TRAVELS (and more) WITH CECILIA BRAINARD

Planning Meeting Book Launch Cecilia Brainard's OUT OF CEBU: ESSAYS AND PERSONAL PROSE

2012-01-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

Picture taken at the Planning Meeting of the Book Launch of my collection of essays, OUT OF CEBU, launch scheduled on Sunday, 2/5/12, 2:30 p.m. Granada Rm, Casino Espanol, Cebu City. No hardcopy invitations required to attend, but RSVP sancarlospublications@yahoo.com

Seated l-r: Terry Manguerra, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, Jaime Picornell
Standing l-r: Louie Nacorda, Gavin Bagares, Jason Baguia, Jobers Bersales

INVITATION: BOOK LAUNCH OF BRAINARD'S OUT OF CEBU

2012-01-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

INVITATION:
Book Launch of Cecilia Manguerra Brainard's OUT OF CEBU: ESSAYS AND PERSONAL PROSE, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2:30 p.m., Granda Room, Casino Espanol,Cebu City.

There will be a literary reading of excerpts from the book by Gavin Bagares, Louie Nacorda, Leonidito Leodinito Y. Cañete, Marlinda Angbetic Tan, and someone from USC. Of course Jobers Reynes Bersales, Director of USC press will give a talk. It will be a very fun book launch so please mark your calendars! You don't need a hardcopy invitation, but it would appreciated if you email

SAN CARLOS UNIVERSITY RELEASES BOOK "OUT OF CEBU"

2012-01-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

I'm sharing the press release regarding my forthcoming book "Out of Cebu: Essays and Personal Prose" which will be released in Cebu this Feb. 5, by the University San Carlos Press. There will be a limited hardbound edition available at the book launch. If any one wants a hardbound copy, please contact palh@aol.com.

UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS RELEASES NEW BOOK “OUT OF CEBU”

The University of San Carlos Press is proud to announce that the book, Out of Cebu: Essays and Personal Prose, by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard will be released on February 5, 2012.

The book collects 28 essays about the author’s Cebuano ties, including colorful accounts about her mother’s family, the Cuencos, a prominent political family in Cebu. The book also includes writings about the author’s life and travels outside of Cebu.

The book has received early praise from the educator, Dr. Edmundo Litton of Loyola Marymount University who says, “These essays celebrate a pride in a heritage. Brainard is clearly proud of her Cebuana heritage and this pride shows in this magnificent collection of essays.”

Likewise, Dr. Susan Evangelista of Palawan State University comments, “I knew Cecilia Manguerra Brainard first as a fiction writer, writing from the U.S., but grounded in the physicality of Ubec, Cebu, of course. Later when I got to know her as a friend, I discovered another layer which involved her deep interest, research in and thinking about Filipino history, particularly Magellan, who died,of course, in Cebu.”

The author, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, was born and raised in Cebu. Her parents were Engr. Mariano F. Manguerra and Concepcion Cuenco Manguerra. She attended St. Theresa’s College in Cebu and San Marcelino; she obtained her AB in Communication Arts at Maryknoll College. She went on to do graduate work in film making at UCLA, but later went into writing when she was a young wife and mother. Aside from writing and editing, she teaches at the prestigious Writers’ Program at UCLA Extension.

Brainard has written nine books, including the internationally-acclaimed novel, When the Rainbow Goddess Wept, which chronicles the coming of age of a young girl in Ubec (Cebu backwards) during World War II, a novel inspired by her own parents’ experiences during the war. Brainard first coined the mythical place “Ubec” in her first short story collection, Woman with Horns and Other Stories, and she continued to use this setting in her other works of fiction: Magdalena, Acapulco at Sunset and Other Stories, Vigan and Other Stories.

She has also written books of nonfiction, edited four books, and co-edited six more. Her writings have been translated into Finnish and Turkish.
Brainard has received a California Arts Council Fellowship in Fiction, a Brody Arts Fund Award, a Special Recognition Award for her work dealing with Asian American youths, as well as a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate, 21st District. She has also been awarded by the Filipino and Filipino American communities she has served. She received the prestigious Filipinas Magazine Arts Award, and the Outstanding Individual Award from her birth city, Cebu, Philippines. She has received several travel grants in the Philippines, from the USIS (United States Information Service).

She has lectured and performed in worldwide literary arts organizations and universities, including UCLA, USC, University of Connecticut, University of the Philippines, PEN, Beyond Baroque, Shakespeare & Company in Paris, and many others. She teaches creative writing at the Writers Program at UCLA-Extension.
She is married to Lauren R. Brainard, a former Peace Corp Volunteer to Leyte, Philippines; they have three sons and several grandchildren.

Brainard’s book, Out of Cebu: Essays and Personal Essays, is available from Cebu’s University of San Carlos Press (sancarlospublications@yahoo.com).

2012-01-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

FOR RENT - BEAUTIFUL STUDIO APARTMENT, HISTORIC CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES
large, newly furbished, partially furnished for residence and/or office, beautiful,2 balconies, parquet wood floors, gated, 24-hour security, email palhbooks@gmail.com or call 0918-360-0815

See YouTube

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T11:05:00.000-08:00

A Happy and Blessed New Year to all!

Review of ANGELICA'S DAUGHTERS

2011-12-28T09:02:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Tinamat who wrote this review of ANGELICA'S DAUGHTERS:
onemorepage.tinamats.com/angelicas-daughters/

Angelica’s Daughters by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, Susan Evangelista, Veronica Montes, Nadine Sarreal, Erma M. Cuizon
Anvil Publishing, 201 pages

Angelica’s Daughters is a collaborative novel by five established Filipina writers, called a “dugtungan.” A dugtungan is a genre of Tagalog novel popular early in the 20th century, in which each writer creates a chapter and hands it off to the next, who writes another chapter without direction. The result, in this case, is an ensemble performance that contains something of the exhilaration of theatrical improv. One watches these accomplished authors inventively weave a historical romance, creating gripping heroines and turns of plot, crossing decades and national boundaries, tapping into cultural roots of the Philippines, Spain and America. Reading Angelica’s Daughters is a gripping experience.~ Brian Ascalon Roley, Author of American Son (W.W. Norton)

One time during junior year in high school, my friends and I started scribbling on spare pieces of notebook paper. It was a story about a group of friends that we started passing around our group, leaving a part hanging so the next person could continue the story. We never finished the story, but I remember we had a colorful cast of characters, and I ended up continuing the story and posting a snippet of it somewhere that I cannot remember for the life of me. Anyway, we also had the same kind of exercise during my college literary folio days — one would start a story and then another would pick it up. I adopted that exercise for our NaNoWriMo group, and although it never really flew, it was a fun project.

So that’s really one of the reasons why I was curious about Angelica’s Daughters. This book is a collaborative “dugtungan” novel by five authors: Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, Susan Evangelista, Veronica Montes, Nadine Sarreal, Erma M. Cuizon. They are all writers on their own but their friendship (and writing classes) led them to collaborate on different short stories. One day they decided to upgrade into writing a novel, passing on an idea and a chapter to one another, until they came up with the story of Angelica.

Angelica’s Daughters revolved around three female descendants of Angelica de los Santos. First was Tess, whose 8 years of marriage dissolved after she found out her husband Tonio has left his mens wedding ring behind and was dating a younger woman. She flies home to the Philippines to gather her thoughts and herself and spends time with her Lola Josefina. Josefina had secrets of her own, one that she wasn’t sure that her granddaughter (or anyone else in the family would understand). In the course of Tess’ stay, a cousin gives her a bundle of letters from their Angelica, a distant grandmother who was the subject of many of her childhood stories. They were never really sure if all those stories about Angelica were real or not — like how a guy killed himself when Angelica refused to give him her love, or how wives were often jealous of her because of her beauty. Through the letters, Tess got to know her better but there were holes in the story that she longed to be filled. On the annual Tayabas fiesta, Tess meets her younger cousin, Dina, who carries a darker secret that is eating her alive.

As I was thinking of how I was going to review this book, I realized one thing: Angelica’s Daughters could pass as a perfect comfort read. It’s like the local version of a Sarah Addison Allen novel, but maybe even a bit better because it hits closer to home for me. There’s a certain grace and lyricism in the prose that makes me immediately sink into it, and marvel at the familiar feelings it evoked. There’s really something about a well-written Filipino work that just hits the right spot, like how a perfectly cooked dish can satisfy the strongest craving. Case in point, this particular line:

She served herself generously from the garlic fried rice and daing. She took her first bite and closed her eyes with pleasure.

I totally started salivating for garlic fried rice and daing (dried salted fish, for my non-Filipino friends) after I read this line. :) The entire novel had that feel of home that made it such a good comfort read.

Besides that, the book also had an interesting angle of history. This kind of reminds me a bit of old history readings in school, or watching movies based on Philippine history. Note that it didn’t really have the “required reading for school” feel, but it provided a sense of nostalgia for the early Spanish era in Philippine history. Angelica’s letters to her aunt and her stories were vivid and she felt very much alive in those letters. She may not be the nicest or the most honest character, but she is a well-formed character that it’s hard not to be curious about her as the book goes on.

I had a few nitpicks though. For one thing, I felt that Lola Josefina’s angle wasn’t really that explored, up until she admitted her secret to Tess. I wasn’t even aware that she was the third person in the story until I finally figured it out. Also, I thought Dina was introduced a little too late in the story, almost like she was an afterthought, like she was only there to be the receiver of Tess’ wrath.

Also, there was the dreaded insta-love. I wished there wasn’t an insta-love thing between Tess and Luis — I could accept Tess liking/lusting after him during the first time she met him and danced with him in the disco, but the idea of her falling in love with him felt a little too quick for me. I was never a fan of insta-love, anyway, and personally, I would’ve been fine if Tess ended up not having a love life in the end. After all, she still had to find herself after her marriage disintegrated.

Nevertheless, I thought Angelica’s Daughters was a well-written and enjoyable novel that deals with family, love and moving on from past mistakes. It’s chick lit, but it’s not really hardcore fluffy chick lit that I think even guys will like to read this. Plus that recipe for Angelica’s special tsokolate-espeso is a must-try. This is one of the good ones in Filipino fiction, and I hope more Filipinos get to read this book. :)

Tony Suvega- Feng Shui Artist in Philippines

2011-12-19T07:40:00.000-08:00

I met Tony Suvega a couple of years ago. He's a world famous Feng Shui Artist in the Philippines. Here's his site:

http://adspinas.blogspot.com/2010/07/worldwide-feng-shui-services-fortune.html

Letter about When the Rainbow Goddess Wept

2011-12-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011

Dearest Cecilia,
Thank you so much for writing "When the Rainbow Goddess Wept." It's one of the most endearing books I've read for a long time. My Lolo told us stories about the war and the flight of the Filipinos to hide and it made it all too life-like while reading your book. Thank you so much for all that you do and all the pro-Filipino things you write. I will always keep you, Yvonne and stories of Old Cebu in my heart.

Sincerely,
Christopher Ganio

The Cover of OUT OF CEBU: ESSAYS AND PERSONAL PROSE

2011-12-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

The University of San Carlos Press will release my collection of essays, OUT OF CEBU: ESSAYS AND PERSONAL PROSE, this February 2012. I'm sharing the cover studies, the first one that was rejected, and the second one that was approved. Can you guess which one will be used as the final cover? (Answer below)

(Answer: the one with the candle)

The Essential Beginnings: An Introductory Creative Writing Workshop

2011-11-30T07:42:00.000-08:00

If you sign up before Jan. 23, you get a $30 discount!

The Essential Beginnings: An Introductory Creative Writing Workshop at the Writers Program, UCLA Extension - Class starts Feb. 23-Mar 29, 6 mtgs. taught by Cecilia Brainard, call 310-825-9971.
The Thursday class meets in 1010 Westwood Blvd, one block from UCLA proper.

The class will make a life-altering Christmas gift!

Course Description: Many aspire to write creatively, but few know how to get started. A supportive workshop for those who wish to write for personal or professional satisfaction, this course provides many fundamental techniques--from journal writing to imaginative in-class exercises--all geared to motivate and cultivate the beginning creative writer. Topics include writing from observation and experience, creating dynamic characters, developing points of view, and writing dialogue. By the course's completion, you have in hand a series of short sketches or a draft of a story.

COMING UP: Art Gallery in Parian, Cebu!

2011-11-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

BUZZ: Watch out for the opening of an Art Gallery in conjunction with the Cebu Art Association in the Dona Filomena Building in Cebu City, on time for the 2012 Sinulog! More later on...

The Dona Filomena Building is located on Zulueta Street, near Logarta, and near the Historic landmarks of Cebu (Jesuit House, Heritage Monument, Yap-Sandiego Museum, Casa Gorordo, and the Cathedral Museum)

Vanishing of the Bees - Worldwide Screenings

2011-11-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.vanishingbees.com/events/

