Two years ago, right smack in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself wrestling with boredom. In 2020, I returned to my hometown in South Cotabato after almost two decades of city living. It was a daunting decision, but it felt right.

I’ve often repeated it in interviews: my initial dream was to craft and illustrate children’s books. But it was more complicated than I thought. So, in do-or-die fashion, I embraced a new challenge—writing a novel. While everyone around me embraced pandemic fitness, I was doing the opposite. I secluded myself from the world and worked on a book. My goal? Let’s call it “hyper-trope” as a big middle finger to everything I knew and thought about children’s literature. I wanted to craft something familiar but somehow push the envelope.

With the writing part done, fast forward to 2023, and limited knowledge about the world I’m about to enter, I started an expensive journey as a self-published author. Call it vanity publishing, and I don’t care. Call it as it is.

My knowledge of self-publishing was limited to what I learned from young NBDB-registered authors featured in Gully Books, a website I co-founded with Mildred Tan in 2019. I was inspired by these individuals who independently published books, and as it turns out, I could do it too.

Gratitude for the Unsung Heroes

I’ve never had the chance to thank people publicly. Caught up in the whirlwind (or should I say shitstorm) of emotions during the book promotions, especially the book fair season, it became a hectic juggle. Until recently, amidst the book’s disappearance from the market, I managed to slow down and take a fresh perspective on everything.

I surprised everyone. The release of “Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan” came with a loud bang, but the recoil was louder. People say the worst critics are family and friends. And boy, it came with full force. Despite the issues with the book, they have not disowned me yet. While I’d love to namedrop everyone, I’m just too lazy. 

  • First and foremost, I want to thank Auggie Fontanilla for his cover. It may have just saved my project.
  • To the folks from Pinetown (yes, it’s real, sometimes I call it Dole Philippines), those I met in Cubao (Fight me if you call Future [TxF] just a bar), the faces in Cebu (Grateful for new connections and reunions), and the good souls in Davao (Special shoutout to the young girl who made me tear up by buying a copy)-thank you all!
  • During the pandemic, my sanity was hanging by a thread. Thanks to Katipunan Memories, Trio Reboot, and many others for helping me preserve it.
  • I owe a debt of gratitude to The Innovators Network for keeping the light on, and to UNAWA for broadening my understanding of all things legal.
  • Special appreciation goes to Podcassistants, POSThings, Gully Books, my not-so-secret weapons, and my publicist from Cebu (you know who you are). And to the bold Booktubers who gambled when others wouldn’t, a massive thank you.
  • Press and Media, your exposure means the world. Thank you for the opportunities you gave me.
  • To the National Book Development Board, OG supporters of new writers, our journey began in 2019 with Gully Books. We have come full circle. Thank you for inviting me to showcase at the Philippine Book Festival.
  • And to those who paid good money and grabbed a copy of the book— my heartfelt thanks!

Thanksgiving Reflections

Author Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte
Photo by @guillermolabomba on IG

My experience as a relatively new author wasn’t very good, yet I have much to be thankful for. This post was unplanned, but it felt fitting with Thanksgiving happening elsewhere. I couldn’t let this moment slide.

I am thankful for the lessons I have learned throughout this process. The journey can get toxic, but only if you let toxic people in. I have no regrets.

The book itself is something to be thankful for. I’m proud of it. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. It’s my book, not yours.