A Happy Josephine
Today I welcome a very special guest to my site. She may describe herself as Persistent and Obdurate, but in my view she is exotic and enchanting and she hails from Philippines. A very warm welcome, in a typical English fashion 
Josephine Litonjua in her own words : I’m a graduate of Agribusiness Management from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Because of my love and interest in reading and writing, I took up Effective Business Communication Course from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and then eventually took a master’s degree on
Development Communication at the UP Open University (UPOU).
I learned how to read at the age of four and have been in love with it ever since.
Hello Junying, thank you so much for having me here. I’m kind of nervous as it’s the first time someone’s interviewed me. To the readers, hello! I hope my discourse won’t bore you to tears ^_^
In that case, I have to try a lot harder, to make our chat interesting, as I certainly would not like to be bored, nor my readers
Jho, I know you have a very interesting start in life. Can you please tell us something more about yourself?
My life is a classic Cinderella tale. Our mom died when I was 10 days old so my sister and I were reared by our maternal grandparents. Our brother on the other hand, was with our paternal grandparents until they died when I was 10.
After that, we lived with my aunt, my mom’s sister, and her family and for over two years. I had to endure and watch how my uncle beat almost everyone in the family. He would usually whip my cousins, especially this particular cousin of mine, until he was black and blue, using an un-insulated electrical wire, or with anything that he could get his hands on. Sometimes, if he was really into it, he became even more creative. He would place my cousin inside a sack and hang him, sometimes upside down, sometimes not. Sometimes he would be tied to the post in the middle of our living room, being whipped with the same wire relentlessly, simply because he refused to eat eggs.
I could bear poverty and hunger. Most times, we didn’t have food on the table but it was the abuse I couldn’t take and so I left when I was 13. It didn’t matter that I didn’t get beaten myself; the mental torture was way too much for me. I got the chance to live with my father and his second family at 14, only to run away at 16. My father considered himself a genius, and anybody who didn’t know Science and History and so on as he did was beneath him. I wasn’t really mad at him, but at that point I’d had enough of adults “taking care” of me, and I’d rather be alone and take care of myself.
With Husband Mark and Mentor Dr. S. B. Jamias
I have no illusions of who I am. I may not know all the names of my muscles and bones in my body, nor do I know all the scientific names in this world. I may not know how to speak neither Spanish nor Latin—but I know my worth—and I came to a point where I simply refused to let others tell me otherwise or to hurt me, relatives or not.
Getting by was hard, my sister and I had to sell sandwiches and what-not at our school canteen and thank goodness for scholarships and friends that I am where I am now.
Jho, what a start in life! I’m so proud of you, taking control of your own destiny and living a life you want for yourself.
Who, living or dead, do you most admire?
Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. He was an artist, a writer, a polyglot, a polymath, a doctor in more ways than one, a real genius. He had the heart of a patriot. Even if his books are already over a hundred years old, the moral of his stories are still applicable even to this day and age.
Tell us about your favourite book/author?
Because I read a lot, so there are a lot of books and authors that I love. I don’t want to risk making a list and I end up forgetting someone. So to be fair, I won’t mention anyone here. But if anyone is interested in finding out, I do have a reading list in my GoodReads Favourite Author Page; even though that is not a complete list.
Jho, I have an inkling that my book The Same Moon is in your favoured list Seriously, we have that in common. After all, it was the GoodReads that introduced us in the first place
Now tell me what inspired you to start a publishing company?
I don’t really know. I just woke up one day and I literally opened my eyes and told myself that I was going to publish books. The next thing I knew, I was asking friends to join me and here we are… ^_^ To say that it is hard is an understatement, but I’ve been into tougher situation than this. So, bring it on! ^_^
That’s the attitude I like. Go Gal
What is your latest project?
Our books are already available in National Book Store and Powerbooks here in the Philippines, but we would like to have a wider reach so we are aiming to make it available via Smashwords and Amazon. We are currently working on the release of the ebooks of:
Brightest by Johann de Venecia and Joanne Crisner
It is a story about a lost firefly catcher, trying to find his way home… and a broken firefly that had long lost himself. And how friendship and being there for each other made a difference in their lives.
