Racquel Sarah A. Castro's Blog, page 17
June 8, 2016
#HeistClub Launch: My Personal Invite
I am very thrilled to tell you that on June 25, my first crime fiction story will be launch in PRINT and in eBook. Mina V. Esguerra, our beloved mentor, will be there to support. If you are a fan of MVE, you must come to see her.
HeistClub The Launch FB Page| RSVP Here
You can message me if you want the print so I could reserve a copy for you!
A big shout out to our sponsors
Yeyet Soriano
GPicks
The Study by Enderun
Buqo
Kwisshy’s Cupcake Haven
Unlimited Grub Grabs by Mark Manalang
Bronze Age Media
Talecraft
JMD Copy & Prints
HeistClub The Launch FB Page| RSVP Here
Join us and meet me and my fellow authors responsible for 16 new crime fiction stories. June 25, 6 to 9 PM at The Study @ Podium. #thestudyph#theresalottolearn #GPicks #thebestpicksonline
HeistClub The Launch FB Page| RSVP Here
I would like to thank the following people:
God – For providing my needs (He really is a provider.)
Andrea and Mama Lelen – my personal sponsors
Mommy and Daddy, Inay and my siblings, Ed – for the support and prayers
Yeyet – My editor and sister.
Tin – For providing cupcakes
HeistClub The Launch FB Page| RSVP Here
June 3, 2016
[Review+Excerpt]: Maybe This Time by C.P. Santi
An accidental reunion . . . a sneaky plot . . . things finally falling into place.
Maybe This Time contains three heart-warming stories of love and second chances. Because when fate gives you a break, you grab the chance to finally make things right.
In Sweeter by the Second, when paintings conservator Rina David arrives for the Arts Festival in the heritage town of Jimenez, she’s reunited with Tony, the guy she once loved and lost. Now vice-mayor of Jimenez, Tony wants Rina back in his life and will do everything he can to convince her that they belong together.
Pamela Quiroz hatches a plot to get her parents back together in Exorcising my Ex. But will a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner succeed in reconciling Geno and Viv? After all, it’s been more than fifteen years since they first got together and they aren’t the hormone-driven teenagers they once were. Will wine and cheese balls still do the trick?
Torch, meet hand. Arne Weichmann has been waiting twenty-one years for Bea. Is it finally the right time to make his move and convince her that they are Meant to Be? He hopes so. Because he doesn’t think he’ll survive losing the one person who brought warmth and sunshine to his life.
Racq Says: I love second chances stories because I can relate. My favorite story is the first one. It gave me happy satisfied tears. I love the way C.P. Santi presented the first story. Please buy! You will have happy tears too. I love the conversations of Tony and Rin. It made me believe in chances and serendipity.
Excerpt
“I like seeing you in my bed.”
I frowned at the man who stood by the foot of the bed, a smug look on his face. “You like seeing me bedridden?”
Tony laughed and sat down. “Oh, Rin. I’ve forgotten how literal you are.” Shaking his head, he traced the bedcover’s crochet patterns with a finger. “No, I mean I like seeing you here . . . in my house, in my room. Not bad after what—ten years?”
I smirked. “Talk about delayed wish fulfillment.”
“Well, you’re here now.” Tony looked me straight in the eyes and smiled.
At that moment, I swear I felt weak at the knees.
Er . . . not entirely true. I’ve been feeling rather weak for the past three days—the effect of a bad case of food poisoning (damned roadside shawarma craving).
Ignoring the way my heart hitched in my chest, I rolled my eyes at him. “I knew it. This was all a plot to get me here.”
Tony chuckled. “Nu-uh, this is all on you, Miss Piggy . . . wandering off by yourself . . .”
“I wasn’t alone. Mimi was with me.” I was defensive. I’d just wanted a few hours by myself—to cope with Tony’s sudden reappearance in my life.
“Refusing my offer to drive you . . .”
“You had work!” I protested.
