🏆 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.

In the quiet town of Masinloc, the church stood at the heart of everything-where voices rose in prayer, hearts found comfort, and destinies quietly unfolded. Elysia, a devoted youth choir member with a voice that could lift souls, never imagined that rekindled love would come in the form of Amiel, her soft-spoken elementary classmate, now an altar server with a growing desire to enter the priesthood. Years had passed since they last spoke, but the moment their eyes met beneath the stained-glass windows of Masinloc's centuries-old church, a spark lit between them-one that neither faith nor reason could ignore. Shared church duties bring them closer, their bond deepening with each whispered "amen" and lingering glance. But Amiel's path is not his alone to choose. His heart is torn between a love that grows quietly and steadily-and a higher calling that demands everything, even the possibility of a future with Elysia. In a town where silence speaks louder than words and the crucifix watches over every vow, Elysia and Amiel must face the hardest truth: that some love stories are written not in kisses, but in sacrifice. In the sacred halls of Masinloc, will they follow their hearts-or the calling that might pull them apart forever?

Amartya's goal for her senior year is straightforward: to finish her senior thesis in Nueva Castallon, graduate, and dip. Constantly crossing paths with a young clergyman named Emilio was out of the list... and so is discovering that her sister is having an affair with Emilio's colleague, who turns out to be Nueva Castallon's most favorite priest.

Novella Oriel lives by the rules⏤her family's, her faith's, her own. In a quiet town where appearances matter more than truth, she's always been the good daughter. But when Laleia Luelle drifts back into town on a borrowed bike, sunlight in her hair and nowhere left to go, Novella's carefully ordered life begins to tremble. Laleia is everything Novella isn't: wild-hearted, untethered, and unafraid to say the wrong thing. But beneath the easy charm is a girl with ghosts⏤wounds she hides behind soft defiance and a fear of being seen too clearly. As the summer stretches on, the two girls find themselves drawn to each other. But love, no matter how gentle, can't exist in a vacuum. Not when shame lingers like smoke, and the people you love expect you to stay small.

Bianca was raised to never disobey - to follow her aunt's every word and to wait for love until college is over. But her deep admiration for Ismael is a temptation she can't resist, even if it means disobeying for the first time in her life. ** Tatlong lugar lang ang madalas puntahan ni Bianca - eskwelahan, bahay, at simbahan. In school, she learns. At home, she rests and feels safe. But the church... that's where she gets to see Ismael - the sacristan she secretly adores so badly. Ismael Aurelius Alejo is Monte Claro's pure boy - kind, innocent, angel-like. Or so everyone believes. But when Bianca catches him breaking the image he's worked so hard to keep, she learns the truth. Ismael is not as innocent as he seems. And the more she uncovers, the more she's drawn to him - even if it means betraying her aunt's trust. Bawat sandali, bawat lihim na pagtatagpo, bawat tahimik na away na walang ibang nakakaalam - Bianca just can't let him go. She knows this love can't last. And when she finally does, it's too late. His feelings have gone beyond control. Now it's him who can't forget every moment they shared together. Ismael Aurelius Alejo is the boy who fights for love. And this time, he's ready to break every rule to keep her. This story is written in Tagalog and English. HeyBeyaaah