With Chang Casal of CNN Philippines

“The people of the Philippines — itself a name imposed by a plundering outsider — have historically struggled to claim our own names. I believe we must see each term as a step in a process, not a final, settled verdict. It is healthier, I think, to be multitudinous, rather than excluding, in our own naming. Our various ways of coping with the effects of repeated colonialism is as much a legacy and day-to-day reality for us as colonialism itself, and we should be open-hearted to each other as we continue to grapple with terms.”

With Kerry Tinga of the Manila Times

“Like many readers, I’ve also known what it is like to feel my heart underwater, overwhelmed by inner and outer forces beyond my control. And I know what it is to have a Philippine community buoy me up during lonely and difficult times. I wanted to convey the feeling of going from uncertainty and isolation to safety and accompaniment as a queer Fil-Am, which is a journey I’ve been lucky enough to take many times.”

With Bel Canto Books on Instagram Live

On audiences, immersing in Metro Manila, class structures in cities and families, student debt, and grief slowing me down.

With the San Francisco Public Library on YouTube

Reading an excerpt from My Heart Underwater and thinking through character with a YA audience.