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.

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What Did I Miss?: September 2021

Published Works

Mixed Motivations for Martial Arts – For Mixed Asian Media, I speak with mixed-race Asians who practice martial arts and other forms of combat and their motivations for doing so.

Thoughts and Reactions to Watching ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ For the First Time – For The Nerds of Color, I give a rundown of what was going through my mind during various moments of this first follow-up to “The Matrix.”

Review of Tablay by Katrina Olan – For Goodreads, I briefly recapture my thoughts on this epic sci-fi novel from the Philippines.

Poster and Premiere Date Announced for ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ – For The Nerds of Color, I give a quick news bite about when to expect the release of this upcoming live-action “Star Wars” production.

Other Works

Q&A with The Mandalorian’s Diana Lee Inosanto – For Mixed Asian Media Fest, I interviewed the seasoned actor, filmmaker, and martial artist about the making of her 2008 independent film, “The Sensei.”

Appearances

Mixed Pinoy Pride Panel co-presented by ShoPowSho – I hopped on this panel discussion with Michaela Ternasky-Holland and Patrick Michael Strange as part of Mixed Asian Media Fest, where we discussed our thoughts and experiences of being both mixed-race and Filipino.

What Did I Miss?: August 2021

Published Works

‘Reservation Dogs’ Brings Humor and Realness from Indigenous Perspectives – For The Nerds of Color, I give my take on the first two episodes on this new comedy series from FX on Hulu.

Bay Area Native Avantika on Becoming the First South Asian Lead of a Disney Channel Original Movie, “Spin” – For the Center for Asian American Media, I speak with the star on the making of this groundbreaking Disney Channel Original Movie.

Review of Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay – For Goodreads, I explore the tender subject matter that this YA author did such a good job of exploring in this very important novel.

Author Katrina Olan Discusses the Making of Mecha-Centric Sci-Fi Novel, ‘Tablay’ – For The Nerds of Color, I conduct the first international coverage on this bestselling sci-fi novel from the Philippines.

Appearances

Strong Asian Lead: Clubhouse – Mixed Asians in Media – I was one of the people featured in this panel discussion about where mixed Asians fit into the ongoing discourse about representation in the media landscape.

The So Weird Podcast Ep. 84 – Family Reunion – Book 1 Review – I make a guest appearance on the latest episode of this “So Weird” fan-run podcast, as we dive into the novelization of the show’s pilot episode.

What Did I Miss?: June 2021

Published Works

Japanese Breakfast’s Michelle Zauner and the Wild Year of Her Dreams Coming True – For the newly rebranded Mixed Asian Media, I have the honor and pleasure of doing the feature story about the latest projects from this musician and newly minted New York Times Bestselling author.

Netflix’s ‘Trese’ Spotlights Filipino Folklore Through Binge-able Storytelling – For The Nerds of Color, I share my impressions of the anime adaptation of this beloved Filipino horror comic book series.

Ming-Na Wen on Exploring Fennec Shand in ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ – For The Nerds of Color, I had the honor and pleasure of getting to talk to this renowned voice and live-action actor about bringing her “Mandalorian” character into the animated world of “Star Wars.”

Review of Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon – For Goodreads, I give my take on the long anticipated third novel of this beloved YA author.

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.

What Did I Miss?: November 2019

Published Works

Doug Jung’s Screenwriting Debut Will Be Available on Disney+ – For The Nerds of Color, I dive into an early work from this “Star Trek” screenwriter, ahead of its availability on Disney’s new streaming service.

‘Jojo Rabbit’ Sends a Timely Message via Satire, Fascism, and War – For The Nerds of Color, I provide my non-spoilery thoughts about the latest feature film from director Taika Waititi.

Review of From Rufio to Zuko by Dante Basco – For Goodreads, I give my input on this informative memoir from someone who’s seen and done a lot in the entertainment industry for over three decades.

