by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 2, 2025 | Stories
On May 20, 2025, I created an account on Letterlux, but I was still undecided about whether I should dip my toes into writing fiction. So, I pondered … for a couple of weeks. I kept stopping to think: Do I have a story in my head that’s worth writing?
In case you didn’t know, I’m a reader, editor, and reviewer—so you can just imagine how self-critical I must be.
At first, I tried other apps like Goodnovel and Dreame, but neither panned out. With one, a confusing conversation with a company rep left me frustrated (I won’t get into the details), while the other said my story wasn’t a good fit for the platform. That one, I actually understood—because I knew going in that the story didn’t follow any of the established tropes.
Then on June 11, 2025, I woke up with a brand-new story doing its best to burst out of my head. It was relentless, like a puppy trying its darnedest to get my attention. It forced me to sit up, open Word, and start typing—a YA/Teen story blending shifter romance and tech/gaming. Within a few hours, I had eight or ten chapters written. The words just kept coming!
That made me wonder: Where would be the best place to publish this?
I asked around. Friends who’ve published on reading platforms—and even on Kindle and paperback—shared their insights. Some of what they said, I’d already seen echoed on social media by other authors.
In the end, I narrowed it down to two platforms: Inkitt and Letterlux.
Inkitt is user-friendly and accepted my story quickly. However, it’s subscription-based (like Ream Stories), so unless I already have a solid following, it’s hard to know what to charge. On the upside, if my story performs well, it might end up on Galatea.
Letterlux, meanwhile, is an umbrella company that distributes to several reading apps. Self-promotion might be trickier once I sign a contract, but the good news is that I won’t have to apply to each app individually.
Even though Letterlux seems a bit more complex, I’m feeling optimistic. I applied for a contract on June 11, once I hit the 5,000-word minimum. On June 16, I received an encouraging message after their initial review. The next milestone is at 30,000 words.
On June 30, I received this system notification:
Good job on writing a longer story! We’ll review your story as soon as possible, and you’ll be notified when the result comes out. If your story passes our review, we’re more than happy to sign a contract with you! Please stay tuned!
I’ll be honest—I had already reached 30k+ words a few days earlier, but I didn’t want to stress myself out. So, I scheduled daily chapter releases. I guess you could say I “banked” chapters, just in case my creative well runs dry in the future.
To date, I’ve written 34 chapters for Call Me Alpha! on Letterlux. Here’s hoping the book gets signed soon, because that would be just the push I need to keep the momentum going. ✨
If you’re curious about the story or have tips on your own publishing journey, I’d love to hear from you!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 12, 2025 | Book Reviews
I usually shy away from stories with ridiculously long titles, such as
“My Husband Wants an Open Marriage” by Elysian Sparrow. The reason is that these stories often tend to be predictable, formulaic, and frequently written by young authors whose first language is not English, which can be evident in the text. At times, I get the impression that the manuscripts have been machine-translated, as the English can be quite poor.
“My Husband Wants an Open Marriage” by Elysian Sparrow surprised me with its well-written narrative. The story follows a familiar formula: Ryan and Julie O’Brien have been married for several years but are unable to conceive. A significant event causes a rift in their relationship. In their case, the issue arises from their struggles to have a child, prompting Ryan to propose the idea of an open relationship. However, what he truly means is that he wants the freedom to explore outside their marriage, while Julie cannot.
Ryan is openly having an affair with his secretary, Emily. He even goes so far as to bring her to their home, forcing Julie out of her bedroom and effectively ending her role as Mrs. O’Brien. Meanwhile, Julie endures the pain and humiliation of working in the company where her husband is the CEO, all while managing the Marketing Department. One night, she decides to go to a bar to drown her sorrows. There, she meets Luke, who offers to be her fake boyfriend whenever she needs one. This is where the story starts to become interesting.
I found this story on Goodnovel, but I saw it on other reading apps as well. As is my wont, when I find myself engaged after a few chapters, I turn to Amazon and check if the story is available on Kindle. And, YES, it is there! Woohoo! “My Husband Wants an Open Marriage” by Elysian Sparrow is divided into three books on Amazon Kindle and costs $12.97— that is LOADS cheaper than on the reading apps. Click here for Book 1, Book 2, and Book 3 of this story on Amazon Kindle.
