#RCReadathon2020 – My Favorite Pinoy Creators

August 15, 2020 by Miles | Leave a comment

We kicked off #RCReadathon2020 last August 2 with MY FAVORITE PINOY CREATORS!

Ana Tejano, Celestine Trinidad, EK Gonzales, and Tara Frejas will be talking about visual artists, bloggers, authors, komikeros, and musicians who could be YOUR next favorite!

Follow the #RCReadathon2020 tag on Twitter, or check out our lineup for the rest of the panels!

Hello! I’m Ana, marketing person by day and still a terribly slow writer by night. 😂😅 I’m also a frustrated artist/illustrator, so today I’ll be sharing some of my favorite Filipino graphic artists, illustrators and then some! 👩‍🎨 #RCReadathon2020 #FavoritePinoyCreators pic.twitter.com/mEU0cVeSc7
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

Good afteroon everyone, I'm Tara Frejas – programs support manager by day, #romanceclass author by night. I'm into a LOT of things (though by no means am I an expert on any of them) but today I'm going to be talking about my faves in OPM: Original Pilipino Music! #RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/2m0E9BGDBx
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

Great to meet you, Ana, Celestine, Tara, and EK! Let's get the ball rolling and start with what you've ALWAYS LOVED. What got you into your faves, and why? #RCReadathon2020 #FavoritePinoyCreators pic.twitter.com/v1kHFjgCeU
— RomanceClass Books (@romanceclassbks) August 2, 2020

BONUS: Aia is also the illustrator of the cover of the first edition of #FallLikeRain ☔️ #RCReadthon2020 pic.twitter.com/ZScJbhaBlW
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

BONUS: Janus is also the cover artist for #YouCouldBetheOne, and I loved working with her on this one. 🥰 Check out her stuff at https://t.co/8Iu5VlYMJV #RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/o9MBqKTVdV
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

She also has this super cute comic series ongoing on Facebook called Real Life Reg (https://t.co/51sV4FzrIB), and you may have seen a recent strip go viral early in the quarantine. It’s very relatable, there’s a cat that you’d want to have for your own. #RCReadathon2020
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: Miles Tan (@maedinn). Love your own! 😍 Miles is responsible for a lot of the awesome #romanceclass covers. It’s such a joy working with her because she always surprises you with the most awesome “drafts”. Authors who worked with her will know this! #RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/sZxmgGKsGx
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: KB Meniado (@heykebe). KB would probably argue that she’s not an illustrator but the fun little projects she does (https://t.co/KUsVsQ8mPF) are works of art for me! 🌟#RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/vSMsnrY22w
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: Isa Garcia (@__isagarcia). Isa is a writer and a friend whose words make me stop to take a closer look at life and find hope. Followers of Isa know that she has a gentle & fierce soul who puts life’s complexities into beautiful words. #RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/19af4430NG
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

BONUS: Aside from being a frustrated artist, I am also a frustrated musician. I love music and reading books w/ musicians but I cannot sing solo to save my life. 😅 Anyway, so a bonus ALWAYS LOVED creator for me is Vanya (@vanyacastor) https://t.co/nwnNwq8gI2 🎶#RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/Evei5wQjym
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

And that’s my Always Loved list. Over to you, @luckychan 😁 #RCReadathon2020
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

First we go to children's books! We have Dr. Luis P. Gatmaitan, whose books I had been reading since I was younger, and actually helped me make my decision to pursue BOTH medicine and writing. Because he did, too! pic.twitter.com/2S9PprBmsf
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

