book 1: what we know for sure
This book is the result of what I saw and heard during the many years in the Philippines as I prepared to immigrate and the years since I came to America. It is a compilation of stories from myself and others who came to the United States and the lessons we learned along the way. My mission is to give hope, comfort, and support to future immigrant families as they face the challenges of immigrating.
What We Know For Sure features Filipino U.S. Embassy employees who provided long, faithful, and valuable service to the United States Government. In this book, they share the process of coming to America and the truth behind the hard work and sacrifices it takes to stay. It was written for potential immigrants and immigrants, no matter what stage of the process they are in. These stories are here to comfort, inspire, educate, and guide any immigrant throughout his or her journey to the land of the free.
I recently fulfilled my “Mission Africa” and was inspired to create another mission called “Mission Philippines" which was eventually the impetus for this first book.
What We Know For Sure features Filipino U.S. Embassy employees who provided long, faithful, and valuable service to the United States Government. In this book, they share the process of coming to America and the truth behind the hard work and sacrifices it takes to stay. It was written for potential immigrants and immigrants, no matter what stage of the process they are in. These stories are here to comfort, inspire, educate, and guide any immigrant throughout his or her journey to the land of the free.
I recently fulfilled my “Mission Africa” and was inspired to create another mission called “Mission Philippines" which was eventually the impetus for this first book.
“Readers will find their stories informative and heart rendering. A testament to their individual and collective determination to build better lives in America for themselves and their families. They remind us of the importance of humility in starting over in a new land while at the same time demonstrating perseverance amid health scares, loss of family in the Philippines, and career challenges."
--- Harry K. Thomas, Jr. ---
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines (Retired)
--- Harry K. Thomas, Jr. ---
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines (Retired)
let's hear it from the readers.
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Five-star on Readers' Favorite!
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Journeys of Courage: The Immigrant's Quest for the American Dream
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5 Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2024 on Amazon.com
"As an immigrant myself, the stories Lia presents struck a profound chord with me. The initial exhilaration of embarking on a new journey, the poignant farewells to family and friends, and the daunting vastness of the unknown—her words vividly brought these universal emotions to life. The early challenges, the landmark firsts, and the step-by-step realization of dreams mirrored my own path in an uncanny reflection of shared experiences across different worlds.
5.0 out of 5 stars Sacrifice Is The Essence of Commitment
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2020 on Amazon.com
"What I have found most inspiring from the book, is the relentless faith of these people. When faced with humbling work options and housing arrangements, in the United States, they stayed positive and focused on their goals to give their children a better life. Some even faced illness and yet still held on to their faith.
"I really recommend this book to anyone who Is growth-oriented. Change is uncomfortable and you may face opposition and or disappointment, but never lose faith, remain focused on the finish line. Sometimes you even have to make uncomfortable sacrifices, but sacrifice is the essence of commitment."
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars.
· 2 months ago on Barnes and Noble
Inspirational
“What We Know for Sure” is a terrific read. The writing is outstanding. Lia and the authors tell complex and fascinating stories about their immigration to America following years of service in U.S. Embassy Manila. It is a moving book because the authors explain their struggles and successes as they make new lives.
"Their work is to be commended. I appreciated their enthusiasm for and pride in the their new lives that do not come without heartbreak and homesickness. At a time when some question the value of legal immigration that has long been the foundation of much of our nation’s greatness, these new Americans are a testament to the importance and contributions of immigrants."
The Book that We Need Nowadays
Submitted 1 month ago on Books-a-Million
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
"This book speaks so much about inspiring others so that they can become the best versions of themselves. It is not just about leaving the motherland and embracing a foreign country with all its newness. It is about the struggles of people who want to win in life and face the insurmountable. The life hacks of real people in this book are collectible gems. Accolades to Lia for creating this fantastic literary work.
"Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend to a friend."
“Congratulations on the book! Great job - very inspiring.”
-Vince Avena, Philippines (former CNN iReporter)
“I'm so happy for you! You've gone a long way! This is amazing Lia! Happy to support you in any way.”
-Jay de Jesus, Singapore (social media strategist, US Embassy)
“I love the way you accomplish whatever you set your mind to do! So proud of you!”
-Debbie Isaacs, New York (real estate broker)
“Congratulations. Very interesting. The stories you share in the book are wonderful.”
-Debra Johnson, Minneapolis (Endeavor Air, inflight training manager)
“𝖢𝗈𝗇𝗀𝗋𝖺𝗍𝗎𝗅𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗂𝗇𝗌𝗉𝗂𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄! 𝖨 𝖺𝗆 𝗌𝗈 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝗎𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎, 𝗆𝗒 𝖿𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖽.”
-Minda Abaya-Borbon, Texas (entrepreneur, Best of Filipiniana)
“I am crying while reading your story.. looking back at all the hardship I’ve been through.. we indeed made it here.. dreams will continue to be realized and more dreams will be on our way.. we are never too old, nor too low to reach and achieve those dreams.. congratulations to this artwork. You are my very good friend, I KNOW THAT FOR SURE.”
- John Culala, New York (flight attendant)
“Author Lia, love your book, “What We Know For Sure.” Great inspirational stories of Filipino immigrants! We love having a talented Filipina like you sharing about other experiences of other Filipinos. Keep on writing about the Filipino immigrants in America.”
-Melviona Thomson, Florida (Southern Region Chair, National Federation of Filipino American Associations)
“I really loved the book. It made me tear up at points and laugh at others. All immigrants have a story to be told and I’m so impressed by the way you freely explained your journey. So uplifting.”
- Josh Woodard (pilot)
"Lia’s genuine kindness shines through to everyone who meets her, especially through her co-workers, and her passengers. And this led her to write the book “What We Know For Sure” to gather the stories of immigrants for future immigrants. She wrote her book with the intent, once again, to help."
- Yna Capatayan, (Trade & Investment Associate, Dept. of Int’l. Trade, Houston, Texas)
"The stories of Filipino immigrants she shared in her book were just a glimpse of many inspirational stories that enlighten readers to work hard and never give up in life.”
- Belinda Limlingan (accounting technician, City of Charleston, South Carolina)
"Her first book, What We Know for Sure: Inspirational Stories of Special Immigrants in America, is an admirable piece of work. She indeed promotes a positive image of Filipinos in America, particularly in our company. I am proud of her.”
- Eugenio Joaquin (regional crew manager, Endeavor Air, JFK, New York)
“Lia did an excellent job of finding these families who generously shared their intimate stories. This book provides practical tips to those who are planning to migrate, or those who are starting a new life here in the US.”
- Deo Blando (economic self-sufficiency specialist, Department of Children and Families, Jacksonville, Florida)
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5 Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2024 on Amazon.com
"As an immigrant myself, the stories Lia presents struck a profound chord with me. The initial exhilaration of embarking on a new journey, the poignant farewells to family and friends, and the daunting vastness of the unknown—her words vividly brought these universal emotions to life. The early challenges, the landmark firsts, and the step-by-step realization of dreams mirrored my own path in an uncanny reflection of shared experiences across different worlds.
5.0 out of 5 stars Sacrifice Is The Essence of Commitment
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2020 on Amazon.com
"What I have found most inspiring from the book, is the relentless faith of these people. When faced with humbling work options and housing arrangements, in the United States, they stayed positive and focused on their goals to give their children a better life. Some even faced illness and yet still held on to their faith.
"I really recommend this book to anyone who Is growth-oriented. Change is uncomfortable and you may face opposition and or disappointment, but never lose faith, remain focused on the finish line. Sometimes you even have to make uncomfortable sacrifices, but sacrifice is the essence of commitment."
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars.
· 2 months ago on Barnes and Noble
Inspirational
“What We Know for Sure” is a terrific read. The writing is outstanding. Lia and the authors tell complex and fascinating stories about their immigration to America following years of service in U.S. Embassy Manila. It is a moving book because the authors explain their struggles and successes as they make new lives.
"Their work is to be commended. I appreciated their enthusiasm for and pride in the their new lives that do not come without heartbreak and homesickness. At a time when some question the value of legal immigration that has long been the foundation of much of our nation’s greatness, these new Americans are a testament to the importance and contributions of immigrants."
