Empowering Through History and Healing
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Author Kat Serrano with Illustrator Casielle Gaerlan on New York Living with hosts Alex Lee and Marysol Castro
Book Review: Kalayaan: Filipina Heroines of World War II by Kathryn Serrano, illustrated by Casielle Santos-Gaerlan. Mahal Publishing, 2023.
Kalayaan: Filipina Heroines of World War II dismantles the historical silence about the significant women who shaped Philippine history. During World War II, the Philippines faced brutal occupation by Japanese forces, which led to widespread suffering, forced labor, and violent repression. In 1942, a communist guerilla movement of rural farmers emerged against Japanese conquest. This anti-imperialist guerilla force, the People's Army Against the Japanese, locally referred to by Filipinos as “Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon”, or “Hukbalahap” is the throughline that defines the activism of the numerous women highlighted in Serrano’s book, Kalayaan: Filipina Heroines of World War II.
Kat Serrano’s Kalayaan: Filipina Heroines of World War II
Learning About Roots Through History
Serrano's early experiences led to her path to becoming. The loss of her father at a young age resulted in frequent moves across various neighborhoods. With every new neighborhood she called home, she often faced bullying and felt like an outsider. "My identity was always questioned," she recalls. "People would ask, 'What are you?' and I'd hear guesses like Hawaiian, Black, Korean, or Puerto Rican. When I said I was Filipino, no one knew what that meant—and neither did I."
The rise of anti-Asian hate during the pandemic moved Serrano to take action in discovering herself through the lens of history. Serrano thought that perhaps the reason Filipinos like herself were being attacked was because American society doesn’t seem to know much beyond the Eurocentric historical legacy taught in schools. “The oppressor's goal is to divide and conquer, steal our joy,” says Serrano. “They keep us in fear of each other, so we'll give in to letting them take our rights away.”
Through vivid illustrations and engaging narratives, Kalayaan invites young readers to connect with their heritage and recognize the strength in their ancestry.
"I want people to know about Philippine history and honor the greatness of Philippine culture," she says. She wrote this book for posterity because she wanted Filipino youth to have a resource that could spark conversations about their roots. "I want them to be inspired and empowered," she said, "knowing these fearless ancestors fought for our freedom. Just like them, they can be leaders, teachers, and change-makers."
The Mission
Serrano describes Kalayaan as "a spirit book," one that flowed naturally as a tribute to her ancestral roots. Her book tells the gripping and inspiring stories of Filipina heroines who courageously resisted Japanese through guerilla tactics. Figures like Remedios Gomez-Paraiso, a beauty queen and resistance commander who fought the Japanese as “Kumander Liwayway,” fiercely preserving the Filipino right to ancestral lands, all while wearing her iconic red lipstick. Maria Orosa is also honored. She empowered Filipinos by creating banana ketchup to compete with American tomato-based ketchup. This invention, borne out of necessity, has woven itself into the fabric of Filipino culture and modern cuisine.
On March 14, 2025, Serrano stood before a diverse audience at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library in Long Beach, California, to share Kalayaan with children. The following day, she continued her mission at the Harte Neighborhood Library, engaging with children in another book talk. With both events held during Women's History Month, the timing felt especially meaningful—a chance to celebrate often-overlooked women of color who played vital roles in history.
Author Kat Serrano with attendees of book talk in Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library
After Serrano read a few passages about the historical figures in her book, she led a communal activity by going around asking people what word they would use to describe themselves, and how they were living in this moment in history. The women and children in attendance said words like “empowered” “smart” “happy” and “ancestral.” Her heartfelt book talk then concluded with a tree planting, with the seeds formed in the shape of a butterfly, as if they were seeds of the flight to freedom.
Ancestors’ Dreams Come True
In a world of rising authoritarian leaders, freedom and democracy are fragile. Serrano’s work is timely, especially at a time when the Trump administration is dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs at lightning speed.
“My hope for future generations is that they'll continue the fight for freedom,” says Serrano. “The younger generation seem more attuned to history, and the conversations they're having about our current political moment are deep, meaningful, and thoughtful.”
The rise of anti-Asian hate during the pandemic moved Serrano to take action in discovering herself through the lens of history.
Her resistance to oppression is deeply personal; "I resist through rest, love, joy, and building community,” she says. Serrano credits The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh as life-changing books that helped her overcome self-doubt and cultivate inner peace. Both works emphasize mindfulness and intentional living, teaching that inner peace and personal freedom arise from self-awareness, compassion, and aligning one's actions with deeper objective truths.
Serrano draws strength from all the heroines featured in Kalayaan and her ancestors more broadly. "What they endured for freedom makes me so proud," she shares. "I used to feel ashamed of my privilege as a Filipino American, but I've realized that dismissing my cultural advantage would dishonor the sacrifices of my ancestors. It's about what we do with privilege that matters. Am I showing up? Am I healing generational traumas?” These virtues of community service and healing are the compass of her life’s work.
Kat Serrano at Kalayaan Hall
When asked what advice she would give young people of color living in today’s turbulent political climate, Serrano emphasizes the importance of self-care and discernment.
"The world is scary right now," she acknowledges. "Take breaks from the constant flow of information. Ground yourself and learn how to come home to yourself. We can't pour from empty cups."
Through her book Kalayaan, Kathryn "Kat" Serrano has not only illuminated the bravery of unsung Filipina heroines, she has also created a tool for empowerment, connection, and change. Her work reminds us that the past holds powerful lessons—and that honoring our history is key to shaping a brighter future. Kapwa, we are one.
Elaine Joy Edaya Degale is a Black-Filipina writer and lecturer at community colleges within the City University of New York (CUNY), and has an Ed.M. and M.A. from Teachers College, Columbia University.
She graduated cum laude from Mount Holyoke College where she studied International Relations and Development, and continues to support literacy and food programming efforts in indigenous communities through her Community-Based organization, OperationMerienda.org.
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