Cecilia Brainard at the MIBF26 for Book Launch and Book Signings

 

front l-r: Marites Vitug, Cecilia Brainard, Alma Miclat Cruz, Ceres Doyo, Jose Victor Torres;

back l-r: Joem Antonio, Wendell Capili, Gelo Lopez, Fr. Jay Miranda, Charlie Veric

Cecilia Manguerra Brainard was at the Manila International Book Fair 2026 at SMX Convention Center Manila on Saturday September 12, 2026, to sign copies of her books published by the UST Publishing house: When the Rainbow Goddess Wept, Magdalena, The Newspaper Widow, her Selected Short Stories, and Growing Up Filipino 3.  

She also launched the anthology she edited, How I Became a Writer 2: Essays by Filipino Writers, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, 5 pm at the MIBF, Vibal booth (Booth Nos. 189–193 and 204–209, Aisles K & L) Manila International Book Fair 2026 at SMX Convention Center Manila. (You can find the book at Vibal Bookshop, Lazada, Vibal; in the US contact palhbooksatgmaildotcom.)

Contributors present were: Joachim Emilio Antonio, Ceres P Doyo Alma Cruz Miclat , Jose Victor Torres , Jesus Jay M Miranda Jr. , Charlie Samuya Veric, Randy Valiente , Marites Danguilan Vitug .

Contributors who did not make it are: Gene Alcantara, Rene Ciria Cruz, Claire Betita de Guzman, Susan Evangelista, Luis Francia, Myles Garcia, Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Marra Pl. Lanot +, Elizabeth Lalorga, Vicente Rafael +, Ige Ramos, Danton Remoto, Brian Roley, Geronimo Tagatac, Grace Talusan, and Jessica Zafra.

The following link has the Introduction to the anthology and other information:

https://cbrainard.blogspot.com/2026/08/book-launches-for-how-i-became-writer-2.html

The following FB link has the book trailer of How I Became a Writer 2:

https://fb.watch/v/82q1boZfh/

Here are some pictures of the Book Launch and the Book Signing at UST booths. I'll be adding pictures, so please check back.

 

 

 

 

 

UST Publishing House Book Signing

check back for more pictures

Read also:

Book Launches for How I Became a Writer 2

         Perspectives in the Arts and Humatiies Asia - Dr. Charlie Veric Interviws Cecilia Brainard 

Writing Amid the Babel of Books by Vicente L Rafael - included in How I Became a Writer 2

I Became a Writer by Marra Pl. Lanot - included in How I Became a Writer 2 

Book Review of How I Became a Writer: Essays by Filipino and Filipino American Writers by Elfren S. Cruz  

#mibf26

#booksphilippines

#ManilaInternationalBookFair

A Look at Junglegate in the Philippine Literary Scene, by Cecilia Brainard

 

Frankie and Tessie Jose with Cecilia Brainard at their Solidaridad Bookshop when run by them.

A LOOK AT JUNGLEGATE IN THE PHILIPPINE LITERARY SCENE

Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

DURING MY LONG FLIGHT back to California, I thought about the Junglegate scandal that erupted in the Philippine Literary Scene when I was there in September. The term "Junglegate" refers to the scandal that followed the cancelling of Krip Yuson's novel (the title has Jungle in it), by Exploding Galaxies following revelations and protests over his alleged sexual misconduct and acknowledged plagiarism. These 2 facts were known by older writers but not known by the younger ones until now. The younger writers were the ones who clamored that his novel not be replatformed.

There were other things that occurred; one of which was a Facebook post by Butch Dalisay, a good friend of Yuson, about how many books would remain in his library if he threw away books written by "people who, sometime or other, were accused of moral turpitude, political incorrectness, sexual misconduct, poor parenting, drunkenness, drug use, slovenliness, animal cruelty, greed, arrogance, general insufferability, or some such debility of spirit and behavior.." Dalisay's statement excacerbated the controvery and angered the younger writers.

The issue, the young writers insisted was not so much Art vs Artist, but that Yuson and his novel did not deserve the honor of being republished. In fact, I agree that the Art Vs Artist was a distraction.

Soon after, stories about sexual misconduct that occurred in the Philippine literary scene, many of them in the Siliman Dumaguete workshops, surfaced. The names of other writers who reportedly took advantage of younger writers, surfaced or were hinted at. Me Too stories by three writers appeared, and here I mention them with great respect and admiration for their courage: Gian Lao, Irene Sarmiento, and Marguerite Alcazaren De Leon. I have shared their accounts in my FB page.