Upcoming Screenings

Thursday, November 17 2011 8.30 PM to 10.30 PM - 415 First Ave, Aloha, OR 97007
Friday, November 18 2011 7.00 PM to 9.00 PM - 1 LMU Drive/ U-Hall 1000, Los Angeles CA 90045
Monday, November 21 2011 12.30 PM to 2.30 PM - 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura, Auckland 2122, New Zealand
Monday, November 21 2011 6.30 PM to 9.30 PM - 633 South Broadway, Boulder, Colorado
Tuesday, November 29 2011 4.00 PM to 6.00 PM - University of the Philippines Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines
Friday, December 2 2011 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM - 90 Quaker Hill Road, Unity ME 04988
Saturday, December 3 2011 7.00 PM to 9.00 PM - Albert Street, Wickham NSW 2293, Australia
Saturday, January 7 2012 11.00 PM to 1.00 PM - 3755 N HWY 17-92, Lake Monroe, FL 32747,
Saturday, January 21 2012 1.30 PM to 3.30 PM - 601 North La Canada, Green Valley, AZ 85614
Wednesday, March 21 2012 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM - 200 North Main St., St. Wallingford, CT

~~~
SILENCE OF THE BEES is another documentary on bees available for free on the internet

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/silence-of-the-bees/full-episode/251/

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIUo3STj6tw

Botero in San Miguel de Allende

2011-11-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

Fernando Botero in San Miguel de Allende

Angelica's Daughters: A Dugtungan Novel - picture

2011-11-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

This picture of an old church reminds me of a scene from Angelica's Daughters: A Dugtungan Novel - page 145 "When Paolo and Tess swung open the heavy, dark wood doors, they were greeted with the strong odor of burning incense and the startling beauty of elaborately painted tiles beneath their feet..."

ANGELICA'S DAUGHTERS, A Dugtungan Novel

by Cecilia Brainard, Erma Cuizon, Susan Evangelista, Veronica Montes, Nadine Sarreal

Anvil Publishing, 2010

For copies, contact ANVIL (www.anvilpublishing.com)
email: anvilpublishing@yahoo.com
In the US, Email: palh@aol.com; palhbooks@gmail.com

"Chick lit with a comfortable dose of smartness and historical verve. Angelica's Daughters celebrates audacious heroines primed by deep passion and fairytale romance! Set in the heat of a 19th-century Asian revolution and what its setting becomes by the 21st Century, Angelica's Daughters beguiles with its mythic splendor, threat of a generational curse, masterful betrayals, and female leads readers can fall in love with.
The story found itself as one writer finished her chapter without consulting the others, and passed it on for the next writer in line to do with as she pleased. The amazing result is a delightful read by five writers who cherish their Hispanic, Filipino, and American cultural roots." ~ Felice Prudente Sta. Maria

This collective and collaborative novel proves that writers share much more than just an interest in, as one of the authors puts it, “the idea of creating something of rare beauty out of nothing at all.” They share a Creative Unconscious that, when working on a common text, comes up with startling and unpredictable imaginative delights and insights. This tale of two women living a century apart (and the women and men in their lives) told sequentially by five women is truly an ensemble performance worth a standing ovation.~ Isagani R. Cruz, Philippine Star

"Part of the pleasure of reading Angelica's Daughters, the engrossing new collaborative novel by five established Filipina writers, is seeing how deftly the authors deal with the challenge of writing in this resurrected literary form. A dugtungan is a genre of Tagalog novel popular early in the 20th century, in which each writer creates a chapter and hands it off to the next, who writes another chapter without direction. The result, in this case, is an ensemble performance that contains something of the exhilaration of theatrical improv. One watches these accomplished authors inventively weave a historical romance, creating gripping heroines and turns of plot, crossing decades and national boundaries, tapping into cultural roots of the Philippines, Spain and America. Reading Angelica's Daughters is a gripping experience.~ Brian Ascalon Roley, Author of American Son (W.W. Norton)

MORE ON BEES

2011-10-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

I'm still following on the plight of bees. Here are two articles about them:

Dan Rather on Bees: //blip.tv/hdnet-news-and-documentaries/dan-rather-reports-bee-aware-5567670

And Farmers Add Bee-Friendly plants: //abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/farmers-adding-plants-attract-nourish-bees-14784666

Pictures of San Miguel Allende & Guanajuato, Mexico

2011-10-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

I visited San Miguel Allende and Guanajuato in Mexico. This is a repeat visit; I love these places. They are Spanish colonial towns in the central part of Mexico - very colorful and vibrant. San Miguel is more touristy; Guanajuato is a university town. The Cervantes Festival was in full swing in Guanajuato and some of these festivities spilled over to San Miguel.

I took the following pictures in San Miguel Allende. The pictures after the door were taken in Guanajuato.

Creative Writing Class - Coming up!

2011-10-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

I'm teaching Essential Beginnings of Creative Writing at the Writers Program, UCLA Extension Nov. 4-Dec.15, please call 310-825-9415 for more information. This is a good beginning class that covers the real basics: character, character development, tension, plot, conflict, etc.

Pictures from Book Talk, Carson Public Library

2011-10-08T20:35:00.001-07:00

These pictures were taken at Book Talk, with Carlene Bonnivier, Cecilia Brainard, Lorenzo Paran, and Samantha Sotto, sponsored by Philippine Expressions and the Carson Public Library, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011.

Photos:
Top l-r: Cecilia Brainard, Lorenzo Paran, Samantha Sotto, and Carlene Bonnivier
Next l-r: Cecilia Brainard, Samantha Sotto
Next l-r: Lucila Dypiangco, Cecilia Brainard
The rest of the pictures show Oscar and Lucila Dypiangco with guests, most of them Theresians.

RECAP OF THE FILAM BOOK FEST

2011-10-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

Recap of the FilAm Book Fest
By: Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

The first ever, Filipino American International Book Festival (FilAm Book Fest) was held in San Francisco Oct. 1-2, and was, in my opinion a success. Talk is that the organizers will do this again in two years, and I'm certainly hoping they do so because the event is a win-win situation to the authors, publishers, as well as the Filipino American Community.

The event started with a reception at the Philippine Consulate on Friday night. Cocktails were served and consulate people, authors, and publishers mingled. Ex-president Fidel V. Ramos was present to promote his biography as well as many writers, many of whom I know, such as: Isagani Cruz, Marily Orosa, Paulino Lim, Ambeth Ocampo, Butch Dalisay, Pete Lacaba, Cris Yabes, Felice Sta. Maria, Almira Gilles, Penelope Lopez, Oscar Penaranda, Edwin Lozada, and many more. Linda Nietes of Philippine Expressions was also present, as were Anvil Publishing folks represented by Karina Bolasco and Gwenn Galvez.

My husband kept pointing at a sign that said something like “No More Than 50 people Allowed in the Room” when in fact there must have been over a hundred people present. I wasn't sure if it was a political event, a literary event, or a book launch of Ramos' biography, but it was all energetic and fun. A lot of official introductions and talks took place, most of it lost in the organized chaos in the room. Throughout the room there was a lot of hugging and handshaking; and media people were busy taking pictures and doing interviews. It was, in short, like going to a class reunion – just a lot of good energy and high spirits all throughout. One must understand that out of the 100 some authors present in the Festival, around 20 flew in from the Philippines, and even among the US-based authors, some came from Chicago, or the East Coast. There were even a few who came from Canada and Europe; I met a Filipina from Copenhagen. I should also add that Philippine publishers were there and brought with them thousands of books.

The site of the Book Festival itself was in the San Francisco Civic Center and nearby San Francisco Public Library and Asian Art Museum. The outdoor area had a section for the food vendors, an outdoor stage, and booksellers and other booths. Fortunately, the weather was great over the weekend, mild enough so the authors and publishers from the Philippines were comfortable.

I shared a booth with John Silva (who just released the book, A Token of Our Friendship, Philippine Photos of Male Affection) and Marily Orosa, publisher of award-winning coffee table books. Even though there wasn't a huge crowd at the festival, those who showed up were very enthusiastic and snapped up books. By the end of the festival, John had sold out his book, and I sold out some titles. The books were, as the saying goes, "selling like hotcakes."

I was very impressed with the Festival visitors. In all honesty it wasn't a big crowd. Early Saturday morning, I started to worry because there weren't a lot of people. More people came mid-day, but the place really wasn't packed. However, those who attended were really interested in literature and books. They talked to the authors, bought books, and were excited and happy because they were in this literary event. I'm thinking here of Donna Bella whom I met at an earlier literary reading in Berkeley. I had invited her to the festival; she went, and was so happy, she glowed.

There were many students present, including Galileo High School students and Skyline College students who stopped by my booth. Parents, grandparents were there. And the wonderful thing about it was that they were truly interested in literature. It was awesome.

Aside from spending time in my booth, I moderated (along with Veronica Montes) the literary reading programs, HOT OFF THE PRESS on Saturday and Sunday. The literary readings celebrated newly published books by Filipino and Filipino American authors, including: Tony Robles, Almia de los Santos, Peter Jamero, Sunny Vergara, Gloria Ramos, Romy Honorio, Bob Flor, Geraldine Solon, Rafe Bartolomew, Angela Torres, Sarita See, Karen Llagas, Aileen Ibardaloza-Cassinetto, Lilia Rahman, Tilay Angbetic, Emmie Velarde, Myles Garcia, and Samantha Sotto.

I was particularly delighted that the readers were all professional and kept to their 8 minute limit. Both events were quite popular and drew an audience of some 150-200 people each day.

I should add that there were numerous talks and activities going on, all very interesting. For instance, Ambeth Ocampo gave a provocative talk “Queridas ni Rizal: Love and Sex in Philippine History.” Felice Sta. Maria and Claude Tayag gave talks on Philippine Cuisine. Children’s storytelling went on with Almira Gilles, Dorina Lazo-Gilmore, and Sol Manaay. The members of Bindlestiff Studio, an all Filipino-American theatrical group in San Francisco, did several performances. The Babaylan Group had a Healing Arts Pavilion where they gave talks and had hilot sessions. The artist BenCab talked about his creative process. Barbara Jane Reyes, Reme Grefalda, Neni Sta. Romana Cruz, Marites Vitub, Ben Pimentel, Marivi Blanco, Leny Strobel, and many others talked in various panels.

There was also a Tribute Night honoring Carlos Bulosan, NVM Gonzalez, Bienvenido Santos, Jose Garcia Villa, F. Sionil Jose, Al Robles, Ceres Alabado, Fred and Dorothy Cordova, Evangeline Buell, Linda Ty-Casper and Nick Joaquin. In short there was something for everyone, and from what I could see visitors were not disappointed.
The organizers are numerous and I do not mean to leave anyone out, but I do wish to thank those I dealt with: Gemma Nemenzo, Penelope Flores, Oscar Penaranda, Edwin Lozada, and Mitchell Yangson. I hope that the organizers will hold another festival it in the future — for the good of the writers, publishers, book sellers, and the Filipino and Filipino American communities.

For more, here's a video clip about the FilAm Book Fest:

www.balitangamerica.tv/book-festival-celebrates-fil-am-authors/
~~
Photos from the top:
Top - l-r: Paulino Lim, Barbara Lim, Lauren Brainard, Cecilia Brainard, Marily Orosa,Karina Bolasco, Penelope Flores, Ambeth Ocampo
next - l-r: Cecilia, Almira Gilles, Penelope Flores, Ambeth Ocampo, Paulino Lim
next - l-r: Cecilia, Felice Sta. Maria, Marily Orosa, Ex-President Fidel Ramos, guest
next - l-r: Pia Lopezbano-Carrion, Jeremiah Ysip
next - l-r: Barbara and Paulino Lim, Lauren Brainard
next - John Silva taking a break
next - l-r: Percival Arcibal, Cecilia Brainard, Paolo Salazar
last - Jonathan Best and John Silva taking a break

What's Cecilia Brainard doing this Saturday, Oct. 8?

2011-10-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

YOU'RE INVITED:

I'll be reading from ANGELICA'S DAUGHTERS and VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES in Carson Public Library, Sat. Oct. 8 2-4:30 p.m., 151 E. Carson St. RSVP 310-514-9139

Articles re FilAm Book Festival

2011-10-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

I found these article about FilAm Book Fest:

http://208.184.76.173/Article.aspx?articleId=731108&publicationSubCategoryId=111

Filbook Fest: Hot Off The Press Literary Readings
(The Freeman) Updated September 26, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

CEBU, Philippines - The first Filipino American International Book Festival (FilBookFest) will be held in San Francisco’s Civic Center on October 1 & 2, 2011. The book festival is the first-ever of its size and focuses on literature, music, art, and performances by and from Filipinos and Filipino Americans.

The book festival will take place in three adjacent locations in Civic Center: the San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin St., the Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St., and on Fulton Street between Hyde and Larkin Streets. Lectures, author readings and panel discussions will take place through the Library; the Asian Art Museum will host culinary demonstrations and tastings; and booksellers, vendors and food booths will be located on Fulton Street.

Some 100 Filipino and Filipino American authors will be attending the Festival. Eighteen of these authors will be featured in two literary readings called HOT OFF THE PRESS, which will be held on October 1 and October 2, from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Koret Auditorium.

Those participating in HOT OFF THE PRESS include Tilay Angbetic who received her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of the Philippines. After her year-long world tour with “Up With People,” Tilay moved to New York City, where she worked in the fashion industry and studied the craft of writing. She now lives in San Diego, pursuing her passions for writing, travel, photography, and food. She will read from her new novel entitled, Love & Other Firsts.

Still another participant is Benito M. Vergara, Jr. who was born and raised in the Philippines, and is the author of Displaying Filipinos: Photography and Colonialism in Early 20th-Century Philippines (University of the Philippines Press, 1995) and Pinoy Capital: The Filipino Nation in Daly City (Temple University Press, 2009). He received his PhD in Anthropology from Cornell University and has taught Asian American Studies and Anthropology at different universities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Two other featured readers in HOT OFF THE PRESS were born and raised in California. Tony Robles is a writer and activist. His poetry has appeared in numerous journals including DisOrient Journalizine, Pinoy Poetics, The Asian Pacific American Journal, and the anthology Seven Card Stud with Seven Manangs Wild. He is the author of the children’s books Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel and Lakas and the Manilatown Fish. Tony is an editor of Poor Magazine.

Peter Jamero is the eldest son of Filipino immigrants, and was raised on a Filipino farm worker camp in California. He is the founding national vice-president of the Filipino American National Historical Society and the author of Growing Up Brown: Memoirs of a Filipino American and Vanishing Filipino Americans: The Bridge Generation.

The hosts of HOT OFF THE PRESS are Cecilia Brainard and Veronica Montes. Cecilia Brainard is the multi-award author of eight books, and editor of ten more. Cecilia’s work has been widely anthologized; her work has been translated into Finnish and Turkish.Veronica Montes’ short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies such as Growing Up Filipino, and Going Home to a Landscape. Her work has also been published in the literary journals Bamboo Ridge, Prism International, and maganda. She is co-author of the dugtungan (“connecting”) novel, Angelica’s Daughters.

These authors will read in the Saturday HOT OFF THE PRESS: Bob Flor, Janet Stickmon, Geraldine Solon, Marivi Blanco, Paulino Lim, Veronica Montes, Almia de los Santos, Peter Jamero, Tony Robles, and Gloria Ramos.

On Sunday, these authors will read in HOT OFF THE PRESS: Tilay Angbetic, Benito Vergara, Angela Narciso Torres, Reme Grefalda, Cecilia Brainard, Aileen Ibardaloza-Cassinetto, Marily Orosam and Myles Garcia.

Booksellers and organizations, such as Anvil, Philippine Expressions, Arkipelago, PALH, PAWWA, and others will have the authors’ books available.

~~
(another article)
Book Fairs To be held in Manila, San Francisco
http://thechinesenewsoflasvegas.com/photo-gallery/book-fairs-to-be-held-in-manila-san-francisco/

By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)
(© 2011 Journal Group Link International)
IN SAN FRANCISCO

While the Filipino American International Book Festival will be held from Oct. 1-2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at three venues in the Civic Center area of San Francisco. They are at Fulton Street where the booksellers,’ vendors’ and food booths, as well as an outdoor stage will be located; the San Francisco Public Library where lectures, readings and panel discussions will be held; and the Asian Art Museum, which will host the culinary lectures, food tasting, and a conversation with National Artist BenCab.

Ushering in the Filipino American History Month for 2011, the book fair will be the first-ever book festival in the U.S. to focus on literature, music, art and performances by and of the Filipinos and Filipino Americans.

Everyone is invited to take part in this free public event – as authors, booksellers, exhibitors/vendors, volunteers, sponsors/donors and performers, or just to enjoy Philippine culture and food at its best.

Among the authors of Filipino heritage, who have confirmed their attendance, are National Artists BenCab, Rio Alma and F. Sionil Jose, and well-known authors Ambeth Ocampo, Jose Dalisay, Pete Lacaba, Marites Vitug, Cecilia Brainard, among almost a hundred others.

Books that could browsed or be bought are of a wide variety of genres, for adults and children, artists and artisans, gays and straights, for those who seek inspiration and those who provide it, and many more. There will be new books to be launched at the event. Videos will also be available.

FilBookFest is sponsored by the Literacy Initiatives International Foundation (LIIF) a California nonprofit; the San Francisco Public Library, the Philippine Consulate, the Asian Art Museum and the Philippine Department of Tourism, in cooperation with TFC/ABS-CBN Foundation International. Among its sponsors are the Asia Foundation, the University of San Francisco’s Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program, Inquirer.net and Philippine News.

~~~

And more articles (may be repeats) here:

http://208.184.76.173/Article.aspx?articleId=731108&publicationSubCategoryId=111

http://thechinesenewsoflasvegas.com/photo-gallery/book-fairs-to-be-held-in-manila-san-francisco/

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/10/03/11/book-festival-celebrates-fil-am-authors

http://www.balitangamerica.tv/book-festival-celebrates-fil-am-authors/

http://www.usnewslasvegas.com/foreign/filipinos-foreign/book-festival-celebrates-fil-am-authors/

BOOK TALK in Carson Public Library

2011-10-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm part of this program, and hope you can make it.

BOOK TALKS TO CELEBRATE FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

Saturday, October 8, 2011
2:00pm - 4:30pm

LA County Regional Library
Carson Public Library
151 E. Carson St., Carson, CA
Tel (310) 830-0901

The following authors will talk and read excerpts from their latest books.

Cecilia Manguerra Brainard is the multi-awarded author and editor of 14 books of novels, short stories, anthologies and essays. Her awards include a California Arts Council Fellowship in Fiction, a Brody Arts Fund Award, a Special Recognition Award from the Los Angeles Unified School District, a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate 2lst District, a 1998 Outstanding Individual Award from her birth city, Cebu, Philippines. She teaches creative writing at the Writers Program at UCLA-Extension. She will read from her two latest books, Vigan and Other Stories andAngelica's Daughters, a Dugtungan novel.

Samantha Sotto, based in Manila, shattered barriers that have previously stymied Filipino authors when Random House, one of the biggest publishers in the world published her debut novel, Before Ever After last month. Described as 'gutsy' and 'unusual', the book has been garnering some rave reviews. What if 'til death do us part meant longer than you realized? This is a love story that defies the boundaries of time and space to redefine our notion of forever.

Lorenzo Paran III was born and raised in Daraga, Albay, in the Philippines. He has a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in creative writing from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. His book, Pinoy in America is written with wry humor and it documents the immigrant's experiences which are anecdotal and experiential which the transplanted reader in America can relate to. He lives in Southern California, editing news stories for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. He continues to write about the Pinoy-in-American life on his blog, pinoyinamerica.blogspot.com.

Carlene Sobrino Bonnivier's mother was from Baguio but Carlene herself was born in the heart of Historic Filipinotown when it was still teeming with Filipino immigrant families, and of aging Manongs. The word Manongs refer to elderly Filipino men who came to America in the early 20's to work as stoop labor in the farmlands of America; they have remained unmarried due to a twist in history. Carlene is a poet and novelist, and has co-authored a play entitled Brown Man in White Sheets which is about the Manongs. She will read from her novel, Seeking Thirst which took her three years to write but herewith condensed in one sentence: "Shrouded in normalcy - reliable husband, nice home in Noe Valley, health plan, Honda - Carol anesthetizes her memories of Dierdra and foster homes in alcohol until she discovers her orphan past in Los Angeles' Historic Filipinotown."

A table exhibit of some photographs of Filipinos during WWll will also be on display. Filipino American soldiers have played a part in fighting against the Japanese Army during WWll and their bravery is being remembered during this month of October which annually has been declared as Filipino American History Month.

This literary event is part of the celebration and is also an ongoing outreach program of Philippine Expressions Bookshop. It is co-sponsored by the Friends of Carson Public Library. Seats are limited. RSVP to or call (310) 514-9139.

Photo shows Cecilia Brainard (left) and Samantha Sotto( beside her) with other authors

Reprint from ABC-CBN News.com

2011-10-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

(I found this on the internet. To clarify, Flip Gothic is a work of fiction. I do want to thank the folks from ABS-CBN because they have a video report:
hwww.balitangamerica.tv/book-festival-celebrates-fil-am-authors/

or try this YouTube link
www.youtube.com/watch?v=irZTH9r7EyE&feature=player_embedded

SAN FRANCISCO, California - Activist Tony Robles, author of "Lakas" and "The Makibaka Hotel" shared his poetry. Nurse Almia de los Santos, author of "Journey to the Beginning," traced her steps back to when it all began.

"It began with just a dream or maybe a child's fantasy. I would visualize coming to America as a cultured and beautiful woman," de los Santos said.

A Filipino-American in his 70s, Peter Jamero, who wrote "Vanishing Filipino Americans," talked about a generation lost.

Cecilia Brainard, award-winning author of "Flip Gothic," read letters about rediscovering one's roots. "I am still trying to figure out why you left for America when you had a good life here," Brainard said.

They were just some of the one hundred or so authors whose works were celebrated at the Filipino-American International Book Festival.

For two days, San Francisco hosted the largest gathering of artists and authors of Filipino heritage outside the Philippines.
~~
Same article reprinted in Philippine Times of Southern Nevada

re the Filipino American International Book Festival

2011-10-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

The first ever, Filipino American International Book Festival (FilAm Book Fest) was held in San Francisco Oct. 1-2, and was, in my opinion a success. Talk is that the organizers will do this again in two years, and I'm certainly hoping they do so because the event is a win-win situation to the authors, publishers, as well as the Filipino American Community.

The event started with a reception at the Philippine Consulate on Friday night. Cocktails were served and consulate people, authors, and publishers mingled. Ex-president Fidel V. Ramos was present to promote his biography as well as many writers, many of whom I know, such as: Isagani Cruz, Marily Orosa, Paulino Lim, Ambeth Ocampo, Butch Dalisay, Pete Lacaba, Cris Yabes, Felice Sta. Maria, Almira Gilles, Penelope Lopez, Oscar Penaranda, Edwin Lozada, and many more. Linda Nietes of Philippine Expressions was also present, as were Anvil Publishing folks represented by Karina Bolasco and Gwenn Galvez.

My husband kept pointing at a sign that said something like “No More Than 50 people Allowed in the Room” when in fact there must have been over a hundred people present. I wasn't sure if it was a political event, a literary event, or a book launch of Ramos' biography, but it was all energetic and fun. A lot of official introductions and talks took place, most of it lost in the organized chaos in the room. Throughout the room there was a lot of hugging and handshaking; and media people were busy taking pictures and doing interviews. It was, in short, like going to a class reunion – just a lot of good energy and high spirits all throughout. One must understand that out of the 100 some authors present in the Festival, around 20 flew in from the Philippines, and even among the US-based authors, some came from Chicago, or the East Coast. There were even a few who came from Canada and Europe; I met a Filipina from Copenhagen. I should also add that Philippine publishers were there and brought with them thousands of books.

The site of the Book Festival itself was in the San Francisco Civic Center and nearby San Francisco Public Library and Asian Art Museum. The outdoor area had a section for the food vendors, an outdoor stage, and booksellers and other booths. Fortunately, the weather was great over the weekend, mild enough so the authors and publishers from the Philippines were comfortable.

I shared a booth with John Silva (who just released the book, A Token of Our Friendship, Philippine Photos of Male Affection) and Marily Orosa, publisher of award-winning coffee table books. Even though there wasn't a huge crowd at the festival, those who showed up were very enthusiastic and snapped up books. By the end of the festival, John had sold out his book, and I sold out some titles. The books were, as the saying goes, "selling like hotcakes."

I was very impressed with the Festival visitors. In all honesty it wasn't a big crowd. Early Saturday morning, I started to worry because there weren't a lot of people. More people came mid-day, but the place really wasn't packed. However, those who attended were really interested in literature and books. They talked to the authors, bought books, and were excited and happy because they were in this literary event. I'm thinking here of Donna Bella whom I met at an earlier literary reading in Berkeley. I had invited her to the festival; she went, and was so happy, she glowed.

There were many students present, including Galileo High School students and Skyline College students who stopped by my booth. Parents, grandparents were there. And the wonderful thing about it was that they were truly interested in literature. It was awesome.

Aside from spending time in my booth, I moderated (along with Veronica Montes) the literary reading programs, HOT OFF THE PRESS on Saturday and Sunday. The literary readings celebrated newly published books by Filipino and Filipino American authors, including: Tony Robles, Almia de los Santos, Peter Jamero, Sunny Vergara, Gloria Ramos, Romy Honorio, Bob Flor, Geraldine Solon, Rafe Bartolomew, Angela Torres, Sarita See, Karen Llagas, Aileen Ibardaloza-Cassinetto, Lilia Rahman, Tilay Angbetic, Emmie Velarde, Myles Garcia, and Samantha Sotto.

I was particularly delighted that the readers were all professional and kept to their 8 minute limit. Both events were quite popular and drew an audience of some 150-200 people each day.

I should add that there were numerous talks and activities going on, all very interesting. For instance, Ambeth Ocampo gave a provocative talk “Queridas ni Rizal: Love and Sex in Philippine History.” Felice Sta. Maria and Claude Tayag gave talks on Philippine Cuisine. Children’s storytelling went on with Almira Gilles, Dorina Lazo-Gilmore, and Sol Manaay. The members of Bindlestiff Studio, an all Filipino-American theatrical group in San Francisco, did several performances. The Babaylan Group had a Healing Arts Pavilion where they gave talks and had hilot sessions. The artist BenCab talked about his creative process. Barbara Jane Reyes, Reme Grefalda, Neni Sta. Romana Cruz, Marites Vitub, Ben Pimentel, Marivi Blanco, Leny Strobel, and many others talked in various panels.

There was also a Tribute Night honoring Carlos Bulosan, NVM Gonzalez, Bienvenido Santos, Jose Garcia Villa, F. Sionil Jose, Al Robles, Ceres Alabado, Fred and Dorothy Cordova, Evangeline Buell, Linda Ty-Casper and Nick Joaquin. In short there was something for everyone, and from what I could see visitors were not disappointed.
The organizers are numerous and I do not mean to leave anyone out, but I do wish to thank those I dealt with: Gemma Nemenzo, Penelope Flores, Oscar Penaranda, Edwin Lozada, and Mitchell Yangson. I hope that the organizers will hold another festival it in the future — for the good of the writers, publishers, book sellers, and the Filipino and Filipino American communities.

For more, here's a video clip about the FilAm Book Fest:

www.balitangamerica.tv/book-festival-celebrates-fil-am-authors/
~~
Photos from the top:
top - l-r: Cecilia, Almira Gilles, Penelope Flores, Ambeth Ocampo, Paulino Lim
next - l-r: Cecilia, Felice Sta. Maria, Marily Orosa, Ex-President Fidel Ramos, guest
next - l-r: Pia Lopezbano-Carrion, Jeremiah Ysip
next - l-r: Barbara and Paulino Lim, Lauren Brainard
next - John Silva taking a break
last - Jonathan Best and John Silva taking a break

What is Cecilia Brainard Up to?

2011-09-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

COMING UP:

Thurs, Sept. 29 7 p.m. - Reading at Eastwind Books, 2066 University Avenue, Berkeley
Friday, Sept. 30 - Talk to Students of Galileo High School, attend Bindlestiff production in San Francisco
Saturday, Oct. 1 - FilAm Book Fest, mind the book I'm sharing with John Silva, Marily Orosa, and Veronica Montes, read in Hot off the Press;
Sunday, Oct. 2 - still at the book fest, moderate Hot off the Press

More later on, with pictures!

You Are Invited to the HOT OFF THE PRESS: LITERARY READINGS, FilAm Book Fest - Final Lineup

2011-09-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

Here's the Final Lineup of the Readings, Hot Off the Press, with authors' books noted:
Please join us for Hot Off the Press this weekend at the FilBook Fest!

WHAT: Hot Off the Press: 10 Readers @ 8 Minutes Each

WHERE: Koret Auditorium / Lower Level SF Main Library / 100 Larkin St.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 - 1:30

Saturday's Lineup
(in order of appearance)

Moderator: Veronica Montes
Tony Robles - Lakas and the Manilatown Fish, Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel (will be reading poetry)
Almia de los Santos - Journey to the Beginning - A True Story
Peter Jamero - Vanishing Filipino Americans: The Bridge Generation
Cecilia Brainard - Vigan & Other Stories
Rafe Bartholomew - Pacific Rims
Sunny Vergara - Pinoy Capital: The Filipino Nation in Daly City (will be reading fiction)
Gloria Ramos - The Whippoorwill, Mirabella's White Boots, Mango Memories
Romy Honorio - Op en Visa: A Novel
Bob Flor - Daniel's Mood - Mestizos, The FAYTS (Filipino American Young Turks)
Geraldine Solon - Love Letters, Chocolicious

Sunday's Lineup:
(in order of appearance)

Moderator: Cecilia Brainard
Angela Narciso Torres - contributor, Hanggang sa Muli: Homecoming Stories for the Filipino Soul
Sarita See - The Decolonized Eye: Filipino American Art and Performance
Karen Llagas - Archipelago Dust
Veronica Montes - co-author, Angelica's Daughters: A Dugtungan Novel
Aileen Ibardaloza-Cassinetto - Traje de Boda
Lilia Rahman - For the Sake of Louise
Tilay Angbetic - Love & Other Firsts
Emmie Velarde - Show Biz, Seriously--Entertainment as Life, Life as Entertainment
Myles Garcia - Secrets of the Olympic Ceremonies
Samantha Sotto - Before Ever After

Hope to see you there. Visit filbookfest.org/ for more information about the Festival!

