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Twenty new books published by the University of Santo Tomas Publishing House (USTPH), covering a wide range of subjects, from ancient Filipino folk wisdom to geriatric medicine were launched simultaneously last September in time for the International Book Fair at the Mall of Asia’s SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
One of these is journalist-educator Nestor Cuartero’s first book, ‘At Large, At Leisure.’ The book, with a cover drawing by Michael P. Blanco and book design by Bong Bundang, contains journalistic pieces on the environment, travel, the passing scene, the arts, written in human interest style. Many of the articles first came out in Philippine Panorama, the Sunday magazine of the Manila Bulletin, where the author writes regularly.
‘At Large, At Leisure,’ Cuartero says, is his humble offering to students of journalism and communication, who may find the articles useful in their search for a voice. The author is a faculty member of the Faculty of Arts and Letters of the University of Santo Tomas, where he is also the coordinator of its Journalism Department.
Cuartero has his share of journalism awards, among them the grand prize in Primer Premio de Periodismo given by Instituto Cervantes in 2000, first prize in the La Sallian Scholarum Awards for coverage of youth and education issues in 2007, and a 1977 PATAS Award (Philippine Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) for outstanding writer in a documentary program.
Of the book, here are a few words from the cover blurb.
Jullie Yap Daza, columnist of the Manila Bulletin: ‘As the variety of his subjects in this book proves, Nestor Cuartero dabbles in everything from rain to firetrees, bamboo to yacon, global warming to praying the rosary; and as he moves from history to religion and art, it looks like he’s loving every minute and every multi-facet of it. The book shows where Nestor’s heart lies. The curiousity that drives him, the care with which he stitches his facts and paragraphs together, the simplicity and clarity that shine through.’
Mario A. Hernando, editor of Saturday Malaya: ‘Neatly written, charming little pieces reassure us that the art of the essay isn’t extinct, that there are holdovers from an older, gentler world to keep the flame burning. The pieces in this collection are thoughtful, simple, lyrical, illuminating, as to have come only from a contemplative mind and a caring heart.’
Rina Jimenez David, columnist of Philippine Daily Inquirer: ‘Nestor Cuartero’s collection of features written for Panorama Magazine is as good a ‘textbook’ as one can find. The book ‘teaches’ that there is no subject matter, no event or issue beyond the reach of the well-written feature. Nestor manages to imbue every article—be it on global warming, malunggay noodles or the impact of prayer on one’s longevity—with human interest and immediacy. Every piece provokes curiosity, incites involvement, challenges the intellect.’
UST Publishing House Director Prof. John Jack Wigley says the 20 new books are in line with UST’s goal to publish 400 titles before the university’s quadricentennial celebration in 2011.
“AT LARGE, AT LEISURE” is available in UST Bookstore and selected National Bookstore branches.
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