By Marivir R. Montebon
New York – Virginia-based journalist Josie Moralidad Ziman debuted as a book author in the Big Apple on Friday July 12, 2019 when she launched her book ‘The Filipino American Journey’ at the Philippine Center. The book, a compilation of feature articles of exemplary Filipinos, affirms the Filipino immigrant’s values of courage, hard work, and faith as the elements that bring about survival and success in the US.
Josie Moralidad Ziman (middle) with (L-R) Ruby Sibal, Josie Harrison, Cristina Osmena, and Jocelyn Welsh. Standing (L-R): Ernesto Pamolarco Jr., Ronnie Mataquel, Ram Buenaventura and Atty. Nick Caraquel
The well-attended book launch was highlighted by the testimonials of some Filipinos featured in the book to include teachers Ronnie Mataquel, Ramil Buenaventura, and Ernesto Pamolarco Jr.; entrepreneur baby whisperer Ruby Abangan Sibal; lawyer Nick Caraquel; Wall Street analyst Cristina Osmena; Jocelyn Welsh for Emmanuel Welsh, Maryland’s deputy comptroller; and Josie Harrison, the equally famous mother of standup comedian Jokoy.
Josie Harrison
Cristina Osmena
Ziman, a native of Iloilo City, finished her book in 2018, after gathering her published articles from The Manila Mail. It is published by Tatay Jobo Elizes and is available at Amazon.com. She said in an interview that she became compelled to compile and publish her works upon finding out that she had breast cancer. “I thought I had to do something worthwhile while I still can,” she opined.
And to come full circle along the issue on cancer, Ziman decided to donate proceeds of her book sales to children in her native Iloilo who were afflicted with cancer. She also handed a cash donation to this writer for OSM! Digital Editor Leani Auxilio’s healing journey from colon cancer.
Ziman, a White House correspondent, writes for the Washington DC-based Manila Mail and hosts a radio blog for RMN Iloilo.
During her welcome speech, Ziman was quick to thank her husband of 12 years Barry Ziman who introduced her to the public. “Thank for the daily inspiration and for always being by my side and for believing in me.”
Ziman noted that her in book, the interview with Mary Rose Trinidad, a nurse and mother of four, the lone survivor of the fatal car accident in Delaware, that claimed the lives of her husband Audie and their children Kaitlyn, Danna, and twins Allison and Melissa, was the most difficult to handle. “I tried my best to be sensitive and gentle. What she went through was very traumatic.”
The Trinidads lived in New Jersey and were on their way back to their home after a weeklong vacation in Ocean City when their van was hit by a Ford pick-up truck in Delaware on July 6, 2017.
As the event came to a close, copies of the book all sold out while teachers of the St. Joan Catholic School in Jackson Heights, billed as the Super Troopers, rendered a medley of the Broadway show Mamma Mia.
The Ziman book launch was one of those substantive and fun summer events this year.