The Director and Producer of Pixar’s “Float” Discuss Filipino American Representation and Bringing a Personal Story to Life – For the Center for Asian American Media, I go behind-the-scenes of this groundbreaking short film from Pixar Animation Studio by talking to two of the people that made it what it is today.

Review of Cyber Shogun Revolution by Peter Tieryas – For Goodreads, ahead of its 2020 release, I give a rundown on what I make of this latest entry into the United States of Japan series.

Appearances

About Tita | TFAL Podcast – Over two years after its initial release, an audio essay I did for the This Filipino American Life podcast is now available on their YouTube channel.

What Did I Miss?: September 2019

Published Works

Actor Will Yun Lee Has Been Making Strides in Hollywood For Two Decades – For the Center for Asian American Media, I spoke with the “Good Doctor”/”Altered Carbon” star on his journey as an Asian American actor in Hollywood.

‘Abominable’ Brings All the Charm in This Magical, Heartfelt Adventure – For The Nerds of Color, I give a spoiler-free overview of my thoughts from watching this upcoming Dreamworks and Pearl Studio co-production.

Review of Anime Supremacy by Mizuki Tsujimura – For Goodreads, I go over my thoughts on this dynamic novel that gives a glimpse at the chaotic anime industry.

Review of Frankly in Love by David Yoon – For Goodreads, I discuss my thoughts about this heartfelt, YA romance debut novel.

How Disney’s ‘So Weird’ Deepened My Connection to My Filipino Side – For The Nerds of Color, I dive into how this 90’s Disney Channel series has had an unexpected effect on me this past year.

Review of Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli – For Goodreads, I give my latest impressions on a novel I grew up with, ahead of the film adaptation’s release.

Christopher Sean Talks About Being the First Asian American Lead of “Star Wars” – For the Center for Asian American Media, I dive into this overlooked first for the “Star Wars” universe, as I speak with the lead actor of “Star Wars Resistance.”

Other News

Critics are calling “Abominable” “absolutely gorgeous” – My review of “Abominable” was quoted by Dreamworks Animation for promo leading up to the film’s release.

What Did I Miss?: June 2019

Published Works

Spider-Man, Pokémon, and Star-Crossed Lovers: Mixed Race Characters Take the Lead – For my debut piece for The Nerds of Color, I do an analysis on three different films released over the last six months that feature mixed race characters and interracial relationships front and center.

Matt Braly on Bringing Thai American Representation to Disney Channel’s “Amphibia” – For the Center for Asian American Media, I speak with the creative mind of Disney Channel’s upcoming animated series on how childhood trips to Bangkok served as the inspiration for the show.

Thoughts and Reactions to Watching ‘The Matrix’ For the First Time – For The Nerds of Color, I go beyond Keanu Reeves’ brief role in “Always Be My Maybe,” as I watch and react to one of his more iconic roles from the last 20 years.

What Did I Miss? (August 12th-18th)

Published Works

First Look at STAR WARS RESISTANCE is Revealed – For YOMYOMF, I delve in on the first good look on the upcoming anime-inspired STAR WARS series, as well as speculate over who Christopher Sean will be playing.

Appearances

YOMYOMF Blockbuster Showdown: CRAZY RICH ASIANS – The Offenders and I have a 5,000-word group discussion over our thoughts on the highly anticipated “Crazy Rich Asians.”

What Did I Miss? (April 22nd-28th)

Published Works

Review of Cyan Night’s Girl Fighter – For Goodreads, I provide my thoughts and questions about this emotionally-impacting – and relate-able – novel.

COBRA KAI Strikes Attention with Unique Storytelling – For YOMYOMF, I give my take on the first two episodes on the upcoming YouTube Red series on how effective it is in continuing “The Karate Kid” story.

Anime-Inspired STAR WARS RESISTANCE Coming This Fall – For YOMYOMF, I share the announcement regarding the next “Star Wars” animated series, and shed light on one of its cast members.

Interviews

Featured Author Lauren Lola – Book Reader Magazine asks me about how I got my start in writing, my favorite authors and genres, and what An Absolute Mind is all about.