Books published, launched / A PEN that really writes

Ricky Soler — a close friend of my late brother, the banker Sixto, Jr. — has given me the year’s biggest surprise. Or shock. I have always known Ricky as a chef, an excellent one, and a restaurateur. Now he comes out with “For Starters”, an unassuming title for a collection of short stories that has garnered glowing praise from National Artists for Literature F. Sionil Jose and Bienvenido Lumbera, Palanca Hall of Fame awardees Greg Brillantes and Krip Yuson.

Effusive praise has also come from literary editors Lito Zulueta and Angelo Lacuesta, columnists Letty J. Lopez, Babe Romualdez, Ricky Lo, Lito Gagni, Sara Soliven de Guzman, et al.

Need I say more?

“Purple Shades” by petite and pretty Letty Jacinto Lopez is as charming as she is. It brings with human interest episodes, insightful and perceptive observations which make the reader wiser, more compassionate. Letty’s remarkable musings are written with a literary pen.

“Cory” by various authors is a revealing description of the former president’s character and persona. Josie T. Lichauco’s “Wisdom of the Spirit” proves her perspicacity in judging Cory’s governance.

“Finding God” consists of “true stories of spiritual encounters” collected and edited by Cecilia Manguera Brainard and Marily Ysip Orosa. The reader makes a searing assessment of himself in the light of the eternal verities. Marily writes a deeply moving story on how her husband Joe (my nephew) coped with cancer and showed his unwavering faith in God throughout his travail.

“The Will to Change”, launched by MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, Mayor Ma. Lourdes Fernando and the City Government of Marikina, “encapsulates the city’s many innovations, new paradigms and practices in urban management that led to its transformation from a fourth-class municipality into a vibrant and progressive city that it is today.”

“Robert Coyiuto, Filipino Mandarin” by Charlson Ong should be of imminse interest to men in business, insurance and finance. Coyiuto, father of Robert, Jr. and James, was “a giant of the Philippine insurance industry”, and was the first Filipno member of Lloyd’s of London.

“Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez” by Nelson Navarro has special interest for me, the subjects being the grandparents of the brilliant concert pianist Rudolf P. Golez. Rodolfo and Elsa founded the prestigious educational institution Liceo de Cagayan.

“Beneath the Banyan Tree, My Family Chronicles” by Cornelia Lichauco Fung is on the Lichaucos, among them the author’s father Marcial — nationalist, patriot, lawyer, diplomat — a towering figure, indeed. Further, the book covers crucial and important eras of considerable appeal to historians and academicians.

Obtain a copy through Marcial’s widow, Jessie Coe Lichauco, at 23 G. Puyat Ave., Makati.

“As I See It: Filipinos and the Philippines” by Pura Santillan Castrence is an illuminating account of the country’s history, its heroes, leaders, literary writers etc. as seen by a much-awarded journalist, university professor, high-ranking diplomat. Incredibly, the author is a hundred years old!

“Surreality” by Carissa Villacorta proves that “In New York, dreams come true on a daily basis.” Carissa’s views are strikingly fresh and refreshing.

Last but by no means least — I have yet to mention many other books! — is Carmen Guerrero Nakpil’s “Legends and Adventures”. It relates her fascinating, intriguing and daunting experiences as outstanding journalist and distinguished representative in international conferences. Nakpil’s style is incomparably elegant; her observations, unique and original.

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Owing to previous commitments, I missed Saturday’s 52nd Congress of PEN (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) For over 20 years, F. Sionil Jose has headed the local chapter of International PEN with dedication, efficiency and absolute integrity. He has remained unassuming though he is a National Artist in Literature and the country’s most widely published and translated novelist.

Last Saturday’s convenors were Elmer Ordoñez, Joselito Zulueta, Susan Lara, Karina Bolasco, Wendell Capili and Shirley Lua. Opening remarks were by Joselito Zulueta; keynote address was by Dr. Ricardo de Ungria; Rizal lecture, by Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera. This PEN really writes!