SIS (Social Issue Series) #5: Victim Blaming Why is talking about sex a taboo? What's wrong with sex? Sex is normal. Sex is fine. As long as it is consensual then all else is good. But someone being sexually open does not and will never equate to providing license for slut shaming or sexual harassment. Iris Everleigh is an all-around social media influencer. She isn't your typical dalagang Filipina. Her audacity and exceptionality are what set her apart from the rest. She enjoys things without giving a single fuck to whatever people has to say. Ace Frederick is the complete opposite. A primitive and vigilant guy. Never in his wildest dreams would he want to involve himself to someone who would just make his life complicated. His vision was simple: Be successful enough, get a decent woman to get married to, and start a family of his own. So what could happen if they stumble upon each other? A club probably? Where Ace was just supposed to attend his friend's bachelor party? But ended up crossing paths with the irresistible and drunk Iris? Will he be able to stand by his principles? Or would it be impossible to?

SIS (Social Issue Series) #4: Bullying They say that beauty is a luxury. That good looks is the only privilege that matters. That the world is only in favor of those who were born pretty. Sa panahon nga raw ngayon, parang kasalanan na ang pagiging less attractive. You're unappealing? Emotionally weak? Naive? How pathetic. Now you gotta deal with the consequences, loser. Sounds like bullshit? Yup. The truth may be harsh but it is what it is. Once you failed to reach the very high standards set by the society, you're doomed. Yara Isabelle got the deadliest combination of being unattractive, soft-hearted and innocent. But she used to get by and survive the bullying just fine. Because she got her knight-in-shining armor. Her childhood sweetheart. Not until he stopped saving her. Not until he stopped caring. Not until he got fed up of everything. Sky Edison used to be full of compassion. But that was before something terrible happened within their family. His perception had changed. He now finds it ridiculous that people let themselves get treated badly. However, the downside is that for some significant circumstances, these two have to share a condo as they enter senior high school. What could possibly happen given their situation? How would it feel like living under the same roof not with your bully but your former superhero who's now just a witness of your despair? How would it feel like going home to a place with a person who gets to see you getting bullied everyday at school? Wattys 2020 Winner under Young Adult Category

SIS (Social Issue Series) #3: Gender Inequality Men and women in the 21st Century still aren't able to totally get free from the socially defined roles. They are expected to act in certain ways just because they are male and female. Lalake ka raw kaya hindi ka pwede sa ganito. Babae ka raw kaya hanggang dito ka lang. Ellie Madeline have always dreamed of becoming a pilot. She believes that she was born to fly. Despite the disapproval of the people around her, she was able to take one step closer to her goal. Little did she know that her entrance in the best Aviation Academy in town is just the beginning of her struggle against discrimination. Spencer Donovan is her number one rival. He wants to be the best in this field just as much as she wants. As they pit against each other, Ellie found herself falling for Spencer's unforeseen charms. But her bold advances to win his heart just backfires all the time. That's when Zaiden Pierce decided to join the picture and offer her some help. Who is he? Well, he's just nothing more than Spencer's bestfriend. Or... could there actually be more to that? Started: May 1, 2020 Completed: May 18, 2020

SIS (Social Issue Series) #1: Objectifying Women Over protectiveness of boyfriends are often romanticized as cute and caring nowadays. To the point that some ladies fail to live their lives to the fullest just to satisfy their men's insecurities and the likes. Pero kung ikaw si Nayeli Reese P. Eusebio, you'll probably say that you've had enough of those kinds of bullshit. Nari had been deprived of a normal life for her 17 years of existence. She never had a chance to step out of the four corners of their house and experience what common people usually do due to unfortunate circumstances that involves her personal family issues. So when she had the opportunity to finally get out from that nightmare, she promised herself, and her brother that wishes her nothing but happiness, that she will bring out the best in her as she strives to achieve her goals. But when Colton Jace R. Octavio gets into the picture, Nari felt things that she never felt before. Unexplainable feelings that are enough to confuse and distract her from her goals. Colton's dream was just to grow old with her while Nari's was for them to grow individually together. When love gets in the way of your dreams, is it possible to grow with the flow? Started: April 3, 2020 Completed: April 14, 2020

[First of HIDDEN BEACH Series] Savannah Brielle Palomarez is one opinionated woman. She never backs out in arguments kahit sino pa man ang kaharap niya. But that one strong asset of hers is the prospect that ruined a long-lived relationship. Kaya walang pag-aalinlangan siyang lumuwas palayo sa siyudad at nahantong sa probinsyang unti-unti nang tinatakpan ng alaala niya. From that moment, her life changed. At ito ay sa katauhan ng isang lalakeng sinasangga lahat ng patutsada niya. Bawat bala ay tinutumbasan nito ng patalim. Not to mention his oh-so-hot charms. So basically, she just met her match. Savannah knows better. She's done with sinister-looking guys. They break hearts. But from the moment she saw her walls crumble, lahat ng pagpipigil sa sarili at matibay na paniniwala ay parang bula na nag-laho. Kahit ano pang gawin na pag-puwersa sa sarili at isipan mo, when the heart speaks, there's nothing you can ever do. Screw mind over matter.

