The “Meet Cute”
There is nothing “cute” about their “meet.” Their first conversation is her absolutely roasting him. A head-on collision between two wildly divergent worlds.
Modern Philippines Love Story, Written in English
To my Dearest Friend,
See, I am listening.
And they are, too.
We love You.
When Filipino American Cris and rural beauty Anna are drawn into a ten-day whirlwind romance, their short summer together unfolds as a love story for the Philippines, and years later, blossoms into a love story for God.
You think you’re reading a “Romance Novel?” You are not.
The “Meet Cute”
There is nothing “cute” about their “meet.” Their first conversation is her absolutely roasting him. A head-on collision between two wildly divergent worlds.
Cinderella, Subverted
Our “Cinderella” does not need the prince’s validation. She holds him in “intellectual contempt.”
Rich Boy Saves Poor Girl
Rich boy will not save the poor girl. Poor girl tries to save him… and fails. Spectacularly. A further subversion of the romance subversion.
The Simple, Innocent Rural Beauty
There is nothing “innocent” nor “simple” about our rural girl. She’s like a high-performance Ferrari who uses her beauty and brains for war.
Billionaire, Subverted
Our powerful yet powerless rich kid won’t be saved by his “princess in shining armor.” He has to save himself.
Antagonist. Protagonist
The Antagonist is not who you think. The Protagonist is not who you think (definitely not your two main leads).
The Heroic Mantle
Ultimately, the novel subverts itself, transferring the mantle of heroism from the lovers to the Dearest Friend, who then bestows it upon the smallest, the most humble, the least of us.
Author is ANONYMOUS. Because this is about the story, not about “whoever wrote it.”
Story info (Orange) continued below.
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Tap any of the thumbnails below to play the YouTube Video and discover what this story is.
“… Our country is broken, but it’s still beautiful. I hope you get to know it someday…”
“… If the Philippine government has all but declared war upon the poor, look then, upon the poor—we are very strong. We are very resilient…”
You don’t have to be a senator’s son to move mountains. Sometimes, the smallest things are actually the most significant.
“…I had no real friends, no one to really talk to. And then, I meet a girl from a far-flung province, and I tell her everything…”
“… Do you have a personal relationship with God? Do you talk to Him as a friend, just like I’m talking to you right now…”
My new purpose had nothing to do with accolades, work titles, or anything I had previously achieved. It was so simple—just one heart. And through this, God told me, “Anna—you matter.”
“… I believe in God. And I will always believe in you, too. I don’t know where such faith will take me. I just know it will take me to someplace very good…”
“What a beautiful story… Don’t be misled by Anna… you will be crying with her and you want her to win with all your heart…”
– Google Books Reader
“…Themes take a while to build, but when they happen, it hits you in the head, and it hits hard…”
– Academe / Google Books Reader
“…You will weep your *** off I assure you…”
– Wattpad Reader
“…A love story for the Philippines… a young girl’s love letter and love story for God. I love this unconventional novel.”
– Google Books Reader
“A multi-layered ‘love story’ revealing a socio-political ‘malignant tumor,’ yet in the end, a sincere nod of approval for the humble, every day hero.”
– Academe Reviewer
Summary of #OTCOS the Novel, Logline, Synopsis, Story Notes, Story Treatment
