In Retrospect of 2024: 1st Day of the Month Blog Post

Keeping a blog tradition of curating a the month's 1st post for the year 2024. 

January 1 -  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.

February 3 - I am truly grateful to the learning communities who have recognized and allowed me to be me. I do not follow society’s assembly line nor do I fit into an institutional mould. I have sharp edges and misplaced curves. Being consistent is a struggle for me, yet I yearn for the constants in life - respect, integrity, empathy to mention a few.

March 4 - Coming soon! A new picture book!

April 3 - Updated Bio: Zarah C. Gagatiga is a teacher-librarian of the Beacon Academy, storyteller, literacy coach, reading interventionist, and award-winning author from the Philippines. 

May 2 - Thank you, Pam Capacete and Hope Builders for including my book, Beybi Bibe in your organization's reading campaign.

June 2 - The Philippine Association of School Librarians, Inc. (PASLI) in collaboration with Saint Louis University will hold its 42nd PASLI National Conference with the theme “IntenZfied School Libraries: Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity" on June 26-28, 2024 in Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Saint Louis University, Baguio City.

July 1 - ARMY Month Day 1: I am letting go of this hand built ceramic plate hoping that the ARMY who will get it may find joy and comfort because, I was happy and content when I made it.

August 2 - Believing in the magic of new beginnings!

September 2 - In light of the upcoming release of our new picture book, I Say Thank You (Lampara House, 2024), friends on Facebook shared their gratefulness as response to my question. "What are you grateful for?"

October 1 - Kuwentuhan Series: My Daddy, My One and Only!

November 2 - When art heals

December 2 - Teachers and librarians from Woodrose PAREF visited the Beacon Academy library for a collaborative exchange of ideas. 

Grace, Grief and Gratitude: 1 Day Countdown to 2025

D1 to 2025: Healing, Growth and Navigating Consequential Truths in Fandom 

Fandoms are spaces of passion, joy, and connection—but they can also be complex emotional landscapes where loyalty and individuality intersect. As an ARMY, I have always found strength in BTS’s messages of love, unity, and resilience. Yet, a personal experience with a former friend—who chose to multistan during a pivotal time for BTS—challenged my understanding of loyalty, solidarity, and forgiveness. 

The pain of losing a friend over a choice I struggled to understand left me feeling betrayed and questioning the depth of our bond. This experience happened during BTS’s military service, a sensitive time when unity felt more important than ever. The lack of acknowledgment or apology from this friend made it even harder to process the situation. Over time, I realized that this experience wasn’t just about multistaning; it was about the weight we assign to relationships and shared values in fandom. 

Multistaning, or being a fan of multiple artists, is a natural and common way to explore music. On one hand, it aligns with BTS’s own values of celebrating diversity and individuality. On the other hand, fandoms like ARMY thrive on collective efforts, whether it’s streaming, voting, or defending BTS against industry challenges. This dichotomy reveals a key truth: fandom loyalty is deeply personal but often viewed through the lens of community expectations. Balancing personal freedom with collective purpose can be challenging, especially in a passionate and tightly-knit fandom like ARMY. 

What I’ve learned is that the pain of betrayal often stems from unspoken expectations. In my case, I expected loyalty not just to BTS but also to the shared connection that fandom fosters. When that connection was broken, it forced me to confront another truth: grief is a natural part of losing something you deeply value. Yet, BTS’s ethos reminds us to choose love and kindness, even in difficult moments. As I reflected on this experience, I began to understand that while I cannot control others’ choices, I can control how I respond. 

I choose to honor my emotions while allowing myself to heal. I recognize that multistaning is not inherently wrong—it is simply a different way of experiencing music and fandom. However, I also acknowledge that actions have consequences, and fandom loyalty is built on mutual respect and understanding. By prioritizing forgiveness and focusing on the values that BTS instills in us—love, inclusivity, and respect—I am finding the strength to move forward. The truth is, fandom is as much about personal growth as it is about collective joy. 

To fellow ARMY and fans everywhere, I encourage you to reflect on your own truths in fandom. Whether you are a multistan or a single-group stan, the most important thing is to stay true to the values that resonate with you. Let us support one another with kindness, even when our paths diverge, and remember that healing begins when we choose to move forward with love. 

