Subway Productions

2009-08-21T07:06:00.003+08:00

Cosplay Mania '09 Cos Word Contest Entries

I haven't posted anything for a very long time. There were so many changes in my life right now (both professional and personal) so that's why I haven't posted anything new.

Because of my nephew Zire, I have been dabbling in cosplay (even had a group cosplay stint but that a complete different story). There is this event this September 13 called Cosplay Mania 2009 (Check it out at at http://www.cosplaymania.com). They have this Cos Word Puzzle Contest where they provide a comic strip with blank word balloons and its up to you to fill them up. As a comics creator, I can't resist not joining. So below are my entries to that contest.

Please also check out http://www.cosplay.ph to get to know what cosplay is and the current local scene.

2009-04-19T23:00:00.004+08:00

Ryan's Newest Acquisition
Ryan just bought a Voltron Lion Force mecha. When I saw these pictures, my jaw fell open and I was drooling.

2009-04-19T22:33:00.005+08:00

Toy Comics
Ryan made this while taking a few minutes break at work. I hope you like it.

Note: Copyrights and trademarks are owned by respective owners.

2009-04-19T22:25:00.004+08:00

The Battle (A Toy Comics)
My sister Jenny took these pictures of my nephew's toys and suggested I make a mini comics on it. Zire is getting hooked with Ben 10 figures. Here's the result.

Note: Copyrights and trademarks are owned by their respective owners.

2009-01-29T12:42:00.006+08:00

Ryan's Collections
One of the interests we all share in Subway Productions is keeping collectible displays and toys. In our group, I could say that Ryan has the most interesting array of collectibles. He claims his collections are getting crowded in his display cabinet so he wanted to buy a bigger display cabinet for them. Below are some pictures he's taken on his most prized possessions. He hopes you'll like what you see below.

2008-12-29T11:30:00.009+08:00

Break Out Comics #6

Here is the sixth issue of Break Out Comics which we released at the 4th KOMIKON. You can read the last installment of Ryan's "Me and My (Ghost) Friend Musashi" in this issue.

2008-11-24T14:16:00.002+08:00

Subway Productions at 4th KOMIKON

You don't see me at the table because I'm the one taking the pictures. I was the only one who attended the 4th KOMIKON because Ryan, Adonis, and Butch are on a company team building session in Laguna (where I excused myself).

We were able to release Break Out Comics #6 in time for the convention. It contains the last installment of Ryan Francisco's "Me and My (Ghost) Friend Musashi" and a reprint of the story done by Butch Bantog done last year. It is quite a feat for us since we were able to release two issues in one year. I'll try to post the sixth issue here as soon as possible. We were fortunate enough to get our own exhibitor table because we couldn't register early for the indie tiangge.

It was very good to see fellow creators I've met through the years like Hazel Manzano (who released her own book "Callworks" that day;congrats!), Gener Pedrina (Sanduguan), Gio Paredes (Kalayaan), and KC Cordero (Filipino Independent Komiks). I wasn't able to make so many rounds or take pictures because I was busy manning the table. I was also selling some of my preowned comics and toys.

The venue was jampacked with more booths and comics fans (even though it coincides with another convention). There are also more costrippers there (Met TWO Rorshach!). I just wish they would hold a cosplay next year. We also made enough money to ensure the release of more issues of our comics in the future.

Here's the cover. The boy portraying as Wry is my cosplaying nephew Zire Yvin John. Check his blog that I maintain for him athttp://zireyvinjohn.blogspot.com.

Congratulations to the organizers! You were able to pull it off again. Hope to see you alll there next year.

2008-11-15T07:58:00.001+08:00

4th KOMIKON Floor Plan

Here is the floor plan so you'll know where to find us at the event. Just click on the thumbnail to enlarge.

2008-11-10T09:12:00.001+08:00

KOMIKS 101 at UP Diliman

(Click on image to enlarge.)

