Standing: Cecilia Brainard, Marily Orosa, Felice Sta. Maria; seated Gilda Cordero Fernando I must confess that I hardly slept last night, and it had to do with the passing of Gilda Cordero Fernando. That with the stresses of Covid and politics kept me awake until around 4 am. Gilda graduated from St. Theresa's College, which I also attended, and so even when I was in high school, … [Read more...] about Good night, Gilda Cordero Fernando
Herminia Meñez Coben Reviews The Newspaper Widow by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard
Book Review by Herminia Meñez Coben, Ph.D. Professor Emerita from California State University of Sonoma Title: The Newspaper Widow Author: Cecilia Manguerrra Brainard Publisher: University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, 2017, Beato Angelico Bldg., Espana, Manila, Philippines; Available from Amazon in hard copy and in Kindle format Number of pages: 234 pages Softcover, $18.95 in the … [Read more...] about Herminia Meñez Coben Reviews The Newspaper Widow by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard
Portrait of Filomena Alesna Cuenco by Cecilia Brainard
I made this portrait of my maternal grandmother, Filomena Alesna Cuenco, in prisma color and pastel, size 9 x 12. Filomena Alesna Cuenco from Carcar; born May 1, 1882, parents: Evaristo Barcenilla Alesna and Cresencia Ynosencia Sanchez Villarosa; parents died when she was young and she and her 2 sisters were raised by 2 old maid aunts; her older sister Placida married Mateo Noel; her younger … [Read more...] about Portrait of Filomena Alesna Cuenco by Cecilia Brainard
Filipinos #CopingWithCovid — Brian Ascalon Roley, Ohio USA
The following is part of my series, Filipinos Coping with Covid. Responding to my interview questions, Brian Ascalon Roley describes life in Ohio, USA, during the time of coronavirus. This was written on May 24, 2020. Update July 10, 2020 by Brian Roley: "Since I first answered these questions, the lockdown ended, but now there’s been a surge in my county and masks are required again. Not … [Read more...] about Filipinos #CopingWithCovid — Brian Ascalon Roley, Ohio USA
Old Photographs Tony Cuenco of Cebu, Philippines
Cuenco Famiy: I am sharing what I believe are early pictures of my cousin TONY CUENCO who recently passed away. The picture of three, shows my grandmother Filomena Alesna Cuenco with Tony (the older boy) and another grandson. The group picture features my grandfather and grandmother, Senator Mariano Cuenco and his wife Filomena with their family. Standing l-r: Carmen Cuenco, Milagros Veloso … [Read more...] about Old Photographs Tony Cuenco of Cebu, Philippines
Filipinos #CopingWithCovid — New Zealand: Jay Montilla & Monika Tawngdee
Jay Montilla On June 7, 2020, New Zealand declared it had eliminated Coronavirus. Its last new case was in May and New Zealand hospitals have no Covid-19 cases (as of June 9, 2020). Lead by Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, the country implemented strict quarantine, travel restrictions and widespread testing. Here are the interviews of two Filipinos (my nephew and niece, in fact) who live in New … [Read more...] about Filipinos #CopingWithCovid — New Zealand: Jay Montilla & Monika Tawngdee
Filipinos #CopingWithCovid Teresa Concepcion, Canada
The following interview is part of my series, FILIPINO COPING WITH COVID. Teresa Concepcion from Toronto, Ontario, Canada is featured. She was educated at Maryknoll College, Philippines, AB BA 1968, and University of the Philippines, MBA 1972. She's has over 30 years in investment management and corporate finance in the Philippines and in Canada. Teresa has been a small business entrepreneur … [Read more...] about Filipinos #CopingWithCovid Teresa Concepcion, Canada
Framed Art by Cecilia Brainard “Vase and Bottles”
I framed (for the first time) one of my art work, 9 x 12, ink "Vase and Bottles" . It's the one on the right beside an original by Manuel Rodriguez, the Father of Philippine Printmaking. Also published in my Travel blog: https://cbrainard.blogspot.com/2020/05/framed-art-by-cecilia-brainard.html tags: #ceciliaBrainard #art #Philippine #Cebu #writerswhopaint … [Read more...] about Framed Art by Cecilia Brainard “Vase and Bottles”
Marissa Tay Praises Brainard’s Magical Years: Memories & Sketches
During these days of Coronavirus, I was particularly happy to hear from my college friend, Marissa Tay, who sent me her feedback about my book, Magical Years: Memories & Sketches,. This hardbound book collects sketches inspired by my childhood in Cebu. Marissa was my classmate at Maryknoll College in Quezon City.; we've had the chance to … [Read more...] about Marissa Tay Praises Brainard’s Magical Years: Memories & Sketches
Philippine Antique Photo 1932 Concepcion Cuenco
This is a rare 1930 picture of Concepcion Cuenco of Cebu.She was mother and daughter of Senator Mariano Jesus Cuenco and Filomena Alesna Cuenco. In 1931, she became Cebu Petit Carnival Queen. She married Engr. Mariano F. Manguerra and they had four surviving children. Widowed when she was only 47, she raised her children and sent to graduate schools in Europe and the United States. She was a … [Read more...] about Philippine Antique Photo 1932 Concepcion Cuenco
