Memory in Motion: A Book Launch (A Look Back)
- scribblory
- May 13
- 4 min read
On the sunny morning of April 24, 2026, Scribblory celebrated the successful launch of the much-awaited book Memory in Motion: Dance Like Every Day Is a Gift by Maestro V. Allen L. Isidro and Elaine Marie Factor. Many friends, family, and fellow Scribblorists gathered together to share in this moment as the authors, especially Maestro Allen, took his first step in sharing his tale with the world.
The book launch began with Scribblory Operations Manager Guilly Tejano heralding the event with a brief introduction and a lively welcoming to all those in attendance. This was followed shortly by a solemn prayer led by Father Roberto Laad. To officially open the event, Mel I. Elido delivered the Welcome Remarks, expressing sincere gratitude to the family and friends who came to celebrate the launch.
The attendees were then officially introduced to the authors of Memory in Motion. Although he was abroad, Maestro Allen Isidro joined the event via Zoom. He thanked the attendees for being present in this momentous occasion as he shared with them his hope and aspirations for the book, not just to inspire those of his age to embrace life, but to show the young that the elderly have much to offer and deserve to be valued.
"The main purpose of the book is to preserve the stories before they are forgotten. That's what I told Elaine when we first met," Maestro said. "Most of my stories are from the retirement homes where I teach dancing to seniors, including those with dementia."
Afterwards, Scribblory Managing Director Elaine Marie Factor read aloud an excerpt from the book's first chapter. The audience listened as the story came alive, painting the picture of a colorful prelude to Maestro Allen’s journey in dance.
"I chose to read the first chapter of the book because I'm sure we all want to know the beginnings of great things—particularly, how this international dance ministry actually started," Elaine shared, "And you'll be surprised to hear that it all began with a rotator cuff tear."
As the brief reading left the attendees wanting to know more, a lively question and answer segment followed, then concluded with a trivia contest where attendees competed for a free signed copy of Memory in Motion.
However, the life of a dancer cannot be told in words alone, but also through actions.
With the help of his Millbrae Demo Team, Maestro Allen shared the joy of dancing with the attendees. Here they experienced his tale with a step and a twist as the song, "Golden" from the movie KPop Demon Hunters, took the lead. The attendees laughed and danced, basking in the joy of the moment they all shared.
When it ended, the attendees took their seats with a story of their own. Before partaking of the generous brunch buffet, everyone stood from the seats to sing "Happy Birthday" to Randy Elido, son of Maestro Allen's older sister, Mel Elido. Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite then offered a prayer for birthday blessings and blessed the food before guests proceeded to the buffet tables.
Towards the end of the brunch, the Foreword written by the late Father Robert Custodio was read by his friend, Father Mario Sobrejuanite, cementing the bonds of those who have gone before and the hopes they continue to inspire for the future.
"Ang buhay natin hindi lang dapat may kwento; dapat may kwenta," said Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite. (Our lives shouldn't just tell a story but have value.)
Excitement soon followed as the book raffle began. Despite the clamour, only one could win the home prize. Nevertheless, lines formed at the registry afterward, as attendees purchased piles of Memory in Motion to share with their own friends and family.
In keeping with the spirit of Maestro Allen’s care and advocacy for the elderly and the next generation, the proceeds of the book launch were gifted to St. Carmen Salles School Q.C. and the Sisters of the Elderly c/o Sister May Ann Constantino and Sister Sandra.
The dancer Martha Graham once said that “dance is the hidden language of the soul,” while author Maya Angelou said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” That day became a rare moment where those two ideas merged, forming a story told not only by words but also by deed.
Edited by Elaine Marie Factor
Want to get your copy of Memory in Motion: Dance Like Every Day Is a Gift? Visit Scribblory Book Shop and purchase the book in both eBook and paperback formats!
SYNOPSIS: Coming out of divorce, 50-year-old Fil-Am Allen Isidro found himself living alone and accompanied by his brother at a yoga class, which unfortunately resulted in a torn rotator cuff. In search of a low-impact exercise to stay active post-surgery, he stumbled upon a flyer for a "Line Dancing Class" led by a mentor named Jim McDonald. He joined on a whim, thinking he wasn't a dancer, but it might be worth a try. Unknown to him, this dance class would change the course of his future, leading him to building an international dance ministry and, ultimately, living his life as if every day is a gift.
About the Writer
Ulysses "Uly" Tejano is one of Scribblory's writers and the regular contributing writer for the fiction section of the digital magazine, Memento. He is also a bibliophile with an insatiable curiosity of the world outside his walls. Teaching for nine years and counting, he enjoys sharing his love for learning with others. On his spare time, he writes short stories or tries a new activity to share as a new tale with friends.
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