Dreams begin and end in school, that's what Diwata Yvon Mahalina, a student from UP Manila, thought. Because for her, after school, you must be aiming for stability. Nothing can compare to a safe life. However, Ignacio Trillano, a guy who lived in Blumentritt and studied at FEU, disagrees. A quiet life like Diwata's dream was not fulfilling and meaningful, Ignacio argues. Ignacio was a ComArts student who was loud as an airplane flying away. Would Ignacio's words and actions be enough to encourage Diwata to begin a life beyond her comfort?

Having to care for her mother since the end of grade school, Meadow Jil Carreal was no stranger to exhaustion. Being the bigger person physically, mentally, and emotionally was excruciating, but Meadow always was. When Meadow, a DLSU student, eats dinner outside her campus one day, she sees Kalon Mangundapat, the Isko who often eats near her school. Kalon liked the cheap food he consumed on Castro Street. What reasons would the two find to know why their existence in each others' lives suddenly jumped from the air?

Anjel Delo Santos, a Lasallian, craved affection from her parents. It wasn't easy getting it. She had to be brilliant because her parents were intellectual people who yearned for recognition in their own fields. College was her opportunity of being brilliant. As Anjel walked on the streets of Malate, she will see a disappointed-looking River Alexandre Abad. As a fan of River, who is a DLSU student, she couldn't help but be concerned with the basketball player's state. While they get to know each other, would their eyes appreciate the silver lining in the midst of the nimbus clouds around them?

Switching to a condo would be a huge shift in Eloise Danielle Madrigal's life, the Iska from UP Manila. From living in her aunt's home, she will independently live near her school. From growing up with so many hands to help her, she will face a new life alone. Since Eloise wasn't familiar with commuting from Padre Faura that well, the cousin of her block mate, Graham Anthony Laurel, will surely be of help. This walking GPS guy that was a first-year Thomasian had quite a temper as he taught Eloise. It seems as though one of them needed to teach the other beyond directions, would Graham find a calm and kind way to tell Eloise that her head was in the sand?

WATTY'S SHORTLIST 2023 Stuck in the never-ending responsibilities as one of the breadwinners of the family, Calisse Abigail Guillermo, an Iska from UP Manila, seeks to find true comfort between drinking and smoking. But she never does. Her desire to find consolation in everything is not found within the consumption of toxins. When she meets fellow smoker Chance Luy, a UP med student, in the bustling street of Pedro Gil, she thanks the heavens for a chance to meet him. Chance is your worn-out med student who is stingy. As they ponder about life, would they find solace as they share a moment of smoke?

(Game Series # 3) Avery Brienne Eliseo never wanted the 'normal' life. Ever since she was born, she already knew that the life she'd lead would be far from what's normal... until her stupid cousin decided to 'protect' her by giving her a new life. But she wasn't stupid. She knew that one day, she'd have to go back to save his ass. She needed to make friends--powerful friends. She needed people who would be of help when she needs protection. And where would she find powerful friends? In law school. The students there are the future presidents, senators, and congressmen of the country. She needed to be friends with powerful people... And when she met Maven de Marco and learned that he's the most powerful one? She's determined to make him hers.

(Game Series # 2) Aurora Marie Floresca just wanted to escape their house. Ever since her father re-married, palagi na silang nag-aaway dalawa. She wanted her father to be happy, of course, but not with that evil step-mother wannabe. Unang pagkikita pa lang nila, masama na ang kutob niya sa babae. She wanted happiness for her father, but definitely not with that woman... But unfortunately, the witch won. She managed to get her father to throw Rory out. She was forced to stay in Manila for the meantime. She didn't know what to do in Manila! Wala naman doon ang mga kaibigan niya. Wala siyang pamilya. The only consolation she got was the condo unit from her father--well, at least hindi naman yata gusto ng tatay niya na sa kalsada siya matulog. She'd probably get a job or study again, she wasn't sure yet, but she's certain that everything would be fine... until she realized that her next door neighbor would be keeping her up all night with all the banging against the wall.

Sandejas Siblings Third Installment: Z E I J A N "Let him pull the trigger and it will aim straight to your heart..." Alyx Riadna Alarcon feels perfect, 'yan ang iniisip at pinaniniwalan niya. She has no flaws, pretty face, a body to die for, fame, men are doing everything just to ask her out but not anyone likes her, only a few at sanay na siya doon. She thinks she's perfect, maganda naman siya pero bakit hindi lahat ay naaayon sa pabor niya? She always lives the same old boring day and she's so ready to live in a cliché but one night changes everything. That night, she met the most beautiful man she'd ever seen. Wavy black hair, thick eyebrows, angled jaw, red pouty lips and oh, those beautiful blue eyes that got her attention the very first time her eyes met his and when he smiled? Damn, she knows she's fucked. How will that man change everything in her life? What if the boring day becomes chaotic? What if slowly, the secrets will unfold? About her? About him? Will it start a war?

Aries Chastin Palermo

It began with a drunken kiss and ended with a kiss full of love. *** Maleha's life seemed perfect with a great job, her own condo, and a loving boyfriend, Jero-until he cheated, turning her world upside down. After breaking up, she found comfort in Arion, a friend's cousin. They made an agreement to help her forget Jero, promising not to fall in love. But as time passed, their connection deepened. When past lies and misunderstandings caused chaos, Maleha's life spiraled further, and painful choices had to be made. With love and betrayal at play, will Maleha and Arion find a way through the heartbreak? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish, a combination of Tagalog & English. COVER DESIGN: Louise De Ramos