10 April 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and the Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (PAWA) launched the book “Kuwento: Lost Things” on March 27. This book is an anthology of Philippine myths composed of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and visual art contributed by Filipino and Filipino-American writers, poets and artists. It contains re-imagined stories of mythological creatures like the aswang, kapre, duwende, and even creation myths such as Malakas and Maganda, as told to them by their mothers, grandmothers and elders.

“The diaspora’s re-telling, re-interpreting or re-inventing of myths from the homeland is important because it connects or sustains their connection to the Philippines and to their Filipino identity, culture and heritage,” Deputy Consul General Ascalon said. “Ultimately, it contributes to the building of a strong global Filipino nation,” he added.

PAWA President Edwin Lozada, who also contributed to the anthology, thanked all the writers and artists for their enthusiasm for the project. He said, “In order to make sense of the future, Filipinos need to understand their past and create new memories and new mythologies that make sense to the generations of Filipinos who now live abroad.”

Editor Rachelle Cruz explained “that the varied Philippine myths are carried in the Filipino diaspora and are told and retold at the dinner table and at bedtime, allowing us to preserve our culture and history, continuing to shape our identities even abroad.”

Authors David Maduli, Veronica Montes, Barbara Jane Reyes, Mg Roberts and Aimee Suzara were present to read their contributed work, as well as their favorite pieces in the book, to the guests present at the event.

“Kuwento: Lost Things” is edited by Ms. Rachelle Cruz and Ms. Melissa Sipin, and published by Carayan Press. END