Two years in the making, I'm grateful to be an Anvil Author! ❤️

Honestly, I got teary-eyed during my book signing. Two years in the making, I'm grateful to be an Anvil Author. Thank you everyone for making my dreams come true.

A little backstory. I started writing Head by the Ceiling Nov of 2022. Months of drafting and rewrites. I felt stuck. Took a break. I traveled, got inspired during a trip with my partner, turned out I needed a break after-all. Finally, an idea sparked and I understood the missing piece. For several days, I sat at a cafe, researching and refining key details. By 2023, I launched Verge, my poetry collection at MIBF, where I first met Ms. Xandra. It also gave me a chance to exchange casual conversation with Sir Adrian and Ms. Cheryl of National Bookstore. Anvil Publishing has been a dream for a long time, and NBS is a core childhood memory. My mom used to take me to NBS Express in Retiro, and I’d stare at the shelves thinking, “One day, my books will be here.” Growing up wasn’t easy, bullied for being poor, chinoy, and gay but my dream of writing stories remained steadfast. Back to the journey, encouraged by my partner, I nervously submitted my manuscript to Anvil in early 2024. Several months later, I received exciting news of its acceptance. That same year, was invited to Instituto Cervantes, where I got to know the Anvil family better including Arianne, Angela, Jordan, Page and Ms. Xandra. Joined the PBF 2024, where I visited the Anvil team again and luckily met the incredible Yvette Tan, whom I adore. Back to the manuscript, learned alot by collaborating with editors, beta readers, and writing experts that made my novel muscular. Fast forward to 2025. A successful debut launch, a warm welcome from the literary community, book ambassadors and supportive readers, the novel became a bestseller. Had a great time with Kenneth and Yvette for a panel discussion. I share this milestone with the Anvil family, my readers, chosen families and everyone who has been a witness to my journey. Congratulations to a successful event, Philippine Book Festival, to its members and organizers and to National Book Development Board - Philippines 🇵🇭 Maraming salamat po! ❤️