Safe to say I can πΈfinallyπΈ talk about this. This year has been super tiring. Ups & downs & lefts & rights abound – but I didnβt expect this one coming.
Very, very happy to share that my little monster, my first book ππππππππππ is a finalist for the Madrigal-Gonzales Best First Book Award in English. This not-so-smol book of poetry has gone way beyond where I initially planned for it to be. & in a rollercoaster year I am super delighted & grateful it stands where it does. Thereβs nothing more fulfilling than seeing the things you work hard for reach great heights.
Thank you to everyone – my family & friends (basically all the names sa acknowledgements page, pets included kekeke – ILU all even if I donβt always follow your advice thank you for all your encouragement & support), I wouldnβt have been able to fully write without all your cheering, prompts, input, & sometimes trauma hahahuhu it takes a village! I am blessed with the homes I found ππ₯²π π Thank you to all my readers – especially those who took a chance on the book even if they didnβt normally read poetry. Shoutout to everyone who was kind enough to write reviews – sir Krip, The Philippine Star, Rolling Stone Philippines, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Varsitarian, & of course the nifty kids at The Filipino Shelf. Thank you to my publisher, publishing heads sirs Ned & Paul super supportive & super nurturing for a debut collection huhuhu USTPH for the win π― Lastly, my thanks to UP Likhaan ICW & the judges, I almost screamed when I got that email while riding the LRT hahahuhu. Excited to meet the other finalists on awarding night, wheeeee dapat para tayong Ms Universe. π
Never be afraid to follow your dreams, they can lead to the unlikeliest places π©΅πππΈ
ππππππππππ is available in the following places π₯°
UST Publishing House Lazada & Shopee stores
UST Bookstore
Istorya Studios
Mt. Cloud
Alyza Taguilaso 