A doctor’s memoirs and a children’s book about a magical journey will be launched during the 2026 Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.
Medicine and surgery alumna Dr. Irene Villanueva-Felipe turns her experiences in medicine into a memoir in her book “Please Be Patient: Moments That Gasp for Air.”
“I try to immerse the reader in my journey, showing the oft-unpublicized trials, sacrifices, and uncelebrated triumphs of those who have given their lives to what’s commonly called the ‘noble’ profession,” she told the Varsitarian.
Felipe aims to present a side of the medical field often left out of public view, including the struggles of pre-medical studies, medical school, residency and fellowship training.
A former ‘V’ literary writer, she grew up in a family of doctors and chose the accelerated biology program at UST over an English merit scholarship at Ateneo de Manila University.
Her book combines realism, honesty and dry humor through interactions between doctors and patients.
“Expect to laugh over things that didn’t happen to you, to cry over people you’ve never met, to ruminate endlessly over the human condition,” she added.
Dr. Alice Sun-Cua, a literary translator and fellow Thomasian physician, described the memoir as a close-up look at the humanity of medical doctors.
Felipe will sign copies on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Milflores Publishing booths 151-152 on the second floor.
Psychology alumna and former ‘V’ witness writer Henri Cimatu-Tolosa will debut her second children’s book, “Si Leona at ang Mahiwagang Bangka,” on Sunday, Sept. 13, at OMF Literature on Aisle 2F of the second floor.
The book follows 7-year-old Leona on a magical adventure with a tarsier, carabao, pangolin and pigeon as she tries to reunite with her mother.
Tolosa released her first children’s book, “Chino Tsinelas,” in 2025.
She has received recognition from the Southeast Asia Prix Jeunesse, Anak TV Sinebata Awards and KBP Golden Dove Awards. With reports from Psalmuel D. Reyes
