Looking for Andoy: Doms and MJ

Salanga winner MJ Tumamac and Alcala winner Doms Agsaway finally met to discuss publishers' contracts on the publication of their story, Ngumiti Si Andoy. I had a good time facilitating the bidding as these two young artists had been frank and open.

This will be MJ Tumamac's first published book for children. Doms Agsaway is already a published illustrator but winning the Alcala Prize this year thrilled him to the bones as he joins the roster of prominent Inkies who've snagged the Alcala medal in past competitions.

Good luck to MJ and more power to Doms!

PBBY Calls for Bidding for the Publication of the 2013 Salanga and Alcala Prizes

Invitationto bid2013 from Zarah Gagatiga

Looking for Andoy: Dominic Agsaway on Ngumiti si Andoy

Dominic Agsaway's winning work on the Salanga Prize story, Ngumiti si Andoy, portrays the child narrator and Andres Bonifacio together. They interact and engage in conversation. This is pretty much a literal rendition of the story. But the child, a little boy assigned to draw Andres Bonifacio for a school assignment, is shown with a personality that is playful and imaginative

The boy is seen walking into a park that's littered with trash. Apparently, this is the school's Hero's Park where the sculptures of Rizal, Bonifacio and other heroes are found. There is no doubt or suspicion in the boy's face, instead, there is a smile  and a curious glint in his eyes. When confronted by the moving statue of Bonifacio, he is surprised but unafraid.

Agsaway's illustrations depicted the child and his child like qualities. It made me remember how fearless I was as a young girl; how curious and unafraid. His rendition of the story fits the child character's ability to imagine and create. Thinking about it all, Ngumit si Andoy is not only the story of Andres Bonifacio, but that of the thinking child and his power to imagine.

I look forward to meeting Mr. Dominic Agsaway in person this coming July 2013 as he will receive his award and cash prize during the 30th National Children's Book Day at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Looking for Andoy: Sergio Bumatay III on Ngumiti si Andoy

Sergio Bumatay III's entries to the 2013 Alcala Prize were served in a platter. Literally. The clay sculptures depicted a young Andres Bonifacio and his Katipunero days. To me, his art works communicated dedication to the craft; taking risk and trying out something new. It worked on the concept of a talking sculpture. Impressive!

Looking for Andoy: Francin Cruz's Rendition for Ngumiti si Andoy

 The 2013 Alcala Prize winners have been announced! Congratulations to Dominc Agsaway for bagging first place! Honorable mention goes to Serj Bumatay III and Francin Cruz. Visit the PBBY website for the complete details of this year's Alcala awardees.

For the next three days, I'll post the winning illustrations of the three illustrators and provide annotations.

Let me begin by Francin Cruz's entry. She rendered an illustration of Andoy as very human by showing him with his father, a tailor by trade. She drew Andoy working in a printing press. This image fascinated me. Instead of the bolo or itak, Andoy is shown holding a quill, writing. Her last illustration is my favorite among the three. At the center is Andoy, selling abaniko and baston. We are familiar with this image. Our textbooks told us that Andoy peddled fans and walking canes. But, look at the mischievous glance Andoy has for the mestiza on his right. Typical teenager!

What thoughts Andoy had while writing on the poster?

Andoy with his father. I wonder what tales and stories his father weaved as the young Andoy listened.

See the look in Andoy's face. He had his eyes on the girl who just walked by. Selling fans and walking canes isn't that bad.

Congrats once more to Francin Cruz. I thank you for revealing to me a romantic side of the revolutionary hero!

Call for Entries: 2013 PBBY Alcala Prize

The Call for Entries to the PBBY Alcala Prize for 2013 has been made official. Lifted from the PBBY website --

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) is now accepting entries for the 2013 PBBY-Alcala Prize.

The winner shall be given a cash prize of P25,000.00, a gold medal, and an opportunity to be published. Prizes will be awarded in an appropriate ceremony to be held during the celebration of National Children's Book Day on July 16, 2013.

Go to this link to read the contest rules The winning Salanga Prize for 2013, Ngumiti si Andoy by Michael Jude Tumamac, can be downloaded for the artist's reference. For more information on past Salanga and Alcala prizes, view them here.