Friday, September 18, 2015

My "Big" Sisters

On September 18, 2015, our new book, Big Sister (Lampara Books, 2015) will be launched at the 36th Manila International Book Fair along with twenty four titles of new children's books, The venue for the launch is at the stage area where the Lampara Books' booth is close by. Ruben "Totet" De Jesus is the illustrator whom I have entrusted to render the visual narrative of my story.

Working with Totet was a lot of fun! When he showed me the studies, I knew he would give "Ate" an attitude and character that matched my implied descriptions. It took us a year and a few months to finish the book, but the time spent was worth it. Totet dedicated the book to his sisters. Since I am sister-less, I dedicated the book to my sisters in friendship.


Tarie Sabido, PBBY President, is my sister in the Philippine Children's Book industry. We always take selfies when we see each other, which is not very often. But when we do, apart from selfies, we weave dreams for the industry.



Dianne De Las Casas, my co-author for Tales From the 7,000 Ilses: Filipino Folk Stories, is my "big" sister. She showed me how to turn dreams into reality. I miss her so much since she lives in New Orleans, LA, USA. I still dream of visiting her in the states one day.


And of course, there's Mona Dy, who sadly I do not have a selfie or photo on file. But, our friendship just about describes the photo above: good food, art and culture, a common love for coffee, books and conversations. We spent a weekend in Baguio last November, 2014 and I sure look forward to seeing her soon.


So, I ask you, dear reader, who is your big sister and what makes her special? Send me an answer and you get a free copy of our new book. 

6 comments:

aganday said...

Since I am the eldest, I don't have a big sister. But I have a very good friend who I fondly called Ate Jo (even when she is wearing a smock gown) She is special to me because, she does not only listens to me and rejoices in my ups, she prays for me no matter what. She and I do not often see each other since I started to work in Manila, but her text messages always comes handy when I feel down and lonely. She also did not only considered me as friend, but their youngest sister in the family. She is my church mate, my intercessory partner, my kakiligan moment but keeps me grounded in truth, my driver/tourist guide roll in one, my kumare and most of all my so loved BIG sister. Thanks ate Jo!

rolly said...

Congratulations,!it's going to be phenomenal

Raissa Rivera FAlgui said...

I put your question to Cubby. When I asked what Ate is good at, he said, "Picking up the toy insects in the water." This was an activity theybdid on her Family Day!

Zarah C. Gagatiga said...

Agay and Raissa, you get a free copy of Big Sister. :-)

Zarah C. Gagatiga said...

Salamat, Tito Rolly!

Raissa Rivera FAlgui said...

Can't wait to see it, Zarah! How will you send it? Hope we can meet up.

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