Guest Blogger: Poetry by Elmer Omar Pizo
In this difficult time of Coronavirus, I am happy to feature poetry by Elmer Omar Pizo, a Filipino who now resides in Hawaii. May his poetry contribute to the healing that we need during this uncertain time. Thank you Elmer for being my guest blogger. ~ Cecilia Brainard POETRY BY GUEST BLOGGER ELMER OMAR PIZO I. Rice birds on the ground in front … [Read more...] about Guest Blogger: Poetry by Elmer Omar Pizo
Takuya Matsuda Interviews Cecilia Manguerra Brainard
Interview of Cecilia Manguerra Brainard by Takuya Matsuda Focusing on her novel, When the Rainbow Goddess Wept Takuya Matsuda is a PhD Candidate, Teaching Fellow at the English Department of the University of North Texas This Interview was done in March 2020 by email TM (Takuya Matsuda): My name is Tak Matsuda, and I’m a PhD candidate in English at the University of North Texas. I’m … [Read more...] about Takuya Matsuda Interviews Cecilia Manguerra Brainard
Thanks to Tony Perez for Artistic Guidance
Putting a face on those who helped Brainard's Magical Years: Tony Perez (Playwright, Novelist, & Painter) gave artistic guidance to Cecilia Brainard when she was working on the sketches for Magical Years: Memories & Sketches. He taught her what pencils, pen and ink, paper to use; he critiqued her work all along. Cecilia Brainard first met Tony Perez in the 1990s when the USIS sponsored … [Read more...] about Thanks to Tony Perez for Artistic Guidance
Cebu Antique Stereoviews
I have some antique stereoviews from my collection, including these with Cebu subjects, circa 1899 Family from Cebu Carabao pulling cart Filipino Saw Mill Cebu Street, Holiday crowd Children playing Tags: history, photos, antique photographs, stereoviews, stereoptics, antique postcards, Philippines, Cebu, Filipino … [Read more...] about Cebu Antique Stereoviews
Happy New Year — Magical Years Sketches
Happy New Year.! Here's a drawing I did yesterday (last year!) of Che scratching on the glass door to try and get out. Che and Tesla are favorite drawing topics of mine. They are part of my new book, Magical Years: Memories & Sketches, a collection of 43 of my sketches in pen and ink and reed. The book is a limited edition of 100 hardbound copies, signed and numbered. It is available from … [Read more...] about Happy New Year — Magical Years Sketches
Antique Pictures Lourdes Cuenco of Cebu Philippines
Perhaps because I've always been interested in family genealogy, relatives and friends have been forwarding old family pictures to me. Many pictures were damaged or lost in the Philippines during World War Two, and therefore old family pictures are rare. I'm featuring pictures of my aunt, Lourdes Cuenco, oldest sister of my mother Concepcion Cuenco. Lourdes remained unmarried as was her … [Read more...] about Antique Pictures Lourdes Cuenco of Cebu Philippines
Magical Years: Memories & Sketches by Cecilia Brainard — pictures
I'm excited about my book, Magical Years: Memories & Sketches, which collects 43 of my reed and pen and ink drawings. Some of you have been following my progress as a sketcher since December last year, when I picked up a simple book about sketching and started drawing, first in pencil, then pen and ink, and later bamboo reed, which Van Gogh did -- I love his reed … [Read more...] about Magical Years: Memories & Sketches by Cecilia Brainard — pictures
Cecilia Manguerra Brainard’s Book of Sketches Available “Magical Years”
BOOK OF CECILIA MANGUERRA BRAINARD'S SKETCHES AVAILABLE! PALH (Philippine American Literary House) has advance copies of MAGICAL YEARS: MEMORIES & SKETCHES by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, a special limited hardbound signed edition that collects Brainard's 43 sketches. Known as a writer and lacking formal training in the arts, Cecilia started sketching in 2018. Using reed and pen and ink, she … [Read more...] about Cecilia Manguerra Brainard’s Book of Sketches Available “Magical Years”
Sketch: Inspiration for Cecilia Branard’s Woman with Horns
This is one of my (Cecilia Brainard) sketches in reed and pen and ink. This depicts two women from my childhood who fascinated me and inspired my fiction. One was a woman who reportedly had horns on her forehead; the other was said to be a witch and who always carried an umbrella so she could hide her face. I'm pasting below my short story "Woman With Horns" which is part of literature … [Read more...] about Sketch: Inspiration for Cecilia Branard’s Woman with Horns
Recap of Hot Off the Press Readings at #FilAmBookFest
Recap of recent Hot Off the Press Readings 5th Filipino American International Book Festival - The Hot Off the Press Literary Readings at the recent Filipino American International Book Festival were held last Saturday October 12, 2019, at the Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Main Library. Each reading showcased up to 10 authors promoting new books. In less than ten minutes, they talk about or … [Read more...] about Recap of Hot Off the Press Readings at #FilAmBookFest