Life Goes On: BTS and My ARMY Life

I think it was in late 2019 or early 2020 when I seriously started paying attention to BTS. My daughter is ARMY since 2016 and what to me, back then, was a teenager's fascination became a necessity for survival as the pandemic came into full swing in mid-2020. From there on until the present, I have realized many things about myself. I am learning and affirming a lot of life lessons from the Bangtan Boys. Being ARMY at my age and status is like a parenting and motherhood experience. The adult is learning from the child.

As a teacher and a librarian of children and young people, I take this dynamic to heart. Every year, my students bring in a newness that fuels our creativity in making sense of who we are and the process of growing a compassionate understanding of the world around us. This can be tough, but from where I come from, we eat resilience for breakfast. After all, creativity is never an easy thing. This is the context I find myself in being a young ARMY of 47. More than ever, I have a deeper appreciation of BTS.

While the Tannies have a way of sweeping you off your feet (there are seven kinds of sexy and together, they are deadly!) they are more than visual aesthetics. Kim Namjoon have said it countless times in interviews and docuseries early in their career that they are more than pretty faces. BTS wants to matter. Truly, they have been successful and more. On top of record sales and awards, a closer examination of their discography by academics, experts in the field of music and the arts, professionals in business, economists, and industry leaders in the creative arts all point to the fact that the Tannies are not just a Kpop band or group. Not anymore. The boys were awarded the Order of Cultural Merit of Korea in 2018. They are now envoys to the UN. Ambassadors of the youth. Their campaigns and advocacies impact global communities. On top of all these, BTS got ARMY right behind them when they say so.

The fandom is as amazing, as generous and as loving as the Bangtan Boys.

In less than a year as ARMY, I have gained new friends and strengthen old ones. I have shared online concert tickets, received gifts and unsolicited advice. I have been supported by ARMY parents in my journey as mother and as a woman going through midlife. I found ARMY I can geek out with over Namjoon's poetry and the books in his reading list, nerd over Suga's critical view on life and society and go kilig over Hobi's hotness. 

I celebrated my birthday last week and unexpected gifts came from ARMY friends near and far. One of them, a good friend from way back, sent me an acrostic poem. The Tannies love creating them, so she created one for me.

Right now, I am up in arms in the battle for reading and literacy. I have two ARMYs seriously working on a BTS inspired book donation project that we hope to launch before the month ends. Right in time for Literacy Day on September 8 during the month of Namjoon's and JK's birthday. What could be more satisfying than to experience this personal advocacy come to life but with two Titas of BTS. 

BTS Book Donation Drive: Reading Gives Hope ! Books Bring Sunshine

Reading Gives Hope * Books Bring Sunshine

A Book Donation Drive for Peace Kamp

This book donation drive is inspired by BTS, most especially Jung Ho-seok aka J-Hope, and their positive messages of diversity, inclusion, hope and loving oneself through their music and art performances.

Since the National Children’s Book Day (NCBD) is on July 20 this book donation drive is made up of book bundles containing titles that were awarded the National Children’s Book Award, The Kids’ Choice Award, the Wordless Book Prize of 2018 and the PBBY Salanga and Alcala Prizes. Inclusion and diversity are the themes of the NCBD 2021 following the tagline Magkaiba? Magbasa. Magkaisa! Thus, books that were selected for each bundle agree with the themes of the NCBD 2021.

The five book bundles are *OT7 Book Bundle, JHope Book Bundle, VMin Book Bundle, JinKook Book Bundle, and NamGi Book Bundle.

How to donate

1.     Select a book bundle/bundle to donate to a Peace Kamp student/s and/or Reading Center from Dear Books. There are 20 students who will be the recipient of the book donation.

2.     Your book donation will have your name as donor. You can also write a special note to the recipient of the donation.

3.     In return, you will get a certificate of donation from Peace Kamp and Dear Books.

4.     Book bundles will be picked up by Peace Kamp staff from Dear Books office/shop which then will be brought to students in Peace Kamp.

You can also buy a book bundle for your own personal and home library. 😊

Reading Gives Hope! Books Bring Sunshine!

