Batang Bayani Books Launched @ Museo Pambata

Last May 29, 2010, the Old Manila section of Museo Pambata was full of kids and grown ups who are kids at heart. It was the launching of the Batang Bayani Series, a book project by Museo Pambata and KUTING. The series has four stories: Song of the Ifugao by Agay C. Llanera; Hands that Bridge by Perpi Tiongson; Palette of Dreams by Liwa Malabed; and A Reader's Story by Bong Oris. Photographs were done by Jaime Unson. Carla Pacis and Augie Rivera lent their editing expertise. Daniel Tayona worked on the book design.

In a nutshell, the books tell about children and their heroic image. Despite limitations in resources and opportunities, they rise above these challenges to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the way they know how.


Nina Lim-Yuson, president of Museo Pambata proudly presented the four titles in the series. If not for the generosity of sponsors, the book series would not have seen publication. Nonetheless, Museo Pambata and KUTING are looking forward to the next batch of stories on kids and their heroic deeds.



Perpi Alipon-Tiongson signs as a storyteller from the Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines read excerpts from the books. Seated at the back are (L-R) Maricel Montero, Museo Pambata ED, Liwa Malabed, Bong Oris, Agay Llanera and Jaime Unson.



Percy Gapas of Alitaptap reads from Liwa Malabed's story, Pallete of Dreams where a young lad overcomes poverty to develop his talents in the visual arts. Apart from Percy and two more Alitaptap tellers, Tricia Mae Kitong, the twelve year old Hudhud chanter from Lagawe performed a stanza from the Ifugao epic. Her performance impressed everyone!



The books are a great read! I had tears in my eyes reading all four one after the other. Book reviews to follow!