The Philippines is a tropical country, and the summer season is now hitting the country. So, prep your summer outfit and sunnies and gear up to hit the beach.

Wait, forget what I said.

We're not hitting the beach.

Instead, let's talk about our very own sanctuary of the creatures under the sea, the Laguna de Bay.

Laguna Lake was once a source of clean water for the people from the three barangays in the first district. Caingin, Aplaya, and Sinalhan were located beside the lake and the settlers of the said barangays mostly relied on the lake as its source of food and incoming. They used it for their living, but sadly they never returned the favor.

When I was just a kid, my mom used to tell me how clear the water in Laguna lake, they often used it to wash their clothes and took a bath during the summer season.

Sabado de Gloria was a holiday I always looked forward to along with my cousins all for the reason that it was also our chance to go swimming and enjoy the water without paying any fees. The water in the lake was already polluted during those days, but Sabado de Gloria was a day of a miracle for us. The muddy water became lighter and we could see the stones and dead shells. It was a simple delight we always indulge ourselves in.

Then, something happened.

I saw a yellow submarine.

That day, I stepped out of the water and I stopped going to the lake for a swim since then.

It was poop. For the lake's sake! It was a fresh yellow poop, about three inches long probably.

And as I grew older, the water condition got worse. I had hopes that may be, just maybe the water would turn clear during Holy Week, but it didn't.

I never got a chance to dip my foot in the lake since my encounter with Mr. Yellow Submarine, and I just had this thought that I might visit the lake one of these days. You might want to check out Laguna lake too, and an idea might pop out to save or at least minimize the destruction of Laguna de Bay. Wasn't that a bit hopeful for such a hopeless bay? I think not.

My new book is out, and you can get it for free.

Blurb:

Here's Beth G.'s Playlist. 

Beth said:

I just recently updated my playlist, and that's after almost fifteen years! I don't know if it improved, but then, most people do not understand my taste in music. The thing is when it sounds good and the words are relatable, then it's good for me. So here are the songs I've been listening to these days. 

1. Mula Sa Buwan album. The songs in this heartbreaking musical invaded my heart like no other. I wasn't into this kind of music until I learned that Ultimate Crush likes it so much! LOL! Kidding aside, though, the songs ultimately sum up everything I feel inside, especially Ikaw and Tinig sa Dilim. 

2. Korean Drama OSTs. My Love From Another Star (Kim Soo Hyun is ❤) and Legend of the Blue Sea OSTs are great. I mean, I know I have to Google the romanized version of the lyrics so I know what it means, but the melodies are just... superb! 

3. Backstreet Boys songs. Some things never change, and once a BSB fan, always a BSB fan. :-) 

Summer Feels: A #romanceclass anthology

Genre: Romance Release Date: April 30, 2017

Blurb:

Summer loving happens so fast, as you'll find with Summer Feels, an anthology of 23 stories of love under the summer sun by #romanceclass authors. Savor the candied thrill of firsts—first loves first kisses, first solo vacations—and the bittersweet triumph of second chances. Tour the Philippines as the stories take you to mountain retreats and island paradises. Let the magic of the hot sun, clear blue skies, and lots of love take you on a roller coaster ride of feels. With stories ranging from sweet to sexy, there's sure to be something for any fan of romance.

Featuring stories by:

Elea Andrea Almazora • Erleen Alvarez • Ella Banta • Rachelle Belaro • H. Bentham • Halina Cabrera • Charlie Dio • Mina V. Esguerra • Elizabeth Galit • Georgette S. Gonzales • Ami Granada • Irene Jurado • Catherine Lo • Arlene Manocot • Bianca Mori • Eris Peñaluna • Farrah F. Polestico • Kit Salazar • Miel Salva • Fay Sebastian • Kate Sebastian • Yeyet Soriano • Marian Tee

Edited and compiled by Kate Sebastian

Cover and interior design by Miles Tan

About the Designer

Miles Tan likes inhabiting imaginary worlds, from fantasy books to sci-fi shows to cheeky mysteries to role-playing games. She works with websites, plays with graphics, and is now currently painting with words. 

Finding X is her first published novella. Her short story “Something Real” is included in the YA Luna East anthology, Kids These Days.

To learn more about her books, visit milestanbooks.com. To see more of the cover art she’s designed, check out milestanbooks.com/works. 

Book links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y51NJ9H 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34817829-summer-feels 

Print copy preorder links (Philippines only): http://bit.ly/summerfeels-pof 

Stories included in this anthology:

“All about That Bass” by Fay Sebastian

“Alter Christus” by Catherine Lo

“Fall for Me” by Miel Salva

“The Game of Twenty Questions” by Elizabeth Galit

“The Summer You Said Hello” by Ami Granada

“At the Bermuda Triangle” by Elea Andrea Almazora

“Beachin’ Summer” by Arlene Manocot

“Buddy System” by Yeyet Soriano

“Busy out of the Friendzone” by Charlie Dio

“Flying with You” by Rachelle Belaro

“Guide for a Day” by H. Bentham

“Ready to Run” by Kit Salazar

“Secondhand Wanderlust” by Erleen Alvarez

“The Search for the Kissing Monster” by Ella Banta

“Anything Can Happen” by Marian Tee

“Four Basic Principles” by Bianca Mori

“Love after Summer” by Irene Jurado

“Lucky in Paradise” by Farrah F. Polestico

“The Swimming Instructor” by Eris Peñaluna

“Wedding Night Stand” by Mina V. Esguerra

“An Overdue Adventure” by Kate Sebastian

“Buttered Sunset” by Halina Cabrera

“Then Derrick Was Back” by Georgette S. Gonzales