kite launched

Thanks to everyone who came over to celebrate the launch of "The Kite of Stars"! All pictures by Kenneth Yu and Charles Tan - because I never get to be the photographer at these things LOL - thanks, Kyu and Charles!


Vin Simbulan, Tin Mandigma of ROD & Gwenn Galvez of Anvil


Luis Katigbak, Yvette Tan, Charles Tan & Jade Bernas of Story Philippines

We had a simple program: Kristin Mandigma of Read or Die, master of ceremonies, introduced the book, followed by a speech by my publisher Karina Bolasco of Anvil, and then a brief talk from me.



Nikki Alfar, Andrew Drilon, Kate Aton-Osias, Vin Simbulan, Alex Osias & me

Then the LitCritters performed a reading of "The Kite of Stars" (the play version with my usual 'choreo-poem' styling haha). This was quite a lot of fun for us.

Then food and signing.


The lovely folk of Read or Die


Me & Kristel of ROD

I was delighted that Read or Die came over (part of the fun was my trying to understand just what the hell "crack fiction" is), as well as members of my family and friends old and new.


With family: Tita Eve, Mama, Nikki, Sage, Uncle Lito, Reb

I am grateful: to everyone at Anvil who believed in the book - Karina, Gwen and Ani Habulan (my kickass editor and book designer); to Hiyas for the beauiful cover and Andrew for the wicked illustrations; to Anna, Chris, Luis, Sarge, Jing, Cecilia and Ruey for their support and blurbs; to the LitCritters for having to bear through these stories; to my daughter Sage for wanting to have a book of her own stories; to Nikki for being, always, my kakampi. It was my mother who first took my hand and led through the worlds behind words. I owe her the power words have over me. This book is for her as well.


Cyan with one of the twins & Elbert Or


Spec Fic Peddlers: Vin, me, Andrew & Nikki

Thanks, all!

"The Kite of Stars and Other Stories" is available at Powerbooks and National Bookstore (order) (and soon, Fully Booked and other fine bookstores).

Yvette Tan writes about the launch here.

Let me know what you think.