Travelling can mean a handful of things for Filipino storytellers. Some find it freeing, a much-needed escape from the gruelling demands of reality. Others seek enrichment in their trips to historic monuments that fuel their passion for learning. And for Filipina romance author Kyra Ysabel, a single trip can hold all the ingredients to a fearless love story.
Photo: Kyra Ysabel
Take it from Kyra’s latest novel, The Love Letters of Via Lullina—a heartfelt ode to Italy’s vibrant culture with an adventurous spirit on every page.
One single trip to the country’s capital, Florence, was all it took for inspiration to strike within her. The more she documented her experiences overseas, the more determined she grew to bring the book’s charming leads, Isla Mendoza and Luca Rossi, to fruition.
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The Love Letters of Via Lullina follows Isla, a Filipina writer whose (mis)adventures in Florence bring her to a mysterious bookstore on the titular street, which isn’t supposed to exist. She then happens upon an enchanting book of love letters, one of which is addressed to her from Luca. She tracks him down, only to butt heads with an irritable chef who’s nothing like the man she met on paper.
Will this magical book draw Isla and Luca closer together? Will they find solace in each other and in Via Lullina away from the real world’s pressures? We don’t know for sure, but we’re more than ready to witness their story unfold with Kyra at its helm.
In her debut novel under Penguin Random House Southeast Asia (Penguin SEA), Kyra pens a boundless tale of growth, self-discovery, and courage that every hopeless romantic can get behind. Our chat with her delves deeper into her creative process and how authors need not travel far to seek their own stories worth telling.
Hello, Kyra! Congratulations on your new novel! What have been your most memorable experiences in bringing this book to fruition?
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The entire trip has been such a memorable experience. Strolling through Florence with my husband was definitely my favorite. It’s where I chanced upon the bookstore that sparked the inspiration behind this story. And once I got the idea to write a novel, I started paying attention to the little details throughout our stay. I noticed how easy-going Florence can be, and how it inspired me to breathe, take my time, and enjoy the moment. That feeling became the book’s heartbeat.
Conversely, what challenges did you encounter throughout your creative writing process?
I wrote this book when I was already back [in the Philippines], so it was challenging to do the city [of Florence] justice. I had to rely on memories, photos, and conversations with my husband to make sure I fully captured the feeling of being there. I also had to do a little research to check Italy’s maps, neighborhoods, culture, and more.
The hardest challenge, though, was going through something personally while attempting to write a hopeful romance novel. I’ve experienced some losses in the family, which is why I think grief took a bit of a more central role in the final draft. In the end, I turned that challenge into something I hope readers will appreciate.
What about Italy moved you to bring Isla and Luca to life?
Before exploring Italy, I traveled to see beautiful places up close and cross off bucket list items. But after this trip, I realized that traveling can also bring out new versions of ourselves. I’ve always lived a fast-paced life. There, I learned to slow down, sip my coffee, and take in the view. That’s why I created a story where people can also discover versions of themselves, be it through Isla, Luca, or the side characters.
Was this your first time flying to Italy? Which cultural elements can we look forward to reading about in the book?
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Yes, it was my first time there. I think it was also the trip that changed me the most.
Readers can expect plenty of Florence to become part of the story. They’ll visit famous landmarks like the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, among others, discover charming restaurants, wander through museums, and experience the slower rhythm of everyday life.
Food also plays a big role here. Since Luca is a chef, readers will get a glimpse of his relationship with Italian food.
What do you want readers to feel as they go through Isla and Luca’s story?
I want readers to finish the book feeling hopeful. It’s a romance, first and foremost, but beneath the love story is a reminder that love is bigger than our fears. We have more agency in our lives than we realize.
Through Isla and Luca, I want to remind readers that it’s never too late to rewrite the narrative we’ve been telling ourselves. And that sometimes, all it takes is one small decision to change the trajectory of our lives.
Of course, I hope they laugh and swoon along the way, but if they finish the book feeling hopeful (about love, about life, about healing), then I’ve done my job.
Isla is a Filipina writer who collides with Luca, a grumpy Italian chef. How has writing their perspectives and romantic developments helped you showcase both countries’ culture and history?
This has been both the most fun and the most challenging in writing this book. Making Isla a writer felt natural because I got to re-experience Italy through her eyes. She notices the same things I do. She romanticizes things as I do. That was so fun to write.
As for Luca, he gets to show readers an Italy that tourists don’t always see. Italy is just his “regular” place, and I think that’s true no matter where we live. We often dream of other places without realizing that some people dream about where we are.
I ultimately wanted to show what happens when two people from completely different worlds realize that love and humanity are a universal language. Isla teaches Luca to rediscover the beauty in what he’s taken for granted, while he helps her learn that an extraordinary life doesn’t always require out-of-this-world endeavors.
This marks your debut as a Penguin SEA author. What does it mean for you to represent the country and help put Filipino romance authors on the map of global literature through this love story?
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I’ve always believed that Filipino authors, in romance and beyond, are incredibly talented. I think we’ve only begun to scratch the surface of what we’re capable of. It’s an honor to be part of this growing community of Filipino writers whose stories are reaching readers beyond our borders. If this book encourages even one international reader to pick up another Filipino-authored book, then I’d consider that a huge win.
Travelling can do wonders for writers’ well-being, but not everyone has the opportunity to explore the world beyond their hometowns yet. What advice can you give up-and-coming authors who also want to grow creatively by travelling to their dream destinations but have yet to do so?
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I don’t think it’s all in the destination. It’s also my innate curiosity as a writer, which I’m sure all storytellers at heart possess. I didn’t write The Love Letters of Via Lullina just because I was there in Italy, but because I paid attention to new surroundings and changed my routine.
Traveling can inspire you, but so can taking an unexplored route home or befriending someone whose life is completely different from yours. It’s all about where you choose to pay attention, really. You can even sit in a cafe and eavesdrop! (laughs)
When you do get to travel to your dream destination/s, don’t just focus on seeing everything. Have at least one day of observing the culture and nature around you. You’ll be more inspired than you think!
Book-to-screen romance adaptations are all the rage these days—from proud Filipino hits like Golden Scenery of Tomorrow to international releases like Off Campus and Heated Rivalry. If you were to create a dream cast for The Love Letters of Via Lullina, who would you choose to portray Isla and Luca?
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This is the hardest question of all! (laughs)
For Isla, I’d definitely choose either Kathryn Bernardo or Nadine Lustre. They have a knack for portraying fun personalities.
Since Lucas Bravo already plays a chef on Emily in Paris, he’s my pick for Luca. Theo James is also a great option, but I’d love to see an Italian actor play the part, too. Gosh, just thinking about an adaptation makes me feel so giddy!
Are there any other cities or countries on your bucket list that would make a good backdrop for a future love story?
So many. I wrote two books before—Between Here and There and Between Then and Now—which were partly set in Batanes and New York, respectively. I’ve never been there, though. New York City, specifically, has been a long-time destination for me because I love Broadway and bright city lights!
You can now purchase physical and digital copies of Kyra Ysabel’s The Love Letters of Via Lullina at various bookstores and outlets worldwide. Visit Kyra’s website for more details.
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We’re so proud of you, Kyra! What are your dream romantic destinations? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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