NEW FREE BOOK ALERT: The Ice Tinker

 

In an alternate world full of gears and dreams, the Ice Queen rules her kingdom with regal grace. Her daughter, Marie Rose, a lonely tinker girl, embarks on a daring journey from the icy realm to Neo Industrial London. Guided by a mechanical locket, she uncovers her father's fate beneath the Steam Theatre's grand facade. A steampunk adventure unfolds as she navigates the Phantom's realm, and secures her father's freedom. With love prevailing, they return to the Ice Kingdom, completing a tale of family, gears, and dreams.

Download here

Look for more books in the Free Books Tab! Yes, it is free! Download and put it in your favorite e-reader or print it for personal use.

Me as a Writer - Interview Questions I answered for Manananggals in the City

 

What is a Manananggal?

 My upcoming book with Pinoy Indie Collab stars a Manananggal named Beldine Rosario. I have twisted the Manananggal myth to suit my story but I have taken some things from the source materials.

The Manananggal is a legendary monster with deep roots in Filipino culture, with a long and varied history that has been influenced by many different traditions. The Filipino root of "Manananggal" is "tanggal," which means "to remove" or "to separate." The creature's ability to dissociate its upper and bottom halves inspired its moniker, which describes its nocturnal, villainous antics.

Indigenous beliefs and animism were common in the Philippines before colonization, and this is where the Manananggal had their start. Many different kinds of supernatural entities, some good and others bad, were represented in these early beliefs. These indigenous traditions mixed with Catholicism after the establishment of Spanish colonial control in the 16th century. Like many other animals in Filipino legend, the Manananggal evolved and gained a darker reputation throughout time. The Manananggal has a reputation for being linked with witches, shapeshifters, and practitioners of black magic.

Traditional depictions of the Manananggal have her disguised as a beautiful woman by day and a hideous, winged monster by night. Its alleged diet includes the hearts of unborn children and the blood of living humans. It does this by separating its top body, which grows wings and flies to its prey, from its bottom body, which remains on the ground.

I wasn't going in that direction. In my world, Beldine and her tribe are a race of creatures who are all-women. Male offspring come out as humans. The women live in the jungles of Asia, primarily in the Philippines. They were discriminated against because of the Spanish Era, calling them demons and mosntaers. When the age of medicine came, humans found out that their organs were promising. They were exactly like humans except more resilient to disease and overuse. This led to them being a highly sought commodity and thus the tribe hid themselves further. When they were decimated, Beldine, a survivor, chose to live among humans, hiding in plain sight. 

Read about the complication that came to her life: Moonlight Eclipse

Sources for the manananggal can be seen here:

https://thoughtcatalog.com/january-nelson/2018/08/the-manananggal/

https://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Manananggal

https://phspirits.com/manananggal/

The Spirit of Adventure! D&D at Malayan Colleges Arcane Assembly

Fourth-year Multimedia students at Malayan College Mindanao hosted the Arcane Assembly, a Dungeons and Dragons event, in the campus auditorium on October 25, 2023. The event featured a variety of vendors selling handcrafted items, refreshment stands, and activities.

Before the event, there were activities, and I had the opportunity to compete in a contest called Tavern Tales, where I placed second. The reward for my efforts was a puzzle with a Dixit theme. As the event progressed, I discovered a game on one of the vendor's tables and won a set of D&D dice, which came in useful for the forthcoming adventures.

 I used my turn to heal my Paladin companion instead of casting a spell, as I did not believe in chance. Dragons of level 9 are difficult to vanquish. I needed a roll of 15 plus my attack bonus of 4 in order to strike the dragon. However, I was only a Dwarven Sorceress of level 2. Yes, I was immune to lightning and suffered the least amount of damage of anyone. Consequently, in the spirit of friendship, I healed the Paladin. He administered a devastating strike that caused 15 damage. Later, he transformed the dragon's cadaver into a makeshift bed, while I held onto the miraculous amulet. Our reward was a generous sum of one thousand gold coins, and we parted ways as adventurers.

Dungeons and Dragons is best enjoyed with friends and other players. Everyone in the adventuring party brought something special to the table and was ready to go on to the next challenge. It wasn't about race, socioeconomic status, or gender identity, but rather about upholding the game's sacrosanct code of conduct and ensuring that everyone involved enjoys themselves. While we may have forgotten the identities of our fellow adventurers on Stormbreak Isle, we will never forget the incredible experiences we shared. There, we vanquished a dragon, pillaged its hoard, and were rewarded with precious loot along the way.

Inktober for Art as Therapy Week 5

  It's Oktober and you know... Inktober! I've already posted Weeks 1-4 so just read my past post.

I made my own Inktober sketch prompts for Therapeutic Arts or Art as Therapy. Feel free to download or share. I hope it helps you. This is week 5. If you need to schedule sessions with me, PM is the key or email teachermaita.2020@gmail.com for inquiries.

My book is out on Amazon! Moonlight Eclipse

 

My new book is out on Amazon!

Click here to buy.

