Art, Books and Wonder Women

When I received Kora Dandan Albano's email inviting me as guest to the ribbon cutting of Peek-A-Book: Inside the Creative Process of 16 Illustrators at the Ayala Museum, I was humbled. It came at a time when I am losing sight of my contribution, little as it is, to the book industry. I needed the reminder that there are worlds beyond Beacon Academy. One of them is a place where I find my people and where I can simply be.

With Bernadette Solina Wolf, illustrator of Sparrow Makes a Home

It was an honor to cut the ribbon alongside wonder women, Neni Sta. Romana Cruz, Nina Yuson, Mary Ann Ordinario, Asa Montejo, Yna Reyes and Meg Roxas. Liza Flores, one of the proponents of the Peek-A-Book exhibit downplayed the gender issue in Philippine Art and Book Illustration and focused more on art above all else. But, National Book Development Board Chairperson, Neni Sta. Roman Cruz had to emphasize the role women play in the development of the arts in general and in the growth of the book industry in particular. It is important to raise art as the overarching concept or the philosophy that led us all together in that gathering. It is also necessary to constantly recognize the special place that women occupy in the process of creation.

That same evening was the book launch of Bone Talk. Anvil put together a nice little space at the National Bookstore Glorietta for Candy Gourlay, author of Bone Talk, for a talk and book signing. Right after the ribbon cutting, viewing of exhibit and chats with friends in Ayala Museum, Zoe and I (yes, the aspiring artists was with me) headed off to Candy's launch.

We missed her talk but, I had my book signed!

What a wonderful way to celebrate International Women's Month! I have to add that the Philippine Board on Books for Young People has just released the official announcement on the winner of the 2019 PBBY-Salanga Prize.. It is another victory of the Filipino woman and the women who support her.