A healthy, peaceful and joyful 2025 to every fan of whatever kind, shape or size!

Grace, Grief and Gratitude: 2 Days Countdown to 2025

 

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Grace, Grief and Gratitude: 3 Days Countdown to 2025

 

D3 to 2025: Falling Leaves

I got an additional tattoo this December. I was supposed to get it on my birthday, but life happens.

Tattoo is art. Tattoo is storytelling.

This tattoo tells the story of my life right now—falling leaves, autumn; in Filipino, taglagas. It symbolizes loss, change, and the painful process of transformation. One of the most significant changes I’ve had to deal with is menopause.

Yes, hindi na ako nireregla. Masaya ako, sa totoo lang, kase hindi biro ang buwanang pagdudugo. Masakit. Madumi. Kailangang tiisin.

But that was what I learned from menstruation—endurance. I came to understand the cycle of my womanhood, like the moon that waxes and wanes. It was only later on, as I entered midlife, that I truly appreciated this pattern of blossoming and withering.

Now that I’ve hit menopause, I am learning anew. Although it is not easy dealing with this kind of loss mentally and psychologically, I welcome the changes it brings, both inside and out. One of these is the constant feeling of isolation. My need to bond with women—friends of the same age and stage in life as well as the communities that contribute meaningfully to society—is stronger than ever. In 2024, I have strengthened old ties; found communities aligned with my ethos and values; some have chosen to adopt me ( despite being insufferable on my worst days) while I have lost a few.

Of course, losing friends and people I once called family by choice is painful. But my cycles and seasons have taught me that every beginning holds an ending, and every ending ushers in a new beginning. The life-death-life cycle goes on.

#gracegriefgratitude

Grace, Grief and Gratitude: 4 Days Countdown to 2025

 

D4 to 2025: Si Golden at Si Ohren

Ang ganda-ganda na ni Ohren!

Sa maniwala ka o hindi, nag-agaw buhay siya noong Setyembre ilang araw matapos akong gumaling sa sakit na typhoid fever. Sumabay pa ang bagyo.

May outbreak ng feline coronavirus noong mga panahong yun. At dahil hindi namin naagapan ang pagpapa-vaccine sa kanilang magkakapatid, lahat sila ay nagkasakit at namatay. Nauna si Cali, sumunod ang mga bagong kapapanganak pa lang na mga kahel na kuting; tapos si Ashe, at si Sleepy na nadala pa namin sa vet. Maliban kay Ohren ang kanyang nanay na si Golden ang naisalba namin sa tulong ng aking hipag. At higit sa lahat, napakapon na ang mag-ina.

Malapit na naming makuha si

Ohren at Golden mula sa aking hipag. Magbebertdey na si Ohren sa January 26, 2025. May agam-agam akong alagaan silang muli. Nagtapat naman ang bunso sa disposisyon niya ukol sa mga pusa. Hindi pa siya ready. Naiintindihan ko naman kung bakit.

Iniisip ko ngayon, sa pagbabalik ng aming mga pusa, isa itong pagkakataon para matuto at magsimulang muli.

#gracegriefgratitude

Ahjumma Reviews: A Shop for Killers

In A Shop for Killers, Lee Dong Wook plays an anti-hero who is in complete control of every situation his enemies throw at him. With a tight script and a well-woven narrative of deception and redemption, Wookie brings unparalleled depth and charisma to his character. His portrayal masterfully blends ruthlessness with vulnerability, creating a figure who is as enigmatic as he is compelling. The nuanced writing of the show complements his acting abilities, allowing him to navigate a range of emotions while maintaining the mysterious edge that defines his role.

What truly sets Lee Dong Wook apart in A Shop for Killers is his ability to elevate the entire cast. His chemistry with the lead actress, Kim Hye-jun who plays his niece, is exceptional. Their dynamic brings out some of the most heartfelt and transformative character arcs in the series. Wookie’s subtle mentoring presence, both within the story and as an actor, enables her to shine, making their relationship one of the show’s emotional anchors. His interplay with other cast members also showcases his knack for creating layered relationships, whether through tension, camaraderie, or betrayal.

