Eugene Y. Evasco is a children’s story writer, novelist, essayist, poet, translator, editor, and academic. His contributions to children’s literature include works such as Si Mabait at ang mga Daliri ng Liwanag (2004), Ang Sampung Bukitkit (2010), Tag-araw ng mga Ibong Hilaga (2011), Mga Saranggola sa Tag-ulan (2012), Ang Nag-iisa at Natatanging si Onyok (2015), Ang Aklatang Pusa (2018), and Ang Nanay ni Erwin/Ang Tatay ni Clara (2018). In the realm of young adult literature, Evasco crafted the novel Anina ng mga Alon (2002) and translated EB White’s Charlotte’s Web (Sapot ni Charlotte) in 2014.
Evasco also has five books of poetry, including Kilometro Zero: Mga Tula (2001), May Tiyanak sa Loob ng Aking Bag: Mga Tulang Pambata (2012), Isang Mabalahibong Bugtong and Gumagapang (2017). As an editor, he co-curated two anthologies, namely Bagets: An Anthology of Filipino Young Adult Fiction (2006) and Tabi-Tabi sa Pagsasantabi: Kritikal na Tala ng mga Lesbiana at Bakla sa Sining, Kultura, at Wika (2003).
Evasco’s essays are compiled in the book Mga Pilat sa Pilak (2012). In 2020, he published Buklat/Mulat: Pagbasa at Paglikha ng mga Aklat Pambata (Open/Awake: Reading and Creating Children’s Books) as part of the Philippine Writers Series. He also authored three non-fiction books for children: Alpabeto ng Kulturang Filipino (2018), Awtor Ako! Malikhaing Pagsulat, Malikhaing Kabataan (2019), and Maging Ligtas sa Coronavirus (2020).
Evasco earned various awards for his writings, including the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the National Book Awards, the Pilar Perez Medallion for Young Adult Literature, the University of the Philippines (UP) Gawad Chanselor for Best Literary Work, the 2000 Makata ng Taon title from Talaang Ginto, the Philippine Board on Books for Young People Grand Prize, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts Writer’s Prize Award, the National Children’s Book Award, and the Filipino Readers’ Choice Award, among many others.
Born on March 30, 1976, in Quezon City, Evasco pursued his educational journey at UP Diliman, earning his bachelor’s degree in Philippine studies, as well as completing his master’s and doctorate degrees in creative writing.