Creator Corner: Author Mila Bongco-Philipzig and Illustrator Beth Parrocha

Welcome to Creator Corner, a blog series where we interview the creators of our recent and upcoming books. For this post, we interviewed The Longest Banig author Mila Bongco-Philipzig and illustrator Beth Parrocha, whose book published September 22, 2026!

Owlkids Books: Mila, how and why did you begin writing children’s books?

Mila Bongco-Philipzig: Growing up, we did not have easy access to libraries or book stores. I loved reading and was sad about the lack of books and new stories. So I started writing and sketching my own stories and sharing with friends, and some of them did the same. The enjoyment and fulfillment of creating and sharing stories have stayed with me since. When I left the Philippines to live in different countries in the early 1980s, I noticed there were very very few books about immigrants’ stories. My first two children’s books that were published were about children within the Philippine diaspora.

Owlkids Books: Beth, when did you know that you wanted to be an illustrator?

Beth Parrocha: As early as fourth grade I was already into cutting and stapling bond papers to look like mini books and illustrating on them. My career as a professional though started even before I graduated from arts school.

OKB: Mila, what inspired you to write this book?

MBP: This book is based on my experiences having to cross a high, rickety bridge to go to the post office when I was quite young. I forgot about being nervous the first time I received a letter addressed to me — seeing my name in fancy, handwritten scripts, surrounded by beautiful stamps. But I knew stamps and letters would not resonate with children of today. So I thought about working in some handweaving culture of the Philippines instead—the Banig—and I am very happy with the result.

OKB: Beth, what was the inspiration for your illustrations in this book?

BP: The Philippines, its people, the fact that I’ll be sharing my country’s culture.

OKB: Mila, what was the most enjoyable part of bringing this story to life? What was the most challenging part of the process?

MBP: It was very enjoyable seeing the characters and the setting coming to life when the illustrations started.

OKB: Beth, what was the most enjoyable part of illustrating this book? What was the most challenging part?

BP: To do something that I have not done before—comics—that part is enjoyable for me. Enjoyable and at the same time that’s the challenging part—how to make it doable.

OKB: Mila, what do you hope readers will take away from this book?

MBP: To know a bit more about the Philippines, enjoy the illustrations, get some encouragement about overcoming fears, and be creative in looking for solutions.

OKB: Beth, what do you hope readers will take away from this book?

BP: The book’s take on how to help ourselves conquer our fears.

OKB: Mila, what’s an interesting fact people may not know about you?

MBP: I like sewing and crocheting.

OKB: Beth, what’s an interesting fact people may not know about you?

BP: I am a visual linguist. I am comfortable with using different artistic styles and comfortable as well in using different mediums.

Thank you so much Mila and Beth for taking the time to do this interview and creating a wonderful book! We hope readers enjoy The Longest Banig as much as we did!

Grab your copy today!