Contributors (Issue 13)

Jevin Astillero is a writer from Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental. A graduate student taking up MA Panitikan in MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology. He has been a fellow of NAGMAC-YWS, Dapit-Suwat sa Lamdag, tranSCRIPT 2: The National Playwriting & Dramaturgy Workshop, Anunaw: Bukidnon Writer’s Camp, 30th Iligan National Writers Workshop, 23rd IYAS La Salle National Writers’ Workshop, and 62nd Silliman University National Writers Workshop. Some of his works can be found in Dagmay, Sunstar Davao, Katitikan: Literary Journal of the Philippine South, Luntian: Online Journal para sa Malikhaing Akda, at Bisaya Magazine. He dreams of championing Mindanao literature.

Lady Johainee Dimaampao Banocag is a 25-year-old postgraduate student currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies from Mindanao State University – Main Campus in Marawi City. Driven by a passion for transforming real-life narratives into thought-provoking stories, she aims to create written works that serve as true eye-openers for her audience. In 2024, she launched “Write, Lady,” a personal Facebook page dedicated to sharing her reflections on life, frequently centered around Islamic perspectives and teachings. Beyond her academic and administrative pursuits, she remains deeply passionate about linguistic studies, digital video creation, and video editing.

Aleah Sulaiman Bantas is a queer Maguindanaon writer, who hails from from the floodplains of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur. A fellow of the SOX Writers Workshop (2025) and Davao Writers Workshop (2026), her works have appeared in the Bangsamoro Literary Review, Dagmay, and SunStar Davao. She is currently studying at the University of Southern Mindanao.

Ruhil M. Jalil 
works as college instructor at MSU-TCTO. She just finished her MAELT in the same university. Now that she is mostly teaching literature, she started to become passionate about writing. She uses poetry as a therapy and hopefully for publication.

Si Ahmadserany Patamama Kiram ay isang lisensiyadong guro sa antas sekundarya at kasalukuyang Secondary School Teacher I sa Sultan Macapandi M. Padate Integrated National High School. Nagtapos siya ng Batsilyer ng Sining sa Filipino at Master ng Sining sa Filipino Medyor sa Literatura sa Mindanao State University–Main Campus, kung saan siya kinilala bilang Best Thesis Awardee. Natapos din niya ang Master in Public Administration sa Al Bangsamoro Shari’ah and Professional Education College bilang Overall Academic Excellence Awardee. Sa loob ng siyam na taon, nagsilbi siyang Senior High School Volunteer Teacher sa Bacolod-Kalawi National High School at naging tagasanay sa mga gawaing pampanitikan at pangwika. Kasalukuyan niyang ipinagpapatuloy ang Doktor ng Pilosopiya sa Panitikan sa MSU–Main Campus. Aktibo rin siya sa pananaliksik at mga samahang propesyonal. Ilan sa kaniyang mga akda ay nailathala at kinilala sa larangan ng panitikan at panulaan, kabilang ang parangal na Gawad Tugatog ng Panulaan.

Sohaylah “Soha” B. Manabilang is a student advocate and third-year Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies student at Mindanao State University, where she is a consistent Chancellor’s Lister. She serves as a Brand Ambassadress of The Meranaw Hijab, the Philippines’ first cultural hijab brand, promoting cultural identity and representation. She is an alumna of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program in the United States (2022–2023), strengthening her commitment to leadership and intercultural understanding. She represented the Philippines at the 17th Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) in Bangkok, Thailand. Her essay, “Sacks of Corn, Hearts of Gold,” was published in the 9th issue of the Bangsamoro Literary Review. Recently, she won first prize in the Jimmy Y. Balacuit Award for her piece, “Women Who Rise From the Smoke.” She remains committed to youth leadership, cultural awareness, and preserving Meranaw heritage while empowering communities locally.

Mona Blao Mapandi is a Bangsamoro from Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. She writes mostly about thoughts, reflections, observations, and the quiet complexities of everyday life. Her personal writings are on Facebook under the name saltwtr.room, where she writes under the pseudonym jstmnslns. She has long dreamed of becoming a writer who uses Maguindanaon as her primary literary medium — a dream she hopes to fulfill someday. For now, she writes mainly in English and Filipino, allowing her thoughts to take shape in whichever language feels most honest. Beyond writing, Mona is currently the Head of the Arrahmah Youth Development Council (AYDC) of Ma’had Arrahmah Al-Arabie Al-Islamie, an organization committed to Empowering Madrasah Youth Through Leadership, Service, and Technical Excellence. Her work in youth development, education, and community service continues to shape both her perspective and her writing.

