I got a chance to read the latest issue of The Digest of Philippine Genre Stories yesterday. My favorite story this time was the one called “Y” by Sharmaine Galve. It is science fiction (the author’s first) about a man who wants to change the world through… Let’s just say it deals with the issue of how much of what we think, feel, or act depends on our genes. In her notes the author tells us outright that her story was “borrowed” from works of a lot of other authors. The premise may not be unique but I enjoyed the story anyway.

I enjoy reading the Editor’s page as much as the stories in the digest. In this issue, editor Kenneth Yu mentioned other publications that are open to short story submissions. He mentioned The Philippine Free Press, The Philippine Graphic, and Story Philippines. Story Philippines was the only one I found online in a few short seconds so here is a link to its submission guidelines.

You should also visit the digest’s blog here as Kenneth Yu posts many interesting links, articles, and insights. The digest is on its third issue and I expect it will go on for more. I am waiting, waiting for an issue of mystery/detective stories. There have been some mysteries in the digest including “Homer’s Child” in this issue and my favorite story from the last issue, “Beneath the Acacia.” But, I guess, I want more.