rhea's Site

i hope that you were able to catch the dream king himself, neil gaiman when he was here in our fair country just last week -- first in subic then in fully booked bonifacio high street. 

if you had asked me anything connected to neil gaiman just last week, i am sure i would have puked out my remaining functional brain cells.  the mere mention of his name would have sent me running away with hands flailing above my head.  you see, being part of the team that set up Book of Dreams: The 2nd Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards (which is Neil's brainchild and which he funded with his own dollars), Neil Gaiman was synonymous to A LOT of hard work -- manual labor included.

BUT. Nothing could have prepared me for the quiet force that is Neil.  His genius, warmth and generosity were apparent all througout the day that he spent in Fully Booked.  Fanboys and fangirls who wanted a hug, a picture with him, his signature or just his acceptance of their gifts were met with friendly smiles and open arms.  Inspite of the bouncers that were keeping his fans at bay because of the orders of an overprotective bulldog/acting manager, he would wave at the fans and encourage them to come closer, even chastising a bouncer for not letting the fans through.  He answered questions with his dry humor and unfailing wit and co-hosted the show with such ease that nobody would have guessed that he was just briefed a few minutes before he had to go on stage. 

So I left Fully Booked last Sunday overwhelmed with relief that the event was over and giddy with excitement at having spent a good part of the day within 10 feet of Neil Gaiman (and about 2 minutes actually standing next to him). And in the future, even if Neil's pet project means backbreaking days, sleepless nights and a barrage of weird dreams for me, i know that it will all be worth it.

That doesn't mean though that I won't be complaining about work... :)