WiP [Work in Progress]

Thoughts and ramblings of a Filipino author

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The Tropetastic Kindness Bundle by #RomanceClass

February 15, 2021 • Leave a Comment

Hey, website! Been a while…almost a year, in fact. And between my last entry and this, a lot has happened. A lot, and somehow, none at all. The pandemic, you see. Covid-19…but that’s not what this blog is about.

Last December, I received an invitation via email from #romanceclass guru Mina V. Esguerra to participate in a fundraising endeavor. Interested authors were to write a minimum of 5,000 words on a trope that was going to be assigned to each author a la roulette style. The characters would be living in the same setting–at a made-up condo complex in the Pasig area–plus a few more canons in place.

I readily said yes, wanting, more than anything, to get motivated into writing again.

Next email, I received my assigned trope: sleeps with everyone but you.

Thought bubble: So, I’m to write about myself? 🙄

Anyway, the trope seemed easy enough. I sought out author, editor, and friend Layla Tanjutco (she has a new book out! Get it here) to thresh out ideas with me and I was getting ready to get my story down on paper. But the spare trope on our shared spreadsheet was just begging to be picked up so I dropped my original assigned one and picked up the unassigned trope–single parent/s.

I still chatted with Layla about my ideas, talked with my late bff’s son about his feelings on his parent having a partner, and I started to write. About Paula, and Juan and Julian. Theirs was a story I almost didn’t finish. And I talk about that in the Season 4 premier of the #romanceclass podcast that was live-streamed the afternoon of February 13th.

Anyway, my story is titled “Perfect Dad,” and along with 14 other #RomanceClass authors, we present the Tropetastic Kindness Bundle, out on the morning of Valentine’s Day 2021.

Available on Gumroad for $5 or the price you set. Click on the image to purchase.

Cover designed by Tania Arpa, art by Carla de Guzman, photography by Chi You Rodriguez, models Jef Flores and Jeanne San Juan.

Now, I did say we came up with the bundle for charity because yup, we are donating all proceeds for a cause. We will be supporting Project Propel, Gantala Press, and Rock Ed Philippines. And hurry because this bundle will only be available until April 14.

Fifteen stories, fifteen authors, one kilig! Get the Tropetastic Kindness Bundle now!

 

 

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Bloom Where You Are Planted

March 2, 2020 • Leave a Comment

Hey, all! Been a long time, no? I’d just had to deal with a lot of stuff the past few months, I won’t even try to go into any of it. But I’m here and I feel like sharing some thoughts so…

Yeah, it’s about that expression we all know and understand and relate to which I’ve now used as a title for this post. I’m writing about this now because I have been thrust into yet another challenging life event. One that I have no idea of what to do and yet here I am, pushing to make it work. Seems like I’ve been doing this my whole life–getting myself educated along the way.

Pre-college, I had no clear path of where I wanted to go. Some kids my age then knew they wanted to be a doctor, or a pilot, or a model, or a teacher. I maybe wanted to be a singer or actress. At one point I thought I wanted to be a scientist or an astronaut. But I graduated from high school and was getting ready to finalize my college application…and I still didn’t know what course to enroll in.

via GIPHY

Whatever, I went ahead and got myself a Tourism degree. Not the most exciting choice but it’s a degree (from one of the, if not THE, top universities in the Philippines) nonetheless and would be an asset when it came time to apply for a job.

I would later find out wouldn’t have mattered what I majored in for as long as my career wasn’t any one of the technical or science diciplines.

Anyway, again (for the nth time) having no clear career path that I wanted to carve for myself, I just sent job applications here and there. When I was accepted, I stayed a few months, a year, three years, six or seven years. I was working in a field that would define my professional career–marketing and public relations. In between and while I was doing my stuff, I also discovered fiction writing, and maybe stuff about acting and using theater as a tool for classroom education.

Through all those years, after all the experience, I never became an expert in anything. I mean, I can do things–sing, act, dance, write–but not exceptionally well. In retrospect, maybe I should have gone to a special arts school to hone those talents back in college but formal art education wasn’t something I had the permission to indulge in.

As an employee, I would say I accomplished what I needed to accomplish with just enough effort to not get fired. Well, maybe not just enough. Maybe most of the time I also pushed myself to be good enough to be recognized for my efforts. But I never reached the level of a visionary with a capacity to develop grand plans for a company’s future.

When I arrived here in the US, I knew I would continue to add on to this hodgepodge of abilities without being an expert in any of them. And guess what? It’s starting again. I’ve just been accepted as an accounts payable staff for a freight company. I mean, I have avoided anything to do with accounting for almost forever and yet, I am caught up in numbers and terminologies such as balance sheets, debit, credit and such.

