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| (Image Source: WhenInManila.com/Audiophile) |
There's no feeling quite like kilig. It's a thrill, a rush that no words can properly describe but one we all long to experience again and again and again. Kinikilig ako. Even as text, you can feel that person's excitement. Usually we have to wait to experience the exhilaration that comes with kilig. You may have to tune in to your favorite teleserye at a certain time before you're left with a cliffhanger until the next episode or you have to tick off the days on a calendar before your favorite love team's next movie is released.
But what if you could experience kilig anytime, whenever you want? This is the premise behind Audiophile, an audiobook platform currently available in Early Access hosting a growing library of romance titles spread across contemporary, Tagalog and LGBTQIA+ genres. There are kilig-inducing stories for everyone considering that the diversity of content is purposeful. There were internal debates on what genre made the most sense to start with, but everyone agreed on romance in the end. The genre is not only one of the most beloved in art for Filipinos, but it also showcases the best side of audiobooks. “There’s a certain intimacy with audiobooks that marries well with romance fiction. When you listen to a story, the world melts away, and it becomes just you and the narrator. It’s easy to get lost in their love life – and yes, all the kilig – in this format,” said Audiophile executive creative director Monette Quiogue.
All of Audiophile's audiobooks are exclusive to the platform as they were produced in-house using best in-class production standards, supervised by a lead audio engineer who has overseen production for more than 50 global titles. Each audiobook has thus undergone extensive pre-production, production, editing, quality assurance (QA), mixing and mastering. “We’ve been able to produce audiobooks that achieve world-class standards for the medium. Beyond the tech, we’re most excited for what this means for listeners: They get to experience content like never before, as though the narrator is right there beside them, documenting the story as it unfolds,” said Audiophile executive producer Gloryen Limbo.
Audiophile's vision is to elevate the Pinoy audiobook industry to the level the Philippines has achieved in other literary markets. For most Filipino listeners around the world, audiobooks represent a new, convenient way to experience Pinoy stories but they can also improve access such as for the differently abled or those who are new to reading. Audiobooks also provide additional revenue stream for authors and publishers and give rise to many affiliated industries such as voice acting. Authors and publishers interested in collaborating with Audiophile are encouraged to reach out to the team via e-mail at hello@bookshelf.com.ph. Readers who want to listen to Audiophile's growing library of romance titles can visit www.audiophile.bookshelf.com.ph. Those who subscribe before October 4, 2021 will be grandfathered into a special rate of US$3.99 per month (a 20% discount over the regularly priced rate of US$4.99) as founding members. There is a seven-day free trial and members can cancel anytime.
