Update on My Book Donation Project

At the start of August, I began a campaign for a book donation project. I posted this in Facebook for local donations and registered in JustGiving for friends abroad. So far, I got book donation pledges from Gwenn Galvez of Anvil Publishing and Blooey Singson, book blogger superstar and true blue Potterite.

The books will go to Sambat Trust's current library project, the Pantay Bata Elementary School. I've been helping the UK based charity as library consultant. Though books come from generous donors abroad, the library must be stocked with enough books to meet the 1:10 ratio set by the DepEd School Library guidelines. Visit my JustGiving page and Sambat Trust's blog to see the development of the school library project there.

It's the end of August and I am still keeping it open. There are so many children out there who need books. Pitch in and help a bit! It will go along way!

Illustrator of the Month: Yasmin Doctor

2011 Alcala Prize winner, Yasmin Doctor, graciously agreed to my request for interview. Her clean and colorful illustrations rendered Rizaldy, the 2011 Salanga Prize winning story of Eugene Evasco, a relevant read. Last I heard, Lg & M is serious at publishing the story book in time for December 2011. It would be the final month of the sesquicentennial celebration of Rizal's birth year.

Ms. Doctor's interview below is an interesting tale of a botanist enthusiast turned illsutrator. She reveals her creative process with Rizaldy as well.

Why do you draw?

No matter what I do I always end up drawing or painting. I’ve always wanted to be a botanist, I’m a frustrated forager; still, I end up drawing. It’s funny to be honest, yet it amazes me most of the time that I have this potential to make something using lines and shapes.

When did you discover that you have a talent for illustrating?

It was in college. I’m no fine arts grad, so I didn’t really know where to start back then. It was through my 4th sister who introduced me to Ang-INK (Illustrador ng Kabataan). She showed me the site and asked me whether I’d like to join. I thought, “Why not? Mukhang exciting, miske wala akong masyadong alam sa illustration!” (It looks exciting though I know nothing about illustrating for children.)

Describe your creative process

Several character studies. The faces of Mona, John Paul, and Rizaldy were based from the faces of Mona Lisa, The Pope John Paul, and Rizal (respectively). (I) Devoted a Sunday for research and had an intense walk-a-thon from Quiapo – Binondo – Fort Santiago – Luneta – Lawton and back to Quaipo. Was just walking, looking around for ideas that could help me in making the entry.

What are your dream projects?

To have many art-related projects (hehe). Siguro for now, to have an art project that can fulfill that botanist / forager fantasy of mine.

What are your favorite works by another illustrator?

Marami(Plenty). Cat Painter by Mark Salvatus, yung Naku, Nakuu, Nakuuu by Serj Bumatay, Sarimanok vs. Ibong adarna by Jess Abrera, and any book illustrated by Jiri Trnka.

Illustrador Idols?

My idol list gets longer and longer as I grow older, but first on the list is my dad. In general, I like being with productive people. Good vibes!

Sulataktakan: Conversations on Children’s Literature

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) is inviting all writers, illustrators, and children’s book enthusiasts to participate in Sulataktakan: Conversations on Children’s Literature. The forum will focus on what makes an award-winning children’s book, as well as work styles of known children’s book authors and illustrators. The event, which will be on September 17, 2011, Saturday, from 2pm to 4pm, will be held at Meeting Room 3 of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Guest speakers are children’s book creators Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, Mailin Paterno, Jomike Tejido, Russell Molina, and Beth Parrocha-Doctolero. Tejido and Molina have authored books that won the 1st Philippine National Children’s Book Awards in 2010.

The forum will be followed by a book signing session featuring the authors and illustrators who won the National Children’s Book Awards in 2010.

The participation fee for the forum is Php100. For inquiries, email pbby@adarna.com.ph, or call 352-67-65 loc 120 and look for Lance.

Lara Saguisag: Mga Alaala ni A

Isasara ni Lara Saguisag ang tribute na ito para kay Astrid. Si Lara ay nasa US at nagtatapos ng graduate studies sa panitikang pambata.

Ako din, Bayong ng Kuting.

Metaphor for Astrid? Hmm. Pwedeng description na lang? I know that we tend to idealize some people as "child-like," as living their life full of wondrous innocence, vigor, imagination, openness, fearlessness. But I saw all of these qualities in Astrid. Di ko sya masyadong nakilala. Ang taray ko kasi, medyo aloof ako sa mga "newbies." Pero Astrid tolerated my katarayan! Kahit na nagsusungit-sungitan ako, Astrid remained friendly and sincerely interested about my life and ideas.

