The AGTVTUBO Channel, a youth-focused provincial platform, featured as a guest author on its second episode Mr. Emman Trevor Quilala, a faculty member of the University of Northern Philippines’ College of Business Administration and Accountancy in celebration of Literature Month on April 26, 2025 at the Provincial Library in Vigan City. Quilala is the author of Things I Wrote Instead of Killing Myself, a deeply personal book released in June 2024, born from his college writings originally shared on Facebook. Encouraged by friends and online communities, he compiled his work into a published collection, despite never intending to become an author.
In his interview, Quilala emphasized that “writing is a social and moral obligation,” believing it gives voice to the voiceless. He shared how writing served as his therapy during the pandemic, helping him process emotions and find clarity. He encouraged the youth to embrace reading and writing, not only to improve comprehension but also as vital means of self-expression.
A proud Magna Cum Laude graduate and class valedictorian in 2022, Quilala recently completed his Master’s degree at the same university. He credits his hardworking father, a farmer, as his greatest inspiration, and echoed Dr. Jose Rizal’s call for the youth to be the hope of the nation through reading and writing.
