From Newsroom Artist And Novelist to Internet Web Designer

Ah, since then, I hate my life being a born-poor. During that moment, I considered my self a born-looser too. But not until I met Kuya Eric. He was so strict when you'll see him at first. But he's not. He was so kind. I know my portfolio is not that good for an artist during that time because I considered my self then as an amateur. But luckily, out of pitty, he hired me as an aapprentice artist to their printing press in Project 4, Quezon City. He enrolled me at Philippine Printing Technical Foundation in Sta. Mesa, Manila and take-up Camera and Basic/Advance Stripping Course. Later on, I'm studied layout design through my own effort. I saved all my income in bank because I want to pursue my studies. I have plan to be a working student during that time.

But Lord has good plan to everyone of us. I met Ate Dona, wife of Kuya Eric. They reside at Vermont Park Subdivision, Marcos Hi-way, Antipolo, Rizal. Kuya Eric bring me there to reside there too. Ah, what a very very kind couple. They gave me shelter and new life. They treat me as a member of their family.

They decided to open a video tape rental. I manage the shop although I have a day job at the printing press where my Kuya Eric is a general manager there. After office work, I stayed in the shop.

When the next semister is open for enrollment, another twist happenned to my life.

Ate Dona work in The Manila Times as Editorial Secretary and told me there is an opening job in their department. So I must choose if I will still pursue my studies or grab that job opportunity.

And that was the beginning of my carrer in the newspaper industry. I tender my resignation in printing press but still I manage the shop of the Family after my office work and live with them too.

During that time, I work there as Copy Monitor (they say that it is the first job of late Ninoy Aquino and Noli de Castro). My task is sorting wires (AFP, AP, and PNA) and handed over to editors of News, Sports, Business, Entertainment and Lifestyle. Everyday was exciting to me. I was only 18 then and all i've done was just like a game or fun to me.

I remember, I always stay by news desk editor's side and watched the editor-in-chief doing his layout everyday and so on. We called it in our tagalog way "DISKARTE" in making layout design.

The editors trusted me to evaluate their computers (macPlus and macSE during that time, is apple's best machines then for publishing company). Of course that is out from my job description though, but they felt comfort with me because everytime we call the technician he's always missing (or rather I say messing) around. So since then, I have lots of experience in troubleshooting and manhandling the mac operating system. And that was a cool experience.

During that time, circa 1993. I met the original Bandera Boys. Jun Alano as Editor-in- Chief of morning edition, together with his staff, Gil Bugaoisan, Peter Rafanan, Eric Garafil, and many to mension. And for Bandera P.M. (the evening edition), Tony Pet Rosales, Ony Calcalmo, Dennis Santiago and Irene. Of course my friends Richard Siguien, Bert Amoroso and Rodney Santos too.

Until then, It was a very big break to me when the Bandera Love Stories pocketbook launched. They published (8) eight of my novel. It was 1994 when I become a regular contributing writer for tagalog romantic stories serialized everyday and contributing artist for my comic strips eniting gows in that tabloid Bandera.

When the group of Malou Mangahas, as Editor-in-Chief, arrived, together with Glenda Gloria as News Editor and Chit Estella as Managing Editor, they promote me as layout artist and handed me the sports section.

Also, they give me slot to comics section of the Manila Times for my comic strip eniting gows.

I met a long time friend and an officemate on August 1997. He was Mario Galapate, a former Manila Times Editorial staff. I surprised when I learned that he was the Art Director of Malaya Newspaper. Not only that, he encourage me to join his Design Team there. I could not resist the offer though if it's an offer from a long lost friend from UAE. Aside from that, he went to me as he badly needed help because he need good men and not just an artist but good computer graphic artists.

Since my working place is in Port Area, Manila, I decided to contribute to Remate. Mr. Ray Briones, its Editor, published my stories.

But when it open during that same year on the month of October, I applied in their Art Department nor my collegue at Malaya (Mario Galapate, Jonathan Sta. Inez and Eugene Bacasmas). Until February 2000, we discover what kind of administration the Manila Times have. Myself and some of my friend in the Art Department resigned from their respective position. Not only that, From the president Katrina Legarda down to the lower rank and file resigned.

During my (1) one month vacation in our house. I realized that I've been working in newspaper industry for almost (8) years. Since it was new millennium, there must be another opportunity waiting for me and I thought of Information Technology where the Internet lies.

I applied at Summit Publishing as graphic designer for their magazines but instead the Summit Interactive got my biodata and portfolios and interviewed me. They knew I had experience in web development because i'm one of the selected staff of the old Manila Times Website who maintained it.

So, That's the real score why i joined the Summit Interactive who own the Philippine Web Awardees FemaleNetwork.com and Candymag.com (Summit Interactive is a sister company of Summit Publishing who published Cosmopolitan Philippines, Preview, Good Housekeeping Philippines, Candy, Seventeen Philippines, YES, Prevention Philippines, FHM Philippines and Entrepreneur Philippines.)

But the sad part happened for me when i decided to go full-time freelance web developer and graphic designer as far as big bucks is concerned. It was July 16, 2001, my last day at Summit Interactive, when I decided to put my very own business. I formed the BLissART Communication and registered it immediately at DTI as its sole proprietor. My company offers low cost for Web development, public relations, desktop publishing and multimedia like screensavers and desktop wallpapers for computers.

I'll miss lot of fun from Summit Interactive especially all my friends there Lorena Rubia, Minnette Gamez, Bert Santos, Fritz Mesedilla, Jomi Garrucho, Lesley Sy, and Maia Hermosa. My officemates Petite, Shaine, May, Binky, Nikka, Gen, Ron, Eric, Maan, Cherry, My wonderful boss Therese and Lisa, and of course, my office angel Pauline McBride hehehe. Saan pa kayo makakakita ng buong staff na manonood ng sine, kakain sa labas at maglalaro ng shagidi-shapopo, billiards and bowling. Thanks for the wonderful time everyone@femalenetwork.com.

One good thing happened to me during my heyday at Femalenetwork.com are having good and true friends through the Grand Eyeball last February 17, 2001 at AIC Ortigas. Thanks to the Poco Family for the beautiful Penthouse. There is Krizzie, Tetay, Fish, Nikki, Cacai, Tati, Bambi, Lai, Gelai, Lean, Raven, Ed, Eric, Tickles, Angustia, Buddy, Cotton Candy, Jeannete, Edgar, Napsie, Adhelix, Heather, Aireen, Mike, and the rest... Guys, this is Lupin signing off. Thanks for being my friends and second family.

I have concluded lately that combining my long years experience in the Print medium and Internet medium will give good results both for my career and baby business.

My first pet project is www.pinoyerotika.com The First Philippine Weekly Tabloid Magazine Online. With its first month in the world wide web last july 2001, it generates 1,000 page views per day and still growing. Thanks for the support readers. And special thanks to all the people who trust the concept and contents, to my columnists, Alex Datu, Pilar Mateo, Fernan de Guzman, Gas Gayondatu and Frederick Nasiad. Also to those incoming columnists Cenon Bibe Jr., Jimmy Cantor, Jimbo Gulle, Allan Madrilejos and Alex Magno.

Thanks for reading this and God bless us all.

UPDATED: AUGUST 5, 2001