Original works translated into English
The Gathering Bees
The Gathering Bees is the new and revised edition of the critically acclaimed collection, Kumpisal: mga kuwento, originally released in 2015.
This translation by Ralph Semino Galán retains the six stories that make up the Gabriel and Alejandro sequence, with three additional stories drawn from the 2020 collection Hindi Ito Romansa. The entire story cycle now comprises nine stories, featuring repeated encounters across different worlds between Gabriel and Alejandro, two beings who are themselves constantly changing and persevering—there is uncertainty in their quest, and often, the only truth they hold on to is their desire.
The book features cover art created in oil paint, accompanied by nine graphite illustrations for each story, all done by Iloilo-based artist Kristoffer Brasileño. Brasileño’s participation is made possible by Delan Robillos and The Artery Manila.
Kumpisal: mga kuwento (original edition)
Winner, Best Book, Dangal ng UST Awards
Finalist, Best Book of Short Fiction in Filipino, 35th National Book Awards
Finalist, Best Book of Fiction in Filipino, Gintong Aklat Awards 2016
Finalist, Madrigal-Gonzales Best First Book Award 2016
The Vanished (Ang Nawawala)
Ang Nawawala (The Vanished) is a comic, queer, and Filipino take on the detective novella. It is made up of seven interconnected stories featuring the exploits of Brigido, a.k.a. “Bree,” a masseuse and barangay (village) hall receptionist turned unlikely detective. Bree’s search for these small, seemingly inconsequential objects and persons unearths other issues and crimes in the village of Talong Punay.
English translation by Ned Parfan
Shopee
19th Avenida Publishing
Finalist, Best Translated Book in English, 42nd National Book Awards
Winner, Best Book of Short Fiction in Filipino, 37th National Book Awards
Winner, Best Book, Dangal ng UST Awards