by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 28, 2022 | Book Reviews
Ever since Stephanie Brother announced that she was writing Four Always, the eighth book of the Four series, I confess I have been on tenterhooks. When I look back at my Kindle history, it turns out that the Four series are the books that really got me to follow Stephanie Brother. For now, allow me to focus on this book.
Jade is a curvy woman who works in a bakery owned by Maddy, the main character in the first book of the series. She is tasked to deliver some novelty cookies to Club Red, a male strip club that recently opened in Four Points. This is where Jade meets the gorgeous Stanton brothers: Chase, Dodge, Diesel, and Maddox, who happen to be dancers and the owners of Club Red.
From the moment they met sparks flew. Despite the heated looks and flirtatious repartee the men were throwing her way, Jade doubted that they were truly attracted to her but was secretly thrilled by it.
Fast forward a few days and the Stantons visit the bakery, not to buy baked goods, but to pursue her. I’m not going to lie, this made me kick up my heels and giggle thinking, “OMG, they’re into ME!”
Yes, I tend to put myself as the main character in the book, especially when she has extra bumps she wishes she didn’t have. I eagerly turned the pages of the book to read more. I wanted to know how long Jade would resist and I was curious to see how these men will be able to win her over. Jade also volunteers at an animal shelter and the Stantons “stalked” her there as well. Suffice it to say they were persistent and Jade eventually succumbed to their charms.
Four Always by Stephanie Brother is a wonderful story and made me wish I had Stanton brothers of my own who adore me. You can grab a copy of Four Always on Amazon starting November 1, 2022, for 2.99 but with Kindle Unlimited it’s free! Happy reading and let me know what you think!
After reading this book you can read the bonus content here.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 27, 2022 | Entertainment
DUP rises again after weathering two years of the CoVid-19 pandemic. To forge the path forward, the event, entitled “Pagtutuloy/Pagtutulay” starts with honoring its founding artistic director – National Artist for Theatre Antonio O. Mabesa. These ushers in the reopening of DUP’s doors to the public as it presents two new exciting and thought-provoking works in its 45th Theatre Season.
Pagtutuloy/Pagtutulay
Parangal kay Antonio O. Mabesa, Pambansang Alagad ng Sining para sa Teatro at Paglulunsad ng 45th Theatre Season ng Dulaang UP
Pagtutuloy/Pagtutulay expresses a tone of gratitude in its heartfelt remembering of a captain and founder, a celebration of his fruitful past, his innovations in theatre-making, and a rekindling of the commitment to serve Sir Tony’s vision of excellence in the practice of Theatre.
It offers a personal and intimate commemoration of “Sir Tony” through the eyes of his students, colleagues, friends, and family. It shares how his mentorship and legacy live on in the lives and practices of the people he has inspired.
And to preserve the wealth of knowledge carried on by the Dulaang UP community, DUP now launches its 45th Theatre Season “BALIKWAS: Tanaw. Tugon. Tindig”, amidst the pandemic, as an agile response to the current conditions of theatre practice and the Filipino society in this “next” normal.
You can watch Pagtutuloy/Pagtutulay in the video below that was recorded on Facebook Live at the event itself or click on the link here to watch the video on Dulaang UP’s official page.
Dulaang UP (DUP) and Sir Tony’s Legacy
National Artist for Theater Tony Mabesa established Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) in 1976. Through his leadership and inspiration, DUP established a reputation for innovation and excellence in theatre while offering a training ground for young talent via the mentorship of the veterans. DUP has also served as a venue for staging published and new works making it an evident source of new talent for local and international theatre, cinema, television, advertising, and other creative industries.

In Pagtutuloy/Pagtutulay, DUP traces the legacy of NA Tony Mabesa from the personal accounts of his colleagues, students, and friends in the local theatre community. Among them are renowned names in the field of theater, film, and television: Edna Mae Landicho, Monino Duque, Josefina Estrella, Anton Juan, Jr., Shamaine Buencamino, Dennis Marasigan, Karen Gaerlan, Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Eric Pineda, Banaue Miclat-Janssen, Ross Pesigan, and Adriana Agcaoili to name a few.
