Plot Twist: Supporting Davao's Literary Creatives

There’s something about Davao that inspires stories. As KB Meniado states, “I’m very proud to be from here. Ganahan kaayo ko ug durian, pomelo, atong food, and everything. It’s so nice that we can also complement that with our creative efforts, communities, pursuits.”

With 15 years of professional experience in writing and editing, KB Meniado has worked across a range of sectors, including media, government, and business. She currently serves as a content development editor, helping brands and organizations craft meaningful narratives and strategies through content.

KB holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, graduating cum laude from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

She has always believed in the power of stories and in the people who tell them. In 2010, she founded Bookbed as a humble secondhand online bookstore. By 2014, it had grown into a full-fledged Filipino book community. Its aim is to build a space for storytelling, support fellow creatives, and connect with readers who believe in a #readingnation.

But her dream doesn’t stop there.

She has also spearheaded Silent Book Club Davao, a local chapter of the global reading community.

And she is the founder of Bibi Mangki Bookbed, a cozy private home library in El Rio that’s open to everyone. It’s the kind of place that invites you to stay a while, and maybe even write something of your own.

Through her efforts, the debut fantasy novel of 10-year-old Davaoeña Sofia Perez, A Tale of Mayhem, Myth, and Magic, was published. The book was featured at the 2025 Philippine Book Festival during Young Author’s Hour, proof that the next generation of storytellers is already here.

KB explains her advocacy, saying: “Kana atong push. Kay atong mga creatives diria, they have a platform where they can share their art, poetry, comics, everything. We try to give them the space and also the support to live their true potentials as creatives.”

Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: Davao is brimming with stories. And we’re just getting started.