38 chapters in and I still love it! So far, it isn’t as predictable as I thought it would be and I love it! I think you will enjoy this billionaire romance, too. And like me, you might fall for Luke as well.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 5, 2025 | Advocacy
The time, effort, and dedication required to train for a race or marathon make crossing the finish line incredibly rewarding for many runners. Similarly, creating a greener, more sustainable future demands a collective commitment of the same magnitude.
The first-ever GCash Eco Run transformed the streets of Ayala Avenue in Makati into a platform for this eco-movement. Over 12,000 eco-runners laced up their shoes—not just to achieve personal records but to make a lasting impact on the environment. Thanks to the support of event sponsors and sustainability partners, this milestone initiative has already resulted in the planting of 76,000 trees across 11 hectares in the Negros region, showcasing the powerful effects of our collective actions.
A race that goes beyond the finish line
In support of the South Negros Reforestation Initiative, which is a long-standing partnership between Silliman University and GCash, each sign-up for the GCash Eco Run contributed to the planting of a grey stilted mangrove tree in Negros Occidental. GCash doubled its commitment by pledging an additional tree for every participant. As a result, the runners contributed to the planting of a total of 24,000 new trees.
Grey stilted mangroves play a vital role in environmental conservation. They help mitigate the impacts of extreme weather, sequester carbon, and provide habitats for marine life. Consequently, mangrove forests are among the most effective natural ecosystems for carbon storage today, making them a crucial asset in the fight against climate change.
In line with its commitment to using technology for good, the GCash Eco Run served as a platform to raise awareness about sustainable living. The event brought together partner organizations and eco-conscious brands to share their initiatives and inspire collective action.
Various organizations championing different sustainability causes participated in the event. For example, Berdeng Kalaw collects paper and metal for recycling, while Caritas Manila converts clothing donations into funds for scholarships. Zolo specializes in reselling and recycling e-waste, and Aling Tindera focuses on gathering plastic waste for recycling.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore products from partner eco-merchants including Cut the Craft, Bukid ni Bogs, Wonderhome Naturals, Eco Shift, and Commune. They also received GCash VISA cards made from 100% recycled plastic.
GCash facilitates positive change by connecting partners with Silliman University, turning commitments into tangible action. With the support of eight collaborating companies for a greener future, a total of 52,000 trees will be planted in Negros, in addition to the 24,000 trees planted by the eco runners.
Nuvali Run Club members joined the 10KM race of the GCash Eco Run
Runners gather at the starting line of the first-ever GCash Eco Run, taking strides for sustainability and mangrove restoration–planting over 76,000 trees in the Negros region.
Continue taking steps for the environment with GForest
GCash is committed to making sustainable living easier and more accessible for every Filipino. Through its GForest initiative, users earn green energy points with every transaction on the GCash app, whether it’s cashing in, sending money, paying bills, buying load, or even taking 20,000 steps a day. These points can be redeemed to plant virtual trees and contribute to a greener future.
In collaboration with various partner organizations, GCash transforms these virtual trees into real ones planted in key areas across the country. This demonstrates how GForest serves as a platform for technology that promotes positive change.
“Much like how GForest turns virtual trees into actual ones, the GCash Eco Run brings together our community of Green Heroes, driven by a shared purpose to create real-world impact—one step, one tree, and one action at a time,” said CJ Alegre, GCash Head of Sustainability.
The largest digital eco-movement is growing even bigger. Every step we take, every action we make, and every tree we plant brings us closer to a greener future. Become a green hero today by signing up on the GForest feature in your GCash app dashboard.
The GCash Eco Run is proudly supported by corporate partners who have also committed to planting trees, including IKEA Philippines, Globe At Home, Pay & Go, and eTap Solutions. This initiative enhances Silliman University’s efforts in mangrove reforestation.
About GCash
GCash is the leading finance super app in the Philippines. Through the GCash app, users can easily perform various financial transactions, such as purchasing prepaid airtime, paying bills through a network of partner billers nationwide, and sending or receiving money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts. Users can also shop from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers. Additionally, GCash provides access to savings, credit, loans, insurance, and investment opportunities, all from the convenience of their smartphones.
The mobile wallet operations of GCash are managed by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt— the first and only “duacorn” in the Philippines.