Astrid is (was :-( ) so full of heart. I think she can be easily dismissed as makulit. Pero actually, I envied her for her "kakulitan" -- she was so inquisitive and persistent. Talagang determined sya to live life.

Agay Llanera-Reyes, Dang Bagas at Liwa Malabed: Mga Alaala ni A

Si Agay Llanera-Reyes, Dang Bagas at Liwa Malabed ay mga ka-kaladkarin ni Astrid sa mga lakad, gimik, "adventures", at kung ano-ano pa ay may mga senti at nakakatuwang Astrid moments.

Ang kay Agay --
a. Favorite ko yung essay niya na binasa ko sa eulogy niya. Kasi mailap si astrid pag nagkukuwento tungkol sa karamdaman niya. So through that essay, mas naintindihan ko siya. and to think i only got to read after she passed away. I'll never forget the last phrase "like wings unfurling."

b. Si Astrid ay isang energizer bunny. She just keeps going and going and going. n'ung una, napapagod ako sa boundless energy niya pero later on, natutunan ko na 'tong sakyan, and even be inspired by it.

c.Siguro yung 30th birthday party niya wherein she wore a low- cut red dress. Oh wow! May cleavage pala si Astrid! Con todo make up, strappy red sandals with heels, and kikay bag. She looked radiant that night. And extremely giddy and happy and beautiful.

Ang kay Liwa --
a. Ano ang paborito ninyong kwento ni Astrid? At bakit?

Nagustuhan ko ang Flares and Remissions at Bayong ng Kuting. pinapakita ng dalawang likha ang two sides ni astrid. ang pagiging kitikiti, masayahin at makulay na alam ng lahat. at ang pagiging matapang sa harap ng kanyang karamdaman. pero kahit kailan, di niya ito trinato na balakid. dahil si A ay miss the-glass-is-half-full at palaging positibo.

b. Bigyan mo siya ng metapora bilang manunulat, halimbawa, si astrid ay isang bumubulusok na kometa

Si astrid bilang manunulat ay isang paruparo. parang effortless sa kanya ang lumipad! pero alam ko, pinaghihirapan din niya ang bawat salita. at katulad ng paruparu, ay dumaan muna sa paghuhunos.

d. Ano ang ala-ala ni astrid na habang buhay mong dadalhin?

Naging malapit kami ni astrid noong panahong nangangapa ako at nagsisimula muli. di ko makalimutan na sinalo nya ako at nasa tabi ko siya kahit di namin pinag-uusapan (dahil noong una, ayaw kong pag-usapan). pero noong ready na ako, nagulat ako na maging siya, may pinagdadaanan din. at parang yin yang ang problema namin! Di ko rin makalimutan na nakatagpo ako ng katapat--mas makati pa ang paa ni astrid! kaladkarin naman ako kaya kung saan saan kami nakakarating. huling plano ay dapitan, kasi nasundan na niya sa europa ang trail ni rizal pero di pa niya nakikita ang dapitan. kaya pumunta ako sa dapitan (kakarating ko lang) at kasama ko ang alaala niya.

Ang kay Dang --
A. Ang paborito kong kuwento ni Astrid ay ang Flares and Remissions. Doon ko kasi mas nakilala si Astrid, kung ano ang totoong nasa loob niya, 'yung nararamdaman na hindi niya ipinapakita, 'yung tapang at lakas ng loob sa kabila ng karamdaman niya.

B. Metapora bilang manunulat? Naalala n'yo 'yung commercial ng energizer battery, 'yung rabbit. Sa'kin, 'yun si Astrid. Go ng go ng go ng go.

C. Ang nakatatak na sa isipan ko na ala-ala ni Astrid ay isang imahe. Doon sa dati kong apartment na naging tambayan niya minsan, may banig kami sa sahig malapit sa pinto. Naaalala ko siyang nakaupo doon, nakatanaw sa labas. Hindi niya napansin na nakatingin ako sa kanya. Pensive siya noon, malalim ang iniisip na hindi ko alam, may bahagyang lungkot sa mukha. 'Yun 'yung isa sa mga sandaling kung puwede ko lang balikan, babalikan ko at tatanungin ko siya, ano ang iniisip mo? Ano ang magagawa ko? Ano ang maitutulong ko? O kahit man lang sana tinabihan ko siya doon ng upo at sabay kaming mag-isip at magmuni-muni kung anuman 'yun.