Part of remembering Sir Tony Mabesa is an interpretation of his biographical essay, Life in the Theater, which adds an intimate layer of commemorating his presence and contribution to professional theater and the Theater Arts Program of the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Memorializing Sir Tony would not be complete without a poignant testimony from one of his closest friends and colleagues in the industry, award-winning film & TV director Joel Lamangan. Lastly, a rendition of a song from Joi Barrios’ Gabriela: Isang Oratorio, directed by Sir Tony himself in 2006 complements a longing yet hopeful tone of honoring Dulaang UP’s beloved father.
Dulaang UP’s Lineage

Dulaang UP Artistic Director, Issa Lopez

Dulaang UP Managing Director Nicodemus Varona
Since its founding year, Dulaang UP has been a vehicle for articulating perspectives and assertions through the vision of its artistic directors.
For more than four decades, DUP thrived under the artistic directorship of catalysts of change and innovation in the theatre and performance scene such as Tony Mabesa, Behn Cervantes, Anton Juan Jr., Jose Estrella, Alexander Cortez, Amiel Leonardia, Ogie Juliano, Edna Mae Landicho, Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, Dexter M. Santos, and Banaue Miclat-Janssen.
As Dulaang UP decides to open its doors after two years of hiatus, it also extends its pathway beyond the stage and onto the challenges of hybrid and new forms of performances, while making sure to stand for its core values through its new artistic director, Issa Manalo Lopez.
Under the new artistic directorship, DUP strives to hold onto its reputation and address issues worth taking.
New Productions
Two stellar productions are lined up in this year’s 45th theatre season; The Reconciliation Dinner, a new one-act play by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter Santos, showing this November 18-20, 2022; and Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba, original story by Dean Alfar, a stage adaptation by Maynard Manansala and Rody Vera, directed by José Estrella, to be staged by March 2023. For tickets, show buying, and sponsorships, you may contact Dulaang UP at du***********@****du.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 25, 2022 | Book Reviews
Double Bossed by Rare is one of those books I started to read out of curiosity and later, thankfully, enjoyed. The main characters in this story are the bosses, a gay couple named Jacob and Hardin, and their assistant Faith.
Hardin was sexually abused by his mother when he was a teenager and forced to participate in sex for money. Because of this, he had a strong phobia of women and could not stand to be around them. Jacob encountered Hardin while on vacation and from the moment they met, it was magic. Jacob took him away from that life and they have been together since and established a fashion empire.
Hardin and Jacob never get female employees reporting to them directly because of Hardin’s condition yet of all the applicants to apply for the assistant position, Faith’s stood out.
There was hesitation at first to even interview her because but they gave her a chance. It was worrisome for Hardin because 1) she is female, 2) she is attractive, 3) he could see that Jacob was attracted to her, and 4) although he would not admit it, he was attracted to her, too.
Thankfully, for Faith, she turns out to be the best assistant they’ve ever had. Things start to get interesting when Faith finds herself drawn to both Jacob and Hardin. This started when Jacob would openly caress Hardin in front of her while the 3 are in a meeting. It all comes to a head when they go overseas and all stay at Jacob and Hardin’s house and their feelings for each other surface.
Classifying Double Bossed by Rare as a reverse harem does not really fit the bill since all three participants are in love with and physically attracted to each other. During their trysts, it was not uncommon for one man to be between Faith’s thighs while the other is in his ass at the same time. You’d think it would bother me, but it was well-written in a loving manner, and considering that the men are supposed to be gay, it made sense. I guess, in a way, it means they’re bi for Faith.
You can read Double Bossed by Rare at Goodnovel.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 23, 2022 | Book Reviews
Let me tell you something about He’s My Alpha by Cassandra M. I have been trying to write my review of this story for weeks now and I keep stalling – not because I have nothing to say but because I have a LOT to say. And yet I will restrain myself so that I don’t inadvertently give unforgivable spoilers.
Jacob and Claire have known each other for years, ever since they were kids. They are 5 years apart in age. Claire used to bring him treats like cupcakes and cookies that they would eat by the lake. Jake would let her join in when he and the other boys were playing, despite the protests of the others. Sweet, ain’t it?
Even at a young age Jake already knew that he didn’t want a Luna and mate and mentioned this to Claire, which made her sad. She even asked him, what if she was his Luna?
Fast forward to the present. Jacob Galhart is the Alpha of the Black Shadow pack and he does not want to have a mate. Claire Montrell is the sister of the Black Shadow pack’s Gamma, Aaron. On the day Claire turned 18, you know what happened? If you said that they discovered that they are mates then you are correct. But Jake refuses to accept her but does not reject her. Meanwhile, Claire is hurt and feels rejected and, of course, decides to leave.
