When I first met Sofia Perez, she looked exactly like you’d expect a 10-year-old to look. A little shy, pretty tall for her age, and already scribbling in a notebook while her dad sipped coffee beside her. You wouldn’t guess she’s a published author, until she starts talking about her book.
A Tale of Mayhem, Myth, and Magic isn’t just a fun title. It’s a full-length novel exploring Philippine mythology, written by a 10-year-old Davaoeña who’s already read more folklore than most of us. Sofia says she wanted to write about Philippine Mythology so people encounter these stories beyond just your typical textbook.
Photos from WIM in Davao
From Mini Storybooks to Mythical Worlds
Sofia grew up around stories. Her Tita used to make her mini-books. She started writing poems and songs when she was six. But everything changed when her mom handed her a book on Norse mythology. She then researched and she realized something odd:
“There weren’t a lot of Filipino creatures in the books,” she told me.
And then her writing journey began.
She began working with Book Writers Club, a training program that helps kids write and publish their own books. Sofia’s training started when she was seven. It took time, patience, and the kind of commitment that most adults struggle with.
Writing Fantasy, Like a Kid Who’s Actually Still a Kid
The result? A smart, imaginative story about a girl named Althea who travels to Samar and finds herself face-to-face with creatures like diwatas, Oryol, and the Bugsok—a terrifying, little-known monster from Bicolano folklore that hides in tall grasses, walks on its hands, and curses children by making their legs swell until they can’t walk. (Yes, it’s as creepy as it sounds.)
Her favorite character? The Lampong, an Ilongot gnome that shapeshifts into a white deer to protect other deer.
“I’d like to be friends with the Lampong because they’re known to be wise. I based it on one of my teachers,” she said.
It makes sense—she imagines the Lampong as kind, calm, and wise.
Sofia even added versions of her friends into the story. Her main character, Althea, has characteristics from three of her closest friends. When asked about how her friends took Sofia’s authorship, she said they were proud and excited to be in the story.
“I Didn’t Find Any Creatures from Davao—But I Want To”
When I asked her if she found any mythological creatures from Davao in her research, she shook her head.
“I didn’t really find any. But I want to write more about Mindanaoan creatures.”
One creature she wants to explore more? The Sigbin.
In Visayan and Mindanaoan folklore, the Sigbin is said to walk backwards, appear goat-like, and drain its victim’s life force—usually children. Some stories say it travels with aswangs. Some say it turns invisible.
It’s eerie. And fascinating. Sofia agrees.
Editing Was the Hard Part—But It Made Her Better
Photos from WIM in Davao
Like most writers, Sofia struggled with editing.
“At first, I took it really hard,” she said.
Having someone point out what needs fixing in your writing can feel like they’re poking holes in something personal. But Sofia stuck with it.
“Listening to my coach and writing teacher helped. It made my writing better.”
That kind of self-awareness is rare at any age. Her parents backed her through every step, too.
“We support whatever she wants to do, as long as she loves it,” her dad told me.
Her librarian helped her find resources. Her mom helped with the process. And when she needed rest, she took it. There was no pressure to be exceptional; just supported enough to be passionate.
For Now, She’s Focusing on School
When asked about the future, Sofia said she’s keeping things simple.
“Right now, I want to focus on academics.”
She’s not in a rush. And she doesn’t need to be. The fact that she’s already done what most adults dream about — write and publish a full-length book– is already huge.
Why Sofia’s Story Deserves the Spotlight
Photos from WIM in Davao
It’s not just that she’s young or that she’s from Davao.
It’s that she chose to write about our own mythology when it would’ve been easier to write a spin-off fairy tale or adventure story. She cared enough to do the research. She learned to listen to edits. That’s grit and commitment. She even gave her friends and teachers a place in her fantasy world.
And most of all, she reminds the rest of us—grown-ups included—that writing starts with one thing: believing you have something worth saying.
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