🏆 Wattys 2024 Winner Special Prize (Catchiest Hook) Severino Cole Matias has one wish-to finally live a happy life. After a tragic event in his work, he decides to take a break from everything that once consumed him. Hoping to find peace and meaning again, he turns to faith. Believing that devotion can move even the most stubborn fate, he commits himself to completing all nine nights of Simbang Gabi, praying that his deepest wish might finally be granted. But on one quiet December dawn, beneath the glow of parol lights and the solemn hum of the Ama Namin, he meets her. A mysterious woman. Enchanting. Gentle. Unwilling to reveal who she truly is. Their connection begins with a simple touch of hands during prayer and slowly grows into something neither of them can ignore. Night after night, they talk, laugh, and begin to uncover pieces of each other. Yet whenever Severino asks about her identity, she gives him only one answer: He will know when the clock strikes midnight on December 25. As Christmas draws near, so does the truth. And when alas dose finally arrives, Severino must face a revelation that could either grant his wish... or shatter it completely. DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish, a combination of Tagalog & English. This story draws inspiration from the song "Alas Dose" by Cup of Joe.

Cosima Sanctuary is a one-of-a-kind safe house for teenage survivors, but when they realize that one of them is a psychopath, all hell breaks loose. The hunt is on for the psycho next door. (Published under LIB, 2023)

A collection of mystery-thriller and horror short stories, written from 2019 and beyond. DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this story are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. ⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This compilation of stories contain elements that some readers may find unsettling. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. © Russ Ibasco

C O M P L E T E D W A R N I N G: MATURED CONTENT. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. Virginity is one of the greatest gifts a woman can give her husband. That is what Calixta's parents told her but due to the influence of alcohol, she accidentally gave it to a stranger that she met in the bar. Two months later, after the incident, she found out that she was pregnant and a few months after, she learned that she was carrying three fetuses inside her. And now, she is carrying the green carnation's heirs.

1st Installment of Embrace of Sorrow Series (Hidden Thread) "She lost her faith in love... until he showed her why she had to believe in love again." *** Adelaine Maeve Truette is a renowned international Filipino pastry chef, admired by many for her delicious, innovative, and artistic skills in crafting different pastries and desserts. She is dedicated to create the best baked goods that are tasty, smooth, delicate, rich, and creamy-ensuring they bring happiness and satisfaction to the consumers. However, her personality is quite different from the sweetness of her creations. She can be bitter, short-tempered, and skeptical about true love. Once a hopeless romantic, Addie faced several heartbreaks, failed relationships, lies, and betrayals that completely changed her perspective when it comes to it. Eventually, she gave up on the idea of love and chose to focus more on herself, believing that searching for love was only a waste of time. Content with her quiet and successful life, everything changes when her parents agreed to an arranged marriage with the son of her mother's long-lost best friend. Will Addie finally come to realize that true love does exist, or will she hold on to her belief that love is really not meant for her? IRISHMAE99 (2026)

WARNING: MATURE CONTENT This Story is not suitable for young readers! If you are below 18 years old, please skip this story. SYNOPSIS: "Gorgeous" ang pangalan, ngunit ang hitsura ay kabaliktaran? Si Gorgeous Mapanganib, isang erotic-romance writer na walang karanasan sa erotika at pag-ibig, ngunit may utak naman para mag-isip. Sa isang sikat na publishing company, ay nag-apply siya bilang isang writer, ngunit sa huli ay na-hire siya bilang isang babysitter. Hindi ng sanggol, kundi ng isang 24 anyos na binatang may kalikutan ang kamay, medyo bastos, at ubod ng landi? Si Trench Alpha Smither, ang babaerong college student na ginawang koleksyon ang mga babae sa halip na kotse. Siya ang nag-iisang anak at tagapagmana ng Smither Group of Companies, at lahat ng gustuhin ay malaya nitong maaangkin. Sa likod ng perpektong mukha, katawan, at kapangyarihan, tatlo ang nakatagong lihim sa kanyang isipan -si A, B, at C. Sino sila? NOTE: • This is first draft story/ unedited/ beware of errors. • I do not own the picture I used for the cover. Start: May 31, 2023 Finished: February 17, 2025

PUBLISHED UNDER PSICOM Publishing Inc. [BxB | R18] If you used pen as your weapon in fighting for life, I used guns to fight on my own life. *** Clayton Perkin, a lovable, kind and softboy; he was born poor but it never crossed in his mind to become wealthy, just his mother and him he already happy and satisfied with it. But everything changed when his mother got sick and he needs millions for his mother's surgery. That's when he meet Lorcan, the multi-billionaire that has a lot of secret under his closet. WARNING: Contain mature scenes! DISCLAIMER: This is written in Taglish (with a little russian terms/words/phrases.) *The photo used on the book cover is not mine. Credits to the rightful owner.

To Kade Sanford Black, falling for his best friend Xanthie Lorenz, a serious and drop-dead handsome songwriter, was a line he did not want to cross. Knowing all too well the huge possibility of losing the only person who could see through him, he took a step back and put a distance to sustain their friendship - especially since Xanthie is soon to marry. Will Kade be able to hold back his feelings until he sees Xanthie married? Or will he finally have the courage to confess his feelings...and risk losing the only friend he has? WARNING: This story contains depictions of suicide, self-harm, and mental health crises that may be upsetting for some readers. Any depictions of mental health issues herein are not meant as a replacement for medical care. If you or someone you know deals with similar issues, they should seek the help of a medical professional. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know in the U.S. is contemplating suicide, please encourage them to call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. For international resources, please visit: http://www.suicide.org/hotlines/international-suicide-hotline s.html CECELIB | C.C. Cover by Ren Tachibana

ONE LAST CHANCE | COMPLETED | PUBLISHED UNDER PAPERINK PUBLISHING HOUSE Story Description [UNEDITED] "I've waited this for so long. Now that you're mine, I am not letting you go." Michael Angelo, a happy-go-lucky gay who dreamed his own happy ending. Nagmahal ngunit sa huliʼy nasaktan. Kaya mas pinili niyang umalis at lumayo, dahil ayaw niyang paulit-ulit nang nasasaktan. He chose himself over his dreams. Ngunit sa pagbabalik niyang muli. Babalik din kaya iyong dati niyang nararamdaman gayong nalaman niyang mahal din pala siya nito? O tuluyang titigas ang kaniyang puso't hindi na muling magmamahal? These Guys In Love With You Panget Sequel. ©IthinkJaimenlove

Highest Achievement: #4 Fantasy themed Sundan ang magulong mundo ni Julian matapos makatanggap ng isang kakaibang regalo. Warning: this is an M2M Story. Kung di open minded, wag na basahin :)) Cover made by: @mr_bluex