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Flicker #2

Flipping The Script

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Miri dela Merced’s film director grandfather and Pabs Paglinauan’s studio head grandmother had a huge falling out that ended Lolo Ikong’s career. At seventeen, Miri finds herself in the same summer film internship program as the down-to-earth film studio heir Pabs, whom she’s decided to automatically write off, just because of his lineage. As Miri gets a crash course in her expectations vs the reality of what’s it like to work on a real movie, her true feelings for Pabs become harder and harder to ignore. In between attending outdoor screenings of classic Pinoy movies and battling monster production assistants together, can flipping the script on a decades-old grudge be only a few sequences away?

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2019

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Geri Reads.
1,232 reviews2,134 followers
March 18, 2019
Cute and sweet YA set in the Philippines. :)

FRTC...

ARC provided by the author
Profile Image for Rachel.
753 reviews124 followers
April 16, 2019
“The movies may have literally killed my Lolo [Grandfather]. And yet here I am wanting to follow in his footsteps.”

Fun and frothy. “Flipping the Script,” is Dancie Mae P. Sison’s first book, and is a delight. The book was developed through the #romanceclass and #romanceclassYA community of Filipino writers, readers, actors, and artists. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.

The story is set within the film industry, and has fun celebrating classic Filipino movies from the 80s-90s, incorporating pop culture references, and providing a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry.

The MCs are teens attending a summer film internship program. Both want to be directors. Miri dela Merced’s grandfather was a director, and her mother was an actress. Pablo “Pabs” Paglinauan is the heir to the film studio where the internship program is being held. Once Miri learns that Pabs’ studio head grandmother was responsible for ending her grandfather’s directing career, Miri is determined to despise him. However, fate has other plans, and Pabs is just the sweetheart to change her mind.

I loved the ragtag group of fellow interns. Miri describes them as:

“I feel like we’re in the summer internship equivalent of...The Breakfast Club. Five high school students waiting for the day to end inside a room they can’t get out of. The only difference is, we’re here voluntarily.”

The romance in this story is sweet and cute. Miri and Pabs are so adorable together and when they share a first kiss, my heart melted. This story is a joy, and is highly recommended!
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
279 reviews165 followers
February 28, 2019
Full review can be found on my blog here.

Flipping the Script is an insanely kilig (literal translation would be akin to the feeling of having butterflies in your stomach!) novel. It’s cheesy in the best and purest way possible, and it’s so easy to fall in love with Miri and Pabs’ love story. It’s a quick love at first sight, friends to lovers romance that serves as a quick and light-hearted read. My favorite part would probably have to be how Pabs, despite his rich and privileged background, was not a jerk. I guarantee that if this novel was set in America, another author would’ve made him out to be some angsty and broody guy, but I appreciate his humility and his kindness. He’s incredibly likable too! I personally think having this set in their college years would make it a lot more authentic, although I love the wholesome post-high-school vibe this had. But what really made this book stand out for me was Miri’s passion for film. It really shone through the book, and I found it so endearing!

I can’t talk about this novella without talking about how it gives so much due credit to Philippine cinema—which is often overlooked and ignored. I’m guilty of not watching as many local films as I should, but Flipping the Script made me want to fly back home for a little bit to watch more of them! I also love how Danice used Filipino and American slang and humor throughout, and it really shows how fluid both languages can be. This novella isn’t limited to Filipino readers only. Even if you don’t speak Tagalog, it’s not hard to read at all.

This is the first #romanceclass book I’ve read, and I don’t plan to stop. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a fun friends to lovers romance.
Profile Image for Inah (Fueled By Chapters).
491 reviews116 followers
February 28, 2019
Hate to love isn’t my favorite trope but it’s slowly growing on me, possibly because I love witty banters and tension. Add the fact that this book revolves around the film industry, then we’ve got a winner!

Flipping The Script was a ideally a quick read, but since I was nursing a book hangover, it took me around 2 weeks. It was worth it though, and I’m slowly coming to terms with my present reading pace. Anyhoo, I’m here to share about the things I loved about this book.

The meet cute was absolutely adorable, and yes there was a slight secondhand embarrassment for Miri’s sake (LOL). Speaking of Miri, I love her personality and her wits! Her outspoken and strong persona perfectly complements Pabs’s gentle and attuned character.

