FILIPINO ZINERGY

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"But the peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is, that it is robbing the human race; posterity as well as the existing generation; those who dissent from the opinion, still more than those who hold it....All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility. Its condemnation may be allowed to rest on this common argument, not the worse for being common. "(John Stuart Mill)

Breaking the barriers of freedom expression. Defying the controls of public opinion. Love it or hate it. Do It Yourself!

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5 Practical Tricks to Lessen Fan/zine Production Costs: A Primer to Young Zinesters

Nothing is so extraordinary when I post late updates. Hehehe. Actually, I don’t think the term “update” fits in here. I hardly have the time to post everything that enters my mind. The 2-hour ride consumes too much of my time and long before I begin to write a single word, I often find myself longing for a deep slumber.

Now going back, we all know that production costs have always been a major issue among zinesters. In as far as I am concerned, this basically explains why many of these publications hardly see their fifth issue. Ephemeral, as Ma’am Raya would describe it. Knowing that these printed works hardly rely on sponsorships, one could just imagine the expenses that these zinesters have to endure. Nevertheless, this dilemma gave birth to some of the most ingenious ways of how zine editors could stretch out their finances just to publish their zines.

So to all young zinesters or aspiring zinesters, here are the tricks that you should know by heart. hahaha

Limit the number of pages – Use smaller fonts. But not too small that your readers can hardly see a single word. The idea in here is to put as much content in a single page. I have a suggestion in here. Sure, you want to put everything. Yet, if you are on a tight budget, then maybe you could save those ideas for the next issue. It is just my two cents ok. :)
Patronize cheap photocopying centers – Last Friday, Alvin, one of the writers of Infected Mind Zine and I met. I handed him a copy of Herald X, Verbal Offense and Kanto and it cost him P56 to photocopy all those fanzines. Thanks to Copytrade. There you could a powder photocopy is around 60 cents. For liquid, you have to pay 75 cents, if my memory does not betray me. If you have the time to go to U-belt, or in areas that are beside the school, I bet you could get a much lower photocopying price.
PDF file conversion – There are thousands of PDF converters online that can be used for free. This is perfect for those who have contacts abroad and in the province. It is easy, fast, convenient and cost-effective. But if you have already released a paper zine and some of your readers are craving for a copy, then maybe we could meet. I’ll scan it, convert it and send it to you. We could meet either on Friday or Saturday. But don’t pressure me ha. Hehehehe.
Make a network – There are many foreign bands and supporters that are visiting us. In case one of your contacts resides within the visitors’ area, then you could ask them to deliver it for you when they return. Be thankful and maybe you could give them a token of appreciation.
The registered mail – This was mentioned by one of the zinesters. Unfortunately, I was unable to get his name, but it was a very good point during the discussion. It pays to have a registered mail rather than suffer the consequences of being labeled as a rip-off because your contact did not receive his or her package. Aside from being a precautionary measure it likewise prevents you from spending another hundred bucks to send the zine again.

On the other hand, the readers also play an important role in helping zinesters and this is via buying these publications. Now if you have issues with that, then that is your problem. As far as I am concern, I will buy zines. Why? Because buying these publications is not synonymous to profiteering. The people behind these could hardly break even. If they get something out of this, then these zines could have been peddled like those tabloids in the streets. But it does not go that way right? And besides, your guilty pleasures, a pack of cigar, for example, is far more expensive than zines and all you get is a dose of nicotine which takes 7 years of your life. Come on guys! Free lunches do not come everyday.

posted under cheap and tricks, filipino zinergy, less production cost, pinoy zines, zine convention | 0 Comments

I came, I've zine, They conquered

Yes, it was all about the zinecon held last April 16 at Kalye Art Gallery. It was one of my most awaited events. Unfortunately, with too much excitement, I forgot to bring my camera and taking pictures with my phone was useless. Secondly, I forgot to check the event’s exact location which almost left us (me and my sworn sister) navigating our way out of Taft Avenue’s labyrinth. Nevertheless, we still made it and it was all worth it when I finally had a glimpse of those zines that were displayed in the area.

