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Meant To Be In Manila
She’s done with destiny. He’s chasing the past. But fate has other plans.
Sophia Eunice Joaquin is done believing in "meant to be." After uprooting her life for love—only to be ghosted the moment she lands in Vancouver—she’s heading back to Manila, heartbroken and humiliated.
Enter Rafael Herbert: an architect on a mission to win back the girl who ghosted him.
When a fateful seat assignment brings them together, they strike a wild deal—he'll be her fake fiancé for her brother’s wedding, and she’ll help him track down his lost love. But as they navigate Manila’s bustling streets, old churches, and hidden gems, their fake romance starts feeling a little too real.
Maybe love isn’t about finding the right person—it’s about finding the right person at the right time. And maybe, just maybe, that time is now.
If Anyone But You and Abby Jimenez’s Just For The Summer had a love child, it’d be this: a swoon-worthy and laugh-out-loud romance from National Bestselling author Mica De Leon of Love on the Second Read.
Sophia Eunice Joaquin is done believing in "meant to be." After uprooting her life for love—only to be ghosted the moment she lands in Vancouver—she’s heading back to Manila, heartbroken and humiliated.
Enter Rafael Herbert: an architect on a mission to win back the girl who ghosted him.
When a fateful seat assignment brings them together, they strike a wild deal—he'll be her fake fiancé for her brother’s wedding, and she’ll help him track down his lost love. But as they navigate Manila’s bustling streets, old churches, and hidden gems, their fake romance starts feeling a little too real.
Maybe love isn’t about finding the right person—it’s about finding the right person at the right time. And maybe, just maybe, that time is now.
If Anyone But You and Abby Jimenez’s Just For The Summer had a love child, it’d be this: a swoon-worthy and laugh-out-loud romance from National Bestselling author Mica De Leon of Love on the Second Read.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
Unknown Binding
First published August 12, 2025
About the author
Mica De Leon
10 books97 followersMica De Leon is the author of six books published by Penguin Random House SEA. Her first novel, Love on the Second Read, is a rom-com set in the Philippines about two Filipino book editors. She is also the author of the Seedmage Cycle Trilogy books—Winds Of War, Veins Of Power, and Seeds Of Conquest—which is an epic, high fantasy trilogy inspired by Philippine myths and folklore.
She is a Filipino author of swoony romance comedy novels and epic fantasy novels, and she has won the Don Carlos Palanca Awards for Literature in 2019 and 2022 for her essays on romance, feminism, history, fantasy, and the Filipino identity. She is also the Executive Editor of one of the leading publishing houses in the Philippines and has produced over 200 books in her ten years there.
She likes walking on the beach, dogs, cats, swoony and spicy romance novels, epic, sci-fi-fantasy novels, Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere books, Pierce Brown’s Red Rising, and Taylor Swift. She is still trying (and failing) to meet all the impossible deadlines she gave herself five years ago.
Connect with her on Instagram and Tiktok at @micadeleonwrites and on Threads and X at @micadlwrites.
She is a Filipino author of swoony romance comedy novels and epic fantasy novels, and she has won the Don Carlos Palanca Awards for Literature in 2019 and 2022 for her essays on romance, feminism, history, fantasy, and the Filipino identity. She is also the Executive Editor of one of the leading publishing houses in the Philippines and has produced over 200 books in her ten years there.
She likes walking on the beach, dogs, cats, swoony and spicy romance novels, epic, sci-fi-fantasy novels, Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere books, Pierce Brown’s Red Rising, and Taylor Swift. She is still trying (and failing) to meet all the impossible deadlines she gave herself five years ago.
Connect with her on Instagram and Tiktok at @micadeleonwrites and on Threads and X at @micadlwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 13, 2025
mica de leon has a beautiful way of capturing readers through her raw portrayal of human emotions and realistic expression of grief; she doesn’t shy away from fleshing out the emotions that her characters go through, the loneliness that Sophia/Rafal felt, the confusion and life crisis that they experienced.
meant to be in manila is a story of two filipino, Sophia and Rafal meeting each other at the Vancouver Airport, meet-cute.. except it’s not a meet-cute at all because Rafal (a canadian-filipino stranger) found sophia WEEPING in the corner alone after being ghosted by her long-distance canadian boyfriend (who convinced her that he was going to marry her if she comes to canada), so rafal went to comfort sophia. fate brings them back together when they were seated next to each other in the plane back to Manila. rafal on the other hand finally is going to step foot on his homeland for the first time ever, in his journey of finding his online long-distance filipino girlfriend.. who woke up one day and chose to just cut him off.
sophia and rafal are strangers, yet somehow.. they feel connected with what they are going through and their predicament, so they eventually find themselves back to each other.
first of all, i’d like to appreciate how the plot doesn’t go: sophia is actually rafal’s long-distance girlfriend, because this would’ve been the easy way out and i can’t see imagine myself getting entertained by this coincidence. so yes, read this book, sophia and rafal are not each other’s online partner.
the story began with one similarity between sophia & rafal—taking a leap of faith for the person that they love—and the story continued to revolve around this theme, which is beautiful imo how mica de leon re-connected the later plot to what has happened in the beginning.
what i love the most about Meant To Be In Manila is how the characters are given ample and necessary time to process what happens in their life—which i think is extremely important in books because this is where the character development usually happens. the author doesn’t brush away her characters’ emotions, she painted the gloomy and dull feelings into a burst of colours that made this book one whole beautiful painting.
