Just last month, J. Nava Cruz, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia, has finally published in Manila his first book, “OFWs Behind the Curtains” (Mga OFWs sa Likod ng Kurtina).  The book includes various published/unpublished short stories, essays, advocacy-write-ups, commentaries, news reports, poems and songs the author has written in English and Pilipino, which mainly focused on the stories of various overseas Filipino workers.  
 
According to Nava Cruz, he believes that the life experiences of our unsung heroes, the OFWs, and where he belongs, have an array of colorful narratives that can be told over and over again and which can withstand the test and passing of Father Time.  He also noted that his first book  suits the taste and triggers the reading consciousness of the majority of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families back home. 
 
The book is now available at the Central Bookstore SM Mega Mall 5^th Level, Building A in Ortigas; also in Cebu City at Cebu GV Building, P. Del Rosario Street; in Davao at Aldevinco Shopping Center, Roxas Avenue; in Iloilo City at Robinson’s Place and in Cagayan de Oro City at West Concourse Limketkai Mall. 
 
Moreover, Nava Cruz is steadfastly wrapping-up his second book, “The Desert Roses” which is scheduled for publication and launching in Manila towards the first quarter of 2011; a book he considers very close to his heart.  “The Desert Roses” is  another bilingual book written in English and Pilipino containing numerous special short stories and commentaries based on his various personal experiences and accounts with other OFWs during his almost two-decade of working and living in the Middle East.  He intends to capture “The Desert Roses” stories into independent short films afterwards.  Nava Cruz emphasized that the proceeds of his first ‘two books’ will be given to other OFWs and their families who are in dire need of financial assistance. 
 
Among the list of individuals Nava Cruz would like to thank includes:   Mr. Joseph N. Jacir of North Carolina, U.S.A., Mr. Bhoy Biazon of Abante Middle East in Bahrain, Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Flores of Munting Nayon The Netherlands, Mr. Robert C. Bryant of Wales, U.K., Mr. Sami Anjum Junairy of NWFP, Pakistan, Mr. Mario Tuscan N. Nas of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA – Manila), the entire Pinoy Sining Group (The Filipinos for Arts & Culture), The Embassy of the Philippines in Riyadh in addition to his long list of close friends, family members, professional mentors and colleagues.     
 
Jamie Nava Cruz, II is a freelance writer/documentarist, orator, artist, community leader and an aspiring filmmaker/composer.  – (Pinoy Sining Press Release – Riyadh, K.S.A) 

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine