Christian George Acevedo, 32, is a librarian, teacher, writer, and cultural advocate in his hometown of Roxas City in Capiz. He has released a collection of Capisnon folk stories and has edited a book about traditional dishes of the Province of Capiz. In September 2024, his short story, “The Long Road to Capiz,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Miguel Agcaoili, known by his friends and family as Migs, grew up in a family of writers, actors, and directors. From an early age, he has been interested in exactly those things that surrounded him growing up. Much of his life was spent writing, acting in theater and very, very occasionally on TV in specials as a kid, as well as directing in small-scale productions. At the end of the day, though, his heart has always been in writing. After all, he believes that there is no movie, song, production nor play that can truly stand on its own without a bit of good writing. Now, he’s spent the past few years writing for TV specials and major live events while finishing his studies as a Creative Writing major at the Ateneo de Manila University. In May 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his poem, “To Them who Mean the Most.”
Jim Pascual Agustin writes and translates in Filipino and English. His most recent books are How to Make a Salagubang Helicopter, Bloodred Dragonflies, Crocodiles in Belfast, and Waking Up to the Pattern Left by a Snail Overnight. In December 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his suite of poems, “Bound by the same Umbilical Cord.”
Nicias J. Alameda was born in Estancia, Iloilo. He has a bachelor’s degree in English and finished his law degree. He worked for several years in a government bank as a manager and as a lawyer before retiring. He spends his spare time writing sermons, short stories, and doing other scholarly work. In March 2024, his short story, “The Times, they Are A-Changing,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Dean Gabriel Amarillas is a student at the University of the Philippines Diliman, taking up Malikhaing Pagsulat. In August 2024, his poem, “Bunót,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Esmeraldo C. Amistad is a retired corporate lawyer. He is 57 years old with a wife and four children. For now, he bides his time reading, sleeping, and watching the world go by. In April 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his short story, “Jawo’s Last Game.”
Cesar Ruiz Aquino studied and taught at Silliman University. He has written of himself thus: “He has no wife, and Michelle is his adopted daughter.” He has published six poetry collections. He adds that he “lives on the island of Negros where the dream-invading volcano of Kanlaon with arms akimbo glowers at the winds, towers above the lowlands.” The Philippines Graphic Reader published his poem, “Parallel Lines, Like Parallel Lines, Don’t Meet” in December 2024.
Mark Alden Arcenal is a poet, fictionist, and essayist based in Daanbantayan, Cebu. He writes in Cebuano, Filipino, and English. His works have received several awards. They have also been published in magazines, journals, and online. In August 2024, his poem, “Naked,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Cathy Sanchez Babao is a grief, loss, and transition coach. She graduated with a B.S. in Business Management at the Ateneo de Manila University, and a Masters in Family Psychology and Education from Miriam College. Cathy has trained with Dr. Alan Wolfelt at the Center for Loss and Transitions in Fort Collins, Colorado. She has also received specialized training in the Grief Recovery Method, and has attended workshops on Prolonged Grief Disorder at Columbia University. She holds private practice, and is a published author of four books, two of them on grief. In January 2025, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her short story, “When the Heart Knows.”
Rosa May M. Bayuga writes for a living and for the love of writing. She has won the Palanca Awards and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Writer’s Prize for her fiction. In 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published two of her short stories: “Long before Darkness, Or, The Night Ileana Fell in Love” (March) and “Ninay and the Spirits” (July).
Joshua Berida is currently taking Master’s in Creative Writing at the University of the Philippines Diliman. In January 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his short story, “Homecoming.”
Karina Africa Bolasco was a book publisher for over four decades. She now tries to be a writer. In February 2024, her poem, “Consequences,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Sean Uy Bomping lives in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon). He is the event organizer of Shut Up and Write, an online writing group that helps members build consistent writing habits. An aspiring novelist, he writes about pre-colonial Philippine culture in the fantasy and historical genres. In June 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his short story, “Maalwan, Nilad’s Babaylan (Spirit Medium).”
