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Jersey Number Eleven
It all started when rookie libero Kaizen Reyes received a facial hit from outside spiker Roen Alejo.
Natalo man sa laro, at least maitutuloy pa rin ni Kai ang layunin niya: play volleyball, and have his team win the elusive men's volleyball championship title. At napanalunan rin niya ang friendship ni Roen—ang kapareho niyang jersey number eleven, at ang reigning MVP.
Sa bawat larong lumipas, naging support nila ang sa isa't isa. And maybe even more. Ngunit sa larangan ng volleyball, ang unang makahulog sa bola ang talo. Alam ni Kai iyon, at hindi niya alam paano niya ipagtatapat ang nararamdaman. Pero kung hindi pa man nagsisimula ang laro at nasa kanya na pala ang mga mata ni Roen, perhaps receiving that facial hit wasn't so bad after all.
Natalo man sa laro, at least maitutuloy pa rin ni Kai ang layunin niya: play volleyball, and have his team win the elusive men's volleyball championship title. At napanalunan rin niya ang friendship ni Roen—ang kapareho niyang jersey number eleven, at ang reigning MVP.
Sa bawat larong lumipas, naging support nila ang sa isa't isa. And maybe even more. Ngunit sa larangan ng volleyball, ang unang makahulog sa bola ang talo. Alam ni Kai iyon, at hindi niya alam paano niya ipagtatapat ang nararamdaman. Pero kung hindi pa man nagsisimula ang laro at nasa kanya na pala ang mga mata ni Roen, perhaps receiving that facial hit wasn't so bad after all.
Mass Market Paperback
Published January 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 3, 2025
This is for the book version:
Sobrang excited talaga ako nung nalaman kong may physical copy na ang JN11, pero honestly, medyo na-disappoint ako after ko siyang basahin. Ang daming typo-like, andami talaga. Hindi ko alam kung sa copy ko lang ba ‘yun, pero noticeable siya. Nakaka-disappoint kasi published book na ito, so expected ko na sana minimal to no errors na. Deserve naman ni JN11 ng mas maayos na editing, lalo na’t mahal din ang libro para sa isang pocketbook.
To be fair, ang ganda ng physical quality ng book- 'yung cover, binding, at lalo na yung illustration sa flyleaf. Kudos sa publishing house for that. Pero ‘di ba, hindi lang naman panlabas na anyo ang binabasa sa isang libro, kundi ‘yung mismong kwento. Nag-ipon ako para dito, P225 din ‘yan,kaya nakakalungkot na may mga ganitong setbacks.
Napansin ko rin na may ilang parts sa story na nawala, lalo na ‘yung POV ni Roen, which for me is a very important part of the story. Dahil doon, napabalik na lang talaga ako sa Wattpad para doon i-re-read ‘yung POV niya.
Hindi rin ito yung first time na naka-encounter ako ng book from the same publishing house na may mga typo. Pero umasa ako na sana nag-improve na sila. Sana sa mga susunod nilang ipu-publish, bigyan ng mas puspusang editing at proofreading para hindi masayang ‘yung ganda ng kwento at effort ng author, pati na rin ‘yung pinaghirapang pera ng readers.
Pero kung Wattpad version ng JN11 ang pagbabasehan, hands down 5 stars talaga. Super interesting ng story, nakakakilig ang RoenKai, at recommended ko ito for anyone na naghahanap ng light BL story with a touch of sports.
Sobrang excited talaga ako nung nalaman kong may physical copy na ang JN11, pero honestly, medyo na-disappoint ako after ko siyang basahin. Ang daming typo-like, andami talaga. Hindi ko alam kung sa copy ko lang ba ‘yun, pero noticeable siya. Nakaka-disappoint kasi published book na ito, so expected ko na sana minimal to no errors na. Deserve naman ni JN11 ng mas maayos na editing, lalo na’t mahal din ang libro para sa isang pocketbook.
To be fair, ang ganda ng physical quality ng book- 'yung cover, binding, at lalo na yung illustration sa flyleaf. Kudos sa publishing house for that. Pero ‘di ba, hindi lang naman panlabas na anyo ang binabasa sa isang libro, kundi ‘yung mismong kwento. Nag-ipon ako para dito, P225 din ‘yan,kaya nakakalungkot na may mga ganitong setbacks.
Napansin ko rin na may ilang parts sa story na nawala, lalo na ‘yung POV ni Roen, which for me is a very important part of the story. Dahil doon, napabalik na lang talaga ako sa Wattpad para doon i-re-read ‘yung POV niya.
