A biography titled "The Life of Rodel Naval – Reclaimed Identity" chronicles the life of Rodel, a renowned singer and actor from the Philippines who died of AIDS in 1995. The book is based on interviews with Rodel before his death and aims to bring hope and encouragement to those living with HIV/AIDS. Proceeds from the book's sale will fund the ongoing charitable work of Rodel Naval Care Outreach in the Philippines. The author is requesting donations and book pre-orders to help cover the $10,000 publishing costs so the book can be circulated in June/July 2015.

1. April 2015
Dear Friends,
THE BOOK is ready for publication! What BOOK? The BOOK that chronicles the short life of our brother
Rodel, a renowned singer and actor in the Philippines. The title of the BOOK is The Life of Rodel Naval –
Reclaimed Identity.
Rodel died of AIDS in Toronto in 1995. Even though about 20 years have passed since then, Rodel’s story can
bring courage to those living with HIV/AIDS, and lend a voice to those who suffer in excruciating silence. It can
bring hope and encouragement to any who are hurting in body, soul or spirit. The book is authored by a
caring hospice director, Pastor Rauni Salminen based on recordings of interviews with Rodel shortly before he
died, and by Avon Maralit, a compassionate writer in the Philippines.
A short quote from the book summarizes its theme:
Rodel’s identity was not defined by his failures … or even by his greatest successes. Rather it was the times he attempted
to rise up when he failed. His identity was in his effort toward goodness even though he was weak. In acknowledging
his weakness and asking forgiveness for his failures, he reclaimed his true identity as a person who has value and
worth, a child of God. He came home … yes, it was towards the end of his journey … it’s never too late to come
home!
Apart from bringing hope to those who read Rodel’s story, another purpose for publishing this book is to raise
funds from the sale to enable our mission to continue its ongoing compassionate work with the sick, the
poor and the downtrodden in the Philippines. Our charitable organization is registered in Canada and the
Philippines as Rodel Naval Care Outreach. For more information, please visit the website at rodelnaval.com
and click on RoNaCO at the top to see the scope of the ministry.
This book touches on the issues of AIDS and homosexuality. For this reason, I believe it is going to be very
controversial and that will give us the opportunity to share that we care, and how much Jesus cares even
more.
We are currently finalizing the manuscript with WestBow Press (a division of Thomas Nelson). Since we expect
our market to be mostly in the Philippines, I will be going to Manila this May to work with New Day Publishers
on publishing this book. I will do some promotions as well; I’m already scheduled for interviews by some
television and radio programs regarding the book.
Please pray with us for wisdom regarding the promotion and distribution of the book. We appeal for your help
to make this vision a reality. First we request that you spread the word that the book will soon be available, to
as many people as possible; and then we need your help to raise about $10,000 for the overall costs
associated with the publication. We expect to have the book in circulation by this June or July. May we suggest
two options as to how you may help us raise these much needed funds on time:
1. For a donation of $50 or more, we will send you a complimentary copy of the book upon its release.
2. Reserve your copy of the book now for $20 (including shipping), payment to be received by April 30,
2015. .
It is our prayer that our brother’s story will be an encouragement to each of us to keep trying, to keep seeking,
and to keep believing in God’s mercy.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Rosalie Naval Memije
President
P.S. Donations may be made through http://www.rodelnaval.com/how-you-can-help. One of the options on this
site is by donating through Canada Helps.org (← click this instead of the CanadaHelps icon on the right
side of the page to take you directly to RoNaCO’s profile) if you wish to donate using credit card (VISA,
MasterCard, or American Express). Canada Helps.org will immediately issue you a receipt on behalf of
RoNaCO. On the Message/Instructions box, you may type in Book Project or Book Reservation.
Rodel Naval Care Outreach
(RoNaCO)
29 Skyridge Rd., Scarborough, ON M1E 4N7
EMAIL: ronaco@rogers.com ♦ WEBSITE: rodelnaval.com