15 Years Ago, I wrote The Eagle and The Dove Series

Fifteen years ago, I wrote The Eagle and the Dove Series.

It was about a heiress (kind of cliche, but her name is Natalia Rebecca de San Gabriel), who got orphaned and the bad aunt tried to take her riches away. Of course, she had to fall from the edge of a cliff to the sea before the hero (Rex/Enrico Ventura) could save her. There were funny minions, a motherly yaya, and the hero turns out to be a secret spy who works for a secret intelligence agency (Black Bureau -- this became the spinoff series for clamor for the lives of the other agents that worked with our hero). But aside from being a spy, he was also a CEO of a company and he happens to be very rich.

You, you guess it right. It was a Filipino romance series I wrote when I was still under a traditional publisher, using the pen name Noelle Arroyo.

I enjoyed writing that Filipino/English romance series, and a lot of romance readers still wanted to buy the books, except the publisher didn't want to provide reprints anymore. So, as soon as we were allowed to do it, I uploaded the series, The Eagle and the Dove, then the spinoff series, Black Bureau Elites, and other stories to my Wattpad account for Noelle Arroyo.

Check it out here: My-Noelle-Arroyo-Wattpad-Account-if-you-still-do-not-know.

First book to the series The Eagle and the Dove is here.

First book to the series Black Bureau Elites is here.

I hope you get to visit and enjoy the stories! Have a blessed day and always be happy! :)

SECRET SINS AND WHITE LIES (English/Filipino) by Elena Parks

While waiting for the eBook to go Live on Amazon, I slowly uploaded chapters of my book, Secret Sins and White Lies, to Wattpad so readers can get a glimpse into the world of the first character to the series that I am developing. Series name is Sweet Rage. Though... I really have a mind to change it to the more practical Sacred Saints Chapel.

Secret Sins and White Lies is the first book, and is about Giancarlo Verrazzano, one of the founders of the Secret Sins Club, a fetish club they formed barely out of high school with other friends. Giancarlo is an offspring of an elite family who'd been grooming their sons into high positions in companies their elders have created. Due to stringent upbringing, these creative boys found a way to relax. And that was through Secret Sins Club.

It wasn't as easy as that, though.

Secret Sins Club was more about friendship, connections and brotherhood. Along the way, these men have suffered tragedies, and they have got responsibilities they couldn't just easily play with. They have problems beyond anything ordinary people would even care to think about. And they couldn't break, because so many depend on them staying sane -- outside of the Sacred Saints Chapel.

The only possible thing that could really break a Sacred Saint brother... is the woman they fall in love with.

And in Gian's case, it was the beautiful, innocent, and adorable Elise von Schiller... who loves him so much. But Elise's life is in danger, since a serial killer has his sights on her.

A part of Giancarlo's story can be found in Wattpad.

You want to buy the physical book? It's available in Amazon and Barnes&Noble.

If you want to read it on your android phone and eBook reader apps, it's available as an eBook in Smashwords.

On your Kindle, it's live here: Amazon

Just to remind you, guys. This book is written in mixed English and Tagalog, a trend we follow writing romance in the Philippines. I'm working with an editor to have it translated to pure English to reach more market, same thing I've started doing with other books I've written under my Elena Parks pen name. They're geared toward Filipinos all over the world.

But it's still pure English for my stories under Camiel Rollins, Bevi Hayes and Gigi Myers. You can check those out in Amazon and Smashwords. :) And thank you when you do that. It motivates me much to see visits and sales to my stories. Makes up so much for the many sleepless nights that I worked on them. Makes me really wanna improve.

Have a blessed day and until the next hi-hello post!

My De San Gabriel Bros on Wattpad

I just edited and published the first book to an old series on Wattpad -- The De San Gabriel Brothers. It was a spin off from the series The Eagle and the Dove, inspired by Elite Agent Hawk with the long, black straight hair, the eyebrows of a pirate and the cow's lick to his hairline -- in short ay delicioso. I couldn't remember exactly why he got separated from Black Bureau Elites series. It could be that I had written De San Gabriel first before I committed to writing a separate series for TEATD's elite specialists.

This is the link to the story:

De San Gabriel Bros 1 - Starry, Starry Night

And here's the teaser to the story:

Nagsimula ang pagkakaibigan nina Sean at Aslinn sa bahay ampunan.  Kahit unang umalis si Sean dahil sa pag-ampon dito nang isang maykayang pamilya, hindi natapos doon ang kanilang pagkakaibigan. Kahit natupad ang pangarap nitong maging artista at si Ais ay isa nang  pediatrician, sila pa rin ang pinakamatalik na magkaibigan.

Pero may mga lihim na hindi mananatiling lihim habambuhay. Matapos malagay sa peligro ang buhay ni Sean, natakot ito at nagkumpisal na matagal na itong in love sa kanya. Nataranta nang sobra si Aislinn. Buong panahon na magkakilala sila, ito ang pinakaimportanteng tao sa kanya, ang nag-iisa niyang bestfried, pamilya -- her very own person. Tapos mabibisto niyang iba na pala ang nararamdaman nito? Ang magkaibigang totoo, habambuhay magkasama. Pero kahit ang pinaka-passionate na nag-iibigan, nagbi-break din sa huli. Walang forever sa pag-ibig!

