‘The Filipino American Journey’ has successful book launch in DC

Ziman signs a copy of her book for one of the guests. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Journalist Josie Moralidad Ziman successfully launched her book “The Filipino American Journey: Stories of Survival and Success” at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex on Saturday, April 6.

Ziman’s book is a collection of inspirational stories that highlight the resiliency, determination, hard work, values, and faith of the Filipino people.

“What ‘The Filipino American Journey’ ultimately teaches us is that Fil-Ams are not alone in their tribulations. There are now more than four million Filipino Americans in the US who will be able to relate to any of the stories featured in the book,” stated Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez. “Josie’s skills as a storyteller helps make this possible, as she weaves individual experiences into a narrative that gives hope and acknowledgement to the Filipino immigrant experience,”

Manila Mail President and founder, Atty. Januario Azarcon and Editor-in-Chief Jon Melegrito both delivered heartfelt and personal remarks to introduce the author of the book, Josie Ziman, who is also a staffer and correspondent of Manila Mail.

Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and Josie Ziman during the launch of the book, “The Filipino American Journey” at the Philippine Embassy on April 6. CONTRIBUTED

Ziman is an inspirational story herself, being a cancer survivor and eventually becoming an advocate and a willing friend and listener to women battling the disease.

“My motivation is to live my life with courage, faith in God, and continue my civic duty in the community or public service as a journalist. That motivation inspires me to do things for others. What is the purpose of life anyway if we cannot give back to our community or help those who cannot help themselves,” Ziman said in her remarks.

Filipino American community members attend the book launch of Josie Ziman’s “The Filipino American Journey: Stories of Survival and Success” at the Philippine Embassy. CONTRIBUTED

The program also featured several Filipino Americans whose inspirational and success stories were featured in the book: Edward Logan (Fil-Am Beats Cancer with Faith, Hope and Family); Mike Seneriches (Pinoy Nurse Turns Hobby to Fashion Romp); Leolalinda Plameras (Fil-Am Nurse Wears Charity, Service as Badge of Honor); Ronie Mataquel (Reunion: Never Forgotten, a Grandfather Returns to places in the Heart); Ramil Buenaventura (Filipino Educator Hailed for Innovative Teaching Method); Josie Harrison (Jo Koy’s Invisible Stage Partner); Melissa Tizon (The Saga of Alex and Lola); June Daguiso (Fil-Am Martial Arts Blackbelter Find Passion in Making Movies); Cristina Osmeña (Wall St. Whiz, Filipino Immigrant, Erstwhile Refugee Bucks Political Establishment to contest California incumbent in House race); and Louie Tan Vital (Catching a glimpse of chaotic world of politics).

Margie Cabatuando and Judilyn Franco sang the Philippine and United States national anthems, respectively, at the beginning of the program. Franco also gave a powerful rendition of the song “Imagine” during the intermission.

“The Filipino American Journey: Stories of Survival and Success” is available on Amazon. Proceeds will go to Friends of Cancer Kids (Iloilo) Foundation, Inc. and printing of Manila Mail.