What is the story behind the art you have created for the cover?

The title of the piece is BBQ Nation. Barbecue (BBQ) is one of my all-time favourite foods. When I visit the province, my family always visits local barbecue spots around Tacloban, Ormoc, Baybay and in other towns in Leyte, while enjoying the beautiful sunset views.

I wanted this illustration to look a bit fantastical, featuring my favourite grilled sticks: pork chorizo, isaw, chicken skin, betamax, hotdogs, and dangdang. In the piece, they are depicted as trees towering over people as they are enjoying a nice afternoon. The islands in the background are pusô (rice cooked in a woven pouch made of coconut leaves), which is what we usually pair barbecue with. 

Why do you love food and consider yourself a foodie?

Food is life! I love eating (who doesn’t?) and I’m interested in how food is made. When I was a kid, I would always observe my mother while she cooked. After I tasted a dish, I wanted to know the ingredients were prepared, and what techniques were used. This curiosity drives me to learn about the local cuisine in places that I travel to. 

See also: Why Is Filipino Cuisine One Of The Richest Food Cultures In The World