Happy National Children's Book Day!

2016 NCBD Illustrator Interview: Mark Lawrence Andres

Mark Lawrence Andres, is the blog's featured illustrator of the month. Mr. Andres won the 2016 Alcala Prize for his illustrations of the winning Salanga Prize story, Makinang, Makinang by Genaro Gojo Cruz.  He will be awarded a medal and a cash prize on July 19, 2016, National Children's Book Day at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. This is his first award and his first attempt in illustrating a story for children.

Mark Lawrence Andres is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator. He graduated with a degree in Industrial Design in the College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines, Diliman. He uses watercolor for his artworks, but he is also open to try other medium like poster color.

a. Ano ang kahulugan ng pagkakapanalo mo ng Alcala Prize? 

Isang malaking karangalan para sa akin ang mapanalunan ang Alcala Prize. Ito rin ang unang award na napanalunan ko bilang isang ilustrador kaya masayang masaya ako nang malaman ko ang balita. Nakakatuwang malaman kapag kinikilala ng iba ang gawa mo. 

b. Anong mga preparasyon ang ginawa mo para maiguhit ang Makinang, Makinang?

Naalala ko ang kabataan ko sa kuwento kaya nagustuhan ko talaga ang proseso ng paggawa ng mga illustration. Noong bata kasi ako may lumang makina rin kami sa bahay. Gaya ng bata sa kuwento, ginagawa ko ring duyan ang pedal ng makinang panahi kapag hindi ginagamit ng tatay ko. Pero higit pa sa mismong makina, mas itinuon ko ang aking pansin sa pagsasalarawan ng pagmamahalan ng ina at ng kaniyang anak.  Para sa akin, ito ang pinakamagandang elemento ng kuwento. 

c. Ngayong nanalo ka na sa isang patimpalak, saan mo nakikita ang direksyon ng iyong karera sa buhay bilang designer at visual artist?

Sa ngayon, nagtratrabaho ako bilang isang full- time graphic designer pero gusto ko rin sanang mahasa ang pagiging ilustrador. Mahilig ako sumubok ng iba't bang style sa illustration. Sa palagay ko, nasa proseso pa ako ngayon ng pagdiskubre ng sarili kong estilo. Gusto kong gumuhit para sa isang kwento na hindi lang magugustuhan ng mga bata, kundi pati mga matatanda. Katulad ng The Little Prince.

d. May nais ka pa bang gawin bilang artist at sino ang gusto mong makasama pa sa paglikha?

Noong nag-aaral pa ko sa kolehiyo, laruang pambata ang thesis ko. Masayang gumuhit para sa mga bata pero masaya ring gumawa ng bagay na pwede nilang hawakan at paglaruan, na makapagpapasaya sa kanila. Kung mabibigyan ako ng pagkakataon, gusto ko rin sanang makipagcollaborate sa isang arkitekto para magdisenyo ng isang modernong palaruang pambata.

For more information on the National Children's Book Day, the Salanga Prize and the Alcala Prize, visit the PBBY webiste: pbby.org.ph.

Salanga Prize and Alcala Prize Winners of 2015

A few months back, PBBY declared the story The Missing Blanket by Cheeno Marlo Del Mundo as the 2015 Honorable Mention winner of the Salanga Prize. By way of tradition, here now is good news on the Alacala Prize.

Two Artists Declared as Honorable Mention Winners in the 2015 PBBY-Alcala Prize

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People awards Joffrey Z. Atienza and Maria Sabrina P. Palmares as Honorable Mention winners for the 2015 PBBY-Alcala Prize. No one was declared Grand Prize winner for the contest this year.

This year’s PBBY-Alcala called for entries based on the 2015 PBBY-Salanga Honorable Mention winner, “The Missing Blanket,” written by Cheeno Marlo Del Mundo Sayuno, a story set in the province of Kalinga. The Alcala winners were chosen based on their creative approach to Sayuno’s story along with their respect for cultural authenticity.

Atienza, a motion graphic designer from Quezon, and Palmares, a freelance artist from Rizal, will be awarded during the celebration of National Children's Book Day on July 21, 2015.

