Book Blog Tour 2023: Hope and Fortune

I am taking part in a Book Blog Tour of Hope and Fortune by WOW - Women on Writing. To know more about the book, read the short summary below and the information about the author, Marissa Bañez.

My review of Ms. Bañez's book will go live on February 8th in the blog so, do come back for it!

Hope and Fortune is a modern-day fairytale, featuring multicultural, multiracial (e.g., Filipina, African-American, Latina, Asian, Muslim, etc.), multigenerational, and multigender (including a boy) fairies of different shapes and sizes who help a sad little child who has lost her way to find her path.  Each fairy represents an ideal - Hope, Innocence and Wonder, Truth and Virtue, Generosity and Kindness, Strength and Courage, Respect and Dignity, Confidence, Imagination, Happiness, Beauty, Wisdom and Intelligence, and Love and Friendship. Although the protagonist is a little girl, the life advice given by the fairies is non-gender-specific and could resonate with anyone facing a difficult situation at any point in her/his/their life.

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

ISBN-10: 1685131174

ISBN-12: 978-1685131174

Print copy pages: 46 pages

About the Author

A first-generation immigrant to the U.S. from the Philippines, Marissa Bañez is a graduate of Princeton University and a lawyer licensed to practice in New York, California, and New Jersey. She has published legal articles for the prestigious New York Law Journal and the American Bar Association, but her true passion is in her children's stories. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and daughter, whose childhood was filled with many original stories and puppet shows made up entirely by her mom. In her free time, Marissa likes to travel, design and make clothes, cook, binge-watch Star Trek shows and Korean dramas, and occasionally strum a guitar.

She is currently working on her second book, Hues and Harmony (How the Singing Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors), a story about mixed or multiracial children, self-discovery, and respect for others as told through the life and adventures of a caterpillar. It is scheduled for publication on July 20, 2023.

You can find her online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marissa.banez.7/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-banez/

January Author of the Month: John Patrick Solano (2 of 2)

The Author of the Month for January is Mr. John Patrick Solano (JPS). I admire his most recent book Ang Dangkal ni Matmat (Tahanan Books).  

Here is my short review of the book. 

Ang Dangkal ni Matmat is now available in bookstores. You may also order online at www.tahananbooks.ph or from your favorite booksellers.

His other book, Paano Magbilang si Nanay?, won the National Children's Book Award last year. 

It is available online at shop.vibalgroup.com or from your favorite booksellers.

In this part 2 of my author interview, I asked Mr. Solano what his tips for aspiring writers are. Here are five tips to inspire the young and the young at heart to keep writing!

1.       What are your 5 tips for young writers?

 Well, I still consider myself as a young writer having just started publishing a book in 2020. But here are my 5 tips:

1.       Read, read, and read. Read different genres and literary forms.

2.      Write what you know and what you’re passionate about. But you can also research for the topics you don’t know.

3.      Always ask yourself what’s new that you can offer, something that other writers haven’t written yet. It could be a topic that hasn’t been explored yet or a new perspective about a familiar topic.

4.      Write, write, and write. Explore different genres and forms. Experiment. Keep on practicing to hone your writing skills.

5.      Try, try, and try. It’s normal to get a rejection letter from writing contests, workshops, and publications. It’s better to try but fail than to have not tried at all. Just keep on trying.

Who is John Patrick Solano?

John Patrick F. Solano graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Master of Science degree in Mathematics from the Prince of Songkla University in Thailand as a Thailand’s Education Hub for ASEAN Countries scholar, and Master of Arts degree in Malikhaing Pagsulat from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He was a fellow for Palihang Rogelio Sicat in 2017 and Cordillera Creative Writing Workshop and Angono Summer Writers Workshop in 2014. He won 2nd Prize at the 66th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Filipino Poetry for Children) in 2016. He is the author of Paano Magbilang si Nanay?, published by Chikiting Books in 2020, which won Kids’ Choice Awards for Picture Books Category at the 7th National Children’s Book Awards, and Ang Dangkal ni Matmat, published by Tahanan Books in 2022.

January Author of the Month: John Patrick Solano (1 of 2)

The Author of the Month for January is Mr. John Patrick Solano (JPS). I admire his approach in writing about measurement and measuring in his most recent book Ang Dangkal ni Matmat (Tahanan Books). 

It is the math book I wish I had written. 

I am honored to be given this privilege for an interview with him. Such a talent whose voice we all need to hear!

1.    Zarah: Congratulations on winning the NCBA last year! I love your book so much; I wish I had written it. Growing up there weren’t many enjoyable books on math for kids. Even today, there are few books written about math concepts and skills in picture book and story book form. So, having said this, my first question is how – how did it all begin for you – the writing of a concept book on math for children?

      JPS: Thank you, Ms. Zarah! I both love math and writing. I studied BS Applied Mathematics in college and pursued MS Mathematics in graduate school. I also have a passion for writing since high school where I was the Associate Editor of our school paper. When I was taking up my MA in Malikhaing Pagsulat, I thought of combining these two in the form of children’s stories as my MA thesis because I want kids who have fear of numbers to enjoy learning math.

