Poet of Melancholy

09/04/2025

Привет, это поэт печали.
Впервые пробую перевести своё стихотворение на русский язык —
надеюсь, что передал всё правильно.

Unrequited Love (translated)

Безответная любовь
никогда не предназначена
для взаимности,

Ведь я боюсь,
что если это чувство обретёт взаимность,

То пламя, разжённое страстью,
может сжечь нас обоих,

Оставив наши жизни в руинах
прежде, чем мы сможем быть вместе...

05/04/2025

Sharing another of my fanmade MVs, here is Rivermaya’s “Imbecilesque” featuring my band, Love on Delivery

I’m a huge fan of Rivermaya , especially their Green and Between the Stars and Waves albums. Imbecilesque is a particularly peculiar track that stands out to me. It was featured both in their Free album and the You’ll Be Safe Here EP.

As the title suggests, Imbecilesque is a simple yet heartfelt song about reconciliation and saying sorry. I love its acoustic feel and dreamy reverb, which captures the intense silence that often lingers in the aftermath of arguments and the awkwardness of forgiveness. Rico’s voice carries a sincere tone, asking for forgiveness while openly admitting to the kind of mistakes only an “imbecile” would make.

https://youtu.be/6XqIRQqZLIA?feature=shared

Disclaimer:Imbecilesque by Rivermayafrom their Album "Free" (2001).This music video is created solely for non-profit, entertainment purposes.Directed by Carl...

29/03/2025

"Void" 02-13-20

My first 3d poem. I find the term still experimental until this day, but 3d poems in my own definition refers to these 3d objects bestowed with poems and other literary things.

For those not aware, this space is called a void space or simply void, a gap in buildings that in a sense is like a hole, but connects every floor to each other (which is described in the poem, but in a romantic way)

Sadly this window (void) is a government owned property and I have to remove it immediately after taking a picture. I'm planning to put the next 3d poems in large canvasses or large pieces of glass after trying to figure out how to make these more unique than ordinary paintings with letters.

28/03/2025

She's So Uncool by Rivermaya (It's Not Easy Being Green)

I published this fan-made music video three years ago, featuring a compilation of our band's Love on Delivery trip to Baguio City and Zambales.

"She’s So Uncool" is one of the standout tracks from Rivermaya’s Green Album that resonated with me the most (probably my favorite next to "homecoming")—not just because of its meaning, but also because of its laid-back sound and atmosphere. To me, it perfectly captures the feeling of a silent night stroll through the empty streets of Baguio City (As I have featured in the music video).

The song tells the story of a man torn by indecision, much like someone experiencing limerence. Though the phrase "she’s so uncool" may suggest disapproval or a negative perception of someone for various reasons, the man in the song continues to see her despite the sadness, loneliness, and even misery she brings him. In the end though, he seems to realize how uncool this person was. The resolution remains unclear, yet you can feel his inner turmoil and longing come to life through Rico's evocative guitar solo, making the song’s emotional weight even more profound.

Disclaimer:Shes So Uncool by Rivermayafrom their Album "Its Not Easy Being Green" (1999) by BMG RecordsThis music video is created solely for non-profit, ent...

02/07/2024

While many find the movie Mallari disappointing, what I see is great potential (and substance for writing). In my opinion, it is not entirely bad but could be improved. (I might be a little biased as an academic of Philippine Lower Mythology myself.) Here are some things I like and dislike about the film. Warning: This review might contain spoilers so read at your own risk.

1. The jump scares are very unnecessary and could be omitted without affecting the film’s plot.
2. The special effects are cheap, but this is the least of my concerns. They should have been complemented with better storytelling.
3. Many find the time travel aspect confusing and even funny. However, I find this idea really good as it makes the plot more interesting (if only they had provided more explanation). Astral projection, while not entirely proven, has many accounts of traveling through different planes of existence, including time. While we view time as linear, there are many scientific theories and ideas that challenge this concept, including the idea of Eternalism, which suggests that past, present, and future events occur simultaneously. This suggests that time is another dimension in space where all points in time exist concurrently.
4. The black chick is one of the most famous stories in Philippine folklore and is connected to the Aswang. The Aswang, a mythical being in Philippine folklore, exhibits characteristics of both a self-segmenter/viscera eater and a werebeast, both of which are portrayed in the film. Tying this to the true story of Father Mallari’s mother’s illness is somewhat okay, but they should have provided more backstory. However, what they did get right is the ritual of passing the black chick.
5. I greatly appreciate how the movie focuses on the themes of love and sacrifice. Father Mallari sacrificed his ideals for his mother, John Rey sacrificed himself to save his family from the curse, and Doc Jonathan sacrificed everything for the woman he loved. All these characters were portrayed by Piolo perfectly. The tragic fall of the hero into the villain was executed perfectly.

10/01/2023

Very proud to be a part of this exclusive interview with Jane Vergara - Breaking the Scroll! catch us later tonight at 6pm. Don't forget to like and share our page with your friends!

Are you ready for this?
For poetry lovers, sa mga mahihilig magsulat ng tula, learn from Poet of Melancholy later tonight at 6pm. Pano tatapusin ang book nyo, where to derive inspiration, at paano magself-publish.
Watch it later for more.
The link will be indicated later in the comments section.

