A Heartfelt Thank You from My Barnes & Noble Book Signing Event at The Grove

✨ My heart is full of gratitude as I look back on the incredible memories created during my Barnes & Noble at The Grove Book Signing event at Farmers Market in LA on Saturday, October 12, 2024. 📚💫

From the moment the event started at 12:00 PM, I was overwhelmed by the warmth, love, and support that filled the air. Whether guests brought their own copies or purchased the book at the event, each interaction felt like a reunion of hearts, celebrating our shared Filipino heritage and the timeless values of family, faith, and tradition. Representing Filipino literature and Batangueño culture at such a celebrated venue alongside a talented group of authors was truly an honour I will never forget.

But what truly moved me most was the incredible turnout—the store’s event manager mentioned in an email beforehand that most authors don’t sell more than 7 or 8 books at their signings. However, thanks to all of you, we sold out every single copy of the 25 paperbacks she ordered within two hours, and so I left behind an empty table! 🙌 It was reminiscent of my previous book signing at Indigo on Robson Street in Vancouver, although on a much smaller scale, where we sold several more hardcovers than paperbacks. This time, the support was no different—and, for that, I am eternally grateful.

Click the photos to view their captions.

I was touched by the many guests who purchased multiple copies as personal keepsakes or as gifts for their family and friends. To know that Batangas: My Sky and Earth will be shared with loved ones truly fills me with joy. The event also gave me the chance to reconnect with old friends, family members, and even meet new readers who graciously shared how the memoir resonated with their own experiences. At moments, I found myself holding back tears of joy as familiar faces and long-lost connections came to the signing table, making the day all the more special.

I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome—your presence, your support, and your heartfelt words have left an indelible mark on me. This journey of sharing my story, of reconnecting with my roots, and of meeting such passionate and engaged readers has been nothing short of a dream come true.

If you weren’t able to attend the event but want to relive the highlights, I’ve shared a full photo album on Facebook for you to enjoy. 📸 You can check it out here.

Thank you all for making this day truly unforgettable. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to many more moments like this as we continue to celebrate Filipino heritage, family, and culture through the pages of Batangas: My Sky and Earth. 🙏🏼✨

With love and gratitude,

Bong Serrano

Photo Credits: All photos by Bong Serrano unless otherwise stated.