Iâm 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 experienceâhopes, dreams, and challenges. The essays reflect contemplations that opened my eyes to new perspectives on traveling. From the places Iâve visited to moments spent traveling alone or with friends, all of these have added color and meaning to my experiences.
Youâll also find essays about getting lostâthose 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 canât forget Sir Edsel of Lifebooks, who has supported my work since 2014. â¤
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copies now! This is available for 100php each here. Haha! If youâd like signed copies, just send me a DM on this page.
Yay! Iâm 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! đ 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 âAuthors’ Rampa.â 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! đ
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 Tristân 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. Hereâs 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. đ
Several months after traditionally publishing Pagsibol, I was in awed when it reached the bestsellers list in National Book Store for the month of September 2024. Who would have thought (again) that my humble work is now another bestseller. Thank you, Lord. So much to be grateful for talaga.
Pagsibol is a collection of poems and essays about growth, and self-appreciation. The contents of this book is indeed close to me. My poems here are somehow inspired by my experiences as I navigate the world with a better and lighter perspective.
From the word itself, Pagsibol, this book sprouted and bloomed because of my experiences lately about life. I hope people who will read this book will realize the value of patience and growth–that everything has its own time, really.
If you’re interested, you can still purchase this book in Shopee, Lazada, National Book Store, or even in Tiktok Shop. My publisher has made this book accessible for all. Hehe. Please support! đ
Source: National Book Store Facebook Page
As of this writing, I am working on my third poetry book. The third book is about exploring, navigating, and journeying in life with a positive outlook. đ Can you guess the title? đ
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. đ
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.
My friends and I attended the Philippine Book Festival last April 28, 2024, Sunday. It was the last day and the only day that we are available. Our travel time going there was less than an hour. Thanks to the efficient Grab driver, and the highway which made our trip convenient. (Or maybe because it was Sunday.) We arrived around 9am, just in time for the events that we were looking forward.
At the Philippine Book Festival 2024, one of the highlights for me was supporting the works of Filipino authors. A remarkable memory for me was visiting the booth of a lolo distributing flyers for his wife’s book. We saw this lolo twice, and we couldn’t be more in awe, seeing a guy promoting his wife’s book. We saw his wife’s book and it was about history.
It was also delightful to interview and converse with some authors. We met Sir Ron Camino who wrote the popular poetry book, Mga Tala at Tula. We also crossed paths with Doc Ron Baticulon who we met last MIBF 2023. We also spotted the queue for Sir Ronaldo S. Vivo. I also saw Sir Edgar Samar, the author of the Janus Silang series and one of my mentors when I was writing my thesis. We also took some photos with Sir Joselito Delos Reyes at the UST Publishing booth.
Another enjoyable moment was encountering Sir Ricky Lee, who was incredibly down-to-earth and willing to take photos. His kindness is really admirable. He never stopped smiling during that time. I also saw my favorite booktoker and he’s so approachable.
We also noticed some authors launching their zines. Among them were four friends who decided to publish their zine, titled “Alagwa”. Their work was truly captivating and affordable at 200php. I also bought three more poetry books from one of the authors.
My book haul includes two comic books, and a self-help book from Summit Media, and 3 poetry books. The rest of our stay there was just eating lots of tasty Filipino food.
Overall, it was just a joyous experience! Looking forward to attend PBF next year.
In 2019, I visited Iloilo-Guimaras and later went to Iloilo-Bacolod the same year. Looking back on these trips five years later, I noticed a change in how I approach travel.
Before, I used to pack my days with activities, always rushing from one place to another. If you’ve followed my adventures since 2019, you’d see how busy my schedule was. But now, I’ve matured. I’ve come to realize the importance of setting clear goals before traveling.
On this recent trip, my main goal was simply to relax and explore some notable spots in Iloilo and Bacolod, without feeling pressured to see everything. Instead of rushing, my companion and I decided to savor each moment, immersing ourselves in the local culture by visiting markets and taking our time to appreciate the surroundings. Sometimes, I just enjoyed observing people passing by.
Miagao Church in Iloilo – February 2024 – In 2019, I visited this church because I’ve heard so much features and stories about it. I am still amazed on how this church stands tall.
Let me tell you about our first day in Iloilo. Our flight was initially scheduled for 5:55 am but got pushed to 8:55 am. We arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 around 7:00 am, as locals are accustomed to arriving early at the airport. After grabbing a meal at McDonald’s, we headed to the terminal and waited there, passing the time with some iPad doodling. Here’s a sample of what I drew while waiting for our flight.
