Firstly, I’d like to thank you all for your unbelievable support. Thank you to those who retweeted, LIKED, shared, commented, emailed and yes, hugged me since I released my cookbook. And an even bigger props to those who purchased a copy for themselves or who bought a copy for their Mum, sister, Uncle Joe or the neighbour.
I haven’t really promoted the book from a traditional marketing point of view apart from one blog post, starting up a blog for the book’s journey – suitably titled “F ilipino Food Rehab“, Twitter and on my Facebook Page which is why I feel so blessed and humbled by it all and the unexpected success it’s had to date.
Some of the ”jumping in the street’ worthy highlights were:
Landing in the Book Depository Bestsellers
Landing on whatever best sellers list was something I didn’t think would happen to little ol’ me. Rewind to a few months ago, I would have been stoked to sell one copy! *jumps up and down* I was kind like if the book sold, it sold, so you can imagine my surprise when I found out that my cookbook made Book Depository’s Best Sellers List and to top it off, just a mere two spots behind the queen of midnight snacks – Nigella Lawson. Who would’ve thought hey?! Though, in no way would I ever compare myself to the amazing Nigella or put myself in the same boat. Although, I so wanna be her taste tester or something. In return, I’d be happy to be in charge of eating her leftovers. I mean, she couldn’t possibly finish all that cake and deliciousness in her fridge – even with her kids and the camera crew!
I randomly found out during my lunchbreak but when I did, I kept refreshing the page like 50 times! I literally sat there with my jaw hitting the ground. Then in that moment, I called my loved ones. All I can remember from those conversations were phrases like “OMG” “SHUT.UP” “FOR REALZ?” “YOU BE POPPIN’ IT!” “BOOYAH” “AHUH” “PROUD OF YOU” and “CONGRATULATIONS.” Judging from those words, you can probably guess that the latter applied to my mum and rest from my daggy but loving friends.
Interview with 92.3 BBC Radio
I was contacted by 92.3 FM 3ZZZ Radio which is the largest ethnic community radio station in Australia and is the agent for BBC – asking whether I’d wanted to be interviewed. I was initially shocked and was umming and ahhing my way though the decision but I eventually agreed. I was slightly hesitant because I was just about to jetset off to Sydney for work so the interview would have to be done on my mobile at 7am in the hotel room before work meetings.
I was as nervous as hell. I received a call briefing me on the interview and within 5 minutes, I was live on air. Eek! I had a chat with radio hosts Ging, Irma and Fred who were a chirpy bunch! The first thing they asked was why I named the book What The Heck Is Filipino Food? I said that I wanted a title that was straight to the point and that represented the views of so many people here in Australia. We then went onto the design – they jokingly mentioned that it looks alot like a comic or children’s book! LOL I totally agreed and said that it was definitely intentional. I wanted to produce both a comic and cookbook that wasn’t all too serious or too focused on the food. The aim of the book is to help answer some burning questions people may have about about Filipino food to spread the word.
There’s also a story in the book that needs to be told and that I hold quite personal.
We went on to talk about the inspirations of the book which of course, included my mum. There were a few embarrassing moments but I think I managed to get out unscaved and really enjoyed and was grateful for the interview. You can hear the interview by downloading the podcast at http://www.3zzz.com.au/
Fellow Foodie/Blogger Love
I lost count at the amount of seriously heart melting tweets/retweets and emails of support from the blogging community I am SO grateful to be a part of. Bloggers from around the world greeted my twitter timeline with a wave kindness and filled my blog with love and congratulatory comments.
A special mention to some seriously supportive food bloggers tweeting and instagraming me pictures of their copies that had just arrived in the mail to peeps who have done a little cookin’ from the book like Sarah who blogged about making my Pandesal recipe -and Maya from Foodiva’s Kitchen who also made the Pandesal! Seems to be the popular choice! So surreal and rad at the same time. Thank you guys! If I’ve missed out on anyone, sorry, please tell me! I have the memory of a fish. It’s been a crazy month.
If your copy has arrived and have had a chance to cook from it, I would luuurrve to know what you ended up making so please tweet, facebook or email me!
You rock Sarah! So happy it turned out so well.
Thanks Maya – looks delish!
Now available in store at my fav Filipino eatery – Dahon Gourmet Tea Lounge!
My gaasssh. I’m still awaiting on word as to what bookstores have begun to stock the book, but I was so happy when super multi-tasker and domestic goddess (in Nigella’s words) Cherrie (thank you!) offered to stock my book at their restaurant Dahon Gourmet Tea Lounge which also happens to be my favourite Filipino food haunt. It’s so hard to make our food really presentable/ restaurant worthy whilst keeping it true to the recipe let alone fresh. This is something Dahon has managed to pull off and no, you won’t find any bain marie’s here! The mains are cooked to order and it comes through in the taste.
I hadn’t officially announced it because after a few days, it had SOLD OUT! I’ve been awaiting a shipment of books to come in the mail which has now arrived and has since been delivered to Dahon, so if you prefer to grab a copy in person rather than online, the books will be located at the front counter. Yay!
Details:
Dahon Gourmet Tea Lounge- next to South Melbourne Market
FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/DahonTeaLounge/info
Phone: (03) 9696 5704
Shop 5, South Melbourne Central. 111 Cecil St (Enter via York St.), South Melbourne
Not in Melbourne?
Grab a copy by clicking on the following online retailers.
