Anthology of Fil-Am writings to be launched in Berkeley

BERKELEY, California — The Filipino American National Historical Society, East Bay Chapter, is launching a new anthology entitled Beyond Lumpia, Pansit and Seven Manangs Wild: Stories from the Heart of Filipino Americans, Saturday July 26, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. at Eastwind Books, 2066 University Ave., Berkeley.

Editors and contributing authors will participate in a book talk and story readings: Evangeline Canonizado Buell; Eleanor Hipol Luis; Edwin Lozada; Evelyn Luluquisen; Tony Robles; Myrna Ziálcita.

Beyond Lumpia, Pansit, and Seven Manangs Wild features many stories about our second, thir, and fourth generation Filipinos, their experiences on how they identify or not as Filipinos in America.

The narratives reflect the nature of living under the influence of multiple cultures, and some reveal the pride felt by the authors in their Filipino heritage through their stories and poetry, as in Tess Crescini’s “Birth of the Ancient in New Times.”

Editors Evangeline Canonizado Buell, Eleanor Hipol Luis, Edwin Lozada, Evelyn Luluquisen, Tony Robles, Myrna Ziálcita. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Many Filipino Americans in the U.S. maintain strong bonds with family and friends in the Philippines. For some, their parents and grandparents serve as the sole bridge to the islands. There are also those who still cling to the Philippine culture, but have a strong allegiance to the U.S., especially the older second generation who may visit the islands but not return to live.

Food is an integral part of the culture. In “My Life as a Lumpia,” Jessica Jamero tells how the simple act of rolling lumpia awakens cultural pride. Pete Yamamoto’s poem, “Beef Stew, Maybe Tripe,” shows the unifying power of the Filipino culture of food.

Instead of always giving in to American hamburgers and hot dogs, the act of longing for and savoring adobo, lumpia and pansit helps resist complete assimilation and retain elements of a unique identity.

Contact for more information: phone 510-548-2350; Email [email protected].  Website www.asiabookcenter.com; Book Review copy requests please email: Bea Dong [email protected]; Author events scheduling requests please email: Evangeline Canonizado Buell [email protected].