What Did I Miss?: October 2020

Published Works

‘Song Exploder’ Host Hrishikesh Hirway Breaks Down the Making of the New Netflix Series – For The Nerds of Color, I speak with the voice and brains behind an acclaimed podcast, and piece by piece, breaks down how adapting it for a documentary series came to be.

Ruby Ibarra Aspires to Inspire Through Her Roots-Ingrained Raps – For the Center for Asian American Media, I spotlight this highly celebrated rapper and filmmaker about sharing her perspective and stories as a first-generation Filipina American.

Review of Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse – For Goodreads, I give a short but sweet review of this new novel from this mega-talented fantasy writer.

Appearances

The So Weird Podcast: Halloween Edition – I am one of many fans who contribute to this Halloween-themed episode of The So Weird Podcast, by naming characters and moments we find spooky from the daring Disney Channel Original series. (Full version of the episode can be viewed here.)

 

Thoughts About Acknowledging and Supporting Filipino American History Month

One week remains of the month of October, which means one week remains of Filipino American History Month. This month recognizes and acknowledges historical events, people, and experiences that have helped shape what Filipino America is today. It has also become one of the busiest months of the year for me, aside from May.

Filipino American History Month both acknowledges the accomplishments of those who came before us and those who are making their mark in the present day. Book lists, film recommendations, concerts and more are suddenly popping up and scheduled all over, all involving Filipino American voices.

When Reading About Real People in Fictional Situations

I recently read the two novels that make up author Andrew Shaffer’s Obama Biden Mystery series: Hope Never Dies and Hope Rides Again. They both came out within the last two years, and while I’ve always been meaning to read them, I finally made the time and effort to sit down with them both as of recently, as we near the date of the upcoming presidential election.

Changing Tactics

Eight years ago, I made the decision to start taking my writing more seriously. After a summer spent working on a showcase featuring rising performing arts talents and seeing one of my favorite actors make his own writing dreams come true, I knew that no matter how much I had on my plate, I can make the time to make my own writing dreams become a reality.

What Did I Miss?: September 2020

Published Works

‘Mulan’ is a Thoughtful but Clunky Iteration of the Chinese Folktale – For The Nerds of Color, after being granted access to a screener of this highly anticipated live-action remake from Disney, I get down to business and give my take on it.

Patrick Clanton on Exploring Disney’s Hidden Gems on Behind the Ears YouTube Channel – For The Nerds of Color, I interview the creator and host of this new Disney-focused YouTube Channel about how it came together during the COVID-19 crisis.

Review of Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger – For Goodreads, I give my two cents on this debut work from a brilliant author on the rise.

Jessica Henwick: The Hapa Franchise Queen on Growing Up Between Two Cultures – For my debut issue as the new writer of Hapa Mag, Lauren Winn and I collaborated on this interview with this extraordinary actress and writer on her journey in the entertainment industry over the past decade.

The Presentation of Multiculturalism in the World of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” – For my debut issue as the new writer of Hapa Mag, I do an in-depth dive into how multiculturalism is presented in this beloved franchise, at a time of its resurgence into popularity.

Long Live the King: Recommended Reading… and Remembering

I knew that I wanted to write something regarding the untimely loss about Chadwick Boseman, but the struggle came in the form of figuring out what to contribute that hasn’t already been said. After a while though, for me, it ultimately came down to the exploration of actors who died well before their time, and are forever commemorated for their storytelling in the more significant roles they played.

What Did I Miss?: August 2020

Published Works

Auli’i Cravalho’s Experience in Timely Coming-of-Age Drama, “All Together Now” – For The Nerds of Color, I talked to the actress best known for her role as Moana about her experience making her first live-action feature film.

When Writing in Other People’s Universes

Do you know what a spec script is? For those who don’t know, a spec (short for speculative script) is a non-commissioned script, written with the intent of either having it optioned by a production company or give light to an up-and-coming screenwriter and what they’re capable of. When you’re writing a spec for TV, it’s usually for a show that is currently on the air.

In the past, I’ve talked about my thoughts and aspirations to write for already established universes. Since then, I’ve actually gotten to do so in the form of specs, and I can assure you that it has been quite an education for me.

The Man of Many Stories: Recommended Reading and Donating

James Hong. It’s a name you might or might not be familiar with, but without a doubt, you’ve seen one (if not more) of the projects he’s been in over his several decades’ long career.

Thoughts About Celebrating Storytelling in the Virtual World

It’s been four and a half months since sheltering-in-place began, and within that time, I’ve had experience of both taking part in putting together virtual events and attending virtual events. Enough time has passed to where I have a general opinion of them and how they are conducted; particularly in the case of events where the celebration of storytelling is involved.