Prolific cookbook author and columnist, Neria Soliman, launched her fifth book titled "The Scent of Dangkalan Leaves" at her lovely home on February 27, 2021. The launch was attended by a number of Filipino-Australian community leaders and members of the media.
The first part of the book The Scent of Dangkalan Leaves is Neria's memoir chronicling her journey in the academe and culinary worlds, with the second part offering recipes of popular Filipino dishes.
Before the official part of the launch, the guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner cooked by Neria herself.
After dinner, the launch program opened with the singing by Fe Limjap, well known performer and who is also a frontliner working as a Psychologist.
Violi Calvert of Radio Tagumpay and The Australian Filipina did the introduction of the author. This was followed by Neria speaking about The Scent of Dangkalan Leaves.
The formal cutting of the ribbon binding copies of the book was undertaken by Dr Marcelino Cavestany of Philippine Community Herald News. He was assisted by Councillor Linda Santos of the Blacktown City Council and Dr Tito Soliman, Neria's husband.
Councillor Santos and Dr Cavestany said few words about Neria, her book and her contribution to the Filipino-Australian and the wider communities. This was followed by the attendees buying a copy of the book which was signed by Neria.
Like a typical Filipino gathering, after the formalities everyone took turns on the dancing floor. The easing of COVID 19 restrictions came very timely indeed for the occasion.
Copies of the book are available online on Xlibris, Booktopia and other online platforms. Hardcopy of the book can be accessed from Amazon or the author: Mob 0404011524; email: [email protected] and thru FB Messenger.