PH Writer Participates in “Anthology of ASEAN Short Stories” in Bangkok

Philippine Embassy in Bangkok Cultural Officer Edith C. Mallillin (left) together with Filipino writer Karlo Antonio Galay David (right) during the book launch of “I was Born to be Yours”. (Bangkok PE photo)

BANGKOK 12 September 2019 — A Filipino writer was one of the contributors in an anthology of ASEAN short stories launched at the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre in Bangkok on 24 August 2019.

Filipino writer Karlo Antonio Galay David contributed a short story entitled “Lahadda” in the book “I was Born to be Yours”, which was part of the “Anthology of ASEAN Short Stories”.  The anthology was sponsored by the Writers Association of Thailand in collaboration with the Thai Ministry of Culture’s Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC).

“I was Born to be Yours” is a collection of 10 short stories written by Southeast Asian writers who have been selected to represent their respective countries.

The launch was presided by Thai Minister of Culture Itthiphol Kunplome, and attended by members of the Writers Association of Thailand and diplomatic representatives from ASEAN foreign embassies in Bangkok. Philippine Embassy in Bangkok’s Cultural Officer Edith C. Mallillin represented Ambassador to Thailand Mary Jo A. Bernardo-Aragon.

Mr. David hails from Kidapawan, Cotobato, and is a graduate of Ateneo de Davao University’s AB English program and Silliman University’s Master’s in Creative Writing. He was a recipient of Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for drama and of Nick Joaquin Literary Award for fiction. At present, he is involved in writing the history of Kidapawan under the project of the local government.

Writers Association of Thailand president Kanokwalee Pojanapakorn Kanthairaj remarked that the short stories in the book “portray people’s lives, thoughts and feelings”. It allows readers to perceive literature as a channel to better understand the differences and similarities among Southeast Asian nations, and recognize, as well as respect cultural roots and ways of life of every Southeast Asian country. END

For more information, visit https://www.bangkokpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinThailand/.