Okay, so here’s something a little different, but also pretty fun, and the best part is that this marks a first for me. So check this out:
For a little over a year now, an indie superhero comedy movie called “Lumpia with a Vengeance” has been making it rounds about the film festival circuit. Directed by Patricio Ginelsa, it’s a sequel to his 2003 film, “Lumpia,” where the tension between Filipino kids from the Philippines and Filipino American kids of Fogtown are at a high, but the only thing getting in their way is a silent, lumpia-wielding avenger called Kuya.
“Lumpia with a Vengeance” ups the ante with a crime syndicate on the verge of destroying everything good in Fogtown, and one of the most cosplay-able villains to ever be, Jemini, is leading the charge. The sequel is so intricately detailed, that it has even lead to the creation of three comic books, set before, during, and after the events of the film.
In an effort to explore the character of Jemini even further, Pat and the team are getting ready to release a spin-off comic all about her, simply titled “Jemini.” The comic was written by Pat and Justin Quizon, art by Gerald Pilare, and lettering by Lawrence Iriarte. Also, yours truly had a small role as a consultant on the story!
When I first heard about this project, I reached out to Pat, offering my assistance in looking over the script. Seeing that the main focus this time around would be a female character, I found it would be wise if he got a female perspective on it. He agreed, and so earlier this year, for a couple hours on a Sunday afternoon, I went over the script he and Justin wrote.
I have never written for a comic book or a graphic novel before, although that is definitely something I want to explore eventually. To apply my already accumulated knowledge in writing in this first venture into that world was really fascinating. Obviously, I’m not going to reveal the plot. What I will say is that for fans of the “Lumpia”-verse, get ready for the fast-paced, campy fun you know and love, intermixed with the unveiling of how Jemini came to be.
It was really cool to contribute, in some way, to a project of Pat’s. I’ve known him for a few years now from when I previously interviewed him about the original “Lumpia” movie, the year of its 15th anniversary. His work holds a special place in my heart, especially the first one I had ever seen by him.
In addition to Pat, I got to connect with several other members of the “Lumpia” team throughout the pandemic through meeting Lawrence (who’s also the producer of “Lumpia with a Vengeance”), after learning that he and I share both a hometown and a beloved high school teacher. I loved getting to see their collective work in-progress and I hope that I can collaborate with them all in a bigger capacity on a project one day.
For those who will be attending WonderCon in Anaheim next weekend, the “Lumpia with a Vengeance” cast and crew will be in attendance! They will have several things going on there, including a screening of the film, autograph signings, and merch for sale (including the “Jemini” comic). More information can be found here.
For those who won’t be attending, You can pre-order “Jemini” here, and for all other information regarding “Lumpia with a Vengeance” or anything else from Pat’s production company, Kid Heroes Productions, be sure to check it all out on the official website.
Love that lumpia!
Lola By The Bay 
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