FULLY BOOKED: ALL HAIL THE MALE ISSUE NO. 1
6/1/2008

Dear Readers,

It seems like only yesterday when In-Print's maiden issue was published. In reality, that was in December 2003, nearly five years ago. Funny how time really does fly when you're having fun because that and a hefty number of sleepless nights is how I would describe splicing together a concept for In-Print with no knowledge of the publishing process whatsoever, coming up with one harebrained idea after another. Five years later and I'm maybe just a couple of steps futher from where I was back then.

Want to hear something even funnier? This is my first ever (and probably my last) editor's note. The only reason I decided to write something this "personal" is because In-Print is finally growing up, and I feel this milestone is worth breaking the imaginary code of silence I've imposed on myself the past couple of years.

If I had to jot down every frustrating moment attached to being -- more often than not -- a one-woman editorial/ad-sales machine, I would probably get incarcerated by rabid environmentalists for killing so many trees for all the wasted paper on my never-ending list of gripes. I used to always wish I could grow another head and two more arms to do away with every single editorial error that was ever to mar an In-Print issue -- and there were a lot, I can tell you that.

That said, I am proud to present this first issue of a "more grown-up" In-Print, which incidentally, is now called Fully Booked zine, which not only has a new associate editor in the person of Mikey Atienza but an ad sales team composed of our marketing department and music buyer, Pete Tan.

It seemed appropriate for us to launch the first issue to coincide with the month that we Filipinos celebrate our independence as well as Father's Day.

We hope to offer readers a wider range of features, which means more pages. The one thing that has not changed is that we are still absolutely FREE (whether you've purchased anything or not). As you may already know, Fully Booked has grown to be more than just a place to buy books. Besides the addition of our collectibles, stationery, graphic novels, and music sections, this is a place to, well hang out and meet people whether it be through a film showing, book lauch, a coffee date, etc. That is what the Fully Booked zine aspires to mirror: a place where minds -- like or unlike -- can meet, which is why we hope you will either a. write us to give comments and/or suggestions, and let us know what or who you want us to feature or, b. contribute articles or artworks of your own. All you have to do is drop us a line at fullybookedzine@fullybookedonline.com.

This first issue of the Fully Booked zine, more than being dedicated to the macho aspect of the gene pool, is really for everyone who had a hand in In-Print's survival these past five years. To FXB, the graphics and layout team; contributors both old and new; the Fully Booked staff, and of course all our readers, especially the fathers out there, this issue is really for you.

Gabbie dela Rama-Talan
Editor In Chief

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IN-PRINT ISSUE NO. 27 APR/MAY 2008
4/1/2008

Dear Readers,

The lazy months of April and May are ideal for some well-deserved downtime, and why not? The summer heat makes it too difficult to do much else. What better way to spend these idle months than curled up in a hammock -- a cold drink and good book in hand?

Besides the deluge of fresh summer titles, Fully Booked has much in store for you. First, the summer kicks off with the latest batch of Junior Book Crew members.

It's been almost four years since In-Print's inception in December 2003. The staff feels it is about time we take the next step: from newsletter to magazine/catalogue, yet still remain absolutely free. This June and July expect the first issue of the new and improved In-Print: more pages, features and most importantly, more participation from our valued customers, who love to read and write. Watch out for it!

We take this opportunity to invite those of you who are interested in becoming contributors to drop us a line, resume and writing sample.

The staff would like to bid a fitting farewell with this final issue as a newsletter with great articles on interesting titles, more than just book reviews but socially relevant commentaries of gifted writers: Philip Cu Unjieng does some clinical observation with his reviews on the medical climates of Will You Be There? by Guillaume Musso and The Anatomy of Deception by Lawrence Goldstone. Yvette U. Tan takes you on a trippy adventure with Rory McLean's Matthew Arcilla takes you down the rabbit hole with his spot-on musings on Frank Beddor's Seeing Redd. On the other side of the literary spectrum, Ariel Liwagan gives you a dose of reality with his reviews on non-fiction titles: Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas and Obama: From Promise to Power by David Mendell. Check out our travel destination of choice Marrakesh in Morroco via travel authority Lonely Planet. We also welcome a new contributor to the fold in the person of music aficionado, Cris Ramos, who gives detailed evaluations of this issue's top five music recommendations for summer.