the fake boyfriend plot in MTBIM is really interesting imo; a half-filipino growing up in canada, we can see how rafal’s brain may have been wired differently than Sophia, a filipino living and growing up in the asian culture. for instance, sophia’s tita(s) never knowing how to mind their own business to the point that it frustrated sophia, seems to rafal like a boundary issue—though yes it can get to this—but deep in sophia’s heart she knows it’s how the tita(s) have been raised and it symbolises their love and care towards her.
there will also be MANY characters in sophia’s family, so i’d recommend you to read when you have the time to relax and chill and read, that way you can get immersed into the whole story with all the tita(s) shoving their head into your business affairs hihi.
since rafal is a canadian-filipino who has never had the chance to step foot in the phillipines,
the author did a good job in including historical context of Philippines into the book. some parts might be a bit confusing for me but isn’t that what histories are for? to be told over the generations despite how “complex” it is. no worries though, mica de leon doesn’t do info-dumping.
although it took me some time to get invested into the story in the beginning, the story flows smoothly as it progressed. since i was busy while reading this book, it feels natural to get back into the story even after a while.
one thing that i wish could be more fleshed out in the book is the connection that rafal shares with and love that he has to the girl who ghosted him, because as much as i understand sophia’s standpoint seeing rafal having this last invisible wall that sophia can’t break through, i wish rafal’s adoration and feelings towards the ex could be more expressed over the whole story, so that i can understand why rafal has a really hard time letting go of the memory of and connection with the ex.
all in all, this was a great book from mica de leon. she writes romance with the necessary emotions to capture the readers heart and put readers in the shoes of her characters. i’d love to explore more works from her! thank you Penguin Books SEA for sending this to me 🪷
meant to be in manila is a story of two filipino, Sophia and Rafal meeting each other at the Vancouver Airport, meet-cute.. except it’s not a meet-cute at all because Rafal (a canadian-filipino stranger) found sophia WEEPING in the corner alone after being ghosted by her long-distance canadian boyfriend (who convinced her that he was going to marry her if she comes to canada), so rafal went to comfort sophia. fate brings them back together when they were seated next to each other in the plane back to Manila. rafal on the other hand finally is going to step foot on his homeland for the first time ever, in his journey of finding his online long-distance filipino girlfriend.. who woke up one day and chose to just cut him off.
sophia and rafal are strangers, yet somehow.. they feel connected with what they are going through and their predicament, so they eventually find themselves back to each other.
first of all, i’d like to appreciate how the plot doesn’t go: sophia is actually rafal’s long-distance girlfriend, because this would’ve been the easy way out and i can’t see imagine myself getting entertained by this coincidence. so yes, read this book, sophia and rafal are not each other’s online partner.
the story began with one similarity between sophia & rafal—taking a leap of faith for the person that they love—and the story continued to revolve around this theme, which is beautiful imo how mica de leon re-connected the later plot to what has happened in the beginning.
what i love the most about Meant To Be In Manila is how the characters are given ample and necessary time to process what happens in their life—which i think is extremely important in books because this is where the character development usually happens. the author doesn’t brush away her characters’ emotions, she painted the gloomy and dull feelings into a burst of colours that made this book one whole beautiful painting.
the fake boyfriend plot in MTBIM is really interesting imo; a half-filipino growing up in canada, we can see how rafal’s brain may have been wired differently than Sophia, a filipino living and growing up in the asian culture. for instance, sophia’s tita(s) never knowing how to mind their own business to the point that it frustrated sophia, seems to rafal like a boundary issue—though yes it can get to this—but deep in sophia’s heart she knows it’s how the tita(s) have been raised and it symbolises their love and care towards her.
there will also be MANY characters in sophia’s family, so i’d recommend you to read when you have the time to relax and chill and read, that way you can get immersed into the whole story with all the tita(s) shoving their head into your business affairs hihi.
since rafal is a canadian-filipino who has never had the chance to step foot in the phillipines,
the author did a good job in including historical context of Philippines into the book. some parts might be a bit confusing for me but isn’t that what histories are for? to be told over the generations despite how “complex” it is. no worries though, mica de leon doesn’t do info-dumping.
although it took me some time to get invested into the story in the beginning, the story flows smoothly as it progressed. since i was busy while reading this book, it feels natural to get back into the story even after a while.
one thing that i wish could be more fleshed out in the book is the connection that rafal shares with and love that he has to the girl who ghosted him, because as much as i understand sophia’s standpoint seeing rafal having this last invisible wall that sophia can’t break through, i wish rafal’s adoration and feelings towards the ex could be more expressed over the whole story, so that i can understand why rafal has a really hard time letting go of the memory of and connection with the ex.
all in all, this was a great book from mica de leon. she writes romance with the necessary emotions to capture the readers heart and put readers in the shoes of her characters. i’d love to explore more works from her! thank you Penguin Books SEA for sending this to me 🪷
March 10, 2026
I enjoyed Meant to Be in Manila so much that while I was putting a plastic cover on the book, I accidentally finished it.
The story follows a fake-dating trope, but it also dives into deeper topics like what happened during the dictatorship in the Philippines. I loved how it portrayed Filipino family dynamics, the strong matriarch, the chaos of a big family, and the very familiar culture of our Titas gossiping or even giving us passive/aggressive compliments haha!
It felt warm, relatable, and very Filipino. Definitely a fun and meaningful read. I love Sophia and Rafal 🥺.
The story follows a fake-dating trope, but it also dives into deeper topics like what happened during the dictatorship in the Philippines. I loved how it portrayed Filipino family dynamics, the strong matriarch, the chaos of a big family, and the very familiar culture of our Titas gossiping or even giving us passive/aggressive compliments haha!