Cecilia Manguerra Brainard is the author and editor of over 20 books, including three novels: When the Rainbow Goddess Wept, Magdalena, and The Newspaper Widow. Her Selected Short Stories was awarded the 40th National Book Award for Short Fiction in English. Her recent book is Growing Up Filipino 3: New Stories for Young Adults. In December 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her short story, “After the Ascension,” a short story in the style of Joaquin Antonio Peñalosa’s God’s Diary.
Skarlet Brown is a multi-awarded jazz and rock singer-songwriter, an advocate, and a proud mother to her daughter. Her poem, “Worthy of You”—published in the Philippines Graphic Reader in April 2024—is dedicated to her daughter.
Cynthia Buiza is the former Executive Director of the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC). She worked in war zones in Southeast Asia before migrating to the United States 20 years ago. Her poems and essays have appeared in Tayo Magazine, West Trestle Review, Migozine, Halo-Halo Review, Chopstick Alley, Marsh Hawk Press, the Philippine Daily Inquirer Sunday Magazine, and various anthologies in the United States and the Philippines. In 2003, she co-authored a book called Anywhere but War, published by the Refugee Studies Center at Oxford University and the Jesuit Refugee Service. Her debut poetry collection, The Future Is a Country I Do Not Live in, was released by Paloma Press in August 2022. She lives in Los Angeles, Calfornia. In 2004, two of her poems were published in the Philippines Graphic Reader—“Two for Pungaw” (May) and “Shark Wall Key” (September).
Jose Wendell P. Capili graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, the University of the Philippines Diliman, the University of Tokyo, the University of Cambridge, and the Australian National University. He is a Professor and Associate Dean for Public Affairs at the College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman. In November 2024, his poem, “Slaughterhouse Poems” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
F. Jordan Carnice is a writer and visual artist born and raised in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. He currently resides in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. His works were published in Ani, Anomaly, Likhaan, MIDLVLMAG, Quarterly Literary Review Singapore, Sunday Mornings at the River, Voice & Verse Poetry Magazine, among other publications, and in Here Was Once the Sea: An Anthology of Southeast Asian Ecowriting through the University of Hawai’i Press’ Manoa Journal. He authored two poetry chapbooks—Weights & Cushions (2018) and How to Make an Accident (2019). He is a recipient of fellowships from national writing workshops in Dumaguete, Iligan, and Bacolod, and he has served as a panelist twice in the Taboan Writers Festival. He won the poetry grand prize in the 2020 Cebu Climate Emergency Literature and Arts Competition for his poem “There is Too Much Light in this World,” and he was hailed as Poet of the Year in the 2023 and 2024 Nick Joaquin Literary Awards. He can be found online through Instagram, Twitter, and Threads. In September 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his poem, “Four Poems for 2024.”
Bianca Isabelle M Cruz is an artist, harpist and poet. By living in different parts of the world, she uses the world as her inspiration, with the Philippines as her muse. Drawn by the beauty, she finds brilliance from the little moments in life, nature present in her surroundings and lots of love around her. She is currently based in New York City and is studying at the Art Students League. In May 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her poem, “Hiden Sounds of Nature.”
Roel Sta. Romana Cruz, 49, teaches literature at La Salle Green Hills Adult Night High School. His short stories have been published in the Philippines Graphic, Philippines Free Press, and Story Philippines. He and his lovely wife Agnes are full-time butlers to two defiant pups, Bruce and Harley. In July 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his poem, “Unbreakable.”
