Went to the Philippine Book Festival 2025 at SM Megamall - Megatrade Hall today. I purchased books written by local Filipino authors. Most of which, write Speculative Fiction, which would be a great source of Related Literature/Literary Tradition since I am a Speculative/Crime Fiction writer.
I also got to meet the authors behind these books and was fortunately able to get them signed. Notably Dean Francis Alfar, along with his wife Nikki Alfar. Whom I met for the first time at the VIBAL booth. They are considered to be some of the best Speculative Fiction writers, with various books under their belt, some of which are pictured below. I first connected with them digitally prior to meeting them in person
In addition, I met Anthony Shieh, who wrote his debut Speculative Fiction novel, Kenneth G. Yu, who has a couple works under his belt as well, Dean Alfar introduced me to him through digital means, as well as Yvette Tan, known as one of the best Speculative Fiction Horror writers. I met the three of them in person during their talk on speculative fiction this morning.
Besides that, I was able to meet the authors of Vital Signs, namely, Dr. Ronnie Baticulon and Dr. Marjorie Evasco. I bought their work as Dean Alfar told me that he has a piece there which I also got signed by him.
Finally, I ran into some of my professors such as Dr. Chuckberry J. Pascual, whom I unfortunately don't have a photo with. Dr. Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, P.A. Castillo and one of my classmates from the UST Graduate School Ron Canimo. On the other hand, I unfortunately was not able to meet Jose (Butch) Dalisay in person.
I now have lots of sources for my thesis/future written pieces. Now it's time to work through them as I further my knowledge on local literary works.
Edited to add: Since their books were included in the photos, I'd like to take this opportunity to mention the following people, namely Mr. Jørn Lier Horst,
@lierhorst Mr. Ralph Semino Galán, Dr. John Jack G. Wigley, and Dr. Augusto Antonio A. Aguila. They play a significant role in shaping my literary self to what it is today. Thus, I believe they deserve to be here.
