Philippine Children's Book Summit 2021: Inclusivity & Diversity in Children's Literature

 

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Learning Reading and Writing With My Students: The Introductory Paragraph, Body of the Essay and BTS (2 of 3)

Here is an update on the essay I am writing alongside my students. For context, go to part 1 of the post. 

Introduction

Hitman Bang recognized the immense talent inherent in each member of BTS that he employed an unorthodox management style that is uniquely different from the existing system in the Kpop industry. 

Who would have thought that a small time Kpop agency and label, Big Hit Entertainment, would one day become a global success? Bang Si Hyuk discovered, trained and developed the seven members of BTS into global pop icons when everyone in the Kpop industry thought as impossible. This essay will argue the manner in which Bang Si Hyuk recognized the immense talent inherent in each member of BTS employing an unorthodox management style that is uniquely different from the existing system in the Kpop industry. The paper will present a short history and profile of Bang Si Hyuk and Big Hit Entertainment, the unique management system he implemented, and a discussion on the effective ways in which talents and artists can become collaborators in creating music and art. In the end, it will emphasize the belief system of co-creation and artistic equity that makes a band, musician and even its label agency achieve unparalleled success.

Body Paragraph 1

-       Topic sentence: Hitman Bang recognized the immense talent of each member of BTS. (rephrase)

-        He takes his role as manager and producer as sense of duty.

-        He does not perceive and treat the members as mere commodity.

 When Hitman Bang started Big Hit Entertainment, his goal is to make music and art for healing. He takes his role as manager and producer as a sense of duty. This means, he is a mentor and guide for his young talents. He did not perceive and treat the members as mere commodity. For Hitman Bang, he is not only doing business in the creative industry. He is also, breaking barriers and creating new paths for managing artists specifically in the Kpop industry. This way, his artist and talents will grow in their chosen craft.

 Body Paragraph 2

 Topic sentence - II.     By employing unorthodox management and support system for BTS, he was able to achieve success in growing the talents and skills of the group.

a.            Each member is allowed to write and create their own songs and music.

b.           RM and Suga for that matter have their own studio since both are the song writers, lyricist and composers in the band.

c.            Big Hit also provided continuous training for each members’ talents and skills.

Body Paragraph 3

When managers of artists provide their talents with the necessary support needed for them to grow, the result is an authentic production of art and performances.

a.            It is this organic brand of storytelling and communicating their talents and artistry to fans and spectators that make BTS a tremendous success.

Conclusion: Hitman Bang prioritized his artists over earnings and revenues through a participatory and progressive style of management. This unorthodox approach to the management of the creative industries is one factor that spells great success for Big Hit Entertainment, now recognized as HYBE.

Book Review: We Have It All

We Have It All

By Kristyn Maslog-Levis

Illustrated by Angela Taguiang

Createspace, 2015

Last month, I had the pleasure and the honor of attending the 2021 Asian Festival of Children's Content AFCC. The program has a rich array of talks, webinars and mini-workshops. This is my second attendance in the AFCC and I feel well fed. In fact, I still have some sessions in my watch list for viewing since there were talks that overlapped. 

One of the many things I appreciate about the AFCC is the availability of books to acquire. This year, there are many titles to choose from. Yes... my AFCC watch list is as long as my to read and buy list. Since our summer has begun, I had the time to review them. My first pick is Kristyn Malsog-Levis' illustrated story book, We Have It All. 

It is written in two languages, Filipino and Bisaya. Angela Taguiang's collage evokes nostalgia. Her illustrations fit perfectly in my reading of the story. I saw my childhood in the pages of the book. I know what it was like not to own material things and this was something I grappled with in my growing up years. 

But now, I know better. There is a line in the book that goes, "sabi ni ina malaki ang aming imahinsayon." I heard my mother say that to me many times. My maternal grandmother, Nanay Leony, made sure that I recognize it every way she can. 

She told stories. She cooked meals that fed my soul. She healed me when I was sick before my mother could bring me to the doctor. She allowed me to play under the sun and in the rain. She grew and tended a garden and sang songs. She talked to plants which fascinated me. She had a sari-sari store where I learned basic math and reading. How can I forget Zuma and Galema when she bought komiks for me to read which later on were rented out to readers young and old.