As for Pabs, I thank thee, Danice Mae P. Sison, for not making him that “playboy jerk” I almost always see from books with rich love interests. That was such a breath of fresh air. One thing they had in common was their passion for film, which clearly was the central theme of the story.

I also love how the aspect of friendship was tackled. Miri and Pabs are part of a ragtag team of interns, it was fun to read the scenes featuring their group chat and see how often their GC name gets changed, because I can totally relate hahaha! Also, Mang Fred’s character was sort of the Obi Wan – Mentor archetype, which is one character trope I always love to see in stories.

Overall, Flipping The Script was a well-crafted story of innocent first love getting tangled into a generation of family conflict. I made it sound like Romeo and Juliet, but at least the Pabs and Miri didn’t fall in love after one day, and no deaths! I promise! Just a couple of passionate interns and their journey to a happy ending.
Profile Image for Kate.
507 reviews246 followers
October 10, 2020
THIS WAS THE CUTEST BOOK I’VE EVER READ Y’ALL. SERIOUSLY.

I love reading teen romances. Especially diverse teen romances! The additional aspect of different cultures, norms, and experiences that add to the usual “Character A meets Character B, shenanigans ensue and they fall in love” make the story so much more interesting. And the additional aspect that this story has for us is none other than the Philippine film-making industry! (Which, by the way, is an industry I’ve been super interested in ever since watching Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (both of which are excellent movies – they’re on Netflix, so go on and see them!).

This novella, the second in Romanceclass’s Flicker imprint, is essentially a modern-day teen Filipino Romeo and Juliet set in a film studio. Miri dela Merced and Pabs Paglinauan’s families are sworn enemies after Miri’s grandfather, a once-famous film director, has a falling out with Pabs’ grandmother, a rich and famous studio head. The falling out ends Miri’s Lolo Ikong’s career, which drives Miri to pursue a career in filmmaking herself, as well as swearing off interactions with any Paglinauan ever.

Of course considering that both Miri and Pabs follow in their family’s footsteps and want to become fillmakers, they end up part of the same film internship. Knowing how the Paglinauan family has screwed over her grandfather, Miri decides to keep her distance and treat Pabs as coldly as she can.

One of the things I loved the most about this book is that is an ACTUAL hate-to-love relationship!!!! I haven’t read many books that did the hate-to-love trope really well. Usually, the reason for the hate between the main character and the love interest is forced and unrealistic. But this hate is real, rooted in something that could actually, legitimately happen. The direction this story went in took an old, tired trope and infused it with something young, fresh, and brand new.

Another thing I loved about this book is how it is essentially Miri’s learning path. This journey is twofold: first, she learns what it’s actually like to be on a film set, and how high the ladder she’ll have to climb to become a filmmaker really is; second, she realizes that Pabs is not necessarily is his family, and that holding on to senseless grudges only really hurts her in the end. In true tita-like fashion, I felt proud and overjoyed seeing Miri grow from the clueless girl she was at the beginning of the book into a young woman self-assuredly taking her first steps into the world of the film industry.

Finally, Pabs and Miri’s romance was just the right amount of slow-burn and tooth-aching sweetness. It took me back to my own days as a teenager and falling in love for the first time with a boy I originally thought was all wrong for me. If you’re looking for a shot of nostalgia, definitely pick this book up.

Read my full review here.

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Profile Image for kb.
696 reviews22 followers
December 31, 2019
Was fortunate to have read an ARC, and I was into it from start to end, every chapter and every page. This is the first, I believe, of its kind—a Filipino YA romance set in the film industry—and it's awesome how it nails pop culture references, and the culture of entertainment production as a whole. (I didn't work in film, but I did work in a TV network, and a lot of things were so reminiscent and undeniably ~on point.) And the romance? I have no complaints. The meet cute was right up my alley, and the way Miri—gosh, I love Miri so much, and the cover model is a 100% fit—and Pabs went through their own Act 2 and 3 (mishaps, kilig, and all) was just ~flipping engrossing. I highly, strongly recommend this YA book. Congrats to the author and everyone part of this gem!