It felt warm, relatable, and very Filipino. Definitely a fun and meaningful read. I love Sophia and Rafal 🥺.
August 17, 2025
I ate this up, Meant To Be In Manila reminds me so much of the meddlesome family members from crazy rich asians, it's a really fast paced one, fun, filled with history and good food. I feel like i'm being transported to Manila with all the places & foods mentioned here.
There're a lot of things (or dramas perhaps) to digest in the 2nd half of the book, but I really like the happy ending and fake relationship trope of this read 😍
There're a lot of things (or dramas perhaps) to digest in the 2nd half of the book, but I really like the happy ending and fake relationship trope of this read 😍
March 28, 2026
This isn’t your typical fluff, fake-dating romance. Beyond the kilig, it dives into Filipino customs, traditions, and even the stereotypes we navigate. What really stood out was how Martial Law in the Philippines was woven so seamlessly into the story. It never felt forced.
The way the characters are haunted by their past and left without closure mirrors our own history during the dictatorship era—something that still lingers, still shapes us, and should never be forgotten. History lives on in our present and our future.
The characters are so well-written. They are flawed, messy, and deeply human, which made them all the more real for me. Easily one of my best reads of 2026 🫶 Can’t wait to read more from Ms. Mica!
The way the characters are haunted by their past and left without closure mirrors our own history during the dictatorship era—something that still lingers, still shapes us, and should never be forgotten. History lives on in our present and our future.
The characters are so well-written. They are flawed, messy, and deeply human, which made them all the more real for me. Easily one of my best reads of 2026 🫶 Can’t wait to read more from Ms. Mica!
August 28, 2026
I'm so conflicted about this book. 😩
Things I liked:
• Above all else, Meant To Be In Manila is a tribute to modern-day Filipino culture—the good, the bad, and everything in between. This book dissects toxic family dynamics, judgmental attitudes, gossip culture, and fondness for over-the-top drama; but it's also careful to show friendship, devotion, the peace that can be found in connecting with one's roots, and the beauty of a Manila sunset.
• Mica de Leon ably shows the reader how deeply embedded and interconnected history is to our lives today. The past isn't just a set of lessons in a HEKASI textbook. It determines almost everything about who we are as a people. As Sophia describes it,"They say that Filipinos lost their identity when Manila fell, but I don't think that's true. I think it's centuries of being forced to stretch ourselves in different ways that have made us merely shadows of what we once were. No one can even tell exactly what the Filipino identity is today. As a way of surviving the many conquests, Filipinos had to elarn to give way to every imperialist—the Spanish, the Americans, the Japanese, the dictator—until the time came when we as a people became so malleable, easily shaped and reshaped by each conqueror. We had to learn the heard way that conquerors can also come from among us."
Things I didn't like:
• Hoo boy, this book could've used better editing. Slogging through that many grammatical errors in a published novel is not an experience I would wish on any reader.
• I was not a fan of how Hannah and William's B-plot was handled. I find it so strange that the book emphasizes just how much Hannah values her independence, strength, and innate personal value beyond being a wife and mother, and yet the book ends with her happily marrying William and agreeing that maybe having children wouldn't be so bad after all. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's female characters who strongly profess to not wanting children, only to change their mind at the end because of ✨ true love ✨. Ignorant people already spew that kind of rhetoric in real life; I don't need to see it in fiction too.
• Although I loved Rafal and Sophia individually as characters, their chemistry was basically non-existent.
Things I liked:
• Above all else, Meant To Be In Manila is a tribute to modern-day Filipino culture—the good, the bad, and everything in between. This book dissects toxic family dynamics, judgmental attitudes, gossip culture, and fondness for over-the-top drama; but it's also careful to show friendship, devotion, the peace that can be found in connecting with one's roots, and the beauty of a Manila sunset.
• Mica de Leon ably shows the reader how deeply embedded and interconnected history is to our lives today. The past isn't just a set of lessons in a HEKASI textbook. It determines almost everything about who we are as a people. As Sophia describes it,"They say that Filipinos lost their identity when Manila fell, but I don't think that's true. I think it's centuries of being forced to stretch ourselves in different ways that have made us merely shadows of what we once were. No one can even tell exactly what the Filipino identity is today. As a way of surviving the many conquests, Filipinos had to elarn to give way to every imperialist—the Spanish, the Americans, the Japanese, the dictator—until the time came when we as a people became so malleable, easily shaped and reshaped by each conqueror. We had to learn the heard way that conquerors can also come from among us."
Things I didn't like:
• Hoo boy, this book could've used better editing. Slogging through that many grammatical errors in a published novel is not an experience I would wish on any reader.
• I was not a fan of how Hannah and William's B-plot was handled. I find it so strange that the book emphasizes just how much Hannah values her independence, strength, and innate personal value beyond being a wife and mother, and yet the book ends with her happily marrying William and agreeing that maybe having children wouldn't be so bad after all. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's female characters who strongly profess to not wanting children, only to change their mind at the end because of ✨ true love ✨. Ignorant people already spew that kind of rhetoric in real life; I don't need to see it in fiction too.
• Although I loved Rafal and Sophia individually as characters, their chemistry was basically non-existent.
