Celebrating One Year of Batangas: My Sky and Earth!

Today marks a special milestone—the first anniversary of my memoir Batangas: My Sky and Earth. It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I first shared my story with the world. I look back at this journey filled with gratitude, growth, and the overwhelming support from my family, friends, and readers.

It all began with the excitement of launching the book, which I first shared in my blog post, “Exciting News: Batangas: My Sky and Earth Now Published!” a year ago. The joy of seeing the book come to life was just the beginning of what would turn out to be an incredible journey.

Highlights from an Incredible Year

This past year has been nothing short of amazing. Here are some memorable moments that made it unforgettable:

• December 2023: Reconnected with old friends at a grade school reunion, where I shared Batangas: My Sky and Earth with my classmates.
• January 2024: The city of Batangas lent me the keys for a whirlwind tour of its historic sites and recognized my book at the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Batangas. I also had the honour of presenting my book to the Governor of Batangas, provincial congressman, and the city mayor, followed by an official book launch in my hometown.
• March 2024: A successful book signing event at Indigo on Robson Street, Vancouver, where I had the opportunity to connect with readers and share stories.
• June 2024: My book was featured in a photo exhibit at the Seattle Armory during the Pagdiriwang Filipino Festival, alongside a vintage photo of my mother, “Lady in Green Dress.”
• August 2024: Featured at the inaugural Filipino Canadian Book Festival—an experience that celebrated Filipino literature and culture.
• 19 Five-Star Reviews: The book has received 19 five-star reviews, including recognition from Readers’ Favorite, which fills me with joy and pride.
• October 2024: I’m thrilled to be hosting an upcoming book signing event at Barnes & Noble, The Grove at Farmers Market in Los Angeles. I can’t wait to meet more readers in the coming weeks!

A Tribute to Family and Tradition

Throughout this journey, I’ve been deeply touched by the stories, encouragement, and feedback from readers who connected with my memoir. Whether it’s the depiction of multigenerational Filipino culture, the strong ties of family, or the celebration of Batangas, I’m proud that Batangas: My Sky and Earth continues to resonate with so many.

To mark this special occasion, I’m showcasing a cherished vintage photo of my mother, titled “Lady in Green Dress”. This photo holds an integral place in my book and was featured in a photo exhibition at the Seattle Armory this past June. It captures my mother as a young debutante and gifted coloratura soprano, who even outshone the iconic Conching Rosal in a kundiman competition with her stunning rendition of Ang Maya (The Sparrow). Taken on P. Pelaez Street in Batangas City circa 1940, this photo adds a personal and nostalgic touch to this special celebration.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I cannot express how grateful I am to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your unwavering belief in me and my craft has kept me inspired and motivated. From the bottom of my heart—thank you.

Here’s to many more years of sharing stories, celebrating heritage, and building connections through the written word.

With all my love and gratitude,

Bong Serrano

💫 Discover more about my journey and my memoir on my website: bongserrano.com