Hindi rin ito yung first time na naka-encounter ako ng book from the same publishing house na may mga typo. Pero umasa ako na sana nag-improve na sila. Sana sa mga susunod nilang ipu-publish, bigyan ng mas puspusang editing at proofreading para hindi masayang ‘yung ganda ng kwento at effort ng author, pati na rin ‘yung pinaghirapang pera ng readers.
Pero kung Wattpad version ng JN11 ang pagbabasehan, hands down 5 stars talaga. Super interesting ng story, nakakakilig ang RoenKai, at recommended ko ito for anyone na naghahanap ng light BL story with a touch of sports.
January 25, 2025
The story really knows how to make kilig—from the use of chat exchanges, the numerous series of gifts, and their cute reactions. The integration of volleyball also plays a significant role in the story, it effectively moves the narrative forward and highlights the evolving dynamics between the two main characters.
However, the narrative feels overly fluffy at times, with a noticeable lack of substantial conflict. When conflicts do arise, they are resolved too quickly, often within a few chapters, which lessens their emotional impact. The climax, unfortunately, doesn’t carry the weight or tension expected, as the stakes feel superficial.
Another area for improvement is in the descriptive details. Vince, Kiko, Paul, and Drew, dubbed as the "apat na itlog," live up to their name metaphorically because it’s hard to visualize them. The lack of vivid descriptions makes it challenging to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Additionally, numerous errors (spelling mistakes, missing spaces, and punctuation issues) disrupt the reading flow and detract from the overall experience.
That said, this is still an enjoyable feel-good read. Despite its flaws, the simple word choices and lighthearted tone ensure a relatively smooth reading experience. Most importantly, it succeeds in delivering those kilig moments that will surely make your heart flutter.
However, the narrative feels overly fluffy at times, with a noticeable lack of substantial conflict. When conflicts do arise, they are resolved too quickly, often within a few chapters, which lessens their emotional impact. The climax, unfortunately, doesn’t carry the weight or tension expected, as the stakes feel superficial.
Another area for improvement is in the descriptive details. Vince, Kiko, Paul, and Drew, dubbed as the "apat na itlog," live up to their name metaphorically because it’s hard to visualize them. The lack of vivid descriptions makes it challenging to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Additionally, numerous errors (spelling mistakes, missing spaces, and punctuation issues) disrupt the reading flow and detract from the overall experience.
That said, this is still an enjoyable feel-good read. Despite its flaws, the simple word choices and lighthearted tone ensure a relatively smooth reading experience. Most importantly, it succeeds in delivering those kilig moments that will surely make your heart flutter.
March 8, 2025
4.5
Setting aside the numerous typo errors, this book radiates a top-tier feel-good experience.
Noong una ang dami ko pang hinahanap na dahilan at elemento sa kuwento... like bakit niya gusto si ganito, bakit sya na fall kay ano and stuff like that. I was like putting so many external factors into the book na wala naman talaga sa kuwento. Then, I realized, God, I was becoming one of those entitled people who wanted the writer to write the book from their perspective, not from his. Ginusto ko siyang alisan ng authenticity. So when I left the story alone and read it as it is without being pakeelamero, and let the writer be his authentic self, doon ko na-realize na bakit gustong-gusto siya ng mga reader.
Grabe si Xelebi, ang galing magpakilig. I like the dialogues, sobrang natural. He used actions to show kilig that I've never read before. And boy, I have read a lot of BL books. Xelebi broke down each sentence and chapter to make them more digestible. Also, I don't get the other reviews saying na walang major conflict/challenges sa story when Kai's struggle to come out to his family was a very big deal for me. Jerome and Carlos' thing in the end was amazing too.
Medyo naparesearch din ako sa volleyball terms just to better understand some scenes dahil hindi naman ako into VB.
Overall, grabe, husay!
Setting aside the numerous typo errors, this book radiates a top-tier feel-good experience.
Noong una ang dami ko pang hinahanap na dahilan at elemento sa kuwento... like bakit niya gusto si ganito, bakit sya na fall kay ano and stuff like that. I was like putting so many external factors into the book na wala naman talaga sa kuwento. Then, I realized, God, I was becoming one of those entitled people who wanted the writer to write the book from their perspective, not from his. Ginusto ko siyang alisan ng authenticity. So when I left the story alone and read it as it is without being pakeelamero, and let the writer be his authentic self, doon ko na-realize na bakit gustong-gusto siya ng mga reader.
