We are Happy Potters!

Thank you very much, Pottery Nuvali!

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Kuwentong Bangtan: Let's Glow Up, ARMY!

I spent the weekend with friends from Titas of BTS making Pabalat and Pottery. Some watercolor, too to end the day. As always, BTS is our inspiration. While the members are serving in the military, we glow up!

@titazeeh7 Pottery, pabalat and watercolor fun with Tita ARMYs. Thank you @Poochie Tablan 😊💜😊 #AGURecreation #AGUSkills #AGUMindPower #ARMYGlowUp2025 #BetterARMYsforBTS ♬ Good Day - BTS

The Book Spine Poetry Festival Is Back

 

I love it! And appreciate how she didn't show the faces of our students. If she can tag @beaconacademyph that would be wonderful. I will also share it tomorrow

Pathfinder: Grounding Our Understanding of Authentic Texts

Kuwentong Bangtan: BTS Lyrics Inside 2

 

@titazeeh7 Unwrapping my BTS Lyrics Inside 2 @Apop Books ♬ Happy Kids - Yusrony Music

My Life as a Teacher Librarian, Post COVID Era (3 of 3)

This  is part 3 of my reflections on the essay part of the nomination form for Binan's Outstanding Librarian Award. 

1.       Achievement of Projects

·       TRAILS and The Pioneer are on-going projects and programs that assess and support the research skills of students in the Beacon Academy.

·       Early Readers’ Project is an on-going project of the Beacon Academy that the library and its staff are key players in the documentation, archiving and distribution of early reader books to the public and the identified partner schools of the Academy. 

·       Storytelling for Growth and Healing: Module and Guide to Bibliotherapy is an on-going program that I have started in 2020 as an answer to alleviating the plight of children in the evacuation centers in Batangas during the Taal Volcano disaster. The guide and module is available on line and it is free for download.

2.      Involvement and Participation in the Community

·       Buhay Binanense – a program that the Beacon Academy library staff leads and will be in implementation in 2024. It started with the library’s application as affiliate to the Binan Studies Center to gather and build a Buhay Binanense Collection in the library. The purpose of the program is to gain an understanding of local knowledge, history, culture, arts and industries of Binan, Laguna. Specifically, the activity has the following objectives:

o   To introduce students to historical and heritage sites in Binan so that they can appreciate the local culture and knowledge of the city where their school is located;

o   To bring them to local industries and businesses in Binan as part of a continuing learning experience of Binan’s history, art, culture and industries. 

·       Binan Studies Center Affiliate – Regular book donations to the Binan Studies Center

My Life as a Teacher Librarian, Post COVID Era (2 of 2)

 Here is part 2 of my reflections on the essay part of the nomination form for Binan's Outstanding Librarian Award. 

2. Work Excellence and Achievement and Awards and Recognitions Received

 For this criterion, I am presenting the awards and recognitions I received professionally. I think that my continuous pursuance of the improvement of my personal growth and competencies is a factor in receiving these professional awards and recognition.

 

* Recipient of the Fr. James Meany SJ Service Award for exemplary service to PAASCU in the field of Basic Education PAASCU 2009

● Storytelling Resource Award 2015 For Tales From the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories The Storytelling World, Tennessee, USA

● Top Ten Kids’ Choice Award 2016 for Big Sister National Book Development Board, PH

● Certificate of Recognition for Inspiring Children to Tell Stories and a Featured Storyteller in the exhibit (2016 to present) Paglaki Ko Gusto Ko Maging Kuwentista, Museo Pambata Roxas Blvd. Manila, July 2016

● Plaque of Appreciation 2017 In recognition of Exemplary Work and Service to School Library Development and the Growth of Children’s Literature, Philippine Association of School Librarians, Inc. (PASLI)

● Final List Top 5 for The Day Max Flew Away Best Children’s Story 2018 Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA)

● Recipient of the Fr. James Meany SJ Service Award for exemplary service to PAASCU in the field of Basic Education, PAASCU 2022

3. General Management and Quality of Service

The Beacon Academy Library, in congruence with the school’s certification processes with the DepEd, the International Baccalaureate and the Philippine Council for NGO Certification has passed three accreditation and certification journeys. Needless to say, the management and quality of service of the library has met local, national and global standard.

 

My Life as a Teacher Librarian, Post COVID Era (1 of 3)

Peers from the Binan Library Association nominated me for the Outstanding Librarian of Binan Award. I completed the requirements last week and the part where I need to write an essay was a chance for reflection. Sharing them here in the blog.