You Are Invited to the HOT OFF THE PRESS: LITERARY READINGS, FilAm Book Fest

2011-09-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

YOU ARE INVITED TO:
HOT OFF THE PRESS: Literary Readings at the FilAm Book Festival in San Francisco, Oct. 1 and 2, 2011, Koret Auditorium, 12-1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1 Lineup (moderator: Veronica Montes)

Tony Robles
Almia de los Santos
Peter Jamero
Cecilia Brainard
Rafe Bartholomew
Sunny Vergara
Gloria Ramos
Romy Honorio
Bob Flor
Geraldine Solo

Sunday,Oct. 2 Lineup (moderator: Cecilia Brainard)

Angela Narciso Torres
Sarita See
Karen Llagas
Veronica Montes
Aileen Ibardaloza-Cassinetto
Lilia Rahman
Tilay Angbetic
Emmie Velarde
Myles Garcia
Samantha Sotto

Reprint of Manila Bulletin Article - Which Book Would You Un-ban?

2011-09-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Which book would you un-ban?
By RONALD S. LIM
September 24, 2011, 12:22pm

MANILA, Philippines — Every year, from September 25 to October 1, the American Library Association (ALA) celebrates Banned Books Week, a celebration intended to highlight free and open access to information by spotlighting on successful or attempted banning of books across the United States.

The ALA accomplishes this by providing a list of over 100 books that have either been subject to banning, a challenge, or any form of restriction that prevents libraries from freely distributing it to its patrons. The list can be viewed here: http://www.abffe.org/ bbw-booklist.htm

During Banned Books Week, library patrons are usually encouraged to pick up a book from the list and also encourage other people to do the same.

As part of the banned Books Week celebration, the Students and Campuses Bulletin posed this question to local authors: “If you were to remove just one book from the banned books list, which book would it be and why?”

" This is like asking me which one of my kids I would save if they both fell off a boat. Ugh. Okay.
Fine. Harry Potter. Some people say it should be banned because it promotes witchcraft. That’s like saying that Winnie the Pooh promotes gluttony. Muggles.” – Samantha Sotto, author of “Before Ever After”

“To Kill a Mockingbird’’ by Harper Lee. I have no idea what this novel is doing in a banned list!

This is a fine work of literature, excellently written, with memorable characters, and about a topic that needed to be looked at the right time in America. That the book was banned because of ‘racial slurs’ is absurd.

I have no doubt that those who banned it were not comfortable with the larger Black-White racial problems in the US that the book brought up. The novel, told from the point of view of a young girl, Scout, focuses on a particular legal case that her father dealt with, in which a white woman accuses a black man of attempted rape. In fact, the white woman had been attracted to him.

Was this what made the people who banned the book uncomfortable? This question was raised in court by Scout’s father, the unforgettable Atticus Finch.” – Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, author of “Vigan and Other Stories”

“Looking over the list of books and authors , it reads like a Who’s Who of classic American fiction.

I think it would really be an honor to be included in ANY club (even a “Banned Books” club!) with authors like Isabel Allende, Aldous Huxley, Mark Twain,

Tobias Wolff. Looking over the list of banned books, I am most saddened by the inclusion of Edwidge Danticat’s Krik? Krak! which I thought was a great collection of short stories.

Of the banned books, the one I’ve read most recently was The Bookseller of Kabul. I read it a few years ago, and was grateful for Asne Seierstad’s warmly human eye, her skill at observation, and for her affording us a glimpse into the world of the Afghan wife.

The human heart is so unpredictable – I thought the book was not a blanket condemnation of the subordinate status of the wife in a traditional Afghan household, but rather a very empathetic portrait of a couple of women, who would never dream of changing the system which requires them to stifle their own desires, but who are resilient and resourceful and find ways to endure.” – Marianne Villanueva, author of “The Lost Language”

“If I could take just one book away from t e banned books list, this would be The Freedom Writers Diar y by Erin Grunwell.

I think it is important for high school students to know how important it is to have hope and care about making a difference in this world. Reading this true story teaches young people not to be afraid of believing in your dreams and making it happen. This is truly an inspiring story.” – Rosanna Gonzalez, author of “Restaurant Management 101”

“I was surprised to find ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee in the l ist of banned books.

The s tory is classical literature that deals with prejudice and racism. I think even if racism against blacks are a thing of the past, new forms of racism are emerging and that there is much to learn from that novel. Also, Atticus Finch serves a model lawyer even for professionals of this day.” – Rachel Khan, author of “Campus Journalism for Students”

Thank you, Teacher - reprint from Manila Bulletin

2011-09-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Here's another article in the Manila Bulletin that includes my 2-centavos worth.

Thank you, teacher
In gratitude, these personalities pay tribute to their teachers by simply saying 'thank you'…
By STUDENTS AND CAMPUSES BULLETIN TEAM
September 18, 2011, 8:00am

MANILA, Philippines — ‘’Marami akong pasasalamatan. Lahat siguro ng teachers ko noong high school. And of course sa St. Mary’s, mga RVM sisters. I started in the business young pero noong nag-aaral ako, talagang they guided me dahil sirang-sira ang schedule ko. Nagsa-summer ako para lang makahabol. And then kumukuha ako ng DepEd test, sa RVM retreat house ako pinakuha ng test para makapasa lang ako ng high school, para makuha ko ‘yung diploma ko. I owe it to them, sa lahat ng teachers ko in high school and of course sa St. Mary’s RVM sisters.’’ – VILMA SANTOS, actress.

‘’The teacher I appreciated most was my own mother – Dolores Aniceto Musngi. I have always been quite a loner, for most of my elementary and high school days. My mother’s body was half-paralyzed and her speech was very limited and yet she struggled to take care of me and my unmarried sister then, keep home, and teach us about values, persistence, hard work and love of God and family. My mother taught me that no matter the odds that are against you, if you try hard enough, success and happiness can be within your reach. She always told me to never give up.’’ – PETER MUSNGI, unit head of ABS-CBN Manila Radio and Sports division.

“Sister Consuelo Varela was my teacher in St. Theresa’s College, San Marcelino where I attended high school. She was also the principal. She was strict and fearsome and we were all terrified of her, until we became her students and enjoyed her protection. She pushed all of us to use our heads, reminding us that we had an obligation to give back to society. What I remember most was studying Shakespeare in her class her. She had us do little theatrical plays in the classroom. Those were memorable; they made Shakespeare’s work come to life. She made us excited about literature. I can still quote Lady Macbeth’s lines: Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.” – CECILIA MANGUERRA BRAINARD, author

“If I could thank one teacher, it would be my dad, Sonny Jaboneta. When I was six years old, he chided me that a younger cousin could read the newspaper already. That moment really taught me that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.” – JAY JABONETA, firestarter, Philippine Funds for Little Kids

“I would thank all my high school and college teachers, but ultimately I would thank Mr. Jesus de Silva, my fourth year class adviser and our Accounting teacher. He made Accounting perfectly clear for us, with his funny jokes. And he made our last year in high school the best we could possibly have. He is very proud of what I’ve become. – CARLA ABELLANA, actress

“Teacher Baba Paguia is one of my autistic son’s early teachers. She’s a gifted SpEd (special education) teacher who made a lot of breakthroughs during those years of early intervention for my Gio. Very creative... can you imagine miniature trampoline made out of ladies’ undies? She taught our yayas and me how to be consistent when doing behavior management at home with Gio. While addressing family issues with Gio, including those of his siblings, she was educating me not just on raising a child with autism, but on how to be a mother to all my three boys. Come to think of it, Teacher Baba IS one of my teachers. I would always think of her with so much love and gratitude.” – DANG KOE, chairman emeritus, Autism Society Philippines

“I would like to thank Dr. Judy Ick from the UP College of Arts and Letters. She was my teacher in three different classes, including Intro to Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature. Ma’am Ick had an ability to make works written in the 15th, 18th century relevant to our lives. She made stories come alive and made us realize that even though so much has changed since the time of Shakespeare, so much has remained the same in terms of racism, gender studies, politics, religion, etc. Ma’am Ick taught with such infectious enthusiasm that I looked forward to going to class every single day. Her approach to life and literature inspired me to pursue my passion and take the road less traveled.” – ANNA OPOSA, environmentalist and theater artist.

“I would thank the teacher (clinical supervisor) who gave me a failing grade during my last rotation at the Philippine General Hospital, a month before I was supposed to graduate. She taught me a real lesson in life – that you do not always reap what you sow, but the most important thing is falling forward and bouncing back with every misfortune that comes your way! That experience taught me to rise above life’s challenges and be resilient enough to pick up the pieces and move on. If I probably had it easy with that teacher, I wouldn’t have turned out the way I did.” – GENEVIEVE RIVADELO, pediatric physiotherapist and special educator

“The teacher that I appreciate the most is my grandmother Ruby Mangahas. She got me into music and loving it for the pure art that it is. I never thought I would like music but the more I talked to her, the more I spent time with her, the more she encouraged me to do it, to follow what I liked to do and to follow what’s in my heart. Until now I subscribe to that. If you do something, it has to be bigay todo, or just don’t do it.’’ – KELLEY MANGAHAS, band member, Kjwan

“Doreen Fernandez. I met her when I was a freshman at the Ateneo. She told me I was a writer long before I felt like one. The stresses of the writing life are many but with her firm belief in my ability, and her example, I learned to navigate the shoals of the writing life with fearlessness.” – MARIANNE VILLANUEVA, author of ‘’The Lost Language’’

What Would You Ask Rizal? - Reprint Manila Bulletin

2011-09-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

I found this article in the internet that includes my 2-centavos worth:
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/323194/what-would-you-ask-rizal

What would you ask Rizal?
By RONALD S. LIM
June 18, 2011, 3:00pm

MANILA, Philippines — Jose Rizal excelled at many things, but nowhere is he more well known here and around the world than for being the writer of the “Noli Me Tangere” and the “El Filibusterismo”.

The “Noli” and the “Fili” not only stoked the fires of Filipino patriotism during the 19th century, but they have also stood the test of time and have proven themselves to be exceptional novels worthy to be ranked alongside the other great works of the world. Rizal’s works have no doubt inspired many a young Filipino to pick up their pens and write.

In celebration of the upcoming 150th celebration of Jose Rizal's birth, the Students and Campuses Bulletin has asked some of the country's top writers what they would ask the national hero if he were still around today.

Politics, maybe? “Ang itatanong ko kay Rizal ay kung kakandidato ka ba sa pagka-presidente, senador, o congressman? At kung kakandidato ka, gusto mo bang kasama sa ticket si Manny Pacquiao? Para sa akin, unang-una, tanong iyon para ma-determine natin kung tama 'yung ating mataas na pagpapahalaga sa politics at politicians. Tama ba ang paraan ng pagtingin natin sa mga pulitiko. Si Pacquiao nga eh kakandidato daw for President. 'Yun ang gusto kong malaman. Kung tunay siyang hinahangaan ng taongbayan, maaring makapagsalita siya tungkol sa uri ng ating mataas na pagpapahalaga sa politics at sa uri ng politics na meron tayo dito.

Ang ikalawa kong tanong, pahihintulutan ba niyang komiks ang ipangturo sa Noli at Fili sa high school at sa kolehiyo?” — National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario

Where do you get the energy? “If I were to ask a question addressed to Rizal, it would be this: How were you able to do all those things--study, organize Filipinos abroad, research prehispanic Philippines relentlessly, write the novels, befriend Spaniards, put up a school--in so short a time?” — Romulo P. Baquiran, Jr., editor of “Laglag-Panty, Laglag-Brief” and “Tahong/Talong”

What are you hiding? “The question I will ask is also one of the things I tell people. He left us 25 volumes of material. But those are the things he wanted us to see. There are things he didn't write. There are letters and diaries he destroyed. Why did you destroy that and why?” — Ambeth Ocampo, historian and former chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines

Peace or revolution? “Knowing what happened to the Philippines after your death, which would have been more effective in achieving independence from Spain - non-violence as Gandhi used, or a bloody revolution?

Jose Rizal did not join the revolution; he sought reforms from the Spanish government. Would the Spanish government have given reforms if the Filipinos had not fought? Would non-violent means as Gandhi used, have worked? Or would the Spanish government have simply crushed and oppressed the Filipinos further if they tried to get reforms peacefully?” — Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, co-author of “Angelica's Daughters”

Are we free from the church? “Pepe, what can you actually do so that the Church is truly separate from the state in all matters of state governance? Why this question? Remember he didn't like the Spanish friars then for being the real governors of the country during colonial times, and so that may be his continued sentiment today.” — Herbert Sancianco, author of “Sales Promotions: Best Practices”

A modern Noli? “I have a few questions for Jose Rizal:
1. Do the many books and other materials on you do you justice? Are they faithful to your life and all that you hold dear? Which titles do you recommend we all read?
2. Considering how you have always regarded the youth as the hope of the fatherland, what is the most important advice you'd give today's youth?
3. Seeing the state of affairs in the country today, what 2011 version of the Noli would you write?
4. What are you most pleased about the Philippines today?
5. How do you feel that the Philippine Board on Books for Young People has pegged the annual celebration of the National Children's Book Day on the 3rd Tuesday in July, when Trubner's Oriental Record in London first published your 'Monkey and the Turtle'?” — Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz, author and National Book Award winner

What's cooking? “What foods did you eat on a daily basis with your meager allowance during your stay in Europe? If you had more money at your disposal then, how would you have spent it, upgraded your lodging or spent more on food?” — Claude Tayag, author of “Food Tour” and “Linamnam”

What's the best translation? “Which English and Filipino translations of your novels best capture the aesthetic effect you wanted to achieve?” — Jonathan Malicsi, University of the Philippines professor and author of the “English Linguistics Project”

What about your big brother? “Why did you agree to everything your brother Paciano planned for your education and mission? Did you agree because you also believed in it totally or because it was expected of you? It is clear that if your brother Paciano wasn¹t there to support you on both an emotional, financial and moral basis, you may not have been able to study abroad and do the mission you had to fulfill for our country. I wonder if there was every a moment or time that you doubted what your brother Paciano had requested of you and the pact you both agreed on.” — Jeannie E. Javelosa, writer and curator of the Rizalizing the Future Exhibit at the Yuchengco Museum

Are you gay? “Your flitting from girlfriend to girlfriend, was that to camouflage a homo streak? Why I'd ask him that is explained by my observation that most men I know who leave a trail of broken hearts of women are actually, well, insecure about their manhood and they have to prove this to themselves over and over through conquest, and then dumping, so they could be assured na lalaki nga sila.” — Babeth Lolarga, editor of “Baguio We Know” and “Baguio Calligraphy”

Any advice for expats? “What advice would you give Filipino expatriates today about loving one's country from across the seas? Who better can speak about the concept of patriotism away from home better than Rizal?” — Gemma Nemenzo, managing editor of the online FilAm magazine Filipina

THOUGHTS ON DOCUMENTARY ABOUT TIBET, The Sun Behind the Clouds

2011-09-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

I saw the documentary The Sun Behind the Clouds (directed by Sarin and Sonam) about Tibet's fight for independence from China and the tension between the Dalai Lama's Middle Road policy and the younger generation's desire for total independence. The documentary is very moving and makes the point that China is a Big Bully. If I'm not mistaken 2 Tibetan monks burned themselves in March and August of this year as a political protest.

For some time now, I check all labels of food, clothing, etc. and if I can help it, I don't buy if made in China. In fact, a friend told me recently that she found apple juice that at first glance indicated it came from Canada, but the fine print indicated it actually came from China; she did not buy it.

Further, the Chinese people better wake up; LA Times featured an article yesterday about how organic food in China is sold exclusively to high Communist Party leaders. Do you recall how China has provided tainted milk, poisonous cat food, and lead-laden toys to the world?

INQUIRER NEWS RE SAN FRANCISCO FILBOOKFEST

2011-09-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

One Hundred Authors, Thousands of Books at Filbookfest
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/12533/one-hundred-authors-thousands-of-books-at-filbookfest
September 15, 2011

The largest convergence of authors with Filipino roots outside the Philippines is taking place on October 1 and 2 at San Francisco’s Civic Center for the first-ever Filipino American International Book Festival (FilBookFest).

The Philippine contingent includes former Philippine president Fidel V. Ramos, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (aka Rio Alma), National Artist for Visual Arts Ben Cabrera (aka BenCab), journalists Marites Vitug, Cris Yabes and Pete Lacaba, historians Ambeth Ocampo and Felice Sta. Maria, critic Isagani Cruz, noted psychologist Dr. Honey Carandang, cultural activist John Silva, author/chef Claude Tayag and multi-awarded authors Jose “Butch” Dalisay, Ed Maranan and Neni Sta. Romana Cruz, among others.

The bigger group of writers/authors of course are Filipino Americans and include such notables as Cecilia Brainard, Marivi Soliven Blanco (who just won the Palanca Award for Best Novel), Ben Pimentel (another new Palanca awardee), R. Zamora Linmark, Oscar Penaranda, Barbara Jane Reyes, Evangeline Buell, Tess Uriza Holthe, Luis Francia, Leny Strobel and Reme Grefalda, publisher of the online magazine, Our Own Voice.

A Filipino-Canadian author, Romeo Honorio, is flying in from Calgary while Filomenita Hogsholm will be joining from Denmark.

There will be something for everyone to look forward to and enjoy at Filbookfest.

Presented by the Literacy Initiatives International Foundation (LIIF), the San Francisco Public Library, the Asian Art Museum and the Philippine Department of Tourism, in cooperation with TFC/ABS-CBN Foundation International, FilBookFest is headed by Al Perez, the moving force behind the annual Pistahan celebration. Perez is festival director.

Among its highlights:

• Children’s book readings by well-known Filipinos, arts and crafts, a lesson on writing in baybayin (ancient Filipino script) and video showings at the second floor of the San Francisco Main Library. To be featured are Filipino American children’s book authors reading their works , and a large selection of children’s books published in the Philippines

• Lectures on Filipino cuisine by cultural historian/author Felice Sta. Maria, who will talk on the fascinating historical evolution of Filipino food, and chef/artist/author Claude Tayag, who will describe the many flavors of regional cuisine. The audience will be treated to a taste of a variety of Filipino dishes created by local chefs.

• A balagtasan (traditional debate in poetry) on a timely topic by the Philippines’ best known balagtasan performers, Teo Antonio, Vim Nadera and Mike Coroza.

• Hot Off the Press featuring Filipino American authors reading from their newest books

• In the evening of October 1, A Tribute to Filipino Literary Laureates, a special program honoring Filipino authors who have created classic works that celebrate our history and culture: Carlos Bulosan, NVM Gonzalez, Bienvenido Santos, Jose Garcia Villa, F. Sionil Jose, Al Robles, Ceres Alabado, Fred and Dorothy Cordova, Evangeline Buell, Linda Ty-Casper and Nick Joaquin. There will be a reception to precede the program.

• Thousands of books by Filipino and Filipino American authors will be available for sale from various booksellers on Fulton St., between the San Francisco Public Library and the Asian Art Museum.

• The best Filipino dishes from restaurants and food trucks also on Fulton St.

• Hourly prize drawings and a grand prize drawing at the end of each day of the festival. The grand prize is a round-trip ticket to the Philippines, courtesy of Philippine Airlines.

FilBookFest is sponsored by The Asia Foundation, the University of San Francisco’s Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program, Target, Chevron, Ramar Foods International, AT&T, Mama Sita’s, Philippine News, Inquirer.net and Asian Journal. Partner organizations include the Book Development Association of the Philippines, the National Book Development Council, the National Commission for Culture and Arts, the Philippine American Writers and Artists Inc. (PAWA), the Filipino American National Historical Society (FAHNS), the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAEE), the Friends of the San Francisco Library and Philippine Expressions Bookshop.

For more festival information, please check out www.filbookfest.org regularly.

HOT OFF THE PRESS: LITERARY READINGS and MORE

2011-09-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

The first ever Filipino American International Book Festival will be held in San Francisco on October 1 and 2. Some 100 Filipino writers from all over the world will converge in the Bay Area for the event. I'll be there and will be in several readings.

First:I'll be in a Literary Reading "The Places We Call Home" at the Eastwind Books of Berkeley. I'll be reading with Oscar Bermeo, Rashaan Alexis Meneses, Barbara Jane Reyes, Sunny Vergara, and Veronica Montes. That'll be on Thursday, September 29, at 7 p.m., and Eastwind is on 2066 University Avenue, Berkeley, 94704. Veronica Montes organized the reading at Eastwind in conjunction with the FilAm International Book Festival. Bios of readers follow:

Oscar Bermeo was born in Ecuador and raised in the Bronx. He is the author of the poetry chapbooks Anywhere Avenue, Palimpsest, Heaven Below and To the Break of Dawn.