For inquiries about the contest, contact the PBBY Secretariat at telephone number 352-6765 loc. 203 or e-mail pbby@adarna.com.ph.

Art work by Joffrey Z. Atienza

Art work by Sabrina P. Palmares

 

Gunita't Guhit: Pagbabalik-tanaw sa 31 Taon ng PBBY-Alcala Prize

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!

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.

The 29th NCBD @ Museo Pambata

Russel Molina accepts the 2012 Salanga Prize

After months of preparation, the PBBY has concluded the 29th NCBD celebration at Museo Pambata. The Salanga and Alcala Prizes were awarded to Russell Molina and Hubert Fucio respectively. Honorable mentions: Dang Bagas and Jun Matias for the Salanga and Jonathan Ranilla and Aldy Aguirre were given their plaques as well. Tarie Sabido was inducted as new board representative for book bloggers/book reviewers and I did a tandem telling of Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon, the winning Salanga of 2012, with Abs de Lina of Batibot. Museo Pambata people, Nina Lim Yuson, Maricel "Mamu" Montero and Noreen "Tich" Parafina were such warm hosts. The PBY Secretariat and staff were so efficient, as always, that this year's 29th NCBD was indeed a humorously successful affair.

Teacher Dina Ocampo gave a brilliant keynote on language, reading and mother tongue. It was a keynote where in everyone meaningfully derived nuggets of learning on the use of one's mother tongue. Indeed, language plays a great role in reading and writing development as well as the context. The intermission number by The Minstrels of Hope was a delight.

The Minstrels of Hope

I met old friends - CLAPI, Librarians from Manila and the National Library of the Philippines, Neni SR Cruz who is now Chairman of the National Book Development Board, and finally, met Honey de Peralta and Paolo Chikiamco in person. I was also able to touch base with my former grad school professor, Lina Diaz de Rivera who gave me a copy of her recent book, Teaching Filipino Novels, published by Anvil.

Thank you to those who celebrated NCBD in their schools and learning communities: Teacher Jerson Capuyan of St. La School, Rochelle Siverio, Cynthia Sumagaysay Del Rosario, OMF-Hiyas Publication to mention a few. In the coming days, I will post pictures you sent and activities you had with your kids.

Until next NCBD! Magbasa sa Sariling Wika!

Hubert Fucio's 2nd Alcala Prize

Congratulations to Hubert Fucio for winning the 2012 Alcala Prize!

Below is a sample of his art work for Russell Molina's Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon (2012 Salanga Prize). This is Fucio's and Molina's second win who both won the Alcala and the Salanga prizes respectively in 2003 for Sandosenang Kuya (A Dozen Brothers).

Illustrator of the Month: Yasmin Doctor

2011 Alcala Prize winner, Yasmin Doctor, graciously agreed to my request for interview. Her clean and colorful illustrations rendered Rizaldy, the 2011 Salanga Prize winning story of Eugene Evasco, a relevant read. Last I heard, Lg & M is serious at publishing the story book in time for December 2011. It would be the final month of the sesquicentennial celebration of Rizal's birth year.

Ms. Doctor's interview below is an interesting tale of a botanist enthusiast turned illsutrator. She reveals her creative process with Rizaldy as well.

Why do you draw?

No matter what I do I always end up drawing or painting. I’ve always wanted to be a botanist, I’m a frustrated forager; still, I end up drawing. It’s funny to be honest, yet it amazes me most of the time that I have this potential to make something using lines and shapes.

When did you discover that you have a talent for illustrating?

It was in college. I’m no fine arts grad, so I didn’t really know where to start back then. It was through my 4th sister who introduced me to Ang-INK (Illustrador ng Kabataan). She showed me the site and asked me whether I’d like to join. I thought, “Why not? Mukhang exciting, miske wala akong masyadong alam sa illustration!” (It looks exciting though I know nothing about illustrating for children.)

Describe your creative process

Several character studies. The faces of Mona, John Paul, and Rizaldy were based from the faces of Mona Lisa, The Pope John Paul, and Rizal (respectively). (I) Devoted a Sunday for research and had an intense walk-a-thon from Quiapo – Binondo – Fort Santiago – Luneta – Lawton and back to Quaipo. Was just walking, looking around for ideas that could help me in making the entry.