I am not an artist, really. But I drew this while waiting for our flight. Hope this looks good! Hehe!
The flight to Iloilo took over an hour. Upon arrival, we took a van to SM Iloilo, where we had lunch at Ted’s. Then, we inquired about getting to Garin Farm and made our way to the terminal to catch a mini-bus to Muhon Terminal.
The transportation system in Iloilo impressed me. The buses and drivers were organized, dropping passengers off at proper stops and issuing receipts, reminiscent of the modernized jeepneys proposed for Manila. However, I do worry about the impact on traditional jeepney drivers.
These are some of my favorite views in Garin Farm. Garin Farm, being called farm, needs renovation. Some animals here are so thin and food-deprived. I just hope they get the food they deserve. đ
At Muhon Terminal, we boarded a mini-bus bound for San Joaquin and got off near Garin Farm, taking a tricycle to the entrance. Though I’d been to Garin before, I’d never climbed the stairs to the top. The hike was exhausting, but the view made it worthwhile.
After exploring Garin Farm, we caught a bus to Miagao Church, one of my favorites due to its beauty and history. Then, we visited Molo Plaza, taking in the sights and enjoying street food.
Our second day in Iloilo started late with a hearty breakfast of La Paz Batchoy at La Paz Public Market. Then, we visited Jaro Cathedral before heading to the pier for our journey to Bacolod.
From L-R – 1) Barbecue during Bacolodiat Festival, 2) Calea cake and coffee 3) La Paz Batchoy 4) Puto at La Paz Iloilo
In Bacolod, we checked into our hostel and indulged in Bacolod Inasal and cake from Calea for lunch. Afterward, we visited The Ruins, easily accessible via Grab. We were fortunate to experience the Bacolodiat Festival, enjoying street food and walking along Lacson Avenue.
My favorite spots in Bacolod From L-R 1) Bell of San Sebastian Cathedral 2) San Sabastian Cathedral 3) Bacolodiat Festival 4) The Ruins
On our last day, we savored the breakfast buffet at Seda Hotel before heading to the airport. Through my travels, I’ve learned to prioritize relaxation and enjoying each destination, rather than rushing to tick off tourist spots. Traveling, to me, is about finding peace and rejuvenation.
As someone who works from home, there are times that I desire to work in a different place.
Since the pandemic, there are already lots of coffee shop that popped in Taytay. For me, a good coffee shop must have quality and consistent coffee, perfect ambiance, and great customer service experience. Most importantly work-friendly.
Here are the best coffee shops in Taytay, Rizal where I usually work.
Sihia Cafe
Sihia Cafe is located at Palmera Hills I in Taytay, Rizal. It features lots of dried flowers, hanging plants, and cute mix of wooden furnitures in their second floor. The name Sihia is derived from the three names of the owners. They are all students when they first established their coffee shop and they are so kind and approachable. My favorite drink is Mocha btw. I love how their cutie coffee shop near our place eventually grew bigger and better in Palmera Hills.
La Leonardo’s
Leonardo’s is near Telahan sa Plaza, Taytay, Rizal. What’s WFH for me without going to Leonardo’s? Leonardo’s has a Paris theme where they feature artsy and aesthetic visuals. I love how their wifi is so consistent and strong. I can even conduct classes their via MS Teams. Aside from that, their place is so chill and cool. Well-ventilated. Chairs are comfy. The crowd (whenever I go there) is usually quiet. The owner and the baristas are so approachable too. There’s a plug and a toilet as well. Everything you need from a cafe is there. (Photos are from their Facebook page.)
Created with RNI Films app. Profile ‘Kodak E 200’Created with RNI Films app. Profile ‘Kodachrome Generic v.4’
8/0 Coffee
8/0 coffee shop is 2,000-walk away from us and this is my go-to shop whenever I need strong internet, plug, and affordable coffee and pastries. This shop is in Greenwoods Executive Village (Taytay, Rizal).
I love its location and its ambiance. But what I love most is that it opens as early as 7:00am. Perfect for people who love to work in the morning. I highly recommend this to those who are near the village. It is commuter-friendly as well. So anyone coming from Taytay may consider going here.
(I don’t have very instagrammable photos here because I usually just work during my visit. But these photos are from their Facebook page.)
And that’s it. I will not gatekeep my favorite coffee shops in Taytay, Rizal. If you happen to visit Taytay, or Taytay Tiangge, I hope you could give these shops a try. All of these are just one tricycle away from Tiangge or Grab.