Last but not certainly least we would like to celebrate the most important woman in our lives -- Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there! Check out our featured titles and give "her" that perfect gift.

Have a wonderful summer!

The Management

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IN-PRINT ISSUE NO. 26 FEB/MAR 2008
2/1/2008

The months of February and March, though seemingly uneventful, are in actuality, full of relevance for everyone.

With everybody still reeling from the holiday season in January, the following month is usually a time of sober contemplation on how to make this year distinctly better than last. This is when we evaluate all those New Year resolutions: what is plausible and what is unrealistic. It is actually quite comforting to know that always, we look ahead; that although 2007 was a great year for many, we have high hopes and even bigger plans for 2008.

We also pay homage to that which makes the world go round this Valentine's Day. And, more than just the kind made of candied hearts and fragrant bouquets, we celebrate the love between parent and child, pet and master, best friends, and the list goes on.

In March, we salute all graduates, as they leave the comfort of what is familiar, and enter unknown territory in order to find their true selves all over again.

With summer fast approaching, plans are being made for unforgettable vacations. And, whether they take place on Philippine shores or foreign territory, they will surely be marked by adventure, new discoveries, friends made, and lessons learned.

Through all these, Fully Booked exhorts you to rejoice in self-actualization, romance and high adventure by thumbing through the pages of fresh titles we have to offer. Let In-Print be your guide. This issue, Philip Cu Unjeng reviews some mind-expanding fiction: Peter Hoeg's The Quiet Girl and Dave Egger's What Is The What; Through her review of Rebecca S. Ramsey's French By Heart, Yvette Tan proves that home is not always where the heart is; an interview with clever 16-year old Miguel Perez on his first book of poems entitled, Caution:An Autobiography In Verse; new contributor Ria Limjap enlightens with her witty reviews of Jonathan Lethem's You Don't Love Me Yet and Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food, and last but not least, read up on our music recommendations to tune in.

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IN-PRINT ISSUE NO. 25 DEC 2007/JAN 2008
12/1/2007

Dear Readers,

Christmas is right around the corner. And, with this issue, not only do we celebrate the holidays but In-Print's 3rd Year Anniversary. With this in mind, we gathered together a truly great bunch of writers, many of who have contributed in the past (though it is always a true pleasure to welcome fresh voices).

In anticipation of the holiday rush, we have prepared a gift guide to relieve you of any gift-related stress, which could cause unwanted bouts of "humbugging" -- totally inappropriate for the season.

We've left no one out in this issue, spanning several literary genres. For fiction, Philip Cu Unjieng reviews Michael Chabon's Gentlemen of the Road and Ivo Stourton's The Night Climbers. Children's literature is given the spotlight by Yvette Tan's piece on China Mieville's first foray into the genre with Un Lun Dun while the much talked about first book (and highly anticipated cinematic feature) of the His Dark Materials series The Golden Compass is dissected by Matthew Arcilla. For non-fiction fans, Ariel Liwagan's thoughts on Bill Clinton's latest venture Giving is perfect for the other-centered air of the season while Vanni de Sequera pays tribute to one of today's most esteemed figures Alan Greenspan through a truly inspired review of the latter's autobiography, Age of Turbulence. And finally, what would In-Print be without the usual dose of music. Pop culture connoiseur Erwin Romulo reviews our latest arrivals in the CD, Vinyl and DVD departments.

With the New Year comes a fresh surge of desire for change. On the cover, In-Print presents five titles from top publisher Simon & Schuster, sure to inspire if not bring about reinvention in the most positive sense of the word.

We would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and an Enlightening New Year!

The Management

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DESTINATION FULLY BOOKED
6/30/2007

Summer is over and for many of us, especially the young; this marks the end of leisurely activity. It's time to hit the books and work your brains to their maximum capacity for a new school year has just begun.