Grabe si Xelebi, ang galing magpakilig. I like the dialogues, sobrang natural. He used actions to show kilig that I've never read before. And boy, I have read a lot of BL books. Xelebi broke down each sentence and chapter to make them more digestible. Also, I don't get the other reviews saying na walang major conflict/challenges sa story when Kai's struggle to come out to his family was a very big deal for me. Jerome and Carlos' thing in the end was amazing too.
Medyo naparesearch din ako sa volleyball terms just to better understand some scenes dahil hindi naman ako into VB.
Overall, grabe, husay!
September 26, 2025
A story about unexpected journey of love that tackles coming-out and the nervousness that comes with it.
I actually expected something more of coming-of-age story but it was a flat story I guess. I feel it needs to be more descriptive, particularly in certain moments that warrant visual exploration. But I like it the way it feels like a real life story of someone who’s been in love in a mysterious way. The author’s direct approach in many scenes makes the story feel more human. The subtle relationship between the two main protagonists feels grounded in reality.
While Xelebi's debut story has both good and bad points, it is still worth reading.
Thanks, Number Eleven!
I actually expected something more of coming-of-age story but it was a flat story I guess. I feel it needs to be more descriptive, particularly in certain moments that warrant visual exploration. But I like it the way it feels like a real life story of someone who’s been in love in a mysterious way. The author’s direct approach in many scenes makes the story feel more human. The subtle relationship between the two main protagonists feels grounded in reality.
While Xelebi's debut story has both good and bad points, it is still worth reading.
Thanks, Number Eleven!
May 31, 2025
This is a really good one. I liked both of the leads and they have lot of cute moments together. Even though I'm not into sports, the volleyball aspect was integrated well into the romance
February 10, 2025
i am baffled by the amount of typos in this book. i can tolerate maybe 5 or even 10 but more than that, it gets annoying. some of the worst were: “sumang0ayon” pp. 155, two instances of “amg” pp. 151, “Hinawakan niya pa ako sa balika habang naglalakd...” pp. 106. first time kong maka-encounter ng ganito karaming errors sa isang libro and it’s insulting for me as a reader.
story-wise, it’s... meh. well, it got me hooked on the first act. but afterwards, it’s just a series of sweetness with no real sense of conflict. it went exactly where you’d thought it would be, without any surprises whatsoever. the romance part worked on some areas, but some of it were reused over and over again, like for example, ung tinginan during games tapos expected mo na na mamumula ung isa, or ung part na mahahagip sila ng camera, those worked well the first time, pero nung inulit-ulit na, nawala na ung impact.
the technical descriptions of the volleyball gameplay scenes were impressive. feel mo talaga na immersed ka sa game, especially sa first act. yet some scenes were just too short. may action, kaso, parang a few rallies lang tas summarized na agad, score na lang agad. i get it naman. it would divert the story if it focused too much on the sport. kaso sa dami ng volleyball scenes per chapter tas puro summarized ang feel, parang nagiging filler scenes na lang tuloy ang treatment.
siguro sa compellingness ako nakulangan. they already told each other that they love one another many times, they have shown it too with their actions, yet i still am not convinced. i didn’t feel the love even after finishing it. siguro’y dahil i didn’t get to fully know them. i didn’t know much about their fears, or an important backstory event, or shown a scene where their love was really tested. it’s just too busy on being cute and light—which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not just for me.
but i do get the hype for it tho. if u only want kilig and an easy light read, then this one is for you.
story-wise, it’s... meh. well, it got me hooked on the first act. but afterwards, it’s just a series of sweetness with no real sense of conflict. it went exactly where you’d thought it would be, without any surprises whatsoever. the romance part worked on some areas, but some of it were reused over and over again, like for example, ung tinginan during games tapos expected mo na na mamumula ung isa, or ung part na mahahagip sila ng camera, those worked well the first time, pero nung inulit-ulit na, nawala na ung impact.
the technical descriptions of the volleyball gameplay scenes were impressive. feel mo talaga na immersed ka sa game, especially sa first act. yet some scenes were just too short. may action, kaso, parang a few rallies lang tas summarized na agad, score na lang agad. i get it naman. it would divert the story if it focused too much on the sport. kaso sa dami ng volleyball scenes per chapter tas puro summarized ang feel, parang nagiging filler scenes na lang tuloy ang treatment.
siguro sa compellingness ako nakulangan. they already told each other that they love one another many times, they have shown it too with their actions, yet i still am not convinced. i didn’t feel the love even after finishing it. siguro’y dahil i didn’t get to fully know them. i didn’t know much about their fears, or an important backstory event, or shown a scene where their love was really tested. it’s just too busy on being cute and light—which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not just for me.
but i do get the hype for it tho. if u only want kilig and an easy light read, then this one is for you.
