Welcome to the happy month of June! The traditional month of weddings and love in the air for betrode couples.
The school calendar begins, for others, it closes. Oh, well. This is the new normal. But looking forward to rainy, cooler days and, hopefully, more stable water supply.
Retired Supreme Court Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna with the writer
Let us share a positive happening with you readers.... a happy book launching! A blessing that grew out of the pandemic, as the family sees it. While uncertainty and anxiety filled our lives at that time, retired Supreme Court Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna took to writing on Facebook short stories of his life. Fast forward three years later, a book on his autobiography, mixed with experiences of his stint in all three branches of government, was born.
Why was I there? Well, it so happens Justice Azcuna was my “ boss” when he was Press Secretary and then Legal Counsel for the late and beloved “Icon of Democracy,” Corazon C. Aquino. I was recruited to her media team by secretaries Ping de Jesus and Catalino Macaraig, so reluctantly, that I had to resign from the Manila Bulletin to join the media team of President Cory. I did not regret that decision. After serving Aquino, I rejoined my paper.
So how was he as a “boss”? Very firm but friendly to his subordinates, quick to forgive and forget our boo-boos too. Definitely A-1! Anyway, back to the book of Justice Adolph—a must-read book. Armed with the backing of a great publisher on the rise, Milflores Publishing, which has 17 titles under its belt to date, with popular titles like Nick Joaquin’s “Rizal in Saga: A Life for Student Fans” annotated by historian and authority on Jose Rizal, Ambeth Ocampo. “Our Folktales/Mga Paboritong Kwentong-Bayan ng Asya” by children’s literature writer Christine Belleb-Ang, “Rodolfo Biazon:Soldier, Solon, Statesman.”
The book was launched recently at One Rockwell. It was well attended by family, friends, former colleagues from the executive, legislative and judicial branches. It was a gathering that filled the venue with so much love.True it was one happy reunion of friends, former colleagues in the judiciary, and executive branches of government, students and simply friends.
Among those seen at the gathering were House Rep. Paul Ruiz Daza, District Representative Northern Samar, 1st District; Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. (ret); Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban (ret); Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio (ret), Justice Consuelo Ynares Santiago (ret); San Beda College Benedictine Educational Foundation Vice President Fr. Anselm M. Manalastas, OSB; St. Scholastica’s College President, Sr. Christine Pinto, OSB; Atty. Eric V. Puno and wife Bea Lopez Puno; Fr. Catalino “Tito” Caluag; and Asia United Bank Chairman Abraham Co.
Our common friends like former Human Rights commissioner Paulyn Paredes Sicam were there as well as Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz, wife of former Presidential Management Staff Elfren Cruz and our college friend Joey Estagle. Also there was Jake Llagonera, a co-worker in the Palace during President Cory’s days.
Atty. Deeda Bonz, a close friend of the family, flew in from Singapore to be the emcee for the event. The program began with a rendition of the Philippine National Anthem sung by son-in-law Alvi Siongco. followed by a very beautiful invocation by Fr. Anselm. This was followed by a very warm and touching introduction written by a fellow 1986 Con-Com Commissioner, Professor Ed Garcia, who was unable to make it. He had his speech read by another son-in-law, Andy Bengzon.
The author had his opportunity to speak after by giving his philosophy in life and law, reading snippets from the book, just enough to entice but not give too much away, much to the delight of the audience. Hardly anyone was seen on their phones during the program. They were all glued in on the topics briefly discussed, enough to whet their appetite. It was heard that someone commented that “this is the only book launch I have attended that had a Q&A portion,” and the author gamely answered the question thrown at him.
Adolph’s loving and super supportive spouse is, ace educator Mariasun Azcuna. Their children are Rina married to Alvi Siongco, Agoo married to Andy Bengzon, Bea, and Miguel. The evening was capped by an overwhelming signing of the books of the guests who purchased not just one but several books, many to give to friends as gifts. And because it was such a close-knit gathering, everyone gained a new friend or two, at the very least.
“Silver is my Gold” can be purchased through the Milflores Publishing website.