GCash is a strong advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially focusing on SDGs 5, 8, 10, and 13. These goals promote safety and security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as urgent action to combat climate change and its effects.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 5, 2025 | Events
The Manila Hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in a season of reflection, culinary delights, and family-friendly festivities with a carefully curated lineup of Holy Week and Easter events, as well as special dining offers this April. From a magical Easter celebration to a spiritual Visita Iglesia pilgrimage, along with dining experiences at Café Ilang-Ilang, Lobby Lounge, and M Takeout, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Easter at the EGGmerald City
Families are in for a wickedly fun Easter at The Manila Hotel’s Tent City on April 20, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Inspired by the whimsical world of “The Wizard of Oz,”
Easter at the EGGmerald City will transform the venue into a vibrant wonderland in emerald and pink.
The event will feature a variety of activities for children, including bouncy castles, face painting, cupcake making, arts and crafts, egg decorating, a magic show, balloon twisting, a musical, and much more. The hotel mascot, Willy the Bear, will also make a special appearance, ready to meet young guests and pose for photos.
“We are thrilled to host a truly unique Easter celebration this year, bringing the wicked world of Oz into reality for the spectacle for our junior guests,” says Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel. “This is a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories together in a fun and magical atmosphere.”
Tickets for Easter at the EGGmerald City are priced at ₱1,999 net, which includes admission for one child (12 years old and below) and one adult companion (13 years old and above).
Families looking to have fun can take advantage of a special room package at The Manila Hotel for ₱10,000 net. This package includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, a breakfast buffet for two at Café Ilang-Ilang, and one complimentary ticket to Easter at the EGGmerald City.
Bookings are open until April 19, 2025, with the stay date set for April 20, 2025. Terms and conditions apply. The offer is authorized under DTI Fair Trade Permit Numbers FTEB-217902 and FTEB-217877, Series of 2025.
Visita Iglesia: A Holy Week Pilgrimage
In the spirit of Lenten reflection, The Manila Hotel invites guests to participate in a meaningful and enlightening Visita Iglesia tour on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025. This tour will be led by Paul John Hernandez, known as The Traveling Salakot. He is a social science educator recognized for his engaging historical tours that showcase Filipino heritage. Endorsed by the Department of Tourism and the National Parks Development Committee, The Traveling Salakot provides deep insights into the significance of each church along the tour route.
The Visita Iglesia event will include visits to the following churches: Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Santa Rita Chapel, Saint Vincent de Paul Parish Church, Santa Maria Goretti, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia, and Our Lady of Remedies Church.
The package is priced at ₱1,500 per adult and ₱750 per child (12 years old and below). It includes a roundtrip shuttle service and snacks. There are two available schedules: from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. With limited slots available, we recommend making your reservations early by contacting +632 8527 0011 or co*******@************el.com to secure your spot for this unique experience.
For a complete Holy Week retreat, guests can take advantage of the Visita Iglesia Room Offer at ₱10,000 per room per night. This package includes a stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast for two at Café Ilang-Ilang, and Visita Iglesia tour access for two adults and two children. Reservations are open until April 16, 2025, by calling +632 8527 0011 or emailing re***@************el.com, with stay dates from April 16 to 18, 2025, inclusive.
Pampanga Food Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang
Back due to popular demand, the Pampanga Food Festival returns to Café Ilang-Ilang from April 1 to 15, 2025, showcasing the rich flavors of Kapampangan cuisine. Lunch and dinner buffet will feature a rotating selection of beloved regional dishes, including Pako Salad, Sisig, Batuteng Tugak (stuffed frog), Sipo Egg, Pritong Itik, Suam na Native Mais, Kalderetang Bibe sa Gata, Adobo Balut, Bringhe, Tibok Tibok, Turrones de Casoy, and more.
Lenten Specials at The Manila Hotel
In observance of Holy Week, The Manila Hotel is offering a special Lenten Menu at the Lobby Lounge, available until April 20, 2025. This menu features a selection of delicious meat-free dishes, including Easter Salad, Barley Vegetable Soup, Salmon Carbonara, Shrimp Pesto Pizza, and Norwegian Salmon Fillet.
