Tessie Vibat, known by her pen name Lorna Ramirez, celebrated a significant milestone this week. On 19 October 2024, she launched her 7th book titled “My Heart & Soul” at the Avondale Heights Library, marking a decade since she began her writing journey with her debut book “My Innermost Thoughts”. The very next day, she celebrated her 80th birthday, surrounded by family, friends, and members of the Filipino-Australian community in Melbourne.
Lorna’s life is one marked by both professional success and personal fulfillment. Born and educated in Manila, she earned a degree in Chemical Engineering and worked as a laboratory manager before migrating to Australia with her husband, Claro, and their two children in 1977. After building a career as a laboratory technician and chemist, she retired in 2000 to care for her first grandchild.
Her near-death experience became a pivotal moment in her life, leading her to write and share her reflections through her books. Over the past ten years, Lorna has authored several works, including “My Passion, My Calling”, “Moments of Love, Lust and Ecstasy”, and now “My Heart & Soul”. These books continue to be available on Amazon and her website, lornasbook.com. Today, Lorna and Claro also celebrate another milestone—their 57th wedding anniversary, highlighting the enduring love and partnership they share.
In addition to her literary accomplishments, Lorna writes for The Philippine Times, offering readers her wisdom and insights shaped by her experiences as a migrant, mother, and woman of faith. Her remarkable journey reflects her resilience and deep observation of human behaviour, which have become the cornerstone of her writing.
Lorna’s contributions to the Filipino-Australian community in Melbourne remain invaluable, and her books serve as an inspiration for others navigating life’s challenges with grace and wisdom.
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Photos by George Gregorio