Suddenly, summer’s unbearable heat was replaced by an air of nostalgia and the memories of how I first encountered these publications poured like rain. I was totally lost for words and when I saw a preserved copy of Unseen Assazine, I really felt like stealing it—unmindful and totally insensible of what others would say. It took me a considerable amount of time to find it and there it was, right in front of me and yes, similar to the exhibit’s theme—if zines could talk, I could really hear it say “take me home.” Thanks to my super ego, I’ve managed to salvage a little bit of courtesy and respect.

But to my surprise (I actually had a lot of surprises that night), it was not only Unseen Assazine that stole the limelight. The zinesters—the very people that I stalk hahahaha—the very people that I constantly monitor through various social networking sites and other online stalking platforms—who, for the longest time, I’d never imagined that I would ever see in person, were there. Well I had the chance to virtually interact with some of them. Take for example, Sir Dane (I Remember Halloween), Sir Jep (Konspirazine), Sir Emman (Resist to Exist), Jay (Aspire) and Joab (Real Tight Crew), but it never occurred to me that I’ll ever have the chance to interact with them in real life. You just have to imagine what I felt when I saw the other zinesters who I only knew through their works that were published decades ago. It was like seeing an apparition out of nowhere.

Now, the next surprise came when a new breed of zine makers handed me a copy of their publications. Seeing a zinester released a new issue is already exhilarating and in this digital era, to have a young zinester produce paper zine is bliss. Its ecstatic. Tis the kind of joy that you feel when you see rainbows. Ephemeral and divine. So Jay (Aspire), Carlos (We The Infected), Arvin (Tagay) and Cris (Liberation), kudos to all of you guys.

On the other hand, this is perhaps one of the most unforgettable landmarks of my zine stalking— to take hold of Spinknots and to see the publisher of Dapithapon. I wasn’t able to get a copy of Dapithapon but at least, I’ve got Ms. Be’s number.

For six (6) long years, I’ve been dying to read Spinknots and Dapithapon. For six years, good lord, six long years, it was all worth the wait. I’ve finally seen not only the fanzine, but also its creator. And honestly, I wouldn’t mind looking and waiting for another six years if that would mean that I’d finally see, feel and experience the country’s legitimate zine godfather, Garbage.

P.S: Thank you very much to Sir Jep and Zepol for the invite. This is forever appreciated. J

posted under kalye art gallery, pinoy zines, zine convention, zinesterssisters | 0 Comments

This is not a punk show. Zines and everything in between.

For four (4) Saturdays, Kalye Art Gallery shall be hosting an exhibit of the best creations and artworks of the hardcore scene. This must-see event includes a display of DIY masterpieces, a film showing and most of all, a zine exhibit/ convention.

Yay, I can hardly wait! Too bad i missed the first leg of the show. Nevertheless, I still have 3 more Saturdays. So to all of you who want to participate, feel free to attend. I shall see you there! Kita kits. :)

posted under exhibit, kalye art gallery, zine convention. pinoy zines, zinesterssisters | 0 Comments

Never underestimate a dog

Warning: Explicit content

As I was battling my way against an ocean of people just to catch my favorite koreanovela, a sudden turn of event landed me to the nearest clinic. Tsk, and that was one of the most important episodes that I have been waiting for.

Here is the deal, I was about a few meters away from our house and since dogs have more sophisticated olfactory systems than men, i can already see them rushing towards the gate. Now, just when i was about to enter, our little babies started to bark like there was no tomorrow. These six dogs were all so super excited to give the warmest greetings since their eldest sister has finally arrived. But due to the noise, they awakened our neighbor's pitbull.

The bitch woke up from the wrong side of her bed and she was very furious. In one mighty leap, Mookie, the pitbull, got away from her chains and ran towards me. My first instinct was to get inside. Yet, our gate did not cooperate. Also, if i got in, Mookie would surely go after our dog, Tequila. These two hate each other so much and for sure, you do not want to give way for a bitch war. Tequila is also pregnant. She cannot fight back.

So instead of running, i decided to stand still. I'm not afraid of dogs anyway, even if it is a pitbull. My bestfriend has a pitbull too named Douglas and I am telling you-- that dog is way too sweet and friendly. As I stood still, Mookie bumped against my leg and ran towards our neighbors who were having a taste of their favorite alcohol. I even laughed because one of them who was already intoxicated suddenly came back to her senses and was struggling to climb a wall due to so much fear. Then, Mookie returned and I decided to move over. Suddenly, as i approached the gang of drunkards, “Ate” asked me

“Nakagat ka?”