Haha. Naalala ko lang na 'yung isang housemate ko, ginalaw ang sala namin, pinaikot-ikot ang puwesto ng mga gamit. Binalik ko lahat ulit sa dati dahil sabi ko doon ang puwesto ni Astrid, di puwedeng galawin.

Filipino Friday: The Pinoy Book Reader

August 26 - How hard or easy is it to be a book lover in the Philippines? What are some of your frustrations as a Filipino reader (e.g. availability of books)? What are positive aspects of being a reader based in the Philippines (e.g. book prices are lower here than they are abroad)?

As far as my experience goes, access and availability of books has always been easy for me because I work in a library and I have good connections in the publishing industry. The nature of my work has allowed me easier access to books I want to read in print and online formats.

What I am frustrated about is the divide that exist between those who have access to and those who do not have access to books and reading materials. It seems, in this day and age, despite the advances in technology, reading and materials are available only to those who can afford it. Perhaps, it is time, with the ReaderCon marching around the corner, to consider translating a hobby into an advocacy.

I love books and reading so much that I would like to share this love to others. And this love stretches outside my family home and the reading communities I belong to. By actively participating in projects that foster the love of reading and the establishment of school libraries and literacy centers, my frustration turns to satisfaction. A Pinoy Book Reader can make a bit of a difference.

Heidi Eusebio Abad: Mga Alala ni A

Astrid was a student of Heidi Eusebio Abad at the UP Diliman in both graduate and bachelor courses in writing and literature. Naging miyembro ng KUTING si Astrid at si Heidi. Nagkitang muli ang guro at mag-aaral bilang manunulat ng panitikang pambata.

Narito ang mga alaala ni Heidi kay Astrid --

a. Ang paborito kong kuwento ni Astrid ay ang Bayong ng Kuting dahil nabasa ko siya mula nung first draft (na pina-workshop niya sa KUTING GA sa PediaHouse) hanggang sa lumabas ito bilang maganda at makulay na libro.

b. Si Astrid ay isang meteor shower. Now you see her; now you don't. But when you see her, be ready to be bombarded with a shower of dreams, plans, and adventures. Yun nga lang...(sadly) gone too soon.

c. Hindi ko malilimutan ang life-challenge sa akin ni Astrid...na maka-sakay sa LRT/MRT mula puno't dulo (na kasama siya).

Lalaine Aquino: Mga Alaala ni A

Matipid si Lalaine Aquino sa pagsagot ng tatlong tanong. Pero, swak na swak! Less is more, ika nga.

a. Ano ang paborito ninyong kwento ni Astrid? At bakit?
b. Bigyan mo siya ng metapora bilang manunulat, halimbawa, si astrid ay isang bumubulusok na kometa :-)
d. Ano ang ala-ala ni astrid na habang buhay mong dadalhin?

1. Bayong ng kuting--isang simpleng kwento ng pagkalinga sa hayop
2. Si Sstrid ay isang makulay na bulaklak na ang pamumukadkad ay nagsilbing magandang inspirasyon para sa ibang manunulat.
3. Ang walang katulad niyang ngiti at ang "go!go!go!" attitude niya sa buhay.

Kinchay Villafranca: Mga Alaala ni A

Narito naman ang mga kasagutan ni Kinchay Villafranca sa mga tanong na --

a. Ano ang paborito ninyong kwento ni Astrid? At bakit?
b. Bigyan mo siya ng metapora bilang manunulat, halimbawa, si astrid ay isang bumubulusok na kometa :-)
d. Ano ang ala-ala ni astrid na habang buhay mong dadalhin?

a. Bukod sa Bayong ng Kuting, gusto ko rin ang My Forest Friends ni Astrid. Nakita ko kasi kung gaano sya kasipag sa paggawa ng project. Kasa-kasama nya ako noon sa pakikipag-miting sa Haribon at may isang Linggo na ginalugad namin ang Philcoa at Shopping Center para sa maglilinis ng illustrations (pag-alis ng pencil marks sa illustrations). Tapos kina-Lunesan, noong nagkita kami, ibinibida na nya na marunong na raw syang gumamit ng eraser function ng Photoshop. Sya na lang ang naglinis ng illustrations. Ganyan kasi si Astrid, kung di nya alam ang isang bagay, gagawa at gagawa sya ng paraan para malaman at matutunan nya ito.

