by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 23, 2025 | Book Reviews
I’ll be honest. I was very confused he first time I encountered Fated to the Alpha Twins by Osarumwense Osakue on GoodNovel because a few years ago I read Mated to the Alpha Twins by Jane Doe. It is one of my favorites of the stories Jane Doe has written to date. I know, I know, it isn’t the same thing, but it was so similar (one letter difference) that I think my eyes skipped over it. That being said, despite my skepticism, I gave it a shot.
One reason I decided to give it a try is that, despite the author’s African name, they have surprisingly good English skills. I mention this not to be racist, but based on my experiences with several people from Africa. While they do speak English, much like Filipinos, their proficiency in grammar and spelling tends to vary.
Are they really fated mates?
Fated to the Alpha Twins by Osarumwense Osakue starts with Lily, the female lead character (FLC), being bullied by Liam and Lucas, the Alpha twins with whom she is supposed to be fated mates.
From the context, I understand that Liam and Lucas are already 18. Lily, on the other hand, was just about to turn 18. What does this mean? Based on standard werewolf lore, where fated mates sense each other at 18, Liam and Lucas already know, but they still chose to bully her. On Lily’s part, as she is hours away from turning 18, it means she should be feeling an attraction to the twins.
That isn’t what happened.
Instead, the twins (and the entire school) continue to bully her. Then, on the night that Lily turns 18, she feels no pull to a mate and tries to leave and cross the border and finally be free, only to be stopped by the twins and INFORMED that they were mates.
Again, there was no attraction. If anything, there was just disgust. She was dragged back “for the benefit of the pack” and forced into a mating ceremony, again, for the pack. Lily (and we, the readers) will have to take their word for it that it was the Moon Goddess’ will because there was just no indicator of this at all.
No scenting.
No touch.
No attraction.
No divine intervention.
They still are not attracted to each other. As a matter of fact, Liam has a girlfriend, Lexa, who thought she was going to be Luna, who threw a fit when it turned out they were not fated. After the mating ceremony? Business as usual. What do I mean by that? I mean that aside from not being able to leave to have a chance at a better life, Lily also continues to be bullied by her “mates” and the pack, especially those she goes to school with.
HOW IS THIS A MATE BOND?!?
In the meantime, another Alpha enters the picture. Alex meets her and is kind, caring, and protective. Lily finds herself drawn to him. Lily’s first kiss? Alex. She pulls away, says “it’s complicated,” and leaves. How difficult would it have been to tell the truth? Is it just too soon for Alpha Alex to know he was kissing the supposed Luna of the pack? Isn’t that something that should have come up earlier, like, before they kissed?
What kind of romance is this?
Since the title is “Fated to the Alpha Twins,” it immediately implies reverse harem, but it turns out it is a bully romance since Liam and Lucas are her bullies (and continue to do so). Thirty chapters in, and there is still no romance between Lily and the twins.
This story has 180 chapters, and I have questions.
- How many more chapters do I need to read before I find out if Liam and Lucas are ever going to be proper mates?
- Will the Moon Goddess ever show up?
- Is Alex secretly a twin, and, therefore, is it actually Alex and his twin that Lily is supposed to be mated to?
- Why was the Alpha family so sure Lily was mated to Liam and Lucas?
- What’s with all the “L” names?
- How did the author not think that calling Liam’s girlfriend Lexa and calling the other Alpha, Alex, would not be confusing?
- Am I wasting my money continuing to read this story, HOPING it gets better and my questions get answers?
Cover design
They should also have the cover redesigned because, why, oh why would they think having cheated margins is okay? The text gets truncated EVEN before I placed it in the frame! Don’t believe me? Check out the link on Goodnovel.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 5, 2025 | Bon Appetit
Several years ago, I attended the Adobo Movement hosted by Datu Puti, and I was able to enjoy so many ways to enjoy adobo. In the search for the best adobo, first place went to The Oinkery with their Pugon-Smoked Pork Adobo.
The Oinkery draws inspiration from Cebu’s traditional method of cooking lechon by roasting their pork in a traditional pugon, which imparts a unique smoky flavor. Matthew enhances the dish by pairing it with his sister’s Cebu-style adobo sauce and serves it with fresh green mangoes on the side. After being slow-cooked for a total of eight hours, the pork is guaranteed to be tender and juicy in every bite.
I found their adobo to be flavorful, and I loved how the meat was so tender that it fell off the fork. The mango was a perfect accompaniment to the dish. If it hadn’t been served with the adobo, I would have ordered a green mango shake from one of the other vendors.
Below is thei recipe for Pugon-Smoked Pork Adobo as shared by The Oinkery
Pugon-smoked Pork Adobo
Pork shoulder smoked for 8 hours, glazed with rich Cebu-style adobo sauce and garnished with fresh green mango (manggang hilaw).