“And eating street food when a perfectly good dinner was waiting for you here.”
“I’m paying for my sins now. Happy?” Believe me, visiting the toilet every few minutes was torture.
“Tonying, stop pestering Rina.” Manang Dalma, Tony’s housekeeper came in the room and put a tray of steaming lugaw on the bedside table. “Here hija, see if you can keep this down.” She helped me sit up and handed me the bowl and a spoon. Frowning, she shooed Tony off, “Go and eat or your breakfast will get cold.”
“Opo.” Tony saluted her before he turned to leave. “Take good care of my girl, Manang.”
Laughing, he ducked to escape the balled-up napkin I threw at him.
About C. P. Santi:
C. P. Santi is a Filipina author based in Tokyo, Japan. She is a wife to an engineer / indie songwriter and a full-time mom to two energetic boys. She loves cooking and baking, and enjoys feeding people, gorging on chocolate, watching J-doramas, belting it out in the karaoke box, and running around the house playing tickle tag. She also loves dreaming up stories about the people she meets.
In another life, she is also an architect and academic.
C.P. Santi’s Social Media Links
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | WattPad | Instagram
May 30, 2016
#HeistClub: THE LAUNCH
Let’s write Crime. Filipino writers were challenged to put in writing tales of dark pathways and mysterious psyche, misdemeanor and trouble, dread and doubt.
#HeistClub is an online workshop facilitated by Mina V. Esguerra last October. The class was organized by Bronze Age Media and sponsored by buqo and Enderun’s The Study. Mentors were Jennifer Hillier, F.H. Batacan, R.J. Taduran, Kevin Uy, Juliet Grames, and Andrea Pasion-Flores.
It produced 16 crime stories which are bundled into 3 namely: What We Fear, Why We Run and What We Hide.
#HeistClub Why We Run
Bayawak’s Trail by Justine Camacho-Tajonera
The Fraud Hunter Book 1: Chasing an ATM Schemer by Racquel Sarah A. Castro
The Retreat by Yeyet Soriano
Come With Me by Michael Recto
Inertia by Sette Luis
#HeistClub: What We Fear
Till Death Do Us Apart by Irene Nicholas-Recio
Soul Makers by Jee Ann Guibone
Classified by Georgette S. Gonzales
High Stakes by Ana Valenzuela
Dressed to Kill by Cassandra Javier
#HeistClub: What We Hide
Snakehead by Bianca Mori
Sampaguita by Mark Manalang
Let’s Play Murder by Farrah F. Polestico
Corpus Delicti by Porcupine Strongwill
The Flame Squad: Sly Prince by Jessica E. Larsen
The Gung Ho Lady by Arlene Manocot
On June 25, 2016, the three bundles and standalone novellas will be launch at Enderun’s The Study.
Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1623193478001367/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/heistclubthelaunch/
#HeistClub Launch
Join and meet the authors behind the 16 new crime fiction stories. June 25, 6 to 9 PM at The Study @ Podium. #TheStudyPH #TheresALotToLearn #GPicks #thebestpicksonline
Artwork by: Chi Yu Rodriguez
Thanks to Buqo, Kwisshy’s Cupcake Haven, Unlimited Grub Grabs, Bronze Age Media, Inc., Talecraft and Jmd Copy and Print Shop
See you there!
RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1623193478001367/
Like #HeistClub The Launch on Facebook
#romanceclass2016: Whew! I made it!
Whew! I am done! Thank You, Lord!
I joined #romanceclass2016 because I wanted to write another manuscript. I was challenged because my first blurb has been a disaster. (haha) But it gave me a better view on what the readers’ expectations are.
I thought it would be easy since I have decided to rewrite my NANOWRIMO manuscript. BUT IT WAS NOT THAT EASY. After praying to God and dealing with so many concerned citizens (yeah), I decided to get the job done.
I have to change the MC’s (main character) name, LI’s (Love Interest) job, the LI’s name, deleted some unnecessary scenes according to my beta-readers, and other major changes..