October 14, 2025
Mica De Leon delivered so much on this one! The Filipino culture representation was spot on—from the historical places, tourist spots, and even the mention of Filipino food (ehem Jollibee ehem halo-halo ehem)! It made me feel that I really took a trip around Manila (plus points how she also did her book launch for this, you should see the social media posts!). It also tackled Filipino customs, traditions, and even stereotypes. As a Filipino, I really got most of the references.
I love how the characters of Sofia and Rafael felt like they were actually real people, like you would surely see someone in your life that you know in them. Beyond the main characters, Sofia's family would really take you on a crazy ride—especially her titas (aunts). Her Lola Consuela was such a wonderful character to explore. I was blown away how at some point in the story, it showed a connection between Rafael and Sofia's family's pasts. Sooo worth reading! Plus, there's another twist still related to the two mains you wouldn't expect. You really have to pay attention to every detail in the story.
I had fun reading this book, it was such a fun, fast-paced read. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. If I were to compare this with Love on The Second Read, this was more mature, and you can feel Mica really bared her everything in writing this one.
Sometimes meant to be is not meant to be, but rather love at the right time and the right place with the right person.
Favorite quotes, probably:
"Sometimes, you live without closure and let the ghosts linger in your memories. Other times, you have to close the book yourself, let the ghost stay long enough to see that they don't scare you anymore, long enough to know that you've learned to live with them constantly hanging about, long enough to know when it's time to let go."
"How is it that those who were closest to us were those who could hurt us the most? Love was a dagger that could be turned against you."
"Love is simple. You choose to love somebody, you keep choosing to love her for the rest of your life, you know?"
I love how the characters of Sofia and Rafael felt like they were actually real people, like you would surely see someone in your life that you know in them. Beyond the main characters, Sofia's family would really take you on a crazy ride—especially her titas (aunts). Her Lola Consuela was such a wonderful character to explore. I was blown away how at some point in the story, it showed a connection between Rafael and Sofia's family's pasts. Sooo worth reading! Plus, there's another twist still related to the two mains you wouldn't expect. You really have to pay attention to every detail in the story.
I had fun reading this book, it was such a fun, fast-paced read. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. If I were to compare this with Love on The Second Read, this was more mature, and you can feel Mica really bared her everything in writing this one.
Sometimes meant to be is not meant to be, but rather love at the right time and the right place with the right person.
Favorite quotes, probably:
"Sometimes, you live without closure and let the ghosts linger in your memories. Other times, you have to close the book yourself, let the ghost stay long enough to see that they don't scare you anymore, long enough to know that you've learned to live with them constantly hanging about, long enough to know when it's time to let go."
"How is it that those who were closest to us were those who could hurt us the most? Love was a dagger that could be turned against you."
"Love is simple. You choose to love somebody, you keep choosing to love her for the rest of your life, you know?"
August 30, 2025
✅ Airport meet cute
✅ Strangers to friends to lovers
✅ Fake relationship
✅ Supportive best friend
The story follows Sophia on her way back to Manila after being ghosted in Vancouver by a guy she had been dating online. Then comes Raphael, also on his way to Manila, but in search of the girl who disappeared on him. By fate, they end up seated next to each other on the plane and that’s where their story begins.
This book gave me such a nostalgic feeling, like being transported back to those afternoons when I’d watch Filipino romcoms on TV with my mum and grandma. I loved how Mica De Leon wove in pieces of history, culture, places, and food, it made me feel like I was exploring Manila alongside Sophia and Raphael.
One detail that stood out to me was the ‘mano po’, a traditional greeting of respect to elders. It is a familiar gesture in Malay culture as well, where we take an elder’s hand and place it on our forehead (or sometimes kiss it).
The second half of the book definitely has its fair share of drama, but I liked how everything unfolded for Sophia and Raphael in the end. And while I don’t usually gravitate towards the fake relationship trope, it surprisingly worked for me here.
Overall, this felt like a heartwarming tale of fate, about finding the right person at the right time and realising that sometimes, things are just meant to be.
Thank you @penguinbookssea for sending me this review copy!
✅ Strangers to friends to lovers
✅ Fake relationship
✅ Supportive best friend
The story follows Sophia on her way back to Manila after being ghosted in Vancouver by a guy she had been dating online. Then comes Raphael, also on his way to Manila, but in search of the girl who disappeared on him. By fate, they end up seated next to each other on the plane and that’s where their story begins.
This book gave me such a nostalgic feeling, like being transported back to those afternoons when I’d watch Filipino romcoms on TV with my mum and grandma. I loved how Mica De Leon wove in pieces of history, culture, places, and food, it made me feel like I was exploring Manila alongside Sophia and Raphael.
One detail that stood out to me was the ‘mano po’, a traditional greeting of respect to elders. It is a familiar gesture in Malay culture as well, where we take an elder’s hand and place it on our forehead (or sometimes kiss it).
The second half of the book definitely has its fair share of drama, but I liked how everything unfolded for Sophia and Raphael in the end. And while I don’t usually gravitate towards the fake relationship trope, it surprisingly worked for me here.
Overall, this felt like a heartwarming tale of fate, about finding the right person at the right time and realising that sometimes, things are just meant to be.
Thank you @penguinbookssea for sending me this review copy!
May 23, 2026
This is the first book by Mica de Leon that I've read and I love, love, love it. Not just the writing style but how relatable and Filipino it is.
It started off fun and light that it had me giggling while reading. Not just with the chemistry of Sophia and Rafal, but because of the familiar side characters in the Filipino Family setting — people you'd love and hate at the same time (because come on, nosy relatives, especially those who want in on the wedding preparations or your love life, right?)