Nestor Cuartero finds joy in writing about the commonplace, little, ordinary things and experiences that stand out in memory for their warmth, humor, twist, learnings. A veteran journalist and editor with a Journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas, husband and father, Media Studies lecturer and farmer, he has won a number of awards in journalism, notably the Grand Prize in Premio de Periodismo by Instituto Cervantes in 2000, and the Binhi Awards’ Environment Journalist of the Year by the Philippine Agricultural Journalists in 2010. Nestor has written three books, At Large, At Leisure; PH Movie Confidential; and Easy Listening. He takes pride in being named a Graphic Salute awardee twice in a row, 2023 and 2024. In 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his short story, “Jeepney Tale” (September) and his poem, “Rush Hour.”
Blanca Datuin describes herself as a “writer incognito.” She is a retired teacher in English under the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). She was a Eucharistic Minister (one among her former church services) who administered Holy Eucharist to residents of senior centers. She says she is racing against time to finish two books-in-progress before she moves to the beyond. In December 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her poem, “A King Lear in Cage.” Ms. Datuin is the widow of the late fictionist and screenwriter Wilfrido D. Nolledo.
Totel V. de Jesus contributed two poems in the inaugural year of the Philippines Graphic Reader monthly magazine. One for its November 2022 issue and another for February 2023. In the 1990s, a few of his earlier poems were published when Nick Joaquin edited the literary section of the then weekly Graphic magazine. De Jesus has been working for two-and-a-half decades in the media industry, and now edits for the central news desk of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He looks forward to spending the rest of his life reading and writing more poems and other literary works, while taking care of six cats at home with his occasionally sleep-deprived wife. In March 2024, the Graphic Reader published his poem, “Arranging Furniture at Midnight.”
Mark Vincent Dela Cruz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literary and Cultural Studies from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. His works focus on the sentiments of ordinary people, culture, and the particular ambitions of less widely understood communities. He currently works and lives in Caloocan City with his extensive book collection. In July 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his poem, “Binondo Church.”
Mark Aldwin Del Rosario is a dreamer and a storyteller. He is also a published author of graphic novels locally and in the United States. He writes short stories, too. He still believes that magic is real. In July 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his short story, “Traditions.”
Angel Jaira D. De Luna is a 19-year-old first-year student from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, taking up Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. She is an aspiring writer who loves to create vivid imagery with her work yet still invites mystery in every word. She is also an avid reader and adores all forms of arts and crafts. In June 2024, her poem, “Missing People,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Nick Deocampo is a filmmaker, author, and newly-retired film professor at the University of the Philippines. In January 2025, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his poem, “At the Seine.”
George Gonzaga Deoso, 27, graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with an A.B. in Literature (magna cum laude) and an M.A. in Creative Writing (summa cum laude). His works previously appeared in Liwayway Magazine, Philippine Panorama, and Philippine Daily Inquirer, among others. He is the author of The Horseman’s Revolt and Other Horrors (USTPH, 2020), a collection of dark short fiction. In August 2024, his short story, “Dial ‘D’ for Desire,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Byron Diaz enjoys writing poems, essays, and short stories in his spare time. He received recognition for some of his literary works. His main objective as a writer is to amplify the voices of minorities, especially the LGBTQIA+ community, and to help provide them the rights they deserve. In February 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his poem, “Along the Astral Sky.”
Ma. Ceres P. Doyo has been a journalist for more than 40 years. Her written works have won numerous awards, among them, two National Book Awards for Journalism (2015 and 2022). She writes a weekly column, the “Human Face,” for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Three of her poems were published in 2024 in the Philippines Graphic Reader —“Kalahig” (July), “Magnificat,” (October) and “Meditations” (December). Her short story, “Boy in the Forest,” was published in April 2024.
