Chasing Pacquiao
From Viking Books and Penguin Teen, Chasing Pacquiao was named one of the Best Teen Books of 2023 by Book Riot and the Chicago Public Library.
Experience the extreme joys, sorrows, and triumphs of a queer Filipino-American teenager struggling to prove himself in an unforgiving world. A poignant coming-of-age story, perfect for fans of Patron Saints of Nothing and Juliet Takes a Breath.
Self preservation. That’s Bobby’s motto for surviving his notoriously violent high school unscathed. Being out and queer would put an unavoidable target on his back, especially in a Filipino community that frowns on homosexuality. It’s best to keep his head down, get good grades, and stay out of trouble.
But when Bobby is unwillingly outed in a terrible way, he no longer has the luxury of being invisible. A vicious encounter has him scrambling for a new way to survive—by fighting back. Bobby is inspired by champion Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao to take up boxing and challenge his tormentor. Then Pacquiao publicly declares his stance against queer people, and Bobby’s faith—in his hero and in himself—is shaken to the core.
A powerful and unflinching debut that will both shatter and uplift hearts with every read.
Praise for Chasing Pacquiao
"What should we do when our heroes let us down? The answer: Pick up Rod Pulido's book. This story has it all. Humor, love, self-acceptance, pain. It packs all the punches." -Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Medalist and New York Times-bestselling author of Hello, Universe.
“Rod Pulido delivers the ultimate one-two-punch: bare-knuckled, bruising honesty wrapped in humor, sincerity, and sweetness. Chasing Pacquiao really is the ultimate parasocial heartbreak story—if you’ve ever been let down by your hero, this knockout of a book is here to treat your wounds and heal your heart.” -Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
“With Chasing Pacquiao, Pulido steps into the ring with an earnest and compelling debut that pulls no punches as it explores the courage and community needed to stand up to hatred.” -Randy Ribay, National Book Award finalist for Patron Saints of Nothing
“Chasing Pacquiao is a timely knockout. Rod Pulido marvelously balances humor and honesty while exploring bigotry, socioeconomics, power, and how we become our own heroes. A heavy-hitting, must-read debut.” -Julian Winters, award-winning author of Running With Lions
“You’ve never read anything like this. Rod Pulido deftly infuses a unique journey of queer POC self-discovery with unprecedented cultural specificity—geek culture, boxing culture, Filipino culture.” -Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen
Tulitos press
The Flip Side: A Filipino American Comedy
Darius Delacruz is on a mission: To get his family to embrace their Filipino culture. He walks around wearing a tribal loincloth and encourages his family to speak their native language, Tagalog. He even attempts to bond with his grandfather, a Filipino World War II veteran. Darius’ family, of course, thinks he’s crazy. Lolo is more interested in hitting the lottery jackpot that will send him home to the Philippines. Darius’ fast-talking brother, Davis, is more into rap music and trying to dunk on a “ten-foot NBA regulation basketball rim.” Their mall-rat sister, Marivic, is obsessed with her looks and works all summer to save up for a surgical procedure that will shock the entire family!
Includes Rod Pulido's screenplay for the groundbreaking indie film, his Sundance Film Festival journal, and a forward by comedian Rex Navarrete. Filled with sharp dialogue and unexpected twists, The Flip Side takes a funny look at identity and sibling rivalry from a new perspective.