Here are some pictures taken at the Twin Book Launch of Cecilia Brainard's
The Newspaper Widow and
Magdalena, at the Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center, De La Salle University. The event was held last Monday, July 3. 2017 from 6-9 p.m. Thank you Dr. Shirley Lua for making all the arrangements for the wonderful book launch.
The picture above shows Dr. Shirley Lua, Director of the Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center, De La Salle University, and Cecilia Brainard, Author of the novels.
Dr. Jack Wigley, Director of the University of Santo Tomas University Publishing House
It was raining in fact at around 5 p.m. and traffic was bad in Manila. I was resigned to having a small audience, but to my surprise, the hall was standing room only, with some 143 guests. Miriam College (which used to be Maryknoll College, my Alma Mater) had sent three sections of students. In addition, Professor John Teodoro brought his students in his Visayas Literature class. These students, along with old friends, writers, professors, and others filled the room.
I should mention that the students were very interested; this field trip to the book launch wasn't just homework. The Miriam students in particular had traveled far and with hardshiip because of the rain and traffic. They were also very patient as they waited in line to get their book purchases signed. The students of Professor Teodoro were likewise engaged.
We all had a wonderful time. People were in a celebratory mood. Shirley Lua, Connie Maraan, and Jack Wigley spoke before I did my presentation. I talked about my favorite setting for my fiction, Ubec, and how that mythical place came about. I did some readings from the books. In addition I tallked briefly about challenges women writers face, in response to Professor Kelly's request (from Miriam). I could not give a lengthy lecture because of time limitation. But I advised the students to check my official website and even email me if they need material for the paper they have to write.
l-r: Dr. Shirley Lua, Director of BNSCWC, Cecilila Brainard, Alice Sun-Cua
Cecilia
l-r: Maribel Paraz, Cecilia, Dreena and Doy Del Mundo
Professor and students from Miriam College with Cecilia
Miriam College students with Cecilia
l-r: Norma Lucero, Tillic Lorayes, Cecilia
De La Salle University Students of Professor John Teodoro
Professor John Teodoro and Cecilia
l-r: Cecilia, Paula, Cynthia Poss, Claire Agbayani, Alma Anonas-Carpio, Alice Sun-Cua
l-r: Jack Wigley, Doy Del Mundo, Dreena Del Mundo, Alice Sun-Cua, Marj Evasco, Susan Lara, Ailil Alvarez, Shirley Lua, John Teodoro
l-r: Alice Sun-Cua, Marj Evasco
l-r: Jack Wigley, Ailil Alvarez, Alice Sun-Cua, Marj Evasco, Susan Lara, John Teodoro
l-r: Maribel Paraz, Cynthia Posa
l-r: Shirley Lua, Alma Anonas-Carpio, Alice Sun-Cua, Cecilia Brainard, Marj Evasco, Nadine Sarreal, Connie Maraan, Claire Agbayani, Cynthia Posa, Maribel Paraz
l-r: Connie Maraan, Claire Agbayani, Shirley Lua
l-r: Cecilia Brainard, Claire Agbayani, Maribel Paraz (seated)
l-r: Alma Anonas-Carpio, Alice Sun-Cua
l-r: Susan Lara, Cecilia Brainard
L-r: Connie Maraan and Cecilia
Tetta Tirona, Zam Abrera with Cecilia
This wonderful cat reading my book is Susan Lara's beloved literary pet.
Tags: Philippines, Philippine literature, books, authors, writers, poets. #PhilippineLiterature #CeciliaBrainard