Kenkoy Book
Got my copy of "Album ng Kabalbalan ni Kenkoy" ni Tony Velasquez today courtesy of Dennis Villegas. Thanks Dennis for this advanced copy!
Browsing through the book I get the feel for what it must have been like in 1930's Philippines. Spanish terms were still very much in vogue, and the proliferation of English terms and western clothing indicates a growing assimilation of American culture. It's fascinating how all three, Spanish, Filipino and American sensibilities present a picture of what we were like during that time.
While Tony Velasquez would eventually reach maturity as an artist many years later, here we can see an artist struggling and growing in his craft, literally exploding with potential.
The book is like a time capsule that took 70 years before being unearthed to be appreciated by a whole new generation of Filipinos.
TOYCON 2004
The Kenkoy book will be officially launched at the 2004 Toys and Collectibles Convetion this coming Sunday, June 27 at Megamall. The event will be graced by Tony Velasquez's widow Pilar Velasquez.
I will be having a booth there, just beside Dennis Villegas's Philippine Collectibles booth. My booth will be split by the Komikero Artist's Group, as well as my mini exhibit that will formally launch the online version of the Philippine Comics Art Museum. See you all there! I don't know if Leinil is coming, but I'll certainly mention it to him.