THE FOURTH ANNUAL PHILIPPINE KOMIKS CONVENTION with UP LUNAROCK and UP GRAIL brings you a week long KOMIKON 2008!!!

Besides the convention proper on November 22, 2008, there will be activities held from November 17-21 at the UP College of Arts and Letters and in the UP College of Fine Arts for KOMIKON.

For more information about the event please contact Rikki of LUNAROCK at 0915-4269190; Roja of UP GRAIL at 0919-3354089 or email us at komikon@gmail.com (For lectures, classrooms to be announced. Limited seats available. First come, first serve on-site registration.)

(from http://komikon.deviantart.com)

2008-11-03T17:52:00.003+08:00

4th Filipino Komiks Convention (KOMIKON)

This is just around the corner.

We were lucky enough to get an exhibitor table for this year's KOMIKON. We just hope we'll be able to finish a sixth issue for this convention.

It's unfortunate that the day of the con coincides with another convention (H3 Con). The crowd will surely be divided. But this time we'll be sure that KOMIKON will be filled up by devoted comics fans.

Hope to see you all there and support Pinoy komiks!

2008-09-03T07:43:00.000+08:00

P-gong and M.A.tsing Artwork

If you have a copy of Break Out Comics #1 (if you dont have one, just click Break Out Comics #1 in the Comics Released section), you might be familiar with the artwork below. It's the introductory page of Banana Conflict by Adonis de Leon. Don was backing up his files at work when he stumbled into this file. We've been looking for it for so long because Don wanted it to be seen in the blog in it's full color. So here it is!

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Trivia: The "M.A." in M.A.tsing's name means "Mechanically Augmented."

2008-08-31T10:47:00.010+08:00

Break Out Comics #5

This is the fifth issue of Break Out Comics that we released at the Mangaholix convention. I hope you like it (the Hamok story is in color).

2008-08-31T10:31:00.006+08:00

Higanti

This was our entry to comic book creation contest last 7th TOYCON. It the same story that we released on the 5th issue of Break Out #5 but with additional artwork and pages. Unfortunately, there are no news or results about the contest as of this time.

2008-07-24T12:05:00.001+08:00

Agimat Grand Launch

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Click here for more details.

2008-07-19T13:20:00.000+08:00

The Dark Knight and Joey

Even Ryan and Don's boss has taken a liking at Joey Male as a subject. Inspired by the return of Batman in the big screen, here is his version of the Dark Knight and his partner Robin. As usual, please don't sue us.

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2008-07-11T08:52:00.001+08:00

Thanks to 7TH TOYCON!

Here's the winning entry and trophy for customized mecha figure, which we just picked up, from the organizers of the 7th TOYCON. The bag of goodies are awesome (especially the rechargeable battery and charger from Eveready). The second place was not announced at the event. Our coworker Edward still has to pick up his prizes (he won 3rd place at that category).

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We're still waiting (and praying) for the announcement for the comic creation and TOYCON blogging contests.

2008-06-28T11:47:00.001+08:00

Rare Find at 7th TOYCON

Ryan found the one below at the last TOYCON.

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He fell in love with it the first time he saw it. But he didn't buy it immediately. He roamed around the convention for a very long time before he decided to buy it. He said it's a bit over his usual budget for toys but it was worth it.

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I agree with him.

2008-06-20T22:18:00.007+08:00

7th TOYCON
Here are some images we've got on the recently concluded 7th TOYCON last June 14-15, 2008 at Megatrade Hall 2-3, SM Megamall.

We sold issue 5 and our entry to the comic creation contest. Thanks to DAmeat for accomodating us. I toast to the organizers for another successful convention! Hope to see you all next year.

2008-06-20T22:00:00.009+08:00

2nd Mangaholix Animangaming Convention
Here are some images we've got while we we're selling our komiks last May 31, 2008 at the 2nd M3 Con.