Yes. Growing up, I had it all. Thank you, Ms. Levis for this wonderful story.

4 Bookmarks

July is Children's Book Month in the Philipines!

 

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Learning Reading and Writing With My Students (1 of 3): Position Statement, Outlining and BTS

This summer, I am conducting workshops on writing and reading with middle grade and high school students. One workshop where I am the literacy coach of high school students have us discussing position statements. From this, we develop an outline so that we can write an essay. 

I say "we" because, I write with them. I show and model the process as well as the struggle I go through in thinking and in constructing ideas to write about. This is part of my coaching strategy and so far, my students find it helpful that they have a companion in the writing experience.

Here is my work so far. My topic is about BTS and the management style of Hitman Bang. It all began with a question: Who do you consider a living legend and hero of today?

Position Statement: Hitman Bang recognized the immense talent inherent in each member of BTS that he employed an unorthodox management style that is uniquely different from the existing system in the Kpop industry.

I. Hitman Bang recognized the immense talent of each member of BTS

a.      He takes his role as manager and producer as sense of duty.

b.     He does not perceive and treat the members as mere commodity.

II.               By employing unorthodox management and support system for BTS, he was able to achieve success in growing the talents and skills of the group.

a.      Each member is allowed to write and create their own songs and music.

b.     RM and Suga for that matter have their own studio since both are the song writers, lyricist and composers in the band.

c.      Big Hit also provided continuous training for each members’ talents and skills.

III.            When managers of artists provide their talents with the necessary support needed for them to grow, the result is an authentic production of art and performances.

a.      It is this organic brand of storytelling and communicating their talents and artistry to fans and spectators that make BTS a tremendous success.

Conclusion: Hitman Bang prioritized his artists over earnings and revenues through a participatory and progressive style of management. This unorthodox approach to the management of the creative industries is one factor that spells great success for Big Hit Entertainment, now recognized as HYBE.

The outline will change since we are in the process of researching for facts and information. That, in itself is an exciting part of the writing journey!

Book Party with Teacher Mocs of Of Stories and Play

 I had my first book party at Of Stories and Play today. It was fun! 

 It is Father's Day so the book I read aloud was My Daddy My One and Only (Gagatiga and Tejido, Lampara Books 2013). There were around ten kids in the Zoom Meeting room with their parents eagerly listening in and watching too. I hope that this activity would be the beginning of a regular reading habit at home.

Thanks to Teacher Mocs for organizing this online event for kids. School Libraries and schools can get in touch with her by clicking on the link to her website and Facebook Page. She can organize book events online that libraries and teachers can use with their students learning from home. 

Look at the wonderful Book Mail she put together! Parents can buy these boxed set of craft activities, plushie, book and reading log. 

Authors who wish to have a Book Mail can inquire from Teacher Mocs. As an author, I truly appreciate this book event. Our book was published in 2013. Eight years and counting, we still have content to create new things out of it.

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Celebrate Father's Day! Read and Play with My Daddy! My One and Only + Plushie

 

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Ang Aklatan Ay Kanlungan: Usap-usapan Ng Mga Children's Librarian

From the Philippine Board on Books for Young People. You are cordially invited.

The pandemic has changed the way libraries organize programs for children and their families. One thing hasn’t changed — the dedication of librarians to serve the children and families in their community. The Ang Aklatan Ay Kanlungan: Usap-usapan Ng Mga Children’s Librarian aims to gather library organizations and its representatives, school librarians and public librarians, to talk about methods they find effective during this new-normal. Despite the challenges, libraries are able to provide a safe space for all to read and grow. This round-table discussion can contribute to an action plan for librarians and data for policy development among library organizations.

Interested librarians may register at: bit.ly/AklatanKanlungan 

Children's Book Summit 2021

Calling all lovers of children's literature!

In cooperation with the National Book Development Board (NBDB), The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) is holding the Philippine Children's Book Summit 2021 on July 31, 2021.

