Tag Archives: editors and contributors

Editors and Contributors

EDITORS

DM Gasparillo Adil II is from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, and served as editor in chief of the official student publication of the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato Province. He was the winner of the 2nd Lagulad Prize (2019), a finalist for the 3rd Lagulad Prize (2020), and the winner of an essay writing contest organized by Sultan Kudarat Writers Association. He is also the chief creative officer of a startup digital publishing team called Project Thorns.

Hannah Adtoon Leceña is from Kiamba, Sarangani Province, and a senior high school teacher at J. B. T. Caing Sr. Memorial Integrated School in the same town. She was the first prize winner of the 4th Satur P. Apoyon Tigi sa Mubong Sugilanong Binisaya (2020) and a finalist for the 3rd Lagulad Prize (2020). As a spoken word artist, she has performed in several events in the region and has been accepted as a fellow to the 5th Amelia Lapeña–Bonifacio Writers Workshop. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education (major in Filipino) cum laude at Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Jude Ortega is from Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat, and the author of Seekers of Spirits, winner of the Cirilo F. Bautista Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in English at the 38th National Book Awards (2019). He earned his political science degree at Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

Rexcel Samulde is from Surallah, South Cotabato, and a senior high school teacher at Lamian National High School in the same town. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education (major in English) at Sultan Kudarat State University. He won the 3rd Lagulad Prize (2020), a writing contest of Cotabato Literary Journal; two writing contests of the Facebook page Sulat SOX; and an essay writing contest of South Cotabato Writers Association.

CONTRIBUTORS

Luis B. Bahay Jr. is a licensed teacher and a graduate of Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He is serving as a kagawad of the Sangguniang Kabataan in Tampakan, South Cotabato, his hometown. His Cebuano love poem “Ikaw, Labing Gamhanan” received honorable mention in a writing contest of the Facebook page Sulat SOX.

Rezeile Eigo Brahim holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from Mindanao State University and is currently the co-proprietor of RSB Engineering Design and Services in General Santos City. Her essay “Hijabs, Earthquakes, and Some Notes on Personal Choices” was a finalist in the 3rd Lagulad Prize, a writing contest of Cotabato Literary Journal. Her essay “Change of Plans, Change of Hearts” won the first prize in a writing contest by the Facebook page Sulat SOX and the SOCSKSARGEN chapter of the Philippine College of Physicians.

Erwin Cabucos teaches English and writes short stories from Brisbane, Australia. He was born in Carmen, Cotabato Province, and graduated cum laude in psychology from Notre Dame University in Cotabato City. His published works are available at http://www.erwincabucos.com.

Daniel E. Costas is from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, and took up Bachelor in Secondary Education (major in English) at Sultan Kudarat State University. He was a campus journalist and now writes for the city government of Tacurong.

Stalingrad Samulde Dollosa is from Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, and a senior high school student at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. In 2020, his Hiligaynon short story “Priso” won a writing contest of Sultan Kudarat Writers Association, and this 2021, his Hiligaynon love poem “Paghulat sa Imo” won a writing contest of the Facebook page Sulat SOX.

Mary Divine C. Escleto is from Alabel, Sarangani Province, and a BS in Management Accounting student at Gensantos Foundation College in General Santos City. She was a fellow for poetry at the 2019 Davao Writers Workshop and attended the 1st SOX Summer Writing Camp. She is also a member of Sigaw Heneral, a local group of spoken word artists.

Marvin Ric Mendoza Esteban is a senior high school teacher at Lebak Legislated National High School in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. He earned his Bachelor of Secondary Education (major in Filipino) cum laude at Notre Dame of Salaman College in the same town and his Master of Arts in Education (major in Filipino) at Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. For “Sanlibo,” he won the 2020 flash fiction writing contest of the Facebook page Sulat SOX. A half Teduray, he is also a blogger, lyricist, and local historian.

Philip Jay Leaño is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and a spoken word artist who has won several local competitions. As a student of Koronadal National Comprehensive High School, he was part of the team that won in a national competition for balagtasan. He’s been accepted as a fellow to the 5th Amelia Lapeña–Bonifacio Writers Workshop, and his work has appeared in publications by Lampara Books, 7 Eyes Productions, and Kasingkasing Press.

Ghermaine Marie M. Micaroz is a senior high school student and the student publication editor in chief at Colon National High School in Maasim, Sarangani. Her love poem “Keeper of the Unkept” received honorable mention in a writing contest of the Facebook page Sulat SOX.

Jerusalem D. Nalig is from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, and taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education (major in English and Literature) at Sultan Kudarat State University, where he also writes for the official student publication.

Dalziel Chaz B. Oyao is from General Santos City and an economics student at Ateneo de Davao University. His essay “Pandemic Drives and the Kindling of a New Fascination” won the second prize in a writing contest by the Facebook page Sulat SOX and the SOCSKSARGEN chapter of the Philippine College of Physicians.

John Dave B. Pacheco is a senior high school student and supreme student government president at Lagao National High School in General Santos City. He was the champion of the spoken word competition in the 2020 GenSan Summer Youth Fest. A Tagakaulo, his roots are in Malungon, Sarangani Province.

John Mark G. Parlingayan is from Polomolok, South Cotabato, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology student at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in General Santos City.

Julius Marc Taborete is from General Santos City and works as a literature teacher in South Cotabato. He earned his AB English degree at Mindanao State University in General Santos and is pursuing his master’s degree in literature and language at Ateneo de Davao University. Some of his poems have appeared in Cotabato Literary Journal.

Romeo E. Tejada Jr. is from Santo Niño, South Cotabato, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies student at Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Angelo Lenard Yu is from Cotabato City and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature student at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City.

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Mga Editor kag Manug-amot

MGA EDITOR

Naghalin sa probinsya sang Antique kag isa ka propesor sa De La Salle University si John Iremil Teodoro, ang bisita nga editor sa sini nga isyu sang Cotabato Literary Journal. Nagasulat sya sa Kinaray-a, Filipino, Hiligaynon, kag English. Sobra dose na nya ka libro ang nabalhag, kag nakabaton sya sang madamo nga pagpasidungog, apil na ang Palanca Award, National Book Award, kag Gawad Ka Amado. Sya karon ang nagapungko nga secretary general sang Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL).

Si Jude Ortega ang nagsulat sang Seekers of Spirits, nagdaug sang Cirilo F. Bautista Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in English sa 38th National Book Awards (2019). Nakadawat man sya sang honorable mention sa F. Sionil José Young Writers Awards kag sa Nick Joaquin Literary Awards. Nagdaku kag nagaistar sya sa Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat, kag nakatapos sang AB Political Science sa Notre Dame of Marbel University sa Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

MGA MANUG-AMOT

Isa ka master teacher kag department head si Wilma A. Barcelona sa Santo Niño National High School sa Santo Niño, South Cotabato. Natapos nya ang iya bachelor of science in secondary education (major in history) sa Mindanao State University sa General Santos City.

Nagatudlo si Cris John Bryan C. Dela Cruz sa Sultan Kudarat State University kag nagaeskwela sang doctor of philosophy in social development sa University of Mindanao sa Davao City.

Naghalin sa Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, si Stalingrad Samulde Dollosa kag nagaeskwela sang Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) sa senior high school sang Mindanao State University sa General Santos City. Sya ang dumalaug sa paindis-indis sa pagsulat sang sugilanon sang Sultan Kudarat Writers Association sang 2020 kag sa paindis-indis sa pagsulat sang binalaybay sang Facebook page nga Sulat SOX karon nga 2021.

Nagatudlo si Lino Gayanilo Jr. sa Bagumbayan National High School sa Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, kag natapos nya ang iya bachelor’s degree sa education (major sa biological sciences) sa Sultan Kudarat State University. Nangin runner-up ang isa nya ka dinalayday sa 3rd Lagulad Prize (2020) sang Cotabato Literary Journal.

Naghalin sa Tantangan, South Cotabato, si Philip Jay Leaño, kag estudyante sya sang AB Psychology sa Notre Dame of Marbel University sa Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Nagdaug sya sa Diwang Sagisag Kultura Balagtasan National Finals nga ginhiwat sang National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Isa ka retirado nga propesor si Generoso Opulencia sang Notre Dame of Marbel University sa Koronadal City, South Cotabato, kag nagatudlo sya karon sa St. Alexius College sa parehas nga banwa. Nagasulat sya sa English, Hiligaynon, kag Kinaray-a, kag nabalhag na ang iya mga binalaybay kag sugilanon sa nagkalainlain nga pamantalaan. Kaduha sya nagdaug sa Home Life magazine poetry contest.

Nagatudlo si Nilyn Gamuza Pacariem sang Filipino sa Guinsang-an National High School sa Santo Niño, South Cotabato. Ang iya mga obra nakadawat sang Peter’s Prize sang 2016 kag 2017. Natapos nya ang iya bachelor’s degree sa education sa Mindanao State University sa General Santos City.

Naghalin sa Banga, South Cotabato, si Adrian Pete Medina Pregonir, kag yara sya sa una nya nga tuig bilang estudyante sang secondary education (major sa Filipino) sa Notre Dame of Marbel University sa Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Nakadaug sya sang ikatatlo nga padya sa Kabataan Sanaysay sang  69th Palanca Awards (2019). Isa man sya ka disc jockey sa isa ka istasyon sang radyo sa Koronadal.

Naghalin sa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, si Steve Kierr E. Sajorga, kag estudyante sya sang BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering sa University of Southeastern Philippines sa Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Nangin finalist sya sa isa ka paindis-indis sa pagsulat sang sugilanon nga ginhiwat sang Sultan Kudarat Writers Association.

Isa ka senior high school teacher si Rexcel Samulde sa Lamian National High School sa Surallah, South Cotabato. Natapos nya ang iya bachelor’s degree sa education (major sa English) sa Sultan Kudarat State University. Ang isa nya ka dinalayday sa Filipino nangin dumalaug sa 3rd Lagulad Prize (2020) sang Cotabato Literary Journal.

