“Hope is everywhere, and if hope has a name…it would be, everything.” This is the main concept of the book, Life After Dark: Messages of Hope, which had its physical book launch at Jess & Pat’s Cafe in Maginhawa Street, UP Village, Quezon City last week.
It can be remembered that the said book organized and presented by the Concerned Artists of the Philippines Bicol Chapter, Rhymes of PEG, SabaDugtungan, SICAD, and Kurit-Lagting Art Collective, was launched virtually last December 17, 2022 through Facebook Live.
Moving on to the present, it is a dream come true for the writers to hold this event face-to-face and they hope to do it again in the future for their upcoming projects, whether individually or collectively.
According to Gerald Jintalan, representative of Concerned Artists of the Philippines Bicol Chapter, “Things like these would not be possible if it weren’t for the cultural workers, friends, family, partners, and potential allies through art.”
“…may we continue to strive and overcome challenges for our self and community,” Jintalan added.
“Life After Dark’s first physical book launch fueled our passion to write and create things that will inspire people. An event like this makes my heart flutter knowing that through this, we can serve as inspiration and reach out to those who need someone to be with them in their trying times. That’s one of our goals upon creating this anthology. We want to give hope. We want our words to represent hope,” said Niel Morales, one of the authors of the book and a member of Sabadugtungan.
Choi Carretero of Kurit Lagting Art Collective also said that launching the book gives way to more collaborative activities and art pursuits between the organizations involved.
The event concluded with Jessa Erandio, representative of Rhymes of PEG and editor of Life After Dark (Messages of Hope) leaving some inspiring words that the anthology they created is more than just a book. It is a love letter to the world– to show people that after darkness, there is light and when there’s pain, there’s always hope that the suffering will end.
“Hope is the thing that keeps you alive. It exists because something existed before and that’s the best thing about hope. It comes out not when times are easy but when times are tough. You may fall so many times but it’s hope that will make you rise. True enough, if hope has a name, it would be — EVERYTHING.”
– If Hope Has A Name, Jessa Erandio
Life After Dark (Messages of Hope) is currently available on Ukiyoto Publishing stores, Amazon, Google Books, Barnes&Noble and Smashwords.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/rhymesofPEG
https://www.facebook.com/CAPBikol
https://www.facebook.com/KURITLAGTING
To order:
https://www.ukiyoto.com/product-page/life-after-dark
https://www.ukiyotophilippines.com/product-page/life-after-dark
