Mae Coyiuto
Filipino readers have a chance to meet bestselling author Mae Coyiuto during her book signing event with National Book Store on Saturday, May 20, 2023. 3 p.m. at the Book Nook, SM Aura Level 3 Atrium. Admission is free and registration starts at 10 a.m.. Slots are available on a first come, first served basis.
Coyiuto was born and raised in the Philippines, and currently lives in Manila. She earned her BA in Psychology from Pomona College in California and her Master’s Degree in Writing for Young Adults/Children from The New School in New York.
Her debut novel, “Flight to the Stars,” was published in 2010. It featured a collection of stories about young adults, she wrote it when she was just 16 years old. Her second book, “The Year We Became Invincible,” was published in 2015 and follows the adventures of a young woman and her experiences with friendship and love.
For her first novel and latest work titled “Chloe and the Kaishao Boys” she gives her reader a hilarious rom-com novel set in Manila. The protagonist Chloe Liang is a Filipino-Chinese teenager who knows exactly what it takes to be the perfect daughter—stay in Manila, study business management, and join the family company. But when she unexpectedly gets off the waitlist for USC, her dream of becoming an animator in the United States gets within reach.
Before she goes, her father sets Chloe up on one awkward kaishao—or arranged date—after another, intent on finding her the perfect escort for her 18th birthday party. Chloe knows that at home in the Philippines, her future is all planned out for her, while going to America leads to a path filled with risk and uncertainty. She must decide if following her dreams is worth everything —and everyone—she’ll leave behind.
This book will also be available for international audiences. In a conversation with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, 28-year-old Coyuito said that through this book, she wants to let people know that Filipinos can have a happy-ending story too.
“Chloe and the Kaishao Boys” is available for P595 (trade paperback). For more information on the book signing, click here.