Nakatapos si Yves Tedera sang BS Public Health kag nagatudlo karon sa senior high school sang Notre Dame of Surala, sa Surallah, South Cotabato.

Editor and Contributors

EDITOR

Jude Ortega is the author of Seekers of Spirits, which won the Cirilo F. Bautista Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in English at the 38th National Book Awards and was a finalist for the 19th Madrigal–Gonzalez Best First Book Award. He grew up and lives in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat, and studied political science at Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Ten of his essays were published in the Youngblood column of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

CONTRIBUTORS

DM Gasparillo Adil II is a social media specialist for a digital marketing agency in Davao City. He served as editor in chief of the official student publication of St. John Learning Center in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, and of the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato Province. He is the winner of the 2nd Lagulad Prize (2019), a finalist for the 3rd Lagulad Prize (2020), and the winner of an essay writing contest organized by Sultan Kudarat Writers Association. He is also the chief creative officer of a startup digital publishing team called Project Thorns.

Luis B. Bahay Jr. is a licensed professional teacher who earned his bachelor’s degree in education (major in Filipino) at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He is currently serving as a Sangguniang Kabataan member at Barangay Maltana in Tampakan, South Cotabato.

Jeffriel Cabca Buan is a high school teacher in Lambangan Integrated School in T’boli, South Cotabato. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education (major in English) and received the Distinction Award for Excellence in Journalism (College of Education) at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He has been published in Cotabato Literary Journal, and one of his flash fictions was included in the zine The Best of Sulat SOX.

Lino Gayanilo Jr. teaches at Bagumbayan National High School in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, and earned his bachelor’s degree in education (major in biological sciences) at Sultan Kudarat State University. His essay “Sa Ikalawang Yugto ng Yanggaw” was a runner-up to the 3rd Lagulad Prize (2020). He was also a finalist in an essay writing contest organized by Sultan Kudarat Writers Association and honorable mention in two writing contests of the Facebook page Sulat SOX. He also draws hyperrealist portraits.

Martsu Ressan Ladia teaches part-time at Primasia Foundation College in Alabel, Sarangani Province, while studying law at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in political science at Holy Trinity College in the same city. One of his flash fictions was a finalist in a writing contest by South Cotabato Writers Association and subsequently published in Cotabato Literary Journal.

Hannah Adtoon Leceña is a senior high school teacher at J. B. T. Caing Sr. Memorial Integrated School in Kiamba, Sarangani Province. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education (major in Filipino) cum laude at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. She was a fellow at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop, the 3rd Bathalad–Sugbo Creative Writing Workshop (2019), and the 26th Iligan National Writers Workshop (2019), where her story received a special Jimmy Y. Balacuit Literary Award. She is the first prize winner of the 4th Satur P. Apoyon Tigi sa Mubong Sugilanong Binisaya (2020) and a finalist for the 3rd Lagulad Prize (2020). As a spoken word artist, she has performed in several events in the region and has been accepted as a fellow in the coming Amelia Lapeña–Bonifacio Writers Workshop.

Roland Dalisay Maran earned his bachelor’s degree in education (major in Filipino) at King’s College of Marbel in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. He has taught at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges in the same city.

John Dave B. Pacheco is a grade 12 (Humanities and Social Sciences) student and Supreme Student Government president at Lagao National High School in General Santos City. He is the champion of the spoken word competition in the 2020 GenSan Summer Youth Fest.

Rexcel Samulde is a senior high school teacher at Lamian National High School in Surallah, South Cotabato. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education (major in English) at Sultan Kudarat State University. His essay “Nalulunod Din ang mga Isda” is the winner of the 3rd Lagulad Prize (2020), a regionwide essay writing contest organized by Cotabato Literary Journal. He is also the winner of a Hiligaynon essay writing contest organized by South Cotabato Writers Association and of two regionwide writing contests of the Facebook page Sulat SOX.

Arville Villaflor Setanos teaches at General Santos City National High School while studying law at Mindanao State University, where he also earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. His essay “Ang Ikawalong Salot” was a runner-up to the 3rd Lagulad Prize (2020). He has been a student publication adviser and a campus journalist himself, serving as the editor in chief of the student publication of Fatima National High School.

Editors and Contributors

GUEST EDITOR

Noel Pingoy is a graduate of Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and of Davao Medical School Foundation. He finished residency in internal medicine and fellowships in hematology and in medical oncology at the University of the Philippines–Philippine General Hospital. He also completed courses at St. Christopher’s Hospice and at Harvard Medical School Center for Palliative Care. In 2018, he became a visiting scholar at the Hastings Center. His essay “Becoming a Hematologist” won third prize at the 2002 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, and he was a fellow for creative nonfiction at the 2006 Silliman University National Writers Workshop. He divides his time between General Santos City and Koronadal City.

