Birds play above towering trees. Squirrels and rabbits roll in the fresh green grass. Butterflies flutter to the rhythm of waterfalls, and bees hum the sweetest sound. What a stunning scenery!
Rico's humdrum life is punctuated by dreams of this paradise. In each dream, a woman appears-beautiful, mysterious, and familiar. Come morning, he breaks out of his fantasy and works just like the rest.
Leigh dreams of the same paradise and of a man who calls her Honey. Her dream persists in the real world as she gets hired as a writer in JDV Mag. Is this the beginning of a dream come true or a nightmare?
Two writers. One dream. Is it possible that Rico and Leigh have met in their visions of Dreamland?
In this story of love and hope, Rico and Leigh teeter on the thin line between fantasy and reality, wishes and fears, and above all, destiny and choice.
Jahric Lago is a writer, published author, manuscript editor, graphic designer, book layout designer, and a proud Mariah Carey fan. He currently serves as the Private Secretary to the President of the Philippine Normal University. He has written and published more than 20 books with PSICOM Publishing Inc. (publisher of Diary ng Pangit and Talk Back and You’re Dead), TBC Publications, and his classic retelling will soon be published by 8Letters Publishing. His first works, the humor memoir-style titles Anong Klaseng Estudyante Ka?, Anong Klaseng Empleyado Ka?, and Buti Pa Ang Leron Leron May Sinta, remain among his most recognized early works.
His other works include Dreamland (co-written with Cheska Mateo), 20 Nights in Heaven, Giovanni Bactol Jr., and his two dark fantasy collections, Nightjar and Metamorphosis, as well as his children’s book Kakatok-Katok si Bitok. He also co-authored Endless Love, a love poetry collection written with his partner JM Bolo, launched at the Manila International Book Fair 2025.
He is the founder and owner of TBC Publications, an independent publishing organization that supports a community of Filipino authors, editors, designers, and independent publishers. He is the creator and editor of the anthology series Jahric Lago Presents, TBC Novelette Series, and TBC Halo-Halo Atbp. Previously, he served as Editor-in-Chief of Valley Voice under the PLMar Center for Public Affairs, Information, and Publications Services (PLMar-CPAIPS). He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and was awarded Journalist of the Year at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina.
He lives in Manila, writing his next masterpiece while listening to the great music of Mariah Carey.
Dreamland Written by two amazing authors Jahric Lago and Cheska Mateo
Two writers. One dream. A remarkable and heartbreaking love story between fantasy and reality. Rico and Leigh have met in their visons of Dreamland. I still find this story both fascinating and unbelievable. Unbelievable as it may sound, still it is a dream come true, when two people have met in their dreams, and they will unexpectedly see each other in the real world.
What a masterpiece! This book was a total surprise, it drew me into the story immediately.
Dreamland Written by: Jahric Lago and Cheska Mateo
This book is a fantasy-romance story which depicts love, imagination, and naturalistic description. I had fun reading this because I felt like I was the leading character. It gave me butterflies; I was unaware of the romantic scene since I thought it was only a fantasy story. There are no plot twists, but the ending will surely hook your attention.
At first, I got confused by the flow of the story, but when I understood the structure, I was amazed how it was written because the real life settings and the dreamland are intertwined. In terms of the romance part, I felt so much sparks while reading it because IDK maybe that's the relationship that I want to experience. I hope that someday I'll meet my own Leigh.
Lastly, I did not expect the dramatic part—I almost lost myself by the ending of the story. I did not expect that turn because the story went perfectly well in the beginning. But that does not seem to be the weakness of the story, since it helped the story establish the reader's curiosity on how the second book will be written. Anyway, the rating is 10/10. Must read! Have your own copy of Dreamland!
I got captivated by this story, Honey and Bees are such a cute names. Love the characters and the plot twist that will make you ask for more.
A beautiful story ever told, I wanna treasure all the wonderful lessons this story gave me. And it will surely left an impact to the readers of this generation.
This story is superb. The narration is beautiful. The storyline is great and the description of events is vivid. It's not boring to read. Well-written. Amazing!
"Dreamland" by Jahric Lago and Cheska Mateo swept me away into a world where dreams and reality converge. Rico's mundane existence is suddenly colored by vivid dreams of a breathtaking paradise, always featuring a captivating woman. Conversely, Leigh, a budding writer, finds herself entangled in similar dreams and visions of a man who calls her "Honey."
Reading this book made me feel like I was wandering through a realm where imagination knows no bounds. The authors skillfully blend elements of fantasy and everyday life, creating a narrative that kept me eagerly turning pages. Rico and Leigh's journey through the thin veil between dreams and reality left me contemplating the deeper meanings of destiny, choice, and the power of our dreams.
"Dreamland" isn't just a story—it's an exploration of love, hope, and the delicate dance between what we desire and what we fear. It's a book that leaves you wondering about the mysteries of life and the connections we may have beyond what we perceive. If you're looking for a captivating read that touches both the heart and the imagination, "Dreamland" is a must-read.
I read this last year and I was privileged to blog interview the authors.
If you have these occurring dreams of meeting a guy/girl, this story is for you. A fantasy romance set in a beautiful paradise that you don't want to wake up to.
In reality, Rico and Leigh do not know each other. Yet, when they met, sparks collide and the dreamboy meets his dreamgirl.
Wait for that plot twist in the end that would surely rock your Universe. Kudos to Jahric and Cheska for this wonderful collaboration! I can't wait for your next story!