I’m excited to share my latest book, “Paglayag,” which is the third installment of my Pagpag Series. This book is filled with poems and essays that highlight the value of every journey and destination in our lives.
The Beauty of Ordinary Travels
In Paglayag, I’ve fallen even more in love with poetry. Each poem expresses feelings we often experience—hopes, dreams, and challenges. The essays reflect contemplations that opened my eyes to new perspectives on traveling. From the places I’ve visited to moments spent traveling alone or with friends, all of these have added color and meaning to my experiences.
You’ll also find essays about getting lost—those moments that led me to unexpectedly beautiful sights. This really happened to me when I travelled solo. I must say that these stories mirror my journeys in life, which are not always straightforward. There are lots of detours. But still, these detours allowed me to see things I often overlook.
This book is dedicated to those who feel their journeys are ordinary. I want to show through this book that, despite simple days, there is beauty and something special hidden within. Hihi! Life is full of stories, and within each story lies a unique lesson we can carry in our hearts.
A big thank you to Kuya @darmurilloart for the meaningful book cover! Thanks also to Rizzamaruja for the illustrations that brought the pages to life. And, of course, to Ate Elizabeth Galit for her thorough proofreading. I also can’t forget Sir Edsel of Lifebooks, who has supported my work since 2014. ❤
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copies now! This is available for 100php each here. Haha! If you’d like signed copies, just send me a DM on this page.
Yay! I’m just so happy! I hope you continue to support my books. Thank you all! :))
Hello, friends, and readers. It’s been three months since I last posted here in WordPress. I hope you still remember me. I didn’t have any 2024 yearend review because I finished the year writing and revising a manuscript for my beloved publisher. I know that there is no valid excuse, but yeah, just sharing.
I am typing this blog while enjoying my Iced Mocha in Panglao, Bohol. I finally have the inspiration to write a blog about my recent books. But, I am praying to cultivate discipline in writing blogs for this year. Anyways, I would like to share to you that I have recently released my books! Paghilom Harbound, Ang Kampana sa Pagkatha/Iska Dipasupil Thesis Edition, and Paano Mag-move on? Second edition.
Paghilom was first written and self-published in 2022. It was published by Lifebooks in 2023, and recently, Lifebooks released its hardbound. What a great way to start the year, right? I received its copy last January. The hardbound version is so cute!
I am still thrilled to share that I have received my copy of UP Likhaan Institute of Creative Writing Special Issue, featuring my thesis, Ang Kampana sa Pagkatha, Si Iska Dipasupil at ang Nawawalang Kampana. This was written in 2022. I defended it online during the pandemic season.
Paano Mag-move On? Second Edition has been released by Lifebooks, too. This book was first published by St. Paul’s in 2016. They gave back the rights to the book after some time. I am happy with the new cover of Paano Mag-move On? as it really resonates the message of the book. Also, this book is already updated. I revised the parts that need to be updated since it was written more than ten years ago. I am grateful to Lifebooks for accepting this manuscript.
Moreover, my publisher has also a promo for my three books. Paano Mag-move On? is not the third book for my Pagpag Series ha. But if you are considering to read my books, you may purchase here.
I am writing this post with a grateful heart. Swear. I never thought of achieving these milestones. Please continue praying for me that I may use my talent to serve other people. Hehe! 🙂 More books to come! <3
Pinoy Indie Authors Collaboration has recently held another book launch. PIAC is on its third collaboration already. This time, the theme is about Super Hero Teen Kapre.
The charming and intimate book launch was held at Ambergris Cafe in Pasig on December 1, 2024. The cafe space was inviting, featuring soft lighting that created a relaxed atmosphere, giving off chill vibes.
The program started with an “Authors’ Rampa.” Basically, we just entered the venue with our books. The background song was related to heroes too. We had a fun host, Elmo, who facilitated the authors’ reading of their excerpts, their blurbs, and the quick-fire Q&A session. There were exciting raffle and special prizes too. There was a fast talk part which we all loved.
I have attended a lot of book launches, but this launch was so intimate and homey. Each author was accompanied by their family members and their closest friends. Everyone really had a support system.
I love it that it was done that way. There was a warmth in the room, making it feel like a celebration of community rather than just an event. There’s no huge crowd, etc.
I hope I can still join the next collaboration. It would be great to see how the theme evolves and what new stories emerge from our talented indie authors! 🙂
Ready to support us? You can check our page to order our books.
Hello, readers. Here’s a life update. I recently attended the prestigious University of the Philippines Writers Night on November 28, 2024, at the Gimenez Gallery in UP Diliman, Quezon City. Writers who participated in the UP Likhaan Institute of Creative Writing’s seminars and workshops were invited to join. Additionally, there were also distinguished writers who graced the event.
If you remember, I was one of the 2024 Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio Writing Workshop Fellows last July, so I had the chance to attend this event. I also participated because I read an excerpt from my Young Adult novel, Iska Dipasupil at Nawawalang Kampana. This novel was my MA thesis and was published by Likhaan in their 18th Journal Special Issue.