Here is a thread of some of my favorite parts + my feelings about them. Enjoy!

Here are all the books I read in 2019! :)
Profile Image for Kris Mauna.
544 reviews51 followers
February 24, 2019
Miri wants nothing more than to follow in her Lolo’s footsteps and become a director herself. Her hopes and dreams capture you in the very first chapter. You’ll want to read until she truly reaches all of her goals! Miri is such a fun character. I admired her for being such a go-getter.

“As far as family grudges go, there’s nothing like a romance between members of the rivaling families to bring peace to the valley.”

Flipping the Script has one of the BEST “meet-cute” moments I have yet to read. It was PERFECT for both Miri and Pabs. When we are formally introduced to Pabs, I instantly fell in love. He’s the sweetest cinnamon roll ever and MUST be protected at all costs!

They are both in the same summer film internship and are drawn to one another right away. Other characters are brought into the story at the same time as well. The other students participating in the same program are just as fun as Miri and Pabs. All of them quickly form an unbreakable bond and I LOVED their friendship! I’m such a sucker for strong friendship representation in YA stories.

“It just feels like I’ve hit some kind of wall where all I do is push and push and push but I don’t get anything back except a piece of paper that says I was on set at the end of the day. And that’s supposed to validate my summer?”

During the internship, Miri begins unfolding parts of her family’s past and Pabs’s family as well. We learn how the decades-old grudge began and they both will question if it’s time to let bygones be bygones. I have to say that I enjoyed how well all of this was rooted into the story. Plus, the film aspect of the plot was the perfect addition to this book, too!

“I wanted it to be a surprise. For you.”

Overall, I truly enjoyed Flipping the Script! It’s a story about how finding the truth in your past will help set you on the right road to your future. This book is fun with great characters, and of course, what would a #romanceclass book be without a fantastic romance? I highly recommend this one, friends.
Profile Image for Kristin.
6 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2019
I received an e-ARC from the author for an honest review.
I absolutely have to tell you that this book was so cute. Miri and Pabs had such an easy chemistry and I loved following their film internship journey together.

Growing up in the Philippines, I was exposed to Filipino films from a young age so the references to local pop culture had me feeling so much nostalgia. They just don't make films like that anymore. It also gave an insight into the behind the scenes or the less than glamorous side of the film industry. Loved it and highly recommend! Thank you so much #romanceclass and Danice.
Profile Image for Rachelle Belaro.
Author 6 books33 followers
February 25, 2019
Let me just go and say that this book is a gem. The chemistry of the characters (especially Miri and Pabs) were on point. The first and second meeting were unexpected and remarkable but the history of their family that go way back was really something. From their grandparents to their parents and uncles, it was as if the whole universe conspired to make them meet and get over the family feud that lasted for years.

Full review on my blog.
Profile Image for Yeyet Soriano.
Author 26 books21 followers
February 25, 2019
Classic Filipino movies from the 80s and 90s. An internship program. A group of strangers who become life-long friends. An MC and an LI from two families with an age-old feud. All the elements of an interesting and engaging story, definitely. But in the hands of Danice Mae P. Sison, the story became very magical. She made the characters come alive on the printed page, and you find yourself rooting for each of them.

Read my full review on my blog: http://yeyetsoriano.com/post/book-rev...
Profile Image for Stephanie.
241 reviews25 followers
February 23, 2019
4.5 stars.

Omg the cuteness! I loved the filmmaking setting, the chemistry between Miri and Pabs, and the friendship amongst all of the film interns.

To read my full review, check out my post on my blog.

Profile Image for Weekend Reader_.
1,063 reviews90 followers
February 6, 2019
A novella that takes place in Manila and makes Breakfast Club references is a winner. This novel is a quick love at first sight, family enemies, high school lovers- love story with a side dose of rag tag friendship and figuring out your life’s passion. I’m not kidding you. I loved how Sison integrated Filipino and American slang throughout the book. This fusion of both cultures speaks volumes to representation matters and shows the fluidity of language. And I’m here for it!

