Noringai

A few weeks ago, I applied for a one-month writing residency in a European city.

I checked their past grantees — walang Asian. Wala ring nag-apply from the Philippines since they started less than 10 years ago. Usually, around 100 applicants, mostly from the US or Europe. Requirement: at least three published books.

So nag-apply ako.

I only told my best friend. And my mentor, na hiningan ko ng recommendation letter.

I submitted the application form and other requirements… then forgot about it.

Earlier this month, I decided to check their website.

Apparently, the announcement was delayed kasi this year, they had 420 applicants from 65 countries (the previous year, there were only 100 plus applicants).

The two grantees? Isang award-winning Palestinian author with a PhD and a young but mutli-awarded European poet/novelist/essayist.

Okay lang. Hindi nakakasama ng loob.

Applying is already the first step. Never ko na-imagine before na kaya ko palang gawin ‘to. But this is only the beginning.

My best friend said, “Law of averages lang iyan."

Maybe she’s right. You keep applying, you keep writing, you keep trying, kahit minsan parang walang napapala. Pero sabi nga nila, the more you shoot your shot, the higher the chance na may tatama rin.

For now, this is just a reminder to myself. Hindi ako nanalo, pero hindi rin ako talo. Kasi minsan, the act of trying is already a win.

(Salamat ChatGPT, para sa image.)

Just wrapped the FDCP x FSG Screenwriting Workshop for Beginners in Malolos, Bulacan.

Five days of writing, mentoring, film showing, lecturing, and just watching 20 brave, talented, and passionate storytellers grow right before our eyes Eme.

Sobrang saya to be part of this workshop with fellow mentors Wanggo Gallaga, Paul Sta. Ana, and Jules Katanyag. Ang dami ko ring natutunan sa mga kwento, sa mga tanong, at sa mga pangarap ng bawat participant.

Congrats to all 20 writers who made it to the workshop — we hope this is just the start of your journey. Keep writing. Keep telling your stories.

And to , , and PHACTO — maraming salamat for making this possible.

While everyone’s fired up talking about justice and accountability, here’s another story of law and betrayal… but on Netflix.

Guilty Pleasure, starring , , , is now streaming. Directed by and written by me and , this movie tackles abusive relationships and women who fight back.

Pampa-init din ng ulo, pero at least dito, may closure.