Why is Jake so against having a Luna, and a mate? It all boils down to a curse and is pretty messed up. Their story gets more complicated when another Alpha enters the picture and wants Claire to be his Luna. Btw, said Alpha is not a bad guy. He is just really attracted to Claire.
Intrigued yet? To know more about this messed up couple check out He’s My Alpha by Cassandra M on Goodnovel. I swear Jake was driving me batty! You are likely to be as annoyed, frustrated, exasperated, and hooked on this story, lol!
This story is also available in paperback format on Amazon in case you want to hold and own the physical book.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 22, 2022 | Book Reviews
Stephanie Brother does it again with another Screaming Eagles MC reverse harem called Secret Baby for the Bikers. One wild night over a year ago with four bikers brings an unexpected result for Alessa. Despite using protection and contraception, her passionate encounter with Screaming Eagles Cleanup Crew (Viking, Hawk, Snark, and Bear) ended up forming a baby, Isabella, nine months later.
But things are not as simple as some guys getting a girl knocked up. This girl happens to be the granddaughter of the head of the mafia in their area, the Giordanos. Sidenote: I found that funny because, to me, Giordano is a shirt brand.
Alessa tried to reach out to them when she found out she was pregnant but despite her efforts, she could not even get passed the gate of the Screaming Eagles MC compound to talk to them. And so, despite the hardship, she decided to raise her child on her own.
Fast forward to 17 months later and a truce is being negotiated between the mafia and the Screaming Eagles. At the meeting, they all unexpectedly meet again and they then decide to look for Alessa. Days later, they go to her secret apartment and discover that they have a child.
Who the actual father is is not important, as far as they are concerned, all four of them were there, then all of them are the father. Complicate the story with a persistent mafioso suitor who won’t take no for an answer but does not know about her baby. Their feelings for each other were never in question. Despite the many months that have passed they are still quite attracted to Alessa and she felt the same. Her only real hesitation was how it would affect Izzy (short for Isabella) who is her number one priority.
I enjoyed reading this because it is a loving story, with not too much drama between the five of them. Even Hawk’s reticence made sense, I just knew there had to be a tragic backstory. The acceptance from all the men upon learning about their daughter, Isabella, was just heartwarming. How many men would be that accepting from the get-go?
To be honest, when I “met” them in the first book, Taken by the Bikers, I pictured them older except for Snark, who I imagined to be in his early 20s.
This is a loving story from the start. It is all passion and having them fall in love is icing on the cake. Since there are four of them and only one of Alessa, there is always at least 1 man who is getting left out when they make out but somehow they make it work. I was excited to get to the claiming.
Secret Baby for the Bikers by Stephanie Brother is easy to read since it isn’t angst-riddled. I enjoyed every moment I spent reading it. You can get a copy of Secret Baby for the Bikers by Stephanie Brothers on Amazon starting October 23, 2022.
If you want to know what happens a few years down the line with Alessa and her family, you can check out the bonus chapter here.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 21, 2022 | Public Service
When I wrote about how to apply for a PWD ID in 2018, I made sure to include a section on whether applications can get disapproved. And for those who didn’t bother to read the article, the answer is YES! Non-apparent disabilities can be rejected if the accompanying documents are unable to substantially prove that the applicant is qualified for a PWD ID.
I cannot blame the PDAO for thoroughly examining the documents, as there are many applicants who do not genuinely have a disability but simply wish to take advantage of the benefits granted to those who do. I am aware of individuals who have purchased their PWD IDs by falsely claiming to have a mental disability. If a lack of conscience can be considered a mental disability, then that certainly applies here!
Non-apparent disabilities
Mental disabilities
Certain mental disabilities, such as ADHD and bipolar disorder, often require a comprehensive medical abstract from a licensed psychologist affiliated with a hospital before they can be approved. I’ve heard of cases where a person may have both ADHD and bipolar disorder simultaneously, frequently accompanied by severe depression. Although this can occur, approval for these conditions will not be granted without the necessary medical documentation.
Orthopedic disabilities
Orthopedic disabilities that are not immediately visible may be denied if the accompanying documentation, such as the medical abstract, does not adequately demonstrate that the condition qualifies as a disability.
