Marlyna's Book Launched

Last November 20, 2008, Marlyna Orat Sevilla was in high spirits with the launch of her first dream baby “The Living Past.” We knew she had mixed feelings – thrilled but happy. Happy indeed because her dream to write her autobiography was fulfilled. What prompted her to write “The Living Past” was the inspiration for her mother – Mary Ortiz Orat whose legacy she too got from her mother Sima (Marlyna’s grandmother) and handed down to the young generation. Yes, no matter how our dreams may seem unreachable, “dream them anyway”…so an old adage goes. And Marlyna did what her heart dictated her to do. Being a devout person, she got what she prayed for. God will make a way if you believe His promise and in Hebrews 13:5, it says: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you!”

The special guest of honor, Annie Osmeña Aboitiz and the author Inna, as she is fondly called, unveiled a huge replica of the book cover at the Marcelo B. Fernan Cebu Press Center in Lahug; and this was followed by the author’s brief speech delving on The Living Past’s main themes. After which, Dr. Purie Oñate followed with the reading of an excerpt; much later, an interlude “For Mama” rendered by her husband Amadeo. But prior to the above, Associate Justice Vicente Yap (retired), a Bogohanon, did the welcome address, a beautiful introduction of Inna’s life as a child and as a grown-up person until her family migrated to Canada. This was concluded with Fr. John Orat’s praises for his cousin Inna whose steadfastness and determination to pursue in writing her book fulfilled her dreams. We are so proud of our dear friend Inna, and with the international exposure she has, we encourage her to continue with her journey…that is to start writing her second book.

By the way, Marlyna Orat Sevilla is a native of Bogo, a northern town of Cebu, and is the wife of Amado Villadar Jr. who sang “For Mama.” They have two daughters Menchu and Belle and have been living in Canada the past 30 years. A simple person, I’ve known Inna the last 20 years. One reason she wrote her book so simply, sans high faluten words, is that, she wanted her readers to know that what she has written is very much understandable.

I’m sure our friendship with dear Inna will last longer as long as we live. Cheers my friend and God speed!