The inaugural volume from DILIM Press compiles works from twenty-five global Filipino authors and poets.
Inspired by the galleon trade, writers delve into fear, darkness, and the unknown with stories and poems of mystery, horror, psychological suspense, the macabre, and re-tellings of mythology, all presented in the rich storytelling tradition of the Philippines. From folklore-inspired tales to modern thrillers, from supernatural and ghostly apparitions to explorations of depth in the human psyche, located in half-remembered villas, to a possible future archipelago, and even in outer space, this collection presents perspectives from contributors writing from the Philippines, the United States, Canada, Cuba, Europe, and the United Kingdom.
Debut, emerging, and established creative forces contributed pieces, including Abi Andoy, Christopher Villanueva Blackett, Sheryll Bonilla, J. J. de Melo, Cassiopeia Gatmaitan, Ally Guirjen, Al Osiris Ingking, A. S. Kresnak, Faith Lakasan, Christine Liwag Dixon, Christian Hanz Lozada, Michael Angelo Mahinay, Samuel Marzioli, Maleia Mortis, Michael Oliveros, Jules P. F., Kris Pajarito, Thea C. Perales, Noelle Grace O. Pico, Zeny May Recidoro, Marie Sinadjan, Joshua Lim So, Nikki Stinson, Michelle Tang, and B. C. Vidal Jr.
Introduced by Monica T. S. Flores, the collection celebrates the wholly unique and undeniably original work coming out of the Filipino diaspora. Production assistance was provided by Marie Diwatapunk and Janela Mauricio, copyediting by Sebbie Leaño, and proof-reading by Ma. Christina Luz Silva, with illustration by artist Raf Banzuela and a new cover by Celine Dabao.
Content warning: Contains descriptions of violence & mature themes: colonization, harm, mental & emotional health issues, death, injuries, miscarriage and child endangerment, divorce/relationship breakdown, death of a pregnant mother and child by supernatural means, graphic violence, gore, demonic possession, body horror, muscle/bone manipulation, murder/killing by protagonist, generational curses, religious/cultural trauma, animal abuse.