This is a rather belated post because we have not been anywhere near WiFi for about 4 days now. And it then takes an age for photos to upload. In any event, here are a few photos of Coconut Kitchen's Book Launch of the Year and belated congratulations to Regee on a job well done!
About an hour before the launch, Regee and her MC, Ige Ramos, discuss the program and who is going to say what. In the event, they went off script, forgot to stand or sit on the stage and performed brilliantly--like they did this every day!
So many friends, family and faithful supporters, along with the wonderful people from Anvil Publishing, National Bookstore, La Milagrosa Catering Services, IG Photography and Distilleria Limtuaco, turned up for the book launch in spite of a savage rainstorm and horrendous traffic.
Of course, no launch of a cook book would be complete without food. Here, Mama, Cris Abiva, Beth Romualdez and other participants work their way through several chafing dishes of local delicacies. The food was truly amazing thanks to La Milagrosa Catering Services.
Regee stands with some of her dear friends who have helped and supported her on the long journey.
From L to R: Paulo Valenzuela who did all the photography so beautifully. Regee. Alvin Reyes, of Serye Restaurants fame, and Vice President of CHOP. Ige Ramos, author, book designer, President of CHOP and l'uomo universale. Tina Diaz, the stylish food stylist who made Regee's dishes look even more malinamnam. Edgie Polistico, author of the first ever Filipino Culinary Dictionary. Ivan Man Dy, famous for his Binondo tours, foodie and CHOP member. Chef Tatung, one of Manila's finest chefs with three current restaurants and author of three (or four?) highly successful cook books and CHOP member. And the charming Clang Garcia, author of Philippine Food Holidays, CHOP member, and the only guest to take National Bookstore's "tropical theme" seriously!
Regee had a long list of people to thank. To great applause, she started with her Mom whom she said had given her the "cooking gene," had taught her to cook, and still had a lot more to teach her in her 93rd year. She also thanked her great-grandmother, Lola Andrea, who was the original Cooking Queen in the Pinga family.
As part of the program there was a quiz which tested the audience's knowledge of coconuts. The winners received prizes--either T-shirts or mugs with the Coconut Kitchen logo on the front. The mugs also contained a fridge magnet and a book mark. Let the promos begin.
Regee asked the caterers to cook two dishes from "Coconut Kitchen". They were a little reluctant to stray from their tried and true recipes but really outdid themselves. Above are the coconut meat balls in sweet and sour sauce.
Here are the oven-baked shrimps in tangy coconut sauce. Both these dishes disappeared very rapidly. Let's hope the books move just as quickly.
And where would Regee be without a little family support? From L to R: her nephew Jason, who was in charge of photography and videography, his girlfriend Chari, Ronnie, Ada, Mama, Marvie et moi (doing a little free advertising with my T-shirt).
A husband and wife team were in charge of the food production and service.
Regee with the photography team--were they making a movie? Actually, yes. Jason just gave us a flash drive yesterday with 300 photos and video highlights of the whole event. THANKS, Jason!
Regee had to sign a lot of books and has discovered that an author has to be pro-active on the marketing side. She just wished that she had had more time to be proactive around the food table!
With Tina and Paulo, Food Stylist and Photographer, at the end of the day
Regee was tickled pink that she was getting equal booking with the Pope at National Bookstore!
Finally! I want to say it is all over but Anvil Publishing reminded Regee that she still owes them one more book--Son or Daughter of Coconut Kitchen? Actually, it is to be called "Coconut Kitchen: Desserts, Snacks and Drinks". I do hope I can help on the drinks side! Lambanog, anyone?
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