My Farewell Slam Book by Marissa Sanchez is a celebration of preparation. I was admittedly happy to read this book because I am a PWD. My health condition means that I am closer to death than most people, and I want to be prepared for that. Plus, I also witnessed my late father battle through a terminal illness in the span of only a few months. I saw firsthand how my father ensured that his own affairs were in order before he passed away. So, I gladly answered some parts of the slam book already, and I must say that it was a fun process.
I think that Filipinos should finally start the conversation of death preparedness without the taboo. This book was written by a veteran Filipino actress, who has already made a name for herself in the industry. I particularly appreciate her performance in Safe Skies Archer. Her sensitivity towards the characters that she portrays is evident in her slam book. She did not take anything for granted, including how you want your eulogy to be. Meanwhile, her sense of humor translates into the book itself with its vibrant layout and graphics. She really grew up during the height of slam books, when they were ring bound, colorfully presented, and filled with witty yet practical questions. My favorite part was the Dreams, Fears, and Regrets chapter. I had a lot to write there, and I even had to attach another page for that. I am sure that her readers will also have a lot to share in this part of the slam book.
As the author stated in her Preface, she wrote this book in order to be even more prepared for her “graceful exit here on earth”. After answering the slam book, I feel that I have already prepared for my own graceful exit. While I hope that it is not yet soon, it pays to be prepared for the inevitable moment of my own demise. I would like to thank Ms. Marissa Sanchez for helping me bring closure to my own unresolved issues and to look forward to death without dread and disgust.
My Farewell Slam Book is now available!