b. Madalas din naming pagkuwentuhan ni Astrid ang pagme-mentor nya sa mga batang reporters every Saturday. Para syang mother hen sa pag-aalala sa kanila – ok ba mga grades nila at oras ng pag-uwi nila, especially kapag galing sa shoot.

c. Hindi ko makakalimutan noong tumambay kami nila Bong Oris at Astrid sa Petron, dyan sa Katipunan. Yun kasing couple (both students and wearing their school uniform!) sa katabing mesa ay may ginagawa ng milagro. Ayun, lumabas ang pagka-manang ni Astrid (at syempre kami na rin ni Bong).

Augie Rivera: Mga Alaala ni A

May tatlo akong katanungan para sa mga napili kong guest blogger sa tribute kay Astrid.

a. Ano ang paborito ninyong kwento ni Astrid? At bakit?
b. Bigyan mo siya ng metapora bilang manunulat, halimbawa, si astrid ay isang bumubulusok na kometa :-)
d. Ano ang ala-ala ni astrid na habang buhay mong dadalhin?

Sinagot ito ni Augie Rivera sa pamamagitan ng isang link sa kanyang Multiply site. Narito ang kanyang eulogy para kay Astrid na maituturing na sagot sa mga tanong na nasa taas.

Pero hindi napigilan ni Manong Augie na magbahagi pa ng mas maraming detalye. Heto pa ang kanyang mga alaala ni A.

Gustong-gusto ko rin ang 'Bayong ng Kuting', at yung essay niya na binasa ni Agay Llanera (KUTING) nung eulogy night. Ginamit ko pa nga sa eulogy na sinulat ko sa itaas.

Siguro, si Astrid ay tulad din nung ama sa story, na naglakad-lakad at nagpunta kung saan-saan para ipaampon ang mga kuting. Si Astrid, nag-iwan at nagpaampon din sa mga kaibigan ng kaniyang mabubuting alaala, na tila mumunting kuting ngayon na ating inaalagaan.

Noong July 2009, barely a month bago siya namatay, nakasama namin siya ni Mike sa binyag ni Maia, bunsong anak ni Nono Pardalis (ANINO at KUTING). Pauwi from Calamba, nangungulit siyang kumain kami ng crabs for dinner. Buti na lang pinagbigyan namin siya ni Mike at nagfoodtrip kami sa Dampa sa likod ng Metrowalk. Yun na ang pinakahuli naming pagkikita. Pero lagi kaming magkachika sa Yahoo messenger, at hihiramin pa nga sana niya ang libro kong 'Man on Wire.' Wala akong kamalay-malay na noong linggong yun ay itatakbo na pala siya sa ospital at papanaw makalipas ang ilang araw.

Inaasahan kong magpaparamdam si Astrid, kahit sa panaginip.

Mga Alaala ni A

Agosto ng pumanaw si Astrid.

Ang huli naming pagkikita ay 6 Agosto, 2009. Nasa Vibal Foundation pa ako noon bilang library consultant at siya naman ay nabigyan ng isang proyekto na makapagsulat ng isang aklat pambata. Nagkasalo pa kami ng tanghalian kasama si Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, Rhandee Garlitos at mga taga Vibal Foundation nung araw na iyun. Natatandaan ko na kaunti lang ang kinain ni Astrid. Napansin ko rin ang pamamaga ng mga pisngi ni Astrid pero hindi ko inisip na malubha na siyang may sakit. Hindi kase siya madaingin. Hindi siya maarte. Hindi siya emo. Hindi siya madaling sumuko sa mga pagsubok.

Nung tumawag sa akin si Mona Dy, kaibigan kong matalik at bagong kaibigan pa lang ni Astrid noon, sinabihan niya akong dalawin sa ospital si Astrid. Sabi ko, "Nasa Samar ako at may teacher training, Mona. Pagdating na pagdating ko sa Manila, dadalawin ko si Astrid." Biernes yun. Sabado ng umaga, 23 ng Agosto, nakuha ko na lang ang text ni Mike at Augie Rivera na pumanaw na si Astrid. Nagpa-excuse muna ako sa training ng ilang saglit sapagkat hindi ko mapigilang lumuha. Ang dami kong mga pinalagpas na imbitasyon ni Astrid. Ang dami naming projects na pinag-usapan subalit hindi nasimulan. Ang daming pagkakataon na nakita ako ni Astrid na mahina, subalit naroon siya upang magbigay ng tulong at payo sa akin.