Disc herniation
A slipped (or herniated) disc, for example, is not considered a disability. I am not a doctor, so please don’t quote me on this, but I assume that a herniated disc is not approved because it is common and does not significantly impact our lives in the long term.
According to the Mayo Clinic, disc herniation is often the result of gradual, aging-related wear and tear or disc degeneration. This means that as we age, we all experience a disc herniation. If we are healthy, then to a lesser degree than someone who was injured.
Disc herniation can also happen to young adults due to trauma such as that caused by an injury related to an accident, work, or sports. A disc herniation on its own is not a sufficient reason to qualify for a PWD ID. Once implants are required and the spine is permanently compromised, then that is when it qualifies.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is considered a disability; however, not all applicants with this condition are approved for assistance, especially if there is no visible curvature in their spine and the supporting documents do not adequately validate the condition. I know someone who claims to have scoliosis, but despite my efforts, I can’t see any indication of it. To be fair, it may not be very pronounced, and I’ve never seen his bare back, so how could I really know? I also haven’t viewed his X-rays, and most importantly, I am not a doctor.
My niece has scoliosis as well. When she was younger, she had to wear a body brace. Although she no longer wears one, her scoliosis hasn’t disappeared; it has simply become less severe. I’m not sure if her parents ever applied for a PWD (Person with Disability) ID for her, as that option didn’t exist back then.
Visual disability
You don’t need to be completely blind, but if your eyesight is so poor that it cannot be addressed by corrective glasses, lenses, or medication, then you can apply.
What to do
If you have a non-apparent disability and wish to apply for a PWD ID, ensure that your documents are complete. The medical abstract you provide should clearly demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for the ID. If you do not qualify, take a moment to appreciate your good health.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 20, 2022 | Book Reviews
I started reading Bite-Size Luna by Ashleigh Dana Burnell out of curiosity, partly because I knew it was a prequel to the A Queen Among series but mainly because the title intrigued me.


Gabrielle from Xena: Warrior Princess played by Renee O’Connor
The main character is Sorrell. In my head, I was visualizing Gabrielle from Xena: Warrior Princess with the sais. She is diminutive in stature and an Omega, which means she has a wolf but cannot shift. But despite this, she is a warrior, trained by her dad, and wants to be a warrior for the pack. Her weapon of choice: sais. Sadly, their pack does not recognize Omegas as equals and is not included in training.
The new Alpha of the pack is Alden. He did not agree with many things his father, the former Alpha, imposed on the pack. He planned to make some changes, including warrior training for all, including children. He believes that the only way to be sure the pack is safe is if everyone in the pack has the basic skills (at least) to protect it – and the most vulnerable pack members, like the children, are always the ones more likely to get hurt.
He also wanted to change the prejudice his pack has against Omegas. Just because they are unable to shift does not make them any less than the others. Omegas are not servants or slaves. They are mutolupus just like everyone else. He spots Sorrell in the forest training in secret, mimicking the drills below, and is instantly attracted to her. In his heart, he feels she is his mate, but she is still too young to know it.
Ashleigh Dana Burnell’s world feels the same but different at the same time. This is mostly because of the different terms she used in place of the ones most people are used to. Where most authors would call fated mates simply “mate”, she called them “animai”. Where others would just say “werewolf”, she called them “mutolupus”.
I don’t think it is a big deal since authors can basically do whatever they want in their made-up world and as we read, we just get used to it. To be honest, I kept reading “animai” as “animal” so it often made me pause as it didn’t make sense.
Ashleigh Dana Burnell categorizes Bite-Size Luna as a “novella” as it is longer than a short story at 30 chapters. I’ve read shorter stories on Goodnovel but of a different genre.
Bite-Size Luna by Ashleigh Dana Burnell is fun to read. Set in the 70s, it has humor, romance, frustrating characters, new monsters, and unexpected friendships. You can find this jewel on Goodnovel. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 19, 2022 | Book Reviews
I posted a quick recommendation for Mated to the Alpha Twins by Jane Doe on 12 May 2022 on my Facebook and Instagram accounts but I feel like I wasn’t really able to give enough information for a decent review.
Aurora St. Claire is, to all intents and purposes, an orphan. Her dad is still alive but she has never met him. Her mom, who she is now living with after her grandmother passed away, is married to an alcoholic bum and both of them treat her like a waste of space. When her mom is at work her stepfather would hit her and would make sexual advances. Therefore, at an early age, Aurora started working part-time jobs to get out of the house, while at the same time, supporting herself and saving money for college.
