Humabon vs. Lapu Lapu

On our most recent trip to the Philippines, we visited Magellan’s cross in Cebu City. That’s my beautiful mother and daughters in front of the cross.

The Philippines is the only Christian majority country in SE Asia. The Spanish expedition led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu in 1521. He successfully converted King Humabon to Christianity, but was killed by Lapu Lapu’s tribe who refused to convert. But convert from what? Buddhism? Islam?

Upon visits and research, I believe Lapu Lapu was Muslim. Why? The Philippines wasn’t called the Philippines prior to the Spanish. Islam kingdoms in Brunei and China had trade with these islands later called the Philippines. Safe to say, history prior to the Spanish is hard to decipher.

My series The Bathala Series is a fictional series predicated on the history of the Philippines prior to Spanish colonization. The first book “Enlightenment” is told from the perspective of Dorothy and Adrian in modern-day Las Vegas. We start with the modern-day Filipino American and work back in time as Dorothy backtracks through Filipino history to answer questions about Adrian and her family.

“Enlightenment” to be released in 2018. #nohistorynoself #knowhistoryknowself #filipinoamericanmonth

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Filed under: Filipino American, Writing

Enlightenment

I can’t think of a better time to announce this than during #filipinoamericanmonth!

Introducing the book cover for my debut novel “Enlightenment: Book One of the Bathala Series”.

Set in modern day Las Vegas, 18 year old Dorothy Dizon’s life takes an exciting turn when the alluring Adrian Rosario peaks her curiosity with knowledge of obscure Filipino folklore. Adrian keeps his identity and the truth of Dorothy’s father’s disappearance hidden knowing she has already embarked on a supernatural journey tied to her Filipino ancestry. Together, they struggle through an emotional ride that only their heritage can explain.

After years of burning the midnight oil, it’s finally going to be released to the world. I hope this will be considered a meaningful contribution to #filipinoamericanliterature #filipinoamericanlit #youngadultbooks #youngadultfiction #youngadult #yabooks

I’m humbled and excited to announce this novel will be released as an ebook and in print in 2018. Exact format release dates to be announced soon! Any forthcoming book events also to be announced soon.

Filed under: Writing, Filipino American month, filipino writers, writing

Filipino American representation

Love this blog post about Filipino American representation in media! Check out Racheywrites!

Filed under: Writing

Las Vegas

I was supposed to start October with an enthusiastic post about Filipino American Month. Then Las Vegas happened. It would be wrong to post anything joyous when so many people were killed for no reason other than madness. It’s been a week and only now do I feel it’s appropriate.

Las Vegas affected us all and it will take a while to heal. For me, I’m starting to transition into things that serve as a diversion from the reality of the world we live in. Although October is Filipino American Month, it’s a celebration that flies so below the radar, not all Filipinos recognize it. Those entrenched in the movement always do, but most high school kids don’t even know. It’s so very sad to me, but it’s up to us to change it.

I plan to post more Filipino American Month appropriate content in the next few days, including the cover of my debut novel to be released in January 2018. More to follow…

…and remember to #prayforVegas.

 

Filed under: Writing