Like Jo March of Little Women, one of the most admirable female protagonists in fiction, we’ve long grown past the narrative that “love is all a woman is fit for.” Women in diverse professional fields around the world have embodied this cultural shift through the years.
Amid persisting hardships and obstacles, Filipinas have taken charge, too—as community leaders, advocates, and artists who uplift each other’s stories without compromising their love for the world.
This year, the modern Filipina is taking her dreams, goals, purpose, and yes, even her love life to new heights with the revival of the Pinoy romance novel. Leading this new fun and flirty era of storytelling are the Indie Indays—five Filipina romance authors who are spreading all the feels across the country’s contemporary literary scene.
We’re getting to know them one by one this September—as prolific authors, “lover girls” by nature, and passionate working women with their hearts set on making their bestseller dreams come true.
Photo: Beatrice Pobre
For our fifth and final feature in this special series, we’re getting to know Beatrice Pobre.
The art of storytelling builds bridges for every field and career path to cross. Beatrice’s unwavering passion for self-expression has brought her two main professions, dentistry and creative writing, together despite their stark differences. She now seeks comfort in that middle ground, which is reflected in her characters and their colorful journeys.
We sat down with Beatrice to learn more about her portrayals of comfort and how she incorporates them into the scenes, character dynamics, and romantic elements of her debut novel, The Town of Perpetual Autumn. Her writing prowess brightens every page, and we can’t wait for her to reach new heights with her second novel next year.
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Let’s start by sharing a little about yourself, your pen name if you go by one, and your early days as an author.
I’m Beatrice Pobre, and I’m an orthodontist-turned-novelist. I’m the author of The Town of Perpetual Autumn, through which I’ve embarked on my journey as an emerging voice in literary fiction and romance. I always lean towards cozy contemporary storytelling that explores the quiet beauty of human connections and everyday life.
Tell us more about the books you write. What can Filipino readers and aspiring authors expect from them?
I write fiction and contemporary romance that comforts readers and touches their hearts. My debut novel, The Town of Perpetual Autumn, is the first book in a duology about a Filipina dentist on a journey of self-discovery. She grapples with existential questions and the search for a purposeful life, accompanied by the presence of a handsome, mysterious benefactor, for added kilig. The sequel, set to release in 2026, continues with the same beloved characters as they discover what it truly means to love and be loved.
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Which of your titles would you recommend to first-time readers of modern Filipino romance?
I’d recommend The Town of Perpetual Autumn to get to know my characters extensively first. But you can read the sequel separately, too, once it’s out next year.
How would you describe a five-star Filipino romance novel?
I believe a five-star Filipino romance novel has characters who are relatable, believable, flawed, dare I say even unlikable at the beginning. The story’s trajectory should reflect that authenticity. While romance novels in general are expected to end with a “happily ever after” or “happy for now,” what matters most to me is the character development and the journey that leads to that ending. Readers may encounter familiar tropes and plot points across the genre. But discovering characters who feel like real people, with flaws and struggles like you and me, makes all the difference.
Where can we purchase your books?
My books are available in select Fully Booked branches, Lazada, Amazon Kindle, and Kobo. Signed copies are exclusively available on my social media pages, specifically Instagram and Facebook.
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Which novels by the five Indie Indays have you already read? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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