AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina in New York City’s Time Square billboard.
THE late Jaime M. Fernandez Jr., popularly known as Jim Fernandez, was a native of Masbate City. He was a Philippine comics writer, novelist, and illustrator. He was considered one of the greatest Philippine comics book writers. He began his comics illustration career in the early 1950s and was mentored by Filipino illustrator Tony S. Velasquez. The first Philippine comics he illustrated was the “Batas ni Sumakwel,” published by Marte Komiks. Later, Jim also drew comics novels. The first comics novel he illustrated was “Mga Haragan,” published by Liwayway Magazine.
Jim illustrated many comics novels from various publishers and drew famous works by known graphic novelists, including Mars Ravelo’s Darna Series, Captain Barbel, Flash Bomba, Haydee and Tiny Tony. In 1967, he made cartoon strips for the Manila Times newspaper titled “Feathers.” A year later, he wrote and illustrated his comics narrative, “Reverend Fr. Romano Guerrero, the Fighting Priest,” published in Hiwaga Comics, and it became well-known among comics book enthusiasts.
Jim discovered at this point that he could also write engaging novels. In 1970, he began focusing on them. He produced many novels and established himself as a prolific writer. He also collaborated with various Philippine comics book illustrators. He developed another engaging comics novel narrative, the “Zuma” series which became popular with readers and it was eventually made into a film. His novels like Nunal sa Balikat, Farida, The Dormitory, Life Everlasting, Kingpin, Brutus, and Kambal sa Uma had been adapted into films. ABS-CBN aired an adaptation of his novel “Galema, Anak ni Zuma” in 2013.
Certainly, Jim Fernandez made substantial contributions to the Philippine comics industry and left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of comics fans.
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Basketball coach-sportscaster Frederick Francisco often joins a “senakulo” presentation in Cainta, Rizal during Holy Week, enacting the role of Pontius Pilate in Samahang Nazareno, Inc., the only senakulo group in the Philippines bestowed by the Gawad CCP Award for Arts and Culture.
Frederick Francisco is the founder of NXT LEVEL Basketball Academy.
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Philippine President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended recently a thanksgiving mass, officiated by Cardinal Jose Advincula, for D. Edgard Cabangon’s 61st birthday at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City.
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The White House held an observation of Holy Week with U.S. President Donald Trump participating in a number of events to celebrate and honor the holiday “with the observance it deserves.”
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Michael Isip, a product of Los Angeles Film School, owns Lapu Films, a photography and videography business in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Advanced birthday (April 24) greetings to Michael Isip, Lapu Films photographer-videographer, who is based in Hawaii.
For as long as he can remember, it has been his passion and aspiration to capture fleeting experiences and spontaneous moments that he has able to go back and share with friends and family. This also translates into his wedding photography and videography, where he aims at giving each couple an authentic experience and delivering a wedding photo album and wedding film they can truly call their own.
“My main goal is to bring timeless and elegant wedding photos and films which allow couples to relive their special day. I have a great and professional team that’s all dedicated and committed to capturing every important detail and moment in its raw and honest form, and translating those moments into a cinematic masterpiece,” he says.
He further says, “We take pride in our passion. We revel in our growth. As a team, we are in a relentless quest to raise the bar higher. We are a group of dedicated artists who thrive in your love stories, and we consider it a great honor to be a part of them.”
For further details, you may see https://www.lapufilms.com or email him at [email protected].
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A pre-mature miracle baby Franklin Racelis, son of Francis and Abigail Racelis, recently turned one year old in Suisun City, California.
This amazing little warrior has given his parents’ strength and so much joy to this child’s grandparents Wally and Josephine Racelis.
I am joyful and praise the almighty Father for this miraculous God’s handiwork. Indeed, it is stated in Hebrews 13:5: “I will be with you.” God said He will never leave us. He is with you always. You are never alone.”
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, it says, “I will be your strength.” So when I am weak, He is strong.
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There are some 9 accredited civil surgeons by the USCIS in Northern California: Dr. Yolanda Petrofsky at North Bay Occupational Health in Fairfield and Vacaville; Dr. William T. O’Connor Jr. at William T. O’Connor Jr. M.D. in Vacaville; Dr. Luis Cousin at OLE Health in Napa; Dr. Jeffrey Brooks at California Medical Center in Napa; Dr. Daniel Andrews at Heart & Health Center in Napa; Dr. Clifford Hoffman at Clifford Hoffman DO MPH in Benecia; Dr. Biqi Gao at Dr. Gao Medical Clinic in Concord; Dr. Jose Arias-Vera at J. Arias Medical Group in Concord; and Dr. Mubasher Rana at Pacific Health Clinic Inc. in Antioch.
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April Joy Samantha “Sam” Ayson, 24, was surprised when a group of his friends in a Bible fellowship threw her a simple birthday celebration in Hiddenbrooke in Vallejo, California.
As Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
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Thanks to La Visual Corp. (especially to Ms. Lalaine), Janice Israel Delima and Alegre De Pilipinas for including me in the New York City Time Square billboard this April 2025 for three forthcoming awards: 2nd Sovereign Seal of Business Triumph & Remarkable Achievers; 3rd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers; and 3rd Southeast Asian Prewmier Business and Achiever Award.
Others included are as follows: Edwin Lisa Brows and Aesthetics, Phisavong World Travel and Tours, SCPM Trading & Roofing Solutions, Bhylinns Modern Fashion, JP Catering Services, Gown and Events Management by Touting, Jamin Lim, Renaissance Credit Collection and Recovery Solutions Corporation, Sheanne Roll Up Construction Service, Gabriel John Rimando, Genuine Diamonds PH, Pink Muhly Beauty and Cosmetics, White Jade Glutathione Film Strip, Jammybox’s BBC Geoinstruments, Audrey Gorriceta, Alfonso delos Santos, Salvacion “Salvie” Collado Paparon, Saleha Pangarungan Sacar, Gilbert de Los Santos, Shirley B. Belangel, Jigo Postolero, Marc Logan, Earlo Bringas, Annabelle Surara, Wej Cudiamat, singer Lae Manego-Franzani (now in Netherlands), Ambet R. Nabus, and Nirro Marcelo.
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Erratum: It should be the late Tax Commissioner Ricardo (not Elpidio) O. Isip in the March 2025 (with former VP Leni Robredo in the banner heading) issue of my column. There will be a brief feature about Ricardo O. Isip on Father’s Day in June this year.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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