Kapeng Arabo, a book by OFW for OFWs, off the press

(This is the press released from that appeared on People's Journal On-line edition.)

Kapeng Arabo, a book written by an overseas Filipino worker for overseas Filipino workers and their relatives was finally launched in a simple gathering at the Temple Bar in Greenbelt 2 Makati on Thursday.

Manny Garcia, who flew in from Saudi Arabia for the grand launch said the book is now available in any National Book Store and Powerbooks. He said orders have started coming from some parts of the world.

In a mini press briefing after the launch, Garcia said the book, which he said is a product of years of experiences in Saudi Arabia, chronicles his personal experiences and observations on the life of Filipino workers in Saudi.

He said an OFW or his or here family could relate to the stories that were written in Filipino.“Actually, this book mirrors the aspiration, longing, frustration, happiness of an OFW and how he copes up in every given situation,” he said.

The book, he said is an honest to goodness portrayal of what really goes on in Saudi, “something that has never been told in any conversation.”The book, he said, does not delve on the dramatic and traumatic experiences of Filipino workers that have been depicted in tear-jerking tele-novelas and movies.

“There are many more things that have not been told in some discussions. I intend to tell the readers some things that are new to them like how the Marimar phenomenon, stories about the gym, the giant network war among others,” he said.He said the book deals mostly on the life of a Filipino who finds himself in a completely different world where he came from, “but more on the fun side.”

“I see this as an escape from boredom and the daily trials faced by an OFW,” he said.

Asked why the title, he said Kapeng Arabo, as the title suggests “is a coffe table book written in Saudi Arabia by a Filipino.”“It is full of symbolism, I took it from the Filipino’s penchant for coffee while having friendly chat. It normally happens any time of the day. Often, the subjects of discussion are one’s experiences and how he was able to come out unscathed in a very difficult fix,” he said.

“Kapeng Arabo is kwentuhang Arab; mga kwentong Saudi,” he said.

(Here's the link: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-10-23&sec=4&aid=76139)