Vargas Museum at telephone numbers 928-1927 and telefax 928-1925, or e-mail at vargas.museum @ up

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. FLYING PHANTOM illustrated by Bow Guerrero. After many years of avoiding a 9-to-5, punchcard-kind-of-life, Bow is now part of the Globe Team. In theory, this would allow us to work on comic book projects while the boss isn't looking. But the workload is a killer. It's a Sunday and I'm in the office and I'm trying to avoiding work. Oh no... here comes the boss!