“The Filipino American Journey” Makes Successful Debut in Washington DC
Journalist Josie Moralidad Ziman (5th from right) successfully debuts her book, “The Filipino American Journey” at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. Chancery Annex on 06 April 2019. Also shown in photo are Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez (7th from left) and Filipino-Americans who were featured in the book. (Washington PE photo)
WASHINGTON, D.C. 26 April 2019 – Journalist Josie Moralidad Ziman successfully launched her book “The Filipino American Journey: Stories of Survival and Success” at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.’s Chancery Annex on 06 April 2019.
The book is a collection of inspirational stories that highlights the resiliency, determination, hard work, values, and faith of the Filipino people.
In his opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said, “What ‘The Filipino American Journey’ ultimately teaches us is that Fil-Ams are not alone in their tribulations. There are now more than four million Filipino-Americans in the U.S. who will be able to relate to any of the stories featured in the book. Josie’s skills as a storyteller makes this possible, as she weaves individual experiences into a narrative that gives hope and acknowledgement to the Filipino immigrant experience.”
“Indeed, the presence of Filipino immigrants is greatly felt in America. It is always heartwarming for me to hear praises about the Filipino-American community anywhere I go in the United States. In a sense, you are doing your part as ambassadors of the Philippines, building bridges of understanding with mainstream American and other immigrant communities,” he added.
Manila Mail President and founder Atty. Januario Azarcon and Editor-in-Chief Jon Melegrito both delivered heartfelt and personal remarks to introduce Ms. Ziman, who is also a staffer and correspondent of Manila Mail.
Ms. Ziman carries an inspirational story herself, being a cancer survivor and eventually becoming an advocate and a willing friend and listener to women battling the disease.
“My motivation is to live my life with courage, faith in God, and continue my civic duty in the community or public service as a journalist. That motivation inspires me to do things for others. What is the purpose of life anyway if we cannot give back to our community or help those who cannot help themselves,” the Filipina author said in her remarks.
The program also featured several Filipino-Americans whose inspirational and success stories were featured in the book. They are Edward Logan (Fil-Am Beats Cancer with Faith, Hope and Family); Mike Seneriches (Pinoy Nurse Turns Hobby to Fashion Romp); Leolalinda Plameras (Fil-Am Nurse Wears Charity, Service as Badge of Honor); Ronie Mataquel (Reunion: Never Forgotten, a Grandfather Returns to places in the Heart); Ramil Buenaventura (Filipino Educator Hailed for Innovative Teaching Method); Josie Harrison (Jo Koy’s Invisible Stage Partner); Melissa Tizon (The Saga of Alex and Lola); June Daguiso (Fil-Am Martial Arts Blackbelter Find Passion in Making Movies); Cristina Osmeña (Wall St. Whiz, Filipino Immigrant, Erstwhile Refugee Bucks Political Establishment to contest California incumbent in house race); and Louie Tan Vital (Catching a glimpse of chaotic world of politics).
“The Filipino American Journey: Stories of Survival and Success” is available on Amazon. Proceeds will go to Friends of Cancer Kids (Iloilo) Foundation, Inc. and printing of Manila Mail. END
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and journalist Josie Ziman during the book launch of “The Filipino American Journey” at the Philippine Embassy on 06 April 2019. (Washington PE photo)
Filipino-American community from Metro DC and across the United States attend the book launch of Ms. Josie Ziman’s “The Filipino American Journey: Stories of Survival and Success” at the Philippine Embassy on 06 April 2019. (Washington PE photo)
Journalist Josie Ziman signs copies of her book “The Filipino American Journey: Stories of Survival and Success” at the Philippine Embassy on 06 April 2019. (Washington PE photo)
For more information, visit www.washingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph, www.philippineembassy-usa.org, https://www.facebook.com/PHinUSA or @philippinesusa on Twitter