Booklist described Viola as a young woman focused on her own feelings of recklessness and abandonment, and "couched" or stuck in using "stolen" American phrases[1][2] but with a firm grip of Filipino values.

[2] Although “smoothly but predictably written” and “with blatant symbolism”, the author of Always Hiding was not able to “fully exploit her plot’s full potential resonance”.

Despite this literary criticism, the Library Journal described Always Hiding as a novel "about family, love, honor, and modern Filipino life”[2] in the Philippines and in the United States.

[1] According to Booklist, there were abrupt changes in the direction of the plot and the dialogue between the characters reflects the "tumultuous feelings" of the young heroine, but the author was able to maintain her emotional closeness to the reader.

[2] The novel brings “sparkling humor and fresh perspective” and a portrayal of “dangerous situations” that reveals the strength and potency of the characters, not their fear and apprehension.