The photo shows l-r, standing: Tillic Lorayes, Cynthia Posa, Virgilio Reyes Jr., Cecilia Brainard, Paulo Angelo Lopez Apolinar, Charlson Ong ; Seated l-r: Nelson Navarro F. Sionil Jose, Amado Ma. Guerrero.
Last July 6, 2019, the Philippine edition of my novel WHEN THE RAINBOW GODDESS WEPT (UST Publishing House) was launched at Solidardiad Bookshop, 531 Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila, at 5 p.m. The event was cosponsored by PEN International.
The first book I launched at Solidaridad was WOMAN WITH HORNS AND OTHER STORIES around 31 years ago. I launched several other titles of mine there, including the time Mt. Pinatubo erupted -- 1991, I believe.
I have a lot of rich memories of the iconic Solidaridad bookshop, a wonderful home for writers, readers, and intellectuals.
The launch was a special time for me to connect with some of Manlla's wriiters, academica, and intellectuals. Indeed we had a highly stimulating and wonderful time after my presentation. Salamat to Manila PEN, Solidaridad, and to dear Frankie and Tessie Jose who have sheperded both PEN and Solidaridad through the years.
Here are pictures taken at the book launch of Cecilia Brainard's novel at Solidaridad Bookshop, cosponsored by PEN International. Many thanks to Virgilio Labial for many of these photos.
Chair of PEN Board Lito Zulueta and Cecilia
Cecilia and Charlson Ong
The enthusiastic family of Ramil Digal Gulle, his son, and daughters Lakshmi Isabelle and Sophia with Cecilia.
Cecilia, Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Charlson Ong
Mila Santillan, Paolo Angelo Lopez-Apolinar, Tillic Lorayes
