Above photograph shows Brod Ollie Jumao-as handing over a $350 check to the son of Banz, Brod Darwin Banez. This amount was generated by Brod Bong Beredo of Stockton, California from the sale of Malmon T-shirts using Banz' original designs during the time that he was Grand Princep in Northern California.

It goes without saying, mga mahal na kapatid, that all of us are morally bound to give the family of Banz part of the proceeds for any Malmon design that we use on any item for sale. Although this matter has been discussed in many forums, I am not aware of any written policy as to how much we ought to give to the family of Banz. We could perhaps use our local industry standards in regard to royalty. The fact that Banz' Malmon was not copyrighted should be no reason for not giving Banz due financial credit for his creation.

This brings me to another very important point: BANZ' WISH THAT WE USE HIS DESIGNS ONLY. In line with most basic rules of honor, integrity and dignity, we have to do the right thing on behalf of the Malmon creator.

I have read a few times about some brods inquiring about my moral basis for advocating this particular use of Banz-only designs. Brothers, I happen to be among the lucky ones who walked the path of Banz during the twilight of his life (from 1990). The others who used to spend days and nights with him were Brods Ely Santiago, Yongyong Afable, Nap Cruz, and a Chinese friend by the name of Tony Go. Of those I named, Banz felt very close to Ely and me. You see, Banz never forgot that I used to teach him to play the guitar way, way back in 1968 - at his apartment in San Juan. (Geeez, I had completely forgotten this, but Banz never did!) In those many occasions with him, Banz mentioned about 5 times his own personal pain about the drawing of Malmon designs other than his. He wanted us to use his original designs only. He said that he had drawn enough Malmon designs that we could use for any occasion.

Brothers, there is nothing to gain personally from my end in advocating this practice. In fact, I am risking the brotherly love of many who believe otherwise. Even repudiation at times.

Others have inquired about "accessibility" of these original Malmon designs. The answer is simple: just go and visit our website, which is accessible to anyone:

http://www.upbetasigma-international.org

and click on the MALMON TREASURES icon at the left column. If you need a particular design, send me a request for the original file. We have a very rich collection here, although we must admit that it is by no means complete. For those of you who could contribute more originals, Banz will truly bless you for your generous act.

For all other artists who simply love Malmon, maybe you could use Banz' basic designs and just express your artistic talents at the background.

To summarize, (a) let us please use Banz designs only in respect to the wish of the creator and (b) let us compensate Banz' family for every sale that we make using his Malmon.

May the power of Banz and Malmon be with us.

Willie "Tatang" Vergara '67

"Unusual Banz" -- Willie Vergara

             An unusual Banz on two counts: (a) Medium: Banz seldom used pastel; (b) Subject: Banz seldom painted fruits and

             vegetables. He gave this work to me right after their Saturday Group session on Oct 2, 1993. Dimension: 14"x20".
 

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           These two "Seascapes" copies were given to me by Banz in 12/1990 at RP International Homecoming  -- Norm Bituin

            Below is a wallet-size (actual size) plastic laminate of "Who Me Malmon Make Lav?"

 that I recently found in my old office attache -- Norm Bituin

**To see more of Banz, go back to Features and click the "Malmon Treasures" icon; or simply click here.

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