Free Printable Pages

 I have a new book and I have a few copies to be given away during MIBF. These are limited.

For those who couldn't get a copy, it is free to download and print yourself.

See all the free books here

Need more pages, here are some printables:

Where to Buy Lagimat

 Hello everyone! Lagimat: Tome of Philippine Death Myths is available during MIBF. It is also available on Amazon. MIBF is on Sept. 11-15, SMX MOA.

Links down below:

Buy on Amazon

Free Ticket to the Manila Internationa Book Fair

 MIBF is this Sept 11-15, 2024 at SMX, Mall of Asia.

Here's a free ticket!

The guard at the gate takes it upon entrance so you might want to print a few copies for multiple days.

Young Writers Conference in Davao

 On August 20, 2024, the Book Writers Club (BWC) successfully organized the Young Writers Conference (YWC) at the newly opened Davao City Library, a modern hub in the heart of the durian capital of the Philippines. Under the tagline "Stories for Children, by the Children," the BWC aimed to bring young minds together in a creative space where they could enjoy each other’s company while learning writing techniques from renowned authors and peers alike. Book Writer’s Club is a writing club for children facilitated by Ms. Rhoda Osalvo.

The final workshop of the afternoon was led by Teacher Maita, who captivated the audience with a discussion on using Philippine mythology as a source of inspiration. She introduced the children to various mythological deities and creatures. Then she guided them through a quick exercise: selecting a classic fairy tale and swapping out a character or element with one from Philippine mythology. Of the thirty participants, eleven submitted their creative reimagined stories, which will soon be showcased on Teacher Maita’s website.

The event was widely regarded as a success. Teacher Maita, familiar with some of the parents, took the opportunity to give them a tour of the city, introducing them to the local cuisine.

The Young Writers Conference was a much-talked-about event, with participants and parents alike expressing excitement for a potential return to Davao next year. There is already buzz about expanding the conference to include a larger audience and perhaps introducing inter-school story competitions.

Winners of the workshop with Teacher Maita

Buying books!

The Tale of 1000 Roses

 My article in Sun Star came out. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/feature/tale-of-a-thousand-roses

I feel a lot of people will see the Roses in society. It is precisely why I wrote it. There are too many Roses with the same stories. It is a sad society where the woman is under attack. 

The woman is not a costume. Give the woman a chance to bloom!

Why Death Myths?

Many Southeast Asian cultures, including the Philippines, have strong beliefs in an afterlife and the presence of spirits. Filipino mythology and death stories help shape national identity by passing down important cultural values like reverence for one's ancestors and reverence for one's elders.

My fellow writers Jean Karl Gaverza and Mary Louise Lu and I conceptualized Lagimat, A Tome of Philippine Death Myths. It has 61 entries divided into seven chapters. There are Psychopomps, The Ones Who Live Beyond, The Balancers, Sowers of Discord, Witches, Creatures and The Places Beyond.

In doing this project, I realized that although each ethnolinguistic group in our archipelago has distinct beliefs, there are similarities. And the way we view death, is different. It is very different from the Catholic and Christian views. Most of our death myths center around a journey. Many of the psychopomps are boat men, places in the afterlife are towns. Our views on death is not grim. What started a horror made me realize that Filipinos (the original pre-hispanic ones) have a more positive view of death. Perhaps there is a lesson or two to be seen here.

And perhaps, there is a part two to be written...

I've used different scripts in the book. they all say the same thing: Lagimat

How come I didn't use more scripts? Simple: These are the only cultures we have touched in these books (those with scripts, at least).

Pre-order Lagimat and other books for MIBF here: https://forms.gle/vmRP9p1AUp6ALore8

Madayaw! Happy Kadayawan!

 Free Kadayawan Food Journal!

Print your own. add as many pages as you want!

Happy Kadayawan and enjoy Davao!

Click here to download

Sample pages. There are different pages in the journal but this is the main one.

New Book Alert! Lagimat, Tome of Philippine Death Myths

 Lagimat: Tome of Philippine Death Myths, delves into the rich tapestry of Philippine mythology. Explore 61 unique spirits, deities, creatures, and sacred places associated with death across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This dual-language book, presented in both English and Bisaya, offers a comprehensive guide to the ethno-linguistic groups that honor these entities, revealing the diverse beliefs that shape their cultural landscapes.

Featuring the stunning artwork of 19 talented Filipino artists, Lagimat not only serves as an informative resource but also as a visual celebration of the myths that have been passed down through generations. Each entry invites readers to discover the profound connections between life, death, and the spiritual world in the Philippines, making it an essential addition to the library for anyone interested in folklore, mythology, and cultural heritage.

Book Concept by Maita Rue, Jean Karl Gaverza and Mary Louise Lu

This is the first collaboration between Maita Rue, Jean Karl Gaverza, and Mary Louise Lu. Maita is a multi-genre author who had several books published since 2017. Jean Karl Gaverza is a researcher and author. He has several books including Philippine Spirits and Mythica Obscura. Both concentrate on Philippine mythology. Mary Louise Lu has published short stories with mythical undertones. Together, they conceptualized Lagimat.