As the story deepens, the characters' motives and fears get fleshed out making them even more relatable, and then you'll realize it's not just about closures, or looking for a place to belong, or facing one's fears.
The story is more than just romance (strangers-to-friends-to-lovers trope). It's holistic because it tackles internal struggles, relationship issues between friends and family members told against the backdrop of history, politics and current events, and a bit of Manila tour too. It may seem too much, but the author wove these things together beautifully that it wasn't info-dumping at all. It's almost like a walking tour of Manila where both the beautiful an ugly sides are shown.
This is probably one of the books that I read in under 3 days. That only goes to show how much I enjoyed reading this book.
Swipe left for the lines, conversations and thoughts that resonated with me.
It started off fun and light that it had me giggling while reading. Not just with the chemistry of Sophia and Rafal, but because of the familiar side characters in the Filipino Family setting — people you'd love and hate at the same time (because come on, nosy relatives, especially those who want in on the wedding preparations or your love life, right?)
As the story deepens, the characters' motives and fears get fleshed out making them even more relatable, and then you'll realize it's not just about closures, or looking for a place to belong, or facing one's fears.
The story is more than just romance (strangers-to-friends-to-lovers trope). It's holistic because it tackles internal struggles, relationship issues between friends and family members told against the backdrop of history, politics and current events, and a bit of Manila tour too. It may seem too much, but the author wove these things together beautifully that it wasn't info-dumping at all. It's almost like a walking tour of Manila where both the beautiful an ugly sides are shown.
This is probably one of the books that I read in under 3 days. That only goes to show how much I enjoyed reading this book.
Swipe left for the lines, conversations and thoughts that resonated with me.
January 19, 2026
Meant to Be in Manila is exactly the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve closed the book. I know it will stay with me for the rest of the year because I simply couldn’t let go of the endearing journey of Sophia and Rafal.
From the very beginning, Sophia gave me the most relatable moments of what it’s like to be Filipino—her thoughts, her struggles, her quiet hopes. Somewhere along the way, I found myself resonating deeply with her character, which made the reading experience even more special. I was fully invested in her journey, walking alongside her through Manila, and slowly falling for the story the same way she did.
And Rafal . . . do I need to say more? Should I book a ticket to Vancouver and find myself a guy like him? HAHAHA, kidding (but not really). He’s charming, thoughtful, and written with so much heart that it’s impossible not to adore him. Their dynamic felt natural, comforting, and sincere.
What made this book stand out even more for me was how Mica de Leon reminded me why I love romance stories in the first place, not because they promise perfection, but because they celebrate connection, timing, and choosing to stay. Meant to Be in Manila didn’t just tell a love story; it captured moments of longing, belonging, and finding your place, whether in a city or in someone’s life.
From the very beginning, Sophia gave me the most relatable moments of what it’s like to be Filipino—her thoughts, her struggles, her quiet hopes. Somewhere along the way, I found myself resonating deeply with her character, which made the reading experience even more special. I was fully invested in her journey, walking alongside her through Manila, and slowly falling for the story the same way she did.
And Rafal . . . do I need to say more? Should I book a ticket to Vancouver and find myself a guy like him? HAHAHA, kidding (but not really). He’s charming, thoughtful, and written with so much heart that it’s impossible not to adore him. Their dynamic felt natural, comforting, and sincere.
What made this book stand out even more for me was how Mica de Leon reminded me why I love romance stories in the first place, not because they promise perfection, but because they celebrate connection, timing, and choosing to stay. Meant to Be in Manila didn’t just tell a love story; it captured moments of longing, belonging, and finding your place, whether in a city or in someone’s life.
September 14, 2026
I liked the bits of history about Manila and martial law at the start, but the cultural references were so aggressive and in-your-face that it gets painfully cringey. Why are we over-explaining piaya and tilapia? Nobody talks like that in a real conversation. While reading this, I genuinely couldn't stop thinking about Jo Koy, his Filipino stereotype jokes, and Mama Lulu saying, “idiot.”
It got a little better in the middle when they were starting to fall in love. I was beginning to root for them until Sophia started acting stupid again and reminded me why I never liked her in the first place.
She is so smart on paper, but completely dumb in real life. Overly sensitive and usually out of line. She was hurting Rafal deliberately by choosing to do stupid things. How many times does he have to prove he loves her before she stops pushing him away? She’s always assuming things and can't even talk to him like an adult and allow him to speak his truth. I skipped chapters when they were making love because she made me so mad. When Rafal asked her if she loves him, she had the audacity to tell him that she loves him “so much it breaks her heart over and over again.” Girl, the guy ain't breaking your heart; you are breaking your own heart.
I never thought a female main character could be so annoying that she would make me feel bad for the guy. 2 stars.
It got a little better in the middle when they were starting to fall in love. I was beginning to root for them until Sophia started acting stupid again and reminded me why I never liked her in the first place.
She is so smart on paper, but completely dumb in real life. Overly sensitive and usually out of line. She was hurting Rafal deliberately by choosing to do stupid things. How many times does he have to prove he loves her before she stops pushing him away? She’s always assuming things and can't even talk to him like an adult and allow him to speak his truth. I skipped chapters when they were making love because she made me so mad. When Rafal asked her if she loves him, she had the audacity to tell him that she loves him “so much it breaks her heart over and over again.” Girl, the guy ain't breaking your heart; you are breaking your own heart.
I never thought a female main character could be so annoying that she would make me feel bad for the guy. 2 stars.
