Living the Dream

I was still 7 or 8 years old when I first held a copy of Marvel comics — X-factor issue-I-don’t-remember… don’t force me to dig it up in my old and dusty boxes just to check it! — and it sure was big for me and for my twin brother — yeah, I have a clone wihihih! And he’s an awesome artist as well… we share the same extreme desire on comics. From that point on, my addiction on comics began.

As most artists are — can I sound conceited for now? — I finally found my niche on art through this. I remember studying the styles of many artists… mimicking them and fuse them to mine. Haaay… I dreamt… and still dreaming… “Art or Pencils by: Gerard R. Fernandez“. Yeah, that is my ultimate dream as an artist, I fondly said to myself, “Ok, a Comic Artist… that’s what I want to be when I grow up!” Such an ambitious exclaimation coming from a child who lives in a province… away from the gateway towards his dream. It clung on to my mind for the rest of my childhood years.

But that dream slowly became translucent but not completely gone as I grew older. I took a different route where comics-making or any art-related courses for that matter wasn’t one of my options to enter college. There were a lot of factors to consider, and taking a detour was best for me. Well, so much for that dream. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Silliman University. Yeah, a totally different avenue, but not at par with the application of art and creativity. A teacher back in Elementary once said, “Art is everything.” And that kept me going. I even put up an organization for artists called “SILGARIANS - Silliman Guild of Artists.” Sadly, it didn’t flourish after I received my college diploma — but that’s a different story… moving on.

Now, here I am, working in a small but growing company as a Senior Webmaster. My skills are still of important for the job, and I’m happy and content with that very thought already. But before that, I was struggling… struggling to return to my grip… my grip on art. I wasn’t a reformed addict… suppressed maybe, but not reformed and cleansed. Mind you, I still salivate everytime I see or hear comics and all sorts of superhero stuff. Yes, I didn’t stop… just merely lying low during the early period as a starting income earner.

What led me to go back to fantasy world was this oh-so-awesome deviantart — thank God I found you!!! There, I found various artists whom I share common interests with… comics to be exact! — mind I mention it again? hehehe!!! And instanly, I was back again. The rusted and dormant creative brain-engine of mine was spitting wild imaginations once again! Old original characters resurfaced, new ones sprouting everywhere in my gallery… I coudln’t stop… NEVER!

And then, there was Salakay, one of my recent self-made superheroes. He was introduced to the online community and considerably to the world just this year, passively making a statement, “Hey! What’s up? I’m the new kid on the block!” — yeah right, what an original punchline, rhardo! Along with the growing watchers — I’m saying this with great humility, guys. Believe me… hehehe! Salakay gradually became a household name as well, especially for Pinoy deviants. His popularity equals the factor that got my self-esteem back, back to it’s previous status… to believe in my skills!

Then I said to myself, “This is it… the first stride towards my dream!” I kept going like a bunny packed with an energizer battery. Rhardozed artworks were populating my gallery one at a time, and seeing them in group brings great satisfaction and fulfillment in my heart. But I wasn’t fully aware that a significant event was coming. I continued doing my stuff, and then voila… a new project rose up from the digital ashes and shone brightly like a sun… a project called… BAYAN KNIGHTS!

First time I learned the opportunities it brings, I was like submitting my OC, speeding up the mailing of Salakay’s profile like an uncontainable rabbied dog. Yes, Bayan Knights is a group composed of original Pinoy Superheroes of different creators realized under the management of Sacred Mountain Publishing, Inc. And who else is more capable of spearheading this project than my idol, Gilbert Monsanto — we address him as sarge, by the way. He surely is the man! This is truly a very noble move to revive the glorious days of comics in the Philippines.

And so, Salakay got in… recruited as one of the core members of the group… wow, I was so lucky!!! The inclusion of my character was already huge for me, but I wasn’t prepared for a much bigger opportunity that would hit me after that. At first, I thought making a donation and spreading the word were already enough for Mr. Monsanto as a contribution, so I thought!

While keeping myself updated on its development, I enjoyed doing and viewing fanarts of this group. And then out of a sudden, I got a very special e-mail. The sender was Sarge himself. I quickly opened the mail and BAM! A pure shocker! He offered something that I could not resist… to do my take on certain pages of the book. Damn was I surprised, but I was extemely elated — talk about double exaggeration hehehe!!! I was in high spirit after reading it! It was some pressure for me, but I exuberantly took the challenge. He tasked me to do a two-page sequentials for my very own character’s origin… how cool is that?

And so it was… the final pages were submitted and last stage of publication of the book was on its way. Then it slapped me, “This is it! My dream! I’m watching my dream unfolding in front of my eyes. This is indeed a dream come true!” Bayan Knights project is really an unselfish act to promote fresh and new talents to the industry, and for this, I am truly in full gratitude. Thanks for believing, Sarge! Sure, my contribution may be an insignificant particle for others, but it is already a great feat and a fulfilled dream for me, so to speak. I am contented with this already, and am living the dream, guys! I AM LIVING MY DREAM!

rhardozed hirit:
Now you know… wihihihi!!! This is what I was trying to tell you, but I managed to keep my mouth shut. But I got the go-signal from sarge, sort of… now, please get a copy, guys, and check out my art! And congrats to me, wohoo! This is my first ever super lengthy post! Had to wipe out the blood over the floor due to nose-bleeding wihihihi!!!