In that moment, I felt that my right leg is a bit wet. When I looked at it, boom!

A pool of blood started gushing out of my leg. The hard bump was actually a dog bite. Three wounds in a single bite. Oh my good lord.

“Ate” and the rest of them started to call the dog owner, who is also my kumpare. He was also shocked with what happened. I went inside the house and Nanay started shouting.

“Hugasan mo, paduguin mo. Kailangan running water.”

I went inside the bathroom and Tequila followed. Ironically, she was more stressed than I am. The poor little dog ran like crazy inside the house and started howling. I think she was too worried.

Then as I was about to wash the wound and take a better look at it, my head started to spin as if I just came out of a roller coaster ride. I could not open the faucet and all I said was “Sigarilyo ko.”

Holy crap, I almost fainted when I saw the blood spilled endlessly, not to mention the tiny block of cells that came along with it. The yellowish and reddish particles were enough to paralyze me. Then Nanay stepped inside, wondering why I was not doing anything.

“Paduguin mo,” she said with full authority. But when she saw my hesitation, she attempted to take the whole matter in her hands and just when she was about to clean the wound, I broke the silence of the night and screamed at the top of my lungs.

“Ako na! Ako na!” “Wag niyo na po hawakan!” “Ako na lang!” What a sissy.

Fast forward.

My teary-eyed kumpare apologized. I am not mad at him and I do not hate Mookie as well. I am a bit worried though with what would happen to the dog. This is not the first incident. I am worried that they might just kill Mookie. Well, come on, Mookie may be aggressive and pretty dangerous, but it is just a dog. I am sure she was simply protecting my kumpare’s territory and the attack was a natural reaction.

The Cons
Now thinking about it, the dog bite was not bad after all. With the plaster and bandage wrapped around my leg, it has some benefits as well. When I went to the office, I was not forced to squeeze myself inside the MRT. I can sit conveniently. This was so much different than before when I had to stand during a long ride. The same thing happens when I ride the elevator and the FX. Hahaha! Now my only worry is how to get rid of the scars. But that can be addressed anyway. Anybody here who knows an effective scar remover? Bwahahahahahahahahaha.

posted under dog bite, pitbull, zinesterssisters | 2 Comments

Wishful thinking

After finding out that this blog's "search tab" is not working, I now have something to look forward to this Christmas break. This is going to be a lot of hard work. First, I'll be updating the directory. To zinesters that have changed their contact info, don't hesitate to contact me :). Second, I will be changing the layout and since I am no good at HTML, I hope my hands and eyes won't give up. hehehe.

But what bothers me the most is whether I can do it before I return to the office. I can't even provide timely updates. Just thinking about it makes me tired. But I'm gonna do it.

(crosses her fingers) hehehe

posted under | 0 Comments

Real Tight Crew Zine

To all Real Tight Crew fans, getting updates from this zine has never been this easy. You can now find the publication's site in one of my links. O diba :). When I was looking for zines, I have to do it manually :). Today, you can get all the info in just one click.

Three issues of Real Tight Crew has been already released. There are still available copies, just contact Joab.

Again, I just want to stress that I am NOT in anyway distributing this publication. You see guys, contacting the zinesters is not just about getting a copy. You get to know its history and believe me, knowing how things started and why these people continue to do it, the feeling is way too awesome. You'll learn a lot from these people. And that is exactly my reason behind creating this blog. It is for you to seek the answers to your questions, to exert effort.

Joab, thanks for the update! :) Hope to see more issues from you. By the way, I'll update the directory soon. Again, thank you. :)

posted under manila, new releases, philippine fanzine, pinoy zines, Real Tight Crew zine | 0 Comments

Disclaimer, Warning, Whatever

This site's main purpose is to somehow educate you about the Philippine fan/zine scene. I DO NOT DISTRIBUTE these fan/zines. If you want to have your own copy, the DIRECTORY is here and the LINKS are already provided so you can contact the zine editors directly. BAWAL ANG TAMAD. If you are too lazy to contact these zinesters, then you are giving me the impression that you are also too lazy to read. Enough of spoonfeeding. I don't have time for sluggish protozoans.

Love it or hate it, DO IT YOURSELF! READ, READ, READ