I loved that Pabs was attentive, nuanced, and most of all not a jerk. I was gearing up to read another rich boy me against the world story line but it’s more than that. His story was about family obligation vs passion and whether or not he could have both. He’s also so likeable and I know a few Pabs in my life. Miri on the other hand wants, to preserve her grandfather’s legacy out of honor and family pride. When these two meet, how will it work? Well, you should read the novella to find out. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fun YA, diverse, international romance love/friendship story.

My only non spoilery thought was that I kept thinking the characters felt more new adult and less YA. They didn’t feel like high schoolers, their decision making and surroundings felt more college age students and even in the leeway their parents gave to them. Now, I want to say that there could be a cultural difference so take this observation with a grain of salt and still pick up the book.

I received an ARC of Flipping the Script.
Profile Image for Justine from Novels and Panda.
535 reviews236 followers
March 30, 2021
Nothing but love and adoration

"Sometimes the script doesn’t turn out the way we want it to be written, I guess. Sometimes it flips itself over and what we get is even better."

I am obsessed! I have nothing but love and adoration towards this novel. Right of the bat this had captured my attention as is easy as blinking. Flipping the Script's narrative would last forever with me. I have zilch interest with film making as oppose to Miri. With the author's passion for film making it was easily encapsulating. I also loved how short it was yet it filled all the gaps that I often look for in short stories. I love it as a whole. I totally recommend.

And with that as Miri had listed down her reason goes with mine:

5 Reasons Why You Should Read Flipping the Script
1. Gripping narrative, definitely will get you hooked.
2. The friendship, the camaraderie, the chemistry built in here was superb. It's like The Breakfast Club but film making.
3. Will make laugh out loud. In all seriousness, it will. And it'll make you emphasize with the characters easily even as short as this.
4. The slow burn romance. The enemies to lovers vibe. Now, now get the book and start reading...
5. It's over flowing with kilig, passion, family and friendship bonds that'll leave a Cheshire cat smile on your face.

At least for me... ;)
Profile Image for Katt Briones.
5 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2019
This book is a plane ticket, movie ticket, and a time machine ride rolled into one.

I remember reading this blurb in the #romanceclass group and I’ve looked forward to buying the book since then. It’s been a long wait but it was well worth it. I have read Danice’s work before, and I’m no stranger to her way of bringing out the details and making it alive in her readers’ minds. I’ve started reading Flipping the Script in a crowded commuter train on the way home, and I kid you not - the book just pulls you in and makes you forget that you are squished in a corner with people as you speed through sixteen stations. There’s also been an instance that I burst out laughing in the middle of it, yep while the train was quiet, and wow, Eboy, that’s your fault, how do you not know Zuma? =))

Miri is easy to root for - while other MCs gently make their way through your heart or sneakily find their way in, Miri barges right in and slumps onto a bean bag, yep, that’s her seat, thank you. I love how she knows her stuff, fights back, and does fun. I find myself rooting for her and muttering “OMG, same” on her moments of uncertainty, and cackling when something Pabs does or says whizzes over her head, like GIRL PLS AYAN NA EH. Family is also a prominent theme in Miri’s arc, and the way she fiercely protects and treasures her lolo’s legacy is super lovable and extremely Filipino. The parts showcasing this just really hit all the feels and brought me back home. Miri’s mom is equally lovable, with her quirk about being recognized, and her chill manner in raising / dealing with Miri is cute. Like can you adopt us too Tita Mimi. (The part where the recognition jar is able to pay for Miri’s food deliveries is HILARIOUS!)

And then there’s Pabs. Oh Pabs, where do I start you soft wonderful boy. The cover boy they hired is perfect as visual, with his nice smile and wholesome demeanor, though I also find myself imaginging Pabs as EXO’s D.O. (Do Kyung Soo). You just know that he loves Miri, and it’s not really clear to me where it started - it just felt like it’s been there ever since and he’s not even fighting it no matter how sungit she is to him sometimes and aaaaa sandali lang help me. His family struggles are also well-written, and while you root for him and understand where he’s coming from, you still can’t help but be disappointed when we find out about the *spoiler spoiler schmoiler* medyo gusto ko siyang batukan then but it’s ok he more than made up for it after he *spoiler spoiler spoiler* omg so many parts of it I want to comment on pero I don’t want to spoil it for you guys!

