September 2023 is another September to remember for me because of the launch and book signing event that I had for my 10th and latest book, Pasko Pa Rin.

Preparing for the Big Day

A month before the event, I was already thinking about what color of dress or what kind of clothes I would wear that day. I wanted to choose a color that would make the book pop when I held it near my chest during the picture-taking. Of course, the color should look good on my skin.

I was so busy promoting the event while juggling my many other responsibilities. Less than a week before the event, I still had not found the dress or blouse at least that I wanted to wear for my latest book launch.

But a couple of days before the event, I had the chance again to go to a nearby mall. I fervently prayed that I’d find a nice dress in the little time that we could spare to go to the mall that day. God heard my prayer in a wonderful way!

I found a store right away and found a dress that I liked, looked good on me, and was not as expensive as the many other dresses I checked in the previous times that I went to the mall to search for a dress. I also found a nice blouse in the same store that was affordable. I bought it, too.

Then, I continued to look for other stores that sell dresses in the same mall. I found another one and there I found the dress that I chose to wear during my latest book launch and book signing at the Manila International Book Fair. My husband said that the color is more cheerful compared to the first dress I bought and it matches one of the colors in the book cover. I followed his advice. My best friend, whom I also consulted when deliberating on which dress to wear, voted for the same dress.

That same day, we also went to the salon where the make-up artist who usually does my hair and make-up during my book launches and events works to schedule an appointment for me on the early morning of my book launch.

I was even informed by the President of The New Channel (TNC), our media partner, that she has assigned a photographer to cover the event. What a blessing!

Everything was set! I was so excited!

Book Launch & Book Signing

The lines were already long outside the parking areas when our vehicle approached SMX, MOA. My husband dropped the kids and me off at one of the entrances while he made his way to the parking building. Since one of the Pauline sisters already informed me which entrance was closest to their booth, that’s where I led the kids. Then, I approached one of the guards to tell him that I was an author with a scheduled book signing event that morning. This enabled the kids and me to get past the long lines of people at all entrances of SMX.

It was September 17, Sunday, and the last day of the Manila International Book Fair. Therefore, it was not surprising that the lines were long and that there were many people inside. I was happy to witness it and to see with my own eyes again that printed books are still very much in demand in our country.

We found the booth of Paulines Publishing House easily.

Shortly after we arrived, the photographer of TNC arrived as well.

We had our photos taken while the customers had not yet arrived.

Then, two by two, my friends and family members arrived. This was followed by other customers who also bought copies of the book and asked me to sign them.

It was another big dream that came true!

Years ago, I was just dreaming of finding a Catholic publisher that would publish my children’s book. That is no longer a dream. It is now my reality.

Glory, praise and thanks be to God who makes my dreams come true, both big and small!

God answered many of my prayers that day.

Aside from my big dream of being published by a Catholic publisher, my husband’s business trip to the US did not push through on that day.

My children were there to witness this milestone in my life. They are my inspirations in writing books that equip and inspire.

My mother and brother from whom two of the characters were based were also there. My mom’s character was actually on the book cover. In my previous children’s book, her character was only inside.

My best friend was there just like 5 years ago when I launched my children’s book wherein she was the inspiration for one of the characters.

My eldest son, Yanthy, who launched his piano solo Christmas album last Christmas titled Christmas Hymns for Him played some Christmas tunes on the piano while I was signing copies.

Incidentally, I noticed that the booth of Feast Books was just across Paulines’ booth. I checked their display and found my breastfeeding book BREASTFEEDING: A Journey Worth Taking displayed on their shelves, too. I had my photo taken with it also.

After the book signing event, my family and I had lunch at MOA. It was extra challenging to find a place where we could eat that day. All of the restaurants were full and had long lines of customers waiting to be seated. It must be because of the book fair and the other events at the SMX. Moreover, it was payday weekend.

Eventually, we decided to eat at Rack’s. They also had a line of waiting customers but the line was shorter compared to the others. We were already famished and I was wearing heels. I didn’t want to walk any farther!

I’m glad we chose to eat late lunch there. The food was great tasting! I also liked that they accept online payments like GCash because lines to ATMs were also long.

We went back to SMX after eating lunch. We still had to pick up our new stocks of my other children’s book Maliit na ang Palda ni Isay, which was reprinted again after the pandemic. While waiting for my transaction with Vibal/Chikiting Books to be finished, my boys were reading books in their booth and nearby booths. We also did a bit of shopping for new children’s books for our boys.

We drove back to our city after to attend Mass at Padre Pio Parish. We had been attending their Novena Masses in preparation for Padre Pio’s Feast Day. I’m so thankful to God for a truly blessed day that we had. My eldest son was also delighted that we got to attend that Mass for their choir was scheduled to serve in that Mass.

I mentioned in a previous blog post that this children’s book was several years in the making. But I’m thankful that it was, finally, finished this year when the pandemic was over. Because of that, all my family members were able to attend. And even though my late father was not there with us physically, he was still with us through the book because he was also mentioned there. I also believe that he is with us in spirit.

This is the second children’s book wherein my family story has been shared and immortalized. I so love the work that I do! I can’t thank God enough for this privilege and ministry! To earn while doing my passion is one of the wonderful gifts that God has blessed me with.

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