So goes the saga of my life. Of my many attempts to bloom where I am planted, adding one more feather to my multi-faceted, multi-colored cap. And because I also believe that wherever I am, I am where I’m supposed to be, I can’t complain. I am making a life for myself, I am accomplishing things, maybe not my dreams but still…I shall bloom and be the prettiest flower I can be.

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#romanceclass news

August 9, 2019 • Leave a Comment

Crowdfunding for a project and a new #romanceclass…class this September!

 

MANGO SUMMER

Here’s something new and exciting! We’re producing a web series adaptation of Agay Llanera‘s Mango Summer! This will feature Gio Gahol and Gabriela Pangilinan who are, incidentally, also the cover models of the book. There’s more information here, plus links to how you can help. Because we do need ~financial help so we can push this.

 

#romanceclass2019

Aspiring romance authors, here’s your chance! Mina V. Esguerra, author, publisher, and #romanceclass guru, is holding classes this September. Read about the guidelines and sign up here.

 

PODCASTING BOOTCAMP!

Ansela Corsino, author and producer, will be conducting a podcasting workshop soon! There’s a P750 fee per participant.

At the end of the workshop, each participant will have setup a podcast and recorded a trailer/intro.

Requirements:

1. A smart phone or tablet or laptop. It should be able to connect to wifi and have a couple of gig storage space free. Be sure it’s fully charged (or bring a power bank).

2. A microphone or hands-free headset/earphone. It should be able to plug into your laptop or device. (This is optional— ideal but not required! Bring whatever you have on hand. )

3. If you’re bringing a mobile device, install the Canva app. (optional)

The workshop will be 3 hours minimum. Follow #romanceclass, @minavesguerra, and @anselacorsino on Twitter and Facebook for details on date, time, and venue.

In the meantime, you may want to listen to previous podcasts via Spotify.

 

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[BLOG TOUR] Play It By Ear by Tara Frejas

May 10, 2019 • Leave a Comment

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance Release date: May 15, 2019 Cover illustration: Shaira Bea San Jose Cover design/layout: Tara Frejas

 

SYNOPSIS

What does it really take to be a champion?

AMAZON: bit.ly/PIBENovel GOODREADS: bit.ly/PIBEGoodreads

When East Genesis Project’s Jo Yihwan reluctantly pinch-hits for injured band mate Steven Bae in a reality TV-slash-talent competition, he decides he’s only in it to win. After all, he is representing his band, and the All-Kill Champion title had some handsome perks attached to it.

But he didn’t expect to meet a gutsy, driven teammate like Ha Yoojung, or feel drawn to her incandescent spirit week after week after week. He didn’t expect her to be carrying a devastating secret that could cost them the grand prize, either.

What starts as a competition becomes so much more. With careers, a long-held dream, and honor at stake, can Yihwan and Yoojung’s hearts survive?

Content warnings: Mentions of sexual assault

 

E X C E R P T

Yoojung nervously ran her fingers through her tea-colored hair one more time and took a deep breath as she stared at Jo Yihwan’s name on the dressing room door. Earlier today, the All-Kill Champion staff had the trainees draw their teammates’ names out of a fishbowl, and she got Jo Yihwan.

All right now, Yoojung-ah. Let’s stay calm. Professional. Casual, she repeated in her head. You’re not a fan right now, you’re a teammate.

“So let me get this straight. She’s my age, she’s trained longer than I have, and yet she’s never debuted? How did she even make the cut for this show?”

Yoojung’s fist froze mid-knock. Was that…Jo Yihwan?

“Does everyone already know who their partners are? Is it too late to switch?”

“Sorry, Yihwan-ssi. We can’t do that.”

“I guess I’m screwed then.”

Well…screw courtesy, she thought. Jo Yihwan might be an industry senior, but he was acting like a brat. No way was she going to let him get away with his prejudice, especially since he was so vocal about it.

She wrapped her fingers around the door knob and twisted it open.

Yihwan’s whining stopped as soon as she entered the room. The production assistant he had been speaking to dropped her jaw. And her clipboard.

“Annyeong haseyo!” Yoojung greeted, making sure she was flashing her biggest, friendliest smile when she stepped into the room. Yihwan looked like he was about to choke. As he should. “Ha Yoojung imnida.”

The EG Project band leader cleared his throat and got up so abruptly, he almost knocked his chair over. As he greeted her with a bow, Yoojung pushed the door shut.