July 11, 2026
As a Filipino, this story wrapped me in so much comfort. From the bustling streets of Manila to the little everyday details, everything felt so familiar and authentic that I couldn’t help but smile. It also reminded me that home isn’t just a place…it’s the people, memories, and moments that shape us.
Now, let’s talk about Sophia and Rafael.
Fake dating? I’m already in!
Their chemistry was so easy to love, and watching their relationship slowly blossom had me rooting for them from the very beginning. Yes, there were delightfully cheesy moments, but that’s part of its Pinoy charm.🤭
And can we talk about the spice? 👀 I definitely wasn’t expecting it! Let’s just say… Ms. Mica had me blushing. 😅
Beyond the romance, I loved how this story celebrates family, friendships, chasing dreams, and finding where you truly belong. Those heartfelt moments made this book even more special.♥️
As a certified hopeless romantic, the ending gave me all the kilig. 🥹💖
“Tinodo na ni Ms. Mica De Leon ang kilig!”
If you’re looking for a cozy contemporary romance filled with Filipino heart, lovable characters, and a setting that feels like a love letter to Manila, this is one you won’t want to miss. 🌷🇵🇭
Now, let’s talk about Sophia and Rafael.
Fake dating? I’m already in!
Their chemistry was so easy to love, and watching their relationship slowly blossom had me rooting for them from the very beginning. Yes, there were delightfully cheesy moments, but that’s part of its Pinoy charm.🤭
And can we talk about the spice? 👀 I definitely wasn’t expecting it! Let’s just say… Ms. Mica had me blushing. 😅
Beyond the romance, I loved how this story celebrates family, friendships, chasing dreams, and finding where you truly belong. Those heartfelt moments made this book even more special.♥️
As a certified hopeless romantic, the ending gave me all the kilig. 🥹💖
“Tinodo na ni Ms. Mica De Leon ang kilig!”
If you’re looking for a cozy contemporary romance filled with Filipino heart, lovable characters, and a setting that feels like a love letter to Manila, this is one you won’t want to miss. 🌷🇵🇭
July 26, 2026
A very timely read. 🥹
This story is more than a love story. it’s a story about timing, healing, and trusting that life has a way of unfolding when we’re ready for it.
Meant to Be in Manila is a heartfelt contemporary romance that explores love, friendship, self-discovery, and the beauty of second chances in the heart of Manila. It’s about chasing dreams, embracing life’s unexpected detours, and wondering whether some people are truly meant to find each other, even in a city of millions.
As someone who firmly believes that what’s meant to be will happen at the right time, in the right place, and with the right people, this story resonated deeply with me. No matter how much you want something, if it’s not the right time, pushing for it will only hurt you deeply. 😭
This also reminds us that delays aren’t always denials. Sometimes, they’re life’s way of preparing us for the things we’re truly meant to have. ✨ detours. ❤️
This is a very timely read, as I am currently struggling with accepting things just because they aren’t the things that I wanted. This story grounded me so much and reminded me that all things will always take their right course. Just trust that, in the end, everything will be okay, and even better and happier.
This story is more than a love story. it’s a story about timing, healing, and trusting that life has a way of unfolding when we’re ready for it.
Meant to Be in Manila is a heartfelt contemporary romance that explores love, friendship, self-discovery, and the beauty of second chances in the heart of Manila. It’s about chasing dreams, embracing life’s unexpected detours, and wondering whether some people are truly meant to find each other, even in a city of millions.
As someone who firmly believes that what’s meant to be will happen at the right time, in the right place, and with the right people, this story resonated deeply with me. No matter how much you want something, if it’s not the right time, pushing for it will only hurt you deeply. 😭
This also reminds us that delays aren’t always denials. Sometimes, they’re life’s way of preparing us for the things we’re truly meant to have. ✨ detours. ❤️
This is a very timely read, as I am currently struggling with accepting things just because they aren’t the things that I wanted. This story grounded me so much and reminded me that all things will always take their right course. Just trust that, in the end, everything will be okay, and even better and happier.
July 7, 2026
I thought this would be a typical contemporary romance with a simple meet-cute, a fake relationship, and the two leads eventually falling in love. But there was so much more to dive into. It wasn't just about the development of their relationship, but also about how Filipino culture can influence relationships and the way people view interracial couples. It can be beautiful, but it can also be toxic. The author portrayed it so realistically that I found myself relating to many of the situations.
There were also bits of Philippine history woven into the story since Sophia is a history teacher. Despite touching on the horrors of the Martial Law era and the Japanese occupation, it never felt overwhelming or overly heavy. I'm proud to say that I actually learned something while reading this.
If any of my non-Filipino friends want to learn more about Filipino culture, this is the book I'll immediately recommend.
There were also bits of Philippine history woven into the story since Sophia is a history teacher. Despite touching on the horrors of the Martial Law era and the Japanese occupation, it never felt overwhelming or overly heavy. I'm proud to say that I actually learned something while reading this.
If any of my non-Filipino friends want to learn more about Filipino culture, this is the book I'll immediately recommend.
September 18, 2025
This book somehow deepened my connection with my country. Although the stories were pieces of fiction, Mica entwined them with the actual events that were taught to us in History classes. While the romance is good from the tension, confessions, and the intimacy, I loved how the characters were all connected with the motherland, from Rafal, a "foreigner" in his own roots, to Lola Consuela, the woman who has gone through the most gruesome parts of our history.
So, I admit I liked this better than her first romance. At first, I didn't like Sophia's overexposition, but it grew on me when I realized that we do ramble on things we are passionate about.
