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Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady
Being a maid is tough enough...
...but when Mely lands a job under a group of unconventional employers, she steps up to the unique challenge for the sake of her family. When Mely's sister Viva enters the picture, Mely is reminded of a disturbing past, made complicated by an unsettling romantic revelation. All this in a tragicomedy about domestic help, sibling rivalry, and shattered dreams.
Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, illustrated by Elmer Cantada (Vergil: The Warrior Angel), is a comics adaptation of a one-act play by Carlo Vergara (Zsazsa Zaturnnah). The play debuted onstage at the 9th Virgin Labfest, a festival of original untested plays, organized by the Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation and The Writer's Block, Inc.
...but when Mely lands a job under a group of unconventional employers, she steps up to the unique challenge for the sake of her family. When Mely's sister Viva enters the picture, Mely is reminded of a disturbing past, made complicated by an unsettling romantic revelation. All this in a tragicomedy about domestic help, sibling rivalry, and shattered dreams.
Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, illustrated by Elmer Cantada (Vergil: The Warrior Angel), is a comics adaptation of a one-act play by Carlo Vergara (Zsazsa Zaturnnah). The play debuted onstage at the 9th Virgin Labfest, a festival of original untested plays, organized by the Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation and The Writer's Block, Inc.
72 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2013
5 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Carlo Vergara
18 books36 followersCARLO VERGARA, simply known as his signature CARVER, is a Filipino graphic designer, writer, editor, theatre actor, teacher, and illustrator.
Wrote and illustrated One Night in Purgatory, a short comics tale about homosexual love. The comic book was nominated by the Manila Critics Circle for a National Book Award the following year, and was cited by the Sanghaya Yearbook of the state-run National Commission for Culture and the Arts. A year after, he produced his second graphic novel, Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah, which was adapted into a musical and feature film in 2006, and winner of the Manila Critics' Circle National Book Award. He has also done illustration work for Graphic Classics anthologies (published by Eureka Productions), and is now currently working full-time as a creative director for a magazine publishing company, devoting his spare time to making comics.
(Taken from here.)
Wrote and illustrated One Night in Purgatory, a short comics tale about homosexual love. The comic book was nominated by the Manila Critics Circle for a National Book Award the following year, and was cited by the Sanghaya Yearbook of the state-run National Commission for Culture and the Arts. A year after, he produced his second graphic novel, Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah, which was adapted into a musical and feature film in 2006, and winner of the Manila Critics' Circle National Book Award. He has also done illustration work for Graphic Classics anthologies (published by Eureka Productions), and is now currently working full-time as a creative director for a magazine publishing company, devoting his spare time to making comics.
(Taken from here.)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 20, 2014
Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady may be an interesting one-act play to watch - it has an original (and very Filipino) premise, good dialogue, and a theatric denouement. But aside from the superhero element, KPANLL is not meant to be read or seen in a graphic novel adaptation. The Carlo Vergara writing style is clearly seen here with bits and morsels of Zaturnnah in each page, though you will feel that CarVer could have done more with the comics adaptation.
November 23, 2014
I am reading so many graphic novels nowadays because of three reasons: (1) I attended the annual Komikon last week and I could not help buying comics books because of the many authors I'd like to meet and have as guests in our book club discussions; (2) I am currently 10 books behind with my 2014 Reading Challenge here on Goodreads and I have to catch up. Sorry, too busy with my work in the office; (3) We in Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books has komiks as its November 2014 read and I am not really into komiks so I thought I need to know more about it so when we face Carlo Vergara on December 6, 2014 (less than two weeks from now), I know more about this genre, the author and his works.
I liked this better than the twin Zsazsa Zaturnnah books. I think this is more realistic (not that fantasy genre should be realistic) but to be more specific, there is no Dodong, straight (not to mention handsome) man falling in love with a gay man. I hope I will not get hate PMs or comments here but I still feel that it is impossible. Maybe love for a friend but not erotic head over heels kind of erotic love.
