Once Upon the Sun and Sea

Jo Tiongson-Perez is a Filipina-American writer investigating how stories, language, and media shape worldviews and identities. She has a Master of the Arts degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Asia and the Pacific, certificates in Creative Writing and Leading Digital Transformation from Wharton, and completed a course in Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania. At the world-renowned Barnes Foundation and Penn Museum, she led award-winning multimedia campaigns making art, anthropology, and archaeology accessible to all. Jo served as a Board Trustee at the Independence Charter School, a K-8 public school centering global citizenship, bilingual education, and STEAM academics. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, daughter, and rescue poodle. Denise Orosa was born and raised in Manila, but left the Philippines in 2001; she moved to Canada and then spent ten years in the Cayman Islands, only to inexplicably find her way back to the Canadian winter. An award-winning arts and elementary educator, writer, and artist who has been working with and writing for children and families for over 20 years, she deeply believes in the important role storytelling plays in preserving and passing on human truth, culture, and identity. She especially values the powerful tradition of oral storytelling and the importance of shared literary inquiry for young minds. Tin Javier is a collage and mixed-media artist from Cavite, Philippines. Inspired by art nouveau, she incorporates distinct patterns using punched papers and is inspired by children, nature, history, and Filipino culture. She won the PBBY Alcala Grand Illustrator Award in 2021; her works have been featured in Ang INK Art Collective projects, art magazines, Filipino brands, and international exhibits. Her first solo series, "If Trees Could Talk," was curated by Cartellino Art Gallery. This is her fourth book, after two award-winning titles: "Ang Tahanang Hindi Tumatahan" by Adarna House and "Pamilya Papel", a project with the Consulate General of the Republic of San Marino. She is currently studying for an Associate's Degree of Digital Design and Arts. When she's not drawing, the neurodivergent mom is either playing with her kids or researching.