CONTRIBUTORS

Lance Isidore Catedral has completed his residency training in internal medicine and is now pursuing his fellowship in medical oncology at the University of the Philippines–Philippine General Hospital. He also has a degree in molecular biology and biotechnology from UP Diliman. He was born and raised in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and, since 2004, has been blogging at bottledbrain.com. His interests include Christianity, literature, and medicine.

Jean Martinez Fullo is from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Literature degree at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City.

John Efrael Igot grew up in Magpet, Cotabato Province, and is a graduate of BS in Information Technology from ACLC College of Marbel in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. He is a former editor in chief of the student publication and a member of several writing groups on social media.

An-Nurhaiyden Mangelen hails from Cotabato City and received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of the Philippines–Mindanao. He was a fellow for creative nonfiction at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop.

Wilfredo Pascual Jr. is a winner of the Curt Johnson Prose Award for Nonfiction and a runner-up to the Steinberg Essay Prize in the United States. In the Philippines, he has won in the Palanca Award three times and in the Philippines Free Press Literary Awards. He was born in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, where he has been conducting an annual personal essay writing workshop named after the province for three years now. The Sangguniang Panlungsod of General Santos passed a resolution in 2017 declaring him an adopted son of the city.

Adrian Pete Medina Pregonir is a senior high school student in Banga, South Cotabato. He has been published in Cotabato Literary Journal and Liwayway, and he was a fellow for poetry at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop. He won third prize in the Kabataan Sanaysay category of the 69th Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (2019).

Dianne May Torres is a freelance writer and editor currently working in Manila but considers Koronadal City, South Cotabato, home.

REGULAR EDITORS

Jude Ortega (Editor in Chief) is the author of the short story collection Seekers of Spirits (UP Press, 2018), which received the Cirilo F. Bautista Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in English at the 38th National Book Awards. He studied political science at Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and currently stays most of the time in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

David Jayson Oquendo (Editor for Fiction) is from Polomolok, South Cotabato, and works in Davao City as an electrical engineer. He was a fellow for fiction at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop and is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Andrea D. Lim (Editor for Poetry) is working as an editor for a publishing company in Cebu City while taking her master’s degree in literature at the University of San Carlos. She was a fellow at the 24th Iligan National Writers Workshop (2017) and is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Her family lives in General Santos City.

Paul Randy P. Gumanao (Editor for Poetry) hails from Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province, and teaches chemistry at Philippine Science High School–SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. He was a fellow for poetry at the 2009 Davao Writers Workshop and the 2010 Iyas National Writers Workshop. He is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Ateneo de Davao University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and is finishing his master’s degree in chemistry.

Hazel-Gin Lorenzo Aspera (Editor for Nonfiction) is a registered nurse, artist, and writer. She spent her childhood in Cotabato City and is now based in Cagayan de Oro City. A fellow for literary essay at the 1st Cagayan de Oro Writers Workshop, some of her feature stories appear in the book Peace Journeys: A Collection of Peacebuilding Stories in Mindanao. Currently, she is Associate Director for Communications and Junior Fellow for Literary Essay of Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro (NAGMAC).

Jennie P. Arado (Editor for Nonfiction) is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and currently works for a newspaper in Davao City as editor of the lifestyle section. She earned her BA in English (major in creative writing) from the University of the Philippines–Mindanao and was a fellow for creative nonfiction at the 2016 University of Santo Tomas National Writers Workshop. Her story “Ang Dako nga Yahong sang Batchoy” won the South Cotabato Children’s Story Writing Contest in 2018.

Norman Ralph Isla (Editor for Play) is from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, and a department head at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He was a fellow for drama at the 2015 Davao Writers Workshop and at the 4th Amelia Lapeña–Bonifacio Writers Workshop (2019). Several of his plays have been staged in General Santos City and South Cotabato.

Editors and Contributors

CONTRIBUTORS

Hannah Adtoon Leceña is a high school teacher and spoken word artist from Kiamba, Sarangani Province. She was a fellow at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop, the 3rd Bathalad–Sugbo Creative Writing Workshop (2019), and the 26th Iligan National Writers Workshop (2019), where her story received a special Jimmy Y. Balacuit Literary Award. She earned her Bachelor of Secondary Education (major in Filipino) degree at Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Jerico L. Marcelino is from Carmen, Cotabato Province, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy degree from the University of Southern Mindanao in the same province.

PG Murillo is an independent rap artist and battle emcee. He won first place at the rap battle of the 2017 GenSan Summer Youth Fest and was declared champion at the spoken word competition of the 2019 GenSan Summer Youth Fest. He studied information technology at Systems Technology Institute (STI) in General Santos City.

Adrian Pete Medina Pregonir is a senior high school student in Banga, South Cotabato. He has been published in Cotabato Literary Journal and Liwayway, and he was a fellow for poetry at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop. His piece in this issue, “Noon Akto-o Hén Fa Gali Em (May Katotohanan Pa Pala),” won third prize in the Kabataan Sanaysay category of the 69th Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (2019).