–and this really cute story about a red blood cell (I love personifications of cells like this LOL, which is why I love the anime Cells at Work): https://t.co/UoMU3XhAXc
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: Another children's book author that I love is Eugene Evasco. His books are mostly written in Tagalog, and I really love his lyrical prose. His stories are often poignant, as well. I loved his novel, Anina ng mga Alon: https://t.co/AhbLVwMc2Z
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: Now we go to crime fiction! I'm a big fan of F.H. Batacan, particularly for "Smaller and Smaller Circles". I mean, two Jesuit priests as the detectives? Say no more. (Picture from https://t.co/JQplBtsmFo) pic.twitter.com/rIZKtHdGpt
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: Now we go to SFF! First up is Eliza Victoria (@elizawriteshere), who is really one of the most prolific writers in this genre. And her stories always have these twists and turns, that nothing is ever really as you expect to them. https://t.co/CD4haMB6jv
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: Next is Paolo Chikiamco (@anitero), who, aside from being one of our favorite editors and champion of the rights of literary authors, also wrote one of my favorite comic books, Mythspace: https://t.co/QNaCEGMEqZ
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: And because I love it when I get two of my favorite genres in one, I really love "Trese" by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldismo. This a series of graphic novels, but they also have a collection of short stories, Tales from the Diabolical: https:// https://t.co/Gk6Q2iLnBD
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: Jay E. Tria (@jayetria) for "Majesty", because I've always loved Jay's prose and how she always makes me cry in every single one of her books and maybe I hate/love her for that: https://t.co/mNTyrqakBM
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

But you also have to read her other universe, Activated, because my other fictional boyfriend is there (don't tell Lan or Marceau, he's actually mine): https://t.co/28GmIViJTl and the sequel https://t.co/zhoiHsgA7G
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

Thanks, Leslie! ♥️

OPM has been a part of who I am growing up and for ALWAYS LOVED, I'd like to share with you some of my OPM "building blocks." pic.twitter.com/B9wV1hwYSQ
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

From the Best of Basil album, Nais Ko was my first favorite. It was also my gateway to Ryan Cayabyab's work. I didn't know why I liked it so much back when I was a little girl but I later realized it was the song's hopeful message that stayed with me.https://t.co/HjpXtKB8n4
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

Some of Ryan Cayabyab's other work that have remained personal favorites throughout the years are Paraiso, Limang Dipang Tao, and the quintessential song for the lovelorn watching their crush from afar, Kailan. (Heehee.) 😅https://t.co/lkXboA3na1
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

Other George Canseco favorites: Kastilyong Buhangin, Hiram, and Ikaw. Yes, THAT Ikaw. The one you would most often hear sung at weddings. It's been said that Canseco wrote this song for his wife, which makes this song even more sincere and heartfelt.https://t.co/rtGLjbYhCJ
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

The CompanY is a vocal group that began with the touring members of the Ateneo College Glee Club. They produced a string of hits in the 90s including Everlasting Love, Muntik na Kitang Minahal, and Now That I Have You (all faves!).https://t.co/HosM2UjStU
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

My musical influences shifted a bit in HS and college because of bands like The Eraserheads, whose songs will always be ingrained in my memory, together with silly snippets of school days. Ligaya from Ultraelectromagneticpop, will always be ♥️♥️♥️https://t.co/piD3kqDrqi
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

It's DIFFICULT to pick faves from the Eraserheads discography, but I hold these songs dear to my heart for sentimental reasons: Tindahan ni Aling Nena, Fill Her, Hard to Believe, and Minsan. ♥️https://t.co/gPbnrprqA0
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

Sugarfree's members were Ebe Dancel, Jal Taguibao, Kaka Quisumbing, and Mitch Singson. The band was active from 1999 to 2011, with a steady rise to popularity by way of songs like Burnout, Kuwentuhan, and Mariposa.https://t.co/7Dxar4h8HP
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

My dilemma of picking favorite songs by Sugarfree is the same as my dilemma with the Eheads. There are just A LOT of great songs, but if I really HAVE to choose, I would go with Prom, Hangover, and Ikaw Pala.https://t.co/ymDzL1N0HV
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

Thank you! 😊
I first need to say: I admire and honor A LOT of the komiks I see and read, so this does not reflect on anyone. It's just my personal likes-a-lots.
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