For those who prefer to celebrate the season at home, M Takeout provides a convenient Lenten Home Buffet. This buffet includes traditional and seafood-based dishes such as Green Mango and Singkamas with Bagoong, Tuna Kinilaw with Gata, Escabeche Maya-Maya, Halabos ng Hipon, Inihaw na Lumot, Rellenong Alimasag, Kilawing Puso ng Saging, Vegetable Pancit Bihon with Tokwa, and Steamed Rice. Available from April 1 to 30, 2025, this set is priced at ₱4,880, offering a hassle-free way to enjoy a delightful Lenten feast.
For further inquiries and reservations, please call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email in**@************el.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.
Located beside kilometer zero (0), the starting point of the City of Manila, The Manila Hotel is just a short distance from some of the Philippines’ most famous landmarks, including Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museum. With its rich history, elegant atmosphere, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel stands out as the preferred choice for distinguished guests. Since its establishment in 1912, the hotel has consistently provided exceptional services and amenities for a truly memorable experience.
The hotel features more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function spaces, including three ballrooms. Guests can indulge in five-star relaxation and wellness experiences at the Manila Hotel Spa, enjoy the adult and children’s pools, and utilize the Manila Hotel Health Club. Additionally, the hotel houses the Heritage Museum, which showcases priceless memories that highlight its illustrious history. The on-site Art Gallery provides a glimpse into contemporary art through the perspectives of various artists.
The hotel’s six dining outlets each offer a unique culinary adventure.
- Café Ilang-Ilang is a favorite for its extensive selection of international buffet delights.
- The Champagne Room, known for its Old European-style fine dining, is celebrated as the most romantic room in Manila, featuring exquisite European cuisine in an elegant setting.
- The Tap Room is inspired by an Old English pub, where guests can enjoy live music during the evening.
- The Lobby Lounge is perfect for casual dining, aperitifs, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisurely meetings.
- Red Jade is a fine-dining restaurant specializing in authentic Chinese cuisine.
- The Delicatessen offers the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 7, 2025 | Events
This Valentine’s season, The Manila Hotel invites guests to celebrate love with an array of curated experiences, from indulgent dining to a romantic staycation.
A Cozy and Romantic Staycation
The Manila Hotel is offering an exclusive Valentine’s Staycation package, a privilege reserved for those seeking a truly intimate experience. This package, available only for a limited time, includes an overnight stay and an intimate in-room dining experience for two. Guests can choose between a Deluxe Room for ₱12,999 nett or a One-Bedroom Suite for ₱14,344 nett. Both options come with breakfast for two, a specially prepared in-room dining set menu, and a complimentary mini-bar.
The in-room dining set menu features the following dishes:
- Pacific Rim Caesar Salad with Shrimp
- Cream of Pumpkin-Carrot Soup
- Fettuccine in Cherry Tomato Cream with Fresh Basil
- Roast U.S. Beef Tenderloin, Strawberry Éclairs
- Pink French Macarons
This offer is available for booking until February 14, 2025, with the stay period running from February 13 to 15, 2025. Please refer to DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-21311 Series of 2025.
A Romantic Dining Experience at the Enchanting Champagne Room
Experience the enchanting ambiance of Manila’s most romantic dining venue, the Champagne Room, as it presents a special six-course Valentine’s Degustation Dinner. The menu features exquisite dishes, including:
- Pan-Seared Foie Gras and Prawn on Melon Gazpacho
- Cauliflower-Apple Soup with Lump Crab Meat
- Lobster-Ricotta Ravioli in Light Lobster Cream Sauce
Guests can choose between two main courses:
- Chilean Sea Bass with Spring Pea Sauce
- Beef Tenderloin in Truffle Red Wine Sauce
To complement the meal, enjoy a sweet and refreshing Peach-Lemon Sorbet. The dinner concludes with a delightful dessert of White Chocolate Mousse with Nougat Crisp, plus Valentine’s Pralines, accompanied by coffee or tea.
This exclusive event is available on February 13 and 14, 2025, at ₱7,000 net per person. Each lady will also receive a complimentary rose.
Valentine’s Day at Red Jade
Red Jade, one of the hotel’s renowned dining outlets, is offering a special menu thoughtfully crafted for a romantic dinner for two. The menu features a Trio of Dim Sum Delights: Fish Pearl Soup, stir-fried shrimp in lettuce cups, Fried Pigeon with Pork Asado, Simmered Beef Brisket with Pistachio and Chinese Buns, and Pit Lobster with Cheese and Efu Noodles. The meal concludes with Taro Swan and Strawberry Coconut Jelly. This exclusive menu will be available for lunch and dinner from February 13 to 15, 2025, at a price of ₱6,280 nett for two persons.
