Syaman Rapongan is an acclaimed Tao writer who lives on Pongso no Tao or Orchid Island. He is the author of many books, including Eyes of the Ocean, published in English translation by Columbia University Press. Syaman Rapongan is a tireless advocate for Tao culture, an expert diver, and a master canoe carver.

Kyle Shernuk is assistant professor of modern Chinese literature and culture at Georgetown University.