In this book, my third by Carlo Vergara, the unexpected heroine is a household maid. Her name is Mely and she is not beautiful. In fact, she is fat and old. However, her masters are all good-looking, model-like superheroes. When one of them dies, for a reason I will not reveal here so as not to spoil your fan, unsuspecting and hesitant Mely becomes the replacement. So, she becomes the new "leading lady."
The plot is packed up to the brim. I did not anticipate Viva's true identity what with her bad English. It is not explained how Mely got her excellent English while her sister was not able to acquire such proficiency. I guess it is just part of the deception. Or maybe I have a stereotyped idea that housemaids must have "carabao" English.
Overall, I liked this book. It is understandable that there are loose ends because Carlo Vergara knows he will be continuing this series to many books more. Too good a storyline to just stop here. For one, I am just so excited to see its sequels.
Make them soon, Carlo!
I liked this better than the twin Zsazsa Zaturnnah books. I think this is more realistic (not that fantasy genre should be realistic) but to be more specific, there is no Dodong, straight (not to mention handsome) man falling in love with a gay man. I hope I will not get hate PMs or comments here but I still feel that it is impossible. Maybe love for a friend but not erotic head over heels kind of erotic love.
In this book, my third by Carlo Vergara, the unexpected heroine is a household maid. Her name is Mely and she is not beautiful. In fact, she is fat and old. However, her masters are all good-looking, model-like superheroes. When one of them dies, for a reason I will not reveal here so as not to spoil your fan, unsuspecting and hesitant Mely becomes the replacement. So, she becomes the new "leading lady."
The plot is packed up to the brim. I did not anticipate Viva's true identity what with her bad English. It is not explained how Mely got her excellent English while her sister was not able to acquire such proficiency. I guess it is just part of the deception. Or maybe I have a stereotyped idea that housemaids must have "carabao" English.
Overall, I liked this book. It is understandable that there are loose ends because Carlo Vergara knows he will be continuing this series to many books more. Too good a storyline to just stop here. For one, I am just so excited to see its sequels.
Make them soon, Carlo!
March 29, 2015
Plot-wise it was good. Art-wise, it was a bit of the #throwback, some pages are composed of six panels to get the plot going. It is like reading a playbill line by line. Was it intentional? I am not so sure.
June 10, 2014
I am so happy to be talking about Carlo Vergara's Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady (How I Became Leading Lady). Carlo Vergara has fast became one of my must-buys and must-read authors since I started reading Zsazsa Zaturnnah (warning: for mature readers only). Anne Plaza, author of In Over Her Head, was the one who recommended the book to me.
His vein of writing of fantasy superheroes continues with Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady. Mely finds herself working for a group of international superheroes and becomes one of their biggest supporters as she is the one who does the everyday tasks that enables the superheroes to concentrate on saving the world.
As with Zsazsa Zaturnnah, Vergara introduced an unlikely heroine in the form of everyday, ordinary Mely, who is almost an old maid at the time of the story. I bought this in National Bookstore last February, but I've put it off until last April. The story was surprisingly engaging, beautiful, funny, with the right amount of humor. It was also heart-wrenching, and unlike other stories where the villainy is one-sided, I was able to somewhat empathize with the nemesis and her reasoning.
Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady is the adaptation of the one-act play. Since I started blogging, I've discovered the beauty of short stories and one-acts, and instead of faulting the story for making me frustrated by the lack of more pages, I actually look at it as a credit. And Carlo Vergara has perfected this craft of leaving me hanging and wanting for more and more of his stories, whether from his naughty gay superheroine and Zaturnnah's double-entendre lover Dodong, or from Mely.
Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady is fast-paced but much is already packed in this short story. But the flow of the story-telling runs so smoothly that I didn't even realize it has 72 pages. I know this is a one-act play or short story, but I hope Vergara finds it in himself to provide the next installment (and soon!) for Mely's escapades.
Note: Recommended for mature readers, and contains dialogues in Filipino.
**Quickstop Tuesdays is a feature in My Book Musings where I review books/comic books/graphic novels that have less than 200 pages, on Tuesdays.