Simeon Dumdum Jr. is a retired regional trial court judge. He is a published poet and non-fiction writer, who has won awards for his work. In August 2024, his poem, “A Prayer for Leni Robredo,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Cesar Miguel Escaño, 43, lives in Tacloban, Leyte. His stories “Little Star” and “Amira” were Honorable Mention awardees at the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards in 2018 and 2019, respectively. He has three sons and he loves telling them stories at bedtime. In June 2024, his short story, “Palaspas,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Nena Gajudo Fernandez is a women and human righs advocate, author, and a student of life. In 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her poem, “Dreamcatcher.” Nena is the widow of the late painter Edgar “Egai” Talusan Fernandez, whos painting, “Kahapon, Ngayon, at Pangarap” became the maiden issue cover of the revived Philippines Graphic on June 18, 1990.
Maria L. M. Fres-Felix is a United Sates-educated economist turned fictionist. She has written four books. Her stories have been included in several anthologies here and abroad. Her latest book, Crimetime, is a collection of linked crime stories featuring kick-ass lady crime fighter SJ Tuason. Fres-Felix has won several Palanca Awards and Philippine Free Press Literary Awards. Two of her books were finalists for the National Book Awards. When not puzzling over mysteries, she tries Belly Dancing and Zumba, the operative word being “tries.” Her short story, “My Sister, the Serial Dater,” was published in the October 2024 issue of the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Nestor Felix worked in the development sector for many years, covering several countries in Asia. Now retired, he contributes commentaries and opinions to the 𝑃ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐷𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝐼𝑛𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑟 (by-lined Nono Felix) and essays to 𝐷𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐼𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛, an online magazine. In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, his poems appeared in 𝐹𝑜𝑐𝑢𝑠 𝑃ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑧𝑖𝑛𝑒, 𝑆𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝐼𝑛𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑟 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑧𝑖𝑛𝑒, among others. He is a two-time recipient of the 𝑃ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐 Salute Award. Nono lives with his family in San Felipe, Naga City. In November 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his poem, “Hypnagogic.”
Cherry Forto grew up in Tuguegarao City and spent her high school years in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. She is now based in Quezon City and works in an international graduate school that builds leaders for transformation. She is taking up Master in Foreign Affairs at De La Salle University, Manila. In May 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her short story, “Sugar Dreams.”
Ralph Semino Galán is a prize-winning poet and translator, literary and cultural critic, and editor. He is the Assistant Director of the University of Santo Tomas Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies. He is the author of the 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝐶𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑂𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑜𝑒𝑚𝑠 (UBOD New Authors Series, NCCA, 2005), 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠: 𝐿𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝐸𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑦𝑠, 𝐶𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤𝑠 (USTP, 2013), 𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑀𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑟𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑎 (USTPH, 2014), and 𝑆𝑎 𝑚𝑔𝑎 𝑃𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑢ℎ𝑎𝑦 𝑎𝑡 𝐼𝑏𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑎𝑔𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑦 (USTPH, 2018). In 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published two of his poems—“Indignation as Elegy” (March) and “Two Poems for the Road” (November)
Journalist Rosario A. Garcellano, lately of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, is now executive editor of the digital newsmagazine CoverStory.ph. She is the author of Necessary Contexts: Essays for Our Times (Gantala Press and Alfredo F. Tadiar Library, 2022), and Mean Streets: Essays on the Knife Edge (Kalikasan Press, 1991). She studied at the College of the Holy Spirit Manila and the University of the Philippines Diliman. In the 2024 Nick Joaquin Literary Awards, Rosario A. Garcellano won first prize, for her short story “The Heart Wants What It Wants.” Her short story, “Cassandra’s Tale” was published in the October 2024 issue of the Philippines Graphic Reader.
RJ Garcia, 18, is a sophomore in the Creative Writing program at the University of Santo Tomas. Her short story, “Amen” was published in the October 2024 issue of the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Mila Astorga-Garcia is a journalist, editor, researcher, and author. She is Managing Editor of The Philippine Reporter, a community newspaper published in Toronto, Canada. Aside from newspapers, her writings are published in academic journals and monographs, literary anthologies and books. Also, an activist journalist, she was detained twice—before and during martial law. In October 2024, her poem, “Reunion Introspection” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Richard A. Giye is a Cordilleran writer. He is a fellow of the BIYAG Benguet Creative Writing Workshop and of Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA). The Province of Benguet awarded him Essayist of the Year in 2022, and Promising Artist for Literature in 2023. He teaches language and literature at Benguet State University. In 2024, two of his short stories saw publication in the Philippines Graphic Reader—“Caught in the Eye of the Durarakit” (February) and “Igorot with Thorns” (August). His short story, “The Birth of Zoroasther,” was published in the Graphic Reader in January 2025.
