Celia Tibayan-Austria, an outstanding Education alumna of the Philippine Women’s University (PWU), will launch her book, “Valuing Culture: Source of Pride and Strength,” on Aug. 30, 3 p.m., at the PWU Conrado Benitez Hall, Taft Ave., Manila.

 

Guests of honor are former senator and now PWU board chair Helena Z. Benitez; Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza; and Amelou B. Reyes, president of Philippine Women’s College of Davao.

 

A former member of the world-renowned Philippine Bayanihan National Dance Company, Austria in her book chronicles her involvement for 30 years in promoting and preserving Filipino heritage through songs, dances and music among Filipino-Americans, Native Americans, Asians and Caucasians in Seattle, US.

 

With her late husband, Andy Austria, she devoted her life and resources teaching Filipino values and culture among Filipino-Americans and other Americans.

 

The couple were also into community service through the Mabuhay Dancers of Bainbridge Island and the Filipino Ancestry International, which they had founded.

 

During the book launch, Austria’s creative works in dance, music and song, titled “Merging Cultures on Filipino Native America Perspective,” will have its premiere. It will be performed by the PWU High School Ensemble under Pinky Romulo and Ellen Pineda.

 

Guest performers are male student dancers of the Lakandula High School of Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila.