Before the word 'foodie' was invented, award-winning chef and cookbook author Neria Soliman was already writing about and celebrating good food. There was one photo in particular that captured her early days.

A memorable celebration occured on 22 February at the South Hungarian Club to celebrate Neria Soliman 25th year as a writer. Friends who have bought copies of her book and have read her column in the former Filpino Community Newspaper of Sennie Masian and the current Philippine Community Herald Newspaper of Evelyn Zaragosa attended the event to celebrate the special occasion. Unexpectedly, some friends and visitors from overseas and interstate came to celebrate with Neria.

25 years ago the cookbook author Neria Soliman was born

25 years ago the cookbook author Neria Soliman was born


The attendees of this very same book launch back in 1986 honoured by Soliman during her milestone event were, see the historic photo (from left to right), Albine Martin, Winnie Biala, Cora Espinosa, Espie Bables, Agnes Garcia, author Neria Soliman, Vivian Tee, Baby Kasilag Imperail, Delilah del Rosario Villahermosa, Debbie Santiago and Olivia Sabat.

Standing out from the crowd were those who attended her first book launch here in Sydney, in 1986 when she came as a tourist compliments of the Minister of Tourism, Jose Antonio Gonzales. Soliman first book is titled Bicol and Filipino Recipes. Soliman also travelled to South Australia and Melbourne to launch the book.

Her trip was an award after chairing the first Bicolandia Festival in Manila, held at Manila Garden. For one month, dishes served in La Granja Fine Dining were from Soliman's book. She stayed in the hotel for almost two months and liaised with the chefs on how to prepare Pinangat, Laing, Bicol Express among other recipes.

Here in Australia, through the Consul General Oscar Valenzuela, Soliman was able to contact old friends and relatives like the Imperial family. She met with the late Dr. Elias Imperial, former Albay Governor Diding Imperial and Smito and Baby Kasilag Imperial. A cooking demo and book launch was held at Marayong hosted by Smito and 'Baby K'. The couple has been close friends to Soliman since their younger days.

Soliman also mentioned relatives who hosted her visit here in Sydney. They were the late Freddie Javier and wife Haydee Soliman and Jose ‘ Peping’ Nuyda.

In North Sydney, Bicolana friend Marysol Siao Kelly from the Tourism office in Sydney organised a separate dinner book launch with her close friends in Hornsby.

As told by Neria Soliman

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