Philippine Speculative Fiction

A while back I got an invitation from Charles Tan to put together my “year’s best 5 Pinoy speculative works” list. I thought it was a good idea, so he made this document that puts together four lists - namely mine and those of Don, Banzai Cat, and Charles himself.

Visit their blogs to leave comments on their lists. Better yet, make your own lists! I’d be glad to link to them on this blog. Incidentally, Sean Uy of To the Tale, and Other Such Concerns has posted his reactions to the other people’s lists.

I still don’t want to call mine a “best of” roster, but I will call it a “current favorites” roster. Unlike everybody else, I didn’t come up with exactly five stories. And I won’t apologize for my apologies :P

But looking at this list, it seems to me that that my taste for stories appears to run along the unconventional route. Which is funny, because I don’t feel unconventional…

Saving the contents here, for posterity.

Read more

I got the link to a brief review of the Digest of Philippine Genre Stories Holiday Issue from Charles. The review is by Rowena Dimaguila of Booktopia, and she cites my story, “The Magic Christmas Box,” and Dominique Cimafranca’s “Twilight of the Magi” as her favorites in the issue.

I’m really glad somebody liked “The Magic Christmas Box”! Of course it would not have been read at all if not for Kenneth Yu, publisher of PGS, he of extraordinary kindness, patience and vision :)

Speaking of Booktopia, Kenneth says they have a sale until January 15, 2008. If you’d like to check it out, their address is here.

I haven’t said it aloud yet, but I really, really miss reading Pinoy spec fic in print. I can’t wait to come home!

A post reviewing this landmark fantasy work is long overdue. In the meantime, here’s a heads up on the hit musical based on the comic book, for those who haven’t seen it yet.

Via missingpoints:

Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal (based on the award winning graphic novel by Carlo Vergara) has performed to sold out houses at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and garnered rave reviews from both critics and the public alike. Now for its third (and reportedly final) run, Zsa Zsa will once again battle giant frogs, rampaging zombies and power-tripping extra-terrestrial Amazons, this time at the heart of the Makati CBD.

KEY DETAILS:
Show Date: June 15 to July 1, 2007
Venue: Carlos P. Auditorium (RCBC Plaza), Makati City
Cast:
ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH: Eula Valdes / K Brosas
ADA: Tuxqs Rutaquio / Vincent de Jesus
DIDI: Nar Cabico
DODONG: Arnold Reyes / Lauren Novero / Janvier Daily
QUEEN FEMINA SUARESTELLAR BAROUX: Kalila Aguilos
AMAZONISTAS: Wilma Doesnt, Deeda Barreto, Mayen Estañero, Skyzx Labastilla / Wenah Nagales (Swing)
ALING BRITNEY: Mia Bolaños
ITAY ZOMBIE: Jerald Napoles
TAUMBAYAN/ZOMBIES: Wenah Nagales, Catherine Racsag, Joann Co, Mia Bolaños, Tamara Cabaero Bong Cabrera, Carlon Matobato, Red Nuestro, Paolo Rodriguez, Leo Ponseca, Amihan Ruiz

I’ve choice seats for opening night, June 15 (Friday) and June 22 (Friday). Text 0926-702-8495 for reservation or more details.

Ticket prices:
Orchestra Center: P800
Loge: P800
Orchestra Side: P700
Balcony: P500

Please feel free to pass the word to people who might be interested. =)