I HAVE A LOT OF CONSULTANTS. These people really helped me a lot. They are Aeus, Herv, Six, Ed, Yeyet, Magsi, Beth, and Mark. Thank you, guys! New friendships have been established.
After 12 drafts and 3 MAJOR plot changes, I submitted my final draft for #romanceclass2016 just today.
Now, it will be a time to think of publishing options. I am considering self-publishing. I already sent a message to Mina. I asked for help.
I just need to look for an editor and save money for the fee. (haha) anyone who can sponsor the editing? Ahaha or PAY LATER perhaps ahaha
Thank You Mina for the opportunity to learn again.
Thank You Lord for outpouring Your wisdom to me.
May 18, 2016
Backlist Revival Project: Old Enemies Make the Best Lovers [EXCERPT]
#BuqoSteamyReads
Contemporary Romance
Released April 1, 2015
Blurb: Christy Martinez may have been a nerd and the number one victim for the mean girls in her high school, but she’s since grown up, gone to college, and carved out a successful career for herself. Now in her late 20s, she’s put high school behind her, only to be blindsided by a blast from her past.
She and her friends have planned a much-needed vacation, but she finds out at the last minute that they’ll be joined by uber rich and gorgeous Kyle Quinto. He just happens to be the guy who played a cruel trick on her in high school, breaking her heart and making her a target for bullying in the process.
Can Christy forgive and forget? Because Kyle is a whole lot of hot.
Read/Buy Links:
Amazon (Kindle): http://bit.ly/OEMTBL-Amazon
Barnes & Noble (Nook): http://bit.ly/OEMTBL-BN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/OEMTBL-iTunes
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/OEMTBL-Smash
Buqo: http://bit.ly/OEMTBL-Buqo
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/OEMTBL-Goodreads
EXCERPT
Not the best start to a road trip…
“You don’t mind sitting up front, do you?” Victor asked Christy. He smiled. “I’ll introduce you to Kyle.”
“Actually,” she said, glancing toward the car, where she could see the outline of her nemesis’s head and shoulders on the driver’s side, “we’ve met. Ages ago. He was a couple of years ahead of me in high school.”
Victor’s eyebrows winged up, and he grinned. “What a coincidence.”
“Not a happy one,” she muttered.
“Sorry?”
“Nothing,” she said hastily. “I’m all good.”
He closed the rear door on the SUV and led the way back to the front, where he opened the passenger side door. “Hey, Kyle, this is Christy. I think you know her from high school? She’ll be sitting up front so my girl and I can neck in the backseat.” This was punctuated by a “Woohoo!” from Tracy, which had Christy grinning even as she came face-to-face with the specter of her high school horror days.
Even though a dozen years had passed since she’d last seen him, she still recognized Kyle Quinto. And she was sorry to see that his Facebook photo—in which he’d looked buff, tanned, and absolutely yummy—had been a recent one. A small part of her had hoped he’d be fat and balding prematurely, but he had a full head of black hair any woman would enjoy running her fingers through, and the white button-down shirt he was wearing did little to hide his flat stomach. She was doubly glad she’d gone shopping that week.
He was wearing shades, so she couldn’t see his eyes. It was too bad because she would have liked to be able to gauge the sincerity of the roguish smile he gave her. “Christina Martinez,” he drawled. “Now that’s a blast from the past.”
About Kate Sebastian
Kate Sebastian has been crafting stories since she was tiny. She spent her childhood reimagining classic fairy tales and inventing new ones, then having her dolls and stuffed toys reenact them in elaborate sets she built by rearranging the furniture in her house.
She earns a good living as a writer, editor, and online content admin but decided to try her hand at writing romance since she reads so much of it.
For more updates, visit http://www.katesebastian.com, like Kate’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/katesebastianauthor and follow her on Twitter @ImKateSebastian.
