"Beyond Change”: Book Launch

By: Ralph T. Sy Siong Kiao – contributor & correspondent
@thenewralphism (Twitter)
Facebook.com/anonymous.ralphism

Makati Sports Club, Salcedo Village, Makati City --- Last 22nd of May, Monday, 4pm onwards, the book launch of Dr. Jesus “Jess” Estanislao, “Beyond Change”, was launched at the Makati Sports Club by Dream Philippines and the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) (http://isacenter.org/). ISA is a think tank led by Dr. Estanislao whose slogan and advocacy is “Making governance a shared responsibility.”


Dream Philippines is the campaign and “brand” being pushed by ISA. It involves a year-long series of activities and events wherein the book launch is just the start.

The “Beyond Change” book launch Facebook Events Page can be accessed thru this URL (unified resource locator) or web address: https://www.facebook.com/events/221646271657233/ .

The book launch event was open to the public, attendees will just have to register – and they do not need to pay any fee. Attendees upon entering the venue hall were asked about an optional pledge that they may take. The pledge involves signing a Pledge Card. Then, they will have to contribute 1 thousand pesos. After that, 3 complimentary copy of books were given as tokens. The first book is the book being launched, “Beyond Change” by Dr. Jess Estanislao. The second book is “12 Little Things Every Global Filipino Can Do to Help Our Philippines” by Atty. Alex Lacson (who authored an earlier work with a related topic, “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country”). The third book given to those who pledged is “Patriot on the Street” by Rex Drillon. The 1 thousand pesos is actually a donation or contribution to the advocacy work of ISA and they are not payments for the books. The 1 thousand pesos is actually a yearly pledge for those who pledged to keep the institute running.

Free flowing drinks and free flowing food was served to all those who attended.

The entire event involved: interviews with contributing authors; interview with the author himself (Dr. Jess Estanislao); a “digital launch” of the book by showcasing the book cover of the book on screen / projector; the event continued with photo-op (photo opportunity); and finally, there was a book signing not only of the book being launched but also the other complimentary books given away as these authors were present during the event.

ISA will be spearheading a “good governance” Dream Philippines Fair sometime in November (some 6-7 months from now). Please stay informed and updated thru their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/isacenterph/ ; their web page: http://isacenter.org/ ; their Twitter @isacenterph ; and their Instagram @isacenterph .

Finally, Dr. Jess Estanislao writes a column for the Manila Bulletin. The column is called “Swimming Against the Currents” which shows up on page 12 of Manila Bulletin thrice a week, Mon-Wed-Fri, wherein Dr. Jess talks about “good governance”.

Ralph T. Sy Siong Kiao – contributor & correspondent