I have to dedicate a separate paragraph to the amazing ensemble of other characters - Mang Fred is that tatay figure we all have either at work or school, Ava, Aldrin, and Eboy make you want to join their group chat, and then there’s Ate Armee who just brings out my violent side (apology or not I still want to throw you in the nearest estero, kainis ka ma’am). Eboy especially is my favorite character, because he just lightens up the whole mood with his banat lines. THIS KID. Hindi kita kinakaya. Hahaha!

Plane ticket, movie ticket, and time machine ride all in a book, so yep 5 stars (if pwede I would add more haha) <3 Thank you so much, Danice, for this. MORE PLEASE. ♥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Florence Joyce.
1 review
February 27, 2019
I have no idea how the film industry works at all so reading this book somehow gives me a glimpse of that world. I did dream about working there once before. But I think it's a far-fetched dream for me, after all.

I imagined both Pabs and Miri as fourth year high schoolers instead of being in their last year in senior high when I read this. Another thing I was unfamiliar with since I haven't experienced being in junior and senior high, considering the fact that there was no such thing when I was in high school.

Decision-making in this story is something that I consider as heavy for their age. And no, it wasn't just about the course they were going to take when they reach college. Miri seemed to have her life planned out—something she kept doing until reality would strike her hard once her expectations fail her. She experienced that a lot throughout the story that she almost quit in her internship. But thinking things through with the help of outdoor scenery and a company of good (and rambunctious) company could do the trick of clearing one's mind. Miri gained more than just a clear head and mindset after that.

Pabs (if I say so myself) is a lot like me, except the madiskarte part. At least I could say that about myself during my time in high school and college. He's also like my youngest sister when she was in her early high school days. She had to fill the expectations of my other sister who studied in the same school and gained achievements there, as well. Pabs couldn't fight back or at least express his opinions to his uncle about his job at the studio or even his own dreams. This part reminded me of those I would call as nagmamagaling na mga kamag-anak (know-it-all relatives) who thought they knew what was right for you but in all honesty, they really don't.

I love the part that the story really described what it was like to work in the film industry. Especially working with such (as I call it) unbearable people. Describing the equipments is the part I like, as well. Especially the process. I don't really know anything more about it other than those that I've watched so far. So I'm thankful that this story gave me a glimpse of what was really happening behind the scene.

I'm not going to say much about family grudges which was something that could seriously do a lot of damage to almost everything and everyone. And I was right about one thing that caused this to last — pride. In this story, love between Pabs and Miri causes this to subside and allowed them to direct their own story with nothing like grudges and pride to destroy them again — at least for the meantime. There are still many life scenes to happen and will happen whether they could whether they like it or not.
Profile Image for Romana.
45 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2019

ARC supplied by the publisher in exchange for an honest review


How absolutely adorable! I adored this read so much it caused me to read more Young Adult after a very long time which is incredible. Sison manages to perfectly capture that feeling of being young, as if your entire future is spread out in front of you and you can make it into whatever you want. At the centre of the story is Miri, the granddaughter of a somewhat known Pinoy director and the daughter of a semi-famous but now retired actress. Miri, who wants to work in film, gets accepted into a summer internship at a film studio. The only catch? The film studio is the same one owned by the studio head that Miri's grandfather had a feud with. However, Miri is determined to make the best of her time there. Enter: Pabs, the grandson of the very same studio head and heir apparent to the studio. Pabs is determined to make his own way in the industry, not on the basis of nepotism. Flipping the Script is a summer romance, but also a book about growing up and learning how to make our expectations match our reality.

Let's start off with the meet cute, which is arguably the funniest meet cute that I've read about in a while. Followed by a second meet cute when both Miri and Pabs realise exactly who the other is. It sets a perfect tone of fun for the novel which Sison manages to carry throughout. The romance itself is adorable as Miri and Pabs overcome their grandparents' feud and address their feelings for one another. Particularly in the latter parts of the story, the affection that Pabs has for Miri is really obvious in his actions and there are some scenes that made me say awwww as I was overcome with the cuteness of it all.