 

Reading Gives Hope * Books Bring Sunshine

A Book Donation Drive for Peace Kamp

This book donation drive is inspired by BTS, most especially Jung Ho-seok aka J-Hope, and their positive messages of diversity, inclusion, hope and loving oneself [PP1] through their music and art performances.

Since the National Children’s Book Day (NCBD) is on July 20 this book donation drive is made up of book bundles containing titles that were awarded the National Children’s Book Award, The Kids’ Choice Award, the Wordless Book Prize of 2018 and the PBBY Salanga and Alcala Prizes. Inclusion and diversity are the themes of the NCBD 2021 following the tagline Magkaiba? Magbasa. Magkaisa! Thus, books that were selected for each bundle agree with the themes of the NCBD 2021.

The five book bundles are *OT7 Book Bundle, JHope Book Bundle, VMin Book Bundle, JinKook Book Bundle, and NamGi Book Bundle.

*OT7 Book Bundle consists of the 20 Kuwentong Musmos Books published by Room to Read US in cooperation with Adarna House, Anvil Publishing, Hiyas and Lampara Books.

1 Set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books by Lampara Books)

-             Masaya Ang Maging Ako by Zarah Gagatiga and Jamie Bauza

-             Kiko Kitikiti by Lauren Macaraeg and Ito Chua

-             Ang Batang Papet by Norman Baquirin and Angela Taguiang

-             Ang Nanay Kong Drayber by Reina Peralta and Pepot Atienza

-             Ang Alaga Kong Lolo by Genaro Gojo Cruz and Lui Buan

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books by Adarna House)

-             Noel! Noel! Noel! by Kristine Canon and Nina Martinez

-             Paboritong Lugar ni Nanay by Weng Cahiles and Aldy Aguirre

-             Sampung Eroplano by Liwliwa Malabed and Pergy Acuna

-             Tara! Itok! Kora Dandan-Albano and Ara Villena

-             Sayaw ng Mga Kamay Joanna Que and Fran Alvarez

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 Books by OMF/Hiyas)

-             Ang Kuya Kong Zombie by Luis Gatmaitan and Ivan Reverente

-             Imbisibol by Yna Reyes and Mike Amante

-             Kaya ni Mina by Janine Marie Rivera and Cy Vendivel

-             Sakto Lang Joshene Bersales and Domz Agsaway

-             Tinola ni Nanay by Maloi Malibiran-Salumbides and Felix Mago Miguel

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books Anvil)

-             Sayaw ni Dayaw by Cheeno Marlo Sayuno and Harry Monzon

-             Sali Ako! by Alyssa Reyes and Iori Espiritu

-             Paalam Puti by Jomike Tejido

-             Maanghang na Salita by Rhandee Garlitos and Beth Parrocha

-             Duyan Pababa sa Bayan by Mary Gigi Constantino and Enid Din

Cost: Php 2,985.00

·       The OT7 Book Bundle is recommended for anyone who wishes to gift a school, a library or a reading center.

 

What follows are four book bundles in honor of JHope, V and Jimin, Jin and Jung Kook, and RM and Suga.

JHope Book Bundle – Joy and Sunshine[PP2] 

The themes of this book bundle are joy and sunshine. The selected titles for this book bundle cover these themes plus one book from a beloved Kapampangan folk song.

Atin Cu Pung Singsing Kapampangan Children’s Book (Adarna House)

1 Set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books by Lampara Books)

-        Masaya Ang Maging Ako by Zarah Gagatiga and Jamie Bauza

-        Kiko Kitikiti by Lauren Macaraeg and Ito Chua

-        Ang Batang Papet by Norman Baquirin and Angela Taguiang

-        Ang Nanay Kong Drayber by Reina Peralta and Pepot Atienza

-        Ang Alaga Kong Lolo by Genaro Gojo Cruz and Lui Buan

The Great Duck and Crocodile Race written and illustrated by Robert Magnuson, [PP3] (OMF Literature, Inc.)

The Day of Darkness written by Gutch Gutierrez and Zig Marasigan and illustrated by Gutch Gutierrez (The Bookmark, Inc.)

