[SoCal ConCom] Diwata Komiks Launch Event

There’s a lot of places I haven’t quite explored in the Greater Los Angeles area. Downtown San Pedro is one of theme. With artists lining the streets, funky cafes, community gardens, and buildings selling vinyl records in vintage storefronts, perusing my way to the building where the Diwata Komiks’ launch event was interesting.

On October 30, 2021, I was invited to attend the Diwata Komiks launch event for their Filipino American comic, “Carmina.” I had mentioned on social media that I have a Trese cosplay. The organizer, Joe, wanted me to bring me Trese cosplay to the event. “Carmina” revolves around Filipino Americans and the supernatural beings of Filipino mythology. I was immediately sold on the concept.

The event was hosted by Philippine Expressions Bookstore in San Pedro. The tiny bookstore was held in a larger, art deco style building. It was a sight to be seen! However, the space was pretty small, but the organizers made it work. We had vendors from Romeo’s Chocolate and Ninong’s Dessert Lab.

It’s also not a Filipino event without free lumpia and pansit.

This was my first time checking out the Philippine Expressions Bookstore. The concept behind it was for Filipino Americans to discover their histories and roots in a colonized world. I ended up picking up a book on healing arts; apparently, the author is situated not too far from me…

The event encouraged cosplayers and Halloween costumes. It was the day before Halloween after all!

I was able to meet the creative team behind “Carmina,” Erica Juliet and Mark J. Anthony Nazal. Guests were given an opportunity to buy “Carmina” and have their copy signed. The team also took selfies with guests. I had a good chat with Erica and Mark about Trese and writing Filipino mythology in a Filipino American context. As someone who has attended many a comic con for the past 10 years, this was the first time I’ve met FilAm creatives in the industry.

Overall, I enjoyed coming out and supporting Diwata Komiks’ launch event. It was an honor to be invited to cosplay as Trese. I couldn’t think of any better way to celebrate both Halloween and Filipino American History Month.

And if I took your photo at this event, you’re more than welcomed to download, share, and edit any photos I have taken of you. You may credit Scarlet Rhapsody (no tag necessary) on your socials.

Also, I anticipate having a Crispin and Basilio cosplayers with me the next time I cosplay as Trese…