What are your dream projects?

To have many art-related projects (hehe). Siguro for now, to have an art project that can fulfill that botanist / forager fantasy of mine.

What are your favorite works by another illustrator?

Marami(Plenty). Cat Painter by Mark Salvatus, yung Naku, Nakuu, Nakuuu by Serj Bumatay, Sarimanok vs. Ibong adarna by Jess Abrera, and any book illustrated by Jiri Trnka.

Illustrador Idols?

My idol list gets longer and longer as I grow older, but first on the list is my dad. In general, I like being with productive people. Good vibes!

Winners of the 2011 Alcala Prize

Congratulations to Yasmin Doctor for winning the 2011 Alcala Prize. She will be awarded the medal and cash prize along with Eugene Evasco (Salanga Prize 2011) on 19 July 2011 during the National Children's Book Day celebration. Below is her winning illustration to Evasco's story, Rizaldy. 

Honorable mention goes to Jonathan Ranolla and Leo Agtuca. Their works are posted below respectively. Thanks to Ani Almario and Liza Flores for the graphics. View more of the winning artworks in PBBY website.

A sample of Jonathan Ranolla's interpretation of Evasco's story, Rizaldy

Leo Agtuca's samples of his rendition of Rizaldy by Eugene Evasco

Alcala Prize 2011 Call for Entries

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) is now accepting entries for the 2011 PBBY-Alcala Prize. The contest is co-sponsored by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and The National Library.

The winner shall be given a cash prize of P20,000.00, 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 19, 2011.

Contest Rules:

1. The contest is open to all Filipino citizens except those who are related to any PBBY members up to the third degree of consanguinity.
2. Entries must be based on the 2011 PBBY-Salanga Prize-winning story, “Rizaldy” by Eugene Evasco. Copies of the said story may be requested from the PBBY Secretariat.
3. All entries must be original unpublished illustrations that have not won in any previous contest.
4. All entries must consist of three (3) illustrations that are of the same size and medium, based on the winning story.
5. A contestant may send in more than one (1) entry.
6. Each entry must be signed by a pen name only, preferably on a small piece of paper pasted on the back of each artwork.  Entries with a signature or any identifying marks are automatically disqualified.
7. Together with each entry, contestants must submit a separate envelope, on the face of which only the pen name of the contestant shall appear.  The envelope must contain the contestant’s full name, address, contact numbers, short description of background, and notarized certification vouching for the originality of the entry and for the freedom of the organizers from any liability arising from the infringement of copyright in case of publication.
8. All entries must be sent to the PBBY Secretariat, c/o Adarna House,109 Scout Fernandez cor. Scout Torillo Street, Quezon City by March 30, 2011.
9. Winners will be announced no later than May 6, 2011.  Non-winning entries must be claimed no later than June 29, 2011, after which they will no longer be the responsibility of the organizers.

For more details, interested parties may contact PBBY by calling 3526765 or emailing pbby@adarna.com.ph.

Celebrate National Children's Book Day (NCBD) 2010

On 20 July, 2010 PBBY will once again commence the celebration of National Children's Book Day. This year, we're awarding the Salanga to Raymond Falgui for his beautiful poetry and the Alacala to Aldy Aguirre for his dreamy and whimsical illustrations of Falgui's poems. Ms. Candy Gourlay, fresh from the successful publication of her Young Adult novel,Tall Story, in the UK, will deliver the keynote address. The opening of the Albert Gamos Retrospective and the presentation of published children's books and YA novels are part of this year's NCBD as well. Three days after, PBBY and the National Book Development Board (NBDB) will announce the Best Reads of 2008 and 2009 at the Mandarin Hotel in Makati.

The NCBD is a one day event that will transpire at the Museo Pambata (for 2010). This, however, does not stop schools, learning communities, libraries and families from celebrating NCBD. This July, a host of NCBD related activities can be organized by individuals and groups of people who love books and the children who read them.

