16 published authors from the different provinces in the Cordillera Region were featured during the 2nd Cordillera Author’s Summit, with the theme “Embracing God’s Call to Create Legacies” hosted by John 14:14 Book Publishing at the Podium Hotel in Baguio City last January 6, 2023.
Fr. Brando Wallang started the program and led the unveiling and blessing of the books exhibited. In a spotlight session, the featured authors were asked about their objectives in writing their books. The authors expressed that they want to inspire more people, especially their fellow Cordillerans, to share their stories by writing their own because they believe that everyone’s story matters.
Featured published authors include Ian Jefrey Addatu who hails from Kalinga that authored the book “Fears to Faith” and Freedie Balansi from the same province who wrote the “Passing the Torch”.
Nora C. Sagayo, with her “Transcending boundaries”; Joana Rizza Imado “Rescued”; and Kennith Mallare “Robbed Childhood” all hail from Benguet.Those from Baguio City were Marichu Chil-ang, with her “That Weird Woman”; Jocelyn Cascato, “Love Prevailed Beyond Distance”; and Emilia Mestito Guinumtad, “Radio on Air”
The authors from Mt. Province were Natividad M. Salcedo, who published “Pamana ni Lola”, Carmen Malabong, “Footsteps”; Allen Palaruan, “Teachionary”; Mary Jane Aluyen ” Bauko Through the years”; and Jenny Obonan “Th Compound Effects of our Money Habits”.
Shirley Sinawan published the “From Nobody to Somebody” and Rozelyn Buyucan, “The Financially Savy” all came from Apayao.
Oscar Binay-o Jr., from Ifugao authored “Professional Plastic”.
Jonas Dupo, the CEO of John 14:14 Book Publishing delivered his words of wisdom as he inspires the audience to believe in themselves. Dupo said in his speech that the first step to writing a book is believing that there is brilliance given to everyone.
On the other hand, Dr. Ryan C. Guinaran from the Office of the Provincial Governor of Benguet extended his congratulatory messages and commended the authors for sharing their stories through their books. He also encouraged local authors to produce more Cordilleran stories to give inspirations to others.
Also present during the group launching and summit to extend their congratulatory messages were Easter Pablo, the City Librarian of Baguio City Public Library, Estela Carino, Regional Director of DepEd CAR, and Margie Gardingan, Education Program Specialist II.**By Ian Jefrey Addatu