2008-06-18T08:42:00.000+08:00

The TurfSite Manila Book Give-away Contest Part II

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TurfSite Manila is giving away a copy of the graphic novel Hackerteen: Volume 1: Internet Blackout (Hackerteen) (published by O’Reilly in April 2008). The book costs US$19.99 at Amazon.com and Bob Reyes is giving it away for free through a raffle — open to all bloggers in the Philippines. The book is brand new and he shall shoulder the shipping cost if you’re in the province.

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To join, simply mention in your blog site that TurfSite Manila (http://www.bobreyes.com) is conducting a book raffle. Once you had posted a blog article about the raffle, please leave a comment in his site with your name, e-mail, and URL to your blog entry.

2008-06-14T07:00:00.002+08:00

7th TOYCON Preparations 3

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We were able to reproduce our komiks in time for TOYCON. I found another photocopy shop but I had to commute from work. But it was worth it because the quality of the photocopy was good. Another good thing was we were able to release our komiks this time with colored covers. The issues look better than the ones we released last M3 Con but a little more expensive. We’re just gonna sell our fifth issue and our entry to the comic creation contest. We hope sales will be better in the event.

Ryan and my sister Jenny were able to finish my nephew’s costume for the cosplay. My nephew will cosplay SPD Red on SWAT mode. My sister was able to finished my mask to complete my costume. I’ll be cosplaying as The Question (the Vic Sage/male version) from DC Comics.

Don will be entering a modified Gundam Gerbera Tetra for the customized mecha contest.

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Ryan will be entering the customized action figure contest. He modified a toy (a female action figure) that my sister was able to find in a previously-owned toy store.

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We're all ready for the TOYCON today. Hope to see you all there later.

How To Enjoy the TOYCON Better
Ryan, Don, and I have been going to the TOYCON for years now. So far we’ve always have fun while we are at the convention. If it is your first time to go to a TOYCON, here are a few tips that we would like to share to you to make your TOYCON experience something to remember by.

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Come early. – There are more freebies at the first day for the early ones. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm.
Patience is a virtue. – One has to be extra patient. One will have to line up (it’s a very long line if you are early) to buy a ticket then line up again to enter the venue.
Bring cash, lot’s of cash. – We’re not saying that you bring your whole life savings. Just bring some extra cash with you. One can never know what cool things can get your fancy while you’re at the TOYCON. Though some toy sellers these past few conventions accept major credit cards, most of them still only accept cash. This will save you the time of going out of the place and go looking for an ATM machine (the nearest ones are at the ground level).
Join some of the games during the TOYCON. – If you’re waiting for the announcement of winners for the contest (which we usually do), the best way to make time pass by quickly is to join the games. You might even win a prize so you will have a memento of the event.
Go with friends or family members. – One can always go to these conventions alone but it’s much more enjoyable if you have someone to converse or share the moment. One can feel out of place especially if it’s you’re first time at conventions. Besides, you couldn’t get a picture of yourself beside your favorite cosplayer or celebrity if you don’t have a companion (unless you give your camera to a total stranger or you just want close-up shots).
Bring a camera. – If you’re a photo buff, there are a lot of interesting subject matters at the con like cosplayers (which are accomodating most of the time) and toy displays.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. – The venue can get packed with lots of people so it can get hot inside. There are just a few seats inside so expect you’ll be standing up most of the time (so don’t wear those stiletto shoes).
Watch the featured presentations on stage. – If you're tired of going around, stay near the stage area (or get a seat if you're lucky). They sometimes show fan films or anticipated movie trailers so you'll be entertained.
Be cordial. – As I said earlier, it can get crowded inside the venue. You can get bumped around anytime so always have a smile in your face and say “Excuse me.” or “Sorry.”
Eat before coming in the venue. – One can get hungry roaming around. Food and drinks are a bit expensive inside. But if you followed our tip about the cash, it's alright.
Don’t bring many valuables or gadgets. – Though security in these conventions are strict, some criminal elements can get inside. So always make sure your wallets or purses are secure. Flaunting your high tech gadgets can make you targets for these devious people.
Don’t bring big bags. – It’s harder to navigate through crowds if your bag is bulky.
There are more bargains at the last hours of the last day. – Many sellers drop prices before the convention closes. Many of them are eager to dispose more items so they won’t have to bring them back.
We hope the things we shared to you help make your TOYCON experience more memorable and enjoyable. See you at the TOYCON!

