and That Was

Mia Tijam was born and spent her early childhood in Iriga City and grew up in Naga City in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. She studied European languages, philosophy, literary theory, creative writing, and comparative literature at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, in Metro Manila. She was one of the first fellows for CNF in 2007 in the oldest creative writing program in Asia, the Silliman University National Writers Workshop; and a fellow in CNF in the 2024 Women’s Annual Writing Workshop. She has published poetry, nonfiction, and short fiction, and her work has received awards and critical recognition.Mia served as co-editor of the pioneering virtual anthology Philippine Speculative Fiction Sampler; editor for the inceptive Special Section for PWDs and PADs of the (CCP) Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Literary Journal ANI 41: LAKBAY; co-editor of the CCP’s tribute to departed cultural workers in the pandemic, “Hanggang sa Muli: Pagpupugay at Pasasalamat sa mga Pumanaw”; editor for Philippine Genre Stories; judge for Istoryang Rinconada: Literary and Visual Art Competition; judge for Saranggola Awards; and category judge for Bikol translation in the National Book Awards in the Philippines.Her debut short fiction, Flowers for Thursday (published by Ateneo de Naga University Press) was a finalist in the 40th National Book Awards in the Philippines; its bilingual second edition published in 2024 is the first English-Rinconada short fiction book in Philippine literature. Mia has been acknowledged as one of the writers and editors who have advanced Philippine Speculative Fiction.Rustom Pujado is aself-taught Illustrator, painter, and animator born and raised inNaga City (4400), Philippines. Intrigued with the possibilities ofmundane objects and their stories, he channels his creativity byusing these things as his medium and theme. He continuously navigatesthe world of art in an uninhibited manner and weaves togetherinfluences from various artists and cultures. Beyond his personalworks, Rustom has collaborated with notable Filipino artists such asJun Sabayton, Romeo Lee, and Louie Cordero. His artistic journeycontinues to evolve as he explores new media and narratives thatchallenge the boundaries between art, object, and story.

"Every story in Mia Tijam’s The and That Was is an enthralling portal I gleefully fell through intothe many complicated, magical lives and versions of the Philippines.This bold, polyvocal collection of bruha cackles, river dragons, andfairy tale realities will transport you. The and That Was will nestlecomfortably on your shelf next to Kelly Link’s Magic for Beginners,Helen Oyeyemi’s What is Not Yours is Not Yours, and Isabel Yap’sNever Have I Ever. Read it!” —Rachelle Cruz, American BookAward-winning author of God's Will for Monsters"...Mia Tijam’s fiction mixes daily life with divine imagination to render dark, weird, and beautiful stories. A unique vision. Don't miss this one." —Jeffrey Ford, Shirley Jackson Award, Nebula Award, and World Fantasy Award-winning author"Absolutely wonderful ... a luminous debut that announces the arrival of a major voice... Tijam is a writer of uncommon power, insight and humanity." —Junot Diaz, author of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and National Book Critics Award-winning, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao"Mia Tijam's stories come from a place of memory and study that reminds Filipino readers of who and what we are; and more, it introduces non-Filipino readers to the hidden psyche of our culture. Her voice is proudly of the Philippines, and her type of speculative fiction does not shirk from telling her tales in a distinct voice and language, unafraid to touch on subjects that may be challenging and difficult." —Kenneth Yu, publisher of Philippine Genre Stories and author of Mouths to Speak, Voices to Sing and The Greatest Fight of Sunny Granada and Other Stories