Elvie Victonette B. Razon-Gonzalez is a gastroenterologist and clinical epidemiologist based in Iloilo City. She was a fellow in the 21st Iyas National Writers’ Workshop in 2022 for creative non-fiction, and the 19th San Agustin Writers’ Workshop in 2023 for fiction. She published her chapbook in 2020, Vignette of Voyages, published by Kasing Kasing Press. She won 2nd Place in the 1st Normal Literary Awards (Essay) in 2021, 2nd Place in the Dr. Arturo B. Rotor Memorial Awards for Literature (Creative Nonfiction) in 2022, 2nd Place in the Dr. Arturo B. Rotor Memorial Awards for Literature (Poetry) in 2023. She was a finalist in the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards (Poetry) in 2023. She won 3rd Place for Short Story for Children in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 2023. Her poems appeared in Philippines Graphic, Ani Journal, Manila Standard, The Reflective Practitioner, The Filipino Internist, Panorama, and Santelmo. Her other works appeared in Poetika, Ilongga Bicycle Diaries, From the Eyes of a Healer, Bordered Lives No More, and Rx Narratives. In August 2024, Philippines Graphic Reader published her short story, “Indelible Stains.”
Caroline J. Howard is a freelance writer and former broadcast journalist. Aside from writing fiction, she dabbles in writing free verse poetry and recently discovered an inclination toward painting with acrylic on canvas. She has also written short stories. The Philippines Graphic Reader published two of her short stories in 2024: “Tinnitus” (June) and “Fence Sitter” (December).
Rey A. Isidto, MD, was a fellow of the Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center’s 2nd Creative Nonfiction Writing Workshop for Doctors 2020. He was a Fellow for Creative Nonfiction (English) during the 18th year of the San Agustin Writers’ Workshop 2021. Dr. Isidto continued on as a Fellow for Short Story (English) during the 22nd Iyas La Salle National Writers’ Workshop in April-May 2023, and was also a Fellow for Creative Nonfiction (English) during the University of Santo Tomas National Writers’ Workshop in June 2023. His short story was included in the UP Likhaan Institute of Creative Writing 4th issue of 𝐷𝑥 𝑀𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑎: 𝑃ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐿𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑂𝑉𝐼𝐷19. Other short stories were published in the 𝑃ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟, and the 42nd Edition of 𝐴𝑛𝑖. His entry piece to the BNSCWW for Doctors was awarded First Place in The 3rd Dr. Arturo B. Rotor Memorial Awards for Literature. Dr. Rey Isidto is a reader first, and has only begun writing in earnest during and because of the pandemic. In January 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his short story, “Tabuc Suba.”
Gemma Minda Iso, 60, currently writes for The Independent Singapore as a freelance news/features writer. Residing in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, she is also a functional art creator who dabbles with driftwood and acrylic paint. For three years now, she has co-managed an organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating culture and the arts. The Philippines Graphic Reader published her short story, “My Body, For Sale” in December 2024.
In 2024, Ysabel Javier was a sophomore Creative Writing student at the University of Santo Tomas. That same year, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her poem, “Gantsilyo.”
Fe P. Koons is a poet, sports feature writer, and a film critic. She has a master’s degree in mass communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Fe is the president of The Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival (THE LAPIFF) based in Carson, California. In January 2025, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her poem, “Tears for Sparta.”