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Author: The Oinkery
- 1 kg. pork shoulder
- handful seasoning spices salt, pepper, paprika, etc.
- 30 ml. cooking oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 200 ml. Datu Puti soy sauce
- 100 grams brown sugar
- 200 ml. Datu Puti vinegar
- 2 pcs. bay leaf
- black peppercorns
- 1 pc. Indian mango
Preheat the oven to 230-250°F (110-120°C).
Season the meat with your chosen spices. (Optional: Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour for better flavor.)
Roast the meat in the oven for 8 hours or until it is fork-tender.
In a separate pan, sauté the garlic cloves in cooking oil.
In the pan with the garlic, combine Datu Puti soy sauce and brown sugar, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add Datu Puti vinegar and let the sauce boil again.
After the sauce has boiled, add the cooked meat along with bay leaves and peppercorns.
Simmer the mixture for additional flavor.
Serve the dish with steaming hot rice, garnished with strips of Indian mango.
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 11, 2025 | Events
HATCH Emergence: A Fusion of Filipino Street Art, a one-of-a-kind exhibit celebrating the dynamic fusion of art and innovation, was officially unveiled on April 8, 2025, at the iconic Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel. The much-anticipated opening reception was a resounding success—distinguished guests, including Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel; Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel; Sharlene Zabala Batin, Assistant Secretary for Tourism Digitalization and Resource Generation and concurrent Regional Director of the Department of Tourism NCR; members of the media; and notable content creators, gathered to witness this spectacular celebration of creativity.
This edition of HATCH introduces its inaugural thematic showcase focused on Filipino street artists. It continues the tradition of promoting Filipino artistry and enhancing the appreciation of urban and collectible art. The showcase features an impressive lineup of both established and emerging talents who are redefining the boundaries of their craft.
This year’s art. exhibit was integrated with The Manila Hotel’s 2025 Easter Party theme, titled “Easter at the EGGmerald City.” At the center of the installation are intricatelyc eggs, each transformed into unique works of art that blend street art, pop culture, urban narratives, and toy-inspired aesthetics. The exhibit is a vibrant celebration of imagination, paying homage to the evolution of Filipino art and its increasing influence on the global stage.
The opening reception attracted a diverse audience of art enthusiasts, collectors, and media representatives, all eager to witness the emergence of a new generation of artists. The Grand Lobby was transformed into a vibrant and whimsical gallery space, showcasing the creativity of an impressive lineup of artists, including Jade Suayan, Trip63, Creon Chkn, Blic, Exld Manila, Distort Monsters, Gerilya (Jano and Mar Gonzales), Wesley Valenzuela, Isobel Francisco, Lianne Steffi Lim, Reen Barrera, Egg Fiasco, and Quiccs. Each artwork reflected the unique techniques and diverse styles that characterize contemporary Filipino artistry.
We are honored to continue providing a space that not only showcases the dynamic talent of Filipino artists but also fosters a deeper appreciation for urban and collectible art within our historic walls.
Vive President, Sales & Marketing, The Manila Hotel
HATCH is more than just an exhibition; it is a platform for artists to push creative boundaries and explore new forms of expression. This exhibit has reaffirmed its importance in the local art scene, showcasing its dynamic and ever-evolving nature. HATCH is currently on display at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel until May 2, 2025. Admission is free.
Limited-edition HATCH postcards and stickers are available for purchase at the M Gift Shop. For inquiries, please call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, or email in**@************el.com.
The Manila Hotel is situated beside Kilometer Zero (0), the point where the City of Manila begins, and is within walking distance of the Philippines’ well-known landmarks, including Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museums. Renowned for its rich history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel is the preferred choice for distinguished guests. Since its opening in 1912, the hotel has consistently provided exceptional services and amenities to ensure a truly memorable experience.
The hotel boasts over 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three ballrooms. Guests can indulge in five-star relaxation and wellness experiences at the Manila Hotel Spa, as well as enjoy the adult and children’s pools and the Manila Hotel Health Club. Additionally, the hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into its illustrious past, along with an Art Gallery showcasing contemporary perspectives through the works of various artists.
The Manila Hotel offers a range of dining options across six unique outlets, each providing a distinct culinary experience.
- Café Ilang-Ilang is a popular spot known for its extensive selection of international buffet dishes.
- The Champagne Room is renowned for its Old European-style fine dining and is considered the most romantic dining venue in Manila, serving exquisite European cuisine in an elegant setting.
- The Tap Room, inspired by traditional English pubs, offers a lively atmosphere complete with live music.
- The Lobby Lounge is ideal for casual dining and is a great place to enjoy aperitifs, post-dinner nightcaps, or informal meetings.
- Red Jade specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine and provides a fine dining experience.
- The Delicatessen features the hotel’s signature pastries, breads, chocolates, and pralines.
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.
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