A story of coercive control, empowerment and redemption
A Pebble That Floats
One woman's true story of surviving coercive control — to a beautiful life after escape.
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Synopsis
One woman's true story of surviving coercive control — and thriving.
Recognise the silent signs. Reclaim your strength.
Imelda Lahoz Argel, one of Manila's top corporate lawyers, marries Pablo after a whirlwind romance. On their wedding night the charm evaporates — replaced by gaslighting, withheld support, and a secret mistress. She is trapped in a country with no divorce law.
Enduring emotional abuse and societal embarrassment, Imelda reaches her breaking point. Armed with legal expertise and nothing left to lose, she musters the courage to fight for her freedom — representing herself against Pablo's family in a legal system built to keep her silent.
Did she win? And what did it cost her to be free?
Recognise the silent signs
Control isn't always visible
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that slowly takes away a person's freedom. Imelda's story helps readers recognise it, in their own lives or in someone they love.
Gaslighting
Being made to doubt your own memory and judgement.
Withheld support
Money, care or kindness used as a tool of control.
Isolation
Being slowly cut off from family, friends and support.
Constant checking
Your phone, movements or spending always watched.
General information only. If you are in danger, call 000. For support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
From the book
In her own words
I never accepted ‘No’ for an answer for things that mattered, nor was I disheartened by the obstacles that came along the way.
Honesty is one core value I cannot compromise. There is deep happiness in enjoying wealth earned with integrity.
I look back with no bitterness.
I have learned to let go of my losses and work my way for the wins!
Recognised in two continents
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
Praise for the book
Why Thousands Can't Put This Book Down
Thank you for being a beacon of hope and resilience.
You really had the pebble floating.
Like I told you, this is the happiest book launch I've attended.
Your book is something all of us should read.
May you continue to defy gravity and unstrap mankind in its old toxic ways.
To a wonderful self-fulfilled woman of today, kudos to the max.
Reader's feedback
What readers are saying
A very inspiring life-story that is really worth reading and reflecting. It teaches us about holding on to faith, hope, love, courage, and perseverance in spite of life's disappointments, failures, despair, and seeming hopelessness. Thank you Tita Imelda for sharing your life with us!
I rarely get to read a book these days due to life's busy-ness. This book was highly recommended to me so I was curious. I browsed through it several times and read in the beginning, midway and towards the end. Then I decided it's a book I can actually finish reading! I get frustrated with books that necessitates holding lots in your memory from the pages I managed to make time for. Somehow, "A Pebble That Floats" is not like that at all.
The author by her story provided an honest account of that aspect of Filipino patriarchal society of that era, where women were regarded as second class citizens. She is inspiring in the way she rose above the challenges of being a migrant and more remarkably, how she has helped other migrants by successfully lobbying for overseas qualifications to be recognized on par with Australian degrees. A good read for all - men, women, migrants.
I finished reading the book in just half a day. I could not stop reading not until I finished it to the end. I could equate Imelda to Hydra, the dragon that Hercules wanted to kill, that every time he cut one head, another or several heads sprang out. As Nassim Nicholas Taleb described it as "Antifragility", things that gain from disorder (get stronger when harm). She can be a great motivator and a great inspiration to all of us because she is speaking through experience. I hope more people can read her book, she can be a life changer. Kudos to Imelda Argel. Thank you for sharing your life.
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“All is well that ends well. If it is not well, it’s not the end.”A phrase Imelda often repeats, from the Epilogue
Take a step towards empowerment by purchasing "A Pebble that Floats, a Memoir to Inspire." This book is not only a source of inspiration but also a tool for change. Share it with friends, family, or anyone who might benefit from its powerful message. By supporting this book, you are contributing to a broader conversation about domestic violence and helping to break the cycle of abuse. Let's spread awareness and inspire others to take action. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the courage to float above adversity.
From Imelda's desk
Articles and insights
Articles by Imelda on coercive control, overseas credentials and starting again.
Fair recognition for overseas skills: Imelda’s submission to Parliament
In 2005, Imelda wrote to the federal Parliament’s inquiry into overseas skills recognition, setting out how the system was holding back skilled Filipino migrants, and what could be done about it.
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