Oh right, ALWAYS LOVED 😍
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: Callous: The Land of the Guardians (Carlo Jose San Juan MD @callouscomics)https://t.co/oCqNvOjkk3
Callous is generally Dr. Rianne Nicah's doctor and home life, but this spinoff has her going to an alternate fantasy world, helping to save a duck from darkness 🦆 pic.twitter.com/OgKU2nikJM
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: Dead Balagtas tomo 1 Mga Sayaw ng Dagat at Lupa (Emiliana Kampilan @Deadbalagtas)https://t.co/WBPql6ptgz
Like, INANG BATHALA, there is no komik like it yet. There are many masterworks already but this is just incredible in all aspects. pic.twitter.com/SaySFW7sgp
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

ALWAYS LOVED: Zona Cero and Incognito (Faye Villanueva)https://t.co/LHuXpio33w https://t.co/h20D8iYm9J
Please, people, join me in this fandom already 😆 Anton Malik is awesome. 😆
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

Plus Anton had special powers, and has a chain-blade attack weapon besides his pistols 😍 He's very imperfect, but his heart is in the right place.
Despite what people say, it's manga-style done exactly the Pinoy way it should be done.
I have feels 😆
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

Okay, ALWAYS LOVED from me is done 😊
Back to @romanceclassbks for the next part!
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

Alright here we go! First on INSTALOVE is: Shai San Jose (@artofshai). Her art is what my younger self would have liked to draw if I had been able to. 😂 Shai’s work all feel so alive and I’m always fascinated by pieces. https://t.co/QRYuh1ooJ7 #RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/O1aEQ5sYOQ
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

INSTALOVE: Lee Asuro (@leeasuro). I found Lee’s art on Facebook, I think, from common friends in SFC. Her illustrations are heartfelt, positive and uplifting. 💕 #RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/DMWRY5zUYE
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

INSTALOVE: Tisa Muico (@tisuh). I saw Tisa’s art from an Instagram contest and immediately fell in love with her illustrations of saints! Personal faves are my boys, St. Maximillian Kolbe and St. JP2 ❤️ https://t.co/CqrNQhKrR0 #RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/125wWwETHk
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

INSTALOVE: Arli Pagaduan (@arlipagaduan) – Arli’s art always tell a story — and browsing through her Instagram feels like going through a storybook with stories of wonder and hope. ✨ https://t.co/ca9ALJXQsX #RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/dWYnpHs8ig
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

INSTALOVE: Crystha Shayne (@CrysthaShayne). Not an illustrator but a vlogger! Shayne is one of my friends from SFC, and her enthusiasm about the faith + her life as a missionary is a deep spiritual breath in this challenging time. https://t.co/SkEVdwr5r7 #RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/jurKdABqaw
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

BONUS INSTALOVE! Ending the same way with the Always Love segment, I end my list with a musician, whose work I’ve been listening/singing to in the past years but only knew who he was this year. 😅 Introducing Bimbo Yerro (@bimboyerro). #RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/Rsy7xLViLJ
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

However I recently discovered his own compositions and I want to write books based on them??? I mean, just listen to this one: https://t.co/H3yfGQph6w 💕 #RCReadathon2020 pic.twitter.com/6NHbOCoOX4
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

And that’s it for my Instaloves 💕 Up next, @luckychan!
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

Arli Pagaduan (@ArliPagaduan) was also featured by Ana, and I would like to feature her work as well, because I'm currently really loving "Tiny Tutubi", which is a series of children's stories, with themes of love for nature and the environment: https://t.co/b3iZZYFLPJ
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

Next on INSTA-LOVE: Jay Pillerva (@jaaychaan) is also a writer and artist: https://t.co/VLm78MDjEJ. From the first chapter of Quinn and the Metropolis, I was hooked. Who is Cassandra and what does she want from Quinn?
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

INSTA-LOVE: Currently also really into the comics of Tori Tadiar (@haitori)! Lovely art style and characters that you will care about (and maybe annoyed with some of their choices LOL). I recently subscribed to the webtoon "Pretty Please": https://t.co/GPd0GfUBQ1 T
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