For the book trailer and relevant pages:
YouTube Book Trailer; Brightest Webpage; & Brightest on GoodReads.
The Seven – The Key of Credence by Veronica Mist 
An extraordinary tale about seven demons, seven angels, seven keys, seven keepers, seven deadly sins, seven virtues, seven heavens, seven helles.
Check out the book trailer and other related pages:
YouTube Book Trailer; GoodReads;
The-Seven the Key of Credence Webpage;
Thanks for the links, and I’m sure that some of the readers will be checking on them
What are your criteria in picking the authors you want to publish?
The work has to be extraordinary. I read a lot, if I’m up to it I can read 10 titles or more in one sitting and I would just breeze through those if the plot is ordinary—all the while my head is spinning, LOL. But if it’s out of the ordinary, I would savour every word and take my time in reading the book. I’m truly glad that I read a lot. Because of that I can tell when a book is above the others and it is not just blending in with the rest. It is important for the plot to be different, not easily forgettable, and to stir the interest of your readers. The competition is cut-throat, as there are tons of books out there.
Exactly! That’s one of the reasons why it’s so popular to self-publish
What’s your favourite pastime?
Read, read, and read. ^_^ Whenever I’m procrastinating or thinking/deciding about something crucial, I watch anime and movies or a TV series, whichever catches my fancy.
Do you use Social Media for promoting Isshin Publishing? Which do you consider as your most successful channel?
Yes, we have our own website, there’s our Facebook pages, GoodReads account, twitter, tumblr, youtube, etc. but I don’t’ know which one is the most effective. GoodReads perhaps, since it was there that I met avid readers.
Please tell us something about Philippines which you think is different from other countries.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan, Philippines
I don’t really know how to answer this since I have never been outside of my country and have nothing to compare her with. I can tell, however, that we have excellent and wonderful beaches, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and most of all, we Filipinos are happy people in general. We smile even in the wake of a tragedy.
How fascinating! You make me want to book a ticket and fly east to you now. Thank you SO much for sharing some snippets of your life with us. I wish you all the best in everything you do in the future!
You can find Josephine on: Facebook; Goodreads; & Twitter
Isshin Dream Publishing Logo
About Isshin Dream Publishing: Isshin Dream Publishing is a Pinoy indie publishing house that aims to print children’s books, graphic novels, and romance books, among others. Its name Isshin—which means one heart—represents its people who share a long-time love affair and passion for reading, writing, and drawing.
Isshin Dream Publishing intends to touch the hearts and lives of the readers by publishing extraordinary, high quality books. It also aspires to help bridge the widening literacy gap in the Philippines by encouraging and inspiring more people to read.
Our logo depicts the Eternal Flame because we believe that (printed) words are eternal.
Isshin Dream Publishing & Isshin’s Twitter
It’s great to meet you Josephine and thank you, Junying, for introducing her to our group. What an amazing story of strife and success. Best wishes for you and your publishing company.
Madeline,
Many thanks for leaving such encouraging comments for Jho. Appreciate your support, as always
It’s nice meeting you too, Madeline! And thank you so much for reading. It was through reading books that I was able to get through all of that. And of course, there were other people who cared. I’m thankful for that.
Jho and I first met year 1994 that was in high school, she is a transfer student. I knew it from the start that we will become close friends…and it happen.We start sharing each other’s secret, talking about our families, the life that she has been through…as she said it’s like cinderella tale and I agree to that… LOL. I remember even in her hardest time she did’nt cry and I admire her for that. I am so happy for what you have become Jho, you are a good person and a good friend I know that God blessings will always on your way…gudluck and more power to your books.
Mylenne,
Thank you very much for joining Jho and I here. I’m sure being friends with you and others would have supported her emotionally, and of course, being strong and tough helped too. She deserves admiration from us all and is an inspiration to many.
Ironic that I didn’t cry then but what you just said makes me want to cry now. Thank you for the friendship, Mhy. You were one of the few people who dared and talked to me… glad my silent demeanor didn’t scare you off…I remember I don’t talk at all during those days, except of course, when I was being spoken to. I remembered running away from home and going to see you when I was back in town, lol ^_^ those were the days… we had fun, didn’t we?
bffs ^_^
Ironic that I want to cry now… when I didn’t before…when those things kept on happening to me. I guess, this is how it feels to be loved by many. Thank you so much guys, for the support. I could never say it enough.