Lee Dong Wook’s versatility as an actor is evident in every frame. From romantic leads to menacing villains, he has proven time and again that he can inhabit any role with aplomb. In A Shop for Killers, his androgynous aesthetic adds an intriguing layer to his character, amplifying the sense of unpredictability and allure. It’s this unique blend of talent, aesthetic appeal, and chemistry with his co-stars that solidifies him as the driving force behind the drama’s success.

No wonder it was 4th on Time Magazine's Best Kdrama of 2024. 

Grace, Grief and Gratitude: 5 Days Countdown to 2025

D5 to 2025: Ouie's Paintbrushes

These are Ouie’s paintbrushes. He gave them to me, one by one or in pairs, because he bought new ones from Lazada. Yes, they are hand-me-downs—very precious and dear to me.

“I have something for you,” he would start.

“Let me guess…” I would reply. “Paintbrushes!”

And we would laugh so boisterously that it rivaled the cawing of the crows roosting in a nearby tree. The personal joke was that I knew he had done something reckless or impulsive again (which often involved food), and I, in part, was his enabler.

I once told him that at some point, he had to hit the brakes.

He sighed and said, “I know.”

I would leave him to his disposition until his passing on October 22, 2023. To this day, I wish I had been more strict and upfront in keeping him in his lane. But I know it would have limited and stifled the creativity that flowed into his daily routines and habits, his beliefs, and the ethos he lived by.

I have seen Ouie create art countless times. It was like a second skin to him. I have seen him stage and organize gallery exhibits in school. He breathed this in and out, again and again. I have seen him engage with students, myself included, withholding judgment so we could gain and reclaim our innate creativity that had been marred and damaged by a cruel world. He was, and still is, most beautiful in this way.

#gracegriefgratitude

Grace, Grief and Gratitude: 6 Days Countdown to 2025

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Grace, Grief and Gratitude: 7 Days Countdown to 2025

D7 to 2025: Ginisang Gulay sa Giniling

Hindi naman ako nagpakabonga sa performance ko sa kusina kagabi. Lutong bahay. Lutong nanay. Ganun ka-simple. Low key lang ang goals sa Noche Buena.

Ang saya makita na na-enjoy ng mga bata ang niluto kong ginisang kalabasa at sitaw sa giniling. Nilagyan ko lang ng kaunting oyster sauce. Syempre hindi ko sinukat. Pinaikot ko lang yung sache ng Mama Sita’s sa ginigisa ko and that’s it. Gut feel. Naubos naman. Walang nasayang.

Lumaki ako sa ginisang gulay. Kung walang giniling, hibi ang gamit ni Mama. Na-realize ko early on as a working mom kung bakit palaging nagluluto si Mama ng ginisang gulay. In 40 mins, may kakainin na kami at makakagawa na siya ng side hustle niya. Pag weekend, lalo na kung Sunday, nagluluto siya ng ulam na may sabaw. Slow cooking. Comfort food.

Gusto kong ibalik ang routine na ito. Gusto kong gawing habit ulit. Isang paraan para panatiliin ang alaala ni Mama. Masarap siya magluto, sa totoo lang!

#gracegriefgratitude

Christmas Greeting 2024

 

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4th Sunday of Advent: The Candle of Peace

 

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Sneak Peek: 2025 New Book Projects

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Why YA?

 

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Kuwentong Bangtan: BTS World Season 2

In 2019, Netmarble released BTS World, an interactive story-based mobile game that allowed players to journey with BTS members in their adventures as Kpop idols. I was not ARMY back then, but vet ARMYs I know in online communities tell of stories of how successful it was because they can “accompany” BTS in missions and goals that even players can assume the role of managers, building a close relationship with the game persona of BTS.

As a researcher and librarian, this piqued my interest to further study and read up on fandom culture, fan behavior and their engagement in virtual worlds. And yes, part of this curiousity would mean downloading the app and playing the game.

The good news is, BTS World Season 2 was officially launched today at 10AM KST/9AM PHT.