Paulino Lim, Jr., is Emeritus Professor of English at the California State University, Long Beach. He had published several novels and full three-act plays. His latest work is Spots of Time: Memoir of a Mind (Ateneo de Naga University Press, 2018). In February 2024, his short story, “The X-Ray Tech’s Love Story,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Babeth Lolarga finished journalism and fine arts at the University of the Philippines. She is the author of Moon Hanging Low Over My Window (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House). In November 2024, her poem, “Three New Poems,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Luchie Maranan is a member of the Baguio Writers Group and Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera (DKK). She writes poetry, short stories for children, and does translation of literary works. She also edits publications of international non-profit organizations advocating indigenous peoples’ rights. The Philippines Graphic Reader published her poem, “Sagada Scents” in April 2024
Arvin Narvaza writes from Cagayan de Oro. Currently, he is on study leave to pursue a doctorate degree, but he is, nevertheless, a faculty member of the Communication Arts, Languages, and Literature unit of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP). Arvin’s poems have appeared in Bisaya Magasin (Manila Bulletin), Dagmay Literary Journal, Habi, and Hong Kong’s Voice and Verse Poetry Magazine. In April 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his poem, “Kintsugi.”
Born and raised in Cebu City, Nicolo Nasol works as a freelance writer and editor. His articles have appeared in a few local and national dailies, such as The Freeman, Sun.Star Cebu, and The Philippine Daily Inquirer. He was also a fellow to a few writing workshops, including the Silliman and UST National Writers Workshop. In June 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his short story, “Life According to Marlin.”
Diana B. Noche has been an accountant for 35 years. She studied professional photography at the New York Institute of Photography in 1996. She has also contributed short stories and poems to various publications. In 2024, two of her short stories were published in the Philippines Graphic Reader. These include: “His Manny Pacquiao Punch” (May) and “The Nature of the Beast” (October)
Jeric Tindoy Olay is a teacher, poet, and opinion writer born in Macrohon Southern Leyte. He currently teaches at Ichon National High School. His essays and poems have appeared and are forthcoming in TLDTD, Philippines Graphic Reader, Mekong Review, Paris Lit Up, Quadrant Magazine, Queen’s Quarterly, Ragaire Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, and Rappler. In 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published three of his poems—“Planting Season” (February), “2 Poems” (May) and, “A Farmer’s Memory (September).”
Carla M. Pacis is a teacher, writer and painter. She was a faculty member of the Literature Department of De La Salle University and of the Department of English and Comparative Literature of the University of the Philippines. She has written many books for children and young adults, some of which have won awards, and has published several scholarly essays on literature, food, and history. In retirement, she has begun a new career as a book packager. Carla has been given a Lifetime Achievement Award for Children’s Literature in English by Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipnas (UMPIL) for her work and advocacy. Carla lives in a cottage in Laguna with her three fur babies Tobi, Rosy and Bouncy where she writes, paints, and practices the art of gardening in her small garden that is always a work-in-progress. In April 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her short story, “Gifts from Heaven.”
Rick Patriarca is a queer writer from General City, Cavite. He is currently completing his M.A. in Creative Writing at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He writes fiction and short plays. In December 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his short story, “Holiday Pay.”
Aurelio A. Peña spent almost his entire life as a writer, journalist, and editor, working for different entities like Dole-Stanfilco, Philippine News Agency, Asiaweek magazine, and Japan International cooperation agency (JICA). Based in Davao City, he started writing fiction as a campus editor with several works published in Graphic and Free Press. Now retired, his two historical fiction, “San Rufo” and “Enrique 1521,” is set to be available in eBook form at Amazon, in addition to his stories published overseas. In February 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his short story, “Enrique 1521.”
Sahara Piang is a self-published author of When Poetry Becomes You and has previously authored, and co-authored academic pieces, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, government reports, technology primers, and commentaries on policy forum and news websites. She is the founder and owner of the first independent book store in the City of Koronadal, South Cotabato, Philippines. Her official website is saharapiang.com. In April 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her flash fiction, “The Room.”