Cecilia Manguerra Brainard is the award-winning author of eight books, including the internationally-acclaimed novel When the Rainbow Goddess Wept, Magdalena, and Vigan and Other Stories.

Rashaan Alexis Meneses earned her MFA from Saint Mary’s College of California’s Creative Writing Program, where she was named a 2005-2006 Jacob K. Javits Fellow and awarded the Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz Scholarship for Excellence in Fiction.

Veronica Montes is the co-author of Angelica’s Daughters, as well as a short story writer whose work has appeared in Bamboo Ridge, Growing Up Filipino, and Philippine Speculative Fiction 5.

Barbara Jane Reyes is a recipient of the James Laughlin Award of the Academy of American Poets and the author of Diwata, which was recently noted as a finalist for the California Book Award.

Benito M. Vergara, Jr. was born and raised in the Philippines. He is the author of Displaying Filipinos: Photography and Colonialism in Early 20th-Century Philippines and Pinoy Capital: The Filipino Nation in Daly City.
For more info about the Berkeley Reading, visit this site: http://www.asiabookcenter.com/event/places-we-call-home-poetry-event

Second: PALH (Philippine American Literary House) will have a booth near Philippine Expressions. John Silva, Marily Orosa, Veronica Montes, Tony Robles, and I will be in the booth. We'll be there on Oct. 1 and 2; please stop by and say hi!

The book festival will take place in three adjacent locations in the Civic Center: the San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin St., the Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St., and on Fulton Street between Hyde and Larkin streets.

Third: Veronica and I are hosting 2 literary readings: HOT OFF THE PRESS, on Oct. 1, and Oct 2, from 12-1: 30 p.m. in the Koret Auditorium. Some 20 talented writers will be participating. More information forthcoming.

For more information about the Book Festival, please visit this site:
http://filbookfest.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/a-festival-like-no-other/

Mother Goddess Figures: Food for Thought

2011-09-09T17:53:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a class that's looking at ancient statues of Mother Goddesses. I found a picture of the statue of the Venus of Willendorf (with the curly hair) whom we discussed. She was carved during the Paleolithic time, 24,000-22,000 BCE.

The Goddess of Fertility with the lions by her side (Neolithic, 6,000-5,500 BCE), and the other Mother Goddess figure were not discussed in class, but are mother goddess figures as well. (I took the pictures of the Goddess of Fertility and the other Mother Goddess figure in the Museum in Ankara when we visited a few years ago.)

The small figurines of Mother Goddesses are food for thought. Why did ancient sculptors exaggerate the sexual characteristics of these statues?

It's a provocative question, especially when you consider that modern society now places value on extreme thinness.

Why the extremes in beauty ideals - corpulence in ancient times vs the super-thin look now?

I leave these questions for you to answer, dear Readers.

Visit the following site for more information on the subject matter:

http://www.mesacc.edu/dept/d10/asb/anthro2003/legacy/goddess/mothergoddess.html

Book Signing - FPAC September 10, 1-4 p.m.

2011-09-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you're attending the FPAC Festival this weekend, stop by the booth of Philippine Expressions. I'll be signing VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES, and ANGELICA'S DAUGHTERS: A DUGTUNGAN NOVEL there on Saturday, Sept. 10, 1-4 p.m.

BOOKSIGNING SCHEDULE -

20TH FESTIVAL OF PHILIPPINE ARTS AND CULTURE
Point Fermin, San Pedro, CA www.filamarts.org or call (213) 380-FPAC.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

12:00 Noon - 4:00pm Jay Wertz. The Pacific: War Stories WWll Firsthand. Volume 1. Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal.

1:00pm - 4:00pm Cecilia Manguerra Brainard. Vigan and Other Stories and Angelica's Daughters, a Dugtugan novel
Elnora Kelly Tayag. Filipinos in Ventura County
Lorenzo Paran, lll. The Filipino American Experience: The Making of a Historic Cultural Monument;

2:00pm - 4:00pm Sarita Echavez See. The Colonized Eye: Filipino American Art and Performance

3:00pm - 4:00pm Florante Peter Ibanez and Roselyn Estepa Ibanez. Filipinos in Carson and the South Bay

Sunday, September 11, 2011

12:00 Noon - 4:00pm Jay Wertz. The Pacific: War Stories WWll Firsthand. Volume 1. Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal.

1:00pm - 4:00pm Percival Campoamor Cruz. TheMaiden of Ilog-Pasig and Other Stories
Carlene Sobrino Bonnivier. Autobiography of a Stranger: A Novel and Seeking Thirst: A Novel
Frank Tinio Lopez. Gallant Warriors from The Sea: The Philippine Marine Corps Today
Albert Mortiz. Discover the Philippines Cookbook

2:00pm - 4:00pm Roseli Ilano. Walang Hiya: Literature taking risks toward liberatory practice

3:00pm - 4:00pm Lorna Dumapias. The Filipino American Experience: The Making of a Historic Cultural Monument

Feastday of Our Lady of Velankanni & Our Lady's Birthday today

2011-09-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Novena Prayer to Our Lady of Velankanni

Oh Most Holy Virgin! You were chosen by the Most Adorable Trinity from all eternity to be the most pure Mother of Jesus. Permit me, your humble and devoted servant, to remind you of the joy received in the instant of the Most Sacred Incarnation of our Divine Lord and during the nine months you carried Him in your chaste womb. I wish most sincerely that I could renew, or even increase that joy, by the fervour of my Prayers.

Oh! Tender Mother of the afflicted! Grant me under my present necessities that special protection You have promised to those who devoutly commemorate this ineffable joy. Relying on the infinite mercies of your Divine Son, trusting in the promise which He has made that those who ask should receive, and penetrated with confidence in your powerful prayers, I most humbly entreat you intercede for me. I beg you to obtain for me the favours which I petition for in this novena, if it be the Holy Will of God to grant them; to ask for me whatever graces I most stand in need of.

(Here specify your requests)

I desire by this novena, which I now offer in your honour, to prove the lively confidence I have in your intercession. Accept it, I beseech you, in honour of that supernatural love and joy, with which your Immaculate Heart was replenished during the abode of your divine Son in your womb; in veneration of which, I offer you the sentiments of my heart.

(Repeat the Hail Mary nine times)
and then say the following prayer:-

Oh! Mother of God! accept these salutations in union with the respect and veneration with which the Angel Gabriel first hailed you, "Full of Grace" I wish most sincerely that they may become so many gems in the crown of your incidental glory, which will increase in brightness to the end of the world.

I beseech you, Oh! comfortress of the afflicted, by the joy you received, when the word was made flesh, to obtain for me the favours and graces, which I have now implored through your powerful intercession. For this end I offer you all the good works which have even been performed in your honour. I most humbly entreat you for the love of the amiable Heart of Jesus, with which yours was ever so inflamed, to hear my humble prayers and to obtain my requests.
- Amen.

Maryknollers in California - More pictures

2011-09-05T11:04:00.001-07:00

I got together with some Maryknoll classmates over the weekend. Maria Ciocon is wearing black and white; Lucy Adao McGinley has the bow in her hair; Med Villanueva is in the animal print top; Cecilia has the red/orange top; the gentleman was hijacked to take our picture. The mural was taken at Mission San Viejo Church.

SANTA MONICA PLANE CRASH - Aug. 29, 2011

2011-08-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

This happened just blocks away from our house - a plane crash, at around 2:30 p.m.. The pilot survived; he just had a broken leg. A painter working on a house was hit by debris but is fine.

Santa Monica residents have been complaining about the close proximity of the
Santa Monica airport to homes - to no avail.

This recent plane crash is the third in 2-3 years. In those earlier crashes, the pilots died.

Literary Reading, Sept. 29, 7 p.m, Eastwind Books, Berkeley,

2011-08-29T05:34:00.001-07:00

Eastwind Books of Berkeley Authors & Poets Reading:

"THE PLACES WE CALL HOME" featuring
Oscar Bermeo,
Cecilia Manguerra Brainard,
Rashaan Alexis Meneses,
Veronica Montes,
Barbara Jane Reyes,
Benito M. Vergara, Jr.

September 29, 2011 Thursday 7:00 pm

at Eastwind Books of Berkeley
2066 University Avenue
Berkeley, Ca. 94704

Free Event

For more event information call 510-548-2350 , email eastwindbooks@gmail.com, visit www.asiabookcenter.com
http://events.sfgate.com/berkeley-ca/events/show/208000345-the-places-we-call-home

"The Places We Call Home" -a literary event in celebration of the upcoming Filipino American International Book Festival.

Oscar Bermeo was born in Ecuador and raised in the Bronx. He is the author of the poetry chapbooks Anywhere Avenue, Palimpsest, Heaven Below and To the Break of Dawn.

Cecilia Manguerra Brainard is the award-winning author of eight books, including the internationally-acclaimed novel When the Rainbow Goddess Wept, Magdalena, and Vigan and Other Stories.

Rashaan Alexis Meneses earned her MFA from Saint Mary’s College of California’s Creative Writing Program, where she was named a 2005-2006 Jacob K. Javits Fellow and awarded the Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz Scholarship for Excellence in Fiction.

Veronica Montes is the co-author of Angelica’s Daughters, as well as a short story writer whose work has appeared in Bamboo Ridge, Growing Up Filipino, and Philippine Speculative Fiction

Barbara Jane Reyes is a recipient of the James Laughlin Award of the Academy of American Poets and the author of Diwata, which was recently noted as a finalist for the California Book Award.

Benito M. Vergara, Jr. was born and raised in the Philippines. He is the author of Displaying Filipinos: Photography and Colonialism in Early 20th-Century Philippines and Pinoy Capital: The Filipino Nation in Daly City.

For more information about the October 1 to October 2, 2011 Filipino American International Book Festival visit http://www.filbookfest.info/

--
Eastwind Books of Berkeley
2066 University Avenue; Berkeley, CA 94704
phone: 510 548-2350 fax: 510 548-3697
www.asiabookcenter.com email: eastwindbooks@gmail.com

Tripadvisor Reviews of Yap Sandiego House & 1730 Jesuit House

2011-08-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

I posted a couple of Reviews in Tripadvisor, for the Yap Sandiego House and for the 1730 Jesuit House, both in Cebu:

“#1 Tourist Attraction in Cebu City- The Yap Sandiego Ancestral House”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 2, 2011
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298460-d1520123-r116188991-Yap_Sandiego_Ancestral_House-Cebu_City_Cebu_Visayas.html

I love the Yap Sandiego Ancestral House! It is an evocative Colonial house made of stone and wood and tile roofing. It is filled with lovely antiques. This house allows me to imagine how life in Cebu must have been in the 1700s. Everything about it is beautiful, even the small garden with a well that still has water. Val Sandiego and his wife decorate the house thematically, for Christmas, Chinese New Year, the June Fiesta, and so on. Every time I visit it, it is is like seeing a woman all dressed in another gown! So beautiful! I highly recommend it to all tourists of Cebu. From there, one can easily visit other tourist attractions in Cebu: The 1730 Jesuit House, Casa Gorordo, Cathedral and Museum, Fort San Pedro, Santo Nino Basilica and Museum, and the newly renovated Plaza Independencia.

~~~
“1730 JESUIT HOUSE - THE OLDEST DOCUMENTED HOUSE IN THE PHILIPPINES”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 12, 2011
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298460-d2233349-r116637091-1730_Jesuit_House-Cebu_City_Cebu_Visayas.html

The 1730 Jesuit House is a historical treasure tucked away in the middle of Historic Cebu City. It is located on Zulueta Street near the Heritage of Cebu Monument and the Yap-Sandiego Museum. For years, the Jesuit House was not available to the public. The Sy Family had used the premises as a warehouse until Jaime Sy decided to develop the Jesuit House as a museum. The rooms have been uncovered, galleries, and exhibits displayed revealing one of the most exciting historical museums in the Philippines.

There are two buildings that are connected by a covered bridge. The tile roof is what fascinates me most of all because it's original and shows a curve that is distinctly Asian. A plague that says "1730" sits on top of a doorway, proof of the age of this treasure of Cebu City. Jesuit historian Rene Javellana and the writer Concepcion Briones have done research on the place and documented this place as the Jesuit house.

The1730 Jesuit House offers tourists a glimpse of eighteenth century life in Cebu, Philippines. It is one place that I visit often, and I always marvel at the new developments Jaime Sy does to this marvelous and mysterious place, which allows me to reflect on the provocative history of the Black Robes in the Philippines

Restoration of the house is ongoing; visitors may make an appointment to visit the Jesuit House.

Writers Faire UCLA - Sunday, August 28

2011-08-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

I'm a panelist in the Writers Faire which will be held this Sunday, August 28, at the Young Hall Courtyard at UCLA. I'll be in the "Getting Started as a Writer Panel" from 11-11:40 a.m., Court of Sciences 24, along with Barbara Abercrombie, Michael Buckley and Rachel Kann (chair).

The Writers Faire is free and open to the public. It is an opportunity for those interested in writing to get some ideas about the craft of writing, to familiarize themselves with the Writers Program at UCLA Extension, as well as get an idea of what the teachers are like.

It's a very fun and exciting literary event. I hope to see you there. More information follows:

The UCLA Extension Writers' Program presents its annual Writers Faire, with 24 free mini-workshops and panel discussions on such topics as "Writing Your First Novel" and "Conquering the Dreaded Second Act." Attendees can learn more about the program, register for fall courses at a 10% discount and grab lunch from three gourmet food trucks. UCLA, 405 Hilgard Ave., L.A. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. Free. (310) 825-9415. www2.uclaextension.edu/writers.

visit - www.uclaextension.edu/writers
read - blog
join - www.facebook.com/writersprogram
follow – Writers’ Program on Twitter

San Francisco Theatre - Based on short Stories (including Brainard's)

2011-08-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

I got a Google Alert that my name was mentioned in publicity material by Bindlestiff Studio - see below, about their featuring a performance based on my short story. For the life of me, I have no idea which short story this is - I'm guessing it's based on "Acapulco At Sunset".

Bindlestiff Studio presents
STORIES HIGH XII
http://www.bindlestiffstudio.org/?q=node/623
An annual production showcasing original works
from Bindlestiff Studio’s Stories High XII workshop series

WHEN: September 8th through September 24th
Thursdays through Saturdays, 8pm

WHERE: Bindlestiff Studio
185 Sixth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

TICKETS: $20 advanced; $25 door
Advanced tickets available via Brown Paper Tickets
Brown Paper Tickets

Bindlestiff Studio presents STORIES HIGH XII, its annual showcase of original works for the stage written, acted, and directed by Pilipino/Filipino American artists. This show will be the inaugural production Bindlestiff Studio’s new home at 185 Sixth St. (at Howard) in San Francisco. Performances begin Thursday, September 8th, at 8:00 pm and runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings through September 24th. Tickets are $20 advanced and $25 at the door; advanced tickets can be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets.

Bloodthirsty Spaniards and fearless revolutionaries! Angry young men and passionate women! The powerful forces of love, freedom, and loss. STORIES HIGH XII, the twelfth installment of Bindlestiff Studio's annual freshmen playwrights showcase throws the doors of Bindlestiff Studio's new home at Sixth and Howard wide open with adaptations of short fiction by Pilipino and Filipino American writers. This year's exciting anthology features:

*THICKER THAN WINE Conrad Panganiban, playwright. The Jacinto-Basa brothers, spoiled by their aristocratic upbringing, meet resistance from their strong-willed maid. Set in 1870, the adaptation of Tess Uriza Holthe's "Portrait of an Aristocrat" deals with a sixteenth-century curse, corruption in the church, and racism. Directed by Arianna Caramat and Melissa Diaz-Infante.
*TIP JAR Patrick Silvestre, playwright. Based on Oscar Penaranda's "Prelude to a Gig". A young upstart challenges a jazz musician to a game of pool. Directed by Alan S. Quismorio. Choreography by Brian Batugo.

*GABRIELA'S MONOLOGUE Jocelyn Deona de Leon, playwright. In A woman, in the wake of her infant's death, is caught in a love triangle involving her husband and a 19-year-old man. Based on the short story by Cecilia Marguerra Brainard. Directed by Melinda Lopez.

*BABY LUST Manny Cabrera, playwright. M. Evelina Galang’s short story inspires this piece about a miscarriage that tests the relationship between young lovers. Directed by Jocelyn Deona de Leon.

*RIZAL ON ANGEL ISLAND Ignacio Zulueta, playwright. A feverish imagining of the Philippine national hero's detainment by the U.S. while en route to China. Directed by Larry Robinson and Wernher Goff.
CAST: Melvign Badiola, Joe Cascasan, Jackie Castillejo-Guingona, George Coker, Reg Clay, Michael Dorado, Roczane Enriquez, Kat Evasco, Emily Fernandez, Melanie Galang, Lorenz Gonzalez, Chuck Lacson, Norman Munoz, Allen Ocampo, Nino Palay, Jed Pasario, Percival Arcibal, Sunshine Roque, RJ San Jose, Paolo Salazar, Sabrina Sandalo, & Mallory Somera.

Stories High is a series of theatrical workshops culminating into a fully-mounted, professional theatrical production. These workshops are open to anyone, novice or intermediate, interested in getting involved with community arts through our workshops. Stories High hopes to discover, cultivate, and nurture new and emerging artists. This will be Bindlestiff's 12th Stories High production.

Stories High 12 is made possible by generous funding from the Zellerbach Family Foundation, the W & F Hewlett Foundation, and the W A Gerbode Foundation.

More, More National Parks - set 4

2011-08-23T22:04:00.000-07:00

Lauren in San Francisco's Chinatown
Group shot: Kathy and Peter Shack with Lauren
Wildflowers
Wildflowers
Wildflowers
Lodge near Waterton,Canada
Lodge in Glacier Park
The cabin in Whitefish, Montana
Yellowstone
Old Faithful
Grand Tetons
Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho

I'm posting more pictures of our recent trip:

Still More National Parks - Set 3

2011-08-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here are more pictures taken in Jasper National Park in Canada.

Along the drive, we saw my seventh bear (Lauren's eighth bear) along the side of the road, the closest ever, maybe 25 feet away, but I was in the car; otherwise the recommendation is to be a football field away from a bear because they move fast.

The closeup of the whimsical lamp was taken in the Fairmont Hotel in Lake Louise. The Caribou sign was along the Jasper National Park Highway. The glacier pictures were taken along the Jasper Highway; the glaciers are melting and are expected to be gone in 20 years. In a lunch stop at the Fairmont in Jasper, we ran into this bear family and also another couple, Mike and Connie Metzger, whom we had dinner with in Waterton a few evenings ago. The Mount Robson Park shot had to be taken because Lauren's middle name is Robson.

Here's a quick aside: the beef in Montana is really very good; the milk is also excellent - must be because the cows are grass fed. But the biscuits and gravy for breakfast are butt-thickening!

We are in Ashland Oregon(famous for their Shakespeare Festivals) and will continue south. Stay tuned for more!

More Pictures National Parks - set 2

2011-08-15T17:45:00.001-07:00

I'm never going to get caught up blogging everything we've seen and done, so I'm just going ahead and mention that we made our way from Yosemite to Reno to Twin Falls Idaho to Craters of the Moon to the Grand Tetons to Yellowstone to Glacier National Park to Waterton National Park in Canada to Banff, Canada where we still are.

Banff is a picturesque place, as lovely as Chamonix or Alpine village, with shops, restaurants, and the grand old Banff Springs Hotel. It was gloriously sunny yesterday and light until past 9 p.m. but today it rained and was 43 degrees, very cold! The pictures show an elk nibbling away on the grass in Waterton Canada, and a bear in Waterton as well. In fact we saw six bears including a mother and two cubs, just of the road; it was very exciting.

There are also wildflowers along the roadside or on hillsides that are breathtaking. The scenes of rivers, waterfalls, forests of pines are incredible. I will post them later on.

One more interesting note: here in Banff, our Best Western Hotel has Filipino staff members.

Yosemite, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Park set 1

2011-08-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

We're visiting some US National Parks, and here are some pictures. I'll be writing about them and posting more pictures later on. We've seen Yosemite, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Park so far. Pictures can never capture the beauty of these places.
The group photo shows Lauren with old friends, Chuck and Karen Dell. The next photo shows Lauren and Cecilia in the Grand Tetons. There's a picture of the dining room of the Ahwanee hotel in Yosemite; and several pictures taken in Yellowstone.

Maryknollers in California

2011-08-03T21:26:00.001-07:00

Maria Ciocon, Frances Garrovillo, and I spent a nice today together, catching up. We three were Communication Arts majors at Maryknoll College. The pictures show Maria telling Frances (or Bingbing) about Our Lady of Velankanni or Our Lady of Good Health.

Cecilia and Chinggay in a Carriage in front of the Yap-Sandiego House, Cebu

2011-08-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Chinggay Utzurrum and me in a carriage in front of the Yap-Sandiego House, picture taken last June 24, 2011.

My Baby Pictures Discovered!

2011-08-01T00:51:00.000-07:00

I found these baby pictures, old black and white photos. One is in really bad shape. The other one, I was able to Photoshop and this is the first time I've seen a picture of myself as a baby! There are a couple more old photos when I was older, with my siblings.

~~
Top photo - this photo is virtually ruined
Second to top - l-r: my oldest sister Vicky carrying me, my sister Ana, and brother Junior;
Third to top - l-r: Swimming in Liloan Beach, with a WWII landing craft behind us, Junior, Ana, me;
Fourth from top - l-r: Christmas circa 1956, Ana, Junior, me

UBEC in CEBU

2011-07-30T00:50:00.001-07:00

On the way to the airport in Cebu, I saw this graffiti on the wall. Look carefully - there's UBEC with blue skies in the middle. I found this very amusing because I created Ubec in the stories I've written. Ubec's first appearance was in the stories in my first short story collection, Woman With Horns and Other Stories. What happened was that when I wrote on characters set in Cebu, I used to block and felt I had to tell the absolute truth. It came to me to reverse the letters in Cebu into Ubec, and so I created this mythical place (loosely based on Cebu). To my delight I found I could "lie" and make up stories.

More on Ubec, there is also an Ubec Band in Cebu.

PICTURES OF CEBU, MANILA, SAIGON - JULY 2011 (II)

2011-07-27T03:26:00.000-07:00

Here are more pictures taken last month:

___
L-R:
Cecilia in Powerbooks during the Creative Writing Workshop; 55 people attended despite the bad rainstorm;
Dinner with Maribel Paraz, Lyn Enriquez, Marily Orosa, Cecilia;
Taken at Steve Aznar's party in his Cebu pad, Steve's in red, Joy Uy's in green, there's Gavin in blue, and Richard Stolzman to the far right.
Steve's party lasted until 2 a.m. and in the tailend we ended up in his airconditioned room, that's Joy Uy, Jing Ramos, Steve Aznar, and me standing;
I signed the contract for the University of San Carlos Press to publish my collection Out of Cebu, so that's me, Father Miranda and Jobers Bersales;
Cynthia Posa and I had drinks at the Saigon Saigon Bar at the historic Caravelle Hotel in Saigon AFTER the awful taxi kidnapping incident - read my other blog entry about this;
Cythia took this art shot of me in Saigon;
Cynthia Posa and I eating at the Night Market near Ben Thant Market;
Whoa - In Saigon, I ran into a couple who had seen me talk in Skokie Illinois so there we are in the Saigon airport, Jun and Judy Tomas, and me;
Back in Cebu, dinner with Helen Mias, Terry Manguerra, and Chinggay Utzurrum;
Dinner with Terry Manguerra, Chinggay Utzurrum, Chona Bernad and me.

PICTURES OF CEBU, MANILA, SAIGON - JULY 2011

2011-07-27T03:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures I took this past month while I was in Cebu, Manila and Saigon. I may have to break up the pictures in several blog entries, and I'll do writeups later on. I just got back to Santa Monica and am still jetlagged.

~~
From top to bottom, l-r:
Lynley Ocampo, Cecilia, Gavin Bagares;
Terry Manguerra, Helen Franco Misa, Cecilia
Group picture shows: front row - Helen Misa, Chinggay Utzurrum, Inday Blanco, Terry Manguerra, Middle row - Cecilia, Joy Uy, Steve Aznar, Jimmy Sy, Diana Franco, Father Dodong Desuyo, Back row: Gavin Bagares, Louie Nacorda, Dodong Canete'

Group photo taken in Yap-Sandiego House: Boging Sandiego, Chinggay Utzurrum, Inday Blanco, Mrs. Sandiego, Terry Manguerra, Cookie Neuman, Cecilia;

Group photo taken during the Fiesta of Parian: Seated- Inday Blanco and Cecilia; back row - Gavin Bagares, Terry Manguerra, Chinggay Utzurrum, Jaime Picornell;

Group photo taken at Zubu Chon - Lynley Ocampo, Cecilia, Gavin, and Manager of Zubu Chon;

There's the glorious pair having breakfast in Makati - Angelica's Daughters - Nadine Sarreal and Cecilia;
Another pair having breakfast in Makati - Cecilia and Yvette Fernandez, editor of Town and Country Philippines;
Cecilia and Marily Orosa having lunch in Banko Central
Group photo showing STC highschool classmates: Front - Ginny Genato, Cecilia, Evelyn Bosh, Cynthia Posa, Carol Teodoro; Back: Aida Grino; Norma Lucero, Sandy Sampaico, Lilu Gimenez; Meng Sandico; Dina Karaan; Monina Magallanes, Mila Santillan

OFFICE FOR RENT CEBU CITY, DOWNTOWN ZULUETA

2011-07-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

BEAUTIFUL OFFICE FOR RENT, DOWNTOWN CEBU CITY, ON ZULUETA STREET, COMMERCIAL ZONE, GATED, 24 HOUR SECURITY, PARKING, P16k/MONTH, CONTACT BETH: 0922-820-8747; 0917-620-8747

TOURIST WARNING TO VISITORS OF SAIGON - TAXI KIDNAPPING

2011-07-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

TOURIST WARNING TO VISITORS OF SAIGON - TAXI KIDNAPPING
by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

I’m blogging this not to frighten my family and friends but in the wish of informing tourists planning to go to Saigon, Vietnam. My friend and I were kidnapped by a taxi driver in Saigon, and were fortunately released. Let me tell you what happened.

My friend Cynthia and I booked a package tour via Philippine Airlines for 4 nights in Saigon, staying at the Lavender Hotel near Ben Thant Market. We arrived Saigon in the afternoon and after resting, we visited the market and had supper at nearby Pho 2000 (where Bill Clinton had visited). After supper, the Night Market near Ben Thant Market was in full swing, and we browsed around. By around 8:30 p.m,. we decided to have drinks at the Saigon Saigon Bar in the historic Caravelle Hotel. Not knowing that it was walking distance, we took a taxi.

I should mention that my husband and I had visited Vietnam last February and our tour guide had emphasized then that Mai Linh Taxi was safe. This information was embedded in my head, and the taxi Cynthia and I hailed in front of the Night Market was Mai Linh. We got in, closed the doors, and told the taxi driver to take us to the Caravelle Hotel.

Cynthia and I had no idea what amount the taxi meter should have started with; we were thoroughly confused with the Vietnamese dong with a lot of zeroes (1 dollar equaled approximately 20,000 dong). When we approached Caravelle, the driver did not stop right in front of the hotel but turned into a dark parking lot, and then he demanded 632,000 dong. The meter showed these figures.

Cynthia spent a lot of time trying to figure out the dollar equivalent of this figure. Cynthia kept asking how much that was in dollars, and the driver was adamant about wanting 632,000 dong. Cynthia and I finally figured this was around 30 dollars, and puzzled we told the driver it only cost $7 dollars from the airport to our hotel. The driver would not budge. Finally we said we should talk to a policeman to sort this out.

He started up his car and said we would go to the police. He continued driving, away from the city center, and meantime Cynthia and I discovered that the backseat doors did not have handles, that we could not lower the windows. In short we were trapped.

We tried to call our hotel with our cell phones but it was dark and even with some light (from another cell phone) the fine print in the back on our key card was impossible to read. In fact, even if we had gotten hold of the hotel, what would we have told them? – we didn’t even know where we were.

He continued driving for around 15 minutes, and meantime we started to pray. Every time we asked where he was taking us he would say, “Far far away.” We were afraid he would take us somewhere isolated and rob and hurt us. All sorts of frightening thoughts rushed to my head.

Perhaps it was from panic but I thought we should try to call the attention of other cars. I started banging on the left side window. At this the driver snapped and yelled something which clearly meant, “Stop it!” Then he reached for his glove compartment. I assumed he had a weapon in there.

At this time, Cynthia calmly and firmly said, “Stop the car now, so we can talk.”

To our surprise he pulled over to the right side of the wide avenue. He said it would cost us more to take a taxi from here to our hotel. I said I didn’t care and to let us out. He did not open our doors, and then I fully understood that we were his captives and he wanted ransom money. I fished around in my wallet and thought of offering him dong to release us. On second thought I decided to offer him dollars (he had earlier displayed an ignorance about the dong-dollar exchange). I said, “We do not have that kind of money (referring to his demand of 632,000 dong), but I have some dollars and I’ll give it to you.”

He said, “Five dollars.”

I said, “Yes, we will give you five dollars.”

He extended his right hand and demanded the money, “Give! Give now!”

Firmly I said no, “Take us to hotel. Open door, let us out and I give you money.”

He started the car and turned and headed toward where we had come from. He kept wanting the money. I was firm, “No, hotel, open door, we get out, I give you money.” I made sure he saw the dollar bills in my hand. He said something like how did he know we would give him the money when he let us out. I said, “I promise” in the firmest voice I could muster. (At this point I was quite willing to give him more than five dollars.)

He brought us near Caravelle, not in front of the hotel, but across the way, where I supposed he thought he wouldn’t be spotted by security guards. He got out, came around and opened the right rear door. Before this Cynthia and I had planned that Cynthia would take down the plate number and taxi number and information. Pencil and map in hand, she slid out the car. I moved slowly to allow Cynthia time to write down the information.

When I was outside, I stood in front of the man and before giving him our ransom money pointed an accusing finger at him and scolded him, “We are old enough to be your mother and you take money from us this way!” I handed the wad of bills to him and he quickly went to the driver’s side and drove away.

We told the security guards at Caravelle about what happened to us and they called a taxi to take us to the police to file a report. We opted to go to the Saigon Saigon Bar to catch our breath. We had B-52 drinks, little drinks in small glasses, that we downed.

Later that night we reported the incident to the staff in our hotel who became defensive, thinking we were blaming them. We assured them that we simply wanted the matter reported to the authorities and Mai Linh.

I will truncate the story and say that the next day, the hotel called Mai Linh who said the car wasn’t theirs and there the matter ended. They did not report the incident to the police. We did not want to waste any more of our time on the matter either and did not file a police report. Cynthia and I resolved we would post this incident in the internet to warn other tourists.

Tourists – beware! - even though Mai Linh and Vina Sun are reputable cab companies in Saigon, there are fake Mai Linh and Vina Sun taxis around. Get a cab from your hotel or other establishments; they usually have dispatchers. At the very least, take Vina Sun, make sure the driver is in uniform with a badge, and check the doors to make sure the handles are there. If you are not sure, walk. Downtown Saigon is small and one can walk from one landmark to the next. It will be safer.

