October Animal Scene published works by kya Nathaniel T. Dela cruz

from kuya Nathaniel :). hahaha! sa mga nakakakilala sakin sa personal,
nope hindi ito galing sa kuya ko..obviously,apelyido pa lang
ibang kuya Nathaniel to..he works for an animal
magazine,called animal scene..featuring Gerry Alanguilan and Jomike Tejido =)

TREAT THE ANIMALS WELL, THE BIBLE SAYS
Nathaniel T. Dela Cruz

Catholicism is one of the major religions in the world. Many people from different parts of the globe believe in the Catholic faith and its teachings. Like most religious beliefs, Catholics rely on text to preserve and continue the tradition of faith, and at the same time help them with their day to day problems and concerns involving religion and their religious beliefs. One of the important texts that Christians read is the Holy Bible or simply the Bible, and its contents.

Indeed, the Bible was the refuge of the mind, heart and soul of most Catholics. But did you know that the Bible’s teachings are not just focused on helping human beings, but animals as well? Animal rights advocates believe that the authors and writers of the different parts and sections of the Bible also included in their teachings the morality with regards to how we should treat animals.

The message for animal care cannot be more blatant and straightforward as it is stipulated in Proverbs 12:10, which says that “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal”. Another part of Proverbs - Proverbs 27:23 to be exact, says that "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds."

Even without a degree in theology, it is not difficult to find signs pointing to the significance of animal welfare among the writers of the Bible, when reading the Good Book. Even the most popular parts of the Bible have an undertone in it that speaks of man’s need to observe and exercise animal rights.

If you noticed, Biblical stories often center around protagonists which are good shepherds, like the shepherd boy David, who made sure that all of those animal under his care are protected from wolves and other predatory animals. “And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him (1 Samuel 17: 34-35).”

Jesus Christ is also referred to as a shepherd. This is a symbolism of what God expects from each and every one of us – that we exhibit the characteristics that make us good shepherd of God’s different creatures, figuratively and literally.

Sure, most people would say that the teaching from the story of the Noah’s Ark is about preparing oneself for the challenges that God would give every man, and the faith in God that is required to surpass this challenge. But no one can deny that another important message in this story is the fact that God also wants his children to know that he also gives equal importance to the welfare of animals, instructing Noah and his family to save non-aquatic animals by hauling inside the ark pairs of every animal form so that every living creature will survive and have a source of continuity after the disaster was over.

The Bible also spoke about the need of the animals to take a rest. This pertains to animals which humans use to assist them in doing several different chores, like farming and transportation. In Exodus 20:10, God commanded not just human beings but also animals to take a rest after a week long work. “But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor they cattle.” The cattle represents the working animals which the God also wished to take a rest after long stretches of work.

God did not only used the Bible to teach us to take care of animals both domesticated and wild, God also used the Bible so that he can teach us a lesson about life by using animals as an example of the good qualities that a person should posses. For example, God preached against laziness and complacency by using the ant’s work attitude as an example. He said: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest" (Proverbs 6:6-8).

In the book of Deuteronomy, there were also some important lessons about the relationship of man and the animals. Here, God was telling his people that everyone has a responsibility to his fellowman and to the animals that belonged to his fellowmen. God instructed his people to tend to lost sheep and return it to the rightful owner, and to help an animal that has encountered problems. “Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother (Deuteronomy 22:1), Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again (Deuteronomy 22:4).”

Lastly, God reminds his people that animals should be loved and taken care for, but not to the extent of glorifying them and making them the center of their life – their god. This is unacceptable especially in the Catholic faith since the religion strongly frowns upon the idea of the creation and glorifying false gods, especially in the form of animals like the goat. The Bible reminds those who believe in the words of the Good Book that God expects humans to take care of animals, and that these two particular living creatures find a way to coexist peacefully and harmoniously, so that in their own ways, both man and animal can have the chance to glorify the God that created them, as it says in the book of Psalms:

“Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightening and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth young men and maidens, old men and children.”

So for those who are seeking clarity in mind and spirit about how they should treat the animals that they see everywhere, maybe its about time that you sit down on a quiet corner and read the Bible – the book that saves not only humans but animals too!

HIS SUPER-HERO LOVE FOR PETS Nathaniel T. Dela Cruz

He gave life to super heroes with superhuman strength. But Gerry Alanguilan is the most powerful of all of the super heroes that he created, as he used the most powerful ability in his arsenal – the ability for love and compassion – to save the lives of the needy, the weak and the unloved from the claws of death and danger. If this doesn’t make for a good comic books story, nothing will.

He is an icon already in the Philippine comic book history, because of his contributions to the realm of comic book creation not just in the country, but also abroad. His hands contributed largely to the completion of many different titles released internationally. Many local fans of international comic book titles raise their hats and their hands in praise of his works found in the pages of...