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The 7th Philippine Toys, Hobbies, and Collectibles Convention 2008
June 14-15, 2008
Megatrade Hall 2-3, SM Megamall
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
www.toyconph.com

2008-06-07T06:00:00.004+08:00

7th TOYCON Preparations 2
We have a problem in reproducing our komiks. The photocopy shop where we always avail services doesn’t accept back-to-back photocopies anymore. They said their machines keeps on experiencing paper jams so they were sorry that they can’t accept our komiks anymore. We chose the shop because it is just near our workplace and the quality of photocopy is better and cheaper than others. Now we had to look for another photocopy shop.
Ryan has started helping my sister with the modifications on my nephew’s sentai suit. They hope they finish it days before TOYCON. It’s a blessing in disguise that my sister Jenny is not working this school year (she’s a high school teacher; she was illegally dismissed by the Chinese school where she taught). She’s also helping me with my mask for my costume.
I’ll be picking up later the picture that will be my brother-in-law’s entry to the Cosplay Clicks. He got to work out of town for the weekend.
Don forgot to bring to the office his entry to the customized mecha. He said he’ll try to bring it on Monday.
I’m already excited about this year’s TOYCON. It’s a good thing that day is a payday. You’ll never know when something gets your fancy.

STICKFAS, A Customizer’s Dream Toy

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I first saw STICKFAS at last year’s TOYCON (I think it was those pre-assembled ones I saw). I was impressed at its poseability but I didn’t like them because they were so plain looking with just one color. I told Ryan to take a glimpse at it and I told him my opinion of it. He told that one could customize it if someone wants to. I agreed with him and we looked at other toys.
Then I noticed that there will be a STICKFAS Customized Figure Contest this coming TOYCON. It made me curious so I look the toy up in the Internet.
STIKFAS are 3.25 inch (8 cm) model assembly figures/toys. Once built they can be customized with stickers (packaged as Stikers) and different pieces (I thought at first they can’t be taken apart). The design principle behind a STIKFAS is that all of the joints are ball/socket, and offer exceptional poseability, interchangeability, and articulation. They are sold as "kits" that include accessories, and Stikers, and additional models (dragon, dog, cat, bike, etc.) to accentuate the "theme" of each kit.
The debut of STIKFAS was through a successful co-branding in 2001 with the computer game publisher, Electronic Arts. This collaboration provided a proof of concept and STIKFAS Pte., Ltd. (based in Singapore) was incorporated in August. Work began on the first mass production model of the STIKFAS Action Figure Kit, which was made available to public through online sales at www.stikfas.com in December 2001.
From 2002 to 2004, STIKFAS was licensed to international toy giant Hasbro Inc and this move saw a significant increase in its product range, distribution network as well as market recognition. During this period, STIKFAS was awarded the title of "Best Original Concept" in "Best of the Best 2002" by Wizard's Toyfare magazine, the industry's leading publication. That year, STIKFAS came in second for "Most Fun and Innovative Toy" in a consumer's poll by Toyshop Magazine, a revolutionary achievement for a simple plastic toy to earn its place in a category dominated by high tech electronic toy items.
STIKFAS debut in Japan in the fall of 2003 under the distribution of Tomy Direct Co., Ltd. In February 2005, the first comprehensive fan book about STIKFAS, its products and the people in the company, was published by Hobby Japan, the nation's leading hobby magazine since 1969. This publication reinforced the cult status that STIKFAS has in Japan.