Featuring 19 Filipino Artists! 

Maita Rue (18 Artworks plus layout), Mary Louise Lu (3), Donnie Ray Obina (5), Seb de Jesus (4), VexingLex (4), Joll Mark Manabat (4), Michael Sean Talavera (4), David Geralao (3), Niño Acero (3), Andrea Pua (3), Chris Alejado (3), Jerric Miraflores (2), Franzel Mae Mendoza (2), Chris Micu (2), Raven Venida (2), Marius Dideles (2), OOTF (1), Dot Lazo Tiu (1), Enervaugnn (1).

Pre-order Lagimat and other books for MIBF here: https://forms.gle/vmRP9p1AUp6ALore8

NEW FREE BOOK!

 Wait, what? Free?

Yes! I love sharing stories.

Download here

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Oh, FYI, the heat level turns up at the ending so please beware! This is not children's reading!

Is it part of a series?

No. Although all my paranormal romance is set in the same universe, this can be read separately.

What's it about?

Brad is a Vampire working in Legenda, the seat of power of King David, the king of the Creature of Legends. Unfortunately, Brad was caught up with a bad crowd when he was young so nobody trusts him in Legenda. That makes his job hard because he really wants to be an enforcer. One of the king's councilmen, Johan, makes him a deal. He'll guinea-pig of a Mail Order Vampire Program and get his dream job in two weeks. Easy, right?

Who is Brad?

Brad is a vampire who used to be impulsive and stupid. Now he feels he's more "gorwn-up." Unfortunately, he has nothing to offer his future bride. His only dream is to work in enforcement. 

Summer Artisan Fair 2024

 

Hello friends and fam in Davao!

We are holding Summer Artisan Fair this July 6 & 7 at the Big House.

Lots of art activities for everyone. Like what? Like:

- Book an Art therapy Session (Ph500 for 1 hour, materials included)

- Friendship bracelet making (Ph100 per person, materials included)

- Try out a Kimono or Yukata (Ph150, please bring or wear T-shirt and shorts/leggings)

Want to sell? Join the art market: https://forms.gle/Pm1qkuy9U7AagcPC6

- Must be hand-made or made in Mindanao, must be unique!

YES: Clothes, accessories, clay jewelry, crochet, stickers, art prints, art, chocolates, books, etc.

NO: made-in-China, reselling Bangkok items, hot meals

Is it AI-Magedon?

So much news!

From the Adobe fiasco to Meta's Scrapey methods, now what?

Many of you will be wondering why I've been posting almost all AI-generated images in my Instagram and public pages. Well, the truth is, I already knew we'd be scraped. I just didn't know when. It was a conscious choice to put more AI than not on my public platforms.

But how will I sell my art?

Yeahhhh, about that. I have a bit of trouble selling art and in my little corner in Davao, I really want to reach something more global. So, I'm still thinking about that.

For now, hoping that using AI-generated graphics will convey the non-AI-generated stories that I made. I have some experimental AI books in the free section. It's highly experimental and you'd really see the AI in them. :-P

But for my books, hoping Amazon would protect my intellectual property. As for my books in the free section of this website, it's a risk I am willing to take to give me readers something new.

Ciao for now!

New Book Alert! Dimensional Eclipse.

 Announcing my newest book:

"Dimensional Eclipse" is a gripping tale of courage, loyalty, and the enduring power of family, where every choice holds the key to a future forged in the fires of adversity. Will Dante uncover the truth before it's too late, or will destiny's threads be severed by the hands of fate?

This book is set in the same universe as Care Package Mate, Resto Rescue, and My Vampire Heart for Your Human Soul. It happens right after the events of Moonlight Eclipse.
Upon reaching his brother's home, Dante is confronted with a harrowing sight: his niece, Anella, and childhood friend, Mariska, caught in the crosshairs of danger and are missing. Men, skilled and ruthless, are hot on their trail, leaving Dante to question the depths of his brother's involvement in their perilous plight.

This book is a Paranormal Romance story but contains no sex scenes. However, there are themes of violence and human trafficking.

Preorder here

Book Scoping and Evaluation 2024

 Hello, my readers!

As you all know, I'd love for our teens to read, read, read! For teachers, librarians, and homeschooling parents, if you are scoping some of my books that are fit for English High School Reading, these are my recommended books. 

Oh, yes! I have included some romances. Why? Because I believe there should be an introduction to proper romance. If you need help, comments, or inquiries, feel free to contact me via my Facebook page. I only check Instagram and TikTok messages once a week.  

Free Book Review Sheets for Steamerella

 I have good news!

My book, Steamerella, is one of the books scoped and evaluated by the Department of Education for Supplementary Reading Material for schools. 

Because of that, I am giving away this free Book Review Page. Feel free to print this. 

If you are an English teacher, this book is great for book reviews. You can use or modify the pages below.