Thursday, December 31, 2020
2020 Monthly First Post
Just to review how 2019 went for me as seen in the blog, before continuing on with a blogging tradition, here was my opening paragraph:
As I keep up with this blog tradition, I am also reminded of how fortunate I have been this 2019. The year is awfully hard and I could not have made it this far if not for the support of friends at work, in the book industry and in Philippine School Librarianship. As the year ends, I can only say thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
2020 totally trumps 2019.
But I am alive and I am with my family. No complains. Only gratitude for the immense graces received.
January - Movie Review: The Two Popes
Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce play Pope Benedict and Pope Francis respectively and with such conviction that I had to remind myself very so often that this is a Netflix movie written by Anthony McCarten. Make no mistake, it is a good thing as McCarten wrote Bohemian Rhapsody and Darkest Hour. Both are Oscar winning movies that elevated Freddie Mercury into the status deserving of a god and Gary Oldman as a tough but endearing Winston Churchill. Both actors in the said movie won an Oscar too.
February - Bibliotherapy Guide and Module: Storytelling for Growth and Healing Version 1 - Full Text
March - Masaya Maging Ako! Masaya Maging Tayo!
Finally! Na-launch na rin ang Masaya Maging Ako, ang aming aklat pambata ni Jamie Bauza. Ito ay binuo, nilikha at ginawang espesyal na handog para sa mga bata na walang aklatan at salat sa babasahing akma sa kanilang kultura at konteksto. Kasama namin sa proseso ng paglikha ng aklat ang mga bumubuo sa komunidad ng Panitikang Pambata ng Pilipinas. Mula sa Ang Illustrador ng Kabataan, kasama ang apat na publishers ng mga aklat pambata, Adarna House, Lampara Books, Hiyas-OMF at Anvil Publishing hangang sa staff ng Room to Read, nagsanib puwersa ang lahat upang makapaglimbag ng 20 aklat sa ilalim ng Kuwentong Musmos Book Project ng Room to Read. Ang paglulunsad ay ginanap sa Museo Pambata noong Huwebes, February 27, 2020.
April - Online Bibliotherapy: Coping and Living Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
It is the third week of the Emergency Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the country and the second week of total lockdown in our province. It has been a crazy three weeks. It demands from us a great flexibility to cope, survive and thrive through this pandemic.
May - empowerEd Podcast Channel: Fostering Literacy in Times of School Closures
Yay! I got the news from Francis Jim Tuscano that the podcast where he and I talked about literacy and learning in the time of pandemic is up. He has this post in his Facebook Page.
June - Pathfinder: COVID-19 Updated 6.1.2020
Here is the link to the Pathfinder COVID-19 in Google Doc. The document can also be viewed below.
July - July 21 is National Children's Book Day!
August - Using Google Site To Make A Library Website (1 of 2)
On Sunday night, I posted on Facebook photos of the library website I made using Google Site. The Pioneer is one of two library websites I made during quarantine spilling over the summer while preparing for the opening of online distance learning.
September - The Lighthouse Diary Entry #23: Statistics as Science and Story
A grade 10 student asked me about the NBA and statistics. Thanks to the student's Personal Project Supervisor and PP Coordinator for this chance to connect with a fan of the NBA from one of our students.
October - Art and Bibliotherapy Service Online: Kora Dandan Albano's Aral-Aralan
Towards the end of September, a colleague dropped the idea of using a painting for an appreciation post in the school's internal social media platform. Picking up the idea from him, I put together three posts to follow through with recommended readings for reflection and de-stressing. The painting, Aral-aralan by Kora Dandan Albano became the centerpiece of the art and bibliotherapy service.
November - Paghilom at Pag-asa sa Panahon ng Pandemya: Following Through Miyawing Kuting's Story
For the participants of the Bibliotherapy workshop/webinar, this is our post activity to close the experience. Simply answer the questions below like you would answer or write in a diary or journal. If the spirit moves you, post on your socmed accounts or timeline the fruits of your reflection.
