The Insider Archives - CHESZ DYLAN

The Coming of New Breed of Writers: 2nd Gawad Parangal sa Mundo ng Literatura (GPML) Awards 2019

I am still in awe remembering the much anticipated 2nd Gawad Parangal sa Mundo ng Literatura (GPML) Awards night held at The Village Patio in Brgy Maginhawa, Quezon City last Saturday, February 8, 2020. It was the day where aspiring writers, editors, illustrators, veteran indie authors, and well-acclaimed writers in the writing industry face off to fight for prestigious writing titles in numerous categories. In addition, it was also the day to celebrate the 3rd Penmasters League Book Fair which also happened to be the co-organizer of the event.

Joining them were some of the established publishing companies like Precious Hearts Romances (PHR), Talking Pages, Lathala Press, Lampara Books, Paperkat Books, Booklat, and other indie publishers, together with other active online writing organizations. Fan meet-ups and book signing were also included in the event to make it more memorable and enjoyable for both authors and their fans.

It was another milestone for Miss Emerald Blake, the founder and president of Penmasters Administration which is the co-organizer of the gala event. After all the hurdles of the first GPML awards, it didn’t stop her from pursuing yet another year of this awarding ceremony. After all the hesitations, setbacks, and criticisms from detractors, she remained grounded and optimistic about her vision. Thus, the success of the recently concluded event.

Much has been said, but the highlight of the event is the presentation of the awards to various winning authors. With eleven incredible, and high caliber judges, not to mention their outstanding credentials both in education and the writing profession under their belt, it was a do-or-die collision of the best of the best authors in this generation. The writing aces of both mainstream and indie writing industries compete for the coveted titles.

Here are the winning awardees for the following categories:

I. GPML BEST POET CATEGORY

GPML BEST POET OF THE YEAR- Neil Mar Sales
2nd Best Poet- Rachel Macadangdang Labasan
3rd Best Poet- Mike James Palay

II. GPML MOST PROMISING WRITER CATEGORY

GPML MOST PROMISING WRITER OF THE YEAR- JAEistyping
2nd Most Promising Writer- Neil Mar Sales
3rd Most Promising Writer- Mar Mojica

III. GPML UNDISCOVERED GEM CATEGORY

UNDISCOVERED GEM OF THE YEAR- Rosie Lopez Santiago (BasiliaSeleva)
2nd Undiscovered Gem- Margie Evangelista
3rd Undiscovered Gem- Glaiza AntonioGPML

IV. GPML BEST ILLUSTRATOR CATEGORY

GPML BEST ILLUSTRATOR OF THE YEAR- Regina Dionella
2nd Best Illustrator- Rosie Lopez Santiago
3rd Best Illustrator- Jaoius Elmigron

V. GPML BEST EDITOR (ENGLISH CATEGORY)

GPML BEST EDITOR OF THE YEAR (ENGLISH CATEGORY)- Melai Quilla Marinas
2nd Best Editor- Elena Buncaras
3rd Best Editor- Ysabelle Frost

VI. GPML BEST EDITOR (FILIPINO CATEGORY)

GPML BEST EDITOR OF THE YEAR (FILIPINO CATEGORY)- Elena Buncaras
2nd Best Editor- Melai Quilla Marinas
3rd Best Editor- Ysabelle Frost

VII. GPML BEST PUBLISHED AUTHOR (ROOKIE AUTHOR CATEGORY)

GPML BEST PUBLISHED AUTHORS OF THE YEAR (ROOKIE AUTHOR CATEGORY)- Jaret Co and John Michael Jalaron (Deborah Lovelace)
2nd Best Published Author- Krishmar Llorin
3rd Best Published Author- Chesz Dylan

VIII. GPML BEST PUBLISHED STORY (ROOKIE AUTHOR CATEGORY)

GPML BEST PUBLISHED STORY OF THE YEAR (ROOKIE AUTHOR CATEGORY)- Her Eleventh Blind Date by Phoebe Esquivel
2nd Best Published Story- Silang mga Winasak ng Mekanismo ng Pag-ibig by Jaret Co
3rd Best Published Story- Befall by Eiramana325

The venue. It has an elaborate touch of greeneries to breathe.

