Martin Ravas

A Czech freelance journalist, happily living and working in Ukraine, finds himself in a dramatic situation in Mariupol. After the unexpected and devastating attack on the city, he and his girlfriend struggle to find their way out to safety.

An adventure traveler stumbles upon a simple, provincial girl in the north of the Philippines, during his travels. What appears to be just a curious interest in this simple girl, turns out to be a transformational experience in his life. It leads to new job and social opportunities. It also changes his value system and he reappraises everything from the meaning of life, to the difference between good and bad, simple and complex, right and wrong. It also shows him that sometimes in helping other, less fortunate people, one can help himself just as much by doing so. They both find love and happiness being together on their trip around the Philippines, realize their differences make them stronger as a couple and decide to get married.

The Master plan with Chinese Characteristics is a philosophical analysis of the strategies employed by the current Chinese leadership when dealing with Western nations in particular, and foreign countries in general. Both in terms of trade and politics. It focuses on the various methods China is using to extract technology and concessions from its trade partners and evaluates whether these are deemed fair and just. It theorizes the merits of doing business with China and proposes how to counter its perceived unfair practices.