Nicolas Pichay is a poet, a playwright, and a lawyer. He has been inducted into the Carlos Palanca Hall of Fame (2007), Gawad Balagtas (2016), Hubert Humphrey Fellow at the Maxwell School for Public Administration (2016), S.E.A. Write Awardee (2023), and the University of the Philippines Outstanding Alumni for Culture and Theater (2024). In September 2024, his poem, “Sunset Boulder,” saw publication in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
John Pucay, 28, wrote the short story, “The Average of All Mediocre Success,” after co-producing original songs and working with music professionals for his first short film. In June 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published the story. John is presently a full-time writer. His writing has appeared in the UP Likhaan Literary Journal, Vice, Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Thought Catalog, among others.
Sophia Quebral, 17, spent eleven years in Quezon City before moving to Vancouver, Canada, with her sibling and her parents. She doesn’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t drawing or singing or writing or arguing with her mother. On June 2024, her poem, “Mother/Magical Creature/Crane,” which he submitted to the Philippines Graphic Reader, got published.
Exequiel V. Rieza, 58, resides in Legazpi City. He was once a reporter of the Philippines News Agency and bureau chief for the Bicol region. He has not been published as a fiction writer. But in May 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his short story, “Ashfall.”
Ivan Roces is a first-year student at the University of Santo Tomas, taking up a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. He writes stories about how we, as Filipinos, live our everyday lives by showing our culture through literature. His short story, “If I Could Be Free,” was published in the November 2024 issue of the 𝑃ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟.
Jon E. Royeca has two history degrees: A bachelor’s from CAP Foundaion (an alternative learning school, and a master’s from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. He writes in Filipino and English, and has published since 2000 more than 200 short stories, essays, and poems in various local magazines. He authored Jose Rizal: How, Filipinos Hailed Him as Their Greatest Hero, and An Institutional History of the National Archives of the Philippines (1889-2019), published in 2022 and 2023, respectively, by Central Books, Inc. In June 2024, his poem, “The Old Trees Deep in Manila,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Menchu Aquino Sarmiento writes Philippine essays and fiction in English. Her blog IRL appears in the online newsite nowyouknowph.com. In 2024, two of her short stories—“All Fall Down” (March) and “Angel of LIGHT” (September)—were published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Patricia Renee A. Sarmiento graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. While she now teaches Science, her passion for writing has not diminished. She is currently studying for an MFA in Creative Writing at De La Salle University. Her short story, “Déjà vu,” was published in the November 2024 issue of the 𝑃ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟.
Irene Sarmiento has authored Spinning (Anvil Publishing), Tabon Girl (Anvil Publishing), and Stray Cats (Ateneo de Manila University Press). Her stories have won awards from thePalanca Memorial Foundation, Philippines Free Press, Philippine Graphic, and Stories to Change the World. She has also contributed opinion pieces to Rappler about issues concerning migration, race, and healthcare, which are a blend of personal histories, research, and analyses of current events. In March 2024, her poem, “Issa, One and Only” was published by the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Maria Evelyn Quilla Soleta is a poet/writer whose thoughts and subjects, especially on motherhood, are unadorned, truthful, and purposely warm. She started to write when she was six, wrote short stories for anthologies, and has published three poetry books—My Twenty Poems, Finding My Heart, and Chasing Sunsets with You. Evelyn’s husband, Danny; her four girls, Andrea, Guia, Daniella, and Laura; and her grandchildren, Tala, Mayla, and Lucas, are her inspiration to pursue this first love of hers—writing. Her short story, “Just a Pomelo Fruit,” was published in the November 2024 issue of the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Maddigan Hailey Sy, or Maddi for short, is a 15-year-old high-school student studying in an international school. Aside from writing poems in her spare time, she also enjoys writing essays, short stories, plays, and novels. She was a finalist in the 2023 John Locke Essay Writing competition. In August 2025, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her poem, “Two Poems on the Philippines.”
