Building
Manila-happy memories of my literary session at the University of Santo Tomas on 21st October with my wonderful hosts Cristina Hidalgo, Dr. Joyce Arriola and the rest of the literature department. Santo Tomas is the Catholic university of the Philippines & its one of the oldest. It was a privilege to visit it and a golden opportunity as a Muslim to connect with a Catholic audience. Pictures are of the campus and building where I was hosted.
Prayer and Anthem
As its a Catholic university we started with prayers. I was touched by the fact that the prayer was adapted for my session. A lovely prayer. I enjoyed standing up and listening to the national anthem.
My Hosts
Here are some of my wonderful hosts who went to a lot of effort in organising a marvelous programme for me, I really appreciated it.
My session
Overall a wonderful session with lovely speeches by my hosts, as well as review/ critical appraisal of my novel – ‘The Holy Woman’ by one of the staff members. Reading from my work and discussion.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the staff and students of literature. I enjoyed interacting with them and answering their questions. It was a packed gathering with lively and interested students and about a dozen staff members.
No session is complete without a group photo and a shy selfie!
Book Signing
Happily signing books for staff and students & answering questions at the end of the session – we sold a lot! Thanks to my publishers ‘Arcadia Books’ for getting the books out to Manila!
Certificates
Beautiful certificate presented to me for my session on ‘Using Literature as a Tool to Build Bridges, Raise Awareness about Gender Issues and Promote Intercultural Dialogue‘.
Dinner
The university also hosted a dinner for us after the session. I enjoyed the meal and the company of all the staff and of course of Prof. Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo who is a friend and a member of Asia Pacific Writers and Translators and Dean of ‘Creative Writing Studies’.
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