SWEDEN – Multi-awarded Filipino writer Miguel Syjuco recently launched the Swedish version of his book “Ilustrado” in Stockholm.
Balitang Europe reported that this is the 15th time that his book was translated into another language. (Related story: Miguel Syjuco's 'Ilustrado' impresses UK critics)
“Very proud as a Filipino to know that we have Filipino representatives in literature and I hope we get more of these people," Angelo Fredriksson, Filipino Youth Organizer, said.
Filipinos and foreigners waited in line to buy his book and to have the novel autographed by the Pinoy writer.
“It’s the best gift for my family and Swedish friends," said conference hostess Jeannette Lunderg. The New York Times recently named it as one of the top 100 books for the year (Related story: 'Ilustrado' joins top 100 books of NYTimes for 2010)
Philippine Ambassador to Sweden Zenaida Angara Collinsson was likewise proud of the extensive media coverage that the book launch received.
“Ito ay malaking karangalan para sa atin. Ang coverage niya dito ay very extensive, and for the first time, we had major dailies writing positive news, mabubuting bagay tungkol kay Miguel Syjuco at sa kanyang obra maestra na 'Ilustrado',” Ambassador Collinsson said.
Syjuco is grateful for the warm welcome he received in Sweden. He said his novel mirrors the events that happened in the Philippines.
Furthermore, he is confident that President Benigno Aquino III will instill the much needed reforms in the country.
“Personally, I think he is the most qualified and the most well-meaning among all of them,” Syjuco said.
"Illustrado" won the 2009 Man Asian Literary Prize and the grand prize in the 2008 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.
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