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 | Nov 15, 2018 | Stories
Liza takes on the TechnoMarine “What’s In A Box” Challenge
Ever so game, Liza Soberano takes on the TechnoMarine ‘What’s in the box’ challenge that has become a viral hit! See how Liza, sporting her favourite TechnoMarine watch, the perfect partner at work or play, takes on creepy and other freaky stuff without fear and hesitation. Click on the link to watch the vids that have taken social media by storm!
TechnoMarine timepieces encourage a change of attitude with their infusion of a carefree coastal resort spirit and water-inspired elements. A bright mix of colors and premium components let urban souls dream international destinations while sporting watches from innovative designers who are enthusiastic about every concept.
TechnoMarine can be found in Greenbelt 3, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier Davao, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, TriNoma, and Uptown Mall.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 11, 2018 | Stories
Ayala Museum and Gallery of Prints, with the support of The International Map Collectors Society (IMCoS) and the Philippine Map Collectors Society (PHIMCOS), present the 36th International Map Collectors Society (IMCoS) Symposium on October 15-17, 2018 at the Ayala Museum, Makati City.
For the first time in Southeast Asia, foreign antique map collectors and collectors with their Philippine counterparts will gather in Manila to attend in a series of lectures centered on the role and importance of historical cartography of the Insulae Indiae Orientalis or the East Indies Islands, which reveal the European knowledge of the region as early as the 16th century.
Focused on historical issues and unexplored accounts reflected in the antique maps and prints, the symposium will present papers that will deepen appreciation for these significant documents.
International speakers include Mrs. Martine Chomel Harent, former curator of the Mexico National History Museum, who will talk about the galleon trade between Manila and Acapulco from the Mexican perspective, supported by antique maps that outline the historical trade route.
Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo will discuss the emergence of the Filipino Nation through displayed ancient and manuscript maps, while Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio will share his knowledge about the pivotal role of antique maps in the controversial South China and the West Philippine Sea dispute.
The symposium includes afternoon visits and special viewing of numerous collections of the Ortigas Foundation, Lopez Museum, and the University of Santo Tomas Heritage Library (curated for the Symposium).
Special Exhibit of Rare Philippine Maps
Finally, a special exhibit at the Ayala Museum will showcase antique originals of the maps presented in the lectures, some of which have never been seen in the Philippines. A significant feature of the exhibit is the “MURILLO ROOM”, which will display the largest number of Murillo maps, regarded as the Mother of all Philippine Maps, together in one room, including the famous acquisition of Filipino technology entrepreneur Mel Velasco Velarde.
The Murillo Velarde map of 1734 was drawn by the Jesuit Father Pedro Murillo Velarde with the help of two Filipinos: Francisco Suárez and engraver Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay.
The exhibit will be open to the public ahead of the event from October 9, 2018, until October 14, 2018. It will be temporarily closed during the symposium and will resume on the 18th until the 28thof October.
International Map Collectors’ Society (IMCoS) Philippine representative Rudolf J. H. Lietz, FRGS Curator, Gallery of Prints
IMCoS Philippine representative and 2018 symposium organiser, Mr. Rudolf J. H. Lietz of the Gallery of Prints, who is also the curator of the exhibit states that “I am very happy to present an exhibition of over 150 original maps and prints assembled from the collections lent by presenters from the Philippines and overseas, my personal collection, fellow members of PHIMCOS, the Gallery of Prints.”
The 36th IMCoS Symposium 2018 is a two-part event in Manila and Hong Kong. The Hong Kong part is organized by the Hong Kong Maritime Museum and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Library and runs on Oct 19 to 20.
For more information on The 36th IMCoS Symposium – Manila, please contact us via email: sy*******@*****om.ph or via telephone: (+632) 821-7181 | press 5 on the voice prompt.
You may also visit the website dedicated for this event at https://www.imcos-2018-manila.com, or the official website for IMCoS at https://www.imcos.org and PHIMCOS at https://www.phimcos.org.
