The Unfolding: My Book and My 2025 Journey
- Hera Helene' Macalalad
- Jan 23
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 1
So much had happened in 2025. I realized that it is possible: A season filled with both celebrations and sorrows.
My grandfather, who had stood in as my parent and had always been with me since I was young, supporting me in everything I did, passed away. I let go of people and distanced myself (being not too close) in a healthy way from those who were affecting my mental health. I set boundaries and limitations, both with others and with myself. I almost had to be hospitalized because another challenging situation happened again, and I had panic attacks. I decided to be honest about how I felt and what was running through my mind, regardless of what the outcome might be, so they would know what I was truly going through. It was difficult—especially with their reactions—but it shaped me deeply in how I handle life, relationships, and how I maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit. It was painful, yet it was worth it.
On the flip side, my book was launched in March 2025 and was declared sold out, with successful launches in both Manila (which I did not expect) and my hometown. I became a certified author/writer through the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. I was also certified as a Mental Health, Psychological, and Suicide First Aider. Additionally, I earned my certification as a Total Wellness Coach in January 2026 after beginning classes in October 2025. My book became a bestseller with 8Letters at the Manila International Book Fair, and I was declared a bestselling author.
I was invited to numerous speaking engagements, including schools, a book fair, online podcasts and interviews, workshops, conferences, and judging panels. I was given many opportunities to share my book at major conferences and events. My music engine has started again as I release my next single, Kasama Mo, and I am not stopping. I was also able to travel to two countries this year—something rare for a Filipino from a third-world country. So many opportunities happened in 2025 that I never expected, and I believe God made them happen.
All of these—the ups and downs of 2025.
When January 2025 began, I was already finalizing my book with 8Letters and preparing for its launch in March—designing the invitation graphics, setting the locations, and allocating the budget for each event in both Manila and my hometown. I didn’t know what I would encounter or what the outcome would be. Would they support me, or would they ignore me and reveal their true colors? Doubt slowly crept into my heart regarding the book. There were days when I cried, but God comforted me with the words, “I am supporting you,” and that was enough. Being called to write this book was enough.
Going back to the very beginning, I didn’t know how to publish the book. I didn’t know how to promote or market it. But through His wisdom and the right people He brought into my life, I became equipped. I had been lacking, as I lived in the province with little to no opportunities and resources in this field, while striving to fulfill my role as the eldest in the family without our parents at home and surviving each day amid spiritual battles and attacks—even in places I did not expect. Yet He has been moving since the day I started writing the book.
The book I wrote is self-published. I tried submitting it to traditional publishers, but they didn’t accept it, saying that the theme was already common or outside their scope. I thought it was a dead end. As I was praying, the idea of self-publishing came to mind—something I had never considered as an option, since it felt like a herculean task given all my responsibilities as the eldest: working hard and overseeing my grandfather, who was in and out of the hospital at the time, as well as my siblings in a broken family.
I saved money. I was self-financed. I cried out to God for provision. I researched. And the phrase “God’s will, God’s bill” kept repeating in my mind, not knowing that the bill would soon pass through me. Lumaban ako habang sugatan ang mga tuhod ko. And it was truly God-financed.
The book took 7 years to be written, revised, edited, rewritten, etc. A lot of work. A lot of tears. A lot of hindrances that even if I was hurting and struggling, with His conviction and grace—I strived to finish it. I have 0% knowledge when it comes to publishing, but I still obeyed God to start writing anyways; and here it is—my book is now published.
I was initially planning to publish this blog about my book journey by mid-2025, but many things happened—including those mentioned in the first few paragraphs of this blog. Yet God has a plan. He has His own timing for unfolding each and every page—pages whose content I didn’t even know until they were turned. He said, “I’m not done yet. Let me reveal other opportunities to you before you publish it,” and so here I am, on the very last day of 2025, typing my way through these paragraphs. Even in the final month of 2025, new opportunities were still opening up (and yes, some even spilling into January 2026!). Let’s dive into the pages of the chapter God had for me in 2025, as this time it will be different—more on visuals!
I will also create a blog elaborating more on my book journey starting from the very beginning 🙏 link soon!
BOOK LAUNCHES
GUESTINGS AND APPEARANCES
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AND MORE GUESTINGS
MANILA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR 2025
During the Manila International Book Fair at SMX, I did not expect that people will be looking for me time by time. I really wanted to meet everyone and listen to their struggles; knowing how my book can guide or help them. I also get to meet my mentor again, sir Ardy Roberto, and his wife and Miss Universe 1st runner up, Miss Miriam Quiambao-Roberto!
And surprise surprise! My book became the best-seller in 8Letters 🥹
BOOK AVAILABILITIES
And that’s not all—my book was pitched and accepted by Fully Booked and is now available for purchase in BGC, MOA, and Cebu. It was also accepted by REKO and Book Sale. Thank you to 8Letters, Aelijah, and Cindy Wong for pitching our books!
Other availabilities include my book being at Libro Espresso branches, on Amazon Kindle, Shopee, Lazada, and soon… in partnership with CSM (this will be discussed in a separate blog post)!
You can also review my book at goodreads!
CERTIFICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS (2025 and January 2026)
Certified and Recognized by the National Book Development Board Philippines as an Author/Writer (October 2025)
Certified Total Wellness Coach (January 2026)
Certified Mental Health First Aider
Certified Suicide First Aider
Certified Psychological First Aider
IN CONCLUSION
God revealed so much to me. To be honest, kulang pa yung mga naandito—if I could elaborate on each one, it would take soooo much time. Maybe that’s for a different blog post!
I can say this—2025 was a very productive year of learnings, adjustments, and implementations.
I had been praying before 2025 for all the things above, and in God’s perfect timing, He knew it was the right moment. He has been showing me His Word, and I clung to it. On my end, even now, it’s more about readying myself and anticipating the next things He has in store.
And my conclusion?
God is faithful. It shows that, regardless of your connections, location, status in life, or resources, nothing is impossible with Him. He can make big and wonderful things happen in our lives. Whatever heartaches, breakdowns, or traumas you have experienced—God will turn those bad things into good.
I’m looking forward to journeying with you as 2026 begins, as we witness God’s movement 🎉
Yours Truly,
Comments