“Please. There’s no need to be overly courteous.” She maintained her smile even as vitriol rose up her throat. If she wasn’t careful, she might just find herself getting thrown out of this show.

That wasn’t part of the plan.

“Ha Yoojung-ssi, I—”

She raised her hand in front of his face. God forbid Jo Yihwan work his charm on her and derail her raging train of thought. Who cares about those expressive doe eyes, or that chiseled jawline, or that perfect Cupid’s bow? Not her. No sir, not today.

“I’m not going to pretend I didn’t just hear what you said, Jo Yihwan-ssi.” Her eyes darted toward the PA, who kept her eyes on Yoojung even as she was picking up her clipboard.

Taking a deep breath, she continued. “And because we’re going to be working together for—hopefully—the next two months, I’m going to make things clear: I am here because I passed the open auditions despite the fact that I don’t have an agency representing me. Now, you’re free to keep your opinions about me, but I’m not here to prove anything to you.

“I know you’re only here to replace your band mate, so I understand if the stakes aren’t that high for you. But this is a lifeline for me. This show could be my last shot at a career in this industry, and if I have to work with someone who thinks very little of me so I could get that chance, then so be it.”

Without batting an eye, Yoojung offered her hand to Yihwan. He quickly took it, only to let out a muted groan when she squeezed his hand a little tighter than what was normally acceptable.

“I’m sor—”

“Don’t.” Her grip eased around his hand. “Half-assed apologies are non-apologies.”

Yoojung pulled her hand away and bowed to the woman behind Yihwan. The poor PA returned the gesture, albeit bewilderedly.

“See you at the studio,” were her last words before stepping out the room.

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara Frejas is a cloud-walker who needs caffeine to fuel her travels. When she’s not on work mode, she keeps herself busy by weaving her daydreams into stories.

Aside from her obvious love affair with words and persistent muses, Tara is very passionate about being caffeinated, musical theatre, certain genres of music, dancing, dogs, good food, and romancing Norae, her ukelele. She owns a male bunny named Max who sometimes tries to nibble on her writing notes.

Fun fact: She’s a Piscean. Go figure.

 

Connect with her online:

Twitter / Instagram: @tarafrejas

Facebook: fb.com/tarafrejas

Website: tarafrejas.com

Subscribe to her newsletter: bit.ly/subscribetotara

 

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[BLOG TOUR] No Two Ways by Chi Yu Rodriguez

April 25, 2019 • Leave a Comment

Cover Models: Rachel Coates, Gab Pangilinan, Gio Gahol Photographed by: Chi Yu Rodriguez Cover Designed by: Chi Yu Rodriguez Title Art by: Carla de Guzman Styling by: Alex Lapa

AJ Felipe makes the most of being the head information security engineer for a local law firm with the help of her loyal team of nerds. Their job isn’t really the most fun, but things take a turn when one of her junior security engineers decides to nominate her for a makeover show.

Enter Jackie Niño, the one-night stand AJ didn’t expect to meet again—who also happens to be the makeup artist who’s going to get her all dolled up on national television.

More complications arise after the episode is aired and another ghost from her past comes back to haunt her: Axel Herrera, the ex-boyfriend who still thinks she left him because she’s a lesbian.

Spoiler alert: She isn’t.

Being bisexual is hard enough. How will AJ navigate new feelings while finding closure for old heartaches?

 

(Disclaimer: On-page F/F and M/F only)

 

BUY LINKS

 

Amazon: bit.ly/NTW-Amazon

Print Pre-order (For #AprilFeelsDay2019): bit.ly/NTWPreorder

Print-on-demand (PH only): bit.ly/chiprints

Goodreads Link: bit.ly/NTW-Goodreads

 

 

EXCERPT

Axel asked one of their drivers to take me home because I was in no shape to drive. I didn’t know how Kuya was going to make his way back, so I asked him to stop at a McDo drive thru near my condo before dropping me off so I could at least buy him some food.

While the car was in line, I pulled out my phone from my purse to ask Jen if she wanted anything. Before I could even start typing, a message from Jackie popped up on the screen.

My knufht in shiming arnour save meeeeee!!~[

After taking a second to reinterpret the jumble of words, I shook my head and laughed. I can be Brienne of Tarth, sure.

“Ma’am?” The driver let me know that it was our turn. I ordered him a cheeseburger meal, handed him some cash, then replied to Jackie.

And where might this damsel in distress be?

Luckily, Jackie was located somewhere in BGC. After getting the food, I asked the driver if we could make a quick stop before heading home.