Prince Vincent M. Tolorio teaches at Holy Trinity College of General Santos City and earned his bachelor’s degree in Filipino at Mindanao State University in the same city. He is currently taking up Master of Arts in Teaching Filipino at Sultan Kudarat State University.

EDITORS

Jude Ortega (Editor in Chief) is the author of the short story collection Seekers of Spirits (UP Press, 2018). In 2015, he received honorable mention at the inaugural F. Sionil José Young Writers Awards and at the Philippines Graphic Nick Joaquin Literary Awards. He studied political science at Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and currently stays most of the time in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

David Jayson Oquendo (Editor for Fiction) is from Polomolok, South Cotabato, and works in Davao City as an electrical engineer. He was a fellow for fiction at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop and is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Andrea D. Lim (Editor for Poetry) is working as an editor for a publishing company in Cebu City while taking her master’s degree in literature at the University of San Carlos. She was a fellow at the 24th Iligan National Writers Workshop (2017) and is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Her family lives in General Santos City.

Paul Randy P. Gumanao (Editor for Poetry) hails from Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province, and teaches chemistry at Philippine Science High School–SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. He was a fellow for poetry at the 2009 Davao Writers Workshop and the 2010 IYAS National Writers Workshop. He is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Ateneo de Davao University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and is finishing his master’s degree in chemistry.

Hazel-Gin Lorenzo Aspera (Editor for Nonfiction) is a registered nurse, artist, and writer. She spent her childhood in Cotabato City and is now based in Cagayan de Oro City. A fellow for literary essay at the 1st Cagayan de Oro Writers Workshop, some of her feature stories appear in the book Peace Journeys: A Collection of Peacebuilding Stories in Mindanao. Currently, she is Associate Director for Communications and Junior Fellow for Literary Essay of Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro (NAGMAC).

Jennie P. Arado (Editor for Nonfiction) is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and currently works for a newspaper in Davao City as editor of the lifestyle section. She earned her BA in English (major in creative writing) from the University of the Philippines–Mindanao and was a fellow for creative nonfiction at the 2016 University of Santo Tomas National Writers Workshop. Her story “Ang Dako nga Yahong sang Batchoy” won the South Cotabato Children’s Story Writing Contest in 2018.

Norman Ralph Isla (Editor for Play) is from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, and a department head at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He was a fellow for drama at the 2015 Davao Writers Workshop and at the 4th Amelia Lapeña–Bonifacio Writers Workshop (2019). Several of his plays have been staged in General Santos City and South Cotabato.

Editors and Contributors

CONTRIBUTORS

Vincent Carlo Duran Cuzon is an industrial engineer and currently works as a data analyst in the business process management industry. He hails from Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province, and is working on advocacies, which include writing the histories and narratives in the greater Kidapawan area.

Norsalim S. Haron is from Pikit, Cotabato Province, and teaches at Rajah Muda National High School in the same town. He is a graduate of Bachelor in Secondary Education (major in Filipino) at the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato Province. His work has appeared in Cotabato Literary Journal and Carayan Journal.

Allan Ace Dignadice is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and a BS Electronics Engineering student at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He is a former editor in chief of the official school publication of Koronadal Comprehensive National High School. His micro essay in this issue is his seventh published work in Cotabato Literary Journal.

Hannah Adtoon Leceña is a high school teacher and spoken word artist from Kiamba, Sarangani Province. She was a fellow at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop, the 3rd Bathalad–Sugbo Creative Writing Workshop (2019), and the 26th Iligan National Writers Workshop (2019), where her story received a special Jimmy Y. Balacuit Literary Award. She earned her Bachelor of Secondary Education (major in Filipino) degree at Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Adrian Pete Medina Pregonir is a senior high school student in Banga, South Cotabato. He has been published in Cotabato Literary Journal and Liwayway, and he was a fellow for poetry at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop.

Angelo Serrano is a senior high school (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand) student at St. Lorenzo School of Polomolok in Polomok, South Cotabato. His short story in this issue is his third published work in Cotabato Literary Journal.

EDITORS

Jude Ortega (Editor in Chief) is the author of the short story collection Seekers of Spirits (UP Press, 2018). He was a fellow for fiction in six writers workshops, including the 55th University of the Philippines National Writers Workshop (2016) and the 53rd Silliman University National Writers Workshop (2014). In 2015, he received honorable mention at the inaugural F. Sionil José Young Writers Awards and at the Philippines Graphic Nick Joaquin Literary Awards. He studied political science at Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and currently stays most of the time in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

David Jayson Oquendo (Editor for Fiction) is from Polomolok, South Cotabato, and works in Davao City as an electrical engineer. He was a fellow for fiction at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop and is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Andrea D. Lim (Editor for Poetry) is working as an editor for a publishing company in Cebu City while taking her master’s degree in literature at the University of San Carlos. She was a fellow at the 24th Iligan National Writers Workshop (2017) and is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Her family lives in General Santos City.