~~~~
The report that Cynthia and I presented to the hotel:
Incident Report 7/15/11
Taxi - Mai Linh Group
Taxi #: 263
Plate number: 52X 2258

8:45 p.m. We took a taxi near Ben Thanh Market to Caravelle Hotel. Driver demanded 632,000 dong; we gave 100,000 dong thinking he meant 63,200 dong. He demanded 632,000 dong. He started to drive away taking us away from the center of town. We said we wanted to be brought to the police. He kept driving. We realized the back doors did not have door handles and we could not open the windows. One of us started banging the back window. Driver became angry and reached for his glove compartment. One of us suggested he stop the car so we can talk. He did, and said it would cost us more if he let us out there. He wanted $5. We said yes.

By 9:20 p.m. we were back in the area near Caravelle. We gave him the $5, he left. We had taken down his plate number and taxi information.

The driver was around 30 years old, 5'1'' 130 lbs, wearing a baseball cap, light skinned Asian man.
~~~
Here's a picture of me and Cynthia in the Saigon Saigon Bar immediately after the abduction - note our tense faces!

Pictures Writing Workshop in Makati; Steve Aznar's Party

2011-07-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

I'm posting some pictures taken at the Writing Workshop (Fundamentals of Creative Writing Workshop, July 9, 2011) which I conducted for Anvil in Powerbooks, Makati; and here's a photo taken at Stephen Aznar's party celebrating his new pad in Cebu (July 11, 2011 - Steve owns Cafe Elysa in Historic Cebu).

Both events were very fun. Some 55 workshoppers braved Manila's rain and showed up at Powerbooks in Makati. We worked together for over 2 hours. The pictures show some of the workshoppers sharing their in-class right brain exerice. I did a right brain meditative exercise and the results were fantastic; the workshoppers themselves were surprised at their work and experience. Thank you Anvil and Powerbooks for sponsoring the event.

Steve's party was in in his new place in Cebu, and he had some 20 people enjoying his seafood pasta and goat curry stew (the best!), along with egg rolls and Greek salad, another chicken dish. Wine, champagne and a unique lychee-martini drink flowed. We were up until 2 a.m. still chatting while Steve and our hostess Joy Uy finally crashed. Thank you Steve and Joy for a very fun evening!

Pictures of Book Contract Signing Cecilia and USC Press

2011-07-11T23:58:00.000-07:00

The University of San Carlos Press of Cebu will be publishing my book, OUT OF CEBU: ESSAYS AND PERSONAL PROSE. Here are a few pictures taken during the contract signing. The book should be done in 2-3 months, although the formal launching or celebration won't be until I come back to the Cebu for Sinulog 2012, God Willing.

The pictures show me with Father Miranda, and Dr. Jobers Bersales (in red).

Feedback to Honorable Mike Rama, Mayor of Cebu

2011-06-30T03:27:00.000-07:00

MORE ON PARIAN DEVELOPMENTS
(Feedback to Honorable Mike Rama, Mayor of Cebu)
by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

I have been tempted to write a letter to the Mayor, Mike Rama, but I didn’t want to get entangled with the technicalities of how one should address the Mayor – should that be Honorable Mike Rama, or Mayor Mike Rama, or Mr. Mike Rama? Everyone calls him Mike Rama, and I’ve met him a couple of times, and he’s a very personable guy who’ll sing at the first request. So I decided to blog my feedback to him.

What I want to say to him is this: Thank you for your beautification program that’s going on in Historic Cebu. I live in Old Cebu and I see street cleaners cleaning twice a day – note that’s twice a day. Many of the roads have been re-asphalted. If I’m not mistaken, the river with the historic bridge with a plaque is being dredged. At least it looked that way. And here I note that while a heavy rain was going on, this river flowed, meaning the water is moving and not adding to the flooded streets.

Those of us involved in heritage work in Cebu have always known Mike Rama supported the development of Historic Cebu. Now that he’s mayor, he’s “walking his talk.”

Thank you, Mr. Mayor, or Honorable Mayor, or Mike!

Now I’d like to suggest a few things related to the cleanup beautification program:

1. How about putting out garbage cans so the public can stop throwing trash on the roads and sidewalk? I realize real cans may get stolen, but how about using those gigantic containers made of recycled tire rubber? I believe I saw something like this in the Metro Manila area.

2. How about having some clean public bathrooms, where people can pay a few pesos to use the facilities, and put some of our own people to work by minding those toilets. I saw this in Eastern Europe where they had public bathrooms minded by old women, who kept the bathrooms scrupulously clean, and one had to pay a bit to use the facilities.

3. To encourage building owners in the historic district to participate in this beautification program, how about the local government offer some tax breaks for those who paint their homes or fix up their places?

4. How about we educate some of these building owners in the historic district of Cebu that the days of warehouses and boarders are at a wane and that it’s time to look at improving their buildings with the idea that the area is historic and that tourists visit it?

5. How about the government implement laws against illegal unlicensed structures, hanging over or right next to or even over rivers and creeks? As you know, Mr. Mayor, for the first time, our Fuente Osmena has experienced flooding. Cebu needs clear channels for water to flow to the sea, otherwise the very people living on the banks of these rivers and creeks will be seriously jeopardized when there is flooding, as what happened recently in Davao. They should be relocated and the waterways dredged and cleaned. It is a necessity for the good of all. I’m also speaking about waterways that have been completely built over, in the Tinago area. I also understand some big department stores in the Colon area have built over waterways, using these as part of their properties. Flood water now simply does not have a channel to flow through and thus flows throughout the city. Disaster and tragedy wait ready to happen if these are unattended to. (I’m not even talking about aesthetics and the health hazards of having human waste dumped straight into our rivers.)

6. The irregular sidewalks will kill tourists; so the City should probably do something about these. Maybe I’m asking too much, but how about looking at a section and focusing on that, as they did in Vigan, where they developed just a few streets until the idea caught on? How about the part where tourists do a walking tour – let’s fix up the sidewalks there!

Mr. Mayor, Honorable Mayor, Mike, am I dreaming, or is it a real possibility that the historic district can be beautiful, and that Cebuanos can one day soon be genuinely proud to show off this place to the numerous tourists that come see it anyway?

How many tourists do we get during the sinulog – millions, am I right? And those tourists will spend money in Cebu, and hotels, restaurants, taxis, stores, everyone is going to benefit from the visitors.

Truly, from the bottom of heart, thank you for your beautification

PARIAN FIESTA NIGHT WITH THE DIVETTES, Cebu

2011-06-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

Parian Fiesta Night with the Divettes (Cebu)

I would have missed their performance if they hadn’t stood in front of the Yap-Sandiego House, in their hot pants and skimpy outfits, faces glowing with paint, and looking flashy, happy, and flirtatious. “Good evening, Ma'am,” they said as our group of ladies walked by. “Good evening,” we answered, then I thought to ask, “Are you performing tonight?” I had known that Val Sandiego hosted a fiesta performance in the Parian Plaza late fiesta night. I’d always missed it, not knowing what to expect, and had left fiesta celebrations with the stream of the well-heeled folks who’d eaten their fill and were ready to hit the sack.

“Yes, we are, 9:30,” one replied, eyelashes batting

“I’ll be back,” I said.

So at 9:30 I did return and sat in the Parian outdoor plaza near the Heritage Monument. Was I in for a treat!

First, I must make it clear that the evening performance was not all by cross-dresser performers. There were other singers, rap dancers, young dancers doing cool steps, even a fire dance number; but the performances of the Divettes (as in small Divas) made me laugh harder than I have in a long time.

I’d only seen one live performance of men dressed as women on stage, and that was in in San Francisco where one of the performers was a Filipino who was pretty it was impossible to imagine that he was a he.

Fiesta night in Parian showcased a number of cross-dressing divas, including: Cassandra Madrigal, Alvin (the comedian), Baby Sue (Lloyd in the daytime and Q-rator of the Yap-Sandiego House, Mamaru (Roger in the daytime, Ruth when she was younger, and now Mamru), and four others whose names I didn’t catch.

These women --- er, men, did an excellent job rendering Chicago’s He Had It Coming, and a number from La Cage Folles. They were for the most part, so pretty it was mind-boggling to think they were men in drag. Cassandra Madrigal had the loveliest face, long flowing hair, hips, belly button showing, voice, soft and feminine. The story I later heard is that Cassandra’s boyfriend had left his wife for him/her. Whatever. That night Cassandra had several dance numbers, numerous changes of clothes that made the women in the audience drool at how lovely his/her gowns were.

I don’t know if Cassandra was part of the Divettes, but there was a group of five in daring outfits who did the Chicago, La Cage a Folles numbers, and more. While the guys were doing their dance and mime (the music), Alvin did comic antics that sent people into uncontrollable laughter. Or maybe it was me laughing uncontrollably. I didn’t know slapstick could be so funny. Alvin is as thin as a tapeworm, and he could do things with his body and his face, so that physically he just looked funny. His mouth, for instance was painted white, which stood out when he made incredible faces.

Val Sandiego was emcee (aside from diretor and producer) was hilarious. He had so much energy directing the audience to clap, and saying borderline vulgar stuff that sent us rollicking with laughter. Mamaru, alias Ruth, alias Roger, was called on stage to do a fire dance, and Val Sandiego went something like (in Cebuano but I’m doing this in English): Ladies and Gentlemen, look at Mamaru, 65 years old and he can still dance, lower, lower, Mamaru, look at that, 65 years old, children, he’s as old as your grandparents. Etc.

And about the chubby lady fire dancer, “Look at that body, ladies and gentlemen, that’s from dancing." The young woman continued smiling and twirling her sticks with balls of fire.

I sat there at 9:30 and when I left at midnight, the show was still on.

Now, ladies and gentlemen of Cebu, next year,June 24, at night, I’m certain there will a free performance in the Parian plaza once again. So here’s what you should do: watch the 7 o’clock religious procession, eat dinner at Café Elyssa, then find a seat on the benches facing the stage near the fire station and chapel. You’ll be safe, you’ll have fun. And the performance is all free, courtesy of Val Sandiego, owner of the Pride of Parian the Yap-Sandiego House. All you have to do is laugh and clap.

(I'll post a few pictures of the fiesta later on, so check back in late July.)

Allen Gaborro's Book Review of VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES, by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

2011-06-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

BOOK REVIEW OF VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES, by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard
REVIEW by: Allen Gaborro

TITLE: Vigan and Other Stories

AUTHOR: Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

PUBLISHER: ANVIL (Philippines)

Short story anthology

In “Vigan and Other Stories”, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard sets in motion a sundry compendium of cultural and historical narratives that are vibrant, dynamic, fanciful, nostalgic, and melancholic. Such narratives have become a staple of Brainard’s works. Leaping decades and continents, the narratives in what is her third collection of short stories are noted for their compelling characters and choice themes. Having mentioned just a few of the impressive virtues of “Vigan”, the one that stands out the most is how the work brings home for Filipinos a past and present idea of their collective self-identity.

Arguably a Filipina version of Virginia Woolf or, perhaps just as accurately, Isabelle Allende, Brainard’s fictional publications are marked by a balance between the public and the private, the individual and the collective, and the local and the universal. Set around the intermingling and intertwining of all these designations, “Vigan”, like her other works, was conceived by the author above all as, according to Oscar Campomanes, “an investment in the cultural development of the ancestral homeland.”

Cobbling together an enthralling ensemble of characters, Brainard sews together a heartfelt and intimate tapestry of an anthology that comes upon the reader with an exceptional perception of the human condition, especially as it pertains to women and to Filipinos. Combined with Brainard’s supple and introspective prose, “Vigan” merits comparison with other wonderful and engaging Asian American short story anthologies.

In her collection, Brainard dreams up situations, ideas, and characters that are framed by her own personal life as well as by her creative initiative. Perfectly balancing her personal reminiscences and her poetic license, Brainard’s stories become a matter of the heart, the human emotions, and of the challenges that fate has in store for people.

“Vigan” is also a historiographic piece, meaning to say that the anthology is very much a product of the author’s historical consciousness and treatment of the history that she has embedded her book in. In her story “The Artist”, Brainard, with her distinctively pensive literary voice, takes us back to the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule. Historical names and terms from this period like the Galleon Trade, Legazpi, Magellan, the Parian—or Chinese neighborhood of Manila—make cameo appearances in the story. But however brief these appearances are, they still give the plot of “The Artist” historical weight.

The very title of her book and its namesake story reaffirms Brainard’s undying fidelity to Philippine history and expansive respect for the past. “Vigan” the story is a sort of reconstruction of the author’s previous stays in the city which is located in the northern province of Ilocos Sur. Situated on South China Sea, Vigan maintains a prominent history as a major colonial-era trading post. For the purposes of Brainard’s story, the city serves as the backdrop for her story about a young girl dealing with the death of her father and with the tragic experiences of her “bad luck” mother.

With “Vigan” as an anthology, the reader comes into possession of psychologically-impacting stories that are greatly influenced by conflicted yet benevolent personalities and perspectives. Included in Brainard’s literary equation for her characters are the positives of love and renewal, the subtle reverberations of a sublime soul-searching, and a reserved spirituality that is concealed below the surface but which can nevertheless emerge just enough for the reader to draw the conclusion that some divine force in the book is being alluded to.

What reader would not be enriched in the heart and in the mind by a literary sensibility as reflective and exquisite as Brainard’s is in “Vigan”? People will certainly appreciate a good read when they see it, and the upshot of this review is that “Vigan” is exactly that: a good read. Not only that, it is a read that presents an opportunity for taking a contemplative sojourn into the Filipino historical, cultural, and social landscape on which Cecilia Manguerra Brainard’s stories rest.

ALLEN GABORRO
2011

Cecilia Brainard Conducts Creative Writing Workshop, July 9, in Manla

2011-06-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'll be conducting a Creative Writing Workshop in Mankati, July 9, from 10-12 in Powerbooks, Greenbelt 4.

_______

Dear Sir/Madam:

Greetings from Anvil Publishing and Powerbooks! We wish to invite your Language and Literature teachers and your most gifted student writers to a workshop on CREATIVE WRITING by award-winning novelist and editor CECILIA MANGUERRA BRAINARD on July 9 from 10 am to 12nn at Powerbooks Greenbelt 4.

The workshop covers the following;

Setting and Scene

Character development

Conflict development

Dialogue

Plot development

Point of View

Voice

Style, Theme, Tone

Cecilia Manguerra Brainard is the award-winning author of eight books, including the internationally-acclaimed novel, When the Rainbow Goddess Wept, Magdalena, Vigan and Other Stories, Acapulco at Sunset and Other Stories, Philippine Woman in America, Woman With Horns and Other Stories, Cecilia's Diary 1962-1968, and Fundamentals of Creative Writing.

She edited four books: Growing Up Filipino I and II, Fiction by Filipinos in America, Contemporary Fiction by Filipinos in America. Cecilia co-edited six books, including Journey of 100 Years: Reflections on the Centennial of Philippine Independence; Behind the Walls: Life of Convent GirlsAla Carte: Food and Fiction, and Finding God: True Stories of Spiritual Encounters. She has also written a novel with four other women entitled, Angelica's Daughters, a Dugtungan Novel.

Her work has been translated into Finnish and Turkish; and many of her stories and articles have been widely anthologized.

Cecilia has received a California Arts Council Fellowship in Fiction, a Brody Arts Fund Award, a Special Recognition Award for her work dealing with Asian American youths, as well as a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate, 21st District. She has also been awarded by the Filipino and Filipino American communities she has served. She received the prestigious Filipinas Magazine Arts Award, and the Outstanding Individual Award from her birth city, Cebu, Philippines. She has received several travel grants in the Philippines, from the USIS (United States Information Service).

She has lectured and performed in worldwide literary arts organizations and universities, including UCLA, USC, University of Connecticut, University of the Philippines, PEN, Beyond Baroque, Shakespeare & Company in Paris, and many others. She teaches creative writing at the Writers Program at UCLA-Extension.

She is married to Lauren R. Brainard, a former Peace Corp Volunteer to Leyte, Philippines; they have three sons.

For reservations and inquiries, please call the ANVIL PUBLISHING marketing department tel. nos. 477-4752, 477-4755 to 57 loc. 807 or sign up at any customer service counter of any branch of POWERBOOKS.

Her website is www.ceciliabrainard.com

WHAT WOULD YOU ASK RIZAL (Manila Bulletin)

2011-06-18T16:19:00.001-07:00

Hi, Ronald Lim's article includes my question to Jose Rizal:

What would you ask Rizal?
By RONALD S. LIM
June 18, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — Jose Rizal excelled at many things, but nowhere is he more well known here and around the world than for being the writer of the “Noli Me Tangere” and the “El Filibusterismo”.

The “Noli” and the “Fili” not only stoked the fires of Filipino patriotism during the 19th century, but they have also stood the test of time and have proven themselves to be exceptional novels worthy to be ranked alongside the other great works of the world. Rizal’s works have no doubt inspired many a young Filipino to pick up their pens and write.

In celebration of the upcoming 150th celebration of Jose Rizal's birth, the Students and Campuses Bulletin has asked some of the country's top writers what they would ask the national hero if he were still around today.

Politics, maybe? “Ang itatanong ko kay Rizal ay kung kakandidato ka ba sa pagka-presidente, senador, o congressman? At kung kakandidato ka, gusto mo bang kasama sa ticket si Manny Pacquiao? Para sa akin, unang-una, tanong iyon para ma-determine natin kung tama 'yung ating mataas na pagpapahalaga sa politics at politicians. Tama ba ang paraan ng pagtingin natin sa mga pulitiko. Si Pacquiao nga eh kakandidato daw for President. 'Yun ang gusto kong malaman. Kung tunay siyang hinahangaan ng taongbayan, maaring makapagsalita siya tungkol sa uri ng ating mataas na pagpapahalaga sa politics at sa uri ng politics na meron tayo dito.

Ang ikalawa kong tanong, pahihintulutan ba niyang komiks ang ipangturo sa Noli at Fili sa high school at sa kolehiyo?” — National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario

Where do you get the energy? “If I were to ask a question addressed to Rizal, it would be this: How were you able to do all those things--study, organize Filipinos abroad, research prehispanic Philippines relentlessly, write the novels, befriend Spaniards, put up a school--in so short a time?” — Romulo P. Baquiran, Jr., editor of “Laglag-Panty, Laglag-Brief” and “Tahong/Talong”

What are you hiding? “The question I will ask is also one of the things I tell people. He left us 25 volumes of material. But those are the things he wanted us to see. There are things he didn't write. There are letters and diaries he destroyed. Why did you destroy that and why?” — Ambeth Ocampo, historian and former chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines

Peace or revolution? “Knowing what happened to the Philippines after your death, which would have been more effective in achieving independence from Spain - non-violence as Gandhi used, or a bloody revolution?

Jose Rizal did not join the revolution; he sought reforms from the Spanish government. Would the Spanish government have given reforms if the Filipinos had not fought? Would non-violent means as Gandhi used, have worked? Or would the Spanish government have simply crushed and oppressed the Filipinos further if they tried to get reforms peacefully?” — Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, co-author of “Angelica's Daughters”