Gold sponsors for this event are Aboitiz Foundation and Unionbank. Bronze Sponsors are Mapfre Insular and Alsons Insurance Brokers Corporations, with ANC as official media partner.
Located at the heart of the Makati Central Business District, Ayala Museum boasts a notable collection of archeological artifacts; an impressive selection of trade ceramics from Southeast Asia; and contemporary art. Ayala Museum also initiates partnerships with schools, government offices, malls, and cultural sites in Metro Manila and other regions for its traveling exhibition program on Philippine arts and history.
Established in 1996, The Gallery of Prints is the first and only remaining gallery in the Philippines exclusively dedicated to antique printed material. For more than two decades, GoP has become an internationally renowned specialist in the original historical printed material in the Philippines with emphasis on Filipiniana selections that would date back to the 16th century.
The International Map Collectors Society (IMCoS) with its headquarters in London, UK holds an annual symposium in major international cities on alternating continents, which serves as an opportunity for map collectors and enthusiasts across the globe to gather in one venue, further broadening their perspectives on the significance and impact of historic and important maps from all over the world.
Founded in 2007, the Philippine Map Collectors Society (PHIMCOS) is committed to educating the public about the importance of cartography. PHIMCOS also collaborates with museums, libraries, and universities in the Philippines to provide cartographic education along with information on proper restoration and storage of antique maps and prints.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 9, 2018 | Stories
November 11 is a special sale day for popular online stores in many countries all over the world. Dubbed 1111 this is the day when many items found on those stores here in the Philippines, drop their prices, some as low as 11 pesos! One such store that does this is Lazada.
Starting October 26 and all the way up to November 11, flash sales are held several times a day with premium items already selling at rock bottom prices! Simply click on flash sale link on the home page to see what is selling like pancakes at specified times of the day.
And there are also so many 1111 vouchers to collect! Just click on the link found at the top of the page.
Buy consumables like shampoo, conditioner, makeup, deodorant, laundry detergent, milk, facial cleanser, etc.
Or maybe you are looking for gadgets, appliances, jewelry, clothes, accessories, etc.
All set to buy but you want to wait until November 11? No problem. Just pick the items you want and put them in the cart. Then … check out on the 11th. Happy shopping!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 9, 2018 | Stories
A relentless provider, a shoulder to cry on, a jester, a reliable fix-it fellow — dads wear various hats to support their families, and they deserve nothing but the best on their special day. Especially amidst increasing living and leisure costs, there is more pressure for fathers to provide a comfortable life for their household, especially for their children.
Chester Sy with this wife, Juvilyn and their 5 kids. He started the shoe brand TANGGO on Lazada
Chester Sy, a dad to 5 kids, acknowledges this and continuously looks for more opportunities for his family. Three years ago, he started selling his own shoe line named Tanggo (click on the link to be brought to the page) in Lazada Philippines, the country’s leading one-stop online shopping and selling destination. He recognized the opportunity he saw in Lazada, and, “now, it’s a booming industry,” he says.
The entrepreneurial dad juggles managing his online shop with two other ventures, on top of his duties as a husband and as a father. “With an online shop in Lazada, you can control your time and spend more of it with your family,” shares Chester, although he admits that during big sale promotions like Online Revolution, he works longer hours since his store receives a lot of orders. “Even if I’m busy, I try to find time for them, especially at night. We like to watch Netflix.”
Jake Manongdo, owner of SHIPPED FROM PHILIPPINES with his wife Lovelyn and daughter, Summerlove
Like Chester, Jake Manongdo built his shop Shipped From Philippines (click on the link to be brought to the page) on Lazada to support his family. To do this, he welcomes revenue opportunities like being included in flash sales. “I was selected as one of the flash sale sellers during the Lazada Birthday Sale. I told myself, this is it! I’m going to concentrate on this profitable business,” says the pharmacist-turned-entrepreneur.
“Lazada has always helped me for my family’s needs,” Jake further shares. “I built a business focused on this platform and that helped my business grow. I’m investing time, money, and effort on Lazada because this business is inheritable by my daughter, Summerlove, in the future. When she grows up, she can manage it, and it will provide for her, too.”