Here is my top ten NCBD activities for schools and libraries:

1. Conduct storytelling sessions in the classrooms and in the library

2. Organize a Filipino book characters on parade

3. Invite a Filipino Author and/or Illustrator to speak to kids

4. Display winners of the Salanga and the Alcala winners in the library with their accompanying authors and illustrators. The PBBY website has the list of winners

5. Stage your own Best Reads by parents, teachers and students. Remember to focus on Filipino books for children and young adults

6. Drum up the theme by showcasing Filipino books that carry this year's slogan: Ang Nagbabasa Ng Libro Laging Panalo! (A Book Reader Is A Winner!)

7. Hold contests on story writing and illustrating. This can be a follow-up activity from the author and illustrator visit

8. Publish or display reviews of Filipino story books by students online or in the school paper

9. Invite parents, school officials, teachers and other members of the learning community to talk about books they grew up with

10. Read a Filipino children's book or YA novel.

The NCBD celebration is not exclusive to PBBY. Bring it to your schools and families. After all, we are all here to celebrate reading, books and the Filipino young reader.

2010 Alcala Prize Winner

Congratulations to Aldy Aguirre for winning this year's Alcala Prize! Aguirre rendered playful and whimsical illustrations for Raymond Falgui's poetry.

Zeus Bascon, Serge Bumatay III and Rommel Joson made it as honorable mention. See you at the NCBD 2010, Museo Pambata!

The 2010 Alcala Prize

Since there is already a winner of the Salanga Prize, the 2010 Alcala Prize now commences.

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) is now accepting entries for the 2010 PBBY-Alcala Prize. The contest is co-sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
The winner shall be given a cash prize of P20,000.00, 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 20, 2010.
Contest Rules:

1. The contest is open to all Filipino citizens except those who are related to any PBBY members up to the third degree of consanguinity.

2. Entries must be based on the 2010 PBBY-Salanga Prize-winning poetry collection by Raymond Falgui. Copies of the said poetry collection may be requested from the PBBY Secretariat.

3.All entries must be original unpublished illustrations that have not won in any previous contest.

4. All entries must consist of three (3) illustrations that are of the same size and medium, based on any 3 poems in the winning collection.

5. A contestant may send in more than one (1) entry.

6. Each entry must be signed by a pen name only, preferably on a small piece of paper pasted on the back of each artwork. Entries with a signature or any identifying marks are automatically disqualified.

7. Together with each entry, contestants must submit a separate envelope, on the face of which only the pen name of the contestant shall appear. The envelope must contain the contestant’s full name, address, contact numbers, short description of background, and notarized certification vouching for the originality of the entry and for the freedom of the organizers from any liability arising from the infringement of copyright in case of publication.

8. All entries must be sent to the PBBY Secretariat, c/o Adarna House, 2nd Floor, FSS Building, 20 Scout Tuason Street, Quezon City by April 30, 2010.Winners will be announced no later than May 28, 2010. Non-winning entries must be claimed no later than June 25, 2010, after which they will no longer be the responsibility of the organizers.

For more details, interested parties may contact PBBY by calling 372-3548 or emailing pbby@adarna.com.ph.

'Tis the Season To Book Launching

And yet another book will be launched.

The Salanga 2008 winner, Naku, Nakuu, Nakuuu! by Nanoy Rafael will be presented to the public on Friday, November 21, 2008. Illustrations were done by Serge Bumatay III who bagged this year's Alcala.

The 2008 Salanga and Alcala Awards

Judging the Salanga Prize for two years in a row made me choose change this year.

I opted to wrestle with Ruben "Totet" De Jesus (PBBY President) and Liza Flores (Ang INK) for the Alcala Prize. This year's winner is none other than Serge Bumatay III. Two in a row for Bumatay since he won the Alcala last year for Jean Patindol's Tight Times.

For more information on the Salanga and the Alcala, visit the PBBY website. It is the 25th National Children's Book Day this year and the grand winners for both awards will be given quite a sum as cash prize.

The PBBY-Alcala Prize for 2007

Sergio Bumatay III won the PBBY-Alcala Prize for this year's winning Salanga piece, Tight Times by Jean Lee-Patindol.

The Alcala is awarded to the best illustrated story for children based on the Salanga Prize. Bumatay and Patindol will be granted cash and trophy this coming July 2007 during the celebration of the National Children's Book Day.