2.     Zarah: Who are your mentors and who do you dream of collaborating with on your next book project?

My mentor and number one critic is Sir Eugene Evasco who was also my MA thesis adviser. I learned a lot from him during my thesis writing. I want to collaborate with Jomike Tejido because I really like his illustrations! I love his books Ang Pambihirang Sombrero, Tagu-taguan: A Counting Book in Filipino, and Si Jepoy Dyip series, where each book has cut-out pages where you can build the characters and town in the book! I also dreamed of collaborating with Maam Bernadette Solina Wolf but it wouldn’t be possible now because of her untimely passing. You’re forever in our hearts, Maam Bernie!

Who is John Patrick Solano?

John Patrick F. Solano graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Master of Science degree in Mathematics from the Prince of Songkla University in Thailand as a Thailand’s Education Hub for ASEAN Countries scholar, and Master of Arts degree in Malikhaing Pagsulat from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He was a fellow for Palihang Rogelio Sicat in 2017 and Cordillera Creative Writing Workshop and Angono Summer Writers Workshop in 2014. He won 2nd Prize at the 66th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Filipino Poetry for Children) in 2016. He is the author of Paano Magbilang si Nanay?, published by Chikiting Books in 2020, which won Kids’ Choice Awards for Picture Books Category at the 7th National Children’s Book Awards, and Ang Dangkal ni Matmat, published by Tahanan Books in 2022.

Part 2 will be posted tomorrow! Visit again for another good read.

Step by Step With Teacher Zee: Poster: I should love myself

 

What I shared with my grade 12 student on our first meeting today.

Canva is heaven sent! Now, for my methods.

1. After greeting each other, tell student of the 3 things to accomplish for the 1st meeting: a. get to know each other; b. set goals and agreements; and c. map the topics and skills to cover for the next three months.

2. T presents the digital poster and its contents. Like show and tell and storytelling, engage S in significant human experiences. The poster becomes a tool for conversation drawing relevance from a T's example and modeling.

3. S makes his/her own digital poster on Canva. T gives instructions and asks S to repeat them.

4. S presents the digital poster while T listens. T gives feedback on content, design and layout segueing into a Design principle: Form follows function. This is important in the use of rubrics later on.

5. S and T takes a HEALTH BREAK.

6. S reflects on poster making activity. Questions are focused on process and what is learned from the process.

7. S and T continue to discuss goals, objectives and mapping of topics, skills and socio-emotional responses.

Kim Namjoon, be with me!

Ang Pagkukuwento ng Mga Alamat

Kdrama and Bangtan Crossover: Crash Course on Romance and BTS' N.O.

I am watching Crash Course Romance (CCR) a new Kdrama available on popular streaming channels. It’s funny and tender. The main characters have all been introduced fairly from the get go. In episode 1, the flaws and foils are already set up. Making me simmer in anticipation for the next episodes to drop.

CCR is about a Math teacher who has classes via a popular tele-online show. Parents enroll their kids to his class for review, enrichment and achievement of high scores in class and in college entrance exams. The atmosphere is very competitive to the extreme that learning becomes mechanical, constricting and stereotyped. The Math teacher is good looking and admirable (played by Jung Kyung Ho, Hospital Playlist, Prison Playbook) but he is stressed and malnourished. Needless to say, his health is faltering despite his success and degree of competence.

In the teaching profession, it is believed that what teachers exude, their teaching philosophy and how they behave are factors affecting the learning and disposition of their students. Include a system that adheres to the manufacturing line mentality and the result can be disastrous for many learners, be it student or teacher.

That being said, BTS’ N.O comes to mind. The lead single of the extended play O? RUL8, 2! (released 9.11.13) it has lyrics that question the boxes and limitations that young people are contained in by an educational system that is supposed to liberate and develop their unique skills and capabilities. It does not help when parents push and pressure their children into their own dreams and life goals.

RM’s refrain is subservient yet demanding.

“A good house, a good car, will these things bring happiness?

In Seoul to the SKY, would your parents be happy?”

SKY stands for Seoul University; Korea University and Yonsei University. These are the top three prestigious universities in SoKor. Parents compete with one another for their children to earn a spot in any of the SKY. Another Kdrama comes to mind - SKY Castle.

This competitive nature becomes unhealthy as children are lured to become prey and victims of bullying, anxiety and in worst cases, suicide. The process of pursuing one's goals, especially in a field of expertise that the child desires to be achieve becomes a trap rather than an experience of growth and development.

Suga’s verse brings to the open the reality of control by an authority figure over another. More so, it questions the ethics of ambition and the manner of reaching for one’s dreams.

“Who is the one who made us into study machines? 

It's either number one or a failure 

They trap us in borders, the adults 

There’s no choice but to consent 

Even if we think simply, it’s the survival of the fittest 

Who do you think is the one who makes us step on even our close friends to climb up? What?”