IX. GPML BEST PUBLISHED AUTHOR (NOVICE AUTHOR CATEGORY)

GPML BEST PUBLISHED AUTHOR OF THE YEAR (NOVICE AUTHOR CATEGORY)- Margie Evangelista
2nd Best Published Author- E.M. Priel
3rd Best Published Author- Mayumi Cruz

X. GPML BEST PUBLISHED STORY (NOVICE AUTHOR CATEGORY)

GPML BEST PUBLISHED STORY OF THE YEAR (NOVICE AUTHOR CATEGORY)- Chroma Hearts by Mayumi Cruz
2nd Best Published Story- Philippines Year: 2300 by E.M. Priel
3rd Best Published Story- Rosa Magica by Margie Evangelista

XI. GPML BEST PUBLISHED AUTHOR (VETERAN AUTHOR CATEGORY)

GPML BEST PUBLISHED AUTHOR OF THE YEAR (VETERAN AUTHOR CATEGORY): Jernalie Dumapay (Sofia)
2nd Best Published Author: Maricar Dizon
3rd Best Published Author: Heart Yngrid

XII. GPML BEST PUBLISHED STORY (VETERAN AUTHOR CATEGORY)

GPML BEST PUBLISHED STORY OF THE YEAR (VETERAN AUTHOR CATEGORY): Golden Heart by Maricar Dizon
2nd Best Published Story: Marrying My Bestfriend by Aira Ledesma
3rd Best Published Story: My One and Only You by Jasmine Esperanza

The organizers also aim to recognize some of the notable mainstream publishers and indie publishing houses that keep the Philippine literature alive.

This mini garden make up the centerpiece of the entrance complementing the cobbled pavement.

XIII. GPML BEST PRINTING SERVICE

GPML BEST PRINTING SERVICE OF THE YEAR: KPNY Self-Publishing and Printing
2nd Best Printing Service: Glyz Printing Services and Trading
3rd Best Printing Service: Immac Printing Service

XIV. GPML BEST PUBLISHER

GPML BEST PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR: Anvil Publishing
2nd Best Publisher: VIVA Books
3rd Best Publisher: OMF Literature

Special awards are also given to the following established veteran authors who weren’t just professionals in the field, but they left a mark in the Philippine writing history.

SPECIAL AWARDEES:

GPML LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Prof. Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo
GPML LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Ms. Lualhati Bautista
GPML POSTHUMOUS AWARD: Ms. Angel Bautista
GPML POSTHUMOUS AWARD: Ms. Amanda Beltran

The organizers also recognized active writing organizations where new breed of indie writers and now seasoned authors started their writing journeys.

GPML MOST ACTIVE ONLINE WRITING ORGANIZATIONS FOR 2019

8Letters
Writers to Watch Out (WWO)
PluMAKATA
Conscriptors
Akademyang Pampanitikan (AKAP)
Inspiring Team of Writers (ITW)
APIS
Spoken Word Poetry University (SWPU)
Midnight Collective
Fall in Arts Community
Horror and Trell Stories
Betsin Artparasite
Damdaming Nakapaskil
MKP
KAMPI

Furthermore, Miss Emerald Blake made it known the achievements of her mentees in her workshops. These mentees are handpicked with regards to their excellence and growth in her writing workshops.

2ND PENMASTERS LEAGUE AWARDS (for Miss Emerald Blake’s PL Online Mentoring Class)

I. PL BEST PUBLISHED AUTHOR CATEGORY

PL BEST PUBLISHED AUTHOR OF THE YEAR: Darl Bollon/Darla Tverdohleb
2nd Best Published Author: LC Brasil
3rd Best Published Author: Xakni Allym

II. PL BEST PUBLISHED STORY CATEGORY

PL BEST PUBLISHED STORY OF THE YEAR: The Gray Area by LC Brasil
2nd Best Published Story: Old Towns, Old Flames by Darl Bollon
3rd Best Published Story: Morgan Series 1: The Philanderer by Rashiyella Raya

III. PL UNDISCOVERED GEM CATEGORY

PL UNDISCOVERED GEM OF THE YEAR: Anj Jimenez
2nd Undiscovered Gem: Jin Yoo Han
3rd Undiscovered Gem: Jang Magbanua

Awardees and nominees present at the Gala night.

IV. PL MOST PROMISING WRITER CATEGORY

PL MOST PROMISING WRITER OF THE YEAR: Mican Buna
2nd Most Promising Writer: Author Meera
3rd Most Promising Writer: XiAn Dee

V. PL BEST POET CATEGORY

PL BEST POET OF THE YEAR: Jin Yoo Han
2nd Best Poet: Rosemarie Plaza Tahumon
3rd Best Poet: Chili Pepper

VI. PL BEST ILLUSTRATOR CATEGORY

PL BEST ILLUSTRATOR OF THE YEAR: Ten Grams
2nd Best Illustrator: Kristina Tomodachi

Despite the rain that happened that day, it didn’t stop the awardees to come to their OOTDs. The night ended with newfound friends and collaborations among the authors and publishers present in the event. These awards motivated aspirants to excel more and aim to become the best in their writing craft. Thus, I bet next year will become more bloody and competitive. Kudos to the organizers, and congratulations to all the nominees and winners.