His vein of writing of fantasy superheroes continues with Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady. Mely finds herself working for a group of international superheroes and becomes one of their biggest supporters as she is the one who does the everyday tasks that enables the superheroes to concentrate on saving the world.
As with Zsazsa Zaturnnah, Vergara introduced an unlikely heroine in the form of everyday, ordinary Mely, who is almost an old maid at the time of the story. I bought this in National Bookstore last February, but I've put it off until last April. The story was surprisingly engaging, beautiful, funny, with the right amount of humor. It was also heart-wrenching, and unlike other stories where the villainy is one-sided, I was able to somewhat empathize with the nemesis and her reasoning.
Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady is the adaptation of the one-act play. Since I started blogging, I've discovered the beauty of short stories and one-acts, and instead of faulting the story for making me frustrated by the lack of more pages, I actually look at it as a credit. And Carlo Vergara has perfected this craft of leaving me hanging and wanting for more and more of his stories, whether from his naughty gay superheroine and Zaturnnah's double-entendre lover Dodong, or from Mely.
Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady is fast-paced but much is already packed in this short story. But the flow of the story-telling runs so smoothly that I didn't even realize it has 72 pages. I know this is a one-act play or short story, but I hope Vergara finds it in himself to provide the next installment (and soon!) for Mely's escapades.
Note: Recommended for mature readers, and contains dialogues in Filipino.
**Quickstop Tuesdays is a feature in My Book Musings where I review books/comic books/graphic novels that have less than 200 pages, on Tuesdays.
December 9, 2013
Lucky enough, Elmer gave a free copy of his new book, and I'm glad he did!
One good reason is this book steps out of the typical subject of overrated superheroes, almost every book in the local scene is about another superhero tale. Instead it humors the whole concept of being a superhero in the form a housemaid and tells a tale of different kind of hero, the house maid. Yet clever enough, he also tells us the housemaids are the real superheroes as they're responsibilites require superhuman dedication and time, and most of all, they are there to help us much like any superhero would.
However you might not remember these good points while reading the book as it will just let you laugh and laugh. It's one good comedy. Carlo uses the common and popular jokes about the Filipino maid which are very entertaining. Reminds me a lot of that Rex Navarette short comedy act, that maid who served the super friends. You might not even complain about the heavy texts, as each dialogues are amusing enough to read.
As much as I adore the humor behind the book, I wish it could have added some more spice to the plots especially near the ending. The whole storyline is quite short and for 72 pages, I'd really love to read more plots and twists from the book.
Elmer's illustrations captured Carlo's imagination perfectly. Every human reaction, are portrayed in paper, well. If it had tones also, the book would be better.
The local industry could use more of these types of books--Rare storyline yet it still promotes the Filipino culture. Not to mention, it's very funny and entertaining.
Looking forward for the next book, I'm pretty sure that ending is not quite the real deal.
One good reason is this book steps out of the typical subject of overrated superheroes, almost every book in the local scene is about another superhero tale. Instead it humors the whole concept of being a superhero in the form a housemaid and tells a tale of different kind of hero, the house maid. Yet clever enough, he also tells us the housemaids are the real superheroes as they're responsibilites require superhuman dedication and time, and most of all, they are there to help us much like any superhero would.
However you might not remember these good points while reading the book as it will just let you laugh and laugh. It's one good comedy. Carlo uses the common and popular jokes about the Filipino maid which are very entertaining. Reminds me a lot of that Rex Navarette short comedy act, that maid who served the super friends. You might not even complain about the heavy texts, as each dialogues are amusing enough to read.
As much as I adore the humor behind the book, I wish it could have added some more spice to the plots especially near the ending. The whole storyline is quite short and for 72 pages, I'd really love to read more plots and twists from the book.
Elmer's illustrations captured Carlo's imagination perfectly. Every human reaction, are portrayed in paper, well. If it had tones also, the book would be better.
The local industry could use more of these types of books--Rare storyline yet it still promotes the Filipino culture. Not to mention, it's very funny and entertaining.
Looking forward for the next book, I'm pretty sure that ending is not quite the real deal.