I had heard of other victims and witnesseses but who were afraid to go public, even on an anonymous basis.

I thought about all these and more and felt really sorry for the current state of the Philippine literary scene, where it's dog-eat-dog; writers using other writers; writers trying to monopolize power, and "sharing" only with their proteges and friends, and mentors taking advantage of the younger writers. It's horrible really; and the more aware I was of the problem, the more I "saw" manifestations of the power-brokering in a few hands.

Bienvenido "Ben" Santos and Cecilia Brainard

I experienced a more gracious time with mentors like Lina Espina Moore, Ben Santos, Frankie Jose, as well as NVM Gonzalez and Resil Mojares and other senior writers. Contact with them was productive and cordial and fun.

I want to be optimistic and believe that the establishment writers may realize that this junglegate system needs to change; and if not, I have faith that the younger writers who made this "revolution" happen, will change things.

So be it.

NVM Gonzalez and Cecilia Brainard

l-r: Michael Cullinane, Resil Mojares, Cecilia Brainard

Cecilia Brainard and Lina Espina Moore

Sources: 

re Yuson plagiarism -- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/content/217125/famed-writer-krip-yuson-apologizes-for-plagiarism/story/

Re Yuson plagiarism --

https://globalvoices.org/2011/05/29/philippines-novelist-mired-in-plagiarism-controversy/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUaqGBjbGNrBRqoVnBkb2YFZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEe-9xpLchSxYtTGFGNBS5f3h8TtmFRwoifTtWHmyYqE7jBvYE-KS4EQOONHQg_aem_4x9EumxHc_MFk9_3KkQOVg

Re Yuson alleged sexual misconduct and more 

https://www.rappler.com/people/artists/alfred-krip-yuson-book-republishing-controversy/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUaqKNjbGNrBRqoknBkb2YFZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeMyj9JXFKxxquQAhH7T3Ah5CHUsFlY6TlTTyDKEW3KoXIu1_3xN1wmb0N8m0_aem_AoW4hu521kxVlf_rbOX3cg

Re Art vs Artist 

https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/notes-and-essays/opinion-separating-art-from-the-artist-a7165-20260910-dyn

Tags: Philippine books, Philippine literature, Filipino writers, Filipino books

Read also:

Book Launches for How I Became a Writer 2

         Perspectives in the Arts and Humatiies Asia - Dr. Charlie Veric Interviws Cecilia Brainard 

Writing Amid the Babel of Books by Vicente L Rafael - included in How I Became a Writer 2

I Became a Writer by Marra Pl. Lanot - included in How I Became a Writer 2 

Book Review of How I Became a Writer: Essays by Filipino and Filipino American Writers by Elfren S. Cruz  

How I Became a Writer 2 (ed Brainard) - Book Launch MIBF2026

 

How I Became a Writer 2: Essays by Filipino Writers (edited by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard) will be at VIBAL Booths, MIBF 2026 on Sat. Sept. 12, 2026, Book Launch at 5 PM; Book Signing from 1-8 pm.

The anthology includes personal essays by: Gene Alcantara, Joem Antonio, Wendell P. Capili, Rene Ciria Cruz, Claire Betita de Guzman, Ma. Ceres Doyo, Susan Evangelista, Luis Francia, Myles Garcia, Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Marra Pl. Lanot, Elizabeth Lalorga, Alma Cruz Miclat, Father Jay Miranda, Vicente Rafael, Ige Ramos, Danton Remoto, Brian Roley, Geronimo Tagatac, Grace Talusan, Jose Victor Torres, Randy Valiente, Charlie Samuya Veric, Marites Vitug,  and Jessica Zafra.

The book is available from Vibal bookstore, Lazada, and Shopee.

#booksphilippines #PhilippineLiterature #Filipinowriters #Filipinobooks

Read also:

Book Launches for How I Became a Writer 2

         Perspectives in the Arts and Humatiies Asia - Dr. Charlie Veric Interviws Cecilia Brainard 

Writing Amid the Babel of Books by Vicente L Rafael - included in How I Became a Writer 2

I Became a Writer by Marra Pl. Lanot - included in How I Became a Writer 2 

Book Review of How I Became a Writer: Essays by Filipino and Filipino American Writers by Elfren S. Cruz  

Invitation Brainard Book Events Philippines, September 2026

 

 

INVITATION

Hello, I'll be in the Philippines in September and would like to invite you to a meet and greet and book signing.