December - Learn From Home: Ep 1 Setting A Learn From Home Routine and Procedures
Learn from Home is a program of YGoal. The aim of the program is to support parents, guardians, and those who take on a “parental” role on how learning can be facilitated efficiently at home especially in the modification of the delivery of education in this time of unprecedented change.
2021 is but a few hours away. No one really prepared us for the pandemic. I keep my hopes up and faith in God. Have a safe and blessed New Year to all!
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
3x3 Reviews of Christmas Stories on Netflix: A Movie, A Documentary and A Web-TV Series
The holiday break afforded me more time to watch and binge on Netflix of movies, mini-series and documentaries that are listed in my watch list for over a year now. Here is my review of Ghost of Girlfriends Past (movie), Home for Christmas Season 2 (web-TV series) and Holiday Movies That Made Us: The Night Before Christmas (documentary).
Holiday Movies That Made Us : The Night Before Christmas (Frost and Volk-Weiss, Netflix 2020) - A family favorite, it was fascinating to know the behind the scenes and the back stories of Jack and Sally. They are the one true pairing. Next to It's A Wonderful Life, this dark fantasy movie will remain a must-see movie at Christmas time.
Ghost of Girlfriends Past (Waters, Lucas and Moore, New Line Cinema 2009) - Why did I even bother streaming this movie? I should have invested my time over one of the Hallmark Holiday movies in Netflix instead. All the talent of the good actors wasted in a movie that failed to put the magic and a new insight to a beloved Christmas novel.
Home for Christmas Season 2 (Sorensen, Netflix 2020) - Wonderful! Season 2 continues to show the complexities and the imperfections in families, relationships and one's personal journey to self worth. Johanne comes full circle with an ending that affirms how love conquers all, indeed!
So, there. You know which show to take time on. Have a restful holiday break!
Photo sources:
Ghost of Girlfriends Past- https://bhsblueprint.org/showcase/2015/02/04/ghosts-of-girlfriends-past-stereotypes-of-men-and-women/
Home for Christmas Season 2 - https://webbiesworld.com/each-and-every-details-regarding-home-for-christmas-season-2-is-illustrated-below/
Holiday Movies That Made Us - https://flixable.com/title/the-holiday-movies-that-made-us/
Sunday, December 27, 2020
Book Reviews: Books For Hope and Healing 2020
As we ease our way out of a tough and troubled 2020, here are books I have read that speaks of hope and healing.
On a personal note, I thank the book creators for tackling issues that have relevance and meaning to readers young and old that will outlive this pandemic.
Worth having on the school library’s digital or physical shelf.
Don't miss out on this wordless wonder of a story!
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Book Blog Tour: Wing of the Locust Week 2
Here is an update of the book blog tour of Wing of the Locust (Jacob, Scholastic 2020). The book bloggers and vloggers are giving it a thumbs up so if you are interested to get a copy, head on Enoy Ferriols' Dear Books to place an order. Have a look and listen to what Filipino readers and bloggers are saying about this masterpiece!
Yna the Mood Reader's - YouTube Channel - Unboxing and Book Talk for Wing of the Locust
Award winning author and indie publisher, Xi Zuq posted his review on IG.
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
3 x 3 Christmas Movies Review: YA Christmas Romance on Netflix
Our family would usually watch the Metro Manila Film Festival at Christmas time. But with the pandemic, we are sticking on what we have as our source of entertainment this season spending less due to the challenges of the times. Other than the Kdramas we watch on streaming channels, we watch out for movies and mini-series on Netflix.
Dash & Lily (21 Laps Entertainment, 2020)
There are two young adult books that have been converted into a film version on Netflix that have caught our attention namely, Let it Snow (Dylan Clark productions, 2019) and Dash & Lily (21 Laps Entertainment, 2020). Here is my 3x3 review of these YA Christmas Romcom.
Let it Snow (Dylan Clark productions, 2019)
Young people traverse the cold and wintry landscapes of their personal lives at Christmas time. The external setting complements the internal turmoil and battles that eight young adults experience going through transitions and breakthroughs of growing up. The lone adult character in the movie portrayed by Joan Cusack as the mysterious Tin Foil Lady is the voice of reason and hope for both the characters in the movie as well as the viewers.
Dash & Lily (21 Laps Entertainment, 2020)
What a cast! Austin Abrams and Midori Francis breathes life to the opposites attract trope with a comfortable feel and this pairing is even made more exciting and interesting by the presence of peers and family that surrounds them. They play a game of dares around Manhattan and its neighboring boroughs showcasing their complicated and conflicting personalities and also, making New York a complex character on its own.
Our ratings:
Let it Snow (Dylan Clark productions, 2019) - 3/5 stars
Dash & Lily (21 Laps Entertainment, 2020) - 4/5 stars
Photo Sources:
https://tvline.com/2020/11/15/dash-lily-recap-season-1-episode-8-finale-ending-explained/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_It_Snow_(2019_film)
Monday, December 14, 2020
Filipino Librarian of the Month: Jessica Castro-Cristobal
1. Why vlogging?
I
was inspired by celebrity Youtube content creators like Toni Gonzaga and Bianca
Gonzales who film such motivational vlogs or videos. It’s funny how this
pandemic made me decide to set up my own YouTube channel when in fact, I’m not
a fan of it until quarantine happened.
And just to share, I chose LIS (Library and Information Science) Campaign as my pilot content so I can finally turn my MLIS (masters) thesis into a reality! This milestone is a blessing to me as I now found my comfortable platform to freely express myself and introduce BLIS Program and Profession!
2. What are your gains and losses in vlogging?
I consider myself a “Wallflower”
Librarian who would rarely attend
librarians’ conventions and any professional gatherings, and who would usually
distance herself from the crowd and actively avoid being in the limelight. In
vlogging, I believe, I’m slowly losing that anxiety, or I must say, “finally
got rid of it” and now, surprisingly, I gained my confidence in getting along
with fellow library professionals. Aside from being grateful for the new faces
I have met, I am also thankful for those new learned perspectives in
librarianship from each episode’s guest.
3. So far, how has vlogging led you to an insight or a
discovery of the profession?
Well, who could have thought that a librarian can also become a Vlogger?
In my 24 uploads, I have proven that
Librarians speak and act from the heart. Without
the presence of Librarian and BLIS (Bachelor of Library and Information Science) Student guests, every content would have not
been such an inspiring story, a story not only about Library Science journey,
but indeed unique life stories. This vlogging advocacy has also lead me to a
discovery of the profession in a way that becoming a Librarian is “ A Blessing
in Disguise”, “A Gift”, “For All”, “An Advocacy”, “A Redemption”, and “A Bread
and Butter”.
Since this question falls #4, I have 4 tips to share for others
(librarians or not, BLIS students or not) who want to begin vlogging.
2. You must KNOW your content. Create a content that aims to inspire people, not just to gain more followers, views, likes, or simply a desire to monetize your channel.
3. You must FEEL comfortable. It’s okay to feel ashamed at first, that’s normal. What important is as you go along, you get to easy learn speaking in front of your own camera.
4. You must NOT require yourself to buy hi-tech gadgets or equipment, a
smartphone and monopod will actually do, in the beginning. 😊
You can view Jessica's YouTube channel for news, features and updates about Filipino Librarians in the time of the pandemic. She is also on Instagram as @justjess_1023 and on Facebook as The Vlogging Librarian.
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Book Blog Tour: Wing of the Locust Week 1 Roundup
Our Book Blog Tour for Wing of the Locust is on-going. Book bloggers are warming up to the book. The past week, our bloggers' socmed sites have been active about it! These are the initial responses they have on Joel Donato Ching Jacob's masterpiece.