Upon arriving, I immediately saw various publishers selling books. Ateneo Press, UST Press, and UP Press were among them. Zines were also available. The Gimenez Gallery was filled with readers and members of the literary community. I was part of the crowd too! I must say that I can genuinely call myself a writer. Yay!
The program started at 6:00 PM. There were welcoming remarks by Dr. Vlad, my professor. The event was headed by Sir Charlson Ong, another established Filipino writer. The hosts were Trist’n and Hanna, who participated in the UP National Writers Workshop this year.
There were book launches, including titles from the Philippine Writers Series and the Philippine Translation Series. Likhaan Journal’s English and Filipino Special Issues were also released.
Here’s my photo reading my book’s excerpt:
Quick story: Si Iska Dipasupil at ang Nawawalang Kampana is a Young Adult novel featured at this event. My thesis adviser, Dr. Eugene Evasco, gave me a beautiful and meaningful introduction. Here’s a part of his introduction:
“Ang kanyang mga akda ay isang imbitasyon sa kabataan na mahumaling, maaliw, at manalig sa pagbabasa. Ang paraan, wika, at paksa ng kanyang panulat ay paraan upang bumuklat ng aklat ang kabataang nag-aalangang magbasa. Sa maingat na pagpapalano ng isang nobela, makakapaghatid si Derla ng aliw at ng aral.” – Dr. Eugene Evasco (2024), on my novel Si Iska at ang Nawawalang Kampana.
IMAGINE MY KILIG WHEN I READ AND HEARD THIS! Who am I, really? Huhu. I am thankful for this experience. This is my first UPWN, and I hope it won’t be my last. 🙂
I recently joined the 8th Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio Writers Workshop organized by UP Likhaan Institute of Creative Writing. Full post here. Gusto ko lang i-share sa post na ito ang mga mahahalagang takeaways ko mula sa workshop na mahalaga sa pagsusulat ng kuwentong pambata.
Ang ipinasa ko pala sa workshop na ito ay pinamagatang “Ang Bungisngis na Naipit sa Jeep” at “Ang Kaibigan Kong Bakunawa” na parehong may bidang batang babae. Saka ko na lang i-reveal ‘yung plot kapag na-revise ko na at nabalikan ko na uli.
Ito pala ang larawan naming 12 fellows kasama ang aming mabubuting panelists at workshop director.
Napili ko ang Bakunawa at Bungisngis dahil medyo pamilyar na ako sa dalawang ito gawa na rin ng bahagi sila ng MA thesis ko. Sa workshop namin, nagbahagi ang mga panelists at co-fellows ko ng suhestyon kung paano pang mas mapapaganda ang dalawa kong maikling kuwento.
Nabanggit ng discussant ko na medyo corny talaga yung jokes ko. Aminado talaga ako dito. Pero oportunidad ito para mas mahasa pa ang part na ito ng pagsusulat ko. Bukod rito, marami pa akong takeaways mula sa mga panelists namin. Narito ang ilan.
Mula kay Sir Cheeno. Kailangan, kapag sumuway ang character, may malalim na motivation.
Dapat may ma-contribute yung bata.
Dapat may nagbago sa character.
Dapat may journey din yung mythical character.
Mula kay Sir Eugene: Natuwa siya na inilarawan ko ang amoy. Kaya, dapat ko rin daw ilarawan pa ang tunog. Pagyamanin pa ang environmental na tunguhin. I-improve ko rin daw ang jokes.
Mula kay Ma’am Luna: Sabi niya. Para raw siyang nagbabasa ng Chronicles of Narnia. Pak. At, sinabi niya ring gusto niya ang pagka-fearless ng mga bidang babae. Quotable quotes rin mula sa kanya na:
L-R: Sir Vlad Gonzales, Ma’am Wena Festin, Sir Eugene Evasco, Ma’am Lalaine Aquino, Ma’am China de Vera, Sir Cheeno Sayuno, Ma’am Carla Pacis, Sir Joey Baquiran. Larawan kuha ni Angel Beran. Co-fellow.
Stories do not speak to the kids. They also speak to the inner child in us. – Ma’am Luna
Mula kay Ma’am Lalaine: Piliin ang age group ng mambabasa. Makatutulong ang knowing your audience pagdating sa pagsusulat. Lagyan pa ng twist. Bigyan rin ng magandang motivation ang character.
Mula kay Ma’am China: Huwag gawing token lang ang social issues. What do you want to stand for? Ingatan na huwag maging backdrop lang ang issues ng lupunan. Iangkop rin ang kuwento sa mambabasa.
Mula kay Ma’am Wena: Gaano kalaki kaya ang bata para hindi masugatan? Napansin niya ring matapang ang bata na pumunta sa mga mapanganib na lugar. Ano rin kaya ang kakayahan ng bata sa ganitong edad. Saan nilagay ang basura.
Mula kay Ma’am Carla. Winner daw. Pero pagtibayin ko pa raw ang environmental issues na tinalakay sa isa kong kuwento. Natawa rin si Ma’am sa joke pero feeling ko kailangan ko pang galingan sa side na ‘to.
