The best talks that I have done are those where I myself come away enlightened, learning even as I share what knowledge and experience that I have. Yesterday's talk at Tagaytay was one such example. I thought the talk itself was allright, and I just made it quite short, less than 20 minutes, I think. It was the forum afterwards that I was looking forward to because answering questions allows me to focus more on a specific topic. It is through these interactions that I get the opportunity to think very hard about my own beliefs and once in a while I'd get an insight that allows me to further mold those beliefs. I'm always continuing to learn, and always I welcome the opportunity to do so, in whatever circumstance.
I accepted the the invitation to give this talk, in spite of a rather pressing deadline, because it was
Mr. Hugo Yonzon who invited me. I've always liked the Mr. and Mrs. Yonzon, because they're the kind of people that one immediately feels comfortable conversing with. They're friendly and hospitable, very intelligent and witty, and most importantly, they have a deep love for comics and remarkable respect for the people who create them.
I have worked for them for a few years, creating Johnny Balbona specially for their Mwahaha! title, as well as writing Lastik-Man for a one shot story drawn by Arnold Arre and colored by Edgar Tadeo. The Yonzons recognized the rights I have to the work I create, and paid me well for my efforts. They're such a joy to interact with, personally and professionally.
Johnny was with us yesterday, and amazingly enough, he completed two of his unique paintings as he listened to me and Jonas talk. Later, he gave the paintings to the Yonzons as a gift.
Seeing Johnny there with the Yonzons was a strange experience. Johnny is, after all, the big inspiration for Johnny Balbona. I know I said the character was dead, but if I ever continue doing it, I'll do it for Mango comics, if they're open to having that happen at some point in the future.