Gerald the Bookworm book talks about Wing of the Locust and looks forward to finishing up the novel by the end of the year. Below is an IG post of Yna the Moodreader on IG.
Like Xi Zuq, I am currently reading the book and so far, it has been an interesting journey with Tuan who is continuously finding his place in the community. Set against the backdrop of pre-colonial Philippines, this gives color and texture to Tuan's discovery of the self and the world around him.
I will be posting full reviews and recommended activities in the coming weeks for Donato's engaging novel. It has a place in the classroom and in libraries for virtual book discussions. Exciting!
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Learn from Home Episode 3: Learning From Home with Luigi
Learn From Home is a program of YGoal. The aim of the program is to support parents, guardians, and those who take on a “parental” role on how learning can be facilitated efficiently at home especially in the modification of the delivery of education in this time of unprecedented change.
Our guest for this episode is Ms. Rhodora Espiritu Valdez. She is a professional licensed librarian, working mom and solo parent to Luigi. Luigi is 10 years old and he has autism. In this interview, Mommy Dang shares with us her parenting adventures in the time of the pandemic. How did Mommy Dang manage the many responsibilities on her plate? How is she teaching Luigi at home? What discoveries has she made about herself in the process?
Let’s listen to Mommy Dang!
That was an insightful and inspiring interview with many takeaways.
It is important to acknowledge the feelings and emotions of our children.
Validating and affirming accomplishments big and small builds the confidence of the child.
A recognition of the child’s love language can lead to trust.
Our trust for each other will always keep the lines of communication open.
Remember to COACH
Commitment - stay committed to the role and responsibility of being a parent
Open Mindedness - bear in mind that we can learn from our children too and that the possibilities of learning together is endless
Always be there - presence matters a lot. This can be shown through guidance and mentoring
Care and support your children in their chosen endeavors
Have a lot of patience!
And now we end this season of Learn from Home. We hope to see you in the Parents’ Hour on December 19, 2020!
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
When We Talked About Children's Books and Social Justice
Candy has blogged about her after thoughts on the panel we had. We were tasked to discuss the Teaching of Social Justice. As authors, we preferred to talk about how we Navigate Social Justice in Children's Books.
Visit Candy's blog, and read up on the way she distilled her ideas about social justice, young readers and the author's life. The blog post includes links to our panel and the Manila International Book Fair YouTube channel.
As for me, I don't think social justice per se can be taught, but empathy and compassion can be nurtured and nourished. We can build the ethos among children. When a person recognizes another person's pain, as well as joy, it is easier to understand the other's emotions. An awareness of the emotions is the beginning of critical thinking. That is a good time for a teachable moment. Parents, teachers, school librarians, counselors and working adults who are caring and looking after children need to be perceptive of these teachable moments regardless of the given curriculum, subject matter, expected norms or social behavior. The ability to see another person as as an equal begins with kindness. This, I think is the seed bed for justice to grow.
And because we are ever curious, we felt it is but proper to continue the conversations. So last night (Manila Time), Candy I went live on Instagram to talk about the picture book scene in the Philippines, the issues we Filipino children's authors grapple with that find its way in our fiction.
Candy tweets below:
Filipino author & librarian Zarah Gagatiga clues me in on some truly brave and visionary #picturebooks in the Philippines that reflect the tough realities of child readers while offering hope and possibility
— Candy Gourlay (@candygourlay) December 7, 2020
Our IG Live Chat👉https://t.co/JfJJIEQXnC @SCBWI_BI pic.twitter.com/3sXEYoRezc
Head on to Twitter and Instagram for the ongoing conversation.
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 15-16 Finale (2 of 2)
Tale of the Nine Tailed
Studio Dragon, 2020
Written by Han Woo Ri
Directed by Kang Shin Hyo
Here is part two of my TOTNT review and the insights I have gathered from watching the drama.