Tatlong taon na siyang lumisan sa mundong ito at palagi ko pa rin siyang iniisip. Pinayuhan ako ng aking mister na ipagdasal at ipaubaya na sa Dios si Astrid. Kung tutuusin nga naman, namamahinga na si Astrid. Hangang sa huling sandali, tinuruan ako ni Astrid. Seize the day! Go! Go! Go!

Astrid, sa mga susunod na araw, kaming mga kaibigan mo sa KUTING ay magbibigay pugay sa iyong naging kontribusyon sa panitikang pambata. Sa aking blog, iisa-isahin namin ang mga masasayang alaalang ibinigay at ibinahagi mo sa amin. May mga piling taga Kuwentista ng mga Tsikiting (KUTING) ang nagbigay ng kanilang maikli, subalit matamis na tribute para sa iyo.

Sana mag-enjoy ka!

Webify Me: The Librarian's Desk

Webify Me is a web collage that shows you web personality. I named this The Librarian's Desk. Here's the link if you want to create your own.

The 39th Annual Children’s Literature Association Conference

This one came in from Lara Saguisag via Facebook --

Call for Papers:
Philippine Children’s Literature

39th Annual Children’s Literature Association Conference
Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts
June 14-16, 2012

The International Committee of the Children’s Literature Association is planning a special country focus panel on the Philippines, to be presented at the 39th Children’s Literature Association Conference, to be held at Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts from June 14 to 16, 2012. The committee invites paper proposals that focus on any aspect of Philippine children’s literature. Papers may focus on the origins of and/or developments in Philippine children’s texts; issues of regionalism and nationalism; Philippine folklore as children’s texts; Philippine children’s literature in the diaspora; or the state of children’s literature studies in the Philippines. Preference will be given to proposals with the potential to inspire American and international scholars to develop active interest in Philippine children’s literature and to integrate it into their own research.

The authors of two papers selected for the panel to accompany a presentation by a Philippine Distinguished Scholar (invited by the committee) will be awarded a $500 travel grant each. Up to four other proposals may be selected as well, pending the approval of the additional panel by the conference paper selection committee. The papers must be presented in English and must not exceed the twenty-minute reading time. The committee strongly encourages ChLA members and other scholars with an interest in Philippine children’s literature to submit paper proposals for the session. Send 500-word abstracts accompanied by up to 250-word bios to the International Committee, Children’s Literature Association, P.O. Box 138, Battle Creek, MI 49016-0138, USA; fax +269-965-3568; or electronically to info@childlitassn.org . The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2011.

Filipino Friday: Reading as a Hobby

August 19 - How did you become a reader? What factors influenced you to take up reading as a hobby and why do you enjoy it so much?

I became a reader because my grandmother told me stories. I became a reader because my mother read to me. Books and writing materials were always available at home. We were not rich, but my parents made it sure that I grew up reading. Thanks to the reading genes as well! My parents and teachers didn't have a difficult time teaching me how to read and making me love it.

In my case, when it comes to reading, nature agreed to my parents' desire to nurture a reader for life.

Peers were also a great influence in my reading habits. In grade school, I remember a classmate who was so fond of dinosaurs I showed her the dino books my mom borrowed for me in the library where she worked. By sixth grade, I was using references and non-fiction books for my projects and assignments courtesy of mom's library. It was at that time when I met Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys. To my surprise, a boy in class is a Hardy Boys fan as well! These books were the only books I borrow from our school library. In high school, more reading friends surfaced and we had mini-book talk sessions during recess and lunch. It was such a great joy to have friends whom I could share insights and feelings on books I have read. At that time, there were no blogs so I had to wait for days to connect and communicate with friends who read.

Now, as an adult, I keep in close proximity reader friends and a reading community. I also try my best to pass on to my children this love and culture for reading. I think I am successful with my daughter. My son, who is fourteen is turning out to be a challenge. I will blog on this next time since teenagers these days have different reading styles and varying tastes!

At the start of the year, a dear friend gave me a gift. She gave me a copy of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's my favorite read so far for 2011.