Habulan written by Kora Dandan-Albano and illustrated by Beth Parrocha[PP4]  (Anvil Publishing, Inc.)

Pitong Tsinelas (Seven Slippers) written by Divine Gil Reyes and and illustrated by Benjor Catindig (Tahanan Books for Young Readers)

Cost: Php 1,614.00

VMin Book Bundle – Family and Friendship

The themes of this book bundle are family and friendship. The selected titles for this book bundle cover these themes plus one book from a beloved Kapampangan folk song.

Atin Cu Pung Singsing Kapampangan Children’s Book (Adarna House)

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books by Adarna House)

-        Noel! Noel! Noel! by Kristine Canon and Nina Martinez

-        Paboritong Lugar ni Nanay by Weng Cahiles and Aldy Aguirre

-        Sampung Eroplano by Liwliwa Malabed and Pergy Acuna

-        Tara! Itok! Kora Dandan-Albano and Ara Villena

-        Sayaw ng Mga Kamay Joanna Que and Fran Alvarez

 

Sandwich to the Moon written and illustrated by Jamie Bauza, (Chikiting Books)

Sinemadyika written by Lauren V. Macaraeg and illustrated by Aldy Aguirre, (Lampara Publishing House, Inc.)

Big Sister written by Zarah Gagatiga and illustrated by Ruben de Jesus, (Lampara Publishing House, Inc.)

I Will Always Love You More written by Peachy Concepcion and illustrated by Joel Chua, (Anvil Publishing, Inc.)

Cost: Php 1,603.00

JinKook Book Bundle – Inclusivity

The theme of this book bundle is inclusivity. The selected titles for this book bundle cover these themes plus one book from a beloved Kapampangan folk song.

Atin Cu Pung Singsing Kapampangan Children’s Book (Adarna)

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 Books by OMF/Hiyas)

-        Ang Kuya Kong Zombie by Luis Gatmaitan and Ivan Reverente

-        Imbisibol by Yna Reyes and Mike Amante

-        Kaya ni Mina by Janine Marie Rivera and Cy Vendivel

-        Sakto Lang Joshene Bersales and Domz Agsaway

-        Tinola ni Nanay by Maloi Malibiran-Salumbides and Felix Mago Miguel

Made Perfect in Weakness written by Didith Rodrigo and illustrated by Patricia Lascano, (The Bookmark, Inc.)

Salusalo para kay Kuya written by Ergoe Tinio and illustrated by JC Galag, (Adarna House, Inc.

Si Berting, ang Batang Uling written by Christopher S. Rosales and illustrated by Aldy Aguirre, Lampara Publishing House, Inc.

Ang Bonggang-bonggang Batang Beki! written by Rhandee Garlitos and illustrated by Tokwa Peñaflorida, Chikiting Books

Ang Ikaklit sa Aming Hardin written by Bernadette Villanueva Neri and illustrated by CJ de Silva, Publikasyong Twamkittens

Cost: Php 1,603.00

NamGi Book Bundle – Diversity and Community

The themes of this book bundle are diversity and community. The selected titles for this book bundle cover these themes plus one book from a beloved Kapampangan folk song.

Atin Cu Pung Singsing Kapampangan Children’s Book (Adarna)

1 set of Kuwentong Musmos (5 books Anvil)

-        Sayaw ni Dayaw by Cheeno Marlo Sayuno and Harry Monzon

-        Sali Ako! by Alyssa Reyes and Iori Espiritu

-        Paalam Puti by Jomike Tejido

-        Maanghang na Salita by Rhandee Garlitos and Beth Parrocha

-        Duyan Pababa sa Bayan by Mary Gigi Constantino and Enid Din

Ang Sampung Bukitkit written by Eugene Y. Evasco and illustrated by Ibarra C. Crisostomo, (LG&M Corporation)

Mang Andoy’s Signs written by Mailin Paterno and illustrated by Isabel Roxas, Tahanan Books for Young Readers

Marvino’s League of Superheroes written by Rae Rival-Cosico and illustrated by Jamie Bauza, (Adarna House, Inc.)

Supremo written by Xi Zuq and illustrated by Al Estrella (Adarna House)

Cost: Php 1,512.75

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.