Mona Liza Santos
STORIES IN THE COMMUNITY
The inaugural Kwento at Kulay (Story and Color) at Seafood City Chula Vista, July 11, 2026 — sharing Filipino stories, cultural traditions, and meaningful moments with families.
Some of my favorite moments as an author happen outside the pages of my books. There’s something special about meeting families, reading with children, and seeing people come together over a story. Those moments remind me that books can do more than entertain. They can start conversations, celebrate traditions, and create memories that stay with us.
Through World Love Press, I’ve been finding ways to bring storytelling into everyday community spaces, making books and meaningful learning experiences part of places where families already gather.
One experience especially close to my heart was helping launch the very first Kwento at Kulay (Story and Color) at Seafood City Chula Vista in July 2026. We brought Filipino children’s literature, storytelling, and creative activities into a neighborhood grocery store, giving families a chance to enjoy stories while celebrating their heritage. Seeing my book, The Filipino in Me: Celebrating What Makes Us Proud, become part of that experience meant a great deal to me. The event received wonderful feedback from Seafood City’s team, along with interest in bringing the program to other locations.
I’ve also had the pleasure of sharing my books through bookstore appearances, including a storytime and book signing at Barnes & Noble Torrance, where I read Mama, I Love You and The Filipino in Me. I always enjoy meeting the children and families who come to these events. It’s one thing to write a story at home, but getting to share it with people in person is a completely different experience.
These moments have reminded me that learning and connection don’t always have to happen inside a classroom. A bookstore, grocery store, library, or neighborhood gathering place can become somewhere children discover a new story, learn about their culture, or simply enjoy spending time with family.
I’d love to continue working with schools, libraries, bookstores, cultural organizations, and other community partners to bring storytelling, emotional learning, and cultural understanding into more children’s lives. I also welcome opportunities to work with fellow authors and help create spaces where more stories can be shared.
For me, it’s never been just about sharing my books in different places. What matters most are the children and families I meet, the conversations we have, and the connections we make along the way.