Gil Marvel Tabucanon teaches Jurisprudence and Legal Theories at Macquarie University Law School in Sydney, Australia. Prior to coming over to Australia, he practiced law in the Philippines and was the defense counsel in the case of People of the Philippines v. Marivic Genosa at the Regional Trial Court level. The case became the basis for the adoption of the “Battered Woman Syndrome” as a novel defense in Philippine criminal law cases. Gil can be contacted at gil.tabucanon@gmail.com. In 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published two of his short stories: “The Lady has Craters” (May) and “Parivaar, Family” (November).
Pablo A. Tariman, 73, is the author of the book of poetry, Love, Life and Loss—Poems During the Pandemic, published by Music News and Features. Two of his poems are included in the anthology The Best Asian Poetry 2021, published by Kitaab Pubishing in Sinagpore. His poem, “The Woman on a Motorcycle” appears in the anthology, 100 Pink Poems para kay Leni. Tariman was born in Baras, Catanduanes, and has six grandchildren. In 2024, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his short story, “The Commencement Speaker” (September), and his two poems: “Of Sunrises and Sunsets” (July) and “Two Poems” (March).
Merlita Lorena Tariman describes herself as an occasional poet. Her stabs at creating poetry come as a side interest amidst demands of earning a living. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Bicol University and studied public administration at its graduate school as well. Instead of teaching, she did journalism as editor of a provincial paper and stringer for a national news agency early in her professional life. These stints were followed by public information and media communication work for the government and then involvements in private sector corporate communication and corporate responsibility programs, with NGO work for gender development thrown in every now and then. Today she is interested in trying poetry depicting gender and environmental issues. In March 2024, her poem, “Patterns,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Eden Tayaban is an aspiring nurse, based in Cavite, and is a member of the indigenous clan, the Ifugaos. Since fifth grade, she has been writing about people. In February 2025, the Philippines Graphic Reader published her short story, “Household Melodies.”
Joel M. Toledo is the author of six books of poetry, including Planet Nine. A former literary editor of the Philippines Free Press, Toledo was a recipient of the 2006 National Commission on Culture and the Arts Literary Prize and has won various awards for his poetry in English, including the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award, The Meritage Press Prize, and the Bridport Prize. His poems have appeared in The Iowa Review, ZYZZYVA, The Prairie Schooner, Softblow, and The Washington Square. He has co-edited local and international poetry journals and anthologies, including Caracoa, Under the Storm, and Cordite Poetry Review. A recipient of the Rockefeller Foundation Poetry Residency in Bellagio, Italy, in 2011 and 2023, Toledo was also a poetry fellow of the 2011 International Writers Program at the University of Iowa, USA. He teaches Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and is a Resident Fellow of the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies. In January 2025, the Philippines Graphic Reader published his poem, “Saint-Paul de Mausole/Sonnet After Van Gogh.”
Joel Vega lives in Arnhem, The Netherlands, where he works as editor for medical publications. His first poetry collection, Drift, won the 2019 National Book Award for Poetry in English and an equivalent prize from the Philippine Literary Arts Council. His poems have appeared in various literary journals in the United States, Austria, France, The Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In 2024, his poem, “The Pruning and Other Poems,” was published in the Philippines Graphic Reader.
Cindy Velasquez is a full professor at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Philippines. An alumna of several fellowships in creative writing and art criticism, she received a National Commission for Culture and the Arts grant for Basabalak Kanumay, the poetry podcast she produces and hosts which features Bisaya poets and their works. Velasquez and her co-composer Jude Gitamondoc won the 43rd Gawad Urian Awards for Best Music for the song “Usa ka Libo ug Usa ka Panamilit” (A Thousand and One Goodbyes) in 2020. In October 2024, her poem, “A Miscarriage Song,” was published the Philippines Graphic Reader.