Pero sa kabila ng kanyang takot, sinubukan niya. Kasi mas takot siyang mawala ito. Sinubukan niyang umaktong in love kahit hindi niya alam kung paano. Ito ang aktor na marami nang naging lovers, habang isa siyang pediatrician na hindi pa ever nagka-boyfriend. In fact, ito ang nag-iisang lalaki sa buhay niya. Paano ba talaga? 

Paano magtatagumpay ang isang misyon kung ang gustong mang-akit ay hindi marunong mang-akit at ang inaakit naman ay masyadong ma-pride, at hindi pahahalik kung wala iyong pag-ibig?

Will update this post when I had uploaded the other two, specially Hawk's story!

I Didn't Go To EDSA for People Power 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte's supporters gather at Luneta Park on Saturday during a vigil backing the administration and its programs. Romeo Ranoco, Reuters

I have never attended a People Power celebration. The first time it happened, I was too young and lived in the province. As I grew older, the fire had died in me. I remember a time when I felt overwhelmed by all the adults united fighting for this ideal something that even I, during that time, could understand. Who would not know and want freedom? But the years have dampened that, seeing that nothing really changed. They may have switched people in the government, but essentially, the standard of freedom here in the Philippines didn't change.

I still feel we're being treated as low rate citizens.

There were still too many tyrants -- everywhere. School, church, at work. So much Too much. So why would I go? I was proud of the very first People Power Revolution, for its bloodless resolution. But let's face it. We've always been naive. It's our absolution and our curse. We're treated like trash. And we joke about it, hiding the anger inside. That's the Pinoy style.

For the first time in years, somebody suddenly appears in the crowd and started shouting all that anger out. And for the first time in such a long time, I found authenticity in him. For the first time in my life, I want to go celebrate People Power. But not in EDSA. In Luneta. I want to support that authenticity. I want to back Duterte.

As if that could make a dent to those who have been swept as I am to that ferocity of his fight for freedom from corruption, criminality, drug trade, and yes -- low self-esteem. People flocked to Luneta instead of to EDSA. Not that no one went to EDSA. It's just that more went to Luneta. Organized meet ups also went on to other parts of the world so OFWs can show their support by attending. The world may not understand why majority of Filipinos can manage to support a narcissistic, serial killing president. You've always thought us stupid. Who cares if that doesn't change?

I wasn't able to come. I have to go to work. I can't mess up my stats. I can't get a leave. But I wore red. It was frustrating. But I wore red. And I'll probably buy a blue jacket, and if I get lucky the next time I can get to show my support for my president, I'll wear the jacket over my red shirt.

Meantime, I have to work, to get my kids to school. I have to finish that story. Tomorrow is another day to watch the news and laugh as the international media make my country seem like the dumbest country on Earth. At least, I feel relief that not one of my kids will go home with a black eye after moron drug addicts took a spot on him while he was walking home on a black out. And no friend of mine will have to fight for their lives over cellphones and laptops (with their thesis due for the next day on the hard disk while graduations is just a week or two away) when drug addicts needed a fix and they have to get the money for it. No one-year-old, six-year old, nine-year-old will get raped on cemeteries and abandoned buildings and dark alleys. You have your Trump and what have you's. So let's all get busy, won't we?

#defend duterte
#produterte
#welabtataydigong

Manny Pacquiao, We Owe You

If there is anyone at present who had fought with cunning and power, discipline and honor, humility and pride, and all abiding love for his sports and his country, it would be Manny Pacquiao. Just plain ignore how much he has earned in fighting--you are just jealous of it, probably. He deserved every penny. He fought and won over and over and every time, he elevated the Philippines to the world and made his kababayans all over the globe proud. Then last just Sunday, he lost to Juan Marquez in a knock out that shocked the whole world.

As is expected, his ranking in many sports-related what-have-we's started disintegrating. I won't go to details, but it has been a disillusioning week for Manny Pacquiao, so much in contrast to the arch and bark of championship fight aftermaths we've enjoyed before. People find many excuses about why he lost, countless going-overs of how he could have made a certain move or the way he placed his foot or what fist he used to punch or the way he moved his shoulders--you get the picture. Too much over-analyzing.   He was bound to lose one day because he keeps fighting while aging, and developing or changing certain ways of thinking that gets him ready to retiring and living a more peaceful life. And so, he lost. And we're not ready. Or may be we're not ready that he got knocked out, but still, we're not ready.

This doesn't change the fact that we owe him many. As he recuperates, as positive a person as he can be, he might be contemplating now on the glowing results losing his fight would do to his life. The burden of carrying such a heavy load of being a winner in world standards is probably heavier than anyone of us can ever imagine, and now that's off his shoulder. And maybe the vipers around him that make him look foolish and cheap but he still tolerated will leave him. And he would know who his true friends are (something that invariably happens when you fall from grace),  and he will have more time for his family and his constituents, since he's also a politician and a defender of his province.

