THE POWER OF HEALING
12/1/2009

Dear Readers,

The holidays are right around the corner, with a new year just waiting to roll in. For many, 2009 was an eventful year with more than its fair share of negative moments. We do not wish to enumerate these. Rather, we urge you to look forward with a bright and positive outlook. Instead of dwelling on past grievances and painful memories, let us focus on lessons learned and undertake a personal mission towards positive change. Whether on a small scale (i.e. switching to organic home cleaning agents) or large scale (i.e. setting up an organization geared towards alleviating social and/or environmental ills), sincerity and resolve will go a long way.

This issue offers a number of features dedicated to aforementioned sentiment: on the cover is an upcoming book entitled Wellness on the Islands: The Philippine Spa Experience, a delightful journey towards rejuvenation, offered by local spas and resorts, written by Elizabeth Reyes and photographed by world class photographer Luca Invernizzi Tettoni; a feature on Green architecture; opinions of five professionals, on what is in need of some constructive transformation; RockEd's (and RockEd Radio) Gang Badoy, and much more.

As always, any comments, suggestions, or contributor applications are welcome. E-mail us at in.print.fb@gmail.com or fullybookedzine@fullybookedonline.com.

May you all have a meaningful Christmas, and here's to a great year ahead!

The Fully Booked Zine Staff

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SPIRAL INTO THE SURREAL
10/1/2009

Dear Readers,

This issue we pay homage to the imagination, and how, if left unfettered, can create the weird and wonderful. We celebrate literature's dark side as we exhibit the latest and best releases from the science fiction, horror, fantasy, new age, suspense, and last but not least, the graphic novel genres.

Our cover subject for this issue is brilliant painter and graphic artist Kent Williams, best known for his work on The Fountain. Be prepared to swoon while reading up on the most accomplished authors of the paranormal romance sub-genre; learn why you shouldn't hightail it from the emerging trend of zombie literature; get to know one local author with a very dark gift; take your pick from our interesting array of DVDs and CDs -- thanks to some spot-on reviews; doff your hat to a very young and talented film critic, who, although has taken leave from this life, has gifted a very important legacy to Philippine cinema, and more.

We would like to close this brief note by dedicating this issue to the victims of typhoons Ketsana and Parma. We hope and pray that such an unwarranted loss of life and livelihood will never be repeated.

The Fully Booked Zine Staff

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EMBRACE YOUR INNER WILD THING
8/1/2009

Dear Readers,

This issue is a reminder for those who have let go of their childhood, completely foregoing flights of fancy and play for the responsibility and sober reality of adulthood. You may think that you can discard your youth like some unwanted layer of skin, but the truth is: it will always be a part of you no matter how bent and wrinkled, mature and stern you believe yourself to be. Age is just a number, thankfully, for as long as your memories are intact and your mind remains open to everything that is innocent, spirited, carefree, vibrant and timeless.

Our cover story should appeal to lovers of literature as it involves two notable authors: Maurice Sendak, writer and illustrator of the beloved children's book Where the Wild Things Are (whose film adaptation will hit theatres in October 2009) and In the Night Kitchen, and Gregory Maguire of the phenomenal book-turned-Broadway musical, Wicked. Also in this issue is an excerpt of the new vampire novel, The Strain by director Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth) and writer Chuck Hogan (Prince of Thieves). Writer Anna Gan discusses the educational options of today's kids: to read or to surf--indeed, is that the question? These and more in the August-September 2009 issue of the Fully Booked Zine.

For zine-related comments and suggestions, and contributor applications, drop us a line at in.print.fb@gmail.com or fullybookedzine@fullybookedonline.com. For book inquiries and other store-related issues, you may contact our customer service department at fb_fort@fullybookedonline.com.

Happy reading!

The Fully Booked Zine staff

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WIDEN YOUR MIND'S EYE
6/1/2009

Dear Readers,

What does "widening your mind's eye" mean, exactly? It definitely shouldn't be mistaken for widening what is commonly referred to as the "third eye," which in short, is the supernatural ability to see dead people or other denizens of the spirit world. Rather, all it really means is to let your creative energies loose; allow the power of your imagination to fuel your everyday existence and take shape in your work.

This issue is going to take you on a journey you're not likely to forget, aboard the creative engines of various artistic personalities who populate its pages: an exclusive interview with Fables illustrator, James Jean, on his permanent jump from comic book illustration to fine arts; bestselling author Cecelia Ahern's (P.S. I Love You) realistic take on modern fairy tale endings; profiles of three artists who give true meaning to local talent; two gifted music makers and aficionados on their favorite albums and literature's impact on their music; how the recently deceased J.G. Ballard, known as "the man," influenced humanity's conccept of the future, and more.

Also, we would like to congratulate the 2009 Junior Book Crew on a job well done with reviews, photos, verse, and sayings from some of the members.

For zine-related comments, suggestions, and contributor applications, drop us a line at in.print.fb@gmail.com or fullybookedzine@fullybookedonlne.com.

The Fully Booked Zine Staff

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DEFY DEFINITION: KAT VON D: UNDER YOUR SKIN
4/1/2009

Dear Readers,

It's summertime and the living is easy, or is it? While the kids are on summer break, many of us hardly feel what is supposed to be the most relaxing season of the year. In fact, the heat is probably bearing down on us all, making workloads seem heavier, days longer and moods crankier by the second. So, instead of dwelling on the not-so easy, breezy summer vibe, The Fully Booked zine, focuses on what we deem is ultimately, the coolest thing.

This issue, we celebrate individuality in all its guises and forms. We pay homage to the individual and the choice to bend the norm, not to seek attention or to preen with misguided affectation, but because it is what is honest and real.

On the cover we feature Kat Von D, television personality, celebrated tattooer, and only recently, author. Read to discover what makes her such a truly fascinating person in an exclusive interview with our writer, who is addicted to ink herself.

We also feature Zachary Mexico, author of China Underground, a recent book release, which is a revelatory glance at China's culture (or should we say counterculture?). And speaking of new releases, check out our SPOTLIGHT REVIEWS section for some feedback on some out-of-the-ordinary reads, and SOUND BYTES for some exceptional audio releases.

Stuck at home for the summer? Our BOARDING PASS section will transport you to some pretty unusual places, proving that popular destinations can still provide other than the customary tourist fare.

Turn to our EPILOGUE section to read about talented media maverick Noel Guevara, the creative force behind local Internet television phenomenon Pelicola.tv.

For comments and suggestions, and contributor applications, drop us a line at in.print.fb@gmail.com or fullybookedzine@fullybookedonline.com.

The Fully Booked zine Staff

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