Q&A
Tell us something interesting about yourself:
I'd like to think of myself as the Filipino Writing Willy Wonka because aside from creating stories and reading books, my other passion is managing our family's candy factory. I'm also the biggest fan of my hometown Pulilan's world-famous kneeling carabaos.
How would you describe your identity?
I'm a proud Filipino and I identify as gay and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ Community.
Book title:
What Makes a Family
What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book?
I have two favorite Filipino holidays growing up: one is Christmas and the other is Undas or the Filipino Day of the Dead. Both celebrate the beauty of family and togetherness.
But when my father passed away in 2013, Undas became even more special. It became the one day when we allow ourselves as a family to pause, reminisce, and reconnect with our dearly departed.
And this loving yet poignant feeling during Undas was the emotion I tried to evoke when I wrote What Makes a Family.
Favourite character or moment from the book – and why?
Though I love everything about What Makes a Family, I feel the ending is just chef’s kiss perfect.
What themes or messages does your book raise?
Diversity, inclusion, and family.
How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words?
Fun, funny, friendly.
What aspect of the story did you most connect with, and how did it shape your illustrations?
My sister and brother characters Pedrito and Pipay are basically me and my kuya and ate when we were young. Like Pedrito and Pipay, we were also very curious, stubborn, and sentimental youngsters.
Favourite illustration – and why?
The final scene when Pedrito and Pipay are reunited with their grandparents in front of the tomb of their mother and father. What a sweet, poignant moment!
