After being launched at the Manila International Book.Fair, they did a showcase at the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila as they launched a novel by Atty. Darwin De Jesus Mariano entitled NAMWARAN and the Golden Tara.
This story reminds us the importance of heritage, history and the connections they have with each other. It tells the story of a diverse people, like a museum to bridge the gap between us and the artifacts we had at bay. This can affect you and me, a generation who can be proud of their past and national identity.
While this may be fiction, it mirrors the Filipino. It helps us understand the community that lived before us and how early society was done. Having this be shared to new folks would make them understand and be inspired with stories.
Atty. Mariano says "In the late 90's and 00"s, we started a group , a community of museum advocates. Life got in the way, but during those times, I saw dream weaving, bronze plates, it filled my fascination, things I didn't learn in school. I took notes, and felt it could make a good story. I couldn't write, didn't want to, but since I'm 50, we made it into a comic of sorts, then life happened again, then wrote the novel myself. I did a few hundred pages, told a story from this region of the world. I hope the book makes you feel there is so much to us, that we can be more connected, more than we could ever know."
He read to us a part of the first chapter, and it was excellently described, he was very intricate in introducing the characters. Here's the press conference on video:
NAMWARAN and the Golden Tara is available in leading bookstores, also in Centralbooks which has branches in QC, Makati, Cebu, Manila and Davao.
You've seen her several times in news outlets, shows here and abroad. She's absolutely proud to be a Filipino American. She's also a businesswoman, lawyer, and author. One who doesn't hold back when she needs to speak. She just released her third book properly titled "Look Younger When You're Older - No Botox, No Surgery (Philippine Edition)" under Anvil Publishing last December. This is available in leading bookstores (now part of the best sellers list!) including National Bookstore and online shopping apps Shopee and Lazada.
She is in the country for a few days for a book signing event at the National Bookstore Edsa Shangrila Mall branch. Guests were treated to discounts on her new book, prizes, and a short meet and greet with the woman of the hour Atty. Loida Nicolas Lewis. She dedicates this third one for her family, specifically her grand kids who keeps her company on regular days.
Mind you, this isn't the first time Atty. Mon Abrea hosted Ms. Loida Lewis after meeting several times in the US. He says "It's an honor and privilege to host Tita Loida when she was here last year, this year, this is her despedida because she's leaving tomorrow for NY. I love her wisdom, and meeting at Harvard, I thought she was very feisty and frank. I got connections to make sure she's going to know me before I left school. We tried online and it didn't work, we both forgot about the zoom meetings. We met at Harvard Club later on for lunch, and joined her activity. I met a lot of successful Filipinos through Tita Loida, and what folks may not know is how generous she is. She introduces you to people, she's a mother, a good friend, and when there are times people lose hope, she's a source for that. We are all privileged to be in the presence of our 80 year old friend, who doesn't look like it, Ms. Loida Nicolas Lewis!"
I asked Ms. Loida about taking a breather at this age and she says "I don't consider waking up in the morning as work, I still work even after selling the company because I as trying to build another one. For me, work is not work if you love what you are doing. When folks ask me when I'll retire, I'd say NEVER. Because there's always work to do. When you rest, you die. That's the real rest. When you're still alive, you do what you LOVE to do. You have to enjoy whatever is in front of you. If you're working, do it good, do it well. Joy is our secret ingredient. When you are Christian, God loves you. My good husband may have left but I'm still here. People should look at the positive side of things, and always say THANK YOU LORD! Don't emphasize the negative things in your life, don't mind the vampires and don't do it to yourself. You deserve better."
Tax Whiz Atty. Mon Abrea
Here's more of our conversation on video:
It's such an awesome experience to talk to Ms. Loida, and I've felt how much care she pours out for others while keeping her cup full. Their outlook, and what good things they do while building their network, not minding their net worth because from their eyes, it will follow. Ms. Loida's book also concentrates not just on physical beauty, but more on spirit. There never will be an end to learning, on having the right mindset, to never think of growing older, maintain that young mind, great goals, and value for oneself. If you want to get a copy of the book, it's available on Shopee and Lazada. I also linked it on the youtube video to make it easy.
She's been very busy lately but still has time for her passion projects. Mika Salamanca recently announced the launch of her children's book called "LIPAD" which is set to debut at the upcoming 2025 edition of the Manila International Book Fair.
Recently, she also released her debut single called "Sino Nga Ba Siya" under Star Music. This book was something that she wanted to do for a long time now and said she wanted it to be a tool to teach values for kids, give confidence, and know that they are loved. She also adds "I know I've been very blessed with the many things I've received after PBB stint. This book really holds a special place in my heart, you've got no idea how much all these mean to me."
For a little background, the book is about a fairy named Mahika. She was born with the littlest wings and felt so different from others. It also tells kids how to love themselves, of what is unique with them, and bring them self confidence too. As of this date, she's got 20 Million social network following and knows she's got a responsibility on presenting what is apt for children.
She adds "There are times when we want to release books, but there's something that we feel the Lord was doing something about the timing. It might not be perceived the same way if we just released one, I dedicated this to people who want to TRY, those who have insecurities. I want to let them know that they are not alone. There are a lot of people who go through the same thing."
This book will be available at PaperKat Books Booth 2-122 at the 2nd Floor of SMX Convention Center from September 10-14 during the Manila International Book Fair. She intends to give this for free to charities and organizations that will benefit from it. Mika is currently working with Jollibee, Acer, MET, Awesam Dental, Dove, e-wallet corp MAYA, Jhaena Jewels, Luxe Organix, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, Taptap, and skin corp Aivee. Be alert though because there's a lot more in the pipeline which she's excited to unveil in the coming months. This includes acting projects, but for the meantime she's undergoing workshops under Ms. Ana Feleo.
Again, make sure to be there during the Manila International Book Fair because she'll be present to sign books and take photos with select folks who will avail of the book!
