THE University of San Carlos (USC)-Cebuano Studies Center hosted the Cecilia Manguerra-Brainard Book Talk on Feb. 7, 2023 at the Fr. Anthony Buchcik Hall of the USC South Campus.

The activity, which was done in cooperation with the University’s Department of Communications, Linguistics and Literature (DCLL), showcased the latest book of the author titled, “Growing Up Filipino 3: New Stories for Young Adults,” which is published by the University of Sto. Tomas Press.

On the same day, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ book, “The Cebuana in the World: Cecilia Manguerra-Brainard Writing Out of Cebu,” was also launched.

Dr. Charlito Codizar of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu gave a talk, “Reminiscing Cecilia Manguerra Brainard.” Frances Michaela Camomot and Lukas Magallano read excerpts from Brainard’s book.

Brainard also talked about book publishing and the challenges writers face in the industry.

The Buchcik Hall was packed with students from different schools and universities. Dr. Bea Lastimosa of the Cebuano Studies Center noted that they “had not expected a full house, especially on a school day.”

Cebuano Studies Center director Dr. Hope Sabanpan-Yu, who organized the event, said that “Cecilia Manguerra Brainard has contributed so much to bringing Cebu to the rest of the world through her narratives. She has also woven many of the interesting Filipino folklore through these stories which are important in one’s sense of identity and literary heritage.”

The video of “The Cebuana in the World: Cecilia Manguerra Brainard Writing Out of Cebu” is available on the YouTube channel of the Cebuano Studies Center at youtube.com/@usccsc.