Stay tuned for more details

The 38th NCBD: Dalisayan

 Calling all kids ages 8-10: the PBBY is holding FREE storytelling and art workshops every Saturday of July, to celebrate National Children's Book Month.

The first 40 registrants will get free books and art kits! Register by emailing pandayan.trade@gmail.com .

Let's celebrate Filipino children's literature in July!

The 38th National Children's Book Day

It's National Children's Book Day on July 20, 2021 and our theme for this year's celebration is Magkaiba? Magkaisa! Magbasa.

Download the official poster featuring the artwork of artist Abi Goy at bit.ly/NCBDPoster2021.

Ms. Zee's Book List: Special Needs and Disabilities

I am putting this list of books on children with special needs and the like. This is a request from a colleague who only had three titles on hand. It turns out that there are more! I hope to further develop this book list. 

Theme: Children with Special Needs and Disabilities / Children’s experience of disability, old age, sickness and death

1.      Title: Xilef

Dyslexia

Author and Illustrator: Augie Rivera and Beth Parocha

Publisher: Adarna House

Year of Publication: 2000

 

2.      Title: There Is A Duwende in My Brother’s Soup (Lampara Books)

Autism

 

3.      Title: Federico

Down Syndrome

Author: Eugene Evasco

Publisher: Adarna House

Out of Print

 

4.      Ang Kuya ni Karina ( Anvil/Cacho)

Deaf Mute / Hearing Impaired

 

5.      Inside Daniel’s Head

ADHD

Author: Joji Santos

Publisher: Adarna House

Year of Publication: 2019

 

6.      Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel

Luekemia

Author: Luis Gatmaitan

Publisher: OMF Hiyas

Year of Publication: 1999

 

7.      Kiko Kitikiti

ADHD

Author: Lauren Macaraeg

Publisher: Lampara House

Year of Publication: 2020

 

8.      San Dosenang Sapatos

Child with disability / Crippled child

Author: Luis Gatmaitan

Publisher: Hiyas OMF

Year of Publication:

 

9.      Two Friends One World

Friendship between a blind boy and a girl

Author: Rayvi Sunico

Publisher: Anvil/Cacho

Year of Publication:

 

10.   Benito and His Magnificent Teeth

Distorted physical condition

Author: Augie and Mike Rivera

Publisher: Adarna House

Year of Publication: 2001

 

11.   Made Perfect in Weakness: Rosel Ambubuyog

Blindness / Biography

Author: Didith Tan Rodrigo

Publisher: Bookmark

Year of Publication: 2017

 

12.   Magic Silya ni Titoy

Crippled child

Author: Rusell Molina

Publisher: Adarna House

Year of Publication: 2004

 

13.   Sampu Pataas, Sampu Pababa

Dysgraphia (?)

Author: Rusell Molina

Publisher: Adarna House

Year of Publication: 2007

 

14.   May Lihim Kami ni Ingkong

Senility

Author: Luis Gatmaitan

Publisher: Hiyas OMF

Year of Publication: 2001

 

 

The Beginning of My ARMY Life

My daughter is a loyal ARMY since 2016. We talk about BTS often but I was just a witness to her kilig and fangirling moments. Pinagdaanan ko din yan- Michael Jackson, Prince, Kevin Bacon, Menudo, New Kids On the Block. I know how it is to be a fan. But one day, I asked her what sets BTS apart from the rest of the idols. She simply said, ”Mama, watch the music video (MV) of Spring Day.”

Oh. My. Juice.

Nalaglag ang mga prutas ko...

Spring Day referenced one of my favorite stories by one of my favorite authors. Omelas in the music video of Spring Day is like a club house/cafe/hangout place for the boys. But they are seen riding a train. They have left Omelas to journey somewhere. Across a landscape of snow the train went on until it reached a stop where a tree grows. Ang powerful ng mga imahe.

The short story, The Ones Who Walked Away From Omelas by Ursula Le Guin is a multilayered story of pain, sacrifice, lost childhood and the difficult decisions one must take against a society that expects conformity and compliance. BTS and the entire production team of the MV captured these all so eloquently in a narrative set in music and visual arts. Ang ganda.