Maraming makabuluhang sinabi si Sir Vlad tungkol sa kuwento. Tungkol sa: Usapin ng paglayo at paglapit ; Usapin ng pagbubura at paglalantad; Teknikal na Kahingian.Â
Ito na so far ang pinakamakabuluhang writing workshop na nadaluhan ko. Looking forward pang magbasa, magsulat, at matuto. 🙂
Long post ahead! Tungkol ito sa karanasan ko bilang isang fellow sa isang national workshop.
Paano ba ito nagsimula?
Wala talaga sa hinuha ko na matatanggap ako at ang akda ko sa isang national workshop–lalo pa sa Amelia Lapena Bonifacio Writers Workshop na organized by UP Likhaan Institute of Creative Writing. Alam ko kasi sa sarili ko na isa lang akong simpleng manunulat. Lowkey lang ganon.Â
Kaya ang saya lang sa pakiramdam na makatanggap ng acceptance letter noong July tungkol sa pagkakabilang sa 12 fellows sa national workshop gaya nito. Binasa ko nga nang maigi ‘yung email, baka kasi mali lang ako ng pagkakaintindi. Pero hindi e. Kim Derla talaga. Ako talaga ang natanggap.
Kung matagal mo nang binabasa ang blog ko rito sa WordPress, siguro may idea ka na rin na 2012 pa lang, nagsusulat na ako. 2024 na ngayon at lagi pa rin akong bukas sa pag-aaral ng maraming bagay tungkol sa pagsusulat at sa panitikan. Naks! Simula noong Wattpad days ko, hindi ako humintong matuto sa pagsusulat.
Fellow na talaga ko. Game.
Maraming nangyari noong workshop. Pero nag-sink in sa akin lahat na kasama talaga ako sa workshop noong sumampa na kami sa bus. Imagine. Higit 30 kaming sakay ng bus. 12 fellows. 6 na panelists. 1 workshop director. At ang buong staff ng ICW ng UP. Wala akong close ni isa man sa kanila. Naging professor ko yung ilan, pero syempre, estudyante-guro lang ang pagkakakilala ko noon sa kanila. Hindi (pa) bilang kapwa manunulat.
Larawan mula sa pahina ng UP Likhaan ICW Facebook page.
Noong tumapak na ako sa loob ng bus. Nasabi ko talaga sa sarili ko. Workshop mode on na talaga. Pinagmasdan ko rin ‘yung mga kasama ko sa bus. May mga nakangiti, mukhang approachable, may mukhang introvert, at may mga magkakilala na.Â
Bilang INFJ, kinakapa ko pa kung anong personalidad ko ang gagamitin ko sa limang araw. Magiging happy kid ba ako o serious mode lagi. (Pero guess what aling personality napili ko. HAHA.)
Day 1 – Preliminaries – Teatro Mulat Tour and Boso-Boso Highlands ModeÂ
Pumunta muna kami sa naging Teatro slash Tahanan ni Ma’am Amelia. Si Ma’am Amihan, anak niya, ang nag-tour sa amin doon. Pinakita niya ang ilang artifacts na gamit nila sa teatro, at pinakita rin nila ang tanghalan nila. Ang cute lang kasi parang lowkey version siya ng tanghalan sa Makati.
Lumalakas na ang ulan. Naambunan kami noong bumalik kami sa bus. Tuloy pa rin ang biyahe paakyat ng Antipolo. Nakatulog ako sa biyahe. Pagkagising ko, malapit na kami sa venue. Nakapunta na ako sa Boso-Boso Highlands noon kaya hindi na bago sa akin ang lugar at syempre, ang kape doon.
Hinayaan muna kaming makapagpahinga at makapaglagay ng mga gamit sa kanya-kanya naming silid. Si KP ang kasama ko sa silid. Pagkatapos naming maglapag ng gamit, bumalik kami sa session hall para mag-meryenda. May konting orientation mula sa organizers. Alas-dose ng tanghali, kumain uli kami ng lunch. Pinagpahinga kami hanggang 2pm.
Consistent ang lakas ng ulan. Bumalik kami sa hall ng alas-dos. Nagkaroon pa rin ng settings of expectations at pagpapakilala sa sarili. Dito. Hindi ko mapigilan talagang maging ako lang. Yung palatawa, at palaging nagbibiro. Okay hindi ko na talaga ito maaalis sa sarili ko. Natapos ang mga orientation noong 5:30 ng hapon. Maaga kaming kumain ng hapunan.
Pero hindi pa kami natulog agad. Nagkayayaan ang ilan sa amin na uminom ng tsokolate sa kapihan sa may lobby. Hindi ako chocolate drink fan pero go tayo rito dahil nakakadalawang tasa na ako ng kape sa araw na ‘to. Nakakuwentuhan ko ang ilan sa fellows. Sina KP, Eron, Joseph, Lawrence, Lourd, Wilfredo. Nagpapahinga na siguro ang ibang fellows noong oras na ito. Dito nagtapos ang unang araw.Â
Day 2 – Ang araw noong akda ko’y gisahin.