But behind the splashes of colors, the intricate, well-detailed illustration and the awe-inspiring obras crafted through his pure talent, skill and creativity – Gerry Alanguilan is a simple man. Yes, he is, and while his skill in illustration and his wit in his storylines maybe a bit more advanced and engaging compared to other artist-writers, he is no different from any ordinary average Pinoy. Yes, he wrestled with superheroes for most of his professional artistic life, but there is no super-human secret to his ability and talent; he maybe the superhero of others who wish to tread the same path as his, but in closer look, there is a part in Gerry that ‘humanizes’ this superhuman illustrator.

Want to find common grounds? We can start with the most basic: the love for dogs.

“Although I'm married, I don't have kids. We already have two dogs we consider our children, and it is enough for us.”

Gerry, artist extra ordinaire, comic book writer and licensed architect, has always had a soft spot not just for pets but for animals in general even when he was a young. And indicative of his creative self, his earliest liaisons with animals was more animated than the usual petting.

“I've always loved animals ever since I could remember. Whenever I see a cat or dog, I always try and pet them if they're friendly. It doesn't matter if they're dirty, really. It's strange, but I do try to communicate with every animal I come across, and since I live in the province, I come across lots of animals - cats, dogs, goats, chickens, carabaos, horses, even the odd salamander,” recalled Gerry.

It was good that Gerry did not bring home all of the animals that he befriended, although there were some animals pals who became Gerry’s full time pets. “I remember my very first pet. It was a cat I named "Mingcat". It was just an ordinary orange cat, but I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I've seen. I think I must have been around 7 years old. I still have a photo of Mingcat tucked away in my files at my parents' house. I don't remember much about the cat except that I really loved her.”

His love for pets did not die with Mingcat’s ascension to kitty heaven. “I want to have a cat again, just because I've always loved cats. I love how they feel so superior to you and they don't come when you call. They have that air of “Oh, you want something, then you come to me.” I think that's just so awesome. I love how graceful and how quiet they move, and it's so cute the many positions they take when they're asleep. It's always great to wake up from a nap and realize that your cat is sleeping beside you or on you, purring contentedly. I really miss that.” It was unfortunate that Mingcat was not able to stay long enough to see the super hero that his human companion would soon become.

We can be heroes for just one day, so the song explains, but the repercussions of Gerry’s actions will affect their lives as long as senility allows. He maybe a knight in shinning armor for one day, but for the puppies that he rescued, he is their lifetime hero.

This is his super hero story:

“I was at my parents' house two blocks away taking care of some urgent family stuff. I was on my way back to my apartment because I had a rather pressing deadline to meet. Just then I saw these two very small puppies on the sidewalk outside the gate. They were very dirty, they had mange and were balding, and one of them had wounds all over as if it had been dragged often. To be quite honest, they looked ugly and terrible. My first thought was to leave them there. I can't handle the responsibility of caring for two animals at that point, financially struggling as I was with lots of work that needed taking care of. I just didn't have the time,” Gerry narrated.

“But they both looked at me with desperate eyes and I knew I just couldn't leave them there. They looked bewildered, like they didn't know where they were. One of them approached me and licked my hand. I knew then that there really was no letting go.”

“I knew then that I couldn't possibly leave them knowing full well that they could be run down, and with the darkening clouds I knew they'd be drenched with the rain come that afternoon. I thought well, to heck with it. I asked my dad for a box and I went straight to the vet. They were given medicine and I was left with instructions how to treat their mange and how to feed them. I was asked by the vet what their names were, and at that point I really didn't even think about it. The names “Boney” and “Milky” just flashed in my brain so Boney and Milky it was.”

This particular event in Gerry’s life is an indication of the strength in his personality. More importantly, it was an emotionally defining moment for Gerry, who, prior to the rescue of the two pups, lost his Dalmatian pal, Eugene. Eugene was very special to Gerry that the pain of the loss inspired Gerry to immortalize Eugene and their times together in a series of tearjerker comic strips.

“Eugene's death very much devastated me. It's hard for me to talk of these things like this. I have a regularly updated blog, but even there I really didn't write about Eugene passing away very much. There was just so many words to say, but I could not find the right ones to describe what I felt. Like always, I expressed my grief in my work, and in my comics. I made a webcomic about Eugene's passing, and I feel that perfectly expresses what I felt at the time.”

“Eugene was really sick for a long time and yet he remained quite cheerful through that time. It kind of inspired me to be so cheerful and optimistic even in difficult times,” said Gerry. Because of what he learned from Eugene and Gerry’s inherent affinity for animals and pets, he was able to move on and eventually have the compassion to rescue Boney and Milky.

Eugene death maybe the hero’s temporary Kryptonite, but Eugene’s life and how Gerry was a part of it was a source of greater inspiration. Eugene was the hero’s hero. His essence gave Gerry another shot at life and living, which today Gerry enjoys as he watches Milky and Boney grow up.

“I took photographs of them when I first got them, and I carefully documented how they got better through the weeks and months. Looking at them now, I can't believe how terrible and unhappy they looked on that first day.”