1.       Exercise of Leadership

a.       Personal

I am committed to take good care of myself by practicing self-care and regular medical consultations, at least yearly, since I have a medical history of transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke). This medical condition motivates me to keep my routines healthy and to maintain a positive outlook in life by engaging in recreational activities that contribute to my mental and physical health. I have been immersed into clay and ceramic art; walking for fitness; art journaling and reading books read and recommended by my favorite Kpop group, BTS. Furthermore, my involvement as Youth Ministry lead in Magis Deo allows me to attend regular spiritual recollections and retreats that give me room for personal space and reflection.

 

b.       Professional

I have held leadership positions in the past in the Philippine Board on Books for Young People as its president (2006-2012). In my capacity as president, the PBBY and the National Book Development Board was able to hold and establish the first National Children’s Book Award and Kids Choice Award in 2012. In relation to my involvement in the PBBY as president, we were also able to conduct the first Storytelling Festival which was adapted and adopted by many learning communities. As librarian, I have been the head and coordinator of the Learning Resource Center of Xavier School (2006-2009). At present, I lead and manage the library operations and programming of the Beacon Academy Library. Our school has two programs namely, the DepEd Junior and Senior High School and the International Baccalaureate Programs. Following two different school library standards, one national and one international, requires leadership skills that are grounded locally but extends and expands globally. I have the opportunity to rise up to this leadership role with the support of the leadership of the Beacon Academy.

 

Lastly, I manage my professional growth as teacher librarian of the Academy and the learning community beyond Binan by writing academic papers and being published as a children’s book author yearly. My latest study is an academic paper on media and fandom culture analyzing the phenomenological processes involved in fangirling attitudes of teenagers and women in midlife, particularly Filipino ARMYs. I was fortunate to present this paper in the BTS Interdisciplinary Conference at the highly respected research university, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia in August 2023. I have completed the manuscript of seven retellings of Filipino Folk Tales for Children under Tuttle Publishing, an international publishing house with a line of Asian literature at its core. With the illustrator working on the drawings, illustrations and book design this year, 2024, we are hopeful to publish the book in 2025.

My ARMY Glow Up 2025: Mind Power

 

Reading Inventory 2023

@titazeeh7 #booktok #readinglist2023 #btsreadinglist2023 ♬ Just One Day - viamahisa_

Book Review: Human Acts and Cliffton Strengthsfinder

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Griffins Learn Together: Cyanotype Printing with Enzo Abalayan

Last Friday, my former student, Enzo Abalayan was on campus teaching me cyanotype printing. We are preparing for the yearly Alternative Class Days. Part of it are test runs and walk throughs of processes and activities which informs us of logistics, budgetary and instructional issues and decisions. In return, I gave Enzo some ideas and suggestions for him to draft the proposal. 

 I didn't expect it would be easy and simply amazing. Enzo was patient and entertained all my questions. At one point he said that he didn't see himself working with chemicals since Chem was a tough subject in the DP. Back in the Academy, he struggled through his science classes but, thanks to the arts. It became an avenue for overcoming challenges and self-doubt. 

 Ouie, this one is dedicated to you!

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#ARMYGlowUp2025: Upskilling My Handbuilding Know-How on Pottery

 

@titazeeh7 Upskilling my hand building know-how on pottery. This is my progress, so far. #ARMYGlowUp2025 #betterARMYforBTS #AGURecreation #AGUSkills ♬ Please Don't Change (feat. DJ Snake) - Jung Kook & DJ Snake

Kuwentong Bangtan: ARMY Glow Up Recreation - Cyanotype Printing

Inspired by, who else -- Kim Namjoon and BTS!

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Priming Activity: Storytelling Workshop for Binhi Foundation x DLS Zobel

 

Book Launch: Too Loud: Soothing Sensory Overload with Music

 

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Author Interview: Bambi Eloriaga-Amago (2 of 2)

Here is the second part of Bambi Eloriaga-Amago's interview. Her book, "Too Loud: Soothing Sensory Overload with Music" will be launched to the public at the Quezon City Public Library on Saturday, January 6, 2023.

About the book:

Jean's best friend Elmo has autism and a great ear for music. Loud noises easily make him anxious. On a particularly rowdy bus ride home, Elmo begins to panic. Will Jean and their friends find a way to help Elmo calm down?

