Needless to say, Amanda Gorman is my favorite -- so far.
Her poem is beautiful. Powerful yet, simple. It was accessible. Though she was speaking from her own history and experience, her poetry crossed boundaries. It was what we need today in this age of the great divide.
And then, there was Bernie Sanders.
If Gorman's performance was edifying, Sanders' demeanor and no-nonsense appearance at the inauguration promoted egalitarianism. That photo that went viral spawned millions of memes that earned revenues to the school teacher who made his mittens as well as a much needed PR booster for the Democrats.
America is still divided. We are still grappling with a clueless government as to how the vaccines are to be rolled out. Amanda and Bernie provided many of us with hope and the humor to survive in these pandemic times.
Yesterday, I joined a webinar led by Mr. Al Santos on the wonder and usefulness of picture books. The context being that Room to Read and the five publishers that worked together in rolling out the 20 Kuwentong Musmos books have successfully partenred with Tanghalang Pilipino and the Department of Education in bringing copies of the books to the Bangsa Moro Region. The webinar was attended by DepEd teachers and school leaders.
I posted on Instagram the link to the audio drama versions of the Kuwentong Musmos books. The ebook versions can be read online or streamed via literacycloud.org. But of course, getting a print copy will really help the book industry at this time of the pandemic.
For twelve years now, Litworld, in cooperation with partners like Scholastic, has celebrated World Read Aloud Day. It continuous this year amidst the pandemic. Read aloud at home to your child or to your students. There are four easy steps to join in the fun
Snap a photo or video of you reading aloud
Challenge 3 of your friends to join the fun
Use the hashtags #WRADChallenge and
#WorldReadAloudDay
Tag @Scholastic and @LitWorldSays on Twitter, and @scholasticinc and @litworld on Instagram
In the Academy, we continue our library advisory for readers with this list of books and resources from our library and the Ayala Museum.
Ayala Museum has a collection of resources for asynchronous learning or for activities that children, young people and the young at heart can do offline. Have a look at these photos of the learning packet on Philippine traditional weaving and the companion module on Geometry, Symmetry and Design. Furthermore, it complements the museum's virtual tours, videos and podcasts. Take for example this video on indigenous weaves and garments that blends art, history, a bit of development economics and the role of women as keepers of legacy and traditions.
Studio Dragon / TvN
Written by Lee Si-eun
Directed by Kim Sang Hyeop
Right after the finale of Tale of the Nine Tailed, we decided to watch True Beauty for three reasons namely:
1. Moon Ga Young
2. Cha Eun Woo
3. And GFRIENDS' revival of The Nolans I'm In The Mood for Dancing
And well, we are not disappointed at the turn of events and how the story has progressed thus far.
It is a tug of war in the romance department and in one episode, the love triangle turns into a quad angle with three good looking guys pining after Ju-Kyung. And yet, she stays on course not losing her north star. She knows who she likes and she isn't one to play around. Also, having found joy and security in make-up and glamour, she is pretty content having that as her security blanket. So, when she and Su Ho finally started dating, her self confidence wanes and Su Ho is the supportive and reassuring boyfriend.
Sounds good? Caveat. If you are not comfortable with and adult sensibility permeating the romance and the drama among characters who are still in high school, well, might as well watch Lovestruck in the City instead.
We are excited to watch the next six episodes as we are eager to know the reason behind Se-yeon's death, cheer-on Im-Semi and her lover and find redemption or at least a just closure for the wayward parents in this drama. It's an entertaining drama nonetheless. Aren't we all hard pressed for entertainment these days?
In 2020, I discovered several apps on the web and the ones I can use in my mobile that contributed to my work productivity. In the coming days, I will be sharing them here in the blog as well as the cool stuff that I was able to make from each. First up is Wakelet. So far, it is the easiest web app I have used for content curation. I was able to use Wakelet as a Pathfinder for work in the library and when I need to put together online resources for my talks, lectures and workshops.
Here are my Top 4 collections in Wakelet from 2020.