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Manila International Book Fair 2019: It’s Fun After All

With much anticipation before the recently concluded Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2019, I had a great time when I went there last September 12, 2019. It actually ran from September 11 to 15, 2019. Every year, it is celebrated as a 5-day event. It’s a gathering of big and small-time publishers, big and amateur writers, published authors, and traditional and indie publications. And of course, the hoarding of the books of both local and international acclaimed authors by bookworms.

What’s so special about the recent MIBF 2019? Well, unfortunately, there is nothing new to the book fair based on previous articles and videos about it. The book sale, the publishers, the events such as book signings of various local authors, programs, and the same activities held every year are the same as last year, except that there are changes in exhibitors. And of course, it is my first time attending such an event.

If you are a student, you will definitely benefit from the various textbooks on sale. I have seen a few exhibitors who are selling school textbooks and college references. There are also other exhibitors who just don’t sell Science and Technology books, robotics, and Encyclopedias, but there are actual crafts and simple robots that were displayed to add an additional mood in the air. If you are into these kinds of things, you will appreciate those stalls and learn something from them.

Most of the books on sale are faith-based books. The likes of Philippine Christian Book Store (PCBS), CSM Publishing, OMF Bookshop, Philippine Bible Society (PBS), and other new Christian book stores that I am not familiar with. The presence of big names such as National Bookstore, Anvil Publishing, REX Bookstore, ABS-CBN Publishing, Fully Booked, Psicom, Our Daily Bread, and other familiar names in the industry.

As an indie author, I saw indie and small publishing houses like Booklat, Bookware, Lampara, 8Letters, Phoenix Publishing, and a lot more. There are also author booths that conducted book signing events such as the one I came across (it’s a separate article). However, I didn’t expect the presence of university publications like UP, UST, and FEU publication. The organizers also held programs with famous book personalities and media icons present and conducted a little workshop for writer aspirants. The schedule was posted on the wall so you will know what day are they coming. Unfortunately, I haven’t encountered any famous personality nor author that day. So sorry for me. 😅 If you are hungry, you don’t need to go out of the premises as there are food stalls on either corner and a roving food girl carries a trolley with local goodies, snacks, and beverages.

MY PERSONAL MIBF EXPERIENCE

It was dark and cloudy when I arrived. The rain is expected to fall at that time but luckily, it didn’t until I entered the SMX Convention. Although there are free entrance pass tickets available on the internet (you have to print them and show them at the entrance), I didn’t have time to do so. I just bought one at the actual event. It cost me 35 PHP, for the adult entrance while there is a variant of 20 PHP for the children.

You will be definitely fascinated by the plethora of books in front of you. The two floors of the SMX Convention were dedicated to the said event. There are children’s books for your kiddos and a few BTS merchandise for K-Pop fans present at the book fair. However, that fascination dwindled as I was disappointed with the outcome of the book fair. Since it was my first time, I was expecting that the household author books (I am mostly referring to self-help, business, and financial freedom book authors aside from fictional authors) will be on sale at a discounted or reasonable prices but to my dismay, it didn’t. That was my sole purpose on why I came there in the first place. Most of them are selling at regular prices or 20% discounts.

But to give light to this failed expectation, there are textbooks that can be bought at 10 PHP – 50 PHP depending on the textbook. Psicom books are also available from 69 PHP to 99 PHP and most of the faith-based books are sold at 100 PHP of 1 regular book of any topic or two small size books like devotionals. And ABS-CBN publications and other indie pubs are selling their books around the price of 150ish.

In general, it was a successful event despite that I only bought a few pieces. Not all of the books I intended to buy were there. It only means that despite that it is indeed a big book fair, you shouldn’t expect it to be grander and complete. Some people I knew in the industry met at the said event, aside from the fact that they met their favorite local authors. I will see if I will be as enthusiastic to attend next year’s MIBF as I was this year.

What are your thoughts about the recent event? Share us in the comments below.

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September 17, 2019 by Storyteller Blog Books Local The Insider 0

MIBF: Books are Marching and Heading to SMX Convention

It’s the time of the year again, and nope, I am not saying it’s Christmas even though we welcomed the month of September yesterday. September is the month where all the book worms, storytellers, authors and fans will gather for the much anticipated book fair of the year – The Manila International Book Fair 2019.

