So today I received an email from Free Press Lit Ed Sarge Lacuesta. The Subject line reads “when you’re on a roll…congratulations from the Philippines Free Press”. I smiled because I thought he has heard about the Palanca win and was just kind enough to send me an email and congratulate me.
Well, yes, he did send me an email to congratulate me, but for a different reason. The letter begins
Dear Eliza,
Greetings! I am proud and honored to inform you that you are a finalist at this year’s Philippines Free Press Literary Awards for your story entitled “An Abduction by Mermaids.”
Holy. Crap.
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“An Abduction by Mermaids” is a short story I wrote back in 2008 (or late 2007,I’m not sure anymore, I have to find my drafts) (I used to date my drafts, hee), which appeared in the Free Press on April 26, 2008. No online copies, but I might post the full manuscript here one of these days. ;)
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Now, let’s see. I need: a dress, some nice shoes, a date. Or, a companion with a camera. It’s the camera that counts.
I’m excited to finally meet Mr. Lacuesta in person. And the other finalists of course. Wonder if I know any of them.
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I really need a camera.
Eliza Victoria 
WOWOWOWOWOW! I’m so happy for you, pwede ka na mag-host ng writing workshops, sali ako! hahaha :) Pabasa ako nito, mahilig ako sa sirena. Lesbyana ba sila, by any chance? Haha, nagbabakasakali lang. Lesbian fairies for the win! :) Congrats! :)
wow ang bilis mo mag-comment!
woo thanks haha. naku sorry, walang lesbians dito LOL. utang ko pa pala yang fairy story na yan sayo no haha.
thank youuuuuuuuuu *mwah*
Eliza!!!!
Congrats!!!
Hindi ka na maabot te! :D I’m so happy for you!
badeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet :D hello! salamat te!