06/09/2026
📖✨ “Words become the notes that never fade, remaining long after the choir has left the stage.” 🏘❤
Last Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Ateneo Lingua Ars Cultura (ALAC) was privileged to be invited by Instituto Cervantes, the world's largest public organization dedicated to teaching Spanish and promoting Hispanic culture. We gathered at their Intramuros, Manila branch for the book presentation and discussion of 𝘔𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘪-𝘒𝘖: 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘭 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘭 𝘌𝘭 𝘙𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘭 (Mosai-KO: Fifteen Stories from the El Raval Neighborhood).
𝘔𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘪-𝘒𝘖 is a Spanish anthology written by 14 Hispanic-Filipino members of Barcelona’s Kudyapi Children’s Choir. The short stories of the children, aged 11-24, detailed their unique experiences in the city's neighborhood of El Raval.
Hearing the discussion from Mr. Nats Sisma Villaluna, the community leader and choir director, and Benjamin Elaydo, one of the young authors, was an incredible experience. A highlight of the evening was listening to them read excerpts from the book. We loved how the stories truly captured the essence of Filipino diaspora, while breathing life and humanization into the El Raval neighborhood the kids consider their refuge and their home.
📚🥰 Muchísimas gracias, Instituto Cervantes de Manila for an evening of beautiful literature and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue! 🇵🇭🇪🇸
