(Launching of her new BOOK MAGAYON)
Last 18th of March, Neria Nidea-Soliman launched her 4th book titled Magayon, a Taste of Bicol and a Touch of Class. The launching was hosted by the BICOL Communities League Inc. at the function centre of Max Webber Library. Soliman awed her guests with her passionate speech which had a tint of humour.
She said that her manuscript was inspired by a beautiful dream about Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay. She clarified that the name Mayon was derived from the word MAGAYON which means beautiful. She likened the volcano to a woman who is demure, shy but fiery; and like a woman, the volcano also has tantrums, Neria added to the amusement of the guests.
Indeed, the event was as beautiful as the title of the book with the attendance of excited Filipino community leaders and dignitaries. The other attendees were Soliman’s selected friends and associates in three active organizations with which she is affiliated – Australian Devotees of our Lady of Penafrancia, Filipino Australians Movement for Empowerment and Hot Mamaz. During an interview, Soliman announced that two private launchings are being planned later next month. One is for her religious affiliations – Couples for Christ and El Shaddai Prayer Group. The other is for her mainstream associates in the Toastmasters International Club, Marriage Celebrancy and her political party.
The background music of Bicol song medleys and interpretative dance of Sarung Banggui set the mood for the evening. The programme included speeches of the guest of honours, Acting Consul General Anthony Reyes and Blacktown Councillor Charlie Lowles. Mr Roberto Lastica gave snippets from the book before the formal launching. Welcome speech was delivered by the overall chairperson of Bicol Inc, Ms. Alice Posada.
Soliman gave a very elaborate and informative talk about the contents of her book. She also gave tips on how to use Coconut cream when cooking Laing or Bicol Express. Two of her dishes lifted from the book were served in the buffet dinner. They are the Tinapa Rice and Adobadong Manok sa Gata with chillies of course. The centrepiece consisted of fresh Gabi leaves, Siling Labuyo and all the different varieties of chillies from the region with a background of a wooden pot and gold plated puto-sa-bagol steamer.
The attendees were delighted by the ambience of a Bicol setting, Bicol songs and the Bicol buffet centrepiece plus the Sarung Banggui interpretative dance by Bicolanas Zena Samar and Nilda Carpo. To add to the flair, Soliman who has penchant for fashion, wore an old Bicol Saya and abaca top, bakya sandals from Daraga, Albay and Paypay from Sorsogon.
Judging from the number of attendees who bought copies of the book, the event spoke of Soliman’s popularity. She is indeed a gourmet artist and writer known not only in Australia but also internationally. And of course, Neria is an active community leader. Having become the Filipino Healthy Master Chef, she is often invited to talk about ‘Pink of Health’ to combat the obesity epidemic which she says is the scourge of the century.
Magayon Book will also be launched in Melbourne and Adelaide. Like her previous books, Soliman is expected to launch Magayon book in the United States, and Erope. She announced that there will be a second launch in the Philippines, this time in ALBAY scheduled for next year. During the interview, Soliman said that her 12 years in the Academe and the discipline obtained from the German Benedictine nuns of St. Sholastica’s College are fundamentals to her tenacity in writing books.
After the launch, she was presented with a bouquet from the St. Scholastica’s College (SSC) Alumnae Association. Ms Soliman was cited as of an outstanding alumna during the centennial celebration of her alma mater in 2006. The bouquet of white flowers was presented by Ms Cita Hoersch, chairperson of SSC Alumnae Sydney.