Book Bans and Reconstructing a Book’s Role: Recommended Reading

Back in 2016, I wrote a blog post at the tail end of Banned Books Week, where I analyzed a list a books I saw in a bookstore that have been banned or, at least, challenged, over the years. I mention this as we see a rise in even more books being challenged or banned; several of them for reasons where if such bans are successfully, can lead to some dangerous, long-term consequences for the audiences for whom said books are being taken away from. Most notably in recent time, Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel, Maus, which centers on the author’s family’s experiences living through the Holocaust, was unanimously banned by a school board in Tennessee from its eighth grade curriculum.

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Thoughts About Historical Fiction

By now, I think I’ve made it clear as to the kind of fiction I’m adept to writing. My go-to genres are contemporary fiction, magical realism, fantasy, and science fiction. However, in my little corner of the Internet, I haven’t been shy about dissecting other genres that I’m not necessarily the strongest at writing in; most notably young adult fiction and romance (even though ironically, I seem to have developed a bit of a skill for writing rom-coms).

Trips Down the Rabbit Hole: Recommended Reading

If there’s one film I’m in high anticipation for this holiday season, it’s “The Matrix Resurrections.” It is the first film from the “Matrix” franchise to come out in 18 years, and from the looks of the trailers, clips, and marketing campaign for it, it’s already setting itself up to be something to look forward to.

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!

Racism is a Virus Part II: REQUIRED Research

As disgusted as I am that we’re nearly a year into this pandemic, I’m even more so at the ongoing attacks against the Asian American community. While xenophobia towards Asian Americans is nothing new in this country, there’s been a spike in attacks over the past year in response to the surge of COVID-19 cases. From March 19th-December 31st of last year, Stop AAPI Hate had 2,808 reports of hate crimes collected (a thorough breakdown of this data can be found here).

Feeling It In the Air Tonight: Recommended Reading and Listening

Obviously, it’s been one hell of a first week of the new year here in the U.S. Following the white supremacist mob attack on Capitol Building back on Wednesday, I’ve been trying to think of a good way to talk about it on here, while still staying true to what this blog is all about. What’s been said about it already? What lens has it been explored through? And then I remembered that this month marks 40 years since the release of “In the Air Tonight;” Phil Collins’ solo debut single.

History and How It’s Told

In the Filipino American community, there is a saying that many are familiar with: “No history, no self. Know history, know self.” It seems appropriate that this phrase comes to mind today, on the last day of Filipino American History Month. At the same time, it also feels well-timed in the matters of the election that’s now a mere three days away.

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.

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.

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.