Book tackles 'Giving' and the science behind its transformative powers

As a philanthropy advisor to some of the world's most generous givers and celebrity activists, Jenny Santi became "obsessed" with the idea of telling the stories of how giving changes the lives of the givers.

From her vast experience, Santi knows that it's not always about "changing the world" nor is it about "giving until it hurts." To her, it's giving "until we feel good."

It's one of the things Santi discussed in her book, "The Giving Way to Happiness," which was released in the country in November.

In the book, the advisor-turned-author tackled stories about giving and the science behind its transformative power. She shared "a growing body of scientific evidence that links giving with happiness," eventually providing readers an avenue to reflect on their own personal experiences in order to determine what and how to give.

"It is important for people to get to know these stories because I wanted to encourage a culture where we all give. I wanted people to realize that philanthropy isn't always about big ticket giving," she told the Inquirer during the book's launch recently at Powerbooks in Greenbelt.

Santi does not even like the word "philanthropy," preferring the word "giving" instead. For her, giving is for everybody, not just the Warren Buffets of the world.

In the book, there are stories and anecdotes about individuals who had gone beyond themselves to offer help to others. There's a small boy who started a charity. There's a family who lost their loved ones in the 9-11 attacks in New York, yet share their blessings.

"There are acts by famous people and celebrities in the book. But more importantly, there are stories of people who gave their time, talents, and treasures-and how their lives were changed after the fact," the author said.

"Giving" is Santi's first book. Before this, she said the longest thing she's written was her college thesis. Currently based in New York, Santi was born and raised in Manila, but has lived in several parts of the world, like London, the French Loire Valley and Singapore. She was the Head of Philanthropy Services (Southeast Asia) and holds an MBA from INSEAD.

"The Giving Way to Happiness" is available for P755 in National Book Store and Powerbooks. Shop online and buy eBooks from nationalbookstore.com. Follow National Book Store on Facebook, www.facebook.com/National-Book-Store