Isang linggo bago ang workshop, natanggap namin ang workshop materials kung saan nandoon ang mga akdang tula at kuwento ng kasama ko. Expected kaming lahat na basahin iyon bago sumalang. Doon ko rin nakita, sa file na ‘yon, na ako ang unang nakasalang. Like huyyyy! Lowkey nagulat ako kasi yung kwento ko tungkol sa Bungisngis ang unang-una sa mga babasahin.
Aminado akong hindi talaga ako magaling at perfect magsulat. Siguro, happy writing lang talaga kasi ako. Pero ayun na nga. Unang-una yung dalawang maikling kwento ko. Paano ba to.
7:00AM kami nag-almusal sa ikalawang araw. 8:00AM naman nagsimula ang unang Craft Lecture or Discussion ni Sir Eugene Y. Evasco. By the way, readers, si Sir rin ang lodicakes ko sa pagsusulat ng kuwentong pambata. Ibang level naman talaga ang husay at wisdom ni Sir sa side na ito ng panitikan.
8:30AM naman ako naka-schedule na isalang. HAYYY. Ang kaba ko talaga dahil: a) unang writing workshop ko ito b) kuwento ko ang unang ipapalihan at letter c) alam kong ang dami ko pang dapat ayusin sa narrative ko at sa lahat pa ng bagay na may kaugnayan sa malikhaing pagsusulat.
Moderator ko si Sir Vlad Gonzales. Isa pang lodicakes sa experimental writing, at sa popular culture na side ng panitikan. Naks. Sobrang bait at humble ni Sir. Wala akong masabi. Bilang moderator, alam kong naniniwala siya sa akin haha at sa aking mga akda. Pakiramdam ko. Isa akong manok noon na nilapag na sa kalaban sa sabong.
Si Kei ang discussant ko. Sa palihan pala, may isang fellow na magiging discussant. Siya ang mag-iisa-isa ng mga dapat pang pagandahin sa mga sinulat ko. Maganda lahat ng puntos na sinabi ni Kei. Kaya niyang magdiscuss ng akda ng higit sa 20 minuto–na siyang pabor talaga sa akin kasi ang dami ko pa palang pwedeng ayusin sa akda ko. Medyo gulat lang si aquoh dahil parang panabong na manok akong ano pilay na. Haha. Pero isa ito sa pinakamagandang experience na nakuha ko ng libre ha! Kei, kung nababasa mo man ‘to, di ako galit.
Mas lumakas na ang ulan noong ako ang nakasalang. Bumubulong na ang hangin. Dinig na rin ang pagpatak ng ulan. Kita na rin sa salamin ang mga nagsasayawang sanga ng puno sa labas. Mainit pa rin ang kape hihi. Nagbigay na rin ng iba pang suhestyon at puna ang mga kapwa ko fellows. Syempre, makabuluhan rin ang mga feedback mula sa mga panelists. May hiwalay akong post tungkol rito.
Natapos ang diskusyon ng 10:00AM. Medyo humupa ang ulan ng oras na ito pero hindi muna nag-post ang ICW ng updates tungkol sa workshop dahil baha na pala sa kapatagan. Nakatanggap na rin ako ng chat sa kapatid kong huwag munang umuwi dahil lahat ng kalsada papunta sa amin ay mataas na ang tubig. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag. 10:30am, ako naman ang discussant. Si Ma’am Carla Pacis naman ang moderator.Â
Lumalakas muli ang ulan pero tuloy ang palihan sa mga akda ni KP. Natapos kami sa kanya noong 12:00noon, sakto, lunch naman hanggang 1:00pm. Pagkatapos ng tanghalian, may craft lecture rin at nagpatuloy rin naman sa palihan pagkatapos.
Ang isa sa gusto ko sa pagiging una ay makakatulog na ako nang maayos noong gabing iyon. Kaya ko nang mas mag-chill sa kapihan nang may chocolate drink na hindi nag-ooverthink na ako ang isasalang bukas.
Day 3 – Maulan at Malamig na Araw
Pinagpapasalamat ko pa ring una ako sa mga na-workshop dahil kinabukasan, hindi ko na kailangang mag-isip nang malala at mag-overthink. Tapos na rin ako na maging discussant kaya relaxed na lang talaga ako sa mga sumunod na araw.
Ang mga craft lectures para sa araw na ito ay Ethics in Retelling and Adaptation of Folklore ni Sir Cheeno at Creative Process of Adapting Children’s Plays and Reimagining Folklore. Nagkaroon pa rin ng palihan sa araw na ito. Halos lahat ng akda sa araw na ito ay tula. Kaya marami akong natutuhan sa araw na ito dahil aspiring poet talaga ako noong sinulat ko ‘yung Paghilom. Kahit maikling kuwento ang pinasa ko, ang dami kong notes sa pagsusulat ng tula. Plano kong gamitin ito sa mga susunod na akda ko sa susunod na libro.
Maulan pa rin noong araw na ito, pero mas mahina na kumpara kahapon. Nag-hello na rin sa amin ang Haring Araw at ilang ulap. Pagkatapos ng workshop pala, nagkaroon na kami ng oras para mag-swimming. Nag-planning na rin kami para sa aming performance para sa Day 4 – Graduation namin.
