Apicha CEO launches poetry book in NYC, a poetry of witness to inclusion struggles
By Marivir Montebon
New York – The launch of the poetry book ‘Parañaque to New York City: Fifty Poems’ flowed splendidly on the evening of October 24 in downtown Manhattan - a full circle moment for author Therese Rodriguez, a civil rights champion and CEO of Apicha Community Health Center (CHC).
Steadfast in her activism for public health and human rights, Rodriguez is also known for her visionary leadership and untiring commitment to the growth of Apicha (CHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center serving the underserved communities of Manhattan and Queens.
Book author Therese Rodriguez (right) with publisher Joy Buensalido (left) and Sheila Coronel, writer of the foreword.
Rodriguez: “I hope that my work in Apicha will stand the test of time and serve as a legacy for generations to come.”
In her opening remarks, Rodriguez said, “I hope that my work in Apicha will stand the test of time and help serve as a legacy for generations to come.” Her poetry, which began much later, was a creative way to balance her demanding life in New York.
“Poetry allows me to meander, to take a snapshot of the moment. I find the writing process empowering. It makes me completely honest and vulnerable,” she told an audience of about 70 people.
But Rodriguez’s poems were only meant to be kept to herself and shared selectively with friends.
It was her childhood friend Joy Buensalido who offered to publish her book through her company, Buensalido Public Relations and Communications. After some time of hesitation and discernment, Rodriguez finally agreed to work on her first creative book in 2022, which was published in 2023.
The well-attended book launch at The Door, which collaborates with Broome Street Academy, a SUNY-authorized charter high school, was a testimony of the respect and excitement her circle of friends, family, and colleagues have for her.
Therese signs a copy of her book for friend Keith Murray, a massage therapist on the U.S. Davis Cup Team.
Selfie with Ira Rothblut, CFO of Apicha, as an enthralled Li Hung Lin, co-chairperson of Apicha Board of Directors, watches.
A warm welcome
Kelsey Louie, CEO of The Door and co-sponsor of the book event, officially welcomed guests to its sprawling space.
The Door CEO Kelsey Louie says he has been silently been mentored and inspired by Therese as a civil rights advocate.
He confided in an enthused audience how he had silently been mentored and inspired by Therese as a civil rights advocate while listening to her many speeches at Apicha CHC’s galas.
Louie has more than 20 years of experience in social work and advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities in the academe and health sector. Early on that night, he announced an exciting surprise: The Door was purchasing 100 copies of the book. Proceeds of the book will go to the service programs of Apicha CHC.
The event’s co-sponsors included the AIDS Center of Queens County, Amida Care, Apicha Community Health Center, CAI Global, the Filipino American Press Club of New York, SAGE, The Alliance for Positive Change, and Women and Media.
A fun-filled poetry reading
The evening’s poetry readings offered a mix of voices that highlighted Rodriguez’s work. Before Rodriguez shared her own poems, “Stones” and “Ode to Apicha,” Sheila Coronel, journalist and director of the Toni Stabile Investigative Journalism Center at Columbia University, and Louie each read selected poems.
The poems cracked up the audience, especially because they were delivered impressively by Coronel and Louie, like professional actors reading their lines on movie scripts.
Coronel read “Aha!”, the author’s recollection of her early naïve days in New York City waiting for her bus and having to be randomly asked where she came from.
Louie warned the audience that he was nervous, joking that he felt like an opening act for Taylor Swift. He chose to read “Alphabet, Not for Prime Time.”
The poems and their delivery resonated deeply with the audience, drawing out laughter as well as moments of reflection on the shared immigrant experience.
Therese Rodriguez signs a copy of her book for immigration lawyer Licelle Cobrador.
Therese with Kimberleigh J. Smith, EVP of Policy and Advocacy at Callen-Lorde, and Betsy Crenshaw
The poetry of witness
In a review, San Francisco-based editor Elaine Elinson wrote that Rodriguez’s book has added a sparkling new voice to the tradition of “poetry of witness” which has a long and distinguished history in the world of literature. “Her memoir in poetry offers a unique perspective on her life as a Filipina immigrant, lesbian, political activist, and public health pioneer,” wrote Elinson.
Shortly after Rodriguez left the Philippines in 1972, the late Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law. In New York, she continued her fight against dictatorship and took up the cudgels for Filipino American rights.
In 1997, Rodriguez joined the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS—now Apicha Community Health Center—where she led in advancing healthcare access for Asians & Pacific Islanders, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people living with HIV/AIDS.
Therese with friends Mila Lagman and Zennette Marin.
Therese being interviewed by Lindy Rosales of TheFilAm.net and Cesar Loverita of GMA.
With Rodriguez as CEO, Apicha CHC has championed the underserved communities for resources, representation, and culturally inclusive care that they deserve. Now with over 120 employees, the health center embodies her commitment to service.
Through it all, Rodriguez scribbled poetry in her notebook as she absorbed and processed life as it unfolded, whether brutally or beautifully.
Therese with James Luisi, member of Apicha Board of Directors.
In February 2024, she launched her book in her hometown of Parañaque in the Philippines, followed by launches in San Francisco and Los Angeles over the summer.
Her October book launch in her adoptive home of New York City felt very much like a homecoming — a full-circle moment. # (Photos by Cesar Loverita and Glenn Magpantay, Esq.)