“Too Loud: Soothing Sensory Overload with Music” is a picture book created by autism awareness advocates Bambi Eloriaga-Amago and Arthur (Gani) Riel Cabezas and translated to Filipino by Mark Daniel Fortaleza. It is a recipient of the publication grant of the National Book Development Board - Philippines.

1.   What is the book or story you wish you had written?

A: The first thing that comes to mind is the “Ella Arcangel” komiks series by Julius Villanueva.

I remember when I was younger, stuff from folklore was part of everyday life: when you got sick, you first called an albularyo or magtatawas instead of a doctor, you were afraid to go out at night because of the aswang...the stuff that with time and progress, we relegated to myths, legends, and superstition, but in “Ella Arcangel” they are made real and part of the everyday again. Plus, there’s Julius’ political and social commentary that makes one realize that humans are more horrifying than whatever monsters there may be in our midst.

So yeah, I wish I had created a book like “Ella Arcangel” first or had the eloquence and imagination to make another book like it, haha!

What was the most challenging part of writing Too Loud?

A: Everything? Haha! This is my first children’s book. I am more used to writing comics and I felt like walking on eggshells writing “Too Loud.” There are so many things to watch out for with children as your main target readership, like can I use this word? Is it already part of their vocabulary at this age? Or portraying things that can be misconstrued or might give a bad impression, and it doesn’t occur to you that it could. I was especially self-conscious and double guessing myself if I was able to convey the message of empathy clearly. Plus, with children’s books, we want our young readers to come away from the book with a lesson, but as writers, we have to do it in a way where you won’t come off as condescending or be too preachy and obvious that you’re trying to teach a lesson.

Describe the experience of working with Arthur and Kahel Press.

A: Great! A lot of things learned. As I mentioned, this is my first book for kids, and Wowie Catabijan of Kahel Press was so patient in teaching me the ropes. Right off the bat, I told her I needed a lot of handholding and if she ever lost patience with me, she absolutely did not show any signs of it! She taught me a lot–both in the business of making children’s books and in writing them. And I still want to continue to learn new things from her.

Then, we were fortunate to have Artie join the team. As a neurodivergent person himself, he clearly understood the assignment and even brought his unique take on executing certain scenes—because they were coming from his own perspective and experiences. For example, showing our character Elmo soothing himself with a blanket is something Artie suggested, and I think it added a nuance to the character that won’t be the same if it were conveyed with just words.

Who is Bambi?

Included among the Philippine Star Life’s list of women who changed local komiks for the better, writer Bambi Eloriaga-Amago is also a Journalism graduate (cum laude) from UP Diliman. She has worked on the editorial staff of various ABS-CBN publications and sat as Editor-in-Chief of Questor: The Ultimate Anime Magazine. She currently works as Manga Editor for US-based Seven Seas Entertainment and also adapts manga scripts for English language readers, including works like It Started With a Kiss and ToraDora. Her collaborations with artist-husband Roland include the Carnal series of komiks and the well-received Doobiedoo Asks, a Kids' Choice Awardee at the 7th National Children's Book Awards. While her latest published work is Too Loud: Soothing Sensory Overload With Music, a picture book illustrated by Artie Cabezas.

Socials:

fb: Comics by Amagination 

ig: comics_by_amagination

twitter: amagination_c

Author Interview: Bambi Eloriaga-Amago (1 of 2)

The blog's first Author Interview of the year is none other than Ms. Bambi Eloriaga-Amago. Her book, "Too Loud: Soothing Sensory Overload with Music" (Kahel Press, 2023) will be launched on January 6, 2023, 2PM - 3PM at the Quezon City Public Library.

About the book:

Jean's best friend Elmo has autism and a great ear for music. Loud noises easily make him anxious. On a particularly rowdy bus ride home, Elmo begins to panic. Will Jean and their friends find a way to help Elmo calm down?

“Too Loud: Soothing Sensory Overload with Music” is a picture book created by autism awareness advocates Bambi Eloriaga-Amago and Arthur (Gani) Riel Cabezas and translated to Filipino by Mark Daniel Fortaleza. It is a recipient of the publication grant of the National Book Development Board - Philippines.

1.   What books define your writing life?

A: I can’t think of particular books, but I do have authors whose writing styles I do try to emulate (emphasis on “try,” haha!) One is the late Sir Terry Pratchett. I love how his works are full of humor, while injecting loads of social commentary...I wish I was that witty. In the middle of reading, his words just make you stop and think about life, the universe, what it means to be human, and have a good laugh about it in the process. Genius, really. My top two favorite works of his are “Nation” and “The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents.”

