Vibal Foundation launches Nicole CuUnjieng Aboitiz’s Imperfect Tense and Times

MAKATI CITY – Aug. 10, 2025 – Vibal Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce the official launch of Imperfect Tense and Times, a compelling new collection of essays by Nicole CuUnjieng Aboitiz. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of personal identity, socio-political issues in the Philippines, and cultural-historical thought. The launch event, hosted by Blah Blah Inc, was held at Bombvinos Bodega in Makati, where attendees were able to engage with the author and discuss themes presented in this new book, published under the World Nonfictions imprint of Vibal Foundation.In Imperfect Tense and Times, CuUnjieng Aboitiz presents the complexities of identity, love, and growing up in a world of shifting expectations. Her essays are organized into three parts—“Personal and Philosophical Commentary,” “Social and Political Critique,” and “Cultural and Historical Thinking”—blending the deeply personal with the perceptive. The essays, some of which were previously published in national newspapers, offer fresh insight into what it means to be Filipino today.

Imperfect Tense and Times, a compelling new collection of essays by Nicole CuUnjieng Aboitiz

CuUnjieng Aboitiz’s work is characterized by its candid introspection, addressing topics such as the fleeting nature of youth, the search for meaning, and the evolution of love. She reflects on everything from heartbreak and family to elite politics, systemic inequality, and the power structures that shape Filipino society. Whether she’s writing about the quiet crisis of overseas workers or unpacking the origins of global capitalism, her voice is both critical and self-aware—always grounded in personal experience, yet reaching far beyond it.

Synopsis

Editor–at-large Charlie Samuya Veric selected the book for the World Nonfictions imprint. Veric is a self-taught poet, best-selling author, and scholar who teaches English at the Ateneo de Manila University. World Nonfictions is defined as an imprint dedicated to illuminating the Filipino experience, the Asian region, and the wider world through bold, timely, and original works. The imprint embraces genre-busting and audience-crossing writing across the disciplines—from literature to history, art to politics, journalism to philosophy, music to economics, and law to geography. World Nonfictions aims to elevate the Filipino writer and their peers, bringing local writing to the attention of global readership, and back.

Imperfect Tense and Times is a significant addition to World Nonfictions, presenting a vital new voice to contemporary Philippine discourse—one that is unafraid to question, reflect, and provoke.

The book is available at selected Fully Booked shops: Gateway Mall, Eastwood Mall, UP Town Center, Bonifacio Global City, Greenbelt 5, Alabang Town Center, SM South Mall Las Piñas, SM City Fairview, The Podium, and Katipunan. 

The book is also available on Lazada: https://tinyurl.com/w3tb92wn; on Shopee: https://tinyurl.com/5n7e4spt; as well as on Vibal Shop: https://tinyurl.com/2ks3uvh7.

The book can likewise be purchased via Amazon: bit.ly/4lyudmN.

CuUnjieng Aboitiz’s work is characterized by its candid introspection, addressing topics such as the fleeting nature of youth, the search for meaning, and the evolution of love

About Vibal Foundation, Inc.:Founded in 2007 as the corporate philanthropy arm of Vibal Group Inc., Vibal Foundation’s advocacy is to nurture Filipino readers and help them access Philippine culture and heritage through diverse channels such as literacy programs, open knowledge websites, printed books, and most recently, digital media platforms. The Foundation’s catalog engages Filipinos in more intellectual discussions, authored by distinguished writers and experts who are passionate about Filipino culture and heritage. 

Vibal’s books are available on Shopee, Lazada, Vibal’s online shopping portal, at Fine Philippine Books branches, and at partner bookstores nationwide.