 

N.O was produced nine years ago but its themes of subversion over a society that does not allow freedom of choice and discernment remains relevant to this day. The song even connects to art and entertainment produced a decade after.

This is BTS. This is the power of 7.

Sources:

For the song's lyrics -> https://genius.com/Genius-english-translations-bts-no...

For the MV -> https://youtu.be/_VoSHt8zFNI

@Kseriesaddict on Twt

@Hybe Label on YT

Edutopia On Lateral Reading

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Teacher Librarian Collaboration: Gathering Information and Prewriting

This week in school, I had the wonderful opportunity to teach and collaborate with the Learning Support Teachers and the English/Literacy Skills teacher on using references, particularly the general encyclopedias (print and online).

This teaching experience is in connection to gathering information at the prewriting stage of the writing process. A review of the Subtopic Gathering Grid was an essential lesson on skills building as it helps funnel the breadth and depth of the available information.

Writing Life: Retrospecting and Catching Up

 

Research Task #1: Using Encyclopedias

 

Research Skills Instruction: Prewriting and the Use of Reference Sources aka Learning About Anything Creatively and Strategically

 

Research_BALibrary by ZarahG

Malate Is Manila's Korea Town

 

Artificial Intelligence and then some...

Technology use leads us to lose some and gain some. In between there are constants. In the flurry of all the technological changes, one question surfaces: what makes us human?

Here's a story - back in the 90s, our grad professors from the Institute of Library Science made us read Toffler - nakakaloka at nakakaiyak. The assignment was given for us to understand the rise and fall of humanity's affair with technology. We were grappling with two things back then, one is the trend of computerizing and automating library operations and functions and two, the development of e-books, blogs, wikis and digital commons. We were afraid. Many librarians were insecure of being supplanted by machines and technology.

Three decades on, the LIS (library and information science) community realized three things: 1) upskilling and learning is lifelong and with tech, it can be complicated, risky but fun; 2) collaboration and community building are tools or systems of survival; 3) no machine or technology can ever replace the human touch and voice.

AI will change how we create but it is still too early to say it will supplant humans. The fear and the insecurity is valid. I am still asking myself how an AI can be cited as reference and source in a research paper.

I remember, one project we had for finals was to create a website for our libraries using HTML. That was in 1997. A lot of things have changed since then but one of the many take aways we took from the learning experience is that, we create the tech and the tech can, to some extent, create in us new ways and pathways of thinking.

Oh, and we love our prof who gave us that activity. She became our professional mentor and to this day, we still touch base on each other's personal and professional lives.

My Reading Inventory 2022

Dear Me,

We can do better in 2023! 

Love, 

Zee, The Reading ARMY

Disrupting Thinking

Tahanan Books

Into the Magic Shop

Readings for the book project under Tuttle

Sulatan

Indigo, the Color that Seduced the World

The Wild Robot Escapes

The Sandman

The Hobbit and Philosophy 

Kafka on the Shore 

How to Talk to Children About Art

Orphan Price

Ang Dangkal ni Matmat

The Essence of Rumi

Small and Quiet Things #1

From the beautiful home of a beautiful person. How to be like her when I grow up!

@djahjumma #stilllife ♬ Life - Official Sound Studio

PPT Presentation: Books and Building an ARMY of Readers

Doodle of the Week: Wild Flower

 

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My Bangtan Inspired Reading List

Here is my reading list for 2023!

Most of the titles from this list came from @JooniesLibrary on Twitter. It is a fan account dedicated to Kim Namjoon especially on the books he has read and seen reading (even books on his shelf) on Lives and socmed posts. Two books from this list are titles I want to reread this year. One I have not finished reading. There are two titles I am not sure I can find online but, I dare. 

Picking different genres of books to read from Kim Namjoon's list and that of his brothers, I do hope this expands my understanding of the known world. My goal this year is to be kinder, so, I will continue to read.

BTS_ReadingList_2023_v2 by zarah gagatiga

Our Library's House Rules

 

Library_HouseRules by zarah gagatiga

2022 in Pictures

2022 was the year of bouncing back. 

It was not easy especially at work when we all had to blend online learning with in-person schooling. Thanks to a supportive school leadership and friends in school, the transition had been manageable. 

In terms of community involvement, I had opportunities to touch base with friends old and new. I signed up with Tuttle Publishing in April for a book project about Philippine Folk Tales for children. I went back to reading intervention. My kids and I participated in events and activities in the Magis Youth Ministry. My ARMY life kicked up several notches and I found a tribe of women I can celebrate with the joys and life journeys of Bangtan. I became a streamer and DJ over on Spotify and Stationhead. I won in a game show with a formidable team of Kuwentista or Storytellers. I judged the Palancas this year and witnessed the steady and sturdy growth of the children's book industry. 

Of the many experiences I had in the year that was, I can say that my meaning of family has been redefined. I continue to re-claim myself as I journey into midlife. Thank you, 2022. Forward, I go!

 

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