1. All those little things done with great love can encompass the entire universe.
The day before Yeon and Ji Ah battle the Imoogi, they spent a day together eating ice cream and sharing a kiss, playing at the arcade, watching the day turn into night until the city lights shine and sparkle like the stars. They were running against time knowing the possible ending would mean death for either of them. Though, Yeon is more calculating and clever as he could see from miles away. A skill and power of a benevolent mountain spirit.
I am fascinated by this. How simple yet it means everything!
How the ordinary and the small things, those little acts of love that seem mundane can actually measure up to grand gestures! Time spent with a spouse, a partner, a lover or a friend and basking in his/her presence in the most simple of ways can mean the entire humanity and the universe put together. Go hug the person or the pet you love as often as you can! Tell them you love them. Go the extra mile for them. Listen and just be there. And forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Forgive.
Life is too short, too precious to be angry and indifferent.
2. Why we need to let go, especially of our attachments and the people we hold dear.
In episode 1, Yeon and Sunhoo met at the park as another kid was chasing after a balloon. Yeon, being a mountain spirit wielded the wind to bring back the balloon which Sunhoo witnessed. He then asked Yeon if he was an alien. It is here where Yeon first speak of these lines, "I'm saying that life is short so try your best in life...but know when to let go when something's too unbearable."
Wow. That packs a punch.
Relating this to the drama after seeing the entire season unfold and take a bow last Friday, I could not help but think if Yeon is saying this to comfort Sunho. Could it be that having seen too many human years pass him by, he too feels the pain of mortal men and women who get attached to their dreams and ambitions, to position and social class or status and even to the people they love that it destroyed them completely. It must have exhausted him to witness such internal and personal destruction that could only lead to the imbalance of society and the universe at large. Or is he, at this point in episode 1, thinking about the things and attachments that have burdened him for hundreds of years? For how long has he contemplated on the desires of his own heart?
With a finale that seemed to have rushed on a schedule, my questions were not answered. But, this I know, that letting go of things when it has become unbearable can be liberating. But I have to add, that discerning when to let go is the beginning of this freedom.
3. Life and death all but flow in one sweep of justice.
Now, we go to Rang.
Many could not understand Yeon's happy ending and, to this day, a few remain broken hearted at Rang's sacrifice. First of all, Yeon's choice to save Ji Ah is to save the world too. The Imoogi is so evil, he corrupted A Eum to go after Yeon to become the mountain spirit. For the second time around, Yeon is bent to correct this by saving Ji Ah and the world from evil. But Rang, being abandoned by his mother, has yet to grow up and understand what tough love means. It took him a while.
Sadly, the choices he made along the way immersed him further down to evil. Remember, Rang took the side of the Imoogi's cohorts to bring him back to life and deprive Yeon of his happily ever after. What Rang did not see at the time, is the pestilence and malice the Imoogi brings along in its wake. So, we had an amazing run in episodes 11-12 making Yeon the ultimate hero and Rang, the anti-hero we are all rooting for to change for the better. And with this, our own hopes for his redemption and happily ever after.
Rang's only redemption is death. His sacrifice was appraised worthy by the Judge of the Afterlife in exchange for Yeon's thus, the elder gumiho brother got his happy ending. Finally, Rang has learned how to love other than himself. This makes life meaningful and, according to the Fates of Korean myth and folklore, such a life is worth letting go of.
I don't think I will begin watching a new Kdrama (one that has been released this year) in the next few days until January 2021. TOTNT resonated with me on many levels. Some scenes, events and characters brought me delight as well as sorrow. For all its inventiveness, TOTNT affirms a personal belief I discovered during my wandering years. The people who brings me great joy are also the sources of my deepest pain.
This makes life worth living.