Alec and Kane are twins and the kings of campus. The boys wanted to be them and the girls wanted to be with them. From the moment they bumped into Aurora there was something about her that drew them.
Since Alec and Kane are wolves they knew it was the mate bond. The thing is, while they shared most things, as twins are wont to do, they have never shared a woman in the past. But the mate bond tells them that both of them are her mates.
Aurora finds herself strangely attracted to both despite their playing with her and seemingly bullying her. As the story progresses so many things are revealed about Aurora’s true nature, her connection with the boys, and later, the realities of the shifter world. While the story is set in high school for the beginning part of the story, I hesitate to categorize this as YA/Teen as the steamy scenes are just way too steamy! This story needs an 18+ rating.
Jane Doe tells a great story but really needs a good editor. If you can forgive the many grammatical and spelling errors then you will surely enjoy Mated to the Alpha Twins by Jane Doe. You can find it on Goodnovel and on Wattpad, I believe.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 18, 2022 | Book Reviews
I started reading Alpha Bully by Sam Crescent because I was curious to see how Marshall, an Alpha wolf, who bullied Scarlett, a human, intended to win her over. After all, he bullied her terribly for the last 5 years.
Marshall was just one of many people who bullied Scarlett, mostly because of her body shape. She wore loose, baggy clothes, and no matter how much dieting she did, she just couldn’t seem to lose weight. “Chunky girl” and “Piggy” were just two of the horrible nicknames other students in her school called her.
Rather than fight, as usual, our bullying victim just suffered quietly and in tears. Pffft!
After Marshall discovers that Scarlett is his mate he suffers pangs of regret and worries that he won’t be able to win her over. After talking with his dad and his best friend Jack he decided to just do his best.
As the story progresses it is interesting to see how much effort he is really putting in to try to get Scarlett. What I didn’t quite comprehend was how quickly it seemed for her to start accepting him. She expressed her doubts internally, but she still let him get away with doing things like holding her hand and putting his arm around her shoulder … on day 2 of school!
In my culture that is moving too fast, but the setting is not here, so I can only assume that in the U.S. kids just move and accept that fast. Here, he would be lucky if she even made eye contact.
That aside, the story is actually enjoyable. So much so that I bought the next book when I discovered it was about his best friend Jack and his mate. Marshall’s being a werewolf is almost incidental for most of the story.
Alpha Bully by Sam Crescent is book 5 of the Alpha Shifter Collection. It is available on Amazon in Kindle format for $3.99.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 17, 2022 | Book Reviews
Sinful Temptation by Kathleen Hayat is a forbidden romance. Emma Belle Richardson is a smart human 18-year-old student who is treated as an outcast in her school. Xander Colt is her Math teacher who is secretly an Alpha werewolf.
Emma is mocked for her body shape, her brains, and her quiet demeanor. She prefers solitude and often finds an empty classroom to have lunch in rather than go to the cafeteria. Despite being “a nerd” she and math don’t get along, which I find weird. After all, the stereotype often is a high proficiency in most, if not all, academic subjects, where math and science are usually where they excel.
Xander is undercover as a math teacher in Emma’s school. In reality, he is a werewolf and an Alpha of a powerful pack and his enemies think he is dead. As math teachers go he really knows his stuff but looking at him “math teacher” is the last thing you would think. He is tall, good-looking, muscled, and looks like he should be walking the runway. As the girls would say … he is a god!
Their worlds collide when Xander actively seeks out Emma in school, seemingly bullying her. I’ve heard of students bullying other students, but teachers?
Xander can’t help himself. While he isn’t the nicest person, he is inexplicably drawn to Emma … especially since discovering that she is his mate. Since Emma is human, she feels a strong attraction to him but does not recognize the mate bond. All she knows is, she is his student and what Xander is doing is wrong and taboo.
Their relationship starts off rocky and continues to be so until the truth is revealed and acceptance happens.
From the way the author writes, I can tell that English is not her first language but I can forgive the faulty grammar and incorrect idiomatic expressions when the story development is engaging … I still wish she would get a good proofreader or editor, just to make the book even better.
Sinful Temptation by Kathleen Hayat is book one of the Alpha’s Lethal Desire series which you can read on Goodnovel. And also on Booknet for $2.99. Enjoy!
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