The Book that We Need Nowadays
Submitted 1 month ago on Books-a-Million
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
"This book speaks so much about inspiring others so that they can become the best versions of themselves. It is not just about leaving the motherland and embracing a foreign country with all its newness. It is about the struggles of people who want to win in life and face the insurmountable. The life hacks of real people in this book are collectible gems. Accolades to Lia for creating this fantastic literary work.
"Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend to a friend."
“Congratulations on the book! Great job - very inspiring.”
-Vince Avena, Philippines (former CNN iReporter)
“I'm so happy for you! You've gone a long way! This is amazing Lia! Happy to support you in any way.”
-Jay de Jesus, Singapore (social media strategist, US Embassy)
“I love the way you accomplish whatever you set your mind to do! So proud of you!”
-Debbie Isaacs, New York (real estate broker)
“Congratulations. Very interesting. The stories you share in the book are wonderful.”
-Debra Johnson, Minneapolis (Endeavor Air, inflight training manager)
“𝖢𝗈𝗇𝗀𝗋𝖺𝗍𝗎𝗅𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗂𝗇𝗌𝗉𝗂𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄! 𝖨 𝖺𝗆 𝗌𝗈 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝗎𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎, 𝗆𝗒 𝖿𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖽.”
-Minda Abaya-Borbon, Texas (entrepreneur, Best of Filipiniana)
“I am crying while reading your story.. looking back at all the hardship I’ve been through.. we indeed made it here.. dreams will continue to be realized and more dreams will be on our way.. we are never too old, nor too low to reach and achieve those dreams.. congratulations to this artwork. You are my very good friend, I KNOW THAT FOR SURE.”
- John Culala, New York (flight attendant)
“Author Lia, love your book, “What We Know For Sure.” Great inspirational stories of Filipino immigrants! We love having a talented Filipina like you sharing about other experiences of other Filipinos. Keep on writing about the Filipino immigrants in America.”
-Melviona Thomson, Florida (Southern Region Chair, National Federation of Filipino American Associations)
“I really loved the book. It made me tear up at points and laugh at others. All immigrants have a story to be told and I’m so impressed by the way you freely explained your journey. So uplifting.”
- Josh Woodard (pilot)
"Lia’s genuine kindness shines through to everyone who meets her, especially through her co-workers, and her passengers. And this led her to write the book “What We Know For Sure” to gather the stories of immigrants for future immigrants. She wrote her book with the intent, once again, to help."
- Yna Capatayan, (Trade & Investment Associate, Dept. of Int’l. Trade, Houston, Texas)
"The stories of Filipino immigrants she shared in her book were just a glimpse of many inspirational stories that enlighten readers to work hard and never give up in life.”
- Belinda Limlingan (accounting technician, City of Charleston, South Carolina)
"Her first book, What We Know for Sure: Inspirational Stories of Special Immigrants in America, is an admirable piece of work. She indeed promotes a positive image of Filipinos in America, particularly in our company. I am proud of her.”
- Eugenio Joaquin (regional crew manager, Endeavor Air, JFK, New York)
“Lia did an excellent job of finding these families who generously shared their intimate stories. This book provides practical tips to those who are planning to migrate, or those who are starting a new life here in the US.”
- Deo Blando (economic self-sufficiency specialist, Department of Children and Families, Jacksonville, Florida)
Get WHAT WE KNOW FOR SURE ON
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
BOOKS-A-MILLION
EBOOK: APPLE BOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE, KOBO, SCRIBD, KINDLE
ONLINE: CENTRAL BOOKS, SHOPEE, AND LAZADA
PHILIPPINE STORES:
SOLIDARIDAD BOOK SHOP (MANILA)
AVALON.PH (QUEZON CITY)
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Ways to pay:
1. PayPal account [email protected]
2. Western Union account number 457 961 528
3. ZELLE via phone number (904) 612 1916
1. PayPal account [email protected]
2. Western Union account number 457 961 528
3. ZELLE via phone number (904) 612 1916