CLOY has a very engaging story line, though predictable. The amazing actors all look good, well groomed, dressed appropriately to the role and aesthetically compelling. They always match the elaborate background, panoramic cinematography and enticing music of every scene. In most Kdramas, the lead characters’ arc or gradual development is the most exciting part. It seems that everyone is constantly evolving and continuously changing. By the end of the long but engaging series, any ordinary viewer would be able to relate to the endearing protagonist, realize an important life lesson and understand a truth about the human condition. SoKor film makers are good storytellers to combine all film elements in one enjoyable show.
As a fan, I can effectively plot and differentiate each of the Kdramas by closely looking at the theme, characters and their development, problem and solution and ending or closure.
I was definitely hooked watching Kdramas during the quarantine. The amazing thing is, all four of us - my husband and our two children watch it now. We all have our personal favorites, but it is Goblin that we would re-watch on days when we want to see something epic. We all have our reasons different as they may be, it brings us together. My daughter loves the discussion of destiny and faith. My son enjoys the music and the official soundtrack. I love looking at the scenes. They are visual narratives where I discover layers of meaning that are not expressed through dialogues. As for my husband, he watches with us for moral support.
I love the happy endings, if not the triumph of overall goodness against evil or adversity. I love it because I believe in happy endings, in goodness and in persevering over hardships. I watch it when I want to escape the bad news all around especially during this time of the pandemic. I have to thank my friends for this.
Reflecting more on my fascination with Kdramas, I realize that I learned two things from this experience. The first is to hold off personal judgment and assumptions. The second is to be more open to new things outside my comfort zone. I definitely am learning about Korean culture and literature from watching Kdramas. This is an opportunity to appreciate others and understand their humanity that is common to mine.
I used to think that watching KDramas is a waste of time. Why would I spend an hour watching a telenovela when there are more productive ways to use my time on. I held on to the belief that telenovelas have the same troupes and patterns of storytelling. I have seen one. I have seen them all. But, my friends were bent on making me a Kdrama fan.
My friends at work convinced me that it is the kind of entertainment we deserve to watch. According to her, Kdramas have the aesthetics and production value. Another said that it is worth one’s time and Netflix subscription because the Kdramas offer a new spin or a novel way of presenting a story. In previous years, friends would tell me to watch Descendants of the Sun or Goblin. These Kdramas were highly recommended. I considered their opinions. Well produced series. Aesthetic appeal. A different and unique way of telling stories. I stopped the eye-rolling and listened to my friends.
The Book Blog Tour for Wing of the Locust closes this week on its third roundup. Here is a review of the book bloggers and vloggers who participated in the blog tour. Click on each link to read up on their thoughts and responses on Wing of the Locust.
Book Blog Tour Introduction: Wing of the Locust
Wing of the Locust is a masterpiece on its own and as I have said in my review, a sequel is something readers are looking forward to. Also, this coming of age young adult novel has a place in book clubs and in the Language Arts classroom. I have recommended activities for school librarians and teachers who will pick this book up for their class or reading group.
Choose any of the 3 Pre-Reading Activities
1. Activate readers' prior knowledge by showing a pre-colonial map of the Philippines focusing on the province of Laguna, especially the town of Cabuyao. Compare this to a current map of Laguna. Ask students for their impressions, curiosities and questions about the two documents. Have students write these down in a common board or JamBoard. Make students choose three questions from the list and assign them to find out answers based on sources they find online or in the library. Be sure to require citations or a bibliography. Share findings next meeting.
2. Introduce the hierarchy of pre-colonial Philippines. Discuss the relevance of this social status during the time and how it is still present in modern day Philippines.
3. Build background knowledge on the mambabarang by having students do a close reading of a text about them.
During Reading - Try a Literary Circle with your readers. It is a collaborative reading response activity that provides agency among and between readers. I have put together useful links for resources and lesson plans on Literary Circle.
Literature Circles: Role Cards
Literature Circles: Lesson Plan
Post Reading Activity
1. Conduct an Author Visit.
2. Write a book review.
3. Do a book blog tour within the class or the reading group.
Feel free to try one, any of the recommended activities , or all of it! Have fun reading the Wing of the Locust and have more fun responding and engaging with other readers.