Lobby Lounge and Tap Room Special Offers
For a delightful daytime experience, The Manila Hotel presents a pink-themed Afternoon Tea that includes a selection of treats such as Strawberry Bibingka, Puto Bumbong, Strawberry Fruit Tartlet, Raspberry Jam Cookies, Raspberry Macaron, Strawberry Panna Cotta, Tuna Sandwich on Pink Bread, Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwich, and Smoked Salmon Crepe Roll.
This Afternoon Tea is served with a choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and you can add a glass of sparkling wine for an additional ₱800. Priced at ₱1,299 net, it is best enjoyed by two people and is available daily from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm throughout February.
From February 13 to 15, 2025, a special Valentine’s A La Carte menu will be offered from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, featuring dishes such as Pacific Caesar Salad, Tomato Cream Soup, Seafood Tom Yum Spaghetti, Braised Beef Ribs in Barbecue Sauce, Chicken Valdostana, and Strawberry Panna Cotta.
For a hearty treat, try the Wagyu Burger, which features a premium chuck eye, and Wagyu patty served in a charcoal bun, accompanied by Emmental cheese, crisp green ice lettuce, and Japanese sesame dressing, along with golden potato wedges. This option is available throughout February.
Toast to romance with our specially crafted Valentine’s cocktails designed to please your palate. The “Sweet and Sultry” cocktail is a refreshing mix of Beefeater gin, Rose Monin, and tonic water, elegantly garnished with butterfly pea flowers.
The “Sweet Lips” cocktail combines Smirnoff vodka, lemon juice, watermelon, and Rothberry, finished with a cherry for a romantic touch. Priced at ₱350 per glass, these Valentine’s cocktails are available throughout February.
A Starry-Eyed Dinner at the Sun Deck
Guests can enjoy a romantic alfresco dining experience under the stars with the Sun Deck’s special Valentine’s Day set menu. This delightful feast includes Pomelo Shrimp Salad, Crustacean Bisque, Pan-Seared Scallops, a Seafood Medley, and French Macarons, with the option of coffee or tea. The menu is available from February 13 to 15, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, for ₱6,950 nett for two persons.
February Treats at the Delicatessen
The Valentine’s goodie counter at the Delicatessen features an array of delightful treats, from handcrafted chocolates to irresistible pastries, perfect for sweetening the season of love.
These indulgent creations are available daily until February 17, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, making them an ideal gift for Valentine’s Day. Additionally, the Delicatessen offers the Frozen Strawberry Parfait Cake with Pistachio Dacquoise, a wonderful treat available throughout February, perfect for celebrating love.
For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527-0011 or +632 5301-5500, email in**@************el.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.
The Manila Hotel, situated next to Kilometer Zero (0), the point where the City of Manila begins, is a testament to the city’s rich history. This prime location symbolizes the hotel’s central role in the city’s development and its status as a landmark. Since 1912, It has been the preferred choice for distinguished guests, consistently delivering exceptional services and amenities for a truly memorable experience.
The hotel features over 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three ballrooms. Additionally, it offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences through the Manila Hotel Spa, as well as adult and children’s pools and the Manila Hotel Health Club. Visitors can explore the Heritage Museum, which showcases priceless memories that recount the hotel’s illustrious past, and an Art Gallery that provides insight into contemporary perspectives through the works of various artists.
Dining at The Manila Hotel is an adventure in itself, with six diverse dining outlets, each offering a unique and exciting culinary experience. From the extensive international buffet selection at Café Ilang-Ilang to the romantic European cuisine at the Champagne Room, there’s something to excite every palate.
- Café Ilang-Ilang is a popular choice for its extensive international buffet selection.
- The Champagne Room, known for its Old European style, is considered the most romantic dining space in Manila, specializing in European cuisine within an elegant setting.
- The Tap Room, inspired by an old English pub, provides an atmosphere for enjoying live music.
- The Lobby Lounge is perfect for casual dining, aperitifs, late-night drinks, or informal meetings.
- Red Jade is a fine-dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine.
- The Delicatessen offers the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
You must be logged in to post a comment.