Velasco’s 2 new books off-the-press
Two inspiring historical biographies, one of Congressman Simeon Marcos Valdez, uncle of former Presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Ferdinand E. Marcos, and the other of Josefa Jara Martinez, the country’s pioneer professional social worker,and mother of First Lady Amelita “Ming” M. Ramos, will be launched separately on February 18 and April 14 respectively this year.
The two coffee table books “Uncle Sim: The Life and Times of Simeon Marcos Valdez” and “Mommy: The Life and Times of Josefa Jara Martinez” – are both authored by biographer Melandrew T. Velasco, considered “the family biographer of the Ramos, Valdez and Martinez clans.”
Only 41, Velasco has already authored and published three books namely: “An Enduring Legacy: The Life and Times of Ambassador Narciso R. Ramos,” “In A Class of Her Own: The Life and Times of Angela Valdez Ramos,” and “Jacinta: A Filipino-Japanese Saga” chronicling the life and times of Jacinta Nambu Sanchez Bravo, mother of Brig. Gen. Francisco S. Bravo (ret).
Velasco says both are inspiring and a “must read” for scholars, historians, World War II veterans and their descendants, students and public servants.
“Uncle Sim” chronicles the heroic life of Simeon Marcos Valdez, who at 90, is World War II hero who fought in Bataan, survived the infamous Death March and incarceration at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac, helped in the liberation of Abra and Ilocos Norte and fought victoriously in the Battle of Bessang Pass.
Velasco’s other book is on Josefa Jara Martinez (January 21, 1894-April 14, 1987) which is a tribute to the country’s first and pioneering professional social worker. Endearingly called “Mommy” by friends and associates, Josefa Martinez wore many hats as a teacher, mother, book author, social worker, champion of women’s and children’s welfare, suffragette, community development worker, institution and nation builder.
Last year, the Dagupan City government and Sangguniang Panlungsod cited Velasco for his authorship of “In A Class of Her Own: The Life and Times of Angela Valdez Ramos,” mother of former President Fidel V. Ramos and former Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani.
Mayor Benjamin Lim cited Velasco for his authorship of several historical books, including his participation and contribution in the publication of the NanDaragupan coffeetable book.
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