So, I admit I liked this better than her first romance. At first, I didn't like Sophia's overexposition, but it grew on me when I realized that we do ramble on things we are passionate about.
September 20, 2025
Meant to Be in Manila is a FANTASTIC read. It’s probably my favorite Mica De Leon book! And here’s why 👀✨
• The characters are raw & humanized. I know some romance books tend to sugarcoat their characters, but MTBIM is unapologetically raw. The characters have personal struggles that are deeply rooted and very relatable. You might even find yourself saying, “Hey, that sounds like someone I know.” 😉
• Mentions of Manila & Philippine history! The way the story wove history into the narrative wasn’t forced at all—it flowed naturally, especially since Sophia is a history teacher. I even learned some new historical details from reading MTBIM!
• Love & ROMANCE! Okaaaay!!! The book didn’t just showcase romantic love—it also highlighted familial love. Sophia’s mother, Hannah & William—love that doesn’t judge, only accepts. And Lola Consuela! The woman that you are! 💖 Of course, the romance was there too—the kilig moments that made me squirm, squeal, and yearn for a Raphael! 🤭
• The characters are raw & humanized. I know some romance books tend to sugarcoat their characters, but MTBIM is unapologetically raw. The characters have personal struggles that are deeply rooted and very relatable. You might even find yourself saying, “Hey, that sounds like someone I know.” 😉
• Mentions of Manila & Philippine history! The way the story wove history into the narrative wasn’t forced at all—it flowed naturally, especially since Sophia is a history teacher. I even learned some new historical details from reading MTBIM!
• Love & ROMANCE! Okaaaay!!! The book didn’t just showcase romantic love—it also highlighted familial love. Sophia’s mother, Hannah & William—love that doesn’t judge, only accepts. And Lola Consuela! The woman that you are! 💖 Of course, the romance was there too—the kilig moments that made me squirm, squeal, and yearn for a Raphael! 🤭
February 14, 2026
Arghhh, ang ganda ng Meant to Be in Manila! From start to finish, hooked ako. I loved how it explored toxic family dynamics, friendship, politics, womanhood, and love. Hindi siya yung typical meet-cute romcom, but it felt extra close to my heart since it was written by a Filipino author.
May moments na ang daming misunderstandings na medyo nakaka-frustrate (lowkey didn’t love that), but everything came together so beautifully in the end. And those love confessions and realizations? Grabe. Kinilig talaga ako.
I didn’t expect this book to be this good, but I’m so happy to be proven wrong. Proof na Filipino authors are so good at what they do—and deserve more love.
May moments na ang daming misunderstandings na medyo nakaka-frustrate (lowkey didn’t love that), but everything came together so beautifully in the end. And those love confessions and realizations? Grabe. Kinilig talaga ako.
I didn’t expect this book to be this good, but I’m so happy to be proven wrong. Proof na Filipino authors are so good at what they do—and deserve more love.
April 2, 2026
Meant to Be in Manila is about Sophia, who's sworn off "meant to be" after being ghosted, and Rafael, a man chasing closure. A chance encounter on a flight brings them together and leads to a fake fiancé deal that slowly blurs the lines between pretend and real.
It's a light and easy romance with that comforting Filipino touch, full of Manila charm, family dynamics, and a bit of fate at play.
I liked the setup and the familiar fake dating trope, but I just didn't feel fully invested in their connection.
The premise was fun, but I wished for a bit more depth and chemistry between the leads. Still, it's a cute, feel-good read about timing, second chances, and a little bit of fate.
It's a light and easy romance with that comforting Filipino touch, full of Manila charm, family dynamics, and a bit of fate at play.
I liked the setup and the familiar fake dating trope, but I just didn't feel fully invested in their connection.
The premise was fun, but I wished for a bit more depth and chemistry between the leads. Still, it's a cute, feel-good read about timing, second chances, and a little bit of fate.
May 10, 2026
wonderfully written.
it may seem like a cliche romcom at first glance, but the character and story building really take the cake. it is familiar yet unique in its own way.
i fell in love with the characters. i fell in love with their chemistry. i fell in love with the storyline. everything!
i loved how it also delved into philippine history, especially about martial law and the current state of the philippines.
it also talked about some taboo topics and things that are usually asked by filo relatives as a woman. and i could absolutely relate to it a lot 🥀
the characters had a lot of growth and room for development, which i absolutely loved!
this is the first book i’ve read by mica de leon, and i’ll most definitely be reading her other books!!!
it may seem like a cliche romcom at first glance, but the character and story building really take the cake. it is familiar yet unique in its own way.
i fell in love with the characters. i fell in love with their chemistry. i fell in love with the storyline. everything!
i loved how it also delved into philippine history, especially about martial law and the current state of the philippines.
it also talked about some taboo topics and things that are usually asked by filo relatives as a woman. and i could absolutely relate to it a lot 🥀
the characters had a lot of growth and room for development, which i absolutely loved!
this is the first book i’ve read by mica de leon, and i’ll most definitely be reading her other books!!!
August 23, 2026
I needed a book to switch up the pace of the books I was previously reading, and I picked this one up and was pleasantly surprised! I really enjoyed it!
Usually I stay clear of romcoms because I find them to be predictable and shallow.
This one was different though, I think micas voice is pretty clear in her books - having read her collection of essays I noticed opinions and thoughts shared in her essays mirrored in this book which is so welcomed making it a little deeper than your typical romcoms.
This book was your typical predictable plot but I loved that there was A LOT of Filipino nuances and some unpredictable little twists here and there.