Gonaranao B. Musor is a diplomat and writer currently based in Jakarta and previously posted in Cairo, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, and Singapore. He has written for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler, GMA News Online, Bangsamoro Literary Review, and was the former editor of the now defunct www.bangsamoro.com. His work was also featured in the anthologies “Children of the Ever-Changing Moon: Essays by Young Moro Writers” (2007) and “Get Luckier: An Anthology of Philippine and Singapore Writings II” (2022). He recently co-edited the book “The Frontiers of Foreign Policy: Essays on Philippine Soft Power” (2024). He holds BA Psychology (Cum Laude) and MA Communication degrees from UP Diliman.

Aisha Natangcop is a faculty member of MSU-Saguiaran Community High School, a Licensed Professional Teacher who holds a Master of Arts in English Language Teaching (MAELT). She us currently pursuing Doctor of Philosophy in Language Studies.

Sherwin Anthony M. Nebit is a Licensed Professional Teacher and Filipino academic currently serving as a faculty member at the University of Santo Tomas – General Santos. He is teaching Panimulang Pagsasalin (Introduction to Translation) subject across all courses of UST General Santos. He has completed the academic requirements for his Doctor of Philosophy in Filipino. He is actively engaged in scholarly and literary communities as a consultant, editor, and reviewer for professional research organizations. He is an author and contributor to various anthologies and literary publications. His expertise spans language, literature, pedagogy, and research, with a strong focus on academic writing, translation, and critical discourse in Filipino studies.

Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano of Sūlū is a registered Radiologic Technologist based in Doha, Qatar and a contributor to MindaNews through “Tausūg in Doha.” His literary and creative works have appeared in various journals and publications.

Si Victor Talastas Reyes ay isang katuwang na propesor sa Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas-General Santos. Siya ay isang baguhang manunulat ng panitikang Pilipino at isang mananaliksik na nakatuon sa kasarian, danas at identidad ng mga tauhan sa akdang pampanitika. Aktibo siyang nag-organisa at lumahok sa mga kumperensiya ng mga manunulat, palihan sa panitikan, at mga kumperensiyang pananaliksik na nagbibigay-diin sa mga tinig at danas ng mga mamamayang Pilipino. Sa kasalukuyan ay patuloy siyang nag-aambag sa larangan ng pananaliksik sa panitikan, malikhaing produksiyon, at komunikasyong pangkultura.

Sandrah Maas Saudagal is a 23-year-old poet and artist from Kabacan, Cotabato. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Language, graduating with honors from the University of Southern Mindanao—Main Campus in 2024. She is a member of the Cotabato Literary Circle and the author of the zine Depth TOTS.com, published during the SOX Zine Fest 2024. In her undergraduate thesis, Tudtulan: Tales of Heroes, Virtues, and Cultural Perspectives, she sought to explore Maguindanaon literature by examining its portrayals of heroism, virtue, and cultural identity. Much of her creative work delves into themes of humor, depth, and self-discovery. Beyond writing, she enjoys creating and sharing videos on her personal Facebook page.

Masasalamin sa mga akda ni Almayrah A. Tiburon ang pagpapaunlad at pagsusulong ng wika at kulturang Meranaw. Siya ay propesor sa Departamento ng Filipino At Iba Pang Wika sa Mindanao State University (MSU) – Main Campus, Lungsod Marawi. Bilang isang manunulat, nakilala siya sa kanyang mga librong tulad ng “Salamin At Iba Pang Panglaw”, “Thotholan: Mga Alamat at Pabulang Meranaw”, at iba pang libro. Marami na rin siyang naisulat na mga tula, mga sanaysay, at mga maikling kwento. Ang obra maestra niyang kwento ay ang “Katao” gayundin ang kwentong “Langilaw” na naisalin sa iba’t ibang wika. Ginawaran siya ng prestihiyosong “Gawad Kampeon ng Wika 2024” ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino bilang pagkilala sa kanyang natatanging kontribusyon sa pagpapayabong ng wika at kulturang Meranaw.