As part of the Make 100 Kickstarter January 2026 campaign, I'm handwriting 100 names in the traditional pre-Philippine script (Baybayin) on watercolor paper. Each piece will be an original work of art; no two will be exactly alike, even if they're the same name. 

In our digital age, you could generate the text with an app in seconds. But that's not what this is about. When I sit down with brush and ink, I'm continuing a practice that survived Spanish swords, American "benevolent assimilation," and generations of shame. Each stroke connects to the scribes who wrote on bamboo, the lovers who carved messages on palm leaves, the revolutionaries who used this script to dream of freedom. Your name deserves that level of intention.

Under the Balete Tree is a 150+ page, young adult (YA) fantasy graphic novel that explores encounters with beings of Filipino and German folklore and mythology, all in the midst of a variety of obstacles needing to be overcome. 
There’s Ember, who gets lost while going to her grandmother’s house, and finds guidance from a wolf. There’s Makayla, who has no belief nor interest for anything paranormal, but then is challenged to think otherwise when confronted by a diwata with a very important message. Finally, there’s Kiana, an aswang with an unorthodox lifestyle, who must summon the inner endurance to stay true to herself and put her power to use, when she comes across someone in need of help.
Touching on subject matter ranging from environmentalism to the spiritual connection of nature, this graphic novel provides a refreshing interpretation on the rich stories, lore, and creatures of two distinct cultures. Illustrated to life by Filipino freelance artist, Asterin, readers will be invested in the just as equally, visually stimulating world. Written by Lauren Lola

Coming October 2026

Release date: May 2025
Kids book
"Little Mambabatok" is a book that invites young and old readers into the rich yet complex world of Philippine tattoo traditions through the eyes of Nati, a young girl whose visit to her grandmother's village changes everything. As she discovers the ancient practice of batok, where each pattern holds a sacred story, Nati uncovers more than just tradition. She finds an unexpected connection to her grandmother that unfolds a story of pain and regret spanning decades. Order

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Release date: Oct 2023
History
Dive the 1st book printed in the Philippines merging historical analysis with personal encounters and cultural introspection. Includes 1593 the original text scans. Order

Release date: Oct 2023
Workbook
Rediscover the pre-Philippine script, offering detailed guides and exercises for cultural reconnection and modern application.
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Release date: Oct 2023
Graphic novel
A young warrior-in-training struggles to focus on her pursuits when invaders from an unknown land threaten to take over.
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Dasig.ph

Release date: Nov 2023
Graphic novel
In the Philippine forests, tattoo artist Jose sparks a fire, encounters a mysterious woman, and undergoes a life-altering transformation amid nature's influence. 
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