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 Lea±o, and proof-reading by Ma. Christina Luz Silva, with cover illustration by artist Raf Banzuela.
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, and animal abuse. Reader discretion is advised.
Industry Reviews
"Galleon Dreaming comes in various forms of writing and captures various manifestations of what it means to be a Filipino. Interestingly, this summarizes the Filipino experience; that is, we're Filipinos with various experiences, united by the oneness of our soul. I loved every piece!"
-CAMILLA ANDREA
Author, Silang Mga Puta at Banal and Deus EX Manila
"Hauntings and hope . . . Galleon Dreaming offers incredible stories that further animate the growing corpus of Filipino-authored literature of the dark fantastic."
-ELIZA VICTORIA
Award-winning author, Ascension and Dwellers (Winner of the Philippine National Book Award for Best Novel)
"Like the best spooky tales, 'Close Your Eyes on Balete Drive' combines folklore, atmosphere, and a deeply felt human story. Michelle Tang gives the reader an almost impossible choice: close your eyes out of fear, or keep them open to read until the creepy end!"
-VICTOR MANIBO
Author, The Villa, Once Beloved
"Loaded with the monstrous imagination of archipelagic thinking, Galleon Dreaming is visceral and fierce in its commitment to how narrative and language function as a medium of accessing the very place that evades definition: the vivid dream of home. This anthology is a talisman of myth and memory, of folklore and fantasy, against the fear of forgetting and the terror of remembering."
-ANGELA GABRIELLE FABUNAN
Poet and author, The Sea That Beckoned, Young Enough to Play, and Migratory Notes