Moonlight Eclipse is part of a collab. For readers in the Philippines, you may pre-order printed books before Nov. 1. You may also go to Storya Kitchen Makati at 4pm Nov. 5, 2023, to join the launch and get a copy on the spot. I printed limited copies. :-)

Preorder Form: https://forms.gle/kRwSQZK1h4WcuiKF6

MANANANGGAL IN THE CITY Series Collection: A Pinoy Indie Authors Collab

The Tie That Binds by Mayumi Cruz

Naima’s War by Jean Karl Gaverza / Philippine Spirits

Moonlight Eclipse by Maita Rue

One by One by Yeyet Soriano

Maya, At Your Service by Mary Villin / Marigold Andres Uy

Expansion by Mia Daquial

My Girlfriend is a Manananggal by Keira Viresse

My Manananggal Dream by Paola Aliedo

The Groovy Manananggal by Fred Figueroa

Unlocking Reading Skills: Create a Cozy Reading Area

 In a previous post, I wrote about creating exciting activities to get your appetites wet for the books. This is especially true for books in a series.

Before all this, some of you would be fidgeting in your seat at the thought of sitting for hours to read. This is because your area isn't conducive to reading.

Before we can expect ourselves or our child/students to enjoy reading, we must foster an environment conducive to reading. Create an inviting reading nook in the classroom or school library by incorporating comfortable seating, adequate illumination, and a variety of books on exhibit. I am already making a pinterst board to create my home library. I want a home library that is versatile but decorated to every genre I hold dear. Decorations can encourage students to investigate various genres and topics.

Teachers and parents, you can adorn shelves for your children or involve them in the process. They say children who grew up with a home library tend to be smarter. I don't mean to brag but I did graduate Cum Laude in college. And yes, I want to thank my mother for always making sure we had a couple of shelves of books. It wasn't quite a home library but she was very encouraging when it came to books.

Manananggals in the City Book List

 The Mythical Manananggal

The manananggal is a mythological creature deeply embedded in Philippine culture and mythology, distinguished by its ability to split its upper body from its bottom half, allowing flight under the cover of night. Many people are terrified of these animals because they feast on the blood of unsuspecting victims.

A Literary Collab

"Manananggal in the City" brings together the skills of nine talented Filipino Indie Authors, each of them offers their own interpretation on this captivating fable. These authors deftly integrate mythology into the busy metropolitan environment, presenting a scenario in which the supernatural coexists with everyday life.

Upcoming Titles in the Collaboration

 

1.   1. The Tie That Binds by Mayumi Cruz

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Horror

FB: MayumiCruzAuthorPage

IG: @mcruz501

www.mayumi-cruz.com

 

2.    Moonlight Eclipse by Maita Rue

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy

FB: @authormaitarue

IG: Babymoonmaita

TikTok & YouTube: @maitarue

www.MaitaRue.com

 Amazon.com/author/maitarue

3.    3. My Girlfriend Is a Manananggal by Keira Viresse

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Urban Fantasy

FB page: @KeiraViresse

IG: @keira_viresse

Linktree: linktr.ee/keira_viresse

 

4.    4. One by One by Yeyet Soriano

Genre: Crime Fiction

FB: @Yeyetsorianowrites

IG: @Yeyetsoriano

Youtube: @yeyetsoriano6242

www.yeyetsoriano.com

 

5.    5. Naima's War by Jean Karl Gaverza

Genre: Fantasy

FB&IG: @Phspirits

https://phspirits.com/

 

6.    6. My Manananggal Dream by Paola Aliedo

Genre: Urban Fantasy

FB: @paolaaliedo

 

7.    7. The Groovy Manananggal by Fred Figueroa

Genre: Fantasy

FB: @fred.figueroa2

 

8.    8. Maya, At Your Service by Marigold Andres Uy

Genre: Action, Fantasy

FB &IG: @goldenartsbymarigold

 

9.    9. Expansion by Mia Daquial

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy

FB: @MiaDaquial

Philippine buyers can buy these books by contacting the authors on their social media account.

Ebooks and paperbacks are also available on Amazon and other digital stores on each author’s account.

Unlocking Reading Skills: Create Book Activities

Before you can write, you're going to have to learn to read. Whether it is you, your child or your student, I hope these tips could help!

From immersive storytelling experiences to inventive writing prompts, this is an enchanting portal for young minds to realize their full potential. Discover the power of reading as a voyage of awe and writing as a path of self-expression, bridging the distance between the love of stories and the pleasure of creating them. 

Let us start by finding out what tickles your or their fancy. Genres and themes would be the best place to start. When I was pre-teens, my sister and I loved horror and myth stories. We devoured books like crazy. Recess? Who cares! I have to read in the library. Maximo D. Ramos? I have to find his most obscure books in other sources. Then we progressed to RL Stein and Goosebumps. We also had a collection of Nancy Drew and Enid Blyton at home, not to mention those Time Life Encyclopedias. Dinosaurs? I'd name them like Pokemons.

Now, choose a topic or genre. Then read something along those. You know, Amazon suggests you books based on your searches and purchases.

Now, let's make things fun. After reading, let's do some fun activities.