Sat, Sept 5, 2026, 3 pm -Book Launch of How I Became a Writer 2, Lost Books Cebu, CAO Mercado Bldg, Osmena Blvd, Cebu City - Editor Cecilia Brainard and Contributor Danton Remoto will be there;

Sat, Sept 12, 2026, 1-2:30 pm – Cecilia Brainard signs at the MIBF UST PH booth - When the Rainbow Goddess Wept; Magdalena; The Newspaper Widow, her Selected Short Stories, and Growing Up Filipino 3: New Stories for Young Adults

Sat, Sept 12, 2026, 5 pm – Book launch of How I Became a Writer2: Essays by Filipino at the MIBF, Vibal booth (Booth Nos. 189–193 and 204–209, Aisles K & L) Manila International Book Fair 2026 at SMX Convention Center Manila.

Note that contributors to How I Became a Writer 2, will be signing at Vibal’s booths on September 12, from 1 p.m onward.

Read also:

Book Launches for How I Became a Writer 2

         Perspectives in the Arts and Humatiies Asia - Dr. Charlie Veric Interviws Cecilia Brainard 

Writing Amid the Babel of Books by Vicente L Rafael - included in How I Became a Writer 2

I Became a Writer by Marra Pl. Lanot - included in How I Became a Writer 2 

Book Review of How I Became a Writer: Essays by Filipino and Filipino American Writers by Elfren S. Cruz   

I Became a Writer by Marra Pl. Lanot, from How I Became a Writer 2

 

Marra Lanot 1944-2026

 

The book,  How I Became a Writer: Essays by Filipino Writers 2  (Edited by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, published by Vibal 2026) will be released in September 2026. The book will be launched in Cebu (9/5/26 - 3 P.M. Lost Books) and Manila. (9/12/26 - 5 pm MIBF, Vibal Booths) - see schedule below

I am sharing this personal essay by Marra Pl. Lanot who unfortunately passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026.  As the literary community grieves for her, I think Marra would like her words heard as a way of comforting us.  Rest in Peace, Marra, and thank you for everything!  ~ Cecilia Brainard, Editor

Marra Pl. Lanot is a poet, essayist, and a freelance journalist, who writes in Filipino, English, and Spanish. She has several books of poems, profiles, and a collection of essays. She has been a delegate representing the Philippines in various literary events, and has been anthologized and translated in English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, German, Indian and Melayu. Her teleplays have also been locally produced. Her recent book is Poesia Completa en Lengua Espanola (Edicion de Isaac Donoso, Visor Libros, Madrid). 

I BECAME A WRITER

copyright 2026 Marra Pl. Lanot

Curiosity has bugged me since I was three years old. At three, I wondered where my parents went, why they didn’t take me along, and would leave me with my aunt. I would peer into the darkness, look at the night through window bars, and silently ask unanswered questions. In anger, I took a pair of scissors and snipped my hair in random fashion until I felt sleepy.

When my parents arrived, they were shocked to see my hair in disarray and scolded my aunt for not watching over me. From then on, my parents took me with them whenever they went out, partying with friends and enjoying evenings of musical soirée.

As an only child for eight years, I travelled with my parents to pre-Mao Tse Tung China, Hawaii, California, New York, and Chicago. My Mom, Gloria Licad Lanot, persuaded my Dad, Serafin Lanot, a school dropout, to take up Speech at Columbia University in New York City. For his final paper, his adviser, upon learning that my Dad was a journalist in the Philippines, asked him to submit his writings as his dissertation requirement. He obtained a degree with flying colors. We stayed in Chicago for four years. My Mom finished her MA in Piano at the Chicago Musical College. Her graduation recital was received with a standing ovation.

In Chicago, I was enrolled at the International School, was on the front page of Chicago Tribune with my classmates of different nationalities.

