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Every story begins somewhere.

Sometimes, it begins with a single idea. Sometimes, with a blank page, a difficult decision, a dream, or the courage to finally tell a story that has been waiting to be told.

This year, FriendlyReads invites writers to take that first step.

Welcome to the FriendlyReads Authors’ Cup 2026 — a celebration of imagination, creativity, and the courage to begin.

Whether you’re writing a sweeping novel, a compelling short story, or a poem that captures a moment in a few carefully chosen words, this is your opportunity to share your work with readers and compete for recognition among fellow Filipino writers.

FriendlyReads Authors' Cup 2026

Chapter One: New Beginnings

For Authors’ Cup 2026, we invite you to explore the many ways a new beginning can change a life.

A new beginning can be a new journey, a second chance, a difficult choice, a fresh perspective, a relationship, a dream, a loss, a discovery — or simply the decision to turn the page and begin again.

Your interpretation of the theme is entirely your own.

Tell us what it means to begin.

THE THEME

Every Chapter Begins With Courage

Readers' Vote - 30 points

Readers have a voice, too.

The entry receiving the highest number of valid votes in its category will receive the full 30 points.

Other entries will receive a proportional Readers’ Vote Score based on the highest valid vote total.

Readers’ Vote Score = 30 × (Entry Votes ÷ Highest Vote Count)

1 Coin = 1 Vote.

Voting limit is one vote per entry per day per user.

You may vote for more than one entry in a day.

You may vote for the same entry on different days during the submission period.

Voting is subject to the official Authors’ Cup voting rules, including applicable voting limits and vote-integrity requirements.

Who can join?

The Authors’ Cup is open to writers who meet the eligibility requirements set out in the official contest guidelines.

Participants must ensure that their submissions:

  • are their original works;

  • posted on the FriendlyReads app (include “New Beginnings” in the story tag);

  • comply with FriendlyReads’ applicable content policies;

  • meet the requirements of their chosen category;

  • follow the official submission guidelines; and

  • are submitted within the applicable submission period.

For complete eligibility requirements, submission procedures, judging guidelines, voting rules, and other contest terms, please refer to the Official Authors’ Cup 2026 Guidelines.

ONE THEME. THREE CATEGORIES. COUNTLESS STORIES.

Whether your story spans 80,000 words, unfolds across a few thousand, or lives within a handful of carefully crafted stanzas, every entry begins with the same thing:

The courage to begin.

This is your chapter.

This is your beginning.

This is Chapter One.

Poetry

Submit your entry to the FriendlyReads Authors' Cup 2026!

Your next chapter is waiting to be written.

Put your words on the page.
Share your voice with the world.
Begin with courage.

Short Story
Novel

Chapter One: New Beginnings
Every Chapter Begins With Courage.