Are we free from the church? “Pepe, what can you actually do so that the Church is truly separate from the state in all matters of state governance? Why this question? Remember he didn't like the Spanish friars then for being the real governors of the country during colonial times, and so that may be his continued sentiment today.” — Herbert Sancianco, author of “Sales Promotions: Best Practices”

A modern Noli? “I have a few questions for Jose Rizal:
1. Do the many books and other materials on you do you justice? Are they faithful to your life and all that you hold dear? Which titles do you recommend we all read?
2. Considering how you have always regarded the youth as the hope of the fatherland, what is the most important advice you'd give today's youth?
3. Seeing the state of affairs in the country today, what 2011 version of the Noli would you write?
4. What are you most pleased about the Philippines today?
5. How do you feel that the Philippine Board on Books for Young People has pegged the annual celebration of the National Children's Book Day on the 3rd Tuesday in July, when Trubner's Oriental Record in London first published your 'Monkey and the Turtle'?” — Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz, author and National Book Award winner

What's cooking? “What foods did you eat on a daily basis with your meager allowance during your stay in Europe? If you had more money at your disposal then, how would you have spent it, upgraded your lodging or spent more on food?” — Claude Tayag, author of “Food Tour” and “Linamnam”

What's the best translation? “Which English and Filipino translations of your novels best capture the aesthetic effect you wanted to achieve?” — Jonathan Malicsi, University of the Philippines professor and author of the “English Linguistics Project”

What about your big brother? “Why did you agree to everything your brother Paciano planned for your education and mission? Did you agree because you also believed in it totally or because it was expected of you? It is clear that if your brother Paciano wasn¹t there to support you on both an emotional, financial and moral basis, you may not have been able to study abroad and do the mission you had to fulfill for our country. I wonder if there was every a moment or time that you doubted what your brother Paciano had requested of you and the pact you both agreed on.” — Jeannie E. Javelosa, writer and curator of the Rizalizing the Future Exhibit at the Yuchengco Museum

Are you gay? “Your flitting from girlfriend to girlfriend, was that to camouflage a homo streak? Why I'd ask him that is explained by my observation that most men I know who leave a trail of broken hearts of women are actually, well, insecure about their manhood and they have to prove this to themselves over and over through conquest, and then dumping, so they could be assured na lalaki nga sila.” — Babeth Lolarga, editor of “Baguio We Know” and “Baguio Calligraphy”

Any advice for expats? “What advice would you give Filipino expatriates today about loving one's country from across the seas? Who better can speak about the concept of patriotism away from home better than Rizal?” — Gemma Nemenzo, managing editor of the online FilAm magazine Filipina

Writers Program of UCLA Extension - Eve La Salle Caram and Cecilia Brainard

2011-06-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

A Lovely Message from Linda Venis:

Hi Ladies,

I thought you’d get a kick out of seeing your cute photo together at the Publication Party!

Love,
Linda
Linda Venis, PhD
Director, Department of the Artsrogra
Program Director, Writers' Pm

CLICK BELOW
https://www3.uclaextension.edu/unexNewsletter/2011/June/writers.cfm?utm_source=unex&utm_medium=email&utm_content=writers_title&utm_campaign=job%2311561sp11

Reflections on Cebu - part 1

2011-06-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

It's four in the morning, and I'm jetlagged, so forgive these ramblings.

I took Cathay Pacific to get from LAX to Cebu. I have to say that Cathay is better than most airlines, which does not mean I always fly Cathay because sometimes other airlines are cheaper, such as Korean, Asiana, or Eva. But when the fare is almost the same,I'll opt for Cathay.On the one hand Cathay's service is better, but on the other hand, there's a layover in Hongkong. Philippine Airlines is the only airline that flies direct from LAX to the Philippines (the plane gasses up in Honolulu for 40 minutes).

Having given Cathay praise, I'm going to add that they seem to have stopped giving amenities kits to all their passengers, and following other airlines have limited their baggage allowance from 70 lbs to 50 lbs for the 2 checkin bags allowed in international travel. I heard a number of passengers grumbling that they had to pay $100 per bag for exceeding the 50 lb weight allowance.

(Here I feel like digressing and say that airlines have been taking advantage and making money off passenger bags. American airlines for instance have been bringing in a lot of revenue by charging for checkin bags. Another airline, Philippine-based this time, learned quickly that they can make lots of money by charging for "excess weight" - (in caps) CEBU PACIFIC AIR is nickel-and-diming their passengers on luggage. My guest Hilary Walling and I had the most unpleasant experience of taking Cebu Pacific Air last January from Manila to Cebu and ending up paying quite a lot for our "excess baggage." It didn't matter that we'd come from international travel (with 2 huge checkin bags). Highway robbery. Shame on you Cebu Pacific Air and the other airlines for this extortion.)

But back to my trip on board Cathay. I killed the 14-hour flight from LAX to Hong Kong by watching movies (enjoyed the Spanish film Biutiful even thought it was depressing), reading the autobiography of John Paul II, and snoozing when I could. (My husband says I'm one of these lucky people who can sleep in airplanes; the poor man can't.)

The layover in Hong Kong was almost three hours, and I had expected a miserable wait in Hong Kong, but in fact, the three hours flew quickly. You have to find your right terminal, you and your handcarry have to be screened again, and Hong Kong has free wi-fi, so the wait isn't too bad. The trip from Hong Kong to Cebu is only 2 1/2 hours, so that's a piece of cake. You settle down, they feed you, and you're there.

I prefer arriving in Cebu rather than Manila because the Cebu airport is less crowded, more low-key. Manila arrivals, domestic or international, are a bit harrowing - people jostling for their bags, fighting over taxis. It probably helps that I can speak Cebuano, because people seem to warm up when I speak to them in Cebuano. I took a Yellow Taxi this time. I usually take a regular metered taxi. You could, if you don't know any better, hire a private car that charges twice as much. The Yellow Taxi's fare is just a bit more than the regular taxi, but still considerably less than the private car. (This is if you're thinking in Pesos; if you're thinking in dollars, it's no big deal if you pay $20 versus $10, as long as you get to your destination safely.)

Driving from the Mactan airport to my place in the historic district of Cebu, I could see that little had changed since my last visit. Cebu doesn't have zoning, so you see big houses next to shacks, factories and restaurants in the midst of residences. The funny thing is that Cebuanos fail to see this haphazard layout, and talk of Uptown versus Downtown, meaning Uptown is supposedly more hoity-toity than Downtown. To my eyes, there is no Uptown versus Downtown because except for the exclusive gated communities, all of Cebu City is a mixed bag.

Which leads me to talk about my place in Cebu. I inherited from my mother a piece of property with a three-story building in Old Cebu, which in olden days had been a prime piece of property, but which went down after World War II, when the "Uptown" started to develop. The historic district,which is near the Cathedral, Santo Nino Basilica, Fort San Pedro, City Hall became blighted. Houses were turned into boarding houses or warehouses. That's the fate of the Limbunfeng Building right next to the Yap-Sandiego House, and before Jimmy Sy took it upon himself to develop the Old Jesuit House on Zulueta, the 18th century structure was part of the Ho Tong warehouse. There are many more undiscovered jewels in historic Cebu, buried underneath warehouses and such.

My property in Old Cebu was acquired by my maternal grandmother in the early 1900s, the American Period, meaning the Philippines was no longer a colony of Spain but was now owned by the United States. I don't know what structure my grandmother had built here during that time, but when my mother inherited this from her, there had been a two or three story house, which I believe was used as a boarding house. There are a number of schools around. The streets of Old Cebu are prone to flooding, as did my mother's place, and finally in the 1990s, she had the old structure torn down and she built a three-story deco-style building. I think it was my mothers' way of honoring her mother and she named the building "Dona Filomena" after Filomena Alesna Cuenco, her mother.

Nice as the building was (it was designed by well-known Architect Abella) my mother had difficulties finding good tenants, because the neighborhood was filled with warehouses and crumbling houses and shacks. Her tenants didn't maintain the place properly.

When I got the place, the tenant was a security agency that had trashed the place so badly. They kept goats and chickens in the garage area, had men sleeping in the garage area, and the men were relieving themselves in corners, including the rooftop area - it was a total disaster and discouraged me so much I wept the first time I saw the place.

But here's the thing: I knew that this was part of historic Cebu, and I understood the potential of historic Cebu. Even though the local government had not developed tourism in Old Cebu, tourists went ahead anyway and visited Magellan's Cross and the Fort and the numerous other historic landmarks.

Maybe I'm sentimental, but knowing that this land had belonged to my mother and grandmother, gave me the courage to develop the building. I've painted it, added wrought iron gates and window grills, refurbished the place when finally the security agency left (owing me money), fixed up the wood parquet floors that my mother had put in, and so on. A lot of work, a lot of money, but like magic, the building came to life, taking on a kind of Spanish Colonial persona with it's yellow and brick-red paint and verdigris grills. I've also been blessed with the people living in it now, quiet, religious people (including a priest), who love the history of the place, who are proud to be here, and who maintain the place beautifully.

I oftentimes feel that my mother and grandmother help me run the Dona Filomena Building. Last year the famous feng shui expert,Tony Suvega, was brought here by a potential tenant and he "saw" a woman sitting on a plantation chair. He described my mother accurately. He made it clear her spirit was not earthbound but was just visiting. He also went on to say the place was "masuerte" or very lucky. His client took the unit and is still here, thriving, I'm happy to say.

Before I end this early morning ramblings, I might add that I have one studio unit available, and I'm looking for the right person to rent it to. There's a site with pictures at www.palhbooks.com/studio.html. The site describes it as a vacation place,but I don't have a manager, so I've decided to rent it out, furnished or unfurnished. Email me at palhbooks@gmail.com.

I can see this as the perfect place for a Branch Office in Cebu, which the manager can use as both office and residence. I can imagine a Visiting Professor staying here as well - it's right smack in historic Cebu, near Museums, the historic sites, and two major universities, plus other schools. I love the area myself and find it most convenient to live here. I can hop on a taxi to get to Ayala or SM malls in 15 minutes; I can walk to two churches; and the place...the place reeks of history.

(more whenever jetlag strikes...)

Homage to Concepcion Cuenco Manguerra

2011-06-07T14:53:00.001-07:00

I heard from my mother's friend in Facebook, and I'm reprinting here our conversation. Vincent honors my mother; thank you, Vincent!

Vincent Carlos: Gavin, si Cecilia Manguerra Brainard ba anak ni siya ni the late Dona Conception Manguerra? Just wanna know cause naka puyo man ko sa apartment ni Dona Iton during my college days at La Salle. Just extend my regards to her and her family...ok you take care...God bless you always...

Gavin Bagares: Yes, she's the daughter, I'll tell Baby, my regards cousin: D

Gavin Bagares: Baby, my cousin Vincent Ruberton Carlos is in the US, too, maybe you can see each other one day? :D

Cecilia Brainard: Hi, Vincent, yes, Mama was Concepcion Cuenco Manguerra - and yes, she opened up our place in Malate to many, I'm glad you knew her. She was one of kind. I have some pictures of her in my site. I'll Friend you and you can see.

Vincent Carlos: Tita Cecilia, musta na? Imo Mama and my mother were very close to each other when both of them were still alive here in this world. When I graduated from high school in 1991, my mother was looking for an apartment for me to live in Manila when I was about to study at De La Salle University and your beloved Mama offered her studio apartment to us in a very cheap price. Oh, your Mama was very kind to us because if it was not for her I would not be able to study at La Salle because to live in Manila was very expensive. My late mother used to see her most often in Cebu for ballroom dancing and your beloved Mama was very happy to be with her. They were the best of friends. When your Mama was in Manila we talked a lot about everything under the sun and she had a very good sense in business. She was a successful businesswoman and she taught me common sense in business and in life. I had fond memories of your beloved Mama and I remember her always in my prayers. Your brother, Uncle Jess, was also the best friend of my late father. They were schoolmates at the University of the Philippines in Diliman in the 1960s. My mother, Patricia Ruberton, died of heart attack while my father, George Carlos, died of pneumonia since he had a stroke for 5 years and both of them died in the hospital. Dona Iton, as she was fondly called, was an icon of the Cuenco and Manguerra family. She was a living legend of your clan in Cebu. I will be very happy if you include me in your friends list and if you could show me some pictures of your beloved Mama. I would be truly grateful to you and your family. Ok this is all for now and I hope we could communicate to each other most often through facebook. Thank you again for including me as your friend...you take care and may God bless you always...

Cecilia Brainard: Hi, Vincent, I knew your Mom, Patty Carlos. I was sad to hear she passed away. I made a memorial site for Mama. I'm happy to hear what you said about Mama, etc. http://www.palhbooks.com/iton.html

Vincent Carlos:
Tita Cecilia, yes, your beloved Mama and my beloved Mother were really the best of friends when they were still alive. Your Mama was very supportive of my Mother and when my mother had projects for the poor your Mama was always on her side. Back in the 1990s, my Mother was the president of Cebu Travel and Tours Association and she also owned her own travel company. My mother had a debutantes ball for charity for the St Martin de Porres school of hearing and mentally impaired children. My mother asked your beloved Mama to be the
Queen Mother and immediately she accepted her invitation without any hesitation. As a matter of fact, your beloved Mama donated P200,000 to the Charity ball which my Mother installed. I cannot forget how closed they were when they were still alive. Your beloved Mama loved ballroom dancing and parties and she also loves to travel. When she calls my mother for ballroom they were always together. She loves my mother so much and she treats her as if she is her daughter. In Manila, when your beloved Mama was there we talk a lot of things under the sun. Either business or in life. Your beloved Mama had a good sense in business, she was very keen in making a living. Your beloved Mama was a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman. Yup both my mom and your Mama were constant ballrom companions in Cebu and she was always very happy to be with my mom. Your beloved Mama had a heart for the poor and charitable in nature. I know by now she is with God her loving Father in heaven. Ok Tita Cecilia, thank you for including me as your friend. Hope to talk to you again in facebook. Ok this is all for now and you take care...God bless you always and regards to your family...

YOUTUBE READING OF CECILIA BRAINARD, PUBLICATION PARTY WRITERS PROGRAM UCLA X

2011-06-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md04gJ0upYE&feature=youtu.be

Reading by Cecilia Brainard at the Publication Party, Writers Program, UCLA X, 2011 -

Hi, I did a reading from my recent book, VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES - enjoy!

The Leading Families of Old Mandawe, by Gavin Bagares

2011-06-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

I'm reprinting here an article by Gavin Bagares on The Leading Families of Old Mandawe, reprinted with author's permission.

More on "Coming Together in Skokie"

2011-06-01T06:52:00.001-07:00

I just received this from Jelly Carandang. Thanks, Jelly!

A Great Honor for the Philippines and Its People
By: Jelly R. Carandang

Year 2011 started brightly for Filipinos and Filipino Americans, not only in Skokie, but all over the world.

This year, the Coming Together in Skokie Committee honors the Philippines and Its People, by sponsoring six-week long activities, consisting of artistic, cultural, & historical presentations, book readings & discussions, games, food demonstrations & tasting, movie, etc. Angeles “Jelly” Carandang, Chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, Illinois Chapter, and a member of the Skokie Plan Commission, and Skokie Park District Commissioner Jerry B. Clarito were tapped as coordinators who called upon other members of the Filipino American community to share insights about the Philippines and its people.

The committee was formed to acknowledge the rich diversity in the Village of Skokie and spearheaded the project as an opportunity to promote literacy and build knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the many cultures around us. The founding members consist of a group of high profile women representing various Skokie Institutions. They are Skokie First Lady, Susan Van Dusen, Niles Township High Schools Superintendent, Nanciann Gatta, Skokie Public Library Director, Carolyn Anthony, Niles Township Indian American Organization President, Usha Kamaria, and owner/manager of Holiday Inn Northshore/Skokie, Sheila Gilani. It is the committee’s goal to do an in depth exploration of a different culture each year through reading and discussing a common book, and enjoying a host of other exciting activities.

The first project was in early 2010 when the Asian Indian community was showcased, with Ms. Vineeta Vijayarghavan, author of the novel Motherland (book selected for discussion), as special guest. Other Skokie institutions joined as co-sponsors. They are the Oakton Community College and the Skokie Hospital. It was a stunning success with more than 3,000 people attending 32 events held over a period of 6 weeks.

In addition to the Skokie Institutions mentioned earlier, other village groups joined as co-sponsors of the 2nd Coming Together in Skokie, showcasing the Philippines and Its People. Among them are the Skokie Park District, Niles Township ELL Center and Skokie’s elementary and middle schools. The Center for Teaching through Children’s Books at the National-Louis College also provided assistance.

“When the Rainbow Goddess Wept” by Filipino American author, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard from California, was the featured book, with “Growing Up Filipino”, her compilation of several short stories for adults and young adults, as an additional option. This year, the committee also selected other books written by Filipino and Filipino American authors for the serious adults and the younger readers. They are: Marketing Dreams, Manufacturing Heroes by Dr. Anna Guevarra a, Tall Story by Candy Gourlay (for Grades 5-8), Willie Wins by Almira Astudillo Gilles (for Grades 1-3) and Lakas and the Manilatown Fish:Si Lakas at ang Isdang Manilatown by Anthony D. Robles (for ages 5-8).

Kick Off
The Kick Off was held Friday, January 28, 2011 at the Niles West H.S. Auditorium, 5701 Oakton St., in Skokie. Before the show, committee members, performers, volunteers and their families & guests enjoyed the variety of native foods served at the private reception. Food for purchase was also available for the general public.

The program started at 7:00pm. After brief remarks from Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen and Deputy Consul General Orontes Castro, a video presentation with statements and comments from committee members was shown. It was followed by a video presentation courtesy of the Department of Tourism in Chicago, showing the wonderful sceneries and activities visitors to our country could enjoy. The musical portion of the program was started by an all male acapella group, Echo Effect, from Niles West High School, followed by a cultural/musical play entitled “The Legend of the Philippine Islands”. The cast of characters consisted of selected members of the Hataw Pinoy Chicago, under Emil & Alpha Nicolasin and the Sama-Sama Project, under Baron Cabalona & Lou Maningas, with the support of the young dancers from the FilAm Club of St. Peter’s and Niles North High School FilAm club. As the program finale, members of the committee were called on stage to be recognized and each one proudly wore the modern and traditional Filipino costumes, made for them by Victor Miller of Fashion in Fashion. It was indeed an honor to see the elite members of Skokie mainstream society, led by Skokie Mayor and his first lady, wearing our native costumes.