Ang dami ko nang pictures sa araw na ito. Pansin mo? Hindi na kasi ako kabado. Haha.
Day 4 – Nagpakita na sa wakas ang araw.
Nakakatuwa dahil sa ikaapat na araw, nagpakita na si Haring Araw. Nagkaroon na rin kami ng chance na magkaroon nang mas magandang larawan sa may overlooking ng Boso-Boso Highlands. Mas chill na kami ngayong araw dahil alam namin na halos patapos na rin ang mga workshops.
Para sa araw naman na ito, ang mga naging craft lecture ay The Socio-Politically Aware Writer: Ideology in Children’s Literature ni Ma’am Lalaine, Inventing New Folklore ni Ma’am Carla Pacis, at Publishing Folktales for Children ni Ma’am China. Kagaya ng nakagawian, nagkaroon pa rin ng mga palihan in between.
Nang matapos ang lahat ng lecture at workshop, nagkaroon kami ng saglit na picture taking. Narito ang ilang larawan kasama ang fellows at mga panelists. Sobrang gaan kasama ng lahat ng nasa workshop na ito. Mula sa staff ng ICW at sa mga kapwa manunulat, lahat sila open and parang kakilala na kaagad. Hindi rin ako nahirapang mag-adjust dahil lahat sila approachable at friendly rin.
Day 4 – Mahabang Gabi ng Kuwentuhan at Pasasalamat
Pagkatapos ng mga palihan, nagkaroon kami ng evaluation tungkol sa workshop. Alas-siyete na ito natapos. Kinuha namin ang oras na ito para makapag-practice para sa aming presentation para sa maiksing graduation program na alas-otso naman nagsimula.
Ang cute lang dahil ang napiling presentation ng aming grupo ay base sa maikling kuwentong pinasa ko–yung tungkol sa Bungisngis na Naipit sa Jeep. Mula rito ang premise, pero ang galing ng mga kasama ko dahil nagawan nila lahat ng paraan para mapaganda pa ‘yung mini puppetry show namin. Tinawag namin ang grupo na Teatro Dilat.
Nang mag-alas-otso na, pumunta na kami sa venue. Nagsimula na rin ang programa. Nagsalita ang mga organizers ng workshop. Nagbigay ng mensahe na pagpapasalamat. Hindi nagtagal, tinawag na rin kami isa-isa para ibigay ang kanya-kanyan naming certificate. Sobrang saya ko nang matanggap ko na ang akin. First time ko makatanggap ng ganitong certificate. Grabeng blessing.
Pero higit pa rito, sobrang natuwa ako sa mga nangyari, sa mga natutuhan, at sa pagkakaibigan. Good news rin pala na Likhaan UP ICW rin ang maglalabas ng aking akda, na sinulat ko para sa aking thesis.
Wala nang entry para sa Day 5 dahil nagkaroon na kami ng kanya-kanyang oras nito para magligpit at maghanda na sa pag-uwi. Ako naman, nagkape lang uli ako sa lobby. Nakuhaan pa nga ng larawan ng kaibigan. Sinulatan ko lang tong larawan na kuha sa digicam ni Angel, at pinost ko rin pala sa fb ko.
Hayyy… Buhay! Ang saya balikan ng isang linggong workshop na ito. Nami-miss ko ang view sa Boso-Boso, ang pagkain araw-araw, ang kuwentuhan, at ang unlimited coffee.
Muli, pasasalamat sa Workshop Director na si Sir Eugene Evasco, ICW Director na si Sir Joey, ICW Deputy Director na si Sir Vlad, sa mga panelists, at sa mga ICW staff na may mabubuting puso. Hangad ko lagi ang kasiyahan ninyo (kung mababasa niyo man ‘to sa hinaharap). Sana lagi kayong masaya. Mahal namin kayo.
Panalangin ko sana, ma-revise ko kaagad ang aking maikling kuwento, mailathala ito, at maka-attend pa ng workshop gaya nito.
Manila International Book Fair has been one of the most important events for me as a bookworm. We always look forward for September because of this event. It is a celebration of books, and everyone’s love for reading.
There is always something to look forward during MIBF season. Last year, we did not have much activities because only few publishers and bookstores were there. So this year, we taught of the same. We did not expect that much. But still, Ate Beth and I was still so excited about it.
Tim Hortons First
We left at 7:30am in the morning. Since we would be going there via Grab, we knew that it’s just gonna be a quick ride.
When we got around SM MOA, we headed to Tim Hortons first as part of our MIBF ritual. We had our breakfast and coffee there. We did some shoot for Ate Beth’s work.
Book Signings and Everything in Between
We entered the hall at 10:00am. For some reasons, the first booth that we visited was a publisher from China. We enjoyed the calligraphy session there given by the Chinese teacher.
Then, after that, we headed to the University of the Philippines Press for my professor’s book signing (or shall I say professors’).
They recently published a book dedicated for Ma’am Tet Maceda. It is a compilation of poems, fiction, and essays for her. Professors Vlad Gonzales, Will Ortiz, and Rowena Festin were there to sign books.
