About the Author

Bong Serrano is a proud Batangueño, hailing from the picturesque and historic province of Batangas, Philippines. His debut memoir, Batangas: My Sky and Earth, not only pays homage to his roots but also takes readers on a nostalgic journey into the heart of Filipino heritage.

Bong completed his undergraduate studies with an academic scholarship at Ateneo de Manila University and was subsequently awarded a student exchange scholarship at International Christian University in Tokyo. After dedicating several years as an international flight attendant and Japanese speaker for American Airlines, immersing himself in diverse cultures around the world, he transitioned to roles as Digital Marketing Director at both a digital marketing agency and a not-for-profit organization for men’s health in Vancouver, contributing his expertise to both organizations over a twenty-seven-year career in digital marketing.

Though Bong has called Canada home for many years, his heart remains deeply connected to Batangas, where he frequently returns to visit family and friends. He cherishes the bonds he holds dear and finds joy in sharing stories, listening to music, taking long walks along the seawall, mastering the art of cooking adobo, indulging in Asian dramas during his leisure hours, and, naturally, pursuing his passion for writing and storytelling. Bong resides in Vancouver with his life partner of over thirty years.

Bong is currently immersed in his next project, which involves writing a historical fiction. Connect with him and explore more of his work on his website at bongserrano.com.

A Declaration of Purpose

“I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.”

—Jack London (as cited in London 1960, 7)

Tungkol sa May-akda

Ipinagmamalaki ni Bong Serrano ang kanyang pagka-Batangueño. Kinalakhan niya ang magandang at makasaysayang lalawigan ng Batangas sa Pilipinas. Ikinararangal niya ang kanyang pinagmulan sa paglalathala ng kanyang kauna-unahang aklat ng alaala na pinamagatang Batangas: My Sky and Earth. Inilalakbay niya ang kanyang mga mambabasa sa natatanging paggunita ng nakaraan, taglay ang galimgim mula sa puso ng pamana ng mga Pilipino.

Natapos ni Bong ang kanyang pag-aaral sa kolehiyo na may academic scholarship sa Ateneo de Manila University at nagpatuloy ng pag-aaral sa isang student exchange scholarship sa International Christian University sa Tokyo. Pagkatapos ng ilang taon bilang isang international flight attendant para sa American Airlines, na nagpapalalim ng kanyang kaalaman sa iba’t ibang kultura, siya ay lumipat sa mga tungkulin bilang Digital Marketing Director sa isang digital marketing agency at isang not-for-profit organization para sa kalusugan ng kalalakihan sa Vancouver, na ibinabahagi ang kanyang kaalaman sa parehong organisasyon sa loob ng dalawampu’t pitong taon na karera sa digital marketing.

Bagaman matagal nang naninirahan si Bong sa Canada, nananatili pa rin ang kanyang puso sa Batangas, kung saan madalas siyang bumisita at umuwi sa pamilya at mga kaibigan. Pinahahalagahan niya ang mga ugnayang ito at nagagalak sa pagbabahagi ng mga kwento, pakikinig sa mga tugtugin, mahabang paglalakad sa may dalampasigan, pagpapahusay sa pagluluto ng adobo, panonood ng mga Asian dramas sa kanyang mga oras ng paglilibang, at, siyempre, pagsulat tungkol sa kanyang mga paglalakbay sa buhay.

Nakatira si Bong sa Vancouver kasama ang kanyang mahal sa buhay na mahigit nang tatlumpung taon. Sa kasalukuyan, abala si Bong sa kanyang susunod na kasulatan at lathala, isang historical fiction o nobelang kathang-isip. Makipag-ugnayan sa kanya at tuklasin ang iba pa niyang mga pinagkakaabalahan sa kanyang website na bongserrano.com.

Book Reviews

A Special Thanks

I’m deeply grateful to the early adopters and readers who supported me and provided valuable reviews during the initial release of my book in digital format. Your words of kindness and encouragement have been a guiding light throughout my publishing journey, and I am honoured to acknowledge your unwavering support.

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