Paul Randy P. Gumanao (Editor for Poetry) hails from Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province, and teaches chemistry at Philippine Science High School–SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. He was a fellow for poetry at the 2009 Davao Writers Workshop and the 2010 IYAS National Writers Workshop. He is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Ateneo de Davao University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and is finishing his master’s degree in chemistry.

Hazel-Gin Lorenzo Aspera (Editor for Nonfiction) is a registered nurse, artist, and writer. She spent her childhood in Cotabato City and is now based in Cagayan de Oro City. A fellow for literary essay at the 1st Cagayan de Oro Writers Workshop, some of her feature stories appear in the book Peace Journeys: A Collection of Peacebuilding Stories in Mindanao. Currently, she is Associate Director for Communications and Junior Fellow for Literary Essay of Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro (NAGMAC).

Jennie P. Arado (Editor for Nonfiction) is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and currently works for a newspaper in Davao City as editor of the lifestyle section. She earned her BA in English (major in creative writing) from the University of the Philippines–Mindanao and was a fellow for creative nonfiction at the 2016 University of Santo Tomas National Writers Workshop. Her story “Ang Dako nga Yahong sang Batchoy” won the South Cotabato Children’s Story Writing Contest in 2018.

Norman Ralph Isla (Editor for Play) is from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, and a department head at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He was a fellow for drama at the 2015 Davao Writers Workshop and at the 4th Amelia Lapeña–Bonifacio Writers Workshop (2019). Several of his plays have been staged in General Santos City and South Cotabato.

Editors and Contributors

CONTRIBUTORS

Midpantao Midrah G. Adil II is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student at the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato Province, but is currently on leave from his studies and working as a content writer for a digital marketing agency in Davao City. He served as an editor in chief of his alma mater’s official student publication and was born in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

Glenn M. Arimas is from Midasayap, Cotabato Province, and a first year student at Southern Christian College, where he writes for the official student publication. He also likes mobile photography and making videos for YouTube.

Gerald Galindez teaches language and literature at the senior high school department of Notre Dame of Tacurong College in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. He was a fellow for poetry at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop and the 26th Iligan National Writers Workshop (2019), where he won a Jimmy Y. Balacuit Literary Award. He is also the winner of the national poetry contest of the Pananaw magazine of the United Methodist Church in 2008 and of the 2017 Cotabato Province Poetry Contest. As a zinester, he wrote I, Alone and Ginapasaya Mo Ako and co-edited Kalimudan: Literary Works from Sultan Kudarat and The Best of Sulat SOX. He earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education (major in English) from the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato Province. He also writes Christian songs.

Estrella Taño Golingay, of Surallah, South Cotabato, has a PhD in language education and is a retired professor of Notre Dame of Marbel University. In 1994, her poem “Si Nene at Ako sa Pagitan ng Gabi” won the first prize in the poetry contest of Home Life magazine.

Norsalim S. Haron is from Pikit, Cotabato Province, and teaches at Rajah Muda National High School in the same town. He is a graduate of Bachelor in Secondary Education (major in Filipino) at the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato Province.

Alvin Larida teaches physics and chemistry at Dole Philippines School in Polomolok, South Cotabato. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and is currently finishing his master’s degree at Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Ma. Isabelle Alessandra M. Mirabueno is currently a grade 12 (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand) student at the Quantum Academy in General Santos City, where she serves as the managing editor and editorial writer of the school publication.

Mubarak M. Tahir is a pure-blooded Maguindanao–Moro from Datu Piang, Maguindanao. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Filipino Language cum laude at Mindanao State University in Marawi City. He won the third prize for Filipino Essay at the 2017 Palanca Awards, and his work has been published in journals, newspapers, and anthologies. Currently, he is a Filipino instructor at Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

EDITORS

Jude Ortega (Editor in Chief) is the author of the short story collection Seekers of Spirits (UP Press, 2018). He was a fellow for fiction in six writers workshops, including the 55th University of the Philippines National Writers Workshop (2016) and the 53rd Silliman University National Writers Workshop (2014). In 2015, he received honorable mention at the inaugural F. Sionil José Young Writers Awards and at the Philippines Graphic Nick Joaquin Literary Awards. He studied political science at Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and currently stays most of the time in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

David Jayson Oquendo (Editor for Fiction) is from Polomolok, South Cotabato, and works in Davao City as an electrical engineer. He was a fellow for fiction at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop and is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Andrea D. Lim (Editor for Poetry) is working as an editor for a publishing company in Cebu City while taking her master’s degree in literature at the University of San Carlos. She was a fellow at the 24th Iligan National Writers Workshop (2017) and is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Her family lives in General Santos City.

Paul Randy P. Gumanao (Editor for Poetry) hails from Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province, and teaches chemistry at Philippine Science High School–SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. He was a fellow for poetry at the 2009 Davao Writers Workshop and the 2010 IYAS National Writers Workshop. He is a former editor in chief of the official student publication of Ateneo de Davao University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and is finishing his master’s degree in chemistry.

