Stepping into Agueda’s Era

CEBU, Philippines - August is always marked by stormy weather, but the wet climate didn’t put a damper on the book launch of Anna Maria L. Harper’s Agueda: A Ballad of Wind and Stone  in the Queen City of the South. Hosted and held at Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu’s Ballroom, the event was attended by the city’s literati and culture connoisseurs, who enjoyed an afternoon tea in such marvelous surroundings. Somehow, a throwback to another era!

As we talked and went around the room, we helped ourselves to the delicious spread prepared by the hotel’s F&B staff. We had our pick of hot, fragrant tea blends, as well as light snacks. There were dainty finger sandwiches and buttery scones, plus pillowy pastries and sweet cupcakes. Such treats we had!

The conversation was free-flowing, what with all the interesting people mingling and exchanging ideas. Philanthropic ladies such as Vivina Chiu, Annie Aboitiz, Lorenza Ford, Marlinda Tan and Rosebud Sala, were chatting with art aficionados Fe Villarica, Debbie and Gus Palao, Lisa Mill Irving and Myra Gonzalez.

Basketball legend-turned-entrepreneur Ramon Fernandez, accompanied by his wife Karla, was also in attendance, along with Margot Larrañaga, Teresin Mendezona, Tessie Javier, twin sisters Carmi and Carmel Durano, and Mali Garcia.

Ann Olalo, Radisson Blu’s Director of Sales and Marketing, welcomed the guests. I lent a helping hand in organizing this launch, so I introduced the author to everyone, who eagerly anticipated her arrival. Bambi spoke about her 251-page novel, displaying her dazzling grasp of history and intense passion for Filipino heritage.

Set in Manila from 1898 to 1935, the book follows a little-explored era of our history—the tumultuous transition from the Spanish colonial period to the American occupation. Bambi has created an unforgettable protagonist in Agueda, who uses her incisive intelligence and innate adaptability not just to survive hardships, but also to triumph over adversity at a time when Filipinos were considered second-class citizens and women treated as chattels.

After her talk, guests lined up to get their signed copies of  Agueda. The writer graciously signed and chatted with them, showing exactly why she was the first Filipina Maid of Cotton and a Karilagan international model.

Air Asia, one of the country’s leading budget carriers, also made this launch possible. All proceeds from the sold books went to  two charities, namely Gasa sa Gugma and The Freeman Foundation. (FREEMAN)