After that book signing, we roam around the place. We visited different publishers and scanned their collection of books.
I also got a chance to meet Sir Charles Ong who wrote the book White Lady, Black Christ. He was so kind to sign our books. Then, went to Sir Ricky Lee’s booth and bought shirt because we already have copies of all his books.
While we were roaming around, we also got a chance to meet the author of Mga Tala at Tula, Ron Camino. I had a picture with him and asked him some writing-related questions. He was so down to earth and isn’t snobbish (unlike some). He willingly answered all our questions. Super bait!
We decided to go there on a Saturday to have our book, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All, signed by its author, Dr. Ron Baticulon. We lined up so early, so we got the third spot for his book signing. We was also so bait and humble. He asked us some questions before signing our books. (Mahilig ata talaga magtanong ang mga doktor no?)
Some of the Booths We Visited
We passed by most of the booths, we believe. We saw the creative booth of Vibal and sat on their sofas. We passed by the long booth of Lampara and Precious Herts. We saw the long lines of readers lining up for Sir Egay at Ateneo De Manila University Press.
There was also a long queue at JSD Publishing, PSICOM, Pop Fiction, and at KaJo Baldisimo’s booth.
Walking for straight three hours will surely make us visit most of the publishers. But, here are some of the publishers we visited and we looked at willingly. MIBF 2023 is filled with publishers. Hence, going there for a day isn’t enough I guess.
Adarna Books
8Letters Bookstore and Publishing
Ricky Lee’s Booth
Balangay Books (Indie Publisher)
St. Paul’s, of course!
UP Press
Feast Books
Milflores Books
Tahanan Books
Jerico Silver’s Publishingy
Reading China
Takeaways!
I hope I could write another book next year so I have something to sell next MIBF. Hehe. Yep. That’s the only takeaway.
(This is just a short and quick post about my Meet and Greet last July. For documentation purposes.)
This is a super late post about my book signing for the Grand Pinoy Lit Fan Con last July 1, 2023, in NBS College, Quezon City. It is my first book signing for Paghilom which is now published under Lifebooks. Promoting my books is not really my forte, but I managed to send a video of myself, inviting my readers to join me in this event. How fun and cool is that. Haha.
There were different publishers and writers who are present in the said event. I am lucky to be one of the chosen authors of Lifebooks. 🙂 At first, I was so scared that nobody would join my meet and greet. My friends and I even joked about it. At least, I have two companions who would buy my books, and line up, just in case, nobody attends my meet and greet.
I am so blessed to be accompanied by my friends, Ate Beth, and Cha. Both of them are my closest friends hihi. Thank you for pushing me do things that are usually nakakahiya for me.
At first, I thought the book signing would be cancelled because of the heavy rain. Thank God, the rain stopped, and some readers attended my meet and greet. Would you believe that the room where I talked about my books was filled with audience. Napuno rin yung room and I am truly grateful for that.
I will always be grateful for this kind of experience. It has been a long time since I last publish a book no? But I will take my time for now. I know, someday, I could get back to writing again. For now, I will enjoy what is currently happening in my life.
This is the second part of my post about World Youth Day 2023. Here, I will be writing about my experience during the World Youth Day Proper which happened from August 1, 2023 to August 6, 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal.
We arrived in Canecas, Portugal on July 31 afternoon. Some of our co-pilgrim were fostered in a school. I was fostered with three girl co-pilgrims to a Portuguese Family who lives near the parish that hosted us. There were also ten boys who stayed in a foster home. What I love most about this day was our four-hour travel from Tavira to Lisbon, then another Uber-ride from Siete Rios to Canecas.
August 1 – Opening Mass 19:00
The next day, August 1, was the start of the WYD proper. There was a Welcoming Mass in the afternoon. In the morning, we visited some tourist spots in Belem. We also participated in the Vocation Festival.
During the Opening Mass at Colino de Encontro (Parque Eduardo VII), the presider reminded us “When the heart is filled, it overflows. Let us learn from Mary to greet every person with sincerity.”
Before reaching the spot were we stayed during the Opening Mass, we literally passed by several lots first. We stepped on some stuff and some pilgrims as well. (Sorry, friends.) We walked a lot when the program ended. This was just the beginning of the other endless walks that we have to face.
August 2 – Rise Up Encounters
This is Canecas in Lisbon, Portugal. It is two-hour travel going to the main venues. But, we didn’t mind travelling far because we are so blessed to experience the meaningful pilgrimage from this beautiful town.
For our Rise Up Encounters, we decided to follow where Cardinal Tagle would be. For this day, he was in Cascais. Cascais offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and leisure activities.Â
From Canecas, we rode train and buses to reach Cascais. It took us two hours to go to the church where Cardinal Tagle would be giving a talk and pesiding the Mass. I love how warm and affirming his words are.