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The first STIKFAS style is called the Classic Alpha Male. This is a male-style figure, standing 3 1/4" tall. The Omega Male is slightly taller, and has a wider girth. A Beta Female has a feminine shape, is shorter than the Alpha male, and has a different style waist.
Delta Boy is shorter still. It resembles a boy-sized Alpha male, but smaller. I don’t know why they didn’t release a Delta Girl (maybe there was no demand or one can just customize a Delta Boy to look like a girl). In 2004, STIKFAS introduced the Generation Two (or G2) Alpha Male. It has additional points of articulation in the knees and elbows.
In December 2005 a new G2 was released. The Gamma G2 Male is larger than the 'Omega', and has the same extraposable knee and elbow joints as the G2 Alpha. The Gamma also has a wider and thicker chest than the Omega. The chest consists of two separate halves that snap together.
In 2006 yet another new body style was introduced, the G2 Sigma Male, which is a tall slender-looking figure that has an elongated upper torso as well as the addition of separate knee and elbow joints, making it the tallest STIKFAS body yet.
STIKFAS is distributed here by Wimax Philippines, Inc.
The STIKFAS Custom contest at this year TOYCON is not the first. There was one (called Stikfas Stikfun Stikfan Competition) already held last May 10, 2008 at the Hobbes and Landes Universe, Bonifacio High Street, Fort Global City, Taguig.
There is even a group here in the Philippines devoted to STIKFAS called STIKFAS PH. Below are the links to their Multiply account and Google group.
http://www.stikfasph.multiply.com
http://groups.google.com/group/stikfasphils
In a toy cutomizer’s hands, STIKFAS can be made to almost anything. The limit is just one’s imagination. So this toy is something people like Ryan and Don would like to have.
(Source: Wikipedia)

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The 7th Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention 2008
June 14-15, 2008
Megatrade Hall 2-3, SM Megamall
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
www.toyconph.com

2008-06-04T09:51:00.002+08:00

7th TOYCON Preparations 1
Ryan and I are now preparing to reproduce our entry to the comic creation contest. We’ve made arrangements with DAmeat so we could sell it at the event. We also plan to sell our fifth issue that we released at M3 Con.
Ryan is is still thinking what contest to join. He already finished retouching his possible entry to the customized mecha figure but he is also thinking if he will only join the customized action figure. He doesn’t want to eleaborate more because he wanted to surprise Don and I. Don already finished his entry to the customized mecha figure. He’ll try to bring it at work to show it to us. Their department head, Vio Rodriguez, is thinking of joining the customized action figure. Even a coworker from the Maintenance Dept. is thinking of joining a contest in the event. He collects mechas so he’ll probably join the customized mecha category. The news about TOYCON spread fast here at work.
My sister already bought materials for my nephew’s costume for the Live Action Figure Costume and COSPLAY Contest. With the help of Ryan, they will modify the sentai suit that my nephew wore last M3 Con. She is also helping me with my costume.
I’ll also try to develop the film of the pictures that will be our entry to the Cosplay Click - Cosplay Photography Contest. The pictures were taken by my nephew’s father. He also preoccupied with photography besides his work as a sound technician for a band.
So many things to do before 7th TOYCON. I hope we pull it off.

