Catbalogan son who works with Pixar revisits kins

By NINFA BARCENA-QUIRANTE, PIA Samar
June 23, 2006

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  Nelson Bohol, who seems to be hugging the limelight these "Cars" days have rejoined siblings, kins and friends in his hometown in Catbalogan, Samar.

The 40 something animation artist from world class Pixar, USA took time out from guestings for the animation movie "Cars" premier in Manila.

In Catbalogan, Nelson or "Boy" to his friends and playmates rekindled his ties with the rural folks and even trekked to Pangdan, Catbalogan where he was joined by siblings Vicky Bohol (publisher of Samar Monitor) and elder sister Evelyn who is a banker.

The animation artist also visited Samar National High School in Catbalogan which he acknowledged was a great force that inspire him to excel. In return, this world class talent wants to "return" favors to the school and inspire young Samareños to excel in whatever field they choose.

Despite his global stature, his feet says sister Evelyn has remained solidly planted on the ground and still remembers his former neighbors and playmates.

As the guy recounted his journey to Pixar, he said he has met a lot of hardships and challenges and because of his determination, has beaten the odds and made it.

He would like to advise the young people of Samar to "keep swimming" one favorite line from the animation movie "Finding Nemo". In life, he said, many obstacles are bound to block ones way to greatness but if you are steadfast, you can overcome and be the guy you wish to be.

He added that "Finding Nemo" was one of the handiwork of a team where he was a part.  He humbly told PIA that he does not plan to take all credits, he was part of the team, he emphasized.

As a young child, he said, he started drawing Mickey Mouse and marveled at how Disney movies were made, Yes, there was art in his blood and acknowledged that his late Dad was a painter. When he went to Manila to pursue his architecture degree, the more impassioned he has become with the animation craft. After graduation he was able to land a job as an animation artist from then he moved to America and the world opened wonders for a simple man with great talents named just "Boy".

Today, he would like to share his talent specially to Samar. This simple hunk who could qualify to be in the movies just entered and exited Catbalogan without the funfare that befits a famous artist.

Catbalogan Cable TV Media Advocates Nucleus (CCATMAN) President Ray Gaspay would have wanted to feature the famous "pixarian" in his TV show, but Gaspay did not notice him come and go.