Kim Talavera has feelings for Lake Ongpauco. The problem? They're one-sided because he likes her best friend... or so she thought. *** Kim Talavera has been head over heels for the perfect guy, Lake Ongpauco, ever since she laid eyes on him. But luck isn't on her side when she finds out Lake likes her best friend, Jamie. Decided to forget about her unrequited feelings for him, Kim prays for the time when she finds the right guy for herself...and chooses her. But then Lake starts to confess his true feelings towards Kim and his flaws begin to show, and Kim realizes he isn't the perfect guy she has always thought him to be. Will love be enough, then? Or will Kim and Lake choose themselves--even if it's not together? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Louise De Ramos

Geek and bookworm Jamie Navarro doesn't exactly know how to have fun when she's dragged to her first night out with her friends. When River Ongpauco shows her with dancing, body shots, and a good time--she ends up on his bed the following morning. *** Jamie is as innocent as they come, but when she wakes up alone on River's bed after spending an amazing night with him, she can't help but leave a killing curse (Avada Kedavra) on his window. But River is determined to woo her, and their one night turns into something more--a perfect relationship with a somewhat perfect boyfriend...if only he opens up to Jamie and stops keeping himself at arm's length. When this breaks them apart, can River give his heart and his all to the girl he first took for granted? Will she let him? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Louise De Ramos

When Louisse Salazar, tough, assertive, and cynical, loses in a debate against charming and annoying football quarterback Cascade 'Kade' Ongpauco, she never thought she'd find herself falling head first into his arms. The problem is: she's trying her hardest to stop herself--even if Kade is ready to catch her. *** Louisse has always kept her heart under lock and key--until Kade. Brick by brick, he tears down her walls, determined to love her even when she thinks she's not worth the trouble. Both best friends and lovers, Louisse starts to give herself to the seemingly right relationship, letting her guard down...when complications with their families arise and Louisse shuts down again. When this breaks them apart, will Kade fight for her--for them? Or will he give up, and will Louisse let him? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Louise De Ramos

deceret (n.) latin word for "body to body" When Philodemus Elton Treveron's parents were slayed, the only thing that brings him closer to finding the killer is the gold crucifix chain around his neck. Fueled with vengeance, Elton swore to himself that he will find the killer and make him pay. 10 years later, Elton found the very same necklace rested on the slim neck of the shy Stormie Iona Roman-the governor's invisible daughter. Vengeance served hot on the plate garnished with love and a romance that shouldn't have started in the first place gave birth to chaos. In the name of love and revenge, Elton found his lips on her neck...

PUBLISHED UNDER LIB Note: If you're not into flawed characters who make wrong decisions, don't read this. Save yourself from stress. Started: 10/07/2020 Ended: 11/18/2020 Elora Chin Valencia grew up in a toxic Christian family where she was viewed as the black sheep. Araw-araw ay ipinaparamdam sa kanya ng mundo na wala siyang lugar sa sarili niyang tahanan. She was a consistent dean's lister and an obedient daughter, which left her wondering what she had done so wrong to be disregarded as a speck of dust in the wind. They made her feel like she was just dirt, filling up the empty space. The one who would never have her own safe place. Feeling all of this contributed to her endless suicidal ideations. Baka nga tama sila. Baka nga wala siyang halaga at kailanman ay hindi na sasaya. She almost believed that. She almost held onto that notion. Not until she met the man in his BS Civil Engineering uniform and gorgeous grin, Troy Jefferson Dela Paz. He kissed her forehead, and her loud thoughts were silenced. Her demons calmed down. Her foes were defeated. For the first time in her life, she had proven her family wrong---a happy Elora Chin was possible. She was loved and well-taken care of. Troy embraced her sharp parts, not minding the wounds he might get. But fate had a lot of cruel things in store for her. Because when she thought she had reached the peak of happiness, she found myself drowning alone in the ocean she now called home, alone in her shame, alone with the waves she couldn't tame.