Mali Ba Ako? A Collection of Am I The A-Hole Stories

By Bonne Zalzos

In this compelling collection of AITA (Am I The Asshole) stories, step into the shoes of people navigating complex family dynamics, workplace politics, and personal relationships—all set against the vivid backdrop of the Philippines. Through each gripping narrative, the book offers a deep dive into real-life issues that mirror our own dilemmas. Each story invites you to judge, sympathize, and ponder, ultimately asking the question: Who's the real asshole here?

 

These tales, while fictional, encapsulate the essence of our daily struggles, posing questions that don't always have easy answers. From favoritism at work to cultural clashes at home, the characters may be imaginary, but their stories are as real as life itself.

 

Journey through this labyrinth of moral ambiguity, where right and wrong are not always clear-cut, and discover that sometimes the line between them is just a matter of perspective. Whether you're a fan of the AITA subreddit or new to these ethical conundrums, this book will leave you captivated and, perhaps, a little more understanding of the complexities of human behavior.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dark Phoenix Publishing
• Release date: Oct 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223647355

Bonne Zalzos

Bonne Zalzos is a writer by profession, lending his skills to an offshore company where he crafts compelling narratives that captivate audiences. Bonne discovered his passion for writing during his teenage years, using it as both a creative outlet and a stress reliever. From penning his thoughts late into the night to authoring articles that resonate with readers, writing has always been more than just a hobby for him; it's a lifelong pursuit. Born in Iligan City, known as the City of Waterfalls, Bonne has since moved to Cebu City—often referred to as the Queen City of the South—where he continues to weave words into captivating stories. His diverse background, featuring a degree in Nursing as well as Mass Communications, adds unique layers of depth to his storytelling, enriching his writing with a blend of empathy, keen observation, and intricate details. As Bonne continues to grow in his craft, he's always on the lookout for fresh perspectives and novel ideas to explore. His work is a testament to his love for the written word, and he aims to continue using his writing as a medium to engage, inspire, and connect with his readers.

Book preview

Bonne Zalzos

Mali Ba Ako

A Collection of Am I The A-Hole Stories

First published by Dark Phoenix Publishing 2023

Copyright © 2023 by Bonne Zalzos

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

First edition

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

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Contents

Dedication

I. SCHOOL LIFE

1. My Teacher’s Unethical Behavior

2. Calling Out My Teacher for Showing Favoritism

3. My Classmate Who Frequently Skips School

4. Reporting My Best Friend for Cheating on the Final Exam

5. Telling the Teacher My Teammates Did Nothing

6. Purposely Failing a TikTok-Famous Student

7. Telling My Students’ Parents That Their Kids Are Dating

II. AM I THE OFFICE JERK?

8. Not Participating in Office ‘Walwal’ Nights

9. Not Lending Money to a Colleague

10. Complaining About the Office ‘Chismoso/Chismosa’

11. Reporting Jokes As Sexual Harassment

12. Enough With The Talk Show About Her Life

13. Boss’s Relative Gets Special Treatment

14. A Micromanaging Manager

15. My Manager’s Favorite

III. MALI BA AKO?

16. My Family Splurges My Earnings

17. Choosing My Mental Peace From Judgmental Family

18. Leaving My Homophobic Parents

19. A Backfired Prank On My Lola

20. Karma and Revenge

Afterword

About the Author

Dedication

To Mio and Chichi,

for being my day-to-day inspiration.

I

School Life

Whether dealing with favoritism from teachers, group project disputes, or the complexities of academic integrity, the questions of right and wrong can become muddled. Am I The Asshole (AITA) scenarios in educational settings provide a lens through which we can examine these dilemmas, encouraging open discussions that scrutinize our actions and their consequences. In this chapter are some of the most pressing topics under this theme.

1

My Teacher’s Unethical Behavior

Am I The Asshole for Exposing My Teacher’s Unethical Behavior?

I am a 20-year-old college student studying at a reputable university in the Philippines. I’m enrolled in a mandatory course under a professor—let’s call her Mrs. Santos—who has a reputation for being particularly tough. She’s not tough in the sense that she challenges students to think critically; she’s tough because she’s infamous for unfair grading, publicly humiliating students, and dismissing any complaints against her methods.

Everything reached a breaking point during the midterms. Mrs. Santos gave us a surprise essay test that counted for 30% of our grade. It was on a topic we hadn’t even covered in class. Naturally, most students did poorly. The class average was a failing mark.

When she returned our papers, she used it as an opportunity to belittle us,