meet The Writers

Francheska Benette E. Castillo, also known as "Kie," is a first-year BA English Major in Creative Writing at the University of the Philippines Mindanao. Although writing wasn’t part of her early identity, Kie has pounced on the opportunity to explore it as she navigates her academic journey. A self-proclaimed lover of documenting, she finds joy in capturing moments, details, and experiences; whether through writing or other mediums, and believes these observations will eventually shape her storytelling. While she has yet to fully incorporate documenting into her writing, it's something she’s excited to explore, as it helps her purr-sue authenticity in her craft. Kie’s writing is about reflection and growth, taking each step with curiosity, much like a siamese cat. With time, she hopes her stories will be as rich and layered as the moments she loves to document. 

Losing their burning passion in the combat of literature, a Princes wields a broken pen as a BA English (Creative Writing) student in UP Mindanao. After years of writing slump, Princes Lara Cordovez hopes to ignite the scorching fulfillment of their talent in writing. Like a stray cat, they yearn to touch the hearts of brave warriors through prose and poetry who would willingly embrace a wounded soul. The feeling of being seen and heard the things they could not purr to others is something more than a triumph in their quest for healing and growth.

From a young age, Lieza was molded by the world of science, yet deep within her heart, she once dreamed of becoming a musician. But the Higher Being didn’t have the same plan for her, leading Lieza to the University of the Philippines ,where she pursued a degree in BA English, Major in Creative Writing. Uncertain of her path, she embraced it, convincing herself that she could make it work—like a quiet inner pep talk, her own brand of self-gaslighting to push through the uncertainty. 

She once became a different person after reading the ‘Atomic Habits’ but quickly transformed back into her old self when she realized that procrastination was too deeply woven into her fabric. But despite all the contradictions, she kept writing. 

She is Lieza H. Ego-ogan, a writer lost in confusion, but finding herself through every word.

Ella has never been the quiet one. She is a yapper. The girl with endless stories and sharp opinions. Writing, once just a hobby born from fleeting bursts of inspiration and boredom, but later became her lifeline—a way to make sense of the world's injustices. It became the first chapter in her eighteenth volume of her life to become a lawyer, a champion for the voiceless, and a seeker of justice.  

Learning isn’t always easy, but Ella's strong-willed heart is up for the challenge. Determined, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to her dreams, she faces every hurdle head-on. She’s a woman who doesn’t just dream of change—she writes it, speaks it, and fights for it. The promises she made to herself are sealed in her heart, and she’ll stop at nothing to see them fulfilled.

Reena Rose D. Garcia, a girl with an ambivalent soul in search of direction, torn between paths she couldn’t quite define yet curious about all of them. As an enthusiast of stories, she chose to embrace the ambiguity of life by pursuing BA English (Creative Writing). She views writing as her compass to explore and shape her understanding of both the world around her and who she might become. For now, she is content to wander while hoping that words will lead her to purpose, one page at a time. Who knows? The stories she writes will help her create her own someday.

Precious Yzzabelle G. Javarez, better known as "Bella," is a Bachelor of Arts in English (Major in Creative Writing) student at the University of the Philippines Mindanao. Growing up in Palawan, she was deeply influenced by the stories and history surrounding her, which sparked her interest in writing. Though she once dreamed of becoming a doctor, Precious discovered her true passion for storytelling, using writing as a means of self-expression and reflection. This realization led her to explore her identity and culture. Her journey has been shaped by challenges, from overcoming homesickness to learning the art of creative writing. With a goal to inspire, heal, and honor the narratives that define her, she aims to explore personal stories, societal themes, and cultural connections.

Gwyneth Mante, known to many as Gwen, once envisioned a future in STEM, contemplating Architecture, Engineering, or Medicine during a reflective summer break. However, fate had other plans. To her surprise, she found herself embarking on a journey in BA English (Creative Writing) at UP Mindanao—a path she had never considered before. Influenced by those around her, particularly the expectation to "follow her father's footsteps" and pursue law, Gwen initially struggled to connect with her chosen program. 

Over time, she discovered a deepening love for the craft of writing, turning what once seemed like a fleeting idea into a full-fledged reality. Now, Gwen is determined to find her unique voice and create a world where her vision unfolds seamlessly.

Vladimir Alexi E. Miñoza is a freshman at the University of the Philippines – Mindanao, pursuing BA English, major in Creative Writing. He has chosen this degree as a pre-law course, recognizing that strong communication and critical thinking skills are essential in his journey toward becoming a lawyer. A dedicated public servant, Vladimir is an avid reader, a cyclist, and a fitness enthusiast and has spent seven years actively engaging with his community in the Municipality of Nabunturan. He has served in the Municipal and Provincial Youth Development Councils and was a student representative on the Provincial Local School Board of Davao de Oro. 

Throughout his elementary and high school years, he held leadership positions in school, district, division, and regional learner government federations. These experiences not only deepened his commitment to public service but also nurtured his passion for writing at a young age, as he often used it as a tool to inspire, connect, and lead. 

Joshua M. Taboada is a first-year BA English (Creative Writing) student at the University of the Philippines Mindanao. He has always been drawn to the energy of public speaking, where words connect instantly with people. Writing, however, has taught him that quiet words on a page can hold just as much power—sometimes even more. 

Joshua doesn’t see writing as his ultimate destination, but he is committed to exploring its potential. He sees it as a tool to understand the world and himself, to turn fleeting thoughts into something lasting. For now, he writes to grow, to challenge himself, and to find out just how far this path can take him.