VIA Times – September 2023 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
By: Veronica Leighton
On this September issue, we are honored to feature accomplished women in our community, though International Women’s celebration, has already passed. Two are authors Dr. Carmencita Fulgado and Mylene Jao Richardson) who have recently released their books this month, and two are community leaders (Lodi Po and Dr. Nida Hernaez) who are competing to head a reputable PIWC organization for the annual celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.
Dr. Menchee Fulgado’s book “CULINARY MEMORIES: Treasured Filipino Recipes” was just released September 7, 2023, “Every Recipe has a Story to Share.” A graduate of the University of the Philippines, and an outstanding alumna and leader *founder and former president of the UP-NY Chapter), she had published previous books about some outstanding UP grads for scholarship programs. She says,
“The proceeds from this book will increase the scholarship slots in the Constituent Units of the UP System and in St. John’s University in Queens, NY. This beautiful coil bound cookbook features 82 recipes celebrating the foods and dishes of Filipino families– everything from appetizers to desserts. All of the recipe contributor’s names are shown beside their recipe(s) so you’ll be able to locate all of the favorites of your family, friends and neighbors. It is guaranteed to be a treasured keepsake for generations to come! We thank our Benefactors, Sponsors, and Donors. They will receive the cookbook.” With your continuing support and help, by families and friends we can reach communities in this worthy cause by their purchasing a treasured cookbook. UPAA-NY is a 501C3 Non-profit Organization.”
Debut author Mylene Jao Richardson, daughter of Dr. Rodolfo Jao and Tessie Agana Jao, is one of nine Agana Jao children, whose family used to participate in many Chicagoland events. She said, “those events were an integral part of understanding my Filipino cultural roots.”
“I would love the opportunity to share how I think the Chicagoland Filipino community would love to hear the story about my debut memoir book being released in September: The Legend of Tessie AganaBeloved Child Star of the Philippines An Intimate Portrait of My Mother.”
Growing up in the Chicagoland area, this was the foundation of our Filipino American family. Chicago was such a central focal point of my book. She and her family are current residents of Scottsdale, Arizona. Mylene is coming to Chicago for her book signing sometime this month of September.