The secondary characters, such as the other interns and Miri's mother, feel fleshed out and it is evident that they are important to the story. The scenes where the interns sit and watch films are an exercise in characterisation. Each preference for a different film and the reasoning behind it gives an insight into the personality of the other interns. Not to mention, they are all adorably invested in Miri and Pabs' relationship. Miri's mother was a funny addition to the story. I did find myself wishing that there were a few more scenes between Miri and her mother. However, the villain of the story, Pabs' uncle, feels very bland and almost as if he is evil just for the sake of being evil.

Flipping the Script gave me extreme teen dramedy feels. There were references to the sometimes over-the-top aspects of Pinoy cinema. I'm not familiar with Pinoy cinema, but it did lead me to think about the cinema that I had grown up with: early 00's Bollywood. It was notorious for its over-the-top storylines, romances, and action sequences. Somehow, this novel set in a totally different part of the world managed to remind me of the cinema of a different time and place. So despite the unfamiliar location, it felt like coming home.

Sison gives us a novel which features an adorable romance and characters you can't help but adore. It is fun and sweet, but somehow still manages to deal with the very universal issue of managing our expectations. I can't wait to read more of Sison's work.

find me at: blog | twitter

Profile Image for Ella Oktaverina.
270 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2019
"Sometimes the script doesn't turn out the way we want it to be written, I guess. Sometimes it flips itself over and what we get is even better." -- Page 145.

At the age of seventeen, Mira dela Merced a.k.a Miri joined a summer film internship program in Santelmo Pictures. Santelmo Pictures is a famous fictional film studio in Philippines in which Miri's grandfather, Lolo Ikong once worked for. One of Miri's motivation to be in the internship is to make sure that her grandfather's movies actually exist - if only he and Santelmo Pictures' studio head didn't have a huge fallout. As an intern, Miri also meets other interns, including Pabs Paglinauan. At the beginning, Miri kinda liked Pabs because of his down to earth personality, but then when she found the truth about Pabs, she changed her opinion and decided to create a gap between them.

To be honest, I never knew that I'd be totally in love with film industry tropes! Reading page per page is so fun, I like how Danice writes it. Miri and Pab's chemistry is just ashgshgdhgs, they both are so cute and adorable together my heart melted T___T. The ending is also perfect. Reading Flipping The Script was just like being college student and being an intern again lol. And, actually I haven't watched Filipino's movies at all, but maybe I'll give it a shot.

I'm so lucky to be given an opportunity to read its e-Arc, so thank you very much Danice! Looking forward to your next project!
Profile Image for Kate (Reading Through Infinity).
918 reviews440 followers
November 4, 2020
3.5 stars

Trigger warnings for death of family members.

This was a really sweet contemporary romance about Miri and Pabs, two film interns at the same film studio whose grandparents, a director and the head of a studio, had a big row many years ago that resulted in Miri's grandfather leaving the studio.

While learning about their families' histories, Miri and Pabs start to have romantic feelings for one another, but find it hard to reconcile their attraction with their grandparents feud.

I really enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers build up in this story and the progression of the romance. There was so much detail included about the internship that it felt like the author had done a lot of research into the film industry. I enjoyed the dynamic between the main group of friends and their group chat made me laugh out loud a few times. There were a couple of moments where I thought the narrative/Miri's inner dialogue was a little too over-played but on the whole I enjoyed it and I loved the inclusion of all the Tagalog.

The plot was simple and a lot of it relied on miscommunication (or a lack of communication), but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy all the little moments of drama between Miri and Pabs as they tried to work out how they felt about each other. Overall, this was a fun, light read that discussed wider issues in the film industry in a well-thought out, measured manner, and I definitely want to read more of the author's work.
Profile Image for H. Bentham.
Author 9 books27 followers
Read
June 15, 2021
"Maybe it doesn't even have to include anything fantastic or out-of-this-world, as long as I get to tell my own story. That still has to happen."

I don't even know where to begin. I loved this A LOT!

It had all the things I like in YA romance: the teenage ~lightness of things (as well as the angst), the tough-cookie heroine, the soft doting hero, awesome friendships and well, rich family history. The romantic development felt really organic, and it wasn't slow burn, but it didn't happen too fast. Just right, I think. The conflict and eventual resolution were brilliant as well, I really really enjoyed this!