Gerry-the-pet-and-animal-lover today is a doting full time human companion, playmate and guardian to Milky and Boney. “I spend a lot of time with them, talking, playing and petting them. I talk to them a lot. Strangely enough, I don't speak English at all to anyone in the house, but I speak to the animals in English. Sometimes we three, along with my wife Ilyn, go out of the gate and I just let them go unleashed and just let them run and play. They don't seem to bother anyone, which is just great.”

And the Gerry-the-artist-and-writer today is still very much active in his endeavors bringing to life works of fiction. What maybe unknown to many is that Gerry’s source of artistic inspiration for his works are not just the human beings he sees and interacts with everyday, but also the animals whom he is very much fascinated with. “It's great. I feel less stressed, and I feel that the house is much more alive with pets in it. When I'm stressed or when I have a problem, sometimes I would just talk to them, and although I know that they would never understand what my problem was, it's great to feel so much love and attention from them.”

“I do have a great fascination with animals. I look at them in the eyes and I really don't see just simple mindless creatures. I see living beings with a soul, with independent minds, and hearts that can feel as much emotion as we do. I often imagine what it must be like to be in their minds. What must they think? What must they feel? It's my exploration of such areas of my imagination that bring me to create comic books like ELMER, my story about a family of chickens who live in a world where chickens had gained the consciousness and intelligence of human beings,” says Gerry.

This has the potential for another super hero story sans the bulging muscles, x-ray visions and human superhero prototypes – just a chicken and his common sense.

Because the truth is, even the simplest things like that can bring to life a super hero.

TRANSFORM! JOMIKE BRINGS TO LIFE PINOY ANIMAL ROBOT HEROES Nathaniel T. Dela Cruz

This is a testament about how we regard animals as our heroes. Animals form an important core in the long list of animated heroes that have inspired generations of kids into doing good things. And the realm of the robot-heroes is just one of the areas where animals and animal-inspired characters can be found.

Rewind to the 80s and the Philippine pop culture for children:

For those who grew up glued to the boob tube, their consciousness, no doubt, has been invaded by the metallic, metamorphosing, motor-powered alien life form known as robots, and among the many heroes in hard shell that wowed the children-audience at that time was the popular saga of The Transformers.

Fast-forward to 2008 – With Transformers making a comeback in the pop culture consciousness via a silverscreen debut using animated and live action flick that became an instant blockbuster, many are acquainted or re-acquainted with Optimus Prime and Megatron. But what the flick failed to feature is that not all of the Transformers cast take the form of the engine-breathing land and air vehicles. Some actually transformed as animal creatures – the Dinobots morph as dinosaurs; the Insecticons as insects.

For the casual Transformers fan, they might not know that the Beast Wars saga of the Transformers features all of the robots transforming into animals – from a gorilla to a T-Rex, from the small rat to the robust rhinoceros. There is also a snow leopard and a tarantula to name some more.

Yes, some hard core fans may even have a picture or even a die-cast metal toy of these characters. Some fans will go to the extreme and start building his version of transforming robot heroes.

Jomike Tejido was foremost a fan. Now he is The God of Robots in his own right, thanks to his ingenious creations – the Foldabots!

This particular robot ‘transforms’ into its new appearance by folding the parts, as the name suggests. It may be not as high-tech as how the Transformers morph in TV and in the moviehouse, but it is just as cool and just as fun to collect. And like Transformers, Tejido made sure that the line won’t be complete without animal-inspired characters.

“I enjoy doing animal drawings because they are fun to do. I enjoy playing around with these images due to their differences, unlike humans which all emanate from a basic humanoid form,” says Tejido, who is a full time architect by profession and a full time artist by passion.

The animal characters in Tejido’s Foldabots collections include Buhawi, which transforms into a Philippine Eagle, Bangis, who takes the canine form, and Kalasag, the pawikan. There is another character that transforms into a helicopter but was named after an insect, Tutubi, with reference to the ability to fly and make aerial maneuver.

“I get to watch animal traits and reactions and how to draw them in different angles,” said Tejido. And because of such fascination to the animal form, this artist was able t come up with more and more new Foldabots characters.

“There’s a group of underwater Foldabots, who are the guardians of the sea,” said Tejido, referring to the dolphin Alona, a dugong named Berdugong, a butanding called Butandrone and Tentaclone, a giant squid. “They all combine to form a giant robot called Aquatikron, giant guardian of the sea.”

If there are sea-based heroes and heroines, Jomike made sure that there are also terrestrial and aerial robots that will guard dry land. “Right now, kids are collecting the Gubabots, who combine to form Gubatron, the forest guardian. So far the characters are Kuwago, the giant owl, Ramo, the Visayan warty pig and Kagat, the Philippine crocodile,” Jomike said.

“I don’t have any pets right now. I used to have a lobster,” confesses Tejido. But with this much animal characters, Tejido sure got his hands full taking care for this ‘imaginary’ animal friends, especially with the fact that Jomike still has many future projects involving animals that kids would love.

“More children's books on animals! I’m creating several animal books for 2009,” says Jomike.