"The more I see the world, the more I love the Philippines," said Marlene Aguilar during the launching of her book, "Philippines" last April 19 at Le Chef Restaurant of the Manor Hotel, Camp John Hay.
The book, which was nominated for the 2008 Hong Kong Print Awards, features the paintings of Nik Masangcay. It showcased over 230 artworks of various scenic places and tourists attractions of the country. The book is also her gift to the Filipino people, especially children who may never experience the scenic wonders of the country.
Aguilar, a pure Ilocana, and the sister of Freddie Aguilar is also the author of "The Philippine Coral Reefs" featuring the underwater water color paintings of Rafael Cusi which came out in 1997 and won the European Art of the Environment Award, "Yin and Yang" (with Cusi), "Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts", "Myths and Legends of the Philippines Volumes 1 and 2" (artwork by Jun Martinez), "Pastel (Greg Bolanos)", "Nostalgia" (Roland Santos), "Modern Art" (Fred Ramirez), and "Fine Artists of the Philippines".
Aguilar will also promote the book in Rome and will launch another book next year at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). She is working on Muslim Mindanao and is planning to write a book about agriculture in the Philippines. (EM)