Here’s what I love most about his homily:
When you have good news, you cannot keep it to yourself. When you encounter God, your face changes. Open your heart. Show your face to the Lord.Â
If we meet the Lord, our priorities change. How we make decisions, change. When you find your priority, you should be willing to let go of others.Â
The encounter with the Lord can be disturbing. He wants us to choose. Is he the priority? If so, would we be willing to let go of others? Go home with joy because you have found the Lord.Â
After that, we went back to Belem and visited the Vocation Festival Sites again. We also tried the pastel that is really hyped in Belem.
August 3, 2023 – 17:45 Welcome Ceremony
Before we headed to the Welcoming Ceremony, we attended the Catechesis near San Antonio de Lisboa first. It took us more than an hour again to reach this wonderful cathedral. This was one of the highlights of my journey. Merely seeing this church made me feel that my WYD is already complete! The details and interiors of this church is just so superb.
St. Anthony was born in 1195 in Lisbon. He became very famous both in Portugal and Italy during his life and he was canonized in 1232, only one year after his death, in Padua. Source here.
I know I needed a photo here because this side was so scenic and nostalgic for some reasons. The cobble stones, the streets, and the railway here just illuminates how rich their culture is.
After attending the English Mass here, we headed back to the main venue for the Welcoming Program. And you know whaaaat, we saw Pope Francis there. He passed right before us! We couldn’t contain the join of seeing him. We just cried after he passed. What a wonderful experience. That completed really my experience.
August 4 – Way of the Cross 18:00
Before we joined the main even for August 4, we went to Cristo Rei. It is a Catholic monument and shrine dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ overlooking the city of Lisbon situated in Almada, Portugal.
Going to Cristo Rei required us to hike and walk for miles. But the view there was worth the hiking. Hehe.
After our quick trip here, we planned to head to the main venue. However, the buses were all full. We waited for quite some time before riding the bus. Hehe. There was an unfortunate thing that happened to us back then, but this unfortunate event led us to meeting this family in their restaurant A Senhorita where we ate our lunch.
And here’s our picture during the Way of the Cross.
August 5-6 – Vigil and Missioning Mass with Pope Francis at Campo de Graca
After two weeks of participating in various activities, we finally reached the highlight of World Youth Day. That is the Vigil and the Missioning Mass with Pope Francis. We need to be at the venue early. So we left our home in Canecas early in the morning, and headed to the field where the vigil and mass will be held.
Going there was a challenge. Walking with thousands of people will surely test your patience. But thank God for the strength and health. Everyone in our group succeeded in walking to the venue.
Our delegation lined up into two. All of us did our best to catch up since walking with tall Europeans and Latinas was really something fun. I mean, we were smaller and shorter than them. So it was like if we don’t walk fast, we’ll be drowned.
We settled down in a good location. It was near the tree. Somehow, we had a shade.
Here are some of the photos of my co-pilgrims and during the vigil.
Here is my favorite part of Pope Francis’ Homily. There’s more here.
“Yet, I would like to tell you that we do not radiate light by putting ourselves in the spotlight, for that type of light is blinding. No, we cannot illumine others by projecting a perfect, well-ordered. No, we radiate light – we shine – by welcoming Jesus into our hearts and learning to love as he does.”
Pope Francis, World Youth Day 2023
Here’s my photo after the Missioning Mass. You know. My heart is indeed full of love and inspiration from the Vigil and the Mass. I know that this experience will be something I will truly treasure for the rest of my life. I may grow old and have white hair, but someday, I will be proud to narrate this story to the future generation.
While writing this post, I am emotional, too. Behind my smile in this photo, I faced a lot of difficulties and moments of giving up already. But God is good. His name is truly mercy. He never allowed me to give up. He was with me every step of the way. I know that in the future, this experience will surely help me make kind decisions.
It has been a long time since I last posted something long in my blog. Hehe. Well, I finally gathered all the courage I need to sum up my meaningful experience in the recently held World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Who would have thought that I would be able to participate in this worldwide event.
Everything is grace.
World Youth Day happens every two years. Because of the pandemic, it was temporarily postponed. When announcements about its resumption were posted online, I couldn’t help myself but to feel excited and thrilled about it. It is my dream after joining the Diocesan and National Youth Day. I always tell myself that I should join the WYD.
Seeing some of my friends participate in the WYD. I thought that the process was easy. However, in our diocese, we need to really prepare for about eight months. We started our formations, retreats, and meetings since November. Our organizing committee was so strict about the attendance. We are not allowed to be absent twice. But this formation allowed us to be prepared and equipped with the right mindset before joining the WYD.
We worked on our visa applications last June. I must say that this nerve-cracking application was so stressful. Nobody knows whose visa will be approved or denied.
Flight and Arrival
We took the plane from Manila to Dubai, then Dubai to Lisbon. That was more than 30 hours, considering all the time zone adjustments, layovers, and waiting time.Â
Our group photo after
We were given two complete set of meals. These meals are soooo tasty and fun to look at. It was prepared with care. Even if my taste buds were not familiar with some ingredients, I learned how to savor this new experience.Â
On Transfer Flights
While we were transferring from one place to another, we saw a lot of delegates from other dioceses as well. Some are from Manila, Cebu, and Pasig. We were making loud noises because we just feel like we ought to say hi or hello to our kabayans.Â
This was our first photo in Dubai International Airport.