06/01/2023

WARNING: LATE POST AHEAD - What a way to end the year! Got to see one of the most prolific writers of Philippine lower mythology face-to-face and got my Trese collection signed! none other than the legendary man himself, Budjette Tan and one of the most steemed and legendary (again) Filipino comic book artist, Harvey Tolibao! Thanks also to Comic Odyssey for this wonderful opportunity and the fans I have fun talking with while waiting in line.

Back then in college I used to write a lot about Philippine Lower Mythology and even compiled a Taxonomy of Philippine Lower Mythological Creatures as a thesis for my undergrad course using research from the legendary (again) Dr. Maximo Ramos. The Philippine folklore is like a goldmine of rich stories filled with various creatures spun from our very own culture and history and Trese just opened up this vast world into the world stage. Neil Gaiman himself talked about his great interest in the myths and creatures of the Philippine folklore but as he pointed out, there is still no other good storyteller of Philippine Folklore but us Filipinos!

21/12/2022

Christmas is just around the corner and in order to show my gratitude to those who supported and bought my book, I will be giving away goodies such as this extended mousepad and other exciting prizes to those who will leave a review and post their picture (or selfie) holding their own copy of my book through this thread! Check below for whole instructions for this giveaway!

HERES THE COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS!

1. Leave a review about the book, "A Curious Case of Reticence and Limerence" under the review section of this page; (click the Review tab, in it look for the Recommendations and Review section, then click either of the choices in the “Do You Recommend Poet of Melancholy” button). Make sure to make your reviews public so I can see them!

2. Under the comment section of this post (yes, this one with the instructions on it), post your picture (or selfie) holding the book! you may include in your picture/selfie your love ones, families or anyone/anything dear to you (if you want or if you insist); You may check my sample photo included in this post;

1 lucky winner will receive this customized extended mousepad featuring art from the cover of A Curious Case of Reticence and Limerence. Prizes will be sent via shipping free of charge. There will also be other giveaways such as beta copies of the book and other stuff so stay tuned!

You need to do both (1 and 2) to have an entry! Winners will be drawn via facebook live on TBA! Thank you and happy holidays!

SOME GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR THE REVIEW
Here are a few reference questions you can answer for the review (if you need ideas):
1. What do you like most about the book or story? (Try to talk about aesthetics, form, genre, characters, poems, etc), if you don’t like it, please tell us why.
2. Tell me about your favorite part of the story and why, you can also tell me about your favorite character and how do you find him or her appealing and relatable.
3. Tell your insights about the story, would you like it to end differently? Would you like to see a sequel? Or prequel? Or what questions would you like to ask that needs answering...

25/11/2022

My book, "A Curious Case of Reticence and Limerence" will be available at the INDIEPUBCON at Parkmall, Ouano Avenue, Mandaue Reclamation Area, Cebu City! Catch 8letters and other independent book publishing groups in this activity!

INDIEPUBCON 2022 is A four-day, hybrid event led by The Indie Publishers Collab PH (TIPC-PH) aims to define Publishing in the Philippines regionally. Various topics will be covered such as marketing and promotion strategies for independent book publishers and sellers.

Coinciding the National Poetry Day, various talks, readings, performances and an open mic will also take place. Pitch-your-book, book launches and book fairs will also be present as the events are held in North Luzon, NCR, Visayas and Mindanao.

INDIEPUBCON 2.0’s next destination is the Queen City of the South! 👑🎉

We’re inviting all Cebuano authors, publishers, and book enthusiasts to join us as we explore the diversity of the region’s writing community and rediscover their rich culture and history.

Location: Parkmall, Ouano Avenue, Mandaue Reclamation Area, Cebu City, 6014

Event Date: 26 Nov 2022 (10 AM to 6 PM)
Set-up: Hybrid (Online and face-to-face)

Here are the programs you can attend for FREE if you register through this link: https://tinyurl.com/indiepubcon2022

✨ FORUMS / TALKS ✨

🔖TOPIC: Celebrating Cebuano writers’ diversity
🗣 SPEAKERS: Mitos Suson and Cindy Velasquez

🔖TOPIC: Discovering Cebuano’s history through Eskrima
🗣 SPEAKERS: Celestino Macachor and Paul Taneo

🔖TOPIC: The Cebuano Millennial Writer
🗣 SPEAKERS: Daniel Indic, Lea Jane Salud and JZ Romero

✨ BOOK LAUNCH ✨

📚Operation Black by Chris Canonigo
📚The Other Side of Faith by Orlando P Carvajal
📚Quarantine Wisdom and Other Absurdities by Mitos Suson

✨ WORKSHOP ✨

🔖TOPIC: : Ink Your Legacy: Write a Book for Generations
🗣 SPEAKER Ayo Gutierrez

✨ OTHER EVENTS ✨

📍 PROGRAM: Pitch Your Book
🗣 MODERATORS: Almar Jeon Villaber and Cindy Wong

This event is made possible by TIPC-PH’s partnerships with the National Book Development of the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the following Participating Publications for the INDIEPUBCON 2.0’s Cebu leg:

📌8Letters Bookstore and Publishing
📌Chapters of Love
📌GMGA Publishing
📌University of San Carlos

We hope to see you all there! 💕