2012 PBBY Salanga Prize Call for Entries

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) is now accepting entries for the 2012 PBBY-Salanga Prize. The contest is co-sponsored by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and The National Library of the Philippines (NLP). The winner shall receive Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos and a medal. Prizes will be awarded in an appropriate ceremony to be held during the celebration of National Children’s Book Day in July 2012.
CONTEST RULES

The contest is open to all Filipino citizens except those who are related to any PBBY member up to the third degree of consanguinity.

Stories should be intended for children aged 6 to 12 years old. The plot and the sequence must be capable of sustaining an illustrated book of 28 to 32 pages.

Entries may be in Filipino or English.

Entries must be in hard copy, double-spaced, on short bond paper. Maximum length is five (5) pages.

A contestant may send in more than one (1) entry.

Each entry must be signed by a pen name only. Five (5) copies of each entry should be placed in an envelope, on the face of which only the pen name of the contestant should appear.

Together with each entry, contestants must submit a second envelope, on the face of which the pen name shall appear. This must contain the contestant’s full name, address, contact numbers, a short literary background, and a notarized certification from the author, vouching for the originality of the entry and for the freedom of the organizers from any liability arising from the infringement of copyright in case of publication, and affirming that the entry or any variant thereof has (a) never been published nor (b) won any other contest i.e. that it has never won 1st, 2nd, 3rd, honorable mention in any other contest or otherwise been awarded a medal, a citation, or included in a publicized list of meritorious entries to a literary contest.

All entries must be sent through snail mail to the PBBY Secretariat, c/o Adarna House, Inc., Scout Torillo cor. Scout Fernandez Sts., Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City.

All entries must be received by the PBBY Secretariat no later than 5:00 p.m., November 11, 2011.

Winners will be announced no later than December 16, 2011. Non-winning entries will be disposed of by the PBBY Secretariat.

The winning story will be the basis for the 2012 PBBY-Alcala Prize. For more details, interested parties may contact the Philippine Board on Books for Young People, at 3526765 local 203 or email pbby[at]adarna.com.ph.

The Lib Code

The Lib Code [2011] from UP LISSA on Vimeo.

Filipino Friday Meme Topics

So that I will always remember.

The topics are:

August 12 - Introduction. Tell us everything that we need to know about you as a Filipino reader. You can talk about the genres that you read, your favorite authors, your comfort reads and your best books of 2011. You can also include links of where other readers can find you online: blog, Twitter, Goodreads, Shelfari, etc.

August 19 - How did you become a reader? What factors influenced you to take up reading as a hobby and why do you enjoy it so much?

August 26 - How hard or easy is it to be a book lover in the Philippines? What are some of your frustrations as a Filipino reader (e.g. availability of books)? What are positive aspects of being a reader based in the Philippines (e.g. book prices are lower here than they are abroad)?

September 2 - Do you read Filipino literature? If yes, what are some books by Filipino authors that you can recommend to fellow readers?

September 9 - What do you hope will happen in the Filipino ReaderCon? What are you expecting from the event?

Visit the website. Click the link!

The Hunger Games Movie

Filipino Friday

Filipino Book Bloggers unite! See them wield power and influence at the 32nd Manila International Book Fair via the First Filipino Reader Conference. Here are details of the event from the blog -

Filipino Readers Make It Social!
The 1st Filipino Reader Conference
When: September 14, 2011, Wednesday, 1-6 PM (during MIBF)
Where: SMX Mall of Asia, Meeting Room 2

Objectives:
1. to provide support, instruction, and social time for book club members and book bloggers
2. to celebrate readers and reading in the Philippines
3. to promote a closer connection between readers and writers and/or publishers

Carloe Javier is the keynote speaker. Pinoy Book Bloggers (PBB) like Tarie Sabido and Charles Tan, to mention a few, are panelists.

In line with the event, the PBB's are creating noise in the blogosphere by memes, blogs and social media, of course. To start off, there's Filipino Friday where in book bloggers blog about the topic of the week. Officially, Filipino Friday is a weekly meme used by Filipino Book Bloggers to discuss more about book they read, the events and happenings that affect the world of literature. For now, as a part of an upcoming event, we are using this meme to promote the upcoming The Filipino Reader Convention on September 14 and to promote the Filipino Readers.

I'm not sure if I can go to the ReaderCon so I'll simply blog my reading habits and book choices along with the PBBs. Visit the Filipino Friday website for a list of meme topics till 14 September, 2011.

