Rockwell Tent, Makati City
26 November 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III graced the launching of Thelma Sioson San Juan’s lifestyle profiles book entitled “Why I Am Afraid Of Heights (or Why I Can’t Social Climb) held at the Rockwell Tent, Makati City.

In his speech, President Aquino said that the book embodies several Filipino icons (in the field of arts, fashion and lifestyle in general), who serve as the “living snapshots” and moulded the country’s story.

He also stated that the country is in need of more writers like Thelma and more books like the one being launched at the event. According to the President, works such as this permit and separate the public life from their caricatures or false impressions.

“At a time when politicians are treated as commodities rather than initiators of change, Thelma brings us back to the substance of the people she covers. Think of it: in her articles, she gives you that telling detail, that revealing nuance, that gives you more multi-dimensional glimpse into the person,” he said.

President Aquino praised Ms. Thelma’s means to acquaint the Filipinos to who these people really are. He said that the core value of her book is its ability to introduce real lives to the people.

“This book allows us to hope that future readers can gain small nuggets of wisdom-lessons that can change the way they see things, and help them on their way to moving our country forward,” he ended.

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