By Vicky Ramirez Polon
An impressive turnout of book lovers, fans, family, and friends marked the launch of Lorna Ramirez’s third book Moments of Love, Lust and Ecstasy, which was held at Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre on 28 October 2017. A portion of the sale of this book goes to Lorna’s favourite charities: Beyond Blue and Breast Cancer Foundation.
After an introduction by Marie Franz, Lorna (aka Teresita Vibat) described her book “as a story of romance, forbidden love, and courage; a story of human sufferings, vulnerability and how choices we make change our lives”. She also quoted excerpts from the book. A unique thing about the novel is the inclusion of Lorna’s poems after each chapter which capture the emotions of the characters and pathos of the storyline. The book also deals with sensitive and relevant issues facing our society.
At 73 years of age, Lorna plans to write two more books including another novel in the next two years. She still finds time to be actively involved as a member of Australian Council of Multicultural Entrepreneurs, Filipino Get Together Association, Association of Filipino and Australian Families of Melbourne Social Club Inc. and Friendship of Elderly Filipino-Australians of Victoria Inc. She continues to inspire and to reach out to a greater audience with talks at elderly gatherings and her regular columns in The Philippine Times and Sydney Sentinel.
Growing up in the Philippines and having tight-knit, very religious families had shaped my conservative outlook and moral values of life. As I matured and had gone through different experiences, exposed to various kind of environments, my perspective on life changed. I do now realise that love, acceptance, and tolerance are the most important values in life. These are the very essence, and my near death experienced, inspired me to write my two books, My Innermost Thoughts published in 2014 and My Passion, My Calling published in 2015.
About the author
Lorna Ramirez. was born in Sorsogon, Philippines but grew up in Quezon City, Philippines. Both her parents passed away many years ago. She has two sisters, one living in New Jersey USA, and one here in Melbourne.
Finishing a degree in Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering had given Lorna the opportunity to work as a Laboratory and Mill Manager at the Solid Mills Textiles company. In here, she met her husband, an electrical engineer. In 1977. Ramirez along with her husband and their two children migrated to Australia. She was the first lady technician to work in Monsanto laboratory. After she qualified as a Chemical Engineer in Australia, she worked as an Industrial Chemist in one of the big oil companies in Victoria. She retired in 2000 to look after her first granddaughter.
After retirement
A sea change for Lorna, from a technical background to a writer, author, pianist, motivational speaker and lately a novelist. She could not believe that she was able to do all these. The Maggie de la Riva case in 1965 had inspired her to write her third book entitled Moments of Love, Lust, and Ecstasy.
About the book
Synopsis
After a traumatic experience at the hands of four men, Eliza Martinez leaves her family and home in the Philippines to find happiness in Australia. But tragedy again happens in her life. She must overcome all predicaments in order to pull through.
As a twist of fate makes her a victim of love, she realises the importance of having family and friends support during her journey. This is a story of romance, forbidden love, and courage. A story of human sufferings, vulnerability and how the choices we made change our lives.
Price
$25 per book
Contact
Tel. (03) 8325 1940
Email trvibat@iprimus.com.au