December 30, 2014
I don't really know how to "review" a graphic novel, since I don't read them a lot. I got a copy of Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady because the book club that I'm part of is going to meet Carlo Vergara. With my lack of knowledge of Filipino writers/artists, honestly, I don't really know Carlo Vergara. But I figured I will eventually do, so join lang ng join! :D
This was interesting, though of course, it felt bitin. But at least, it "really" showed how the lead character did become the "leading lady". I'm not into fantasy that much, but there's a bit of a drama put into the story. Hence, I think I might go back to watching plays/musicals, when an extended version of this "one-act play" will be shown next year. Yay! :)
This was interesting, though of course, it felt bitin. But at least, it "really" showed how the lead character did become the "leading lady". I'm not into fantasy that much, but there's a bit of a drama put into the story. Hence, I think I might go back to watching plays/musicals, when an extended version of this "one-act play" will be shown next year. Yay! :)
August 11, 2016
WHAT. The story was finally starting, yet the book was already finished. The love story which was blooming died out so easily. =.= Why did I read this?*
I like the originality of the plot. I also like how the main character Mely did not conform to the standard look of a heroine. I mean look at Wonder Woman, Darna, etc.
I'm not a fan of the art style of the illustrator, but I think it's good. I'm looking forward to read the next volume.
*it's just a reaction, I'm not mad it's just that BITIN. I guess one act plays won't satify me that much.
I like the originality of the plot. I also like how the main character Mely did not conform to the standard look of a heroine. I mean look at Wonder Woman, Darna, etc.
I'm not a fan of the art style of the illustrator, but I think it's good. I'm looking forward to read the next volume.
*it's just a reaction, I'm not mad it's just that BITIN. I guess one act plays won't satify me that much.
February 14, 2017
Reading and flipping the pages of this book is such a treat. I watched this stageplay debut during the Virgin Labfest and I am so thrilled to see it in the flat pages. The stageplay is still my favorite, and was able to watch it again with some of my friends.
June 12, 2020
Figured that today was our Independence Day, I should be reading a local published work. Didn't have one on hand and saw this in my TBR pile. I've had it for the longest time and like all collectors and readers of graphic novels, we usually take our time reading and buying things to read. But I'm glad I read this tonight.
If you don't know, Carlo Vergara is the man behind the creation of Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah. This Darna-inspired heroine spawned 3 graphic novels, a movie adaptation and a long-running musical, which I am hoping they would bring back for (shame on me), I have yet to see it.
This graphic novel has nothing to do with that heroine but a woman named Mely, who is a hero to a group of heroes as she is their maid and in charge of cleaning the headquarters. She is humble and devoted to her work. In comes her sister, who is staying over for the night, unbeknownst to Mely's bosses for she did not tell them of her decision to have her over. Come to think of it, a superhero's time is never their own so things like these, are not a priority.
Her arrival brings back a hurtful past for Mely and one that is almost eclipsed by a surprising romantic reveal in the story. Didn't see that coming. Couple that with the need to keep things confidential because the superhero life mandates it and Mely's job requires it, the story is a recipe for family issues, comedy, and surprising revelations.
All in all, it's a fun and funny read and one that I hope Carlo would be going back to do as the story definitely needs a sequel and ends in a cliffhanger.
Love local. Read Local. Support Local.
Happy Independence Day.
Mabuhay ang mga Manunulat.
Mabuhay ang mga Magbabasa
Mabuhay ang PILIPINAS!
If you don't know, Carlo Vergara is the man behind the creation of Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah. This Darna-inspired heroine spawned 3 graphic novels, a movie adaptation and a long-running musical, which I am hoping they would bring back for (shame on me), I have yet to see it.
This graphic novel has nothing to do with that heroine but a woman named Mely, who is a hero to a group of heroes as she is their maid and in charge of cleaning the headquarters. She is humble and devoted to her work. In comes her sister, who is staying over for the night, unbeknownst to Mely's bosses for she did not tell them of her decision to have her over. Come to think of it, a superhero's time is never their own so things like these, are not a priority.
