On Saturday, October 10th, 2006, at the first ever Filipino American History Celebration at my hometown’s main library, I hosted a Local Author Reading featuring works from Rudy D. Liporada, Luzviminda Morales, and myself.

I organized this reading because the Filipino American experience is a collection of rich, diverse voices shaped by our culture and heritage. If we don’t make space for those voices, no one else will.

I also curated a gallery displaying local and groundbreaking Filipino and Filipino American authors throughout October for Filipino American History Month. The books are from my personal collection.

Many thanks to my hometown library; the Filipino American community for helping us spread the word; librarian and fellow author Vanessa Chua, because this event wouldn’t have happened without her; my mom’s friends in the Dancing Buddies for their support; and finally, my dad, for helping me out and reading for Rudy Liporada, who couldn’t make it that day.