Philippines-Italy ties celebrated in new coffee table book

When people think of Italy, many ordinary Filipinos immediately associate it with the deep relationship Filipinos have with the Catholic faith. When it comes to food, pasta or spaghetti often comes to mind. And when it comes to luxury cars, the Ferrari is a common point of reference. And in the world of music, the legendary Luciano Pavarotti is often associated with Italy.

Aside from these cultural connections, thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Italy have made significant contributions to the development of the country. The deep bond between Italy and the Philippines is evident in people-to-people connections, culture, and the economy.

Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Marco Clemente emphasized the importance of OFWs in Italy, saying, "Filipinos are like family, and this is crucial for our economy and social fabric. People often think of Filipino workers in Europe as domestic helpers, but it's not just that. We also have nurses and professionals. It's important because we identify with them."

To celebrate the profound relationship between Italy and the Philippines, the Italian Embassy in the Philippines recently launched a coffee table book titled "Philippines-Italy Rising Together 1947-2022." This book showcases 80 personal stories related to the heritage and culture of both countries.

The launch of "Philippines-Italy Rising Together" was timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations.

This anthology takes readers on a journey through the shared history, cultural exchanges, and enduring bond between the Philippines and Italy. It celebrates the fusion of Filipino and Italian identities and highlights the continuous efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties.

The coffee table book explores various fields, including bilateral relations, cultural fusion, cuisine, performing arts, Italian cinema, sports, and diplomatic cooperation. Within its pages, readers will find intriguing narratives such as Lisa Guerrero-Nakpil's story about the Italian scholar and explorer Antonio Pigafetta. Pigafetta paid his way to join Ferdinand Magellan's "Armada of the Molucca" in 1519, which led to the discovery of the Philippines.

These compelling literary works, including the story of Pigafetta, showcase the rich Italian culture and its influence on the Philippines.

This remarkable collection of stories serves as a testament to the deep relationship and meaningful connections between Italy and the Philippines. It paints a vivid picture of the ties that bind these two nations together and highlights their joint efforts in rising together towards a brighter future.

The coffee table book “Philippines-Italy Rising Together” is not for sale but an  electronic version of the book can be accessed here. —KG, GMA Integrated News