And also an INSTA-LOVE BONUS: I also would like to feature Bimbo Yerro (@BimboYerro)! I first heard him sing at an SFC conference this year, and also started following his music. I really just have to mention THIS song: https://t.co/iNTtmrD4A7
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

The lyrics go: "But I don't want a hero, I just need you to come home."That had me in tears the first time I heard it.Because aside from the applause for a doing our jobs despite everything, maybe what we need is for the people on top to make sure we healthworkers stay alive too?
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

So hoping for a recorded version of this song too! You can find his songs on Spotify (his Catholic praise songs are also there, which are all so good!) and Soundcloud: https://t.co/m3x7CbrEee
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

Yay! Thanks Leslie, I'll keep my Insta-Love list short and sweet. ^_^ My Insta-Love artists are people and bands whose work I've heard ONCE and latched on to right after. You can find and follow them all on Spotify!

Without further ado, let me begin with…
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

Artist Name: Ben&Ben
Insta-Love Moment: When I first heard Kathang-Isip
Favorite song so far: OH LORD WHY I can't choose between Ride Home and Araw-arawhttps://t.co/KzcVSIc1IL
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

Artist Name: Autotelic
Insta-Love Moment: The moment I heard Laro
Favorite song so far: Languyinhttps://t.co/32dj0S5jqz
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

Thank you! 😊
Again my insta-loves are my personal likes and do not reflect on people, just on me. 😊
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

But after happily rising in the ranks assisted by engineer Chino Jose, she finds out that everything she knows about the world past the capital has been wrong. Every mecha she has been battling is not what they are. She has to win the war without destroying them.
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

Okay, the komiks 😊
INSTA-LOVE and totally plugged: Sagala by Tori Tadiar (@haitori), one of the best to come out of Komiket, the "Umayos ka, kuya!" story 😆 pic.twitter.com/jVuwOkhyxo
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

That's not straightforward when Riel is better with pistols than dresses, and Constantino is get flirted on by someone in court who is close to the ambassador. (Hence "Umayos ka, kuya!")
Incredible characterization, tight storytelling, in just 4 issues.
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

INSTA-LOVE: everything by @chocnutsan Jermaine Dayo, who does introspective, comedy, horror, but is best at love stories.
In His Universe is the current running and best, a girl who travels various dimensions seeing the possible iterations of her life with a boy she likes. pic.twitter.com/ZleoiUjb1n
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

INSTA-LOVE: Patch by Milo Galang (@ransom_rogers)https://t.co/qUM3OJqwHz
It's action comedy, but with a female lead.
Patch is BPO employee by night, supernaturally-powered fighter by day. She just wants to get to work on time but enemies won't let her. 😆 pic.twitter.com/F4ZZXOVqyg
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

INSTA-LOVE: Duty Ka Ba? Komiks by Tepai Pascualhttps://t.co/WuVqom9ucM
Just made in the last few months, but already with a following, are the adventures of Melba crushing on her doctors, and nurses sighing at love life as health workers. Also covid health info with hugot. 😆 pic.twitter.com/Mg3tT9S9xG
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

Okay, insta-loves are done. 😊
There are also others I like, just ask if you need recommendations apart from these.
Back to @romanceclassbks 😊
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

This thread went longer than we expected I think, which just shows how AWESOME Filipino creators are! Thank you for joining us for the first panel for #RCReadathon2020 and I hope you find your new loves. 💕 For more of awesome art, they’re usally on my IG stories @itstimeana 🌟
— Ana Tejano⁷ 💜 (@itstimeana) August 2, 2020

Don't be afraid to try someone new, you may be happily surprised to find a new story and new characters to love. 😊
NEVER be afraid to try Pinoy creators, especially independent ones. 😊
— EK Gonzales 🌸 will read komiks 😅 (@ek_phwriter) August 2, 2020

