Artist El Dosado merges art and storytelling in his debut book, Encounters with the Engkanto, set for release in October 2024 by Bookmarked Book Publishing.

This 100-page volume marks Dosado’s first foray into book publishing. Encounters with the Engkanto invites readers to explore a realm of myths, legends, and mystical creatures through vivid accounts and illustrations that animate these stories.

The book unveils the enchantment found in backyard communities across the Philippine archipelago, featuring a blend of narratives, illustrations, and photos of selected paintings by the author-painter.

“El Dosado describes the book, “it connects my consciousness with mythical beings, including those of our relatives and friends. It also portrays the experiences I’ve gathered from my mystical adventures, such as climbing mountains like Mount Banahaw and other peaks with the group Buhawi.’”

Mount Banahaw, a three-peaked volcano straddling the provinces of Laguna and Quezon, is considered a sacred mountain. It attracts conservationists, believers in mythical creatures, and religious pilgrims annually, especially during Holy Week.

“The book aims to enhance people’s awareness of the peaceful coexistence between humans and mystical beings—a reality that is often ignored or overlooked due to fear or a lack of understanding,” Dosado explained.

“Just like humans, mystical creatures exhibit both malevolent and benevolent characteristics. We need not be terrified of them; instead, we should strive to understand their existence. This is the essence of Encounters with the Engkanto,” he emphasized.

Mystical creatures are deeply embedded in Filipino folklore and mythology, representing a spectrum of characteristics—both good and bad. They often symbolize deeper truths or natural forces, reflecting the duality of their worlds. Some of the stories were handed over through oral tradition. 

Encounters with the Engkanto explores these themes, addressing human fears, hopes, and imparting moral lessons to remind readers of the complexity of nature and the balance between light and darkness.

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Dosado’s sensitivity to the spiritual realm emerged at a young age. His deep connection with animals and trees, along with his affinity for the mystical world, has been extensively manifested in his art, as highlighted by his first solo exhibition in 2002 titled “Osang: Flesh and Spirits.” Subsequent exhibitions, such as “Enchantment,” “Guardians of Nature,” and “Loved by the Sun,” down to its most recent shows have consistently depicted themes of the harmony between natural and supernatural beings.

His sculptures and paintings often explore the unity of all living beings—both mortal and immortal—including endangered species and enchanted entities such as merfolk, earth angels, gnomes, and other guardians of nature.

Dosado’s work has been celebrated in the local art scene, not only for the themes that have become synonymous with him but also for his technical proficiency, blending academic and traditional painting styles.

El Dosado, born and raised in Manila, is now based in Pototan, Iloilo, with his family and teaches art at a Waldorf School. He studied Fine Arts at the Philippine Women’s University and completed an Animation Course through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region VI.