#ManilaEncounters trends on Twitter, Neil Gaiman says he's proud

 All through the week, we've been joyfully scrolling on Twitter, enjoying the fantasy and horror stories based in Metro Manila that keep popping up in our feed.

Them stories are all accompanied by the hashtag #ManilaEncounters and we have a netizen Billy Recio to thank.

In a phone interview, Billy told GMA News Online he only started using the hashtag last February 24, in an attempt to crowdsource for his random encounter table, a tool used in role-playing Games (RPG).

Random encounters are mini story ideas used in the RPG world.

Started out #ManilaEncounters so we can have a Random Table for RPGs set in fantasy Metro Manila. If y'all feel like it, feel free to add!

— Nosfecatu (@bjrecio) February 24, 2019

Initially, the 32-year-old systems analyst wanted to crowdsource stories based on fantasy and mythology — think tikbalang, engkanto and white ladies. And he only expected 20-30 people to use the hashtag.

But #ManilaEncounters has completely erupted on Twitter, with stories to evolving to include horror.

"Eventually, people picked up on it and it became an entire micro story na kasya sa Twitter," Recio said.

#ManilaEncounters has reached such a wide audience that even Neil Gaiman replied to one netizen, saying he would've been proud of the trend.

I am

— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) February 26, 2019

Billy's favorites include a story set in a Gilmore computer shop, another on Titas of Manila, and still another on Starbucks and the goddess death getting her caffeine fix.

In a store at Gilmore, you say, "Pa-reformat po ng memory."

"Laptop?" The technician asks without raising his head.

"Hindi po. Ng memory."

He finally looks up and notices you are emptyhanded. He takes you to the old lady in the back.

You leave a new man.#ManilaEncounters

— Rogue Witch (@B_RA_Ve) February 26, 2019

#ManilaEncounters

TITAS OF MANILA. Titas of manila, they always come in threes. If you pay close attention, you'll see. One spins the thread of fate, one dispenses it, and the last one decides when one's life is at an end.

— Astrihd von Zarovich (@glittersnicket) February 26, 2019

#ManilaEncounters

Learn to ignore names called by baristas in SB. If you hear the name Magwayen being called, keep your eyes focused on your phones or wherever. Avoid looking at the person at the counter. It's the goddess of death getting her caffeine fix. She hates attention.

— #postmodernunicorn (@tofi_alonte) February 25, 2019

"Ako specifically, I want ideas na hindi pa complete. Players can investigate what is happening. Players can explore the story," Billy said.

#ManilaEncounters The fountain of youth is actually the fountain in front of the Manila Central Post Office. You will be surprised that the kids roaming there have been kids since 1927.

— ian lorca (@lorcadoesstuff) February 26, 2019

#ManilaEncounters

Sometimes, when listening to a song in Filipino, or watching a Film made by Filipinos, you feel passion and pride.

Do not suppress it.

That is the Call of Mayari, instilling in you rebellious moon-madness, telling you that the Revolution is not done.

— langhiya (@liquorcanini) February 26, 2019

We don't know about you but we've been spending our wait time in the MRT scrolling through these beautiful wonders. — LA, GMA News