Haha, I agree, this went on for longer than we expected, but it's so awesome discovering new Pinoy creators to love! Hope you guys enjoyed too! I usually make Twitter threads like this of works by other Filipino creators, so follow me for more recs! 😄 https://t.co/JoIvmj4Mx5
— Celestine Trinidad (@luckychan) August 2, 2020

I think my co-panelists have said everything there is to say so…I'll just leave you with a Spotify playlist of the songs I've mentioned in my OPM thread. Happy listening, and thanks for reading through to the end!https://t.co/P1ynFZlRnS
— Tara 🐰 (@tarafrejas) August 2, 2020

Tagged

Buwan ng Wika RCReadathon2020

What’s Next at #RomanceClass? April 2025 Edition

What's next for #RomanceClass? 🌸 Check out our upcoming events in April!

October 2024 Events

The next few weeks are going to be busy for #RomanceClass! Frankfurter Buchmesse, Ateneo National Writers Workshop, and #FeelsFest2024!

Writing Kilig and Romance in 2024: Introduction #RomanceClass

The recording for Mina's RomanceClass intro lecture at Ateneo is now up on The Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices' Facebook!

#RCReadathon2020 – Prompt & Pairing, Please Compilation

Here is a compilation of all the ficlets participating RomanceClass authors did for #RCReadathon2020’s Prompt & Pairing, Please Challenge. Enjoy! 망해쓰 (I’m Ruined) by Tara Frejas Yihwan X Yoojung / “Make a mess of me.” First Meeting by Jay E. Tria Jill x Rhys / “Nobody asked but here it is anyway” That Was When […]

#RCReadathon2020 – Mukbang Nights, episodes 1 and 2

Compilation of the two mukbang nights where we do what we love next to talking about romance: eating while talking about romance. #RomanceClass authors do mukbang while talking about their books! Join the fun and throw in some questions for an anything-goes discussion! Episode 1 Hosted by Tara Frejas. Panelists: Chi Yu Rodriguez, Jay E. […]

#RCReadathon2020 – Enby Rep in Romance / Fiction

A discussion on good and bad non-binary representation in romance/fiction with author and komiks aficionado EK Gonzales.

#RCReadathon2020 – Maybe Judge a Book by its Cover

#RomanceClass book cover designers and their stories behind creating the perfect covers. Hosted by Mina V. Esguerra. Panelists: Carla de Guzman, Miles Tan, and Tania Arpa

#RCReadathon2020 – Heat Level Zero Represent!

A discussion about zero heat level romances, why some #romanceclass authors prefer to write this, and which readers we welcome with these books. Panelists: Ana Tejano & Celestine Trinidad

#RCReadathon2020 – Popfluences: Pop Culture That Influenced Us

A discussion on how pop culture icons (personalities, movies, TV shows, comics, games) have influenced the way we tell our stories. Discussion took place last Saturday, August 15! Panelists: Carla de Guzman, Katrina Ramos Atienza, Kesh Tanglao, Mina V. Esguerra, Six de los Reyes, Tania Arpa Follow the #RCReadathon2020 tag on Twitter, or check out […]

#RCReadathon2020 – How to Craft Relatable YA Characters

#romanceclassFlicker authors Angeli Dumatol, Danice Mae P. Sison, and Catherine Dellosa will take us through their process of crafting relatable YA characters. A discussion on the challenges of writing for teens, how to craft a believable voice, and other elements to factor in when creating YA characters. Follow the #RCReadathon2020 tag on Twitter, or check […]

#RCReadathon2020 — Mommy Lit: Is there life after HEA?

What happens after “the end” in a romance novel? #romanceclass authors explore female empowerment, romance, and motherhood following happily-ever-after. Hosted by C.P. Santi Follow the #RCReadathon2020 tag on Twitter, or check out our lineup for the rest of the panels!

#RCReadathon2020 – Behind the Scenes: Hello, Ever After

Backstage stories about the new #RomanceClass series — how it came about, memorable moments during the shoot, technical difficulties, and what’s next for #RomanceClass in terms of producing similar content. Hosted by Mina V. Esguerra.