MANILA, Philippines — A new coffeetable book called “Tiaong: Coming Into Its Own”, was launched recently at the Filipinas Heritage Library, Nielson Tower in Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

Published by the Tiaong Lubid-Lubid Foundation, Inc. under the helm of its president Cris Aquino, the book is written by journalist and editor Abe Florendo. Archival research was done by Dulce Festin-Baybay and Dr. Luis Camara Dery, with images by Donald Tapan and Ramon Jeffrey Florendo, and book design by Teody Hidalgo.

Tiaong is a small but dynamic town in Quezon province, 96 kilometers south from Alabang, that has been coming into its own and positioning itself among the many steadily modernizing towns in the country.

Tiaong is the quintessential “old hometown” that holds bittersweet memories for its natives who have left its hills and lakes and the watchful presence of Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal for the big cities here and abroad. Author Abe Florendo calls Tiaong “a place in the heart.”

The book also revives Tiaong’s illustrious place in history since its establishment as a visita, then as an encomienda of Nayum in the early 1600s: its important role in the coconut economy and political expansion during the Spanish colonial times, its contributions to the independence efforts during the war, the inspiring heroism and nationalism of its sons and daughters, among them, Claro M. Recto and the “Anak ng Tiaong” who was sent by his father to study in China and went on to become the distinguished commander of Mao Tse Tung’s People’s Liberation Army, Gen. Ye Fei.

The book captures in photographs the changing skyline and landscapes of Tiaong that are positive indications of Tiaong’s determined thrust toward progress and modernity. Through these photographs, readers will also be acquainted with the beauty and bounties of Tiaong’s placid coconut plantations and rice fields, the majesty of Lake Tikub, the allures of its hot water springs and resorts.

The latter chapters provide a straightforward description of Tiaong’s ‘real-time’ infrastructures and urbanization, tourism attractions and business thrusts, while making out a case for increased developments in these and other areas.

This book also digs up the authentic historical origins of Tiaong, from the gray dawn of colonial times to the turbulent eras of revolutions and democratizations. “Tiaong: Coming Into Its Own” will be available soon nationwide.

‘Realities ’ launched

Award-winning artist Ronald Ventura successfully launched ‘’Realities,’’ a collection of selected works, at Powerbooks, Greenbelt 4. Apart from the book launch itself, the event likewise featured an exhibit that offered a rare glimpse of Ventura’s works which are now privately owned.

Published by Grafiche Damiani, Realities gives art enthusiasts and readers a peek into Ventura’s creative process and inspirations.

Ventura is a Fine Arts graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas, where he also worked as an instructor for the College of Fine Arts & Design. He has received multiple awards both as a student and professional artist, including the Ateneo Art Awards and Philip Morris Philippine Art Awards. He has had many solo and group exhibitions, the most recent of which was held at Tyler Rollins Fine Art in New York; and is currently part of the ‘Surreal vs. Surrealism’ exhibition at the IVAM museum in Valencia, Spain.

The acclaimed Filipino artist also owns the record for the biggest sale for any contemporary Southeast Asian painting at auction with his Grayground painting, which was sold for US$1,100,000 at Sotheby’s last year. ‘’Realities’’ is available at National Book Store and Powerbooks.

‘One Crazy Summer ’ now in bookstores

“One Crazy Summer” by Ines Bautista-Yao is now available in bookstores nationwide.

Set in Silay City, Negros Occidental, “One Crazy Summer” is about Tania, who is in for one summer adventure she will never forget. With a passion for cooking, Tania sets off to pursue a culinary career by taking her first internship at her aunt’s restaurant. With best friends Rob and Mateo in the picture, everything gets complicated. Will Tania choose her secret crush or her crush’s best bud?

“One Crazy Summer” also features Tania’s recipes, which are actual creations of Linae Camus Bautista who happens to be Yao’s mother, making “One Crazy Summer” a special project showcasing the talents of both mother and daugther.