New York PCG Observes Month of Overseas Filipinos through Book Event Honoring Batangueño Roots
NEW YORK, 19 December 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York commemorated the Month of Overseas Filipinos with a Book Discussion and Signing event on 18 December 2024, at the Philippine Center in New York, featuring Filipino-Canadian author Bong Serrano and his memoir, Batangas: My Sky and Earth.
Batangas: My Sky and Earth is a memoir that recounts Serrano’s childhood in Batangas during the 1970s and 80s. Inspired by his late brother Boying’s cancer battle, the book delves into family dynamics, cultural traditions, and the shared experiences of life in a multigenerational Filipino household. Serrano captures the essence of provincial life in the Philippines, from church activities and local cuisine to the impact of seasonal typhoons.
In his remarks, delivered by Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile reflected on the significance of the memoir as a means of reconnecting Filipinos to their roots. He underscored how Batangas: My Sky and Earth portrays a life rooted in family, faith, and tradition, echoing the experiences of many Filipinos both at home and abroad. He also highlighted the importance of celebrating the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day as an opportunity to honor stories that preserve cultural identity and strengthen ties to the homeland.
Meanwhile, Serrano discussed how the writing process helped him navigate both happy and painful memories from his childhood. He encouraged the audience to look into their own stories, saying, “Storytelling is not just about preserving the past—it’s about understanding who we are today and finding the strength to move forward.” Serrano also pledged to donate a portion of the book’s proceeds to disaster relief efforts for Typhoon Kristine victims in the Philippines, emphasizing the value of bayanihan and collective compassion in addressing community challenges.
The Q&A session further explored Serrano’s creative process and inspirations. He highlighted the significance of a pair of shoes gifted by his late brother, which symbolized inspiration to explore opportunities beyond Batangas. He encouraged aspiring writers to embrace storytelling as a way to preserve personal narratives and cultural insights.
The event concluded with Serrano signing copies of Batangas: My Sky and Earth and thanking attendees for their warm reception and support. Guests expressed their admiration for Serrano’s dedication to promoting Filipino heritage and his commitment to giving back to the community. END