This writer, and thousands of us I'm sure out there, is praying for his recovery and happiness, and can never thank him enough for giving us so much more than we deserve from him just because we happen to be Filipinos. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, MANNY, FOR BEING SUCH A HUMBLE WINNER AND AN HONORABLE LOSER.  And we pray for a peaceful life for you and your family, and hopefully, the happiest Christmas this year. Take care and stay great.

And gosh, what will happen if he truly decides to fight again?!

Next chapter.

Or he decides to become a pastor?

Haiz. We'll probably stay with you still. 

The Promise of a Kiss: A Romance

An Ongoing Project:


One

When I entered his office and saw that tall frame and broad shoulders and the perfectly handsome face, I already knew I committed a mistake. But he has seen me and was staring, a little knot on his otherwise smooth forehead in a face more handsome than he was nine years ago, if that was even possible. I saw a loosing battle as I watched him try to remember who I was and I was about to help him. But he suddenly smiled.

“Lucy!”

I almost lost that smile. He looked more beautiful with a smile on his face. “It’s Lucille now, Bobbie.”

He didn’t seem offended by my reminding him of that nickname of long ago. “My friends still call me that,” he even bragged. And I realized he thought I was chiding him.

And I smiled as I entered the room, a little relieved. I was never part of his circle of famous friends. I’ve always called him by his given name. Robert. And I had always known he talked to me because he’s got a really kind soul.

“So…” I said as a sigh escaped me. I was trying to control my nerves. I hope it wasn't so obvious. Not that I didn’t feel capable of the job that I came here to apply for… but this is Robert. Him. “Robert.”

He was smiling. “Don’t do that. You already know you’re hired.”

I stared at him. “What?”

“You’re hired.”

I stared at him a little more. “What was I doing?” I asked suspiciously.

“Doing what?" Innocent as a lamb.

I wasn’t fooled. And he smiled benignly. Like a pastor on a church.

“Oh, the twitching of the eye.” He pointed in the general direction of my other eye. That eye. “You do that when you’re nervous.”

How the hell did he even remember that? I felt a delicious warm suffuse my body. Like a blast of liquid heat. And I hope he’s mistaking the blush on my cheeks as part of the nervousness. Which he did.

“You’re not really nervous because of me, right?”

I knew he meant because he was that boy who used to tease me about my suntanned nose (I'd given him a punch for that) and not the man-slash-employer, only son and heir to his father’s multi-million company and now sat as its CEO. “Of course not.”

“I already told you you’re hired.” He was openly grinning now, obviously relishing the fact that she was still a cloud-head as ever.

“But I still haven’t—“

“C’mon, Lucy.  First in class. Always the responsible leader. Always the polite do-gooder. Always the student top-notcher.” He’s thumbing each of his fingers for each -- ass! -- as he walked around his desk to get near me. And then he reached out and held my shoulders in a firm grasp. “I asked Helen to let you know about the opening without being too obvious when I learned you came back. I need you in here. Why'd you have to go abroad?”

“You’re still melodramatic,” I said in a small but stern voice, drawing my eyes from his before my bones melted. I managed to stop myself from reaching for my frames to notch it up my nose. Also a nervous habit. God, I did not know he knew about the eye-twitch, I thought, flushing again. "You even acted like you didn't recognize me."

"And you believed it. Tst..." He was shaking his head, disappointed. "Oh, Lucy, I'll have so much fun with you here with me."

Maybe I'd punch him again before I get fired. But I needed the job, and I sighed. "So let this game begin. Where do we start?"


(To be continued)

(This is called LOVE from ~Grinch7 of deviantART. Beautiful people.)

Time Is Free 'Coz It's Priceless -- It Is EVERYTHING!

You want to know how to have a fruitful life? Spend TIME on what's most important. Money is just for superficial needs. If you want to know how your life has gotten to be right now, go back and remember where you've spent your time. If your life is miserable, you're still paying for credit. If your life is happy, you're reaping the rewards!

This is the most practical truth you can learn right now. If you can think about where and how much time you've spent with something, you'll see that it happens to be the most fruitful and happiest aspect of your life right now. Family, studies, career, friends... name it, and then do the equation. There you have it.

When you think about it, we have no right to ask, in our most miserable state, how everything has fallen into this? Because most probably, you didn't spend time on things that are most important to your happiness. You think you have it already anyway, so why bother?

Did you spend a lot of time on drinking, smoking, places away from your loved ones, relationships that can only give you quick release and nothing else?

Then don't ask why those are all you have now, and nothing else.

The greatest intelligence in the universe tried to take care of us by giving us time in this world. Time is the only real currency we have that we don't have to work hard to have, and we can only spend on immaterial things that are more important than those we can see. Growth, knowledge, wisdom, love, positivity, discipline, skills--all of these were paid for by time. Yours and mine. If you want to know how important time really is--time is life. And you lose one, you lose the other. It is the most simple truth, the most in plain sight, the most enigmatic... archaic, eternal, overflowing.

It is the most glorious of blessings.