In the age before TikTok, I did scrapbooks and collage boards for fun. The height was during my Harry Potter Phase. I also created games based on Harry Potter. Note, this was before the merch and the movies. 

For books that had a good concept but I did not enjoy the ending, I wanted to rewrite my own ending. It was an activity that my high School English teacher made us do. We were given a story and asked to change the ending however we wanted.

Now, it is the age of technology, there's so much more we can do like make a BookTok or TikTok about the book. You can make trailers. you can even redesign the covers. All this can be done with various tools, especially with AI. (Don't be afraid to experiment!)

You know what else you can do? Create challenges! Challenge other readers. Challenge your friends on Social Media! Challenge your kids! Ignite the competitive spirit!

I hope you enjoyed these tips.

I want to impart my knowledge as a writer and hope to learn from other writers as well. 

Never stop learning! I'll never be the best writer but I know I'll forever continue to improve. Reading is a way to help improve. You cannot be a writer unless you are also a reader. So, unlock those reading skills!

 

Manananggals in the City - A Fusion of Folklore and Modernity

"Manananggals in the City" is a remarkable collaboration that not only celebrates but also reimagines Filipino folklore, revealing its relevance and depth in a modern environment. The initiative highlights the skill and originality of Filipino Indie Authors by presenting an intriguing tale that captivates, fascinates, and invites readers to discover the compelling combination of myth and urban contemporary. Prepare to enter a world where tradition collides with innovation, and the manananggal emerges as a symbol of undying myth and ageless attraction.

At the helm of this ambitious literary endeavor is Mayumi Cruz, spearheading the efforts of the Pinoy Indie Authors. Working in collaboration with esteemed authors like Maita Rue of Romance Writers of the Philippines, Jean Karl Gaverza of Philippine Spirits, and Yeyet Soriano of Heist Club, Keira Viresse, Paola Aliedo, Mia Daquial, Fred Figueroa, and Marigold Andres Uy. They form a creative powerhouse dedicated to exploring the uncharted realms of folklore and contemporary fiction.

Upcoming Titles in the Collaboration

 

1.    The Tie That Binds by Mayumi Cruz

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Horror

FB: MayumiCruzAuthorPage

IG: @mcruz501

www.mayumi-cruz.com

 

2.    Moonlight Eclipse by Maita Rue

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy

FB: @authormaitarue

IG: Babymoonmaita

TikTok & YouTube: @maitarue

www.MaitaRue.com

 

3.    My Girlfriend Is a Manananggal by Keira Viresse

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Urban Fantasy

FB page: @KeiraViresse

IG: @keira_viresse

Linktree: linktr.ee/keira_viresse

 

4.    One by One by Yeyet Soriano

Genre: Crime Fiction

FB: @Yeyetsorianowrites

IG: @Yeyetsoriano

Youtube: @yeyetsoriano6242

www.yeyetsoriano.com

 

5.    Naima's War by Jean Karl Gaverza

Genre: Fantasy

FB&IG: @Phspirits

https://phspirits.com/

 

6.    My Manananggal Dream by Paola Aliedo

Genre: Urban Fantasy

FB: @paolaaliedo

 

7.    The Groovy Manananggal by Fred Figueroa

Genre: Fantasy

FB: @fred.figueroa2

 

8.    Maya, At Your Service by Marigold Andres Uy

Genre: Action, Fantasy

FB &IG: @goldenartsbymarigold

 

9.    Expansion by Mia Daquial

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy

FB: @MiaDaquial

Philippine buyers can buy these books by contacting the authors on their social media account.

Ebooks and paperbacks are also available on Amazon and other digital stores on each author’s account.

 

Inktober for Art as Therapy Week 4

 It's Oktober and you know... Inktober! I've already posted Weeks 1-3 so just read my past post.

I made my own Inktober sketch prompts for Therapeutic Arts or Art as Therapy. Feel free to download or share. I hope it helps you. This is week 4. If you need to schedule sessions with me, PM is the key or email teachermaita.2020@gmail.com for inquiries.

Inktober for Art as Therapy Week 3

 It's Oktober and you know... Inktober! I've already posted Weeks 1 and 2 so just read my past post.

I made my own Inktober sketch prompts for Therapeutic Arts or Art as Therapy. Feel free to download or share. I hope it helps you. This is week 3. If you need to schedule sessions with me, PM is the key or email teachermaita.2020@gmail.com for inquiries.

Inktober for Art as Therapy Week 2

It's Oktober and you know... Inktober! I've already posted Week 1 so just read my past post.

I made my own Inktober sketch prompts for Therapeutic Arts or Art as Therapy. Feel free to download or share. I hope it helps you. This is week 2. If you need to schedule sessions with me, PM is the key or email teachermaita.2020@gmail.com for inquiries.

Inktober for Art as Therapy Week 1

 It's Oktober and you know... Inktober!

I made my own Inktober sketch prompts for Therapeutic Arts or Art as Therapy. Feel free to download or share. I hope it helps you. This is week 1. If you need to schedule sessions with me, PM is the key or email teachermaita.2020@gmail.com for inquiries.