At the 1st Cebu Comics Convention

The 1st Cebu Comics Convention was held at the Ayala Mall in Cebu on September 25, 2010. I have been corresponding with a few comics creators from the area and I've always known there was a lively community of creators and fans over there for many years.

I finally met John Amor, one of the promising creators in Cebu, and one of the Tres Komikeros of the Tres Komikeros Podcast. He's pretty busy working on both his self published comic book as well as working for a huge indie company stateside.

It's so inspiring to see so many people in Cebu who are not only interested in comics, but also people who are creating them, the same way we're doing ours in Luzon. It never fails to amaze me, seeing such enthusiasm even in the absence of large mainstream comic book publishers. It reinforces my belief that comics will never die in this country, in spite of everything.

I came with a large stack of ELMER and Bold Star comics, and I sold pretty much everything. Thanks to all those who stopped by and either bought something or just exchanged conversation. I truly appreciated it!

Upon returning home, I browsed a few Cebu blogs and discovered that there were a few people who were a little too shy to approach us, and kicking themselves for not doing so. Nako, don't do that. Kick yourselves I mean. The next time we're over there, don't be shy and just talk to us. That's why we visited Cebu after all, to meet with fellow comics enthusiasts like us.

The four people at the airport who recognized me at the airport from my Hey, Baby! video certainly weren't shy. And so I end up with a few new acquaintances. And that's great!

More photos from Jonas Diego.

Photos and coverage from Hazel Manzano-Chua.

The Crowd