Tony Dedal presenting a copy of his book to Consul General Maria Theresa Lazaro

Wings Over the Philippines, a book on the history of aviation in the Philippines, has recently launched at the Philippine Consulate General Office in Sydney.

The book was written by Tony Dedal, a fighter pilot in the Philippine Air Force’s 5th Fighter Wing during the 1950s, now living in Australia. (Ed’s Notes: Tony Dedal also wrote for emanila and a column From My Cockpit published on this site during our early years.)

Consul General Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, host to the book launch, commended Dedal for his initiative and labor in writing the book, which gives tribute to the hundreds of people who were the movers of that angle of Philippine history.

Also in attendance at the book launch were Vice Consul J. Anthony A. Reyes, the author’s wife Nona, daughters Sandee Johnson, Ros Borghi and Pat Dedal, son-in-law Livio Borghi and representative of his ten grandchildren, Natalie Borghi. Others present during the launch were Mario Aldeguer and wife, Lene. Aldeguer was a contributor to the book and Dedal’s former PAF colleague.

Wings Over the Philippines narrates from the first flight in the Philippines in 1911 through to modern day aviation. With well researched information and eye witness accounts, Wings Over The Philippines covers military and civilian aircraft, the pilots that flew them, the conquests, defeats and wartime campaigns.

As importantly as the action in the air, the book also covers the evolution of the Filipino aviation industry in both military and civil contexts.

“The book is a must-read for all Filipino pilots, whether civilian or military, including aviation students and enthusiasts,” says General E. Barroga (Ret.), PAF.

Tony Dedal was inspired to write Wings Over the Philippines by his devotion to aviation and his participation in its development, both as a weapon of war and as a vital means of transportation in the multi-island Philippines. The book also contains many of his personal experiences as a fighter pilot, transport pilot, bush pilot and mercenary pilot as well as his extensive research. Contributors to the book include Mike Mendiola, General Rogie Relova, Mario Aldeguer and Rome Farol.

In his review, General Barroga continues “Tony Dedal writes about his contemporaries, as well as those who came before him and after him in the military as well as in civilian aviation, and personally interviewed many of the characters mentioned in his book. Thus, he has a personal knowledge of the events that transpired, especially those that happened during his career.  He is a member of PAF Flying School Cl 55A, has diligently and widely researched materials for his book”.

It seemed to be providence that ensured Tony Dedal actually finished writing Wings Over the Philippines. Literally two weeks after he finished penning his final word on the manuscript, he was struck down with Primary CNS Lymphoma, a rare brain tumour. Three years later, Dedal is a survivor and published author.

Book details are available at www.wingsoverthephilippines.com. To obtain a copy of the book, email sales@wingsoverthephilippines.com.  In Manila, the book is available at National Book Stores outlets or directly from the publisher, New Day Publishing, telephone +632-928-8046.

L-R: Natalie Borghi, Rose Borghi, Livio Borghi, Nona Dedal, Tony Dedal, Consul General Maria Theresa Lazaro, Vice Consul J. Anthony A. Reyes, Sandee Johnson, Mario Aldeguer and Pat Dedal

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