Of book launchings and balikbayans
California-based Fil-Am author and novelist Cecilia Manguerra “Baby” Brainard jetted into town, as she does quite regularly, not only to break bread with kith and kin but also to launch her umpteenth book, Magdalena.
Baby, as she’s fondly called, loves Cebu, where she was born and raised, and where she studied. In fact, most of her works are set in “Ubec” (Cebu spelled backwards).
Her first novel, When the Rainbow Goddess Wept, was followed by Song of Yvonne, Woman with Horns and other Stories etc. She also wrote Out of Cebu, a collection of essays and personal prose.
Recently, Magdalena was launched at the Parkmall Central Park area, organized by Hendri Go, founder of “Open Mic” and Little Boy Productions. Baby was the center of all eyes as she was interviewed (ala talk show) by Chappy Piramide.
Very articulate readers then delivered some lines from the book: Take a bow, Louella Alix, Mayen Tan and Jane Frias!
And kudos to hyperactive Hendri Go for the event!
Another memorable book launch was held at the Cebu Grand Hotel, where Assumption nun, Sister Isabel S. Villacarlos, author of Life on a Mission, recounts her 20 years of missionary life in French- speaking North West Africa.
Her vivid accounts of lifethreatening experiences make for exciting reading. One can’t help but feel the presence of some almighty being, guiding and guarding her through dangers and disasters! What makes it more amazing is her uncommon zeal and courage in the face of adversity and the unknown.
Assisting in the event was Sister Isabel’s family, sis Mrs. Flora Villacarlos-Borromeo, grand matriarch of Vibo Place, where the hotel is located. Friends, well-wishers and her very own Assumption colleagues, the “Old Girls,” were rallying behind her success!
More Old Girls treated her for dinner at The Eco Store!
After Africa, we welcome UKbased Moya Jackson, who misses Cebu like “crazy,” having lived here for more than 25 years. Over a sumptuous lunch at Casino Español, hosted by Jaime Picornell, we recalled those bygone days.
Well, lo and behold, who should drop by our table but New Yorkers Arturo “Bebs” and Margaret Gomez, who were also spending some leisure time in their native Cebu!
Talk naturally veered toward the infamous 9/11 terrorist bombings that shook the continent. Bebs, for one, was “very near” the area, when it happened.
When you see him, let him tell you more!
As of this writing, all three have left. Balik-balik ha!