Page 42 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 53

of conventional norms. However, this was also a time marked by internal conflict and isolation, as traditional (Catholic) values still loomed large and made it challenging to fully embrace every facet of my emerging identity.
Arriving in America introduced me to a whole new dynamic. The cultural landscape was both liberating and complex, and where I could explore my authentic self even further. Yet, this new freedom came with
its own set of challenges—reconciling my global roots with the pressures to assimilate and find a balance between the daring inde- pendence of my past and the expectations of a new society.
‘Boy Wander’ has received multiple accolades, including the Book Excellence Award and Reader’s View Bronze Award. How have these recognitions impacted you?
Receiving accolades like those mentioned and others since has been both humbling and rewarding. Such recognitions have affirmed that the deeply personal journey I shared in
“Such recognitions have
affirmed that the deeply personal journey I shared in Boy Wander resonates with a diverse community of readers... They validate that being honest about my struggles and triumphs isn’t just cathartic— it’s a powerful connection point that others value.”
Boy Wander resonates with a diverse com- munity of readers. They validate that being honest about my struggles and triumphs isn’t just cathartic—it’s a powerful connection point that others value. Moreover, they have fueled my creative spirit, to keep pushing with my writing. A nice biproduct is that awards open doors to connect with readers, fellow writers, and communities who see re- flections of their own journeys in my work. This broader recognition not only spreads my story further but also fosters deeper dis- cussions about identity, cultural crossovers, and the evolving nature of self-acceptance. And I do hope it inspires others to write with brutal honesty and vulnerability.
Your writings have appeared in publications like The New York Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer. How has your journalistic work influenced your memoir writing?
My work as a freelance journalist has enriched my approach to memoir writing. In journalism, every word counts. Crafting
articles that are both factual and engaging taught me to choose my words deliberately, an invaluable skill when recounting personal memories. This precision helped me present my experiences in Boy Wander with both clarity and depth. Journalistic writing de- mands a delicate balance between reporting facts and evoking emotion. This journey al- lowed me to navigate the personal terrain of my memoir with authenticity, ensuring that while the narrative remains raw and deeply personal, it also resonates with a broader audience through contextual accuracy and clarity. My narrative lives through the Viet- nam War, martial law in the Philippines and the U.S. Bicentennial, among other world events.
My journalistic background has provided me with the tools to distill complex personal experiences into a narrative that is both rigorously edited and intimately affable. It’s a continuous interplay between the meticu- lous care of fact-checking and the fearless exploration of memory, ensuring that every piece of my story carries the weight of truth as well as the raw beauty of being human.
As a storyteller who has performed on stage, how does live storytelling compare to writing for you?
For me, live storytelling is like stepping into a shared heartbeat of the moment, while writing is a quiet conversation with my own inner truths. When I’m on stage, I feel a contagious energy, the audience’s laughter, gasps, or even reflective silence feed into my delivery. The immediacy of live performance makes vulnerability palpable; I’m giving my story directly, and that raw connection, that spark of mutual understanding, is incredibly exhilarating. Writing, on the other hand,
is a solitary, meticulous craft. It allows me
to sift through memories, layer them with reflection, and polish each nuance at my own pace. It’s like sculpting my past—revisiting each detail, reshaping it until it mirrors the truth I want to share. Both modes of story- telling reveal a slice of my truth with the
intent of connecting with others.
What advice would you offer aspiring authors, especially those writing about personal and challenging experiences?
The journey of writing, especially when it is about personal and challenging experienc- es, is both brave and transformative. Rember that every life is unique, and your story is yours alone. Embrace the raw authenticity of your experiences. Do not shrink from the parts that feel painful or messy; those are often the parts that hold the greatest truth and potential for healing—not just for you, but for your readers as well. It sure has been the case for me.
Delving into personal history can uncover old wounds. Give yourself permission to feel and, if necessary, take breaks. (It took me 20 years, on and off, to complete my memoir!). Remember that while your writing is a gift to the world, it’s also a deeply personal pro- cess. Establish safe spaces in your routine where you can write without judgment or haste.
Also, connect with trusted peers, men- tors, or writing groups who understand the delicate balance of vulnerability and craft. Their feedback can help you polish your work without diluting your authentic voice. Three distinct writing groups have reviewed chapters of Boy Wander. And I am grateful to every one of them.
Writing about personal challenges is both an act of courage and a gift to others. Your vulnerability has the power to connect, heal, and inspire, so trust your voice, be patient with your journey, and know that every step, however painful, is paving the way to a more authentic and compassionate existence.
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