Moreover, aside from other delegates, when we passed by some shops in Dubai, some store clerks are saying hello to us in Filipino as well. They are asking where are we going. Some airports staff were also saying hello to us and even asking us some Tagalog words.
There were wash rooms for showering and for hygienic needs. I think I need more practice in keeping myself clean quickly.
First Impressions
After 8 hours of travel from Dubai, we finally reached Lisbon. We were welcomed by their clean airport, and white halls. There was a huge JMJ logo that reminded us that we finally arrived at Lisbon Airport.Â
We arrived at Lisbon! Yehey!
The immigration welcomed us with a smile, as we easily showed our passports and bid farewell to them. We headed to our next destination.
From the airport, we rode the train and head on to Siete Rios where a bus station is located. From the bus station, we rode a bus going to Tavira. This place in Portugal will be our host for the Days in the Diocese. This was four hours away from the main city. We slept on our way to our host diocese.
After four hours of travel, we finally arrived at Tavira. Some volunteers fetched us and led us going to the main venue. I thought everything was going to run smoothly. We had a hard time pushing our luggages because of the cobble stones in the city. But I am not complaining. I try to see Jesus in every difficulty I face.Â
We arrived at a school, and we stayed in a school gym. Our DiD kits were given. We were given a bag, lunch box, and water bottle. Surprisingly, all our meals will be put in the lunch box given to us. We need to wash the food containers every time we need to eat.Â
This 30+ hours flight really humbled me. I realized that I am just a small dot in this world. That there is so much bigger world out there that I have yet to see! 🙂
Days in the Diocese Highlights
Days in the Diocese is like a pre-world youth day program where we have to stay for a week in a specific diocese in Portugal. In our case, we were assigned to stay at Algarve, Tavira.
Algarve, Tavira is a wonderful place. We arrived earlier on the official date so we have a lot of time exploring the place.
Algarve, Tavira is a seaside town that straddles the Gilão River via an old Roman bridge. There are obblestone streets, hilltop castle, and a lot of churches. Golden beaches are just one boat-ride away.
1. Cultural Presentations and Welcoming Program
This was conducted during the third day of Days in the Diocese. Our delegation presented “Tayo na sa Antipolo.” Watch it here. We also danced La Copa de Todos. There were also other nine countries who were with us that time. Some were from Mexico, Mozambique, South Korea, Canada, and some French-speaking countries. (Sorry I forgot.)
What I love about their presentations was their uniqueness and creativity. Everyone wore their national costume, and presented dances and songs gracefully. Everyone hyped them up. The crowd was indeed joyful and participative. Everyone was so proud of the richness of their roots and culture.
I realized that even though our cultures were different, we all have similarity—and that is the culture of joy.Â
2.Immersion in Tavira (Skate Park)
We were divided to several groups for our immersion. Some went at the beach to clean, some went to a nursing facility, and our group went to clean a skate park. I belong to Group 5.
Our task was to pick up rubbish in their skate park. From our venue, it was a 20-minute walk. It was so hot and the weather was not so conducive for walking. Still, we finished cleaning.Â
It was so difficult to clean especially if every corner was already clean and tidy. Still, we forced ourselves to look for trash, no matter how small was it.
After the clean up, we talked to our groupmates and fellow pilgrims. We exchanged tokens and asked about our backgrounds. It was a fun conversation. Everyone seemed so welcoming and nice.
Aside from cleaning, we also had cultural immersion. Again, we were divided into groups and were assigned to different activities. My cultural immersion was a train ride around Tavira. We joined a group tour and saw some unique places in our location. It was a fun experience.
After the train ride, we joined the Zumba at the public park. We also ate ice cream, tried their iced coffee, and bought some post cards.
3. Send-Off Mass for the World Youth Day Proper
We joined the bigger group this time. There were thousands of pilgrims during the send-off mass. Still, everyone was so welcoming and warm. They all greeted us with smile. We exchanged tokens. We talked. We took photos with them. Then, after that, the Mass started.Â
What I love most about the homily is this:
“My dear young people, if I send you as pilgrims to WYD, I ask you to return to your countries as missionary disciples. Whoever leaves as pilgrims and meets Christ, never returns with an empty heart. He returns as a heart full of Christ.”
General Thoughts:Â
We all love the people in Tavira. They are so accommodating. In one of our masses, a neighbor of their chapel gave us refreshing ice cold water. It was so helpful that time since the heat was scourging.
Moreover, I also love how each one of us communicated despite not knowing the same language. I believe we all communicated through the language of love.
I love the entire city. It was a reflection of the wonderful culture of Portugal. All houses have tiles on their walls. Their stones on the road are so sturdy. Everyone values sleep and siesta.Â
I have a lot of takeaways and new learning. As I’ve met new people, I realized that I have to be more open and warm to other people. I confess that I tend to be an exclusive person sometimes. I believe that a faithful Christian welcomes fellow pilgrims with a cheerful heart. Just like how Mary greeted Elizabeth. She greeted her with sincerity.
I will be writing about the World Youth Day 2023 Proper next. Stay tuned? 🙂