I was six years old when I read my name on the list of accepted applicants of grade one pupils. I knew then that I will be reading for life. It helped that my mother read to me as a child and that she brought home a lot of books for me to read. She did not buy them in bookstores. She borrowed them from the library. At the time, I considered it a privilege -- getting my books from the library. Ang yabang ko!

I was the only girl in class who knew Dr. Seuss and that there existed animals as big as buildings, as wide as mountains and as fierce as a pack of hyenas by the hundreds. I was friends with Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. I idolized Judy Blume and hated myself for not understanding Asimov's sci-fi world. I put down Bradburry in my teens to devour Sweet Valley High and the classic Newberry's. In college, I discovered Filipino writers and children's books by Filipino writers. There were so many things to know; so many things to see; so many things to experience from a book written and made by another human being who is just like me in so many ways.

Now, I know better. Having access to books and libraries is not a privilege but a right.

Now, I know better. Books, reading and libraries are a culture. It is not exclusive to one nation or elite groups of peoples.

Now, I know better. Reading is power. And those who can wield that power even has the greater responsibility to share it and empower others!

Till next Filipino Friday.

New Guidelines of the Bureau of Customs

On the importation of books, the Bureau of Customs has issued new guidelines for the duty and free tax importation of books. Here's an introductory paragraph from the website of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) --

The Bureau of Customs recently issued Customs Memorandum Order No. 25-2011 or the Guidelines for the Duty and Tax Free Importation of Books. The said memorandum contains guidelines on the coverage and operational provisions of the duty and tax free importation of books under Section 105 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines for uniformity in the treatment of book importations.

The full article can be read here. Copy of the Customs Memorandum Order No. 25-2011 is downloadable form the NBDB website.

The 32nd Manila International Book fair

The day the book fair comes to town. Website is here.

The 32nd Manila International Book Fair: Words Without Borders

Growing Wings: St. La Salle Preschool Lending Library

Last February, Carla Pacis set up a storytelling workshop for parents of St. La Salle Preschool. Thanks to Chichi Ferrer for allowing Carla and I to meet the parents of the school. Early June of this year, I got an email from Carla bearing good news from Chichi --

Just wanted to let you know that we have set up a lending library in the preschool out of the books that Zarah had donated. We placed a bookcase inside the school, so that the parents can look at the books. We are all excited about this and we are hoping that the parents will use it and read to their children at home. We are hoping to build on this lending library with the donated books from previous years that we don't really use as it is for elementary children. For now, we are starting with a small collection to see the parents' response to it.

Apparently, one of Chichi's former students in De La Salle University-Taft, Anna Bella Yu, got wind of the activity and scheduled a similar workshop for parents of Brgy. Corazon de Jesus, San Juan. Anna Bella is part of a non-government organization whose work involves child care and feeding program in the community. After some email exchanges, Carla and I were ate the barangay hall giving a talk to parents of the community. Anna Bella and her group has donated 300 books for the reading center of the barangay and our presence there that Saturday in July helped parents realize the importance of reading.

Parents shared their dreams and ambitions for their children. They talked about challenges that they face every day. They read the books and gave short, substantial book talks. Typical of every activity in the Philippines, it ended with merienda and "picture-picture".

We definitely look forward to news, good or otherwise, of this barangay's progress in creating a reading center and parents read to their children.

Rizal's Many Loves

Book Donation Project

I have registered in JustGiving for my Books for My Birthday project. Click the badge below to see what JustGiving is all about.



This fundraising is for the school library project of Sambat Trust. The UK based charity's current project is the development of the Pantay Bata Elementary School library. As of writing, the library needs more books! So I'm pitching in a book donation effort.

There are two ways to help. One, you can donate old books and we can meet for pick up. I can also send a drop box address for this purpose. Two, go to my page in JustGiving and donate a few bucks. Your donation will go along way!

Why We Need The (Public) Library

Books for My Birthday

August is my birthday month. I'll be turning 37 on the 15th. To celebrate, I've decided to come up with a book donation project that will benefit Sambat Trust.

Sambat Trust is a charity based in the UK but establishes school libraries in Tanauan, Batangas. It also runs a scholarship program for grade school, high school and college students of the locality. It started in 2007 and so far, it has set up five libraries in the area.

Visit the website of Sambat Trust. I'll be posting procedures on how books can be donated beginning today until the end of the month.