Follow links:
Website: http://katesebastian.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katesebastianauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImKateSebastian
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8202657.Kate_Sebastian
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kate-Sebastian/e/B01AZLX1U4
May 17, 2016
The Real Me: An Autobiography is now available
Hope House Centre opens the option to order through Western Union. (This option is open to those who wants to order copies less than 100)
You just have to tweet them on Twitter or comment on their page on Facebook.
They will send you details regarding your orders. Group orders are encouraged[image error]
May 15, 2016
Bringing MUNI to NUVALI on May 21
What to expect from the one-and-only MUNI Market for 2016
When we first started the MUNI Market, our goal was to keep growing the community, and continue bringing our message of mindful living to more people around the metro, the country, and the world. And so, this coming May 21, we’re conducting a happy experiment with the first ever MUNI Market in Nuvali!
We are bringing our existing community of conscious, purpose-driven merchants and supporters to a new and vibrant location in the south of the metro, while also discovering and welcoming new folks from the south into our community as well.
Now on its 5th run, the only MUNI Market in 2016 will be popping up at Solenad 3 in Nuvali with our merry band of mindful merchants selling healthy, local and eco-friendly products from food, home to fashion items, some educational workshops and demos, and some musician friends setting the vibe for a fun and relaxed atmosphere, true to MUNI Market fashion.
What To Expect from MUNI Market 2016
Some of the folks from our tribe of cause-driven entrepreneurs include: Bayani Brew, Down To Earth PH, Food Source PH, Gouache Bags, Gugu, Holy Carabao, Jertie’s Kitchen, Katch PH, Kuwero, Lemontastic, Nipa Foods / Nipa Brew, Picole, Pizza Morena, Risque Designs, Silly Monkey Clothing, The Green House Project, The Superfood Grocer, Theo & Philo, Thirsty Turtle, Tinker Knot, Treehugger World, V&M Naturals, and Yadu.
The MUNI Market program for that day includes:
Coloring & storytelling activities for kids c/o Katch PH & Treehugger World at 11AM, 2PM and 4PM
Healthy food demos c/o Holy Carabao & Jertie’s Kitchen at 2:30PM
Yoga c/o Life Yoga at 4:30PM
Live music performances by Toni B, Gentle Universe, Paola Mauricio, Mellow Submarine starting at 5PM
All throughout the day, we will also be introducing you to our merchants through interviews to share their stories and their products.
A Technology-enhanced MUNI Market Experience
We will also be introducing a payment system that will give event goers a unique user experience through an easy one-time payment at designated cash-in points that allows you to navigate from merchant to merchant with a quick and easy swipe of a card. Read more about it here.
Editor’s note: Check out some of our confirmed MUNI Market Nuvali merchants who joined us for a MUNI Meetup on Mindful Life + Work last April 19, 2016 at A Space. And see what our tribe of cause-driven entrepreneurs have to say about our community .
Keep up to date for more information, activities, merchants and performers and follow the MUNI Market Facebook event page, and sign up for MUNI Mail.
See you then!
—
For more inquiries and partnership opportunities, you may contact us at hello@muni.com.ph.[image error]
May 10, 2016
Mother’s Day Episode: Yan Ang Morning
Vanessa, one of the staff of the new TV program in GMA 7, contacted me and my mom last April 3, 2016. She informed us the good news that my mom was selected to be one of the featured mothers in YAN ANG MORNING hosted by GMA 7’s prime time queen, Marian Rivera-Dantes.
The staff of Yan Ang Morning visited our home last April 9 for the VTR. They are the nicest people in the world.
On April 22, 2016, we attended the taping of Yan Ang Morning. It was an unforgettable experience for us.
The head writer had a briefing with the mothers on what to do. He thrilled the mothers that they would be with local celebrities.
We ate free lunch before we went upstairs to a dressing room.
Behind the scenes:
My mom would like to thank these celebrities for being nice to her
YAN ANG MORNING Mother’s Day Episode aired last May 6, 2016.