As ARMY, I find the release of BTS World Season 2 as relevant in this era of BTS’ military service because it connects die-hard fans like me to BTS, albeit virtual. At a time when we are waiting for all 7 members to be back from military duties, playing BTS World Season 2 fills the gap. Apart from streaming and voting online, playing this online game fosters community building among ARMY, besides strengthening relationships between fanbases in the fandom. It becomes a shared experience.

This type of engagement speaks to fan loyalty and the growing gift economy within fandom culture, where interactive experiences and emotional bonds become investments and yes, currency.

BTS World is on X (BTSW2_official) and accross platforms it has contents for fans to consume and enjoy - vidoes, moving posters, retro photos of BTS and music. 

BTS World on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2SVMQ9dcWrlZj4vmKBPiE6?si=5nrknqelSAKUT7RKn-_Qvw

3rd Sunday of Advent: The Candle of Joy

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Ahjumma Reviews: When the Phone Rings: Focus on Yoo Yeon Seok

I first saw Yoo Yeon Seok as the brutally ireverent samurai Gu Dong-mae in Mr. Sunshine. Though I favored the poet of the three male leads in the Kdrama, I was smitten at YYS’ acting and good looks. I followed and watched his shows available in streaming channels I’m subscribed in.

He was charming Chilbong in Reply 1994. He was the deserving first son of Doldam Hospital. He was the perfect son, friend and excellent drummer of the Lacking Five in Hospital Playlist. There are more of YYS’ works I have yet to see and admire, I’m sure.

Watching him play the tsundere in “When the Phone Rings” is a brilliant turn as he brings another complex character to life. He unfolds his tough facade in Episode 5 and became unhinged in Episode 6. From guarded intensity to raw vulnerability, YYS is magnificent to behold.

Next weekend can’t come any sooner!

It's Fun to Be Me!

Ang aming aklat, “Masaya Ang Maging Ako”, ay mayroon ng edisyon sa English — “It’s Fun to Be Me!” Maraming salamat sa Room to Read at sa Lampara Books Lampara House sa pagdami ng mga bersyon ng aklat upang mas marami pang bata ang makapagbasa at mabigyang saya nito. Noong nakaraang taon, na-translate naman sa Hindi ang aming aklat. Kamakailan naman, ang Braille edition ay nai-launch sa Quezon City Public Library sa pakikipag-partner nila sa National Library of the Philippines.

Para sa iyo ito, Tere, at sa mga batang may likas na katangiang kakaiba, katawatawa at kagulatgulat. Hindi man kayo maintindihan ng karamihan, may mga aklat na magpapaalala na ang pagiging ikaw ay sapat at kahanga-hanga.

Ang “It’s Fun to Be Me!” ay alay namin sa lahat ng batang nangangarap na tanggapin ang kanilang sarili at makita ang ganda ng kanilang kakaibahan. Salamat sa patuloy na pagtangkilik at suporta sa mga kuwentong tulad nito. Sana’y patuloy nating maiparamdam sa mga bata na ang bawat isa sa kanila ay mahalaga, natatangi, at karapat-dapat mahalin — higit sa lahat, ng sarili nila.

Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat na naging bahagi ng paglalakbay na ito.

* Ang edisyong ito ay hindi for sale. Ang Room to Read India Trust ay ang ahensyang magdo-donate ng kopya sa mga lugar na bibihira na makarating ang ganitong uri ng mga aklat sa mga batang mambabasa.

*************************************************************************

Our book, "Masaya Ang Maging Ako" now has an English edition — "It's Fun to Be Me!" Heartfelt thanks to Room to Read and Lampara Books Lampara House for creating more versions of this book so it can bring joy to even more children. Last year, our book was translated into Hindi. Recently, the Braille edition was launched at the Quezon City Public Library in partnership with the National Library of the Philippines.

This is dedicated to you, Tere, and to all children with unique, amusing, and extraordinary traits. Even if not everyone understands you, there are books to remind you that being yourself is enough and truly wonderful.

 "It's Fun to Be Me!" is our gift to all children dreaming of accepting themselves and discovering the beauty in their uniqueness. Thank you for your continued support and belief in stories like this. May we continue to remind children that each of them is valuable, special, and worthy of love — most importantly, self-love.

 A heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey.

This edition is not for sale. Room to Read India Trust will donate copies to places where books like this rarely reach young readers.