The UP Alumni Association - Netherlands Chapter, in partnership with the Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague, will host a book reading event on 28 September, Wednesday, 5:00 P.M., featuring the book “Chasing Windmills” by Maria Ophelia “Maya” Butalid-Echaves.
Ms. Butalid will read excerpts from the book to be followed by reviews and reactions from Prof. Patricio “Jojo” Abinales, Ph.D., of the Department of Asian Studies of the University of Hawaii-Manoa, and Dr. Chei Billedo of the University of Amsterdam.
The book has been described as “a fascinating collection of stories following the journey of Maya Butalid, born in 1957 in Cebu City, Philippines. When studying at the University of the Philippines, she became a Philippine political activist against the dictatorship. She was sent to the Netherlands to work as an activist from 1983 to 1993. Here she learnt Dutch and graduated from Tilburg University with a Masters in Psychology. Maya courageously tells of the challenges of living as a migrant in a foreign country, marriage and bringing up her Filipino daughters in The Netherlands and her various undertakings to help with the refugee crises around the world. She describes the beautiful and challenging walking routes of the Four Days Marches of Nijmegen to raise awareness and funds for refugees and her brave battle with cancer. ”
In his Foreword to the book, Mr. Edicio dela Torre wrote “what are new to me and fascinating are her stories and insights about being integrated into Dutch society, both as a citizen and as part of local governance in Tilburg…They are valuable contributions to those working with migrants, immigrants and refugees.”
Those who wish to attend the book reading event on 28 September, 5:00 PM, at the Embassy of the Philippines, Laan Copes van Cattenburch 125, are requested to send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and await confirmation of seat reservation. The event will also be streamed live on the Embassy’s official facebook page (@PHinTheNetherlands).
Copies of the book are available at https://olympiapublishers.com/books/chasing-windmills. It is also available at https://www.waterstones.com/.../maya-butalid/9781800740860; https://www.barnesandnoble.com/.../chasing.../1141703698...; and https://www.bookdepository.com/Chasing.../9781800740860.// END