So nice to meet you Josephine. Your story of resilience at such an early is incredibly inspiring. It’s obviously made you the strong woman you are today.
Thanks Junying for a fascinating look into the life of Josephine,
eden
Eden,
Thanks for dropping by and making encouraging comments on Jho and her life. Yes, I’m very lucky to have met so many inspirational individuals, both you and Josephine included, who continue to inspire me. Yes, what does not break you make you stronger, and Jho is a living testimony of that.
I know I keep saying it, but thanks Junying!
It’s nice meeting you as well, Eden! I was ten while my cousin was four when the beating started. I remembered he was black and blue from the whipping… strange that no one among us would cry
He died when he was about to turn 18… and I had been having dreams about those days every night for almost a month. I would wake up crying… probably because I can’t cry whenever I’m awake…but I can talk about this now because I’ve moved on. But the pain makes me feel like it only happened yesterday.
Oh Jho, you’re making me cry now
.
I think it’s very interesting when we talk about crying. Coincidentally, cruel behaviour towards me personally does not make me cry, but when I read and saw (movies etc.) such actions towards others, it made me cry easily. I also used to cry a lot in my dreams, so your explanation could very well be true
Yeah… sigh. I felt like my every fibre of my being was protesting for not being able to mourn properly
Bravo Josephine…everything’s really interesting…as a school mate, i’m so proud for what you have now…I know you are very silent, simple and bright way back in high school…I’ve witnessed some award you’ve got that time…congrats…
@Vincent… I’m having difficulties trying to hold my tears back right now. I have always, always been silent… believing that I am always alone… that no one can be trusted. I don’t even know what’s happening around me most of the time. I was always trying to forget everything by reading…that way, I would forget the horrors of my life…pretending that I exist in the world that I read in books and not in my reality. If you were my classmate, you would know… people could only hear my voice whenever the teacher would call me.
thanks for reading this, and thanks for remembering. please don’t hesitate to share my story. I owe it to my cousin who cannot tell his story.
Thanks, Vincent, for visiting us here and giving your school mate the support she deserves
Thank you Miss Junying for sharing Jho’s story that take her to where she is now. I know that with this she will be more inspired to do great. She’s tough and finds a way to reach her dreams even if it’s as tiny as the needle hole, she’ll strive to succeed. More power.
This is the result of her being aloof and doing things on her own way. I’m glad that when we passed on the same path I stopped and made to know her. Goodluck friend…
(If Xavier knows about this, i think he would not complain why you have counted the peanuts for retail. ✌peace..)
hahaha! LOL, that was funny Anna! I didn’t know that such an issue exists, LOL! ^_^
Thanks Anna, for reading this. And thank you…you’ve always been there for me. I’ve always been lucky on friends
Anna,
Thanks for showing support to Jho and for cheering her on. She’s lucky to have friends like you. It’s my pleasure to have her
What an inspiring lady you have shared with us here, Junying. However, it once again makes me sad what the ‘human’? race is capable of. I choked up reading this. With that said, I admire Josephine for getting out when she did and rising above it all.
Josephine, thank you for sharing. You are most definitely a strong woman. Much luck with your publishing venture!
Sandra,
Really appreciate you coming here and giving Josephine and I support, despite your recent sad loss. Yes, sometimes the human cruelty is quite shocking, and it’s wonderful to see some people, like Jho, had to courage to rise above it all.
Thanks a lot for your good wishes
Hi Sandra, thank you so much for taking the time to read. It took me over two weeks to do this… it still wasn’t very easy. For the longest time, I had to suffer the guilt… that it wasn’t I, it was he… who had to suffer all that.
I felt guilty that I left them…my cousins… but I was also a kid… I had no parents and they had… Only to realize later that I, of all people, should have known that just because they have parents, it didn’t mean that they were in a better position than I was…clearly, I should’ve known that because his dad was beating them to death, didn’t he?
And, for the longest time I had to ask myself why other people had to hurt other people. But I also found people who went out of their way for us. People who didn’t even know us, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
“… strange that no one among us would cry.”
It’s not strange at all Jho. I had a similar upbringing, which I talk about in my book, Rose’s Will. Crying is giving in, giving up, giving “them” our power. Tears would have rusted our armor, and we instinctively understood that we needed that armor to last until we could escape.
All the best to you,
Denise DeSio
Hi Denise, thank you so much for reading. Couldn’t agree more with you, not crying became a defense mechanism for us.
Denise, you’re spot on that crying is giving the other party power and weakening our own.
Thank you for showing your support and encouragement to Jho. Will check out your book
I am so proud of you Jo! You had a dream and you made it come true! Though we knew each other since our college days in UPLB, it is only now that I learned of your painful experiences, You are a strong person and I salute you for who you are now, Those experiences really made you strong. May God bless you more Jo!
Thank you, Jen! Thanks for taking the time to read this. Take care always and may God bless you and your family
I never met Jho in person nor her mother- Monina my 1st cousin. In fact, I only knew her in FB (thnx FB). This is the first time I learned of her painful experiences and my heart cried out with what she had gone through. I want to hug you to ease the pain. But look at you now… you succeed! I’m so proud of your achievement. I hope see you in the future. God bless you always.
Thank you, Tita! Knowing that you are there for me now is more than enough. Don’t feel bad, even if we knew each other at the time, I still wouldn’t have told you. I was always, always quiet and it felt like I was always absent and in some other different world. No one knew, not even the neighbors, we don’t go out of the house except to go to school, and my cousin who was four then, don’t go to school yet. They only person who knew was my childhood best friend, she became privy to the secret when she made the mistake of peeping at our living room when, at 2PM, she was wondering why our house was still closed. She saw that my cousin was being hanged upside down. It changed her forever. It was truly sad.
Well..well..well.. I knew this lady since high school, and by that time she was a quiet and simple girl, she will not say anything but smile even we knew that her life was full of sufferings and pains she can still smile. Look at her right now she reaches the top. I knew that God planned this..Keep it up Jho..I’m proud of you girl..^_^
Thanks Bhey, for dropping by…and for being a friend. I was new in school and you and Clea talked to me… that means a lot to me ^_^ take care always Bhey, let’s make our dreams come true
Dear Jennifer, Necita & Bhey,
Really appreciate you all for visiting my site and showing Jho your love and support. She’s very lucky to have you in her life, either real or virtual
This interview was one of obvious mutual respect, gleaned through an exchange of frank questions and unwavering honest answers, from a worthy and most admirable publisher.
************
Reading about your past life Josephine, and the person you are today is both heart-wrenching and encouraging. For me you have become the heroine to your own destiny and that is remarkable with such a painful and destructive early life.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and for the opportunity to understand and learn a little more about what made you the person you are today – Gracious, happy, successful and incredibly wise. And who I am very fortunate to know.
I hope to read ALL the books under your publishing company that you mentioned, here in England very soon. I know you will make it happen.
I wish you continued growth and prosperity with e-books/Amazon and all future endeavours. You have my humble support and best wishes always.
FM
xxxxxx
FM,
It’s lovely of you to drop by and leave such wonderful comments for Jho and me. Yes, I whole-heartedly agree with what you’ve said about this interview. Despite such a harsh start in life, our heroine took control of her destiny and proved herself a amazing success story. It shows that human spirits can triumph against all odds.
thank you, Junying. I agree. It takes hard work and a lot of pain but if one is hopeful enough then there’s definitely a light at the end of the tunnel ^_^
Hi FM, thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment.
And thank you so much for believing that I will be able to make it. That means a lot to me as it’s not everyday that I meet someone who believes in me. Most people think that I made a career suicide, LOL.
I do hope that we’ll be able to release our books outside of the country… they are really good and it’s a shame if they won’t be able to go out there.
Again, thank you, and take care always! ^_^
way to go Jho. You really are somebody to look up to. Keep it up.
It truly is wonderful to have met somebody like you.
Thanks Ian! Thank you for the support, super glad to have a friend like you as well. Not so sure if I talked to you about this before though. I remember we used to talk a lot about Bleach, haha! Those were fun times truly missed! Take care always, Ian!
Congratulations Jho. Very well said. A great story indeed. You’re now at the peak of what you’d really wanted ever since. Keep it up. Bless you & your team.
Thank you so much, Jana! Thank you for dropping by! Take care always ^_^
Congratulations, Jho! You are an inspiration to the many readers out there. I still remember how you talk about your love for books and i am really happy that you are now doing what you love most. I admire the strength and toughness of this girl. She never complained about the things she has gone through, she treated the challenging part of her life as her inspiration, knowing and trusting God’s plan in her life. Keep it up, Jho!
Hi Windz! Thank you so much for reading and sharing the interview! I don’t remember telling you about my life story before… my love for books, I talk about it everyday, LOL! Take care always, friend. Kumusta kay Jobert ^_^
Ate Jho is my cousin and I’m proud of what she has become.. She has always been determined to make her dreams come true..
Goodluck ate Jho! More success to you.. =)
Thank you so much for dropping by and for reading, Luzette… and of course for always being there for me. Take care always! ^_^
Wow, Jho, I can’t believe how popular you are – just look at all these LIKES and the wonderful comments you’ve received! Impressive!
Thanks to Ian, Diana, Windee and Luzette – it’s so lovely of you to come and show your support and love to this amazing woman. I’m so honoured to have met her on-line, and one day I hope to meet her for real.
Dreams do come true
!
I agree, Junying! I know I keep on saying it but… thank you! For having me here, for being a friend… for lending an ear…quite a feat considering the distance that separates us together! ^_^
Congratulations Jho! I wish you all the success! You are truly a wonderful person.
Hi Manzi! Thank you so much for reading and for cheering me on! ^_^ take care always…bffs ^_^
so proud of you jho, congratulations! Wishing you and your publishing company more success. I’m just here your silent fan ready to support you in my own little way. God bless…
thank you so much, Carol…for reading and for the support. Hope your wishes for me will come true. Take care always!
Manzi & Carol,
So lovely of you to stop by and shower your support to wonderful Jho. She’ll achieve whatever she sets out to do with such amazing faith and support from all her friends!
Ate Jho,..congratulations for a job well done. Reading this interview make me cry but at the same time get inspired too…I hope I can be part of your publishing company someday..Wishing you all the best.
Hi Cion, thank you so much for taking the time to read. A lot of people did tell me that they cried reading this…thank you. That made me feel loved. I’m just here, I’m sure we can work things out so you can be part of it
all the best!
Kudos Jho! I can’t find words to exactly express what I feel right now but honestly I’m impressed! Go go girl! I’m so happy to read where you are now and I appreciate your not forgetting us.
Cion & Donabel,
Thanks a bunch for visiting my site and showing Jho such support and appreciation.
Hi Ate Dona, thank you so much! For reading and commenting and for cheering me on. You’ve always been nice to me, kayo ng Ate Yvonne. Take care always… miss you guys! <3
What an inspiring story Jho. You’re a strong woman, even sometimes you have a heart of a kid since you told me once that you read Manga and watch Anime.
I know and I believe that you will succeed.
Korekaramo ganbatte kudasai! (Keep up your good work!)
Take Care!
Hi Vladi, thank you so much for dropping by and for taking the time to read the interview…
Arigatou gozaimasu for cheering me on and for the confidence that I will be able to make it…that inspires me even more.
Gambarimashoooo to both of us! ^_^ Take care always!
I can’t say that we know each other since high school because it is more of a “glimpse” – thing. I’m not saying that we’re not friends before it’s just that … (oh hey Jho help me what’s reason behind) … I cant remember if there’s even an exchange of hi and hello
. But Jho and I became friends 7 or 8 yrs ago, she’s in IT industry a writer I was surprised when she told me what course she took up in college it’s way far from the world she was in during that time. I admire Jho for knowing what she really wants in life. following her heart’s desire …. writing; reading the world of books and letters. She always know what track to follow. Those trials on her younger years doesn’t stop her for achieving and fulfilling her dreams. Brave is underrated. She’s brave; she’s strong; she’s determined and she’s smart 
… and lastly… *Jho ikakampanya ko na maging guest speaker ka next yr sa JS … tee hee .. Good luck girl and God Bless … i love seeing you grow and creatin’ your name.