Book Launches for How I Became a Writer 2: Essays by Filipino Writers

 

I am happy to announce that the anthology, HOW I BECAME A WRITER 2: ESSAYS BY FILIPINO WRITERS, (Vibal 2026, Ed Cecilia Manguerra Brainard) will be launched in Cebu and in Manila:

Saturday, September 5, 2026, 3 pm - Lost Books Cebu, CAO Mercado Bldg, Osmena Blvd, Cebu City - Editor Cecilia Brainard and Contributor Danton Remoto will be there;

Saturday, September 12, 2026, 5 pm - Vibal launch at the MIBF, Vibal booth (Booth Nos. 189–193 and 204–209, Aisles K & L) Manila International Book Fair 2026 at SMX Convention Center Manila.

Further, book signings by contributors are scheduled on September 12 at the MIBF from 1 until 6 pm.

The anthology includes personal essays by: Gene Alcantara, Joem Antonio, Wendell P. Capili, Rene Ciria Cruz, Claire Betita de Guzman, Ma. Ceres Doyo, Susan Evangelista, Luis Francia, Myles Garcia, Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Marra Pl. Lanot, Elizabeth Lalorga, Alma Cruz Miclat, Father Jay Miranda, Vicente Rafael, Ige Ramos, Danton Remoto, Brian Roley, Geronimo Tagatac, Grace Talusan, Jose Victor Torres, Randy Valiente, Charlie Samuya Veric, Marites Vitug, and Jessica Zafra.

***

I am sharing my Introduction to the collection. Check out Vicente Rafael's contribution and a review of the first volume of How I Became a Writer - see Read also at the bottom. The names of the 25 contributors and the blurbs are on the back of the cover, above. 

INTRODUCTION

copyright 2026 by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

THE FIRST VOLUME OF How I Became a Writer: Essays by Filipino Writers, which was released in 2025, grew out of my personal curiosity about how other writers discovered their gift for writing. I wondered how they developed their talent to become the noted writers they now are. I invited my literary writer friends to share in my blog their personal journeys. The 22 authors’ personal stories by established writers revealed a lot about the creative process and at the same time, taught others “how to do it.”

Validation of the strength of the collection came in different forms. Vibal picked it up for publication; it is one of their best sellers. Philippine National Artist in Literature, Resil Mojares, who is reputed for his straight-talking, praised it saying: “How I Became a Writer: Essays by Filipino and Filipino American Writers offers intimate, fine-grained accounts in the making of what constitutes contemporary Philippine literature, provided by a remarkable set of Filipino writers in the Philippines and abroad, It is a book to be treasured.”

Further validation came when my Brazilian publisher picked up the book for translation into Portuguese. 

Gratified by the response to Volume 1 of How I Became a Writer, I went on to collect personal essays for Volume 2 of How I Became a Writer. I wanted this second volume to offer something different from the first volume. Aside from testimonials by fiction writers and poets, I wanted to hear the personal stories of non-fiction writers, including journalists, historians, and others, about their challenges and developments, as well as their contributions to Philippine writings.

I sought them out, but I quickly learned that one cannot box writers in categories; writers will write in different genres: a historian can be a journalist, a poet, a playwright, a memoirist, a fiction writer. This anthology includes such authors who write in various genres. The collection also includes playwrights, a chick-lit novelist, and a comic-book writer. The reader will find an amazing collection of testimonials by established Filipino writers from different parts of the world, who have something to say about their creative process and work.

PEN Int'l Congress Barcelona & Santiago de Compostela - 1992, 1993, PEN USA West

 

Photos taken at the PEN International Congress in Santiago de Compostela, September 1993, with Salman Rushdie. I'm on the far right. 

The writers group, PEN USA West, which was/is part of the PEN International group, has changed over the years, and I found no information about the years I served as an Executive Board Member. I  represented PEN as a Delegate to the International Congress in Barcelona (April 1992) and in Santiago de Compostela (September 1993).

As secretary of the Executive Board, I used to have more materials -- newsletters and such, but they are mostly gone. I found the following and am sharing here. 

During the time I served in the Executive Board, the Director was Walter Bray. He was later replaced by a woman named Sheryl (?) . Carolyn See had recruited me to be on the board. Other active PEN board members were Joanne Leedom-Ackerman, and Harriet Rochlin

I will add in this post, information and pictures that I find in my files about PEN USA West, especially since the current PEN USA West and PEN New York seem to have no archival material about PEN USA West at that time.

Following is a PEN newsletter about the Barcelona Congress, including a separate write up.

 

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Freedom to Write Committee article about Mila Aguilar

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