In addition to the mayor and the deputy consul general, among the dignitaries who joined the over 400 audience, were District 17 Representative Daniel Biss, Village Trustees Donald Perille and Pramod Shah, Plan Commission Chair Paul Luke, Tourism Director Vernie Morales & Family, Trade & Investment Officer Glenn Penaranda, Cultural Officer Berth Salvador, Skokie Theatre Director Al Curtis, Skokie Lions Past Presidents Walter Holden and Krishna Goyal, Artist Susan Alforque Silvano & husband Tony, Artist Fred de Asis, and of course the following committee members: Skokie first lady, Susan Van Dusen, Niles Township school district superintendent Nanciann Gatta and the following district 219 officers: Anne Roloff, Dale Vogler, Sherry Baehr, Rosamin Bhanpuri, Jim Sczcepaniak, John Leintz, Ryan McTague, Kaine Osburn, Paul O’Malley, & Pete Marcelo, Skokie Public Library Director Carolyn Anthony and staff members, Skokie Park District Commissioner, Jerry Clarito with wife Flor, Niles Township Indian American Organization President Usha Kamaria with husband Omprakash, Niles Township ELL Parent Center Director, Corrie Wallace & children.

The following volunteered their time and resources to insure the success of the event: Nando & Petty de Leon from Tuy Club USA, Adeline Fajardo, Ruben Salazar & Steve from the Philippine American Cultural Foundation, Ely & Evelyn Natividad from the Philippine Week Committee, Rod Ranola & Odette Ramos from the FilAm Prayer Group of St. Isaac Jogues, Vic Ricolcol of Adeline’s Food & Catering Services, Victor Miller and her models: Ping Estrada, Veronica Labiano, Ellen Maguad & Larraine Corpuz, and family members & friends: Nelson Chua, Chit Chua, Jack Alix, Happy & Tina Jimenez, Nina Hornung, Homer Saclayan and of course, the parents of the young performers.

Book Readings & Discussions
The general public and students got the opportunity to listen and inter-act with author Cecilia Manguerra Brainard during a series of book discussions scheduled at the library, at the district 219 administrative office, and Niles North & Niles West High Schools. She flew from California to be a part of the wonderful celebration. The culinary students of both high schools also treated the author and other invited guests to wonderful Filipino Dishes, complete with yummy desserts, after the presentations at their respective auditoriums. Mayor Van Dusen & wife Susan attended the reception at Niles West, while Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim attended the one at Niles North with Consular Officer Berth Salvador.

Ms. Almira Astudillo-Gilles did a book reading with demonstrations at the Niles Township Parent ELL Center and East Prairie Elementary School.

The library became the venue for discussions of books written by Dr. Anna Guevarra, Candy Gourlay and Anthony Robles.

Food Demonstrations & Tasting:
For Valentine’s Day treat, the library hosted a demonstration of native sweets, inviting Pastry Chef, Jack Alix who prepared Sans Rival and Alpha Nicolasin, who prepared polvoron. The over 60 attendees enjoyed both desserts.

Art Exhibits/Workshops
During the 6 weeks celebration, art works of renowned FilAm artists were on display at the Skokie Public Library. The following made Filipinos proud with their creations, which became testaments to our artistic talents: Fred De Asis, Paul C. Balan, Susan Alforque Silvano, and Jun Jun Sta. Ana.

Artist Fred De Asis also presented a workshop on the “Kut Kut”, the lost ancient art technique. He also introduced the “Baybayin”, an ancient writing system used during the pre-colonial years in the Philippines.

People’s Power Day
To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the EDSA Revolution, commonly known as People’s Power Day, the Skokie Park District hosted a brief re-enactment held at the Oakton Community Center. Some native games followed, which were participated in and were enjoyed by the young and not so young alike. Dignitaries present were Mayor George Van Dusen with wife Susan & grandson Anthony, and Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera Lim and wife Fides and some village trustees.

Concerts
Vox 3 vocal collective, a group of diverse musicians presented “Island Magic” celebrating the Filipino Vocal Music at the Petty Auditorium of the Skokie Public Library. The songs range from the Kundiman, a romantic song in Tagalog, to the Balitaw, a sort of dance-dialogue, the traditional cradle songs, and other folk materials. The group’s artistic director, Brian von Rueden said during an interview: “When we’re approached about assembling a recital of Filipino music, our programming coordinators were initially stumped. But it has been a pleasure discovering the charm and depth of these pieces. Many of the songs are unabashedly romantic, with heart fully on sleeve, but also quite well crafted”. As one of about 20 FilAms in the audience of about 150, I felt extremely proud. The performers include soprano Angela Zawada, mezzo-soprano Catie Huggins, tenor Joaquim Luis, baritone Brian von Rueden, and pianist Saori Chiba.

Niles North & Niles West High School Activities
Not to be left out in the celebration of the Philippines and its people, the members of the Filipino Clubs at both Niles North & Niles West High Schools planned several activities. At Niles North, they had the Filipino Cultural Breakfast, Movie showing, Karaoke-Filipino Style, Games & Dances, in addition to the book discussions. At Niles West, they celebrated Filipino Day with dances, exhibits, fruit carving demonstration, and Filipino Martial Arts presentation, also in addition to book discussions.

Oakton Community College – Filipino Festival
For their part in the celebration, Oakton Community College presented musical performances, games and a fashion show, and treated guests to wonderful Filipino finger foods. The performers were all excellent, a lot better than some contestants of the American Idol.

Post Event Evaluation
At the first committee meeting following the event, we got an overall successful rating from the members. It was estimated that over 3,000 people attended the various events. Special mention goes to the Officers and Staff of the Philippine Consulate General Office in Chicago, under the leadership of Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim, for their tireless support through their generous donations and presence at all the main the events during the 6 week celebration. The plaque of appreciation and book they respectively presented to Village Mayor George Van Dusen and Skokie Library Director Carolyn Anthony during the Kick Off, were very pleasant surprises and much appreciated. Gerry Alcantara’s Fil Am TV Asian American Hall of Fame, provided another pleasant surprise when the committee founders were recognized for their promotion and support of diversity. The plaque of recognition was accepted by School Superintendent Nanciann Gatta, Mayor George Van Dusen and First Lady Susan Van Dusen at the awards Ceremony held last May 14 at the Hilton Rosemont Hotel in O’Hare.

Being recognized by the leading governmental institutions in the Village of Skokie, not only brings honor and pride to the Filipinos and Filipino Americans in Skokie, but throughout the world. The Coming Together in Skokie is the latest among the various initiatives that made the Village a model for creating peace and harmony in the community.

Invitation to future Village Events:
I would like to extend an open invitation to Filipinos and Filipino Americans in Skokie and surrounding suburbs to join us at the Skokie July 4th Parade. Please send email to: msjellybeans@aol.com for details.

Call for Submissions - Religious book on Marian Sites

2011-05-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

This is a call for submissions of creative nonfiction for an anthology tentatively titled, MAMA MARY’S PILGRIM SITES. The book will be edited by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard and published in the Philippines by Anvil. Contributors will receive copies of the book as compensation for the use of their work.

The manuscript should be approximately 1,300-2,000 words. This should be emailed to palhbooks@gmail.com.

The book will collect true accounts of pilgrims’ visits to Marian sites. The anthology will be something like a “tour guide” to other devotees of Mary who are interested in visiting Marian sites.

The editor is looking for well-written religious essays about people’s experiences when they visited Marian sites, in particular sites where Mary has appeared or where miracles have occurred because of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Some of the questions that should be addressed are: Why did the person make the visit? Where is the Marian site located? What is the history of the site? What did the person do while at the Marian site? What did the person experience while there or after the visit? Did the person experience any emotional or physical healing? Did the person experience any psychological change as a result of the pilgrimage?

Some Marian sites follow: Fatima, Lourdes, Medjugorje, Knock, Pontmain, Pellevoisin, Giertzwald, Beauraing, Banneux, Paris, Rome, La Sallete, Guadalupe, Syracuse, Vellankani (India), Montserrat, La Vang (Vietnam), Zaragoza, Ephesus, Loreto, Czestochowa, Philippine-sites, and many more.

Some writers have promised to write about: Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, Velankanni, Ephesus, Ethiopia, Our Lady of Pillar, Medjugorje, Greenbay - the book will try not to duplicate Marian Sites.

The publisher is Philippine-based; contributors with a Filipino connection are preferred.

Deadline for submission is October 15, 2011. Early submissions are welcome. Please send your manuscript and bio (approx. 150 words) in people-friendly narrative form. Be sure and include your contact information.

*
ABOUT THE EDITOR: Cecilia Manguerra Brainard is the award-winning author/editor of over a dozen books. (http://www.ceciliabrainard.com)

MEMORIAL WEEKEND PHOTOS

2011-05-29T21:57:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures taken this Memorial Weekend.
Top picture, l-r: Mike Ross, Lauren Brainard, Michael Genelin, Doug Noble, Cecilia Brainard;
Second from top, l-r: Linda Ross, Mike Rossa, Lauren Brainard, Michael Genelin, Doug Noble;
Bottom pictures show Mao with Cecilia

Our Lady of Velankanni Prayer Group

2011-05-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

A group of us have been meeting once a month to pray to Our Lady of Velankanni (Our Lady of Good Health) at Maria Ciocon's house, under the spiritual guidance of Father Sebastian and Father George. The group picture shows: Miguel,Marietta, Lucy Adao McGinley, Patrick McGinley, Beverly Bonzon, Father Sebastian, Maria Ciocon, Med Villanueva, Cecilia Brainard

The picture of three shows: Sim Ciocon, Father Sebastian, and Maria Ciocon

Cecilia Brainard & Veronica Montes on BakitWhy

2011-05-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

I met Frederick Docdocil of BakitWhy at the Authors Night of Philippine Expressions last April 29. He interviewed Veronica Montes (re Angelica's Daughters) and me (re Vigan and Other Stories) for BakitWhy.com. Thank you, Frederick!

http://www.bakitwhy.com/articles/veronica-montes-introduces-book-she-co-authored-angelicas-daughters-dugtungan-novelhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

http://www.bakitwhy.com/articles/cecilia-manguerra-brainard-introduces-her-most-recent-book-vigan-and-other-stories

Update: READING OF CHERISHED IN LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE BOOKSTORE

2011-05-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

We had the reading at La Canada Flintridge Bookstore of the pet anthology, Cherished. Editor Barbara Abercrombie gave a great introduction of how the collection of personal essays came to be. She had blogged about the passing of her horse, and her vet/student/friend, Dr. Bob Goldman, talked about the need for a book on pet loss and pet grief, how there simply were no such books (at the time), and people who lost pets didn't know how to grieve since it's not totally accepted to grieve for pets. Barbara decided to collect a book of personal essays about pet loss; she contacted writers she knew and admired as well as writers she didn't know but admired (as in Jane Smiley) - and voila - the book, CHERISHED: 21 WRITERS ON ANIMALS THEY HAVE LOVED AND LOST, came to be.

The contributors of Cherished, which has made it to several bestseller lists including Amazon.com, are: Dr. Robert Goldman (Preface), Carolyn See, Michael Chitwood, Robin Romm, Jane Smiley, Joe Morgenstern, Judith Lewis Mernit, Melissa Cistaro, May-Lee Chai, Anne Lamott, Samantha Dunn, Billy Mernit, Barbara Abercrombie, Monica Holloway, Linzi Glass, Jacqueline Winspear, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, Victoria Zackheim, Jenny Rough, Sonia Levitin, Thomas McGuane, and Mark Doty.

Present last night were: Barbara Abercrombie, Dr. Bob Goldman, Melissa Cistaro (who flew in from Northern California), Samantha Dunn, Linzi Glass, and me. The readers had 5-6 minutes each. Barbara and Samantha read about their horses; Melissa, Linzi and I read about our cats. Even though the essays focused on the pets, ultimately the writings were about the owners and families of these beloved pets. There are moments of pathos, as well as funny moments.

After the reading, someone in the audience asked Dr. Bob what he thought of people who didn't accompany their pets when they were being put to sleep. Dr. Bob explained that in some cases these people want to remember their pet in better times, that they don't want the memory of their pet dying. He talked about how some people change vets when their pet has been put to sleep by a particular vet in a particular pet hospital - it's simply too painful for them. There were more questions asked, and book signing followed.

I was delighted to finally share my work about my beloved cat, Kiki, with such lovely company. I was also happy to read in the La Canada Flintridge Bookstore and Coffee Shop - an absolutely delightful place. Earlier that evening, in the coffee shop I saw a group of seven huddled together in what looked like a writer's workshop to me. The bookstore also has some cute items for sale, aside from books. If you live in the area, you must stop by.

Thanks again, Barbara for including my story about Kiki in your beautiful book!

Pictures:
top: Standing, Barbara Abercrombie
second from top: Dr. Bob Goldman
third from top: Melissa Cistaro
fourth from top: that's me, Cecilia Brainard
fifth from top: Samantha Dunn
bottom: Linzi Glass

TONIGHT - READING CHERISHED, LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE

2011-05-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight - I'll be reading with Barbara Abercrombie and 4 authors from CHERISHED, 7:30 p.m. La Canada at Flintridge Bookstore, 1010 Foothill. The anthology, Cherished, has been on the best-seller list in Amazon.com, Book Soup, and others. The collection is on Pet Loss, Pet Grief. Bring your Kleenex!

UCLA Extension's Publication Party 2011- Eve Caram & Cecilia Brainard

2011-05-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Eve Caram (author of the newly released Corpus Trio)and myself. This and the other publication pictures are courtesy of Mae Respecio (thank you Mae!).This was taken at the 18th Annual Writers' Program Publication Party of UCLA Extension. The readers were: Barbara Abercrombie, Francesca Lia Block, Laurel Ann Bogen, Michael Buckley, Rick Bursky, Eve La Salle Caram, Samantha Dunn, Linzi Glass, Daniel M. Jaffe,Rachel Kann, Stefan Kiesbye, Edan Lepucki,Suzanne Lummis, Leon Martell, Lou Mathews, Colette Sartor, Steve Sohmer, and myself (Cecilia Manguerra Brainard).

The May 12 event was held once again at the Skirball Cultural Center, 27011 North Sepulveda Blvd., with it's lovely auditorium and patio.

I have to say that this year had the best program ever. The readers had great selections and were particularly considerate at staying within their designated 5 minutes. This event allows me to meet the new younger teachers, such as Michael Buckley who it turns out teaches at the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA). I had taught for CSSSA for around 5 summers, along with Traci Gourdine. It was wonderful to listen to Mike's work and to get caught up on with CSSSA news.

I was also particularly delighted to hear selections from Barbara Abercrombie's collection, Cherished, presented by Samantha Dunn and Linzi Glass. Cherished was/is Amazon.com's Number 1 bestselling book on Pet Loss/Grief. I myself have a story in it, about my beloved cat, Kiki. I was torn between sharing that story or from my own third short story collection; I opted to read from Vigan and Other Stories. (Fortunately I'll have the opportunity to read about Kiki this Thursday at Flintridge Books, 1010 Foothill Blvd, La Canada at 7:30 p.m. along with Barbara, Bob Goldman, Monica Holloway, Samantha Dunn, and Melissa Cistaro.)

As always, the poets, Suzanne Lummis and Laurel Ann Bogen, are always delightful to listen to; they are indeed master performers and great poets.

Daniel Jaffe was there, and I made sure I bought a copy of his new novel. I was proud to listen to Eve La Salle Caram, friend and mentor of many years. It was also a pleasure to see Lou Mathews again. Lou and I go back a number of years when we both won the California Arts Council Fellowship in Fiction at the same time. He has been ending the program in the past years, and Lou is gracious and acknowledges Linda Venis and the staff for all their hard work in putting this wonderful program.

What the reading does is help create a literary community. I know it makes me feel connected to these writers. These events feel like a reunion, in fact. Most of all, it makes me feel proud to be be teaching with these talented writers. The work presented is always fine and impressive.

The Writers Program took a video of the event, which will be in the writers' webpage in their site. As soon as it's available, I'll link to it.

All for now, stay tuned,
Cecilia

MAO THE ORANGE TABBY KITTEN IS ON YOUTUBE

2011-05-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

It's official, Mao, my classic orange tabby kitten, now has video clips on YouTube. Search "Mao the orange tabby."

Here are some video clips:

Mao the Orange Tabby and the Feathered Toy - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=059XCiqr6yo

Mao the Orange Tabby and the Paperbag - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isV6p5gEvjo

Mao the Orange Tabby and Toy Mouse - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=059XCiqr6yo

MAO COMPETING WITH MARU THE CAT

2011-05-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my orange tabby cat, Mao, competing with Maru the cat's New Fashion,
Look at the short video of Mao and the Paperbag, and also the pictures below to see Mao's New Fashion. After you've seen these, take a look at Maru's New Fashion.

Click here to see Maru's video. http://www.youtube.com/user/mugumogu#p/u/0/J3wsDZV0KFI

2 BOOK REVIEWS - GROWING UP FILIPINO II

2011-05-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

Book Review of Growing Up Filipino II: More Stories for Young Adults (PALH, 2010)
by Karen Pierce Gonzalez

What I like most about folk stories is that they tell us something important about other people. They create specific examples of universal themes that exist in all cultures; they express the uniqueness of a particular time and a particular people that enlightens us all about our own humanity.

This is what I recently experienced after reading Growing Up Filipino II: More Stories for Young Adults, a collection of contemporary stories for young adults collected and edited by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard. The 257-page book published by PALH (Philippine American Literary House) was first brought to my attention by fellow writer Rebecca Mabanglo-Mayor. A bright writer herself who lives in Washington, she was able to share with me not only the beauty of her own literary work but also the richness of her cultural heritage.

Thanks to her I was allowed into the post 9/11 world of Filipino and Filipino American youth. Through this I was introduced to a culture that admittedly I knew very little about.

I learned through the stories that many Filipino children are raised in a very strong patriarchal system that often over rules the individual child’s needs to ‘fit in’ with the dominant American culture. For example, in ‘Double Dutch’ (Leslieann Hobayan) when young Maria Elizabeth comes home one day with her hair braided by her African American school friend her family responds by telling her the braids are ugly and she is no longer allowed to play with her friend. I could feel the poignancy of Maria Elizabeth’s dilemma as she withdrew from the schoolyard community she enjoyed so much.

Other stories also reveal the hard facts of immigrant life. Alma (‘Here in the States’ by Rashaan Alexis Meneses) struggles to understand how hard her mother must work as a nanny to make ends meet. Shame and sadness mingle when she questions the discrepancy between her mother’s role as a respected professional back home and her new role as a domestic helper. Adolescent resentment and rebellion about having to help care for younger siblings (something the maid back home did) further complicate Alma’s efforts to make sense of this new world. It is in her mother’s quiet strength and acceptance of life’s uncertainties that Alma finds her greatest comfort and connection.

While the book is designed to reflect the issues young adults face, it does much more than that. It reaches out to the rest of us in a way that invites deeper understanding and awareness of how our Filipino and Filipino American brothers and sisters experience life in America. Fraught with the angst of adolescence that exists everywhere and grounded in an abiding sense of strong Filipino family/cultural values, the authors of these stories have something valuable to tell us about our own desires and struggles to belong in whatever world we live in.

We are fortunate to have access to such a formidable anthology. It is certainly a must read for anyone who wants to celebrate our multicultural society.

Rohnert Park/Cotati writers: got a book you'd like me to review? Let me know by emailing folk@folkheartpress.com.