Hazel-Gin Lorenzo Aspera (Editor for Nonfiction) is a registered nurse, artist, and writer. She spent her childhood in Cotabato City and is now based in Cagayan de Oro City. A fellow for literary essay at the 1st Cagayan de Oro Writers Workshop, some of her feature stories appear in the book Peace Journeys: A Collection of Peacebuilding Stories in Mindanao. Currently, she is Associate Director for Communications and Junior Fellow for Literary Essay of Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro (NAGMAC).

Jennie P. Arado (Editor for Nonfiction) is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and currently works for a newspaper in Davao City as editor of the lifestyle section. She earned her BA in English (major in creative writing) from the University of the Philippines–Mindanao and was a fellow for creative nonfiction at the 2016 University of Santo Tomas National Writers Workshop. Her story “Ang Dako nga Yahong sang Batchoy” won the South Cotabato Children’s Story Writing Contest in 2018.

Norman Ralph Isla (Editor for Play) is from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, and a department head at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He was a fellow for drama at the 2015 Davao Writers Workshop and at the 4th Amelia Lapeña–Bonifacio Writers Workshop (2019). Several of his plays have been staged in General Santos City and South Cotabato.

Editors and Contributors

EDITORS

Eric Gerard H. Nebran is an educator and illustrator from General Santos City. He is currently a PhD Comparative Literature student at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. His research interests include orality, history, and literary productions of his hometown.

Jude Ortega is the author of the short story collection Seekers of Spirits (University of the Philippines Press, 2018), the chapbook Katakot (Balangay Books, 2018) and the zines Mga Kuwentong Peysbuk and Faded Jeans and Old Shoes. He has been a fellow for fiction at four national and two regional writers workshops. In 2015, his stories received honorable mention at the inaugural F. Sionil José Young Writers Awards and at the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards. He divides his time between Senator Ninoy Aquino and Isulan, both in Sultan Kudarat.

CONTRIBUTORS

Jennie P. Arado is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and currently works for SunStar Davao as editor of the lifestyle section. She earned her BA in English (major in creative writing) from the University of the Philippines–Mindanao. Her story “Ang Dako nga Yahong sang Batchoy” won the South Cotabato Children’s Story Writing Contest in 2018.

Hazel-Gin Lorenzo Aspera is a registered nurse, artist, and writer. She spent her childhood in Cotabato City and is now based in Cagayan de Oro City. A fellow for literary essay at the 1st Cagayan de Oro Writers Workshop, some of her feature stories appear in the book Peace Journeys: A Collection of Peacebuilding Stories in Mindanao. Currently, she is Associate Director for Communications and Junior Fellow for Literary Essay of Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro (NAGMAC).

Allan Ace Dignadice is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and a BS Electronics Engineering student at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He is a former editor in chief of the official school publication of Koronadal Comprehensive National High School. “Hawla,” his play that appears in this issue, is his fifth published work in Cotabato Literary Journal.

Gerald Galindez is a senior high school teacher at Notre Dame of Tacurong College in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. His poem “San Gerardo and the Exocotidae” is the winner of the 2017 Cotabato Province Poetry Contest. He has released two poetry zines—I, Alone and Ginapasaya Mo Ako.

Rustom M. Gaton teaches at Montessori Learning Center in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. He grew up in the municipality of Bagumbayan in the same province and earned his Bachelor of Secondary Education (major in English) degree at Sultan Kudarat State University.

Alvin Q. Larida is a teacher at Dole Philippines School in Polomolok, South Cotabato, where he teaches physics and chemistry for senior high school. He is a graduate of Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and currently finishing his master’s degree at Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Hannah Adtoon Leceña is a high school teacher and spoken word artist from Kiamba, Sarangani Province. She was a fellow for fiction at the 2018 Davao Writers Workshop and at the 3rd Bathalad–Sugbo Creative Writing Workshop (2019). She earned her Bachelor of Secondary Education (major in Filipino) degree at Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Andrea D. Lim is from General Santos City and currently working as an editor for a publishing company in Cebu City while taking her master’s degree in literature at the University of San Carlos. She is also a former editor in chief of The Weekly Sillimanian, the official student publication of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

Editor and Contributors

EDITOR

Jude Ortega is a fictionist from Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat Province. He has been a fellow in four national writers workshop, and his stories have received honorable mention in the F. Sionil José Young Writers Awards and the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards.

CONTRIBUTORS

Genory Vanz Alfasain, also known as Yadu Karu, is an advocacy blogger, essayist, and independent filmmaker from Alabel, Sarangani Province. He was a fellow in the 2016 Davao Writers Workshop. His first short film, Bé, won Best Film in the Sarangani Shorts Category of the 2013 SalaMindanaw Asian Film Festival in General Santos City. His second short film, Jamir, was nominated for Best Film in the 2014 Mindanao Film Festival in Davao City.

John Dominic Arellano is a certified public accountant and a passionate reader. He grew up in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat Province, and currently works in Koronadal City, South Cotabato Province.

Kurt Joshua Comendador is an AB English student at Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He is the president of Valoræx, the book reading club, and a trainee in Bagwis, the official student publication.

