It was on November 5, 2023 when Storya Cafe buzzed with creativity and excitement as Pinoy Indie Authors proudly launched our inaugural collaborative project, “Manananggal in the City.” This collaboration, a captivating blend of Filipino folklore and contemporary urban life, marks a significant milestone for us as a the newly formed writing group.
A gathering of talents
The launch brought together nine talented authors, each presenting their unique interpretation of the mythical manananggal, a creature from Filipino folklore known for its haunting beauty and dual nature. The authors, who are no strangers to the literary scene, showcased their individual short stories, each contributing to the overarching theme of the collab.
The Tie That Binds by Mayumi Cruz
Naima’s War by Jean Karl Gaverza
Moonlight Eclipse by Maita Rue
One by One by Yeyet Soriano
Expansion by Mia Daquial
Maya, At Your Service by Mary Villin/Marigold Andres Uy
My Girlfriend is a Manananggal by Keira Viresse
My Manananggal Dream by Paola Aliedo
The Groovy Manananggal by Fred Figueroa
A resounding success
The book launch was not just an event; it was a celebration of culture, creativity, and collaboration. Attendees were treated to readings from the authors, who shared snippets of their stories, captivating the audience with their engaging narratives. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter, applause, and discussions about the blending of folklore with modern themes.
Metro News Central featured the event, highlighting the significance of this collaboration among Filipino authors. The platform recognized “Manananggal in the City” as a thought-provoking exploration of cultural identity, skillfully combining the enchanting elements of folklore with the realities of urban life.
Looking ahead
As the night drew to a close, the authors expressed their gratitude for the support they received and their excitement for future projects. The success of the launch not only solidified our bond as a writing group but also set the stage for more collaborative endeavors in the future.