A JOURNEY THROUGH IDENTITY: FILIPINO-MALAYSIAN AUTHOR KARINA ROBLES BAHRIN SHARES “THE ACCIDENTAL MALAY” WITH THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY

18 September 2024 - As part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Malaysia, the Philippine Embassy hosted Filipino-Malaysian author Karina Robles Bahrin for a literary session focusing on her successful debut novel, “The Accidental Malay.” The event entitled 'An Afternoon with Karina Robles Bahrin' was held on 13 September 2024, at the Embassy’s Sentro Rizal.

Ms. Robles Bahrin read excerpts from the new Penguin edition of “The Accidental Malay.” The novel narrates the journey of Jasmine Leong, a Malaysian Chinese woman with aspirations to become the CEO of her family’s billion-ringgit company, renowned for its bak kwa. She has a life-changing discovery when the truth behind her identity is revealed, a development that alters her life and career. It won the 2022 Epigram Books Fiction Prize.

In her remarks, Ambassador Ponce highlighted the importance of Filipino diaspora literature and of women writers. She noted that Ms. Robles Bahrin, with her Filipino mother, Maria Faridah Abdullah, illustrate the tapestry of Filipinos in Malaysia. Ms. Abdullah is one of the Filipino pioneers in Malaysia, having lived here since 1967. “Beyond formal political relations, it is the people-to-people connections that truly strengthen the bonds between nations,” she added.

Following the book reading, Ms. Robles Bahrin actively engaged with guests who asked questions on her literary journey and process and the impact of the book on her life. For many, this event was more than just a book reading, it was a celebration of cultural heritage and literary exploration of identity and race. Audience members were also privileged to have their copies of “The Accidental Malay” signed by the author.

The afternoon was capped by a Filipino merienda highlighting halo-halo, consistent with the theme of blended harmony. The spread also included the traditional favorites puto, turon, okoy and dinuguan, all specially prepared by the Embassy’s Welfare Officer, Chef Rosanna Siray. END

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