Araw ng “MA-I” (September 20, 2015)
Last September 17, we formally launched our first graphic novel series entitled “MA-I” at the 36th Manila International Bookfair at the SMX Convention Center. During that time we received positive feedback already especially from other authors that our advocacy behind the series was actually promising.
Arya and I talking briefly about why we wrote “MA-I” and what it is about. (c) Joy Solina
Pabebe wave muna after the book was unveiled! (c) Patricia Santiago
September 20 was a bigger day for us though. Our target audience filled the crowd– friends and passers by. Plus, we had cosplayers catch the attention of everyone!.
The whole “cast” of MA-I. From l to r: Arya, Apo Guinoo (played by Ferrari Lacson), Aman ( Benjie Cassi), Lakan (David D’Angelo, Jr.), Luta (Helen D’Angelo), Ka’lila (David D’Angelo), Makaka (Christian Cascaro), Tiktik (fatima Jongco), and me (C) CSM Publishing
Arya and I speak briefly about why MA-I was written. (c) CSM publishing
Luta and lakan pose with MA-I books
AlDub?! Alden look-a-like jaycee Abuel (who apparently is Arya’s cousin) surprised us with his presence while Yaya Dub look-a-like Ella Rodelas played as his partner. True Love waits. yes :) (c) CSM Publishing
Arya telling Lakan and Luta cosplayers what their characters were like.
(c) CSM Publishing
Apo Guinoo, Luta and Lakan with Retired officer Romy Solina (who was fanboy mode at that moment), and CSM Publishing’s CEO Abner Lacson (C) CSM Publishing
Ang mga kontra-bida
(c) CSM Publishing
The cosplayers did a short skit to represent the story of “MA-I”
(c) CSM Publishing
MA-I cosplayers with our editorial manager Joy Solina (in blue) and her father who became a fan, Romy Solina (he also did action figures of MA-I characters but weren’t displayed in the event because they might be crushed due to the high density of people there)>
(c) CSM publishing
Us with the proud parents
(c) Bee Villanueva
Kids picking up MA-I Books (c) CSM Publishing
If you’re wondering kung “Ma-tao ba?” maybe this picture can answer that question. (c) CSM Publishing
We signed books from 2-7pm. I’m not quite sure if it was because we’re slow in signing?! But that’s quite a long time. (c) Joy Solina
For the most part, it were Spin 180 youth Fellowship that filled the booth. Thank you!
(c) CSM Publishing
We’d like to thank CSM for believing in our vision to bring the Filipino cultural heritage to our modern day literature and for arranging all these events for “MA-I.” We’d also like to thank the Naruto Cosplayers for being responsive and willing to do this with us. And of course to friends and families. Here’s the thanks that I posted the other day:
For more about MA-I, you may visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/maikomiks
or read some of the press releases here:
MA-I: Ano Ito At Bakit ito naisulat?
Ranneveryday: MA-I: A Filipino Manga that Promotes History, Culture, and Values
MA-I books are now available at CSM Publishing (you can email order@csm-publishing.com wherever you are in the world) and will be available at major bookstores in the Philippines soon.
Related posts:
MA-I: Ano ito at Bakit ito Naisulat? (Authors’ interview)
Check out what people say about “MA-I” so far>> MA-I Fever Ka Na Ba?
