MANILA, Philippines - Today, TV host Bianca Gonzalez is launching her first-ever book Paano Ba ’To?! How to Survive Growing Up written for Filipinas in their teens, 20s, and 30s. (Let’s be real, even 30-somethings need help in getting their act together.) We’re pretty excited about this one because Bianca is that two-hit, book-smart and street-smart woman you can’t help but listen to. Here, she talks about #PaanoBaTo and makes a promise she intends to keep.
Are you a big reader? Have you always dreamt of having your own book published someday?
I actually am not a big reader. It’s my frustration that I don’t read as much as I should and want. But ever since I started a blog in 2003, and more so since I became a Philippine Star columnist and a magazine editor in 2011, writing a book became one of my life goals.
What inspired you to write Paano Ba To?! How to Survive Growing Up?
When I decided it was the right time to write a book, I knew instantly it would be a fun, self-help type of book. From my blog to my Twitter and Instagram accounts, my followers constantly ask me advice about life, love, career, friendship, etc.
What was the best part of coming up with your own book?
I ticked off something from my bucket list! I consider myself very lucky to have been guided by so many amazing people growing up. Pag may problema ako or issue ako, I got solid advice from different people around me. I want to pass on the lessons that helped me survive growing up.
On the flip side, what was the most challenging part?
Making sure every single page would be worth the reader’s time and money.
What aspects of life are covered by your book?
There are eight chapters: family, friendship, love, career and money, failures, fashion and beauty, purpose, and self.
Do you have a favorite section or chapter? Why?
Too hard to choose! Every part was blood, sweat, tears, sleepless nights, and dreams.
Some of your celebrity friends share nuggets of wisdom in this book. Can you name some of them?
Yes! I am so lucky to have friends share their wisdom, too: Toni Gonzaga, Luis Manzano and Anne Curtis, Ramon Bautista, Tim Yap, Marian Rivera, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Atom Araullo, and Iza Calzado. My ates and women I look up to also share advice: Kris Aquino, Karen Davila, Pia Cayetano, Gang Badoy, Judy Ann Santos, Dawn Zulueta, Tweetie de Leon, and Mikee Cojuangco. There’s also advice from experts (life coaches and psychologists), as well as inspiring real-life stories about people who overcame their issues.
Who should read Paano Ba To?!?
Everyone growing up! I really meant to write it for young girls in their teens, 20s, even early 30s, but I realized even becky friends and boys can learn a thing or two as well. It would also be amazing if moms or sisters or titas or friends would give it to the young girls in their lives that they love.
Any advice for people who dream of getting published?
Be certain with your concept and your goal.
Today’s the book launch. Do you solemnly swear to sign every single copy?
I will! I hope people would come!
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Catch Bianca Gonzalez’s book launch today, November 29, 2 p.m. at National Book Store Glorietta 1, and tomorrow, November 30, 2 p.m., at National Book Store TriNoma.