~~~~
From Amazon.com Book Review of Growing Up Filipino II by Vonsbiz

This is an absolute fantastic read. I read Growing Up Filipino I many years ago, I was in my early 20's then. I remember it being such a great read, I had to get part II. Although Part II is wonderful, I still think Part I takes the cake. I've purchased several copies of Part I as gifts for nieces and nephews who are now in their late teens. I also had to purchase another copy of Part I for myself since I never got my original copy back from a loaner. Part I and II are both excellent. Short stories, great for bedtime, each story with a visual and emotional message.

YOU ARE INVITED -WRITERS PROGRAM BOOK PARTY, THURS, MAY 12

2011-05-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day

2011-05-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day - thinking of my Mom.

CECILIA BRAINARD & VERONICA MONTES AT THE LA FESTIVAL OF BOOKS

2011-04-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Veronica Montes and I spent Saturday at the LA Festival of Books. We signed copies of ANGELICA'S DAUGHTERS and VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES at the Philippine Expressions booth.

In fact the celebration began on Friday night at Philippine Expressions' Authors Night,which gathered many Filipino and Filipino American authors to launch their new books. I was delighted to meet author Zak Linmark (Rolling the Rs and Leche) for the first time. My husband's friend from law school days, Dr. Al Acena, was there and it was good to talk of the Hastings days. Letecia Leyson (from PAWA days and High Priestess of Circle Aracadia) was there, as well as Gigi Gonzalez whose Ph.D. dissertation involves my writings. Also present was one of my favorite authors, Carina Montoya-Forsythe, and husband Steve.

Last but not least, my cousin Percival Campoamor Cruz (author The Maiden of Ilog-Pasig and Other Stories) was there with his family: wife, Lilian, daughers Amanda and Mikki, and grandson Omar.. Percival and I share the common ancestor, Juana Lopez, and it was great fun working out our genealogy.

On Saturday, Veronica and I got up early, had bagles and orange juice and took off for USC, now the site for the LA Festival of Books. (The site used to be UCLA - I miss UCLA.) After walking around, meeting some representatives from Granta and Figueroa Press and other literary establishments, we positioned ourselves at the huge booth of Philippine Expressions. As usual Linda Nietes displayed her books beautifully. Take a look at the pictures - and look for ANGELICA'S DAUGHTERS and VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES. I was happy to see that Linda displayed some of my older titles: Fiction by Filipinos in America, Contemporary Fiction by Filipinos in America, Finding God, and When the Rainbow Goddess Wept although we sold out this title that morning (Philippine Expressions will restock).

Basically, Veronica and I, and Zak Linmark talked to people and signed books for several fun hours. The three of us had quite a lot of fun chatting amongst ourselves, and I had to nudge both Veronica and Zak to take care of people hovering around right in front of them, clearly anxious to talk.

Book signing events are not all about book signing (and selling books). To me, it's the opportunity to connect with people who are interested in literature. I'm delighted when people come up to me and say they'd read When the Rainbow Goddess Wept in high school or college and what it meant to them. A really popular book that stimulates a lot of conversation is the collection, Growing Up Filipino I, which remains popular now, even though this was released in 2004. (See the picture of the three young women holding up the book.) Some people were also excited about the religious book, Finding God, and it was fun to tell them the book won the Guintong Aklat Award last year.

Veronica and Zak took off for a lunch break but I stayed on because I simply wasn't hungry. I told Veronica I get too hyper at these book events. The truth is that even though I thoroughly enjoy chatting with people, it's outward energy. And, I foolishly wore heels, which wasn't a good idea given we had to walk a distance to get from the parking lot to the booth of Philippine Expressions - ouch!

By 2;30 p.m. I hobbled over to the booth of AACP, the San Mateo-based non-profit book seller run by Florence Hongo. There was Leonard Chan and Mr. Hongo to meet me and set me up at their signing table right up front where people could see me and my books. I was surprised AACP had copies of Acapulco at Sunset and Other Stories and Song of Yvonne. They also had Growing Up Filipino I and II. I talked to their clients, sold a few books for AACP, and then it was 4 o'clock and Veronica and Zak were there to pick me up for coffee.

The food section was crowded so we avoided the lines, found chairs under a shady umbrella and proceeded to talk. And talk some more. Writers will never run out of topics to talk about.

Then 5 o'clock came and it was time to find our car and drive Veronica to the airport.

I'm waiting for Veronica's pictures and writeups. I really didn't take pictures. And I'm waiting to hear about Zak's and Brian Roley's performance next week and hoping my schedule will alow me to hook up with these two wonderful young writers.

I've got two more book events in May - the Writers' Program Publication Party on May 12 and a book signing for Cherished (Barbara Abercrombie's pet book). I'll update you.

Thanks for reading and stop by again.
Read more about the Book Events from the blog of Angelica's Daughters maintained by Veronica Montes: http://angelicasdaughters.wordpress.com/2011/05/03/la-story/

P.S. Here's information re:
Philippine Expressions - http://www.philippineexpressionsbookshop.com/2114 Trudie Drive
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275-2006
tel: 310-514-9139
email: info@philippineexpressionsbookshop.com

AACP - http://www.asianamericanbooks.com/
529 East Third Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
Voice - (650)375-8286
Fax - (650)375-8797

Amazon.com and palhbooks.com also has copies of my books. Some of my titles are now in Kindle (Amazon.com) and Nook (Barnes and Noble).

Cecilia Brainard on Kababayan LA, Channel 18

2011-04-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

Just did the TV interview with Jannelle So, Kababayan LA, Channel 18 - it'll air this afternoon, April 27, at 4:30 p.m. They'll also put it up on YouTube. It's a short interview, primarily plugging the Book Signing Events this Friday and Saturday. Pls. see Book Signing Schedule in an earlier blog entry.

You can watch this April 27 interview here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEc-6dEX3Uw

Book Signing Events this coming week

2011-04-25T21:34:00.001-07:00

YOU ARE INVITED:

FRIDAY, April 29 - Veronica Montes & Cecilia Brainard will be at the Authors Night of Philippine Expressions to launch ANGELICA'S DAUGHTERS and VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES, Friday, 5-9 pm, Community Hall, Ground Floor, Asian Pacific American Legal Center, 1145 Wilshire Blvd, LA, CA 90017; for more info, 310-514-9139;

SATURDAY, April 30 - Cecila Brainard and Veronica Montes will sign their books at the LA Festival of Books, Philippine Expressions Booth 024 in Trousdale Parkway, main promenade, from 11:30-3:30 p.m;

SATURDAY, April 30- Cecilia will also sign at the booth of AACP, booth 112 at the Festival of Books, 2:30-4 p.m.

WE'RE CRAZY ABOUT MAO THE KITTEN - More Pictures

2011-04-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

I admit it, we're crazy about Mao.

RE SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY in Paris, France

2011-04-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

I had the privelege of doing a Literary Reading at Shakespeare & Company in Paris. Read on...

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-france-bookstore-20110422,0,3973695.story

JESUIT ONLINE RETREAT - NOW

2011-04-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

It only takes a few minutes - come on! Do the Jesuit Online Retreat!

Jesuit Online Retreat - https://www.phjesuits.org/features/762-of-kisses-and-alabaster-jars

Update - Mao and his Purple Toy Mouse - (Mao is the best classic orange Tabby around!)

2011-04-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Our kitten Mao has gotten over his upper respiratory infection although he still sneezes now and then (especially when you are holding him close to your face! - Yuk!) Here are more pictures of our kitten, Mao, playing with his favorite purple toy mouse.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE MAO UPDATES!

Upcoming News re ANGELICA'S DAUGHTERS & VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES

2011-04-13T08:54:00.001-07:00

Hi, there, here are some forthcoming book events:
April 27 - Cecilia Brainard will be interviewed by Jannelle So in Kababayan LA 18;

April 29 - Veronica Montes and Cecilia Brainard will launch ANGELICA'S DAUGHTERS at the Authors Night of Philippine Expressions; Cecilia Brainard will launch VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES at the same event; to be held at the Community Room, Grd. Floor, Asian Pacific American Legal Center, 1145 Wilshire Blvd, 2nd floor, LA, cA 90017;

April 30 - Veronica Montes and Cecilia Brainard will sign ANGELICA'S DAUGHTERS at the LA Festival of Books to be held at the USC grounds for the first time, at the Philippine Expressions Booth, from 12-2; Cecilia Brainard will also sign VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES at the Philippine Expressions Booth (12-2) and at the AACP booth (2:30-5 p.m.)

May 12 - 7 p.m. -Cecilia Brainard will read VIGAN AND OTHER STORIES at UCLA Extension's Writers Program Publication party, Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, LA, RSVP tel: 310-794-1846

May 19 - Cecilia Brainard joins Barbara Abercrombie (editor) and other contributurs to read and sign CHERISHED: 21 WRITERS ON ANIMALS THEY HAVE LOVED AND LOST, La Canada, Flintridge

Mao Pictures - Classic Orange Tabby Kitten Pictures

2011-04-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of our orange tabby kitten, Mao. He's still sick with upper respiratory infection and is still sneezing and wheezing. He's still on penicillin, pedialyte, and I put on the humidifier in the room if he's really congested. He's been sick for a week and I'm hoping the virus runs its course soon.

OUR CAT MAO AT THE VET (DR. ROBERT GOLDMAN)

2011-04-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

Here's our kitten Mao at Dr. Goldman's office. Mao has upper respiratory infection, nothing serious, but he started wheezing in addition to his sneezing and watery eyes. We wanted to make sure he doesn't have pneumonia.

Upper respiratory infection (URI) is common among kittens. It's caused by a virus and runs its course of 7-10 days. Kittens get it when they're stressed and their immune system is down. With Mao, I noticed he had teary eyes, and then he started sneezing. I started to give him pedialyte to prevent dehydration and he seemed all right for a few days, but when he started wheezing and struggling to breathe, I decided to take him to the vet.

In any case, Mao had the chance to meet Dr. Robert Goldman, who is connected with the anthology, Cherished: 21 Writers On Animals They Have Loved and Lost, edited by Barbara Abercrombie. My personal essay about Kiki is in this book. Dr. Goldman's Preface shows his compassion for animals and so I chose him to take care of Mao. I searched his name in the internet and found Petville Animal Hospital at 12108 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles. Just as additional information especially to pet lovers who may read this entry, Dr. Goldman also gave Mao some supplements: Lysine and Liquid Immuno, aside from Penicillin. He told me to give him canned food (for the moisture) and to continue giving him pedialyte. He also said that a humidifier would help Mao's congestion. I bought Vicks Humidifier (warm mist)at Rite Aid.

Dr. Goldman said to call him in a week to let him know how Mao is doing. Mao is still snuffling but he should get better.

By the way, Dr. Goldman took this picture of Mao at his office.

I'll be Teaching a Creative Writing Workshop, begins April 7, 2011

2011-03-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

Hi, Thursday, April 7, 2011, I start teaching a six-week class, The Essential Beginnings: An Introductory Creative Writing Workshiop, at the Writers Program, UCLA Extension. Call 310-206-0951 for more information. Here's the Syllabus. I hope you can join us.

SYLLABUS
THE ESSENTIAL BEGINNINGS:
AN INTRODUCTORY CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

Instructor: Cecilia Manguerra Brainard; www.ceciliabrainard.com

Brainard's email: Cbrainard@aol.com; note in subject "UCLA-X Student"

For administrative matters, call Mae Respicio at 310-206-0951

Course Description: Many aspire to write creatively, but few know how to get started. A supportive workshop for those who wish to write for personal or professional satisfaction, this course provides many fundamental techniques--from journal writing to imaginative in-class exercises--all geared to motivate and cultivate the beginning creative writer. Topics include writing from observation and experience, creating dynamic characters, developing points of view, and writing dialogue. By the course's completion, you have in hand a series of short sketches or a draft of a story.

Class Calendar: This is a six-week class. Class starts Thursday, 04/07/2011, ends 05/12/2011

Grading: Grading will be based on attendance, class participation, and homework.

Required Reading:
Fundamentals of Creative Writing, by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, Anvil 2009 (distributed by PALH; available in Kindle Amazon.com)
Suggested Reading:
Points of View: Anthology of Short Stories, ed. Moffett & McElheny, New American Library
Writing in General and the Short Story in Particular, by Rust Hills, Bantam
The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White, Macmillan Publishing
The Art of Fiction, by John Gardner, Vintage
On Writing and the Novel: Essays by Paul Scott, ed. Shelley C. Reese, William Morrow
Aspects of the Novel, by E.M. Forster, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
The Right-Brain Experience, by Marilee Zdeneck, McGraw-Hill
The International Directory of Little Magazines and Small Presses, ed. Fulton and Ferber, Dustbooks
Writers Market, by Writers Digest Books, F&W Publications When the Rainbow Goddess Wept, by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, University of Michigan Press,1999; available from Amazon.com
Magdalena, by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, Plain View Press; available from Amazon.com

Weekly Schedule:
1. Introductions; Understanding the right brain/left brain theory; Setting & Scene
2. Character; Conflict
3. Dialogue; Point of View
4. Plot
5. Voice, tension; Business of Writing
6. Final Project

WELCOME MAO - 3 month old Classic Tabby Kitten

2011-03-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

Introducing Mao, our new pet, a 3 month-old Tabby kitten. He's wearing the cone of shame because he was just fixed. Mao is a red tabby with the typical M on his forehead and the classic bullseye on his sides. He's beautiful, bright, and has a great mellow personality. His name Mao means Cat in Vietnamese; 2011 is the Year of the Cat in Vietnam (it's Year of the Rabbit in China).

Angelica's Daughters mentioned in Philippine Daily Inquirer

2011-03-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110323-327243/Power-books-by-for-and-about-women
Human Face
Power books by, for, and about women

By Ma. Ceres P. Doyo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:55:00 03/23/2011

Filed Under: Literature, Women

MARCH, WOMEN’S Month, has a lot to offer to women and women lovers. Many activities are lined up in March and one can’t seem to find time for all of them. But a launching of many books by, for and about women is something different. It is not every day that one gets to see so many such books of different genres, intents and purposes and so many women authors in one room.

Last week Anvil Publishing and Powerbooks celebrated Women’s Month by presenting the latest delectable books by, for and about women. These books should be available in most National Bookstores nationwide.

In the literary category are “Gun Dealer’s Daughter” by prolific writer Gina Apostol, and “Angelica’s Daughters,” a “dugtungan” novel written by accomplished writers, Cecilia Brainard, Nadine Sarreal, Susan Evangelista, Erma Cuizon and Beronica Montes. Dugtungan, says the blurb by Brian Ascalon Roley, “is a genre of the Tagalog novel popular early in the 20th century, in which each writer creates a chapter and hands it off to the next, who writes another chapter without direction. The result, in this case, is an ensemble performance that contains something of the exhilaration of theatrical improv.”

Three books belong to the creative non-fiction category. “Rich Life” by journalist Joy Posadas contains essays that focus on women’s major concerns such as life-work balance, passion and fulfillment in one’s career and financial security and independence, among others. Posadas shares insights gained over the years and from what she gathered from successful individuals from varied backgrounds.

“E.D.G.E. (Every Day Great Examples)” features Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) of past years, among them Cecile Guidote Alvarez, Soledad Aquino-Hernando, Pamela Gracia Concepcion C. Asis, Patricia Licuanan, Lourie Victor, Sonia Roco, Victoria Garchitorena, Edna Manlapaz and Noralin Mangondato Sharief-Ador.
“Peace Warriors: On the Trail of Filpino Soldiers” by journalist Criselda Yabes is an eloquent exposition on how different sectors of society, particularly the military, attempt to forge peace between different warring groups in Mindanao.
Twenty years after her “The Boys From the Barracks” which chronicled the coup attempts in the 1980s, Yabes returns to the military in Muslim Mindanao, where the struggle to find peace is taking place. She weaves a richly layered story that fuses her personal history as a Mindanaoan and as a journalist covering peace and war in the area.

In the social science category are two books that present an alternative view of history by Christine Diaz. Written in engaging prose, “World History: New Perspectives” and “Asia: History, Civilization and Culture” highlight history’s great moments, unforgettable episodes and how they relate to current realities. A great teacher, Diaz does her (hi)storytelling with a touch of humor and suspense. The book covers give a hint of that. Diaz also wrote the critically acclaimed “The Other Philippine History Textbook.”

Three how-to books provide practical tips on how women (and men) can turn their cooking talents into profitable enterprises: “Restaurant Management 101” by Les Roches-trained Rosanna Gonzalez and Edna Reynoso-Anton, “Food, Business Ideas and Edible Gifts” by Vicky Veloso Barrera, and “Pinoy Vegetarian Cookbook” by food writers Dolly T. Dy-Zulueta and Susanna T. Dy

And in the children’s book category are “Spinning/Paikot-ikot” by Irene A. Sarmiento and illustrated by Christian Oliver Cruz and “Bituin and the Big Flood/Si Bituin at ang Malaking Baha” by Ma. Ceres P. Doyo (me) and illustrated by Inquirer cartoonist Jess Abrera.

“Spinning” is about a boy with autism and how children with the condition could be better understood. It shows what children with autism are capable of and how those who care for them could look beyond their handicaps.

I wrote “Bituin” after the devastating typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” struck the country in 2009. The book tells the story of how a family and a community cope and survive a natural calamity. “Bituin” is dedicated to the children who lost their lives during the typhoons and those who survived. Fine-tuned with the help of child psychologist Dr. Lourdes A. Carandang, “Bituin” contains guide questions for teachers and readers to use.

Although not part of the book launch, “Intertwining Culture of Patriarchy, Corruption and Impunity” by multi-awarded former regional trial court Judge Adoracion P. Cruz-Avisado of Davao City is worthy of mention. Published by Ateneo de Davao, the book is about her personal “journey in advocacy for the transformation of the justice system.” A good read for those in the legal profession and for women helping women.

In this Sunday’s Inquirer Magazine is a feature (that I wrote) on the Ateneo Library of Women’s Writings (Aliww), the only one of its kind in this part of the world. Why Aliww? “Women are instinctive archivists. Careful guardians of memorabilia, assiduous note-makers and journal-writers, they are often the archivists of their families and clans. Unfortunately, much of the documentation they produce is eventually lost to the relentless claims of time, exacerbated by human neglect. The axiom ‘no documentation, no history’ applies: without such primary material, it becomes especially difficult to establish the legacies of women to various areas of Philippine life. By providing researchers access to primary sources, Aliww facilitates the writing of a national history that acknowledges the contributions of Filipino women.”

At last, not just a metaphorical “room of her own” but a real one with treasures of its own.