Looking forward to her new release!
Usually I stay clear of romcoms because I find them to be predictable and shallow.
This one was different though, I think micas voice is pretty clear in her books - having read her collection of essays I noticed opinions and thoughts shared in her essays mirrored in this book which is so welcomed making it a little deeper than your typical romcoms.
This book was your typical predictable plot but I loved that there was A LOT of Filipino nuances and some unpredictable little twists here and there.
Looking forward to her new release!
April 3, 2026
I really loved this book. It beautifully captures a typical Filipino family, along with our history and culture. I liked how familiar places in the Philippines were part of the story, it made everything feel more real and personal.
At the same time, it doesn’t ignore the painful parts of our history and how much Filipinos have suffered, which added depth to the story.
I also loved the relationships, Rafal and Piaya, and Hannah and William. The way they took a leap of faith for love felt genuine and heartfelt.
Overall, it’s such a binge-worthy read,easy to get into but still meaningful.
At the same time, it doesn’t ignore the painful parts of our history and how much Filipinos have suffered, which added depth to the story.
I also loved the relationships, Rafal and Piaya, and Hannah and William. The way they took a leap of faith for love felt genuine and heartfelt.
Overall, it’s such a binge-worthy read,easy to get into but still meaningful.
April 26, 2026
Coming from recent challenging reads, this book was a breath of fresh air for me.
This is so star-cinema-romcom-coded and I love it! I can totally see this book as a star cinema film. I love how Filipino this book is and I wish this book was written in Tagalog. I like how the Marcosian era is incorporated into the story and I also like how the mail-order bride subplot is represented. The main characters are flawed but in a realistic way. The story is also well-paced.
I hope this gets an adaptation. 🩷
This is so star-cinema-romcom-coded and I love it! I can totally see this book as a star cinema film. I love how Filipino this book is and I wish this book was written in Tagalog. I like how the Marcosian era is incorporated into the story and I also like how the mail-order bride subplot is represented. The main characters are flawed but in a realistic way. The story is also well-paced.
I hope this gets an adaptation. 🩷
July 4, 2026
I had high expectations for this book, especially since it was published by Penguin SEA. I was also looking forward to reading a new Filipino romance novel with this trope and an intriguing blurb.
It actually started off quite well. However, I couldn't fully connect with the story or the characters. Sophia and Rafal's backstory felt more forced than like a natural catalyst for their meeting and romance. The inserts of Philippine history, politics and culture bothered me a bit, and the heavy family drama could have been toned down to make more room for the romance and comedy.
It actually started off quite well. However, I couldn't fully connect with the story or the characters. Sophia and Rafal's backstory felt more forced than like a natural catalyst for their meeting and romance. The inserts of Philippine history, politics and culture bothered me a bit, and the heavy family drama could have been toned down to make more room for the romance and comedy.
April 30, 2026
Enjoyed how natural the typical Filipino family dynamics, history, Martial Law and romance were woven into the story but I didn’t expect it to be have more drama than romance. (I had thought it would be some quirky, funny, fake dating and slowburn Filipino romance with a funny protagonist— forgive me, I’m just a girl.😣🎀)
Sophia was so flawed and messy that I almost felt sorry for Rafal.
Yet, there were moments in the book where Sophia’s experiences resonated with me.
Sophia was so flawed and messy that I almost felt sorry for Rafal.
Yet, there were moments in the book where Sophia’s experiences resonated with me.
August 2, 2026
The. Drama!!
Fake dating trope plus the unwanted history lessons.
I had more family drama than kilig reading this book. The gossip, the family gatherings that turned into toxic, intrusive, nosy relatives. Which was really, really annoying. Definitely showcased Filipino culture
Loved how modern she is tho. Plus the pressure from family and how discussions about relationships and wedding plans can get so invasive of someone's privacy.
Idk, I was more annoyed than kilig hahaha.
Fake dating trope plus the unwanted history lessons.
I had more family drama than kilig reading this book. The gossip, the family gatherings that turned into toxic, intrusive, nosy relatives. Which was really, really annoying. Definitely showcased Filipino culture
Loved how modern she is tho. Plus the pressure from family and how discussions about relationships and wedding plans can get so invasive of someone's privacy.
Idk, I was more annoyed than kilig hahaha.
August 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️
There was a lot going on in this book, Filipino family dramas, tradition, and bits about Martial Law. As much as I appreciated those topics, I wish the author toned it down a little bit to give more focus on Rafal and Sophia’s romance. I never really got the chance to feel the chemistry or kilig between the two of them.
I had a high expectations, but it ended up being a meh read for me.
There was a lot going on in this book, Filipino family dramas, tradition, and bits about Martial Law. As much as I appreciated those topics, I wish the author toned it down a little bit to give more focus on Rafal and Sophia’s romance. I never really got the chance to feel the chemistry or kilig between the two of them.
I had a high expectations, but it ended up being a meh read for me.
July 8, 2026
I am now exploring books set in the PH! And this one is a good example of that. I love how it touched on history and culture, as well as issues like the “Afam phenomenon” and “Ghosting” and family pressures.
September 14, 2025
4.75 stars
October 31, 2025
love the filipino themes !! but i want more intense kilig pls hahahaha this had more drama than i expected if u want smthn like that
January 3, 2026
“Learn to live without closure.” 🫂
slow burn romance :) rooted on filipino culture, family traditions & history
slow burn romance :) rooted on filipino culture, family traditions & history
March 21, 2026
great story. this is by far Mica's best romance novel ❤️
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