What Did I Miss?: October 2022

Published Works

Review of Blackmail and Bibingka by Mia P. Manansala – For Goodreads, I dive into my impressions on the latest installment from Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series.

New Documentary ‘Rising Against Asian Hate’ Captures An Unprecedented Moment – For the Center for Asian American Media, I spoke with the filmmakers of this very important, upcoming documentary.

Background and Filler Stories Unfold in ‘Tales of the Jedi’ – For The Nerds of Color, I discuss my thoughts about this new anthology series set within the “Star Wars” universe.

Appearances

ShoPowSho 104: ‘Dasig’ Creators Kristian Kabuay and Lauren Lola! – My collaborator and I chat with host Patrick Michael Strange a.k.a. Kuya P on the making of our graphic novel-in-progress.

Advertisement

Exploring Authentic Stories at the Filipino American International Book Festival

For reasons predictable by now, it’s been a hot minute since I last was at a book festival; whether as an attendee or as a participant. To have seen book conventions like BookExpo shut down in recent years, as well as a recent surge in book banning in different parts of the country, books feel particularly precious now more than ever — especially those authored by historically underrepresented communities.

Final Hours of the Kickstarter for “Dasig”

As quick as it began, we are now nearing the endgame. As of this writing, we have just about a day and a half remaining of the Kickstarter campaign for Dasig; a Filipino martial arts graphic novel I am writing about a young warrior-in-training who’s struggling to focus on her pursuits when invaders from an unknown land threaten to take over.

Currently In-Progress: “Dasig”

I’ve been mentioning for a while now that there’s a writing project that’s been taking up quite a bit of time as of late, and if you follow me on social media, then you know that I finally revealed just what that is within the last week. However, for those who don’t, here’s what’s up:

I’m writing a graphic novel!

Now Playing: “Interview with an Aswang”

Last year, I made my debut with Rainy Day Artistic Collective with a one-act play I wrote called “Interview with an Aswang;” where a college student interviews her aswang friend about what her life is like for a school assignment, only to unknowingly hit on some hard realities the latter has dealt with. It was since made into a short film that was submitted into the film festival circuit, and while it did play at Mixed Asian Media Fest, it otherwise wasn’t as successful getting in elsewhere.

Hype Up for AAPINH Heritage Month

Not going to lie, this Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month has been off to a really rough start. From our faith in humanity continuously being shattered by people who want to take some of our rights away, to some sad news happening in my personal life, it’s harder than usual for me to multi-task as of late.

The Coming and Consulting of “Jemini” – A “Lumpia with a Vengeance” Spin-Off Comic

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:

Playwright’s Commentary: “Not in Kansas”

I’m thrilled to take part in my third production with Rainy Day Artistic Collective with my new one-act play, “Not in Kansas.” Based on real life experiences of my great aunt, Justita, the story follows two PhD students from the Philippines who’re studying in the United States in the early 1950’s. While on a trip to New Orleans, the two experience the opposite of Southern hospitality at a rest stop in Mississippi.

Coming Next Week: Halfway Historical Festival feat. “Not in Kansas”

I’m excited to reveal that after the past few months of working on this, we are now one week away from my third production with Rainy Day Artistic Collective. This time, I’ve written one of ten plays that will be featured in their Halfway Historical Festival; where all the stories revolve around real-life occurrences.

Mixed Pinoy Pride Panel: Recommended Viewing

Happy Filipino American History Month everyone!

I’ve written about this before, but for those who need a refresher or who otherwise don’t know, Filipino American History Month is a time dedicated to acknowledging the Filipino Americans who’ve helped build and change the United States of America for the better. It’s more than just celebrating the traditions that have been passed down by our ancestors, so please, please refrain from calling it Filipino American Heritage Month. It’s not the same thing!