LEGO Memories
I remember my first LEGO set. I was 8 years old and I won it in a raffle promo of a fastfood chain. It was a big box of assorted LEGO bricks. I couldn’t believe it because I’ve always asked my parents to buy me one. They always told me it was too expensive and “kalat lang yan” (which came true because there was always a piece or two at every corner of the house since then). I was ecstatic and wanted to go home to check it out.
My siblings and I had a fun time with that LEGO set. We made a lot of toys with it like A-Team vans, our versions of Blue Thunder and Airwolf (popular helicopters of that time), KITT or Knight Rider cars (“Turbo Boost, KITT!”), and giant robots (Mekanda Robot versus Mazinger Z fight specials). Plus there are the toy houses and appliances when we play with our kid sister. I also came up with a lot of stories playing with it.
Many years later, our parents decided to give the LEGO set (the box was only half filled because we’ve lost so many pieces) to our younger cousins. I didn’t want it to give it away at first. But when I saw that my cousins were very happy to have it, I didn’t object.
I had another LEGO encounter when my brother came home from a managers’ convention with a small LEGO set. He said they we’re made to express theirselves with it. Wow, the toy has gone a long way, I said to myself. It’s now a corporate tool to bring out creativity and imagination (which it did when I was young). That LEGO set is now in the hands of my nephews in the province.
At the coming 7th TOYCON, there will be a LEGO Build and Create Contest. If you want to join, it’s time to raid your old toy closets, borrow from your pamangkin or apo’s LEGO sets, or buy new ones, because you’ll need many pieces to build your masterpiece. Just click here to read the rules and get the form.

The 7th Philippine Toys, Hobbies, and Collectibles Convention 2008
June 14-15, 2008
Megatrade Hall 2-3, SM Megamall
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
www.toyconph.com

2008-05-31T19:30:00.003+08:00

Our TOYCON Experience

Besides doing comics, we (Ryan, Dondon, and I) also love toys. Both Ryan and Don collect Gundam model kits while I have small collection of superhero action figures. Ryan also has a fondness for collectible animé figures. So going to the TOYCON is something we anticipate every year.
I remember the first TOYCON I attended, which was the second one. Ryan asked me to go with him to SM Megamall along with Don and Glenn (their coworker at the Art Department then). He said to me they were going to a toy convention. I immediately agreed because I was curious. I only heard of toy conventions held abroad. I’ve never thought then that there could be a convention devoted to toys here in the Philippines.
So there we were at Function Rooms A-B. Though I expected a bigger venue just like the ones I see at the Net, I have never seen so many toys in my life. The place was filled to capacity with buyers, sellers, and gawkers (like me). I wish I brought more money because there were so many good things to buy, from toys of my time to the newer ones. We promised ourselves to be back next year with more money in our pockets.
We did come back the next year but Ryan was not with us because he was the godfather of the daughter of a dear friend of ours. We were able to find so many interesting stuffs and bought some toys that fit our budget.
In the fourth TOYCON, the venue was much bigger and there were also a lot of new things they launched like contests and cosplay. Ryan and Don joined the toy diorama contest. Ryan won third place at that category. We went home happy from the convention because of that.
The fifth TOYCON was much more enjoyable because there were more things to see, especially the booth babes. Here Don won third place at the toy diorama category. It was also the first time we featured the event here in our blog. I joined the custom toy contest, which Ryan and Don encouraged me. I entered a small version of Iron Man. Though I didn’t win, I enjoyed doing that art project (which I’ve never done for so many years).
Last year, at the sixth TOYCON, Don won third place again, this time at the custom mecha category. Ryan and I also joined that category but didn’t win. The TOYCON was much more different for me because my sister, nephew, and brother-in-law came with me at the second day. They also enjoyed the con very much, especially my nephew who dressed up as Black Spiderman. There were so many people who wanted to take pictures of him. I was very happy because I was able to share the joy of attending the TOYCON with family members.
Looking back, I realized that the TOYCON was one of the many moments we were able to bond together as friends. It was a time to relax from the many hassles at work and put our creative juices to work. It has become something we look forward each year and we hope that the fun never stops.

The 7th Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention 2008
June 14-15, 2008
Megatrade Hall 2-3, SM Megamall
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
www.toyconph.com

2008-05-19T16:13:00.004+08:00

Poster Ad
Once in a while, Ryan Francisco has a few excess time in his hands and does something on his MAC G5. His favorite model is always Joey Male, a coworker on his department. You've seen him here as our cosplay concept of Black Cyclops.
Joey is here again. This time in a poster ad of of a sports gear. (Please don't sue us.)