If you’re not already signed up for updates from Food Rehab, get on the list and I’ll do my best to keep us learning about none-other than glorious, GLORIOUS food! Also, follow me on Facebook or Twitter if you have either of those addictive things.
Keep eating,
Adrian
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3 Reasons why you need Sopas this summer (creamy chicken + macaroni soup)
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CARNIVORE’S PARADISE: An evening with Pastuso and San Telmo
Omg wow, that’s some fab-looking pan de sal! 😉
So proud of you and happy for you and all your success so far! You definitely deserve it!
xox Sarah
Thanks so much Sarah! So happy you made the Pandesal!
Muchos Muchos love to you! Need to get down to Dahon.. or actually.. next time we meet up, can I just buy it off you? I rather you get the cut than book depository 🙂 PLUS you can write me a gushing love letter on the front!!!
Oh of course ma dear! I can bring a copy for you next meet up 🙂
It’s all happening! Congratulations, man. Onwards and upwards!
Thanks for the congrats and the support leaf!
Awww so much good news, just one after another. Very happy for you for all of it. Well done, matey. You truly deserve every bit of it and I’m sure this is just the beginning of greater things that will happen for you and your cookbook. You’re definitely one of the most genuine, dedicated and passionate people I know.
I think what I identify with you the most is how much you always share with people that food is really more about the heart and the people than anything else. Hats off to you, Adrian! I’m sure a lot of people are just as inspired by you as I am. But hey, I can’t seem to find the podcast for the interview lol! Catch up again soon!
I know, partly due to your support my friend. The book def came from the heart – literally – it didn’t stop pounding the whole 2 years! LOL
Thanks for your kind words – I’m glad it has brought so much joy to others.
Shame about the podcast, they must have removed it as it’s more than 2 weeks old! Dayem! I didn’t even get to save a recording 🙁
gosh. i’m so proud of you although i don’t really know you that much!
lots of love and i hope that your book will stay in the bestsellers for quite a bit!
Aw thanks so much Michelle. You’ve been a real trooper.
Congratulations! You’ve worked hard and have deserved the recognition. We deserve the awesome food though 😉
Sophie- thanks for your support the whole way through 🙂
Adrian, SO happy to hear of your success with the cookbook! You don’t know what I made my friends do just so I can have a signed copy of that book, and I don’t even live in Australia.. Lol. Much success with your updated version, and much love (plus virtual hugs).
My dear Maya – you wok my world. Thanks so much for making the amazing looking pandesal from my book! Glad the signed copy got to you
Adrian, this is fantastic news! Very happy to hear that your book is doing extremely well (not that there was any doubt!) and congrats on the radio interview! I’ve yet to purchase a copy but when I get around to making a trip to bookdepository.com, I will definitely be adding your book to my list! Once again, well doonneeeeee! 😀
Oh thanks Libby. I hope you’ll enjoy it. You’re too nice
Great work Adrian. Hope it continues to keep selling.
Thanks Thanh!
If we have anything in Australia it is a sense of community for the food bloggers. You put such a smile on my face realising something like this can be done.
No doubt! I’m so blessed to have so much support from my peers and from you of course. Thanks again!!!!!
Yay, you go G! Don’t forget your homies when you hit the big time. 😉
I never forget my G’s
CONGRATULATIONS! Can’t wait to check out the book! 🙂
Thanks Shelvia! Hope you’ll like it. Ping me when you end up makin something out of it
Congrats dude 😀 Such aweosme news!!!
Thanks Nic! You rock
Once I get a job, I plan on buying your book 🙂 I’m so excited to learn about the cuisine.
Congrats on all this awesomeness – you be poppin’ it, haha!
Aw, thanks Emma. haha, I’ll be poppin it indeed!
One unique combo! The photographs are just mind blowing.
Thanks so much! I’m no prof photographer, just did the best with what I got
I’m SO happy for you Adrian!! 😀 You deserve your success!
Aw thanks Lorraine! I hope your book goes well too!
What awesome news! It’s so exciting to hear when the dreams of others are realised :). Very inspiring and encouraging! I should have bought it when I was on Book Depository last but I will see if I can pop by Cherrie’s after exams to pick up a copy! Congrats one again!
Thanks Ames- yes, Dahon should have some copies in store!
Adrian, I had no idea about you Book Depository Master of the Universe status!! OMG, that’s incredible!!! So proud of you! I’ve been waiting in the hopes of buying a copy in Melbourne one day and *hopefully* getting you to sign it 😛 but I might not have the patience for much longer!
haha, thanks sugar twin! You are waaaay too nice. Of course I’ll sign your copy. It would be an absolute honour
OMG!!! Congratulations!! I am so pleased for you!!! That was such a heartfelt story too, I am wish you all the success in the world! I can’t believe you nearly pipped Nigella Lawson at the post! Good work, although I do love the goddess too 🙂
I am off to buy a copy of the book and blog a recipe and the story of your success. 🙂
Your support has been out of this world. I’ve come to realise firsthand the kindness of others – you being a true example of that. Thanks so much
Congratulations, you have worked so hard and totally deserve this. Enjoy the ride!
Thanks Anna – I’ll do my best to keep rockin on 🙂
I think I need to get my hands on your cook book!!
Grab it while it’s hot! LOL
So, so happy for you Adrian!! What a great success story – you totally deserve it! I hope it can make it to number 1 soon 🙂
aaaw thanks so much April for your support
I go away to Europe for a few weeks and this is what happens? You are just too awesome!
haha, you brought me luck by goin on a fab holiday !
Thanks for ya support 🙂