Marj Ostani and Camp Coco Bring Poetry and Mental Health Conversations to Ortigas
Last Updated on October 2, 2026 by Over Here Toronto
Marj Ostani and Camp Coco are bringing “I Came Home and Was Starving” to Ortigas this World Mental Health Day. The intimate gathering happens on October 10, 2026, from 3 to 6 PM at Lazy Suzy in The Podium.
The event combines poetry, writing, conversation, and a shared meal. It draws inspiration from Ostani’s collection, The Thing About Eating Alone. In addition, the afternoon will explore loneliness, emotional hunger, shame, safety, and belonging.
‘I Came Home and Was Starving’ Takes Poetry Beyond the Page
For some people, writing a feeling down can feel easier than saying it aloud. With that in mind, the event offers another way to talk about emotional wellbeing.
“I Came Home and Was Starving” brings together Filipino writer Marj Ostani and Camp Coco Wellness Alternatives. Camp Coco founder Therese “Coco” Castillo will also join the gathering.
Instead of holding a traditional book discussion, the organizers want guests to take part. Attendees can write, listen, eat, reflect, and join the conversation.
The event takes inspiration from Ostani’s second poetry collection, The Thing About Eating Alone.
Her work explores difficult personal experiences and their emotional effects. These themes include neglect, violence, depression, and the need for connection.
Moreover, Ostani has spoken about therapy as an important part of her own journey. However, she also recognizes that not everyone has the same access to professional support.
Because of this, she believes conversations can also happen through creativity and shared experiences.
The Event Marks World Mental Health Day
The gathering takes place on World Mental Health Day on October 10.
This year’s campaign highlights the importance of listening to people with lived experiences. It also encourages more meaningful conversations around mental health.
Similarly, “I Came Home and Was Starving” puts personal stories at the center.
Guests will not simply sit and listen. Instead, they can participate through writing, discussion, poetry, and reflection.
Camp Coco will guide the afternoon. Together, participants will explore themes such as:
- Emotional hunger
- Loneliness
- Anger
- Shame
- Safety
- Connection
- Belonging
As a result, the gathering offers a more personal setting for topics that can sometimes feel difficult to discuss.
Camp Coco Brings Mental Health Conversations Outside Therapy Rooms
For Therese “Coco” Castillo, conversations about wellbeing do not always have to begin inside a therapy room.
Camp Coco creates experiences that discuss topics such as grief, burnout, and self-care. However, the group often brings these conversations into more casual settings.
For example, some discussions happen over brunch, tea, or other shared activities.
Still, these experiences are not meant to replace therapy.
Instead, Camp Coco sees them as another way to increase awareness. They may also help reduce stigma around seeking support.
Ostani previously joined Camp Coco’s Therapy Club. Afterward, she became interested in the organization’s approach to mental health conversations.
Meanwhile, Castillo saw similar themes while reading Ostani’s new collection. That connection eventually helped shape the idea for the October event.
Guests Will Receive a Signed Copy of ‘The Thing About Eating Alone’
The gathering also continues the journey of Ostani’s latest poetry collection.
Earlier, The Thing About Eating Alone appeared at the 2026 Manila International Book Fair. Now, the book moves beyond the page through an interactive event.
Each ticket includes:
- A signed copy of The Thing About Eating Alone
- A set of postcards
- Two East Asian starters
- One drink
- Access to the writing, poetry, and conversation session
Early-bird tickets were available until September 30. However, regular tickets are now priced at ₱3,000.
Seats are limited. Therefore, interested guests may want to register ahead of the event.
Registration is available through the official Camp Coco event page.
What to Know Before Going
I Came Home and Was Starving takes place on Saturday, October 10, from 3 to 6 PM.
The venue is Lazy Suzy at The Podium in Ortigas.
Unlike a standard author talk, the afternoon centers on participation. Guests will have opportunities to write, reflect, and share.
For readers who discovered Ostani at the Manila International Book Fair, the event offers another way to experience her work.
Ostani is a Filipino writer, editor, mentor, and founder of Poetry Salon. She previously released Homecoming in 2023. Her second collection, The Thing About Eating Alone, followed in 2026.
Castillo, meanwhile, is a licensed practicing psychologist and founder of Camp Coco. The organization focuses on making mental health and wellbeing conversations more accessible.
Ultimately, the event brings poetry, food, and personal reflection to the same table. It offers Manila readers a different way to mark World Mental Health Day.
