A Literacy Packed July

The National Children's Book Day (NCBD) celebration and the awarding of the National Chidlren's Book Awards (NCBA) last month are highlights for the reading and children's literature advocate. "Winners" are still in cloud nine. I can tell from their Facebook statuses. Among the 131 entries, only six were proclaimed as BEST READS. This only goes to show that there is still a big room for growth and development in the book production of the industry we call as Philippine Children's Literature. But I'm smiling a big one since it's a BIG one!

Apart from the NCBA and NCBD, other notable literacy events spiced up the busy month of July.

Candy Gourlay launched her book, Tall Story, at Powerbooks last July 21. Fans, family and friends were all present to celebrate the success of its publication abroad and in the country. I've read the book and it's a joy ride of laughter and tears. Will post a review soon.



Another writer launched a book too last month. Rica Bolipata-Santos, teacher and essayist, unraveled to her avid readers (I'm one of them!) Lost and Found, a new collection of essays, ruminations and reflections on parenting, motherhood and the mundane. Though I did not make it to the launch at the Ateneo De Manila University, she shared excerpts from the book when we met in a training workshop. It's a perfect gift for all my girl friends this Christmas!

In the art scene, Totet de Jesus opened his second one man exhibit at the Filipinas Heritage Library. News is that, nearly all of his art works were already sold! Congrats to Totet, Rica and Candy!



And of course, I conducted a series of workshops on Storytelling at De La Salle Taft, St. Theresa's College Quezon City and Miriam College. August has unfolded and yes, I still have a manuscript to finish. This early, my calendar is filling up but the book with Dianne de Las Casas must be done -- SOON!