Rest in peace, Diana Wynne Jones

Diana Wynne Jones, author of "Howl's Moving Castle", The Chrestomanci Chronicles and the Dark Lord of Derkholm, has passed away today, March 26, 2011. She was 76 years old.

Jones was diagnosed with lung cancer in the summer of 2009. She underwent surgery in July and told her friends that it had been successful. In June 2010 she stopped chemotherapy saying that it only made her feel "very ill".

Jones, aside from the books mentioned earlier, has penned several stories that have become favorites all over the world. "Howl's Moving Castle" was adapted into an animated film by acclaimed Japanese director, Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. She enjoys a friendship with popular author, Neil Gaiman, to whom she dedicated her book "Hexwood" to.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to Ms. Jones' family and friends. Even though we haven't met her, we feel a kinship to her through her books. Your words and worlds will live on. Rest in peace.

Neil Gaiman in Manila

Neil Gaiman, award-winning and best selling author of "Sandman," "Coraline," "The Graveyard Book" and "Stardust," was in Manila last March 17 and 18 for the 3rd Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards. Fans flocked to Rockwell Tent for the awarding ceremonies, then again the next day for an autograph signing event.

Neil himself writes about his experience in his blog. It's his third trip to Manila since 2005, and it seems that he enjoyed it as much as he did the first time.

Congratulations to the winners of the 3rd Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards, as well as to the winners of the Revelations art contest and the various raffle draws.

Here are some pictures and videos (to follow) of those two days from fans.