The Rising and Setting of the Sun

About the Book

The Rising and Setting of the Sun is an inspirational story of Lourdes R. Guanlao, an acute polio victim, who wishes to share her “ups and downs” and success in life to her readers. It shows her daily response to God’s Plan for her ever since she became physically handicap at the age of two until now.

Lourdes story brings us to her family, social, education and religious life in the Philippines, Italy, France, and United States of America as well as the historical “Philippine Death March” when the Japanese invaded the Philippines. It has the musical sounds of God, people around her, nature and poetry. In addition, the story of Lourdes has fascinating, melancholy and humorous incidents to make you laugh and smile or feel compassionate to see her faith, hope, love and courage.

About the Author

Lourdes R. Guanlao is second to the youngest in her family. Her parents were special in her life and brought her up closer to God from the time she became a victim of acute polio at the age of two. It was her father who encouraged her to “stand up when she falls” and “never to give up.”

She graduated Bachelor of Art in Education in Maryknoll College, Philippines under the Maryknoll Sisters who cultivated her missionary spirit. When she was in Kindergarten and Grade Six, as well in High School, the Benedictine Sisters imprinted deeply in her the importance of “Ora et Labora” (Pray and work), the best medicine for handicap like her.

She became well known teacher of children and adults in Quezon City of the Philippines, Albany and New York City as well as in Lake City of Florida of the United States. She also shared her talent of teaching to places she visited like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Jerusalem, Jordan, China, etc. She has two permanent New York Certificates in Early Childhood and Grades School. Her hobbies are writing poetry, gardening, reading books, cooking, and traveling.

At present she does volunteer works at Senior Center, Health Center of Lake City, Board Member of the Friends of Columbia County Library, Lector in her parish church and visiting those who are sick and suffering in the Community who needs her help. She tries to be useful in the Community where she lives and to follow God’s Plan for her.