Her arrival brings back a hurtful past for Mely and one that is almost eclipsed by a surprising romantic reveal in the story. Didn't see that coming. Couple that with the need to keep things confidential because the superhero life mandates it and Mely's job requires it, the story is a recipe for family issues, comedy, and surprising revelations.
All in all, it's a fun and funny read and one that I hope Carlo would be going back to do as the story definitely needs a sequel and ends in a cliffhanger.
Love local. Read Local. Support Local.
Happy Independence Day.
Mabuhay ang mga Manunulat.
Mabuhay ang mga Magbabasa
Mabuhay ang PILIPINAS!
August 9, 2020
More like a 2.5 for me. I didn't like how Leading Man suddenly kisses Mely because he doesn't know how else to convey his feelings. That one didn't sit right with me. However, the sibling rivalry is an interesting addition to the story.
April 11, 2016
I love this play!!! How I wish I couldve seen it as a play!
I must admit though, I did not see the whole plot coming! I love how the Pinoy culture is within the story. And how do you manage to tell a story with barely 5 characters? And all that in one act play. How even???? And the art! The details are something!
Thanks to the pop culture and media I've grown accustomed to, I've always expected that the beautiful girl ends up with the guwapong leading man. BUT THIS STORY IS DIFFERENT. Who would dare pair up the stereotypical aged,haggard, old yet hardworking sister with the hot boss? And who would even dare give the worldly responsibility of being a superhero to a mundane maid? No one! And yet CarVer has challenged that. And I love how he proved his point.
I'm starting to see something in CarVer's writing style. He loves his superheroes, but not just any kind of superhero; why not let those behind-the-scenes be in the spotlight? Especially those marginalized and ridiculed in our society. Why not let them be in the spotlight? Afterall, their story is different. And a different kind of story will and always be king.
Favorite line? "Katulong ako ma'am! Trabaho ko ang tumulong!"
Well done.
I must admit though, I did not see the whole plot coming! I love how the Pinoy culture is within the story. And how do you manage to tell a story with barely 5 characters? And all that in one act play. How even???? And the art! The details are something!
Thanks to the pop culture and media I've grown accustomed to, I've always expected that the beautiful girl ends up with the guwapong leading man. BUT THIS STORY IS DIFFERENT. Who would dare pair up the stereotypical aged,haggard, old yet hardworking sister with the hot boss? And who would even dare give the worldly responsibility of being a superhero to a mundane maid? No one! And yet CarVer has challenged that. And I love how he proved his point.
I'm starting to see something in CarVer's writing style. He loves his superheroes, but not just any kind of superhero; why not let those behind-the-scenes be in the spotlight? Especially those marginalized and ridiculed in our society. Why not let them be in the spotlight? Afterall, their story is different. And a different kind of story will and always be king.
Favorite line? "Katulong ako ma'am! Trabaho ko ang tumulong!"
Well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2016
It's a one-act play in graphic novel format, but I am still hoping against hope that this becomes a full-blown play. CarVer's vintage affection for Carabao English and exaggerated highfalutin English--first read in ZsaZsa Zaturnnah-- are present, as well as the beefy, handsome leading men who fall for ordinary women. But it's far from formulaic, trust me. The social observations made by the characters are also on-point. I really, really hope to see this expanded.
December 24, 2014
4 na bituin dahil sa kwentong nabitin ako at gusto ko pa ng sequel! Di ko alam ba't ako kinilabutan sa ending kahit na expected ko na. Comics pa more!
Uulitin ko, namiss ko drowing ni Carlo V. Yung drowing nasa 2 bituin lang sakin pero maganda ang kwento kaya hayan. Excited to see the musical play next year. :)
Uulitin ko, namiss ko drowing ni Carlo V. Yung drowing nasa 2 bituin lang sakin pero maganda ang kwento kaya hayan. Excited to see the musical play next year. :)
June 13, 2015
Cute story!
November 22, 2015
I liked it. There is a hanging feel at the end but it serves the purpose. A good light read for pleasure.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews