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A Pebble that Floats, A Memoir of Survival, Courage, and Rebirth

“Abuse, an empowered wife finds redemption in career success and a new love”, is a story you want to share with your loved ones.

“Every 4 days, a woman is murdered by her partner. 1 in 4 women experience sexual harassment at work.” These are not just statistics; they represent shattered families. We can’t remain silent.

In ‘A Pebble that Floats,’ I share my personal journey, revealing how even with my career success, I fell victim to psychological abuse – gaslighting, manipulation, and isolation. It took me 8 years to recognize the abuse and to find the courage to break free. Join me in my journey from domestic violence survivor to presidential award-winning advocate.

Get inspired NOW for your own journey toward healing and empowerment.

“Thank you for being a beacon of hope and resilience”

- Atty. Leni Robredo (Former Philippine Vice President)

“You really had the pebble floating”

- Atty. Estelito “Titong” Mendoza (Late lawyer of President Ferdinand and Bongbong Marcos)

“Like I told you, this is the happiest book launch I’ve attended”.

- Lorna Kalaw Tirol, Journalist, Manila Bulletin

A Story Too Powerful Not to Read it All

Imelda Argel, a Manila top corporate lawyer, marries Pablo after a whirlwind romance. On their wedding night, the charm evaporates—replaced by gaslighting, withheld support, and a secret mistress. She’s trapped in a country where there is no divorce law.

What would you risk for freedom?

What does it take to leave everything behind and build a new life in a foreign land?

How do you find the strength to escape when control feels inescapable?

Imelda Argel had everything—except the one thing that mattered: escape. As a top corporate lawyer in Manila, she was trapped in a marriage built on lies, gaslighting, and betrayal. Society said stay. Religion said endure. Her abuser said she’d never survive alone.

Imelda proved them all wrong.

In “A Pebble that Floats,” Imelda Argel shares her powerful story of survival, resilience, and transformation—from enduring psychological abuse to becoming a voice for those who still suffer in silence.

From representing herself in landmark legal battles to rebuilding her life as a single mother in Australia, Imelda didn’t just survive—she transformed her pain into purpose. Her groundbreaking work opened immigration pathways for thousands of Filipinos, earning recognition from both the Philippine President and the Australian government.

This is not just a memoir. It’s a roadmap for anyone who’s ever felt trapped.

A True Story of Courage

Imelda’s journey has inspired governmental policy changes, opened professional pathways for thousands of immigrants, and touched hearts across two continents.

NSW Achievement Award

Australian Government

Presidential Award

Republic of the Philippines

Fr Jose Burgos Award

Philippine Province of Ilocos Sur Government

Why Thousands Can’t Put This Book Down

“As always, you are an inspiration to all your classmates. Your book tells us that one can always bounce back and go for loftier things in life.”

– UP Law class ‘70

“To a wonderful self-fulfilled woman of today, kudos to the max.”

– Cora Oliveros

“A woman for all seasons, a Renaissance woman.”

– Pacita Syquia Almario

“This is true grit. Be happy always.”

– Amb. Zeneida Angara Collinson

“May you continue to defy gravity and unstrap mankind in its old toxic ways.”.

– Jim Paredes

“You are some gutsy lady.”

– Fe Fernandez Fernando

You have made a difference in our world, especially for women.”

– Becky Buenaventura, STC class’66

“Your book is something all of us should read.”

– Val Villanueva, Rappler

Find your strength now

What You'll Discover in "A Pebble That Floats"

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Legal Battles

How Imelda fought the system—and won church and civil annulments representing herself in court

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Starting Over

The raw reality of rebuilding life as a single mother in a foreign country—and emerging stronger

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Happier Ever After

How one woman's fight opened doors for thousands of Filipinos seeking professional recognition in Australia

A Story For the Movies

Imelda’s memoir is currently in film development. Experience the story that producers call “Erin Brockovich meets “The Pursuit of Happiness”—before it hits the screen.

Pitch deck available upon request

Be part of the journey from the beginning.

Start Your Journey Today

Not Ready to buy?...

Listen to excerpts of my book on my YouTube channel

Start reading Chapter 1 and see why readers call this story “impossible to put down.”

Plus, get exclusive updates on the film development and Imelda’s advocacy work.

This Memoir Will Change How You See Domestic Violence

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Empowerment Through Resilience

The Silent Suffering of High-Achievers: Understanding Psychological Abuse

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence isn’t always visible bruises. Sometimes it’s the gradual erosion of self, the manipulation that makes you question your reality, the isolation from everything you once knew.

In this deeply personal memoir

Imelda takes you through her journey from the Philippines to Australia, from a marriage that slowly consumed her identity to the courageous decision to leave, and ultimately to her transformation into an immigration lawyer helping others navigate similar struggles.

Discover Transformation

Discover how one woman transformed trauma into purpose and became an award-winning advocate NOW

You can learn earlier:

  • The hidden patterns of psychological abuse and coercive control
  • Cultural expectations and immigration status that can trap survivors
  • The real challenges of rebuilding life after leaving
  • Why sharing our stories matters in breaking the silence
  • How to turn survival into advocacy and purpose

From Survivor to Advocate

Imelda Argel is an award-winning migration lawyer, advocate, and author based in Sydney, Australia. After escaping an abusive marriage and rebuilding her life as a single mother, she dedicated her career to helping other immigrants navigate complex legal systems.

Her groundbreaking work led to the Australian government recognizing Philippine Professional Board Examinations as equivalent to Australian degrees—opening professional pathways for thousands. She has received awards from both the Philippine President and the Australian government for her contributions to the Filipino-Australian community.

Today, Imelda continues to practice law, speak internationally on domestic violence and immigrant rights, and inspire others through her memoir “A Pebble That Floats.”

Your Journey Starts with One Decision

Just like Imelda’s story began with one courageous choice,

your transformation can start today.

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