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What an incredible weekend! Last Saturday, my family and I packed up the car and headed out to the 3rd Cadillac Book Festival, and I am still riding the high of such a wonderful event.As an indie author, there is nothing quite like stepping out from behind the keyboard to meet readers in person. This festival was especially meaningful because I got to share the experience with my wife, Margaret, and my daughter, Jessica. Having them there by my side while showcasing The Makiling Guardians series made the day truly.

It was an absolute joy to introduce a whole new audience of readers to the multicultural fantasy world of The Makiling Guardians. I had fantastic conversations with people who were eager to dive into the lore of Genesis and explore the shifting light of Banaag. Seeing readers get excited about Filipino folklore and urban fantasy reminds me exactly why I write these stories.

Beyond sharing my own books, one of the greatest highlights was the sense of community. I had the privilege of meeting authors, trading stories about the creative process, and networking with fellow writers. I also want to extend a massive thank you to the dedicated team from the Cadillac Library and the city of Cadillac. They were the most wonderful, accommodating hosts, and their hard work behind the scenes made the entire festival run seamlessly. The local literary community here is deeply inspiring, welcoming, and passionate about books.

To everyone who stopped by the table, picked up a copy of Genesis or Banaag, or just took a moment to chat about mythology—thank you from the bottom of my heart. You make this indie author journey worth every single page.If you missed me in Cadillac, don't worry! My next stop is Book Pile’s Author Alley in Sparta, Michigan. I hope to see some of you there!

I had an unforgettable experience this past Saturday, September 5, attending the inaugural Allegan Book Festival set against the picturesque Riverfront Boardwalk in downtown Allegan, MI!

The vibrant energy of the community, the scenic riverfront backdrop, and the great local food trucks made it the perfect setting to celebrate indie literature and share the folklore behind the Makiling Guardians series with fantasy fans.

Throughout the day, I had the privilege of meeting so many enthusiastic readers, discussing Filipino mythology, and signing copies of both Genesis and Banaag (Fading Light) alongside an inspiring group of talented Michigan authors. A massive shoutout goes to Audrey Snow for her incredible vision and hard work in organizing such a seamless inaugural event, as well as a heartfelt thank you to the welcoming Allegan community for coming out in full force to support local writers.

Most importantly, I want to send a special thank you to my wife, Margaret, and daughter, Jessica, for their endless love and encouragement on this creative journey. Thank you to everyone who grabbed a copy of the books, and be sure to check back soon for upcoming appearance dates and new lore updates!

I had an incredible time this past Saturday, July 25, at the inaugural Fresh Finds: Pages & Pop Ups hosted by Nessa’s Book Nook at the Hook & Ladder Theatre Company in Romulus, MI!

Between meeting so many passionate fantasy readers, signing copies of Genesis and Banaag (Fading Light), and hosting a live 1:00 PM Q&A diving deep into Filipino folklore and the world of the Makiling Guardians, the day was a total blast.

A huge thank you to Vanessa, Brian, and the Nessa’s Book Nook crew for organizing such a welcoming community event, and to everyone who stopped by! Be sure to stay tuned for more tour stops and series updates.

I had an incredible time this past Saturday, July 18, at the Niles District Library's Unearth a Story: Author Meet & Greet Weekend in Niles, MI!

Connecting with readers in the Rotunda, signing copies of Genesis and Banaag (Fading Light), and taking the stage at 1:30 PM to discuss the folklore, worldbuilding, and lore behind the Makiling Guardians series was an absolute highlight.

A huge thank you to the wonderful library staff for organizing such a fantastic event and to everyone who stopped by to chat—stay tuned for more upcoming appearances and series updates!

On Saturday, June 20th, I had the pleasure of setting up a table at the annual Author Alley event hosted inside the historic Canterbury Village in Lake Orion, Michigan.

Brought together by local bookstore An Inkwell Spent, the event offered a wonderful space for Michigan indie authors to gather, share their work, and chat with local book enthusiasts.

