April1

April Pagaling

Author

Marinduque
is in

the

HEART

by April Pagaling

Words Shaped by Home and Memory

I’m April, and this little corner of the internet is where I pour my thoughts, stories, and occasional ramblings—straight from the heart, sometimes with a side of caffeine. Growing up near the sea, where history whispers through old streets and salt clings to the air, I’ve always been drawn to the messy, beautiful ways that places and people shape us.

Through my writing, I explore how these landscapes shape us and influence who we are. Each poem, story, and reflection is drawn from my own experiences and the lives I’ve lived. 

"For anyone who discovers a sense of home in these words: I hope you take them with you, like rivers and roots, to wherever your next adventure leads you."

Here, you’ll find poems that don’t always rhyme, essays that sometimes ask more questions than they answer, and reflections that dig into the tiny, everyday things that make life so complicated but so worth it.

I write because it’s how I make sense of the world—or at least try to. Maybe you’ll find a piece of your own story here, a phrase that lingers like an old song, or just a reason to pause for a minute.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay as long as you like.

My Books

Stories and poems that linger.

Marinduque is in the Heart V2 (Zine)

An exploration through land and memory, tracing the outlines of my homeland, Marinduque’s, which has been wrecked by mining scars but whose beauty is still held close in the heart.

Works in Progress

Myth making

“Mythmaking” is a collection of poems and stories that looks into the origins of stories that we tell ourselves, unraveling how myths are born from fragments of memory, belief, and the unspoken truths that shape our understanding of the world.
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Beneath the Quiet

“Beneath the Quiet” is a collection that listens to the silences within women's lives—the hidden griefs, quiet strengths, and untold stories woven into the fabric of everyday existence.
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Centuries of Forgetting

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The Myth of Quiet Hours

“The Myth of Quiet Hours” explores the hidden thoughts and lingering questions within solitary moments, tracing a journey of self-reflection, memory, and the quiet complexities of life.
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Talks & Events

Join me for readings, conversations, and explorations of themes that shape my work+some insight into the inspirations and ideas guiding my writing journey.

What was the first piece that made you feel like a writer?

It wasn’t just one thing; it was a collection of little moments—words jotted down in notebooks, the sensation of stories coming together. I started to feel the pull of words in those scattered lines.

Book Reading November 24, 2024
Booknook Marinduque

On the occasion of it’s third anniversary—a look at the blooming creative spirit in the islands,

Meet & Greet

Stay tuned for further announcements!

How do you find inspiration for your stories?

Inspiration has a funny way of sneaking up on me. It can come from the smallest things—a familiar scent, a line from a book, or a fleeting moment in a movie. Sometimes, it’s like a nudge from the past, connecting me to memories that are a little fuzzy around the edges but still pulse with emotion.

Everything I write feels like it’s tethered to those moments, stretching back to places I’ve been and feelings I’ve carried. It’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal—but that’s what makes it worth exploring.

What is your writing process?

I like to take my time with writing. It’s never rushed—it’s a process that unfolds in its own way. It usually starts small: a stray line, a flicker of an image, or a memory that refuses to let go. I let those pieces linger, circling around until they collide and spark something meaningful. Some stories take their sweet time, revealing themselves slowly, like a secret being coaxed out. Others rush in like an unexpected gust of wind, whole and unrelenting.

For me, writing isn’t about creating something out of nothing. It’s more like uncovering hidden treasures—dusting off what’s already there, just waiting to be found.

Book Reading

Stay tuned for further announcements!

April Pagaling

About Me

Writer, mom, freelancer, and full-time juggler of ideas. My writing spans a variety of genres—from poetry and personal reflections on motherhood (you can find those on my blog, Relax Lang Mom) to short stories that dive into imagination. I’m currently working on two books: one about living intentionally and another exploring Philippine history.

 

Beyond my personal projects, I offer professional writing and creative services. Whether it’s crafting articles, writing copy that connects, creating engaging social media content, or designing a website that works as hard as you do, I’m here to help you tell your story, build your brand, or make your ideas shine.

Feel free to explore my work, and if something sparks your interest, let’s collaborate. I’d love to hear from you.

Stay Connected

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