I guess my favorite part was that the miscommunication on the protagonists' parts made absolute sense. Like, they really had to go through the Big Fight (which wasn't really that big, looking back, but it was emotional so I'm writing it off as big to me) before they could earn and enjoy that HEA. (As all good romances do. 😘)

It was also peppered with A TON of references that spoke to me, personally (Magic Temple, Carly Rae Jepsen, anyone?) and now I'm trying to find a way (and time, huhu) to watch the OG Temptation Island bec it's been so long since I saw it an now I don't remember anything. There's a spin-off book, I think? And I'm excited for that as well! Ooh, and also watch out for a cameo appearance of a character here that heehee, I love so much from a different Danice Mae P. Sison book. 💕

"That's my cue. This time, I can't miss it."
Profile Image for Bookbed.
205 reviews11 followers
May 2, 2019
"Flipping the Script is the second release from the #romanceclassFlicker imprint, and dare I say again, it’s flipping engrossing. It has a well-paced plot, no-nonsense writing style and sharp voices. And the hate-to-love teen romance between two aspiring filmmakers? Worthy of LizQuen level of investment. This homage to the Filipino film industry is a definite must-watch, especially that it’s injected with real-life experiences (is there any other way to write, really) from the author, Danice Mae P. Sison, who’s a film grad herself." Continue reading our review here.

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Profile Image for Erika (The Nocturnal Fey).
146 reviews128 followers
February 28, 2019
Flipping The Script is a light and kilig read that is perfect for fans of Kate Evangelista and Kasie West. This is something that I'll definitely pick up during my summer vacation, a long boring commute, or a road trip. I'm definitely off to a good start on my #romanceclass adventure.

You can read my full review at The Nocturnal Fey

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Disclaimer: I received an eARC from #romanceclass in exchange for an honest review in participation for a blog tour. This doesn’t affect my opinion of the book in this review in any way.
Profile Image for Bianca (The Ultimate Fangirl).
224 reviews34 followers
April 22, 2022
Flipping over this!

I think I just found a new favorite! I adored this, being both a book and film nerd. It is such a cute and light-hearted romcom, filled with friendship, literal behind the scenes of what it's like working with film, and of course, romance.

Miri's quite the interesting lead, and her love for film just radiates throughout the whole novel. Not that big of a fan of the miscommunication trope, but when they really get into it, the kilig is felt all over. Really, it's just cute.

Will probably edit this, but if you like film, especially Tagalog films, this will really make its mark on you.
Profile Image for Angel C. Aquino.
Author 4 books5 followers
March 11, 2019
Such a sweet romance between two aspiring filmmakers! I love all the references to Pinoy movies and the immersive behind-the-scenes look at the local film industry. The author clearly knows her stuff! More than the romance and kilig moments, this story is also about loving one’s family, developing strong friendships, learning to forgive, working hard for one’s passions, having the courage not to quit, and having fun on the journey!
Profile Image for Rose.
10 reviews
May 6, 2019
I love it, I love it! Peppered with funny references to Filipino pop culture, Flipping The Scripting saved me from a reading slump. The whole story played out like one of those teen shows I used to look forward to every weekend. While Miri and Pabs were adorable, the supporting characters were topnotch as well. How can you not love having friends like them?
Profile Image for Aira Irish.
175 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2019
One of my favorite YA books that I read for 2019. It's refreshing and awesome too. Never read a story that revolves in film making and family legacy.
Profile Image for Alexia Cambaling.
237 reviews10 followers
March 25, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After a long dry spell of not reading romance books, I decided to give Flipping the Script a go and it captures everything I really love and enjoy in the genre. It’s also the first #romanceclass book I’ve read and will definitely not be the last. It’s like Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South with significantly less drama, some teen angst, and a lot of fluff. It’s rather short and more of a novella in length so it’s a pretty quick read. Reading it felt like I was transported back in one of those long summer days I’d spend in my grandparents’ house reading romance novels.

The book stars two teens whose grandparents’ working relationship could be described as antagonistic- at best. Miri wants to be like her grandfather- a film director, while Pabs is on track to take over the family’s film studio. The premise is really what drew me into the book. I love how much it gives homage to Philippine cinema- from the great to the cheesy. I admit I don’t watch as many Filipino films as I used to, but this book made me watch every film referenced- even the fictional ones!