Yan Ang Morning | Mondays to Fridays | 10:45 AM
May 9, 2016
Review: Scandalized by Tara Frejas
Fi Legaspi is living the dream working in Seoul as a road manager for one of South Korea’s hottest bands, East Genesis Project. Until she isn’t.
When she finds herself in the middle of a scandal and a hostile fangirl witch hunt, Fi seeks the comfort of home, and to her surprise, not the person she had been pining for for years. All too suddenly it’s no longer her career on the line, but also her heart. Will she walk away from everything that matters to her or fight to keep her dream alive?
Get it in Amazon! Scandalized
What Scandalized did to me:
Scandalized is an advocacy novella. It empowers the weak to gain courage. It empowers me to continue my own advocacy on Cerebral palsy awareness.
Scandalized makes me realized the power of influence that celebrities gained as public figures.
Scandalized makes me believe that trials are part of life which molds us to be the best person we never thought we could be.
Scandalized makes me understand the struggles of superstars.
I love the novella because:
of Jo Yihwan. I love him.
I love love triangles. (I saw 2 sets of love triangle)
I love Fi-Gabe love story. The way it started and the way it captured me.
I love the promise of Michan to Fi.
The way EG Project conceptualize their anti-bullying advocacy.
I love how the three boys of EG Project work with Gabe to get Fi back.
I love the way Tara present each characters.
Get it in Amazon! Scandalized
Congrats Tara! I really enjoyed reading it.
Tara Frejas: The Woman to Thank For
Tara Frejas is a cloud-walker who needs caffeine to fuel her travels. When she’s not on work mode, she keeps herself busy by weaving her daydreams into stories.
Aside from her obvious love affair with words and persistent muses, Tara is very passionate about being caffeinated, musical theatre, certain genres of music, dancing, dogs, good food, and romancing Norae, her ukelele. She owns a male bunny named Max who sometimes tries to nibble on her writing notes. Scandalized is her second novel after Paper Planes Back Home.
Fun fact: She’s a Piscean. Go figure.
Facebook: facebook.com/taratriestowrite
Twitter: @tarafrejas
Blog: taratriestowrite.wordpress.com
East Genesis Project’s website: bit.ly/EGProject
Twitter: @eastgenproject
May 3, 2016
Bonbon Festival – Celebrate Art, Environment and Community
Now on it’s second year, Bonbon Festival is back to celebrate Arts, Environment and Community in a one of a kind one-day event which will be participated by young professionals, students, different artists in Batangas Province, and invited guests from other places.
Bonbon Festival is the first eco-green festival in the province which aims to support and sustain the environment by using arts and culture as one of the tools for preservation and development. The festival will be at Sitio Tagbakin, Brgy. Halang Lipa City, Batangas this coming May 21, 2016 from 6am onwards!
What to expect:
Gala at Pasyal sa Lawa/ Knowledge Tour
Know the story of the lake region and eruption history of Taal Volcano via boat ride from Sitio Tagbakin, Lipa City to San Nicolas to Volcano Island and back. Enjoy the horse ride and trek with local tour guide and the rest of the team.
Mananghalian/Lunch
Savor a sumptuous lunch of Batangas fusion cuisine and local refreshments.
Huntahan sa Lawa/ Talkback
Join a series of meaningful talkback and discussions about Art and Environment with interactive community workshops that culminates the afternoon activities.
Hapunan/ Dinner by the Lake, Art Installations and Performance Art
Experience Batangas Art and Culture through performances. Listen to the old time Kundiman music plus musical performances dedicated to Taal led by independent Batangueno musicians including LAC Music Department. Cocktails are available with a party capping the night with all-out-fun and dancing.
Participants may choose from 2 packages:
For inquiries and ticket purchase you may contactMr. Carlo Aguila at 043-740-7112 or 09178779144
Let’s end this summer season with a purpose. See you there!
See Original Post here