Chester and Jake are joining thousands of online sellers in treating fathers on their special day! The Lazada Father’s Day Sale offers up to 80% off on gift ideas like gadgets, watches and accessories, and sports items.
To give families more time to prepare their surprises, hot deals and huge discounts will start flying off the shelves as early as June 8 until June 17 at http://pages.lazada.com.ph/wow/i/ph/PHCampaign/fathers-day.
About Lazada Group
Launched in 2012, Lazada is the number one online shopping and selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailandand Vietnam.
As the pioneer of the eCommerce ecosystem in Southeast Asia, Lazada helps more than 135,000 local and international sellers as well as 3,000 brands serving the 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions.
With over 210 million SKUs available, Lazada offers the widest range of products in categories ranging from consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion, sports equipmentand groceries.
Focused on delivering an excellent customer experience, it offers multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, comprehensive customer care and hassle-free returns through its own first and last mile delivery arm supported by more than 100 logistics partners. Lazada Group is majority owned by Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA).
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 2, 2018 | Stories
2018 is poised to be a good year in the Philippine job market, with both employers and talents expressing an optimistic view in relation to their hiring and job search activities, according to this year’s JobStreet.com Job Outlook Report.
The report, now on its second year, asked companies of their job market outlook in 2018. On a 7-point scale, employers averaged a 5.01 showing an increase in outlook optimism versus 2017, while candidates maintain their optimism at 4.68.
This positive sentiment among employers and candidates is backed by indications of increased hiring and job-hunting activity, as 95% of Philippine companies claim to be expanding, hiring more personnel, and maintaining their hiring rate, while 88% of talents will be either monitoring the job market or applying for jobs in 2018.
Confidence among employers is also seen in the increase in job postings, which experienced a 14% increase year-on year and is driven by growth in the top three hiring industries – call center/IT-enabled services, retail, and manufacturing.
While candidates also managed to display a more positive outlook, they expressed concerns about their job-hunting journey, saying that increased competition in their fields and diversification of skills and jobs are most likely to happen, signifying that searching and applying for good job opportunities may be more challenging to them this year.
The study also revealed another cause for candidates to be more active in searching for better opportunities this year – the benefits they most prefer are not necessarily offered to them by their present employers.
Close to 80% of candidates pointed to health and medical insurance for themselves and their dependents, but only 52% claim to enjoy it. On the other hand, 86% listed family care leave as their most desired form of time-off, but only 13% enjoy this type of leave benefit. “While more candidates see themselves to be more participative in the job market this year, companies are also foreseeing robust hiring activity, which means the competition to attract and retain top talent will be more vigorous. What will make or break employers this year is how attentive and primed they are to address the emerging needs of employees,” said JobStreet.com Philippines Country Manager Philip Gioca.
About JobStreet.com
JobStreet.com is a leading online job board presently covering the employment markets in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. JobStreet.com currently services over 230,000 corporate hirers and over 15 million jobseekers in its database.
About SEEK Asia JobStreet.com is part of SEEK Asia, which is the leading online employment market place in Asia. SEEK Asia covers 7 countries namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
SEEK Asia is the extension of the Australian Securities Exchange listed company called SEEK. The company’s purpose is to help improve people’s lives through a better career. SEEK Asia’s database consist of over 500,000 corporate hirers and over 24 million candidates.
For the first time in Southeast Asia, foreign antique map collectors and collectors with their Philippine counterparts will gather in Manila to attend in a series of lectures centered on the role and importance of historical cartography of the Insulae Indiae Orientalis or the East Indies Islands, which reveal the European knowledge of the region as early as the 16th century.
The 
Founded in 2007, the 
Launched in 2012, Lazada is the number one online shopping and selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailandand Vietnam.
JobStreet.com is a leading online job board presently covering the employment markets in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. JobStreet.com currently services over 230,000 corporate hirers and over 15 million jobseekers in its database.
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