London-Based OFW Launches First Book

Ms. Marilou Madriaga Smart (seated in front), answers questions from the audience about her book “Ang Reunion” while Vice Consul Emilio Lopue, Jr. (standing) moderates the open forum. (London PE photo)

LONDON, 01 March 2023 – In celebration of National Arts Month, the Philippine Embassy hosted the launch of London-based OFW Marilou Madriaga Smart’s first book, “Ang Reunion”, at Sentro Rizal London on 24 February 2023.

In her welcome remarks, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Rhenita B. Rodriguez said that Ms. Smart’s book is a testament to her remarkable talent, which is in line with the National Arts Month’s theme “Ani ng Sining, Bunga ng Galing.”

During her talk, Ms. Smart shared that she followed her dreams in writing her book and having it published, though she has not had any formal training nor prior experience in writing. “Ang Reunion” is a fictional story about high school classmates and their experiences with bullying as the main theme.  During their class reunion 25 years later, the classmates learned valuable life lessons and insights. 

Ms. Smart is a healthcare assistant in a psychiatric hospital in the UK. She grew up in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, and became an overseas Filipino worker in Hongkong in 1987. 

The book launch was attended by members of the Filipino community and representatives of UK-based Philippine media organizations. END

Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Rhenita B. Rodriguez (first row, second from right), Vice Consul Beatriz Alexandra Martinez (first row, right), Ms. Marilou Madriaga Smart (2nd row, 5th from right) and members of the Filipino community pose for a photo after the National Arts Month celebration. (London PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph,  or https://www.facebook.com/pg/PHLinUK, https://twitter.com/philippinesinuk, or https://www.instagram.com/philippinesinuk/.