The characters were also a lot of fun, from the internship friends to the strict production assistant. However, I think Miri and Pabs really shine in this one. I love how passionate and dedicated Miri is to film-making and I liked how it’s something everyone around her can pick up on. It’s also very endearing how Pabs was really down-to-earth and humble, despite his family owning the film studio. Both of these characters were a joy to watch grow and seeing their love story unfold warmed my heart.

Thankfully, despite the premise, there isn’t a lot of angst here. Whatever angst and misunderstandings there might be gets resolved and I felt like the characters handled their respective issues and shortcomings in a mature fashion. Of course, there’s a Happily Ever After here (not a romance without HEA, after all) and it’s honestly wonderful to see.

All in all, Flipping the Script is a wonderful story of teen love and friendship, as well as overcoming family history and circumstances. I can certainly recommend it to any romance lover.

This review is also on The Bookworm Daydreamer
Profile Image for Florence Joyce Dongael.
133 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2022
⚜️A review copy of the book was given in exchange for an honest review.

It's been a long while since I posted something like this and related to #romanceclass, at that. But I wanted to do something new for 2019, so here I am.

I have no idea how the film industry works at all so reading this book somehow gives me a glimpse of that world. I did dream about working there once before. But I think it's a far-fetched dream for me, after all.

I imagined both Pabs and Miri as fourth year high schoolers instead of being in their last year in senior high when I read this. Another thing I was unfamiliar with since I haven't experienced being in junior and senior high, considering the fact that there was no such thing when I was in high school.

Decision-making in this story is something that I consider as heavy for their age. And no, it wasn't just about the course they were going to take when they reach college. Miri seemed to have her life planned out—something she kept doing until reality would strike her hard once her expectations fail her. She experienced that a lot throughout the story that she almost quit in her internship. But thinking things through with the help of outdoor scenery and a company of good (and rambunctious) company could do the trick of clearing one's mind. Miri gained more than just a clear head and mindset after that.

Pabs (if I say so myself) is a lot like me, except the madiskarte part. At least I could say that about myself during my time in high school and college. He's also like my youngest sister when she was in her early high school days. She had to fill the expectations of my other sister who studied in the same school and gained achievements there, as well. Pabs couldn't fight back or at least express his opinions to his uncle about his job at the studio or even his own dreams. This part reminded me of those I would call as nagmamagaling na mga kamag-anak (know-it-all relatives) who thought they knew what was right for you but in all honesty, they really don't.

I love the part that the story really described what it was like to work in the film industry. Especially working with such (as I call it) unbearable people. Describing the equipments is the part I like, as well. Especially the process. I don't really know anything more about it other han those that I've watched so far. So I'm thankful that this story gave me a glimpse of what was really happening behind the scene.

I'm not going to say much about family grudges which was something that could seriously do a lot of damage to almost everything and everyone. And I was right about one thing that caused this to last — pride. In this story, love between Pabs and Miri causes this to subside and allowed them to direct their own story with nothing like grudges and pride to destroy them again — at least for the meantime. There are still many life scenes to happen and will happen whether they could whether they like it or not.
Profile Image for Reads in Heels.
48 reviews11 followers
May 30, 2019
Full review here
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Santelmo Pictures is the fictional film studio where seventeen-year-old Miri dela Merced spends her summer as an intern, along with four other senior high students I’ll be dubbing collectively as The Army. Miri’s love for movies has partly to do with her late lolo, a former movie director. However, before her lolo even reached the height of his career, he had a falling-out in the 90s with the matriarch of Santelmo over pito-pito films. Now, we see this family feud element in other books and films (Romeo and Juliet, Little Italy, Descendants, Once Upon a Time) but in FTS, we see less of the deep-rooted animosity and more of how this affects the MC and LI’s relationship. Like the classic boy meets girl formula, Miri meets Pabs early on in a(n albeit non-literal) meet-cute that involves red wine and this inner dialogue:

“My god, what a stupid haircut he has. I don’t know what’s more annoying- that nineties bob or the fact that he’s actively avoiding our table.”
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