The absolute highlight of the day was the engaging face-to-face interactions. The relaxed and steady pace of the event allowed for meaningful conversations with readers who stopped by the table to explore new stories.

It was incredibly rewarding to introduce the world of the Makiling Guardians series to those who were curious about its roots. I spent a wonderful afternoon answering insightful questions about the world-building, the lore, and the specific mythical creatures that inspire the series. Having people take a genuine interest in the background of independent storytelling is one of the most fulfilling parts of the creative process.

I like that I met inquisitive readers and sharing the concepts behind my fantasy universe.

I also did like that I was able to connect with fellow local authors along the alley to swap industry insights, writing tips, and publishing experiences. I also enjoyed the distinct charm and pleasant atmosphere of Canterbury Village.

Connecting with the community always provides a great boost of energy. I am officially back at the desk, channeling that inspiration into the drafting process as I continue working on the next installment of the Makiling Guardians series. Stay tuned to the blog for future writing progress updates, character insights, and upcoming local event details!

For those interested in diving deeper into the world of the series, you can now download the The Makiling Guardians Lore Guide.

It is an absolute dream come true to see my stories sitting on actual physical shelves in the town I call home. Holland, Michigan has such a vibrant literary community, and I am beyond honored to be a small part of it. Today, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the local champions who made this possible.

A huge, heartfelt thank you to Aimee at The Bluestocking Bookshop. From the moment I walked in with my two books, Aimee has been an incredible supporter of indie authors. Her passion for connecting readers with unique voices is what makes local bookshops the soul of a community. If you haven't visited her shop yet, you are missing out on a curated treasure trove of stories! Grab a copy of Genesis or Banaag and say hi to Aimee for me.

I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Andrew at the Holland Barnes & Noble. Having my books stocked at such a major cornerstone of our local retail landscape is humbling. Andrew’s support in navigating the process of getting local titles onto the shelves has been invaluable. It’s because of people like him that local authors can reach a wider audience right here in our backyard.

Seeing 'The Makiling Guardians' series next to the legends of fantasy is a reminder of why I started this journey—to share the rich, ancient folklore of the Philippines with the world. Thank you, Holland, for welcoming Danilo and the Toga Terrors with open arms!

Filipino folklore is a vibrant mosaic of stories that define our identity, yet much of this depth remains unknown to the wider world. I believe our culture is one of the greatest, rooted in a profound sense of interconnectedness and a wealth of untold legends that are finally finding their turn on the global stage. From the ethereal presence of Maria Makiling—the benevolent diwata who guards the mountain’s soul—to the diverse spirits whispered about for generations, these ancestral traditions are the living heartbeat of my stories.

My goal as an author is to keep this culture vibrant and relevant in an increasingly globalized world. By weaving ancient myths into contemporary adventures, I hope to create a bridge for the younger generation to explore their roots and find themselves represented in modern literature. I want our youth to grow up knowing the strength of their heritage, understanding that these stories are not just historical artifacts, but a rich, vast array of lore that the whole world has yet to fully discover.

I believe that by grounding fiction in these complex ancestral traditions, we can challenge mainstream narratives and ensure our unique heritage continues to inspire future generations. My commitment remains to ensure that the incredible depth of the Filipino spirit is shared with audiences everywhere, proving that our ancient myths have a powerful and necessary place in the stories of today.

I am excited to announce that a revised and expanded edition of Genesis of the Makiling Guardians was released on March 1, 2026. This edition includes new scenes, deeper lore, and updated artwork to enhance your journey into the world of the Makiling Guardians.

The sequel to Genesis is finally here! Banaag: The Fading Light was released on February 6, 2026. It continues the epic journey of the 'Toga Terrors' as they face even more formidable mythical threats and the potential loss of their powers.

I am thrilled to announce that the my first book Genesis of the Makiling Guardians was officially released on July 26, 2025. This book represents the culmination of years of research and passion for Filipino mythology. Join Danilo and his friends as they discover the hidden world of the Makiling Guardians.