When we got to the bar, Jackie was accompanied by two of her friends. She had draped herself over one of the outside tables, and they were trying to get her to stand up.

“Are you AJ?” one of her friends asked when I finally got out of the car.

“Yeah. What happened?”

“A lot of cocktails with different types of alcohol,” the other friend said.

“We were going to take her home but she insisted on waiting for you.”

Jackie finally lifted her head from the table and her eyes landed on me. She was a mess. “Oh, heeeeeeey!” she yelled and got up to make her way to me.

She fell right into my arms and I did my best to keep her upright. Axel’s driver appeared beside me, ready to assist if I needed him to.

“You okay to bring her home?” the first friend asked.

“Yeah. Uh, do any of you have a business card so I can text when she’s finally home?”

“Just look for Pamie or KC on her phone. She turns the passcode off when she’s about to get drunk so we can call people for her just in case.”

I planned on revisiting what it meant for her to have a system in place for this already, but for now I asked the driver to open the car door so we could get inside.

After giving directions to Kuya, I focused my attention on Jackie. She was piss drunk and staring at me from where she was pressed against the opposite door.

“Why do you look so fancy?” Her words were slurred as she threw herself over to my side and started fussing over my dress.

“I came from a party.” I checked the rear view mirror when Jackie started getting more handsy. Thankfully, Kuya was keeping his eyes on the road.

“You look so pretty oh my god!” She had grabbed my face and started to inspect. I tried my best not to laugh. “Who did your makeup?”

“I did it myself. Do you approve?”

“You are always approved!”

The next thing I knew, she had attached herself to my side and was breathing warmth into my neck. The ten minutes it took for us to get to her place felt like forever after that.

“Thank you, Kuya.” We’d left Jackie in my car while I booked another car to take the driver back to Axel’s house.

Once he was gone, I began the quest to get Jackie into her apartment without either of us getting injured.

“Why did you have to be biiiiiiiiii?”

I’d hooked one of her arms over my shoulders as we went up the stairs. “Oh I ask myself that sometimes too.” I belatedly thought that I should’ve taken my heels off for this because she was practically dead weight.

“You’d be so perfect if you weren’t bi. Like, I imagine you wearing one of my shirts sometimes, you know? Standing by my bed in the morning. You’d drown in any of my clothes and it’s so cute to think about, my heart hurts.”

My shoulders felt a little sturdier after that, and I smiled my way through the struggle until we got to her door.

“I need to get your keys.” I held her against the wall while I fished for the keys in her purse. But she was making it so difficult with her traveling hands and treacherous lips.

As soon as got the door open, she stumbled her way inside and started to take off her clothes.

“Oh god.” I slammed the door and rushed to steer her away from the furniture. We eventually got to her bed, Jackie significantly more naked than she was six feet ago.

“Can’t you just be full-on gay instead of just halfway gay to make all this easier?”

“That’s—Stop. Doing that. I’m weak!” Jackie was trying to pull me into bed with her, kissing my neck and attempting to lift the hem of my dress.

It took all the decency I had left in me not to kiss her back until she got tired and just let herself fall against her pillows.

When I finally got her under the covers, I found her phone and opened her messaging app. I took a photo of Jackie sleeping in bed and sent it to the contact labeled “Pamie.”

She’s home safe.

Thank you so much!

The last time we were together, we’d agreed to keep things casual. I wasn’t ready for a relationship, and she wasn’t ready for a full serving of a bisexual woman.

We stayed in both our safe zones and it was fine. I was more than happy to be her constant booty call.

Being her pseudo emergency contact wasn’t part of the deal. Me cradling her cheek after tucking her hair away from her face wasn’t, either. But she didn’t have to worry about any of that until tomorrow—the latter, at all, ever.

I helped myself to some coffee and went home only when I was sure I was well enough to drive. I left a note stuck to her phone on her bedside table telling her to text her friends when she woke up.

Tonight had been more interesting than I anticipated.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chi Yu Rodriguez has many feelings. Sometimes these feelings find their way to paper in the form of short stories and fiction online. Sometimes they don’t come out at all and end up as unresolved sexual tension or terrible internal angst.

She prefers making imaginary people go through these feelings for her pleasure. Her muses hate her for it, and they repay her by being forever fickle.

She wrestles with them in her head every day.

 

 

 

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Recent Posts

  • The Tropetastic Kindness Bundle by #RomanceClass
  • Bloom Where You Are Planted
  • #romanceclass news
  • [BLOG TOUR] Play It By Ear by Tara Frejas
  • [BLOG TOUR] No Two Ways by Chi Yu Rodriguez

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