August 19, 2025
This book is honestly pretty interesting! Fast-paced yung story pero hindi nawawala yung buong-buo na emotions, feelings, at solid na storyline. I love how the author portrayed Roen Alejo as the soft boy type, while Kaizen Reyes is the bubbly guy—and the fact na volleyball ang sports nila makes the book feel very Gen Z. 🏐✨
Ang downside lang for me is sobrang direct ng narration. And because of that, medyo nawawala yung interaction between the reader and the story. Like, Imbes na tayo mismo yung mag-o-overthink or maghuhula sa mga mangyayari, nagiging predictable na siya at parang spoon-fed lahat.
Pero just like I said, this book is pretty interesting kasi kahit spoon-fed na ang next chapters, hinding Hindi pa rin mawawala yung interest mo sa book. Parang dinadala ka ni XELEBI (author) sa mismong book dahil damang dama mo yung mga nangyayari.
So, if you're looking for a book na papatayin ka sa kilig at gustong maranasan ang ma-trato nang Tama, this book is for you.
Ang downside lang for me is sobrang direct ng narration. And because of that, medyo nawawala yung interaction between the reader and the story. Like, Imbes na tayo mismo yung mag-o-overthink or maghuhula sa mga mangyayari, nagiging predictable na siya at parang spoon-fed lahat.
Pero just like I said, this book is pretty interesting kasi kahit spoon-fed na ang next chapters, hinding Hindi pa rin mawawala yung interest mo sa book. Parang dinadala ka ni XELEBI (author) sa mismong book dahil damang dama mo yung mga nangyayari.
So, if you're looking for a book na papatayin ka sa kilig at gustong maranasan ang ma-trato nang Tama, this book is for you.
June 11, 2025
this broke my reading slump + the first ever LGBTQ+ book i've ever read in my entire life. i first wanted to read this because i heard the characters were based on Minwon sooo i went ahead and read it.
it's a very straightforward and light read. the characters are also probably the most green flag characters i have ever read in my life — especially Kaizen's family (knowing this is in a Filipino setup).
after reading the physical copy, i also went ahead and read the wattpad version of the book. i kinda wished Roen's POV was more highlighted in the physical book but the wattpad version tackles it anyway so i guess it's okay.
take away from the book : sana ma facial hit din ng isang Roen Alejo! Kimi.
it's a very straightforward and light read. the characters are also probably the most green flag characters i have ever read in my life — especially Kaizen's family (knowing this is in a Filipino setup).
after reading the physical copy, i also went ahead and read the wattpad version of the book. i kinda wished Roen's POV was more highlighted in the physical book but the wattpad version tackles it anyway so i guess it's okay.
take away from the book : sana ma facial hit din ng isang Roen Alejo! Kimi.
April 24, 2025
GRABE putting aside the typos talaga, sobrang kilig and amazing ng book na 'to :)) May mga scenes na I felt na rushed or plot points na nadisregard (eg. yung leaked photos nila and the apology, how Roen fell first) PERO GRABE ANG OVERWHELMING NG KILIG 🥹🥹🥹 HIGHLY RECOMMEND
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2025
Parang hindi man lang na-proofread?
December 15, 2025
Rating: 3.25/5 ⭐
Not much conflict. Falls into the BL trope of nation widely being outed but doesn't really flesh out the perpetrators. Roen feels too perfect to the point where he doesn't feel like a person but just a one-way cheat code in everything, Kai just needs to depend on Roen and everything is fixed.
It would be nice if there was a Roen POV to humanize him or explore how he fell for Kai. His reasoning for his crush feels too shallow for it to withstand that long.
Jerome and Carlos' side story felt it had more depth to it despite only being 2 chapters.
Don't get me wrong though, the kilig factors in this book were really good, reason I rated it above average. Would've been a solid 4⭐ because I can tolerate the lovey dovey cheesy cliche plot but the numerous typos pull me out of the immersion.
Not much conflict. Falls into the BL trope of nation widely being outed but doesn't really flesh out the perpetrators. Roen feels too perfect to the point where he doesn't feel like a person but just a one-way cheat code in everything, Kai just needs to depend on Roen and everything is fixed.
It would be nice if there was a Roen POV to humanize him or explore how he fell for Kai. His reasoning for his crush feels too shallow for it to withstand that long.
Jerome and Carlos' side story felt it had more depth to it despite only being 2 chapters.
Don't get me wrong though, the kilig factors in this book were really good, reason I rated it above average. Would've been a solid 4⭐ because I can tolerate the lovey dovey cheesy cliche plot but the numerous typos pull me out of the immersion.
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