Rating: 4/5 One of the best of 2020
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 15-16 Finale (1 of 2)
Tale of the Nine Tailed
Studio Dragon, 2020
Written by Han Woo Ri
Directed by Kang Shin Hyo
We have reached the end of the series. What a journey!
Our love and gratitude goes out to the actors and the production team for weaving a life affirming story, yes, even in Rang's death (more on this later) that is filled with folkloric and mythical elements of Korea. Tale of the Nine Tailed (TOTNT) stayed true to the classic story of old. The innovation and inventiveness in storytelling made the themes of love and family appear new and fresh but it reminded us of the lasting truths and values of our collective humanity in a highly, modern and apathetic world.
I really enjoyed how the director made use of color and texture, objects in contrast, the panoramic shots and close ups as well as the play of light and shadows to amplify and heighten emotions in particular scenes. The scene where Rang and Yeon were playing Go before their descent to darkness clearly shows the forces they chose to belong in. Rang in black is still under the Imoogi and his cohort's spell as Yeon in white remains the unperturbed Mountain Spirit. As the episodes roll along one after the other, we see Ji Ah and Yeon wearing the same colors of clothes that complement each other. Director Kang surely knows the perfect angles of Lee Dong Wook and where to place the light. Our male lead is radiant and ethereal most of the time. That kiss in the rain in episode nine, we see Yeon waiting for Ji Ah under his red umbrella. Slowly he lifts it up to reveal his face and a ray of light shines through amidst the drizzle.
Just when I thought TOTNT has given me a kiss that is one for the books, episode 13 has that unforgettable intimate scene with Yeon and Ji Ah fulfilling their dreams and desires. I had to tell myself that LDW and JBA are constructing the reality of lovers racing against time. But Wookie's jugular was a distraction, honestly. Needless to say, it was tastefully made. Slow clap!
While there are parts I felt were rushed, like the remaining 40 minutes of episode 16 and that part where Yeon met Ji Ah's parents, the pacing and presentation of the visual narratives in mis-en-scene are indeed beautiful to behold.
I have the same praise for the writing, though I felt the struggle of telling a story filled with plot twists after plot twists had its toll in the finale. They could have worked an additional 30 minutes more to the finale because, the lacunas were plentiful. I just hope there will be a Director's Cut now that Rang's untold stories are out there.
Of LDW's Kdramas, this is the one drama that I can personally relate to especially in its depiction of love and family relationships. I shipped the LDW and JBA pairing right away and fell in love with them all through out the season. I find their pairing mature, sincere and honest. Yeon is a mountain spirit who has amassed a fortune but with Ji Ah, he enjoys the simple things. He wants to be human, to grow old with Ji Ah and to see the light fade from their years together. This increases Yeon's romantic appeal and otherworldly charm. It did not help knowing that foxes are monogamous. I am hooked.
Then, there is Rang played by Kim Bum. As Yeon's little brother, he brings the sizzle to the entire drama. At the beginning he is the villain but towards the middle, he was able to resolve his issues however, there are just actions he committed in the past that cannot be easily forgiven. He is the wedge to the Yeon and Ji Ah pairing. How Kim Bum portrays this role so well!
And now I go to my overall insights and reflections of TOTNT. This is the first Kdrama I wrote recaps and reviews about so the specifics can be read through the following links:
Episodes 1 -2 - The LDW and Jo Bo Ah ship has sailed!
Episodes 3-6 - The strong folkloric elements are smoothly integrated in the drama.
Episodes 7-10 - That kiss in the rain... It is a masterpiece!
Episode 11 - 12 - Lee Yeon's is the best brother but he is not the perfect boyfriend to bring home and meet the parents. And that is perfectly alright.
Episode 13 - 14 - The one where we are proven that LDW is still leading man material and JBA is not an overrated actress.
Just three things namely 1) All those little things done with great love encompass the entire universe; 2) Why we need to let go, especially of our attachments and people we hold dear; 3) Life and death all but flow in one sweep of justice.
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