Sneak Peek: 2025 New Book Projects

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Why YA?

 

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Kuwentong Bangtan: BTS World Season 2

In 2019, Netmarble released BTS World, an interactive story-based mobile game that allowed players to journey with BTS members in their adventures as Kpop idols. I was not ARMY back then, but vet ARMYs I know in online communities tell of stories of how successful it was because they can “accompany” BTS in missions and goals that even players can assume the role of managers, building a close relationship with the game persona of BTS.

As a researcher and librarian, this piqued my interest to further study and read up on fandom culture, fan behavior and their engagement in virtual worlds. And yes, part of this curiousity would mean downloading the app and playing the game.

The good news is, BTS World Season 2 was officially launched today at 10AM KST/9AM PHT.

As ARMY, I find the release of BTS World Season 2 as relevant in this era of BTS’ military service because it connects die-hard fans like me to BTS, albeit virtual. At a time when we are waiting for all 7 members to be back from military duties, playing BTS World Season 2 fills the gap. Apart from streaming and voting online, playing this online game fosters community building among ARMY, besides strengthening relationships between fanbases in the fandom. It becomes a shared experience.

This type of engagement speaks to fan loyalty and the growing gift economy within fandom culture, where interactive experiences and emotional bonds become investments and yes, currency.

BTS World is on X (BTSW2_official) and accross platforms it has contents for fans to consume and enjoy - vidoes, moving posters, retro photos of BTS and music. 

BTS World on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2SVMQ9dcWrlZj4vmKBPiE6?si=5nrknqelSAKUT7RKn-_Qvw

3rd Sunday of Advent: The Candle of Joy

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Ahjumma Reviews: When the Phone Rings: Focus on Yoo Yeon Seok

I first saw Yoo Yeon Seok as the brutally ireverent samurai Gu Dong-mae in Mr. Sunshine. Though I favored the poet of the three male leads in the Kdrama, I was smitten at YYS’ acting and good looks. I followed and watched his shows available in streaming channels I’m subscribed in.

He was charming Chilbong in Reply 1994. He was the deserving first son of Doldam Hospital. He was the perfect son, friend and excellent drummer of the Lacking Five in Hospital Playlist. There are more of YYS’ works I have yet to see and admire, I’m sure.

Watching him play the tsundere in “When the Phone Rings” is a brilliant turn as he brings another complex character to life. He unfolds his tough facade in Episode 5 and became unhinged in Episode 6. From guarded intensity to raw vulnerability, YYS is magnificent to behold.

Next weekend can’t come any sooner!

It's Fun to Be Me!

Ang aming aklat, “Masaya Ang Maging Ako”, ay mayroon ng edisyon sa English — “It’s Fun to Be Me!” Maraming salamat sa Room to Read at sa Lampara Books Lampara House sa pagdami ng mga bersyon ng aklat upang mas marami pang bata ang makapagbasa at mabigyang saya nito. Noong nakaraang taon, na-translate naman sa Hindi ang aming aklat. Kamakailan naman, ang Braille edition ay nai-launch sa Quezon City Public Library sa pakikipag-partner nila sa National Library of the Philippines.

Para sa iyo ito, Tere, at sa mga batang may likas na katangiang kakaiba, katawatawa at kagulatgulat. Hindi man kayo maintindihan ng karamihan, may mga aklat na magpapaalala na ang pagiging ikaw ay sapat at kahanga-hanga.

Ang “It’s Fun to Be Me!” ay alay namin sa lahat ng batang nangangarap na tanggapin ang kanilang sarili at makita ang ganda ng kanilang kakaibahan. Salamat sa patuloy na pagtangkilik at suporta sa mga kuwentong tulad nito. Sana’y patuloy nating maiparamdam sa mga bata na ang bawat isa sa kanila ay mahalaga, natatangi, at karapat-dapat mahalin — higit sa lahat, ng sarili nila.

Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat na naging bahagi ng paglalakbay na ito.

* Ang edisyong ito ay hindi for sale. Ang Room to Read India Trust ay ang ahensyang magdo-donate ng kopya sa mga lugar na bibihira na makarating ang ganitong uri ng mga aklat sa mga batang mambabasa.

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Our book, "Masaya Ang Maging Ako" now has an English edition — "It's Fun to Be Me!" Heartfelt thanks to Room to Read and Lampara Books Lampara House for creating more versions of this book so it can bring joy to even more children. Last year, our book was translated into Hindi. Recently, the Braille edition was launched at the Quezon City Public Library in partnership with the National Library of the Philippines.

This is dedicated to you, Tere, and to all children with unique, amusing, and extraordinary traits. Even if not everyone understands you, there are books to remind you that being yourself is enough and truly wonderful.

 "It's Fun to Be Me!" is our gift to all children dreaming of accepting themselves and discovering the beauty in their uniqueness. Thank you for your continued support and belief in stories like this. May we continue to remind children that each of them is valuable, special, and worthy of love — most importantly, self-love.

 A heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey.

This edition is not for sale. Room to Read India Trust will donate copies to places where books like this rarely reach young readers.

Poetry: on a leaf lush and green

 

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