Another is Rumiko Takahashi, the mangaka famous for creating classics like “Ranma ½” and “Inu-yasha.” I got into anime and manga because of her. She makes transitioning from funny to dramatic or action scenes seamless. I wish I could be as effortless as her in evoking mood changes, without having them come off as pilit or jarring.

 

2.   What books would you recommend to parents who have children in the spectrum?

A: Not to, as we say in Tagalog, magbuhat ng sariling bangko, but I’d like to recommend my own works—“Doobiedoo Asks” and “Too Loud.” I wrote them specifically for the “support team:” persons who may not have autism themselves, but do have a loved one who has. “Doobiedoo Asks” was made with parents in mind. It is the story of our own family and we shared it, in the hopes of helping other parents who may be facing a similar situation.

“Too Loud,” meanwhile, I wrote with fostering empathy in mind. It is geared towards younger neurotypical readers to show them how to interact with a friend or schoolmate who has autism.

A book I think, which may be helpful for parents and adults is “My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders,” it is a manga anthology illustrated by Monzusu. In the book, the mangaka collects and illustrates personal accounts of people with developmental disorders like ADHD and autism.

While for younger readers, controversy over the name Asperger aside, the book that was most helpful to me in explaining autism to my own son is “All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome” by Kathy Hoopman. In it, the author likens certain mannerisms and behavior of people with Asperger to well-known cat traits.

All of these books are a great first step towards understanding autism, which then leads to acceptance and accommodations.

Come back for the second part of Bambi's interview tomorrow! 

Who is Bambi?

Included among the Philippine Star Life’s list of women who changed local komiks for the better, writer Bambi Eloriaga-Amago is also a Journalism graduate (cum laude) from UP Diliman. She has worked on the editorial staff of various ABS-CBN publications and sat as Editor-in-Chief of Questor: The Ultimate Anime Magazine. She currently works as Manga Editor for US-based Seven Seas Entertainment and also adapts manga scripts for English language readers, including works like It Started With a Kiss and ToraDora. Her collaborations with artist-husband Roland include the Carnal series of komiks and the well-received Doobiedoo Asks, a Kids' Choice Awardee at the 7th National Children's Book Awards. While her latest published work is Too Loud: Soothing Sensory Overload With Music, a picture book illustrated by Artie Cabezas.

 

Socials:

fb: Comics by Amagination 

ig: comics_by_amagination

twitter: amagination_c

The Lighthouse Diary Entries of 2023

I only managed to write five entries this year. Nonetheless, the posts are substantial to the blog and in my journey as school librarian in The Beacon Academy.

The Lighthouse Diary #45: Teaching and Learning Academic Writing -Classes were delivered online last week due to the mass transport strike. We reverted to synchronous and asynchronous sessions almost as quickly and with better ease. The pandemic has taught us agility and flexibility too.

The Lighthouse Diary #46: Mind Maps as Thinking Tools - Today, I had seven research consultations with students. Grade 11s all. It is research season and we are in the initiation and inquiry phase. 

The Lighthouse Diary #47: The Harkness Table - We have adopted and adapted the "Harkness Table" in the Academy. I remember how we struggled and grappled with the idea, concept and methodology of it all since it was introduced in 2010. A decade and a few years after, I can say we are sitting around the table more comfortably. 

The Lighthouse Diary #48: The Pioneer Updates - The Pioneer, our library's online research program is a child of the lockdown years. It turns four years old this school year. While working on updates for TRAILS: Tools for Research And Information Literacy Skills - Assessment, the assessment portal of the program, the idea of redesigning the site comes to mind. It looks like, ah, a Gen Xer. Hahaha (aka it looks like the one who made it).

 The Lighthouse Diary #49: TRAILS 2023 - At the beginning of the academic year, when we meet students for Foundation Days, they undergo an assessment of research and information literacy skills. The BA Library formally started this practice in the academic year 2018-2019. Six years on and we continue to ask questions. 

The Lighthouse Diary #50: Library Matters - For the first time in ages, we have students in the library at study hall, free period and dismissal who are reading, studying and just hanging around with friends. Everyone is respectful of the shared space. 

Storytelling Workshop: Storytelling for Growth and Healing

 

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2023 In Pictures

 The events and the milestones I experienced in 2023 overwhelms me still. I will hold on to these photos for now and allow the days to roll over while I reflect on the year that was.

 

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