After nearly a decade of writing, E. Manawari has secured a publishing deal with Penguin Random House Southeast Asia for her fantasy novel 'The Bathala Games', which reimagines Philippine mythology. The story features mythical beings and themes of belonging, drawn from her personal experiences. It opens doors for wider reach of Filipino stories.
E. Manawari began writing in elementary school, encouraged by a teacher who recognized her talent. She explored journalism in high school but rediscovered storytelling on Wattpad in 2013 under a different pen name. Over time, she shifted to a more intentional process, working with editors on her manuscripts.
That year, she unexpectedly landed a deal with Penguin Random House Southeast Asia, one of the world's top publishers. "It felt surreal," she said, noting she skipped the usual agent search. The 'Bathala Games' originated in 2017 for a children's book competition, was self-published in 2018, and revised in 2024 leading to the final version.
As a self-described 'pantser'—a writer who avoids detailed outlines—Manawari starts with a single scene or emotion, letting the story develop organically. Her protagonist, Chi, is a level-headed, introspective teenager who remains patient and true to herself. The novel draws from Filipino folklore, featuring beings like diwata, duwende, and bakunawa, while exploring themes of belonging and self-discovery.
It also highlights underrepresented elements, inspired by her adopted stray cat and endangered species such as puspins and aspins. Though positioned for younger readers by the publisher, Manawari wrote it with adults in mind too. "I hope whoever reads Chi... see themselves in her," she shared.
Manawari views Philippine mythology as rich and poised for global popularity akin to Greek or Norse tales. Her advice to aspiring writers: begin with what resonates personally, without trying to include everything.