Held yearly, every 2nd week of September. It is a week long celebration of books, books and more books. It is also the gathering of amateur writers, published and famous authors all around the nation. Of course, house hold international names are present as many book enthusiasts will definitely hoard these books. Mibf is also the time where books across all genres will be on sale or under discounts, so you can now avail your most coveted series or trilogies that you weren’t able to buy when it was released last year or early this year.

Indie and big publishers will be present so you can have the opportunity to talk to them regarding how to publish your work or details on publishing and self-publishing if you are a writer and thinking on the either processes. And you can expect author celebs or high-profile book worms during the book fair. Also, see their latest additions of different activities, and booths that will run for the entire five days.

Whatever the reason why you are going, this is a celebration of the thousand years of acquiring knowledge gathered from facts, biographies, tombs and ancient documents of our ancestors – reading. So, let’s celebrate and go to the Manila International Book Fair at SMX Convention Center, Manila running from September 11 – 15, 2019 at 10 am onwards. Who knows, you wouldn’t just meet old acquaintances, or popular personalities, but your match made because of loving books. See you there!

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September 2, 2019 by Storyteller Around the Web Local The Insider 0

The Penmaster’s League Grand Book Fair 2

A day meeting with other indie writers.

Quezon City – Last Saturday, June 1, 2019, Penmaster’s League held their 2nd grand book fair at the 4th floor of J Rich Building in Sto. Domingo Avenue, Quezon City.

It was a successful event for the said indie organization. Every year, they organize a book fair to give way to their in-house writers’ works and other indie writers associated with them. This second book fair, they managed to invite many publishers including the household names like Precious Pages, PHR, Booklat, Black Ink and other small publishing houses making name in the publishing industry like 8letters and Fairy Publishing to name a few.

This event will not be successful without the head of the Penmaster’s League and our coach, Ms. Emerald Blake, together with the other organizers.

Coach Emerald teaching the writing workshop

The grand fair was presented with a little program. An intermission number from one of the indie author serenaded the audience, then a free workshop themed, “Unleasing the Writer in You” conducted by Ms. Emerald Blake commenced. After which, another intermission number, a Spoken Word Poetry was presented before the closing of the program. The publishers present in the said event were awarded an appreciation certificates. But before they call it a day, they held a little draw as a token for the attendees. Two lucky winners were announced, and were given a free book courtesy of our coach, Ms. Emerald Blakes’ book “Memories of Jeddah”.

It was a fun day and I got to personally met other indie writers like one of my co-admin in my previous publishing company who happened to be a published author too.

To know more about the Penmaster’s League, their latest books and news, visit their Facebook Page: Penmasters Administration

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June 2, 2019 by Storyteller Author Local The Insider 19

BIG BAD WOLF BOOKSALE

Big Bad Wolf At The World Trade Center

The Big Bad Wolf is here, certainly not to eat our beloved Little Red Riding Hood.
By Chesz Dylan

Credit: Big Bad Wolf

Another important event for bookworms after the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF). Big Bad Wolf, world’s biggest book sale running for 10 years is in Manila right now to cater your plethora of books. A 10-day event that would satisfy your book cravings and fill you book collections. Discounted price from 50 to 90%, a cheap but GLORIOUS offer. What else? They are open 24 hours, so our beloved owls could still visit them at wee hours of the night. It’s like going to a drive – thru of books, and believed me, it tastes delicious!

Credit: Dinzo Tabamo (TopGear)

Visit them at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Hurry up! While stocks of your favorite and must-haves are still on sale.

Planetshakers 2019

Recently, Planetshakers has once again conquered Manila through its series of concerts last January 18-19, 2019, held at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

All for the glory of God! It was an awesome night of praise and worship together with this Christian band, our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I may not have an appearance in the said concert, but I believed God’s presence has made its impact on the hearts of our youths and adults, brethren or not.

January 22, 2019 by Storyteller Around the Web Faith The Insider 0

Manila International Book Fair 2018

Credit: National Bookstore

It’s the month of September. And this month is one of the great months for book lovers, readers and writers out there. It is the time where you can hoard books of your favorite authors. It is the time where indie writers and publishers will showcase their works. And it is also a massive gathering of the ‘it’ personalities in the literary industry.

Whether you are a fan, a book nerd, a first time reader, a wattpader, or a seasoned writer, you can enjoy the plethora of books that is only available during this event if not out stock in your regular bookstore.

See you there!

Oh, and don’t forget your umbrella or rain coats, just in case.

September 11, 2018 by Storyteller Books Local The Insider 0