But. 

But. 

But... It is Dynamite that made me crawl into the rabbit hole. I felt the boys were singing and dancing to my generation - the Generation X. They connect to their audience. They share their joy to their fans. They work hard and the know the cost of fame. 

I use the word crawl because I was choosing my consumption of their content and the news articles that come out about them. I know that Kim Namjoon has a massive reading list and that his fingerprints and philosophy are all over the discography of BTS. But, I have not taken a deep interest in all of their content - which is overwhelmingly abundant! In their current solo, Butter, they assert their new found artistic identity. They look more at home in their own skin, more mature and the confidence is on another level. They have transformed from boys into young men.

I found myself racing deeper into the BTS rabbit hole. It has been a fun and wonderful race so far, with so many discoveries about myself along the way. And, to make it more meaningful, I have my daughter to share this rediscovery of my inner child and the simple joys in the midst of the shadows and rain that come with life so often.

Trese, the Spin Offs that Spawned from the Creative Bellies of Fans and the Lack of Libraries

At the beginning of 2021, my copy of Trese Bloodlines arrived in the mail. My kids and I, hubby included, were glad to read another spin off of the Trese series (Tan and Baldisimo, 2005). Yes, we are fans and we enjoyed how its creators have engaged readers and the fandom for years. 

This engagement is something I admire among the Filipino comic creators and the creative community that populate every Komikon and Komiket events and the book fairs big and small.If your aim is longevity, then, relate with your audience. Listen to their stories as you share yours. The creative process will continue and a legacy is established. So, I was not surprised to hear the news of an animated version a few years back. It's about time. On June 11, 2021 Trese, the animated series will drop on Netflix.

 

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I can only imagine the spike on sales for copies of the original source when the animated series starts streaming. 

Around March 2021, copies of Trese Bloodlines were all sold out. Filipino fans based abroad were complaining that their local public libraries have yet to buy a copy. In one of the groups on Facebook where Trese fans convene, a thread about the dearth of libraries in the Philippines came up. How Trese and its printed spin offs would benefit readers from all ages if there are public libraries to access copies in print and or digital format. Of course, our library system was compared once more from the Western  model of library operations.

I could not help but reply in the thread.

I am a school librarian and though I do not work in the public library system in the Philippines, please allow me to share what I know based on experience and professional practice. Our library system is actually based on the US model. 

However, the US has the money to support the public library system especially in acquiring books and resources that interests the public. The US also has a more developed perspective and theoretical framework on collection and content development especially on the variety of literature to curate, gather, document and circulate. Advocating for books, reading and libraries is another reason why the US has a strong library system. For a library system to grow strong, the community must look at it as an institution of human rights, empowerment and social justice. Libraries are venues for civic action. Lastly, the US book industry is very much connected to the the library system. The yearly book awards in the US like the Newbery and Caldecott are organized not by writers or critics but by librarians. When winners are announced, publishers are ready the following day for copies to be bought by libraries. Book dealers have bundles to offer libraries. 

Not many librarians in the PH will circulate the international edition of Trese, but I will because we have readers in our school community who read graphic novels; our faculty use graphic novels for teaching and instruction; and we have a book club/literary club who reads and creates graphic novels. What I can contribute to the matter at hand is to recommend the acquisition of Trese to librarians and associations of libraries. What others can do to support readership of Trese is to ask their public library to buy copies and circulate it to readers.

Lastly, there is a republic act/law requiring LGUs to construct, develop, manage and grow public libraries. The National Library of the Philippines has a Public Library Division that supervises 1,500 libraries in the country. Why aren't they all functioning like the public libraries in the US, some may ask. I think I have lent answers to this question. The system can be set up but it requires people and political will to grow and to make it move.

Here's hoping that, despite limitations for the growth, advocacy and support for libraries in the Philippines, communities can help establish reading centers and book corners. And allow these literacy spaces to have copies of comic books by Filipino comic creators!

Magis Deo Kids Activity: Rainbow Collage