Thank you for your Sweet comments
Jho would be delighted that you come here to give her support and encouragement.
Vladimyr, very good of you to visit and comment too
thank you so much Sweet…I’m super touched… it’s not everyday that someone believes in me and my abilities…
as for the reason why we were friends but not really in high school, LOL…it was because I don’t talk before. We’ll pass each other by and all I’ll do is nod at you ^_^ I don’t even smile… who the hell would want to talk to someone like that? LOL!
Thanks to Reuben and thanks to YM, we became friends friends ahaha.
Here’s to years and years of friendship, cheers! ^_^ Take care always, girl!
Wow Jho! So proud of you. You’re such an inspiration
Hi Vicki, thank you so much for reading and leaving a comment. ^_^ take care always! ^_^
Wow. It seems so little to say, but wow. I liked your interview and find it inspiring. I really don’t know what to say. I know that it is better now, but I can’t help being angry about it. It is one of my shortcomings that I get incredibly angry; even though it may take a long time to get me there. I’m just happy you rose above it and are continuing to rise. Thank you for sharing, once again, it was inspiring.
Hi AJ, I know I already sent you a PM…but again, thank you! For reading, sharing, for cheering, and for making me happy with your writing.
Here’s to one of my favorite budding writers and friend from the US…cheers!
take care always AJ!
Hi Ms. Jo, you’re story is an inspiration. A lot of people here in the Philippines will be hypnotized by your strength and dedication. It’s fate that we met in Goodreads then after sometime you came by in our branch and bump into you. Thank you for sharing your passion in reading. More success to you and to Isshin! =) Godbless!
*your instead of you’re hehe..
Hi Ruby, thank you so much for taking the time to read, for commenting, for the kind words, and for cheering me on!
Meeting you in person was such a pleasant surprise, I was really, really surprised ^_^
Here’s to reading… Cheers! ^_^
Dear Vicki, AJ and Ruby Rose
Thank you all for your lovely comments on Jho’s amazing interview. So wonderful of you to come by and show your support!
wow… i was so impressed of your life’s story, you are so brave and so courageous. Though life was a bit hard, but it did not stop you from making your dreams come true…
Congratulations, you deserved it… more power to you.. more books to publish
keep it up girl!
Hi Lorna, thank you so much for dropping by, for reading the interview, for leaving a comment, and for the kind words.
Take care always and let’s all strive to make our dreams come true. Cheers! ^_^
Hi, Jho, I am very proud of you. So few really go after their dreams and you did girl : )
Hi Ate Armie, thank you so much for dropping by, for reading the interview, for leaving a comment, and for the kind words. I know that you already know about this…you once read my collection of poems and knew of my pain.
Take care always and let’s all strive to make our dreams come true. Cheers! ^_^
Congratulations Jho! I’m proud of you cousin….Keep it up!
Hi Ate, thank you so much for taking the time to read, comment, and share. I appreciate it a lot! Take care always!
Jho, thank you for sharing us your incredible story. What you had gone through in life is a reflection of who you are now…strong, determine and independent. You truly are an inspiration. I wish you luck with all your endeavors especially the publishing venture. I have no doubt it will be another success!
Thanks to Vivian, Mae, Armie & Lorna – So lovely of you all to come and show your support to Jho. She’s lucky to have friends like you
hi Tinhie, thank you so much for reading this… for leaving a comment and for your vote of confidence. I feel that I could never fail because you guys are there, cheering me on!
take care always and my regards to everyone!
what an inspiring story Jho! every painful story has a successful ending! more blessing to you Jho and to your bussiness.
Hi Jack! Thank you so much for dropping by and for reading and for rooting for me! I really appreciate it a lot! Take care always, guys!
Jho, you’re an inspiration to those who feel subjegated to the tribulations in life. You were able to trod forward and take control of your life. It’s an honour to know someone like you. I’m proud of what you have accomplished, and I know that there’s only more greatness waiting for you.
Hi TK, thank you so much for dropping by and for reading… for the kind words as well. It’s an honour meeting someone like you as well. Looking forward to reading more of your works!
Take care always, sweetie! 