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The Wattys 2019 Winner | New Adult Parusa para kay Carina ang maging isang anak ng gobernador ng Elena. Balewala sa kanya ang kayamanan at katanyagan kung hindi naman niya nagagawa ang mga bagay na gusto niya. Desperado sa kalayaan, wala siyang pakialam sa sigaw ng kanyang ama sa tuwing tumatakas sa gabi para magliwaliw. Ngunit nang matagpuan siya ng isang sundalo sa gitna ng dilim at tumatakbo palayo, hindi niya akalain na roon magtatapos ang lahat. Simula nang makilala niya ang binatang nakasuot ng unipormeng sumisimbolo sa kalayaan ng kanilang bayan, hindi na kailanman nakawala si Carina sa tabi nito. Kahit ano'ng gawin niyang pagtakas at paglayo, pakiramdam niya'y parang may humihila sa kanya pabalik sa piling nito. Kahit ano'ng gawin niyang pag-iwas at pagkumbinsi sa sarili, hindi niya maitago ang pusong unti-unti nang nahuhulog para rito. August 13, 2018 - May 20, 2020

Santiago Alverio is torn between family expectations and his own internalized fears from homophobic relatives. As he enters a casual fling with Diablo Delgado, he discovers that love, patience, and acceptance might be the blueprint to healing and embracing his true self. *** Santiago Alverio has always lived by the rules of his family, peers, and a silent world that tells him who he should be. As a civil engineering student, he hides behind toxic masculinity and the fear of being noticed because of expectations and a homophobic upbringing. Then comes Diablo Delgado--fearless, affectionate, and unapologetically himself. What begins as a no-strings "friends with benefits" arrangement slowly converts into something deeper. With every touch, every unguarded smile, Diablo breaks the walls Santi has built around his heart. But love is never simple. Santi is caught between family pressures, societal judgment, and his own insecurities. Will he ever realize that happiness was never about meeting expectations but about choosing the person who makes him feel whole? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Rayne Mariano ILLUSTRATOR: Ri Ot

Falling for their opponent's outside spiker isn't a part of rookie libero Kaizen Reyes' plan. But when Kai discovers that Roen Alejo has liked him for so long, maybe receiving that facial hit from him before isn't that bad after all. *** Determined and innocent, rookie libero Kaizen Reyes believes in the power of manifestation. Whether it be through his studies or winning their volleyball games, as long as he sets his mind on it, he makes a way to make it come true. However, after obtaining a facial hit from Roen Alejo, their opponent's outside spiker, Kai's quiet world suddenly becomes disturbed. Through their constant meetings and communication, Roen is making him feel something he can't fully name, making him doubtful and confused. Now torn between confessing to Roen and keeping their friendship afloat, can Kai remain focused and keep his emotions in check? Or will he take the leap of faith and risk it all for the sake of love? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Louise De Ramos Published under Pop Fiction

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In a society where blue is classified for boys and pink for the girls, Shiloh Ching Escarra struggled during his childhood when he discovered his fondness for the toys and colors that were only labeled for the girls. Despite confining himself in the darkness, Brent Matthew Jarsdel, his roommate and the son of his mother's friend, gradually peeked through his thick walls and found a way to paint his world according to what color he genuinely prefers. In the midst of those unexplainable feelings, confusions, and judgements, Brent was willing to risk it all; to fight for the love he unexpectedly found; to build him a home where his true colors would finally be accepted.

They say that happy-go-lucky people bury their deepest pain behind smiles. For Maverick Evander, an architecture student, was entangled in a web of uncertainty by his parents' decision to separate. Beneath his playful image and a well-known loud circle, he was able to carry a facade-a mystery no one could ever decipher. How can you read someone when they are just black pages in the book? That's how engineering student Rade Archiel Tejano sees Mavric: a blinding sun you could only graze upon. And the more he tries to solve the puzzles in Mavric's mind games, the more Mavric's wall thickens. Will Rade be able to crush someone who is already broken? Will Mavric top someone when he's the one who's falling? In a play where one had to win, both of them fell...hard.

Known for being a notable and respected politician, Luke Fuentes is always focused on his work as the mayor of Buenavista and doesn't have time for love. But when he crosses paths with spoiled heiress Zakia Guerrera, Luke starts to wonder if he has just met the one. *** As the youngest elected politician in the country, Mayor Luke Fuentes always gives his one hundred percent in serving his people. He is known not only for his excellent public service, but many admire him for his good looks, making them have high expectations for the love of his life. When he unexpectedly shares a steamy night with Zakia Guerrera, Luke starts believing he has found the one. With his ex-girlfriend entering the picture and the numerous challenges they continue to face, Luke and Zakia are suddenly put to the test, and the future of their relationship remains uncertain. Can the two acknowledge their love and keep it alive? Or will their relationship just be a heated moment and nothing more? Disclaimer: This story is written in Taglish, a combination of Tagalog & English. Cover Design by Regina Dionela

One bakeshop. Two songs. Three personal magazines. A special chapter wherein Solene, Elora Chin, and Reese Deborah come together for Valentine's Day.

It's hard to prove yourself when everyone thinks that everything's being given to you on a silver platter. And in Siobhan Margarette's case, she'll do everything to make everyone see that she's worth it. But what will she do if someone unexpected sees her worth? Will she stay and accept? Or will she continue pretending that she doesn't feel a thing... too?