Paolo Concepcion is from Koronadal City, South Cotabato Province, and currently an MS Statistics student at the University of the Philippines–Diliman.

Jermaine Dela Cruz works for a television station in General Santos City. Her poetry zine Venting Machine was featured in the 2017 SOX Zine Fest.

Gerald Galindez is a grade school teacher at Notre Dame of Tacurong College in Sultan Kudarat Province. His poem “San Gerardo and the Exocotidae” is the winner of the 2017 Cotabato Province Poetry Contest. His poetry zine I, Alone was featured in the 2017 SOX Zine Fest.

Hajar Kabalu, a full-blooded Maguindanaon Moro, is a communicator by profession but a traveler, storyteller, and photographer by heart. For his blog and related works, the Region 12 office of the Department of Tourism gave him its 2017 Best Multimedia Practitioner Award. His photographs of local festivals have also received numerous awards.

Hannah Adtoon Leceña is a spoken word artist from Kiamba, Sarangani Province. She currently teaches at the Quantum Academy in General Santos City.

Jim Raborar is the artistic director of Apat sa Taglamig Productions Inc., a theater group based in Koronadal City, South Cotabato Province, and a member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Committee on Dramatic Arts. In 2013, 2014, and 2015, his plays were staged in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Incheon Bilingual Theater Festival in South Korea. In 2015, he became a fellow in the 22nd Iligan National Writers Workshop and in the 3rd Sulat Dula playwriting workshop of Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City. He currently works for the Region 12 Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture.

Dan Joseph Zapanta Rivera is a grade 12 student at Koronadal Comprehensive National High School in South Cotabato Province. He was part of the main cast in a local production of the one-act play Si Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga Tala. He also performs in poetry readings organized by the local writers group.

Silek is a Blaan band from Tampakan, South Cotabato Province. The members are lead singer, guitarist, faglong player, and composer Pammie Malayon, singer and percussionist Jeanalyn Sanuhay-Wales Lerios, percussionist and coordinator Jose Nilo Vargas, wind instrument player and percussionist Arbie Lerios, bassist Nestor Padal, and drummer Alexander Oracion. The word silek means “new generation.”

Kim Nathaniel Tan is a fourth year business administration student at STI Koronadal in South Cotabato Province. He has been selected as one of the twenty sponsored fellows in the Mindanao-wide PhilPop Songwriting Boot Camp in Davao City this February 2018.

Aldrick Lawrence Velasco is a painter and poet from Tantangan, South Cotabato. Being a youth leader and member of Bless Davao Movement and Awakening Giant Warriors of Christ the Healer in Davao City, his works are greatly influenced by his faith. His work Susi, which appears in this issue, is included in his zine Muwang, which can be purchased by sending him a query at 0946-221-1516.

Editor and Contributors

EDITOR

Jude Ortega has been a fellow for fiction at the 2016 UP National Writers Workshop and in five other writers workshops. He divides his time between Senator Ninoy Aquino and Isulan, both in Sultan Kudarat Province.

CONTRIBUTORS

Mubarak M. Tahir was born in the village of Kitango in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Filipino Language (cum laude) at Mindanao State University in Marawi City. He lived in General Santos City when he taught in the campus there of his alma mater. “Aden Bon Besen Uyag-uyag,” his essay for this issue of the journal, won the third prize for Sanaysay at the 2017 Palanca Awards. Currently, he is teaching at the Davao campus of Philippine Science High School.

Estrella Taño Golingay of Surallah, South Cotabato, has a PhD in language education and is a retired professor of Notre Dame of Marbel University. In 1994, her poem “Si Nene at Ako sa Pagitan ng Gabi” won the first prize in the poetry contest of Home Life magazine.

Blesselle Fiel is a senior high school student at Koronadal Comprehensive National High School. “Tagu-taguan,” her flash fiction for this issue of the journal, is the winner of the 2017 South Cotabato Fiction Contest.

Gerald Galindez teaches grade school at Notre Dame of Tacurong College. “San Gerardo and the Exocoetidae,” his poem for this issue of the journal, is the winner of the 2017 Cotabato Province Poetry Contest.

Allen Samsuya is a graduate of the University of the Philippines–Mindanao with a degree in BA English major in Creative Writing. He was a fellow at the 2009 Davao Writers Workshop, the 2011 Iligan National Writers Workshop, the 2011 Silliman University National Writers Workshop, and the 2014 Iyas National Writers Workshop.

Paul Randy P. Gumanao hails from Kidapawan City, and teaches Chemistry at Philippine Science High School-SoCCSKSARGEN Region Campus. He was a fellow for poetry at the 2009 Davao Writers Workshop, and 2010 IYAS National Creative Writing Workshop. He is a former editor-in-chief of Atenews, the official student publication of Ateneo de Davao University, and is currently finishing his MS in Chemistry from the same university.

Norman Ralph Isla is the academic head of the senior high school department of Mindanao State University in General Santos City. He was a fellow for drama at the 2015 Davao Writers Workshop.