THE LAUNCH
Raising Pinoy Boys, the book and this website, were formally launched on January 8, 2011 at the Columbus Room of the Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center. It was a well attended event. I was very happy to note that people are starting to get rid of the “Filipino time.” Guests started coming in at a little past three in the afternoon even if the invite says 4pm. Hooray to that!
At 4pm almost all the guests were there. The short program, hosted by my oldest son Marty and my niece Kathleen, started off with a very touching prayer led by the lovable Jesuit Fr. Bert Ampil. The Director of Parents Relations of the Ateneo Grade School and High School said that he had to make lamay reading the book in order to deliver a meaningful prayer for the occasion. Prior to the prayer, he read my dream from the Introduction of the book. Delivered in his vintage “Areneow accent,” my dream sounded like a solemn prayer which gave me goose bumps.
Three friends in the audience were asked to share their thoughts and sentiments about the book. Isca Abaya, my friend since college, shared that she was struck by the chapters on celebrating our children’s differences and that of a mother’s dilemma to work or not to work. Jess Lorenzo opined that the book will help us in solving our country’s problem of leadership by raising competent and honest children. He also liked the part that discusses how parents should help their children find their passion instead of dictating what course to take up. Nina Cordero shared that she woke up at 4am to read the book and finished it in one seating. The part which says that at school age our children’s main occupation is to study well resonated with her because of a recent incident with her oldest son.
The host also had a quick chitchat with my sons on how they feel about the book. Their responses varied from happy and proud to feeling a little bit of pressure. Finally, my husband Marvin gave a funny introduction of the author, that’s me.
In my talk, I thanked all the people who helped me with the book: Dr. Honey Carandang who wrote the Foreword, the successful men and boys featured in the book and their parents for sharing their stories.
I shared why and how I wrote the book. In search of God’s will for me at this point in my life, I discerned it with the help of a definition by novelist theologian F. Beuchner, “God’s will for us is the intersection of our greatest passion and the world’s greatest needs.” And I think my greatest passion of raising my three sons and the world’s need to raise children well intersect in Raising Pinoy Boys the book and this website.
The program was capped by an exhilarating dance number from my sons, Marty, Enrique and Anton, together with their respective dance teammates in InDAK, Dance X and CADs.
Thanks to all who came: Our favorite (not just for the yumburgers and chicken joy but for JFC the stock) Tony Tan Caktiong with wife Grace; Chris Tiu (the ladies’ favorite) with parents Jerry and the beautiful Lianne Tiu; BDO president Nestor Tan with parents Atty. & Mrs. Tan; Dr. Honey Carandang; Evan Chen with mom Sylvia; Jasper Tan with parents Joseph & Gemma Tanbuntiong; Rafa Antonio with parents Ram & Judy Antonio. And of course, my family and friends who were there to celebrate this milestone with me. Maraming Salamat po.
To view the author’s speech, please click this link.
To view the dance number of the boys, please click this link.
