PBBY's New Representative for Illustrators is Ms. Liza Flores

Last July 18, 2023, the Philippine Board on Books for Young People sworn in Ms. Liza Flores as board member and representative for the sector of illustrators. She has once again, lent her time for the blog and its readers for this interview.

1. As PBBY Rep for Illustrators, what can you bring to the table that will further enhance the growth of children’s book illustration in the country?

Ang INK is what I bring to the table, along with the learnings from Ang INK’s founding members, and the experience of working with INKies of different generations.

As PBBY Rep, I hope to do more of what I have been doing with Ang INK, but with a wider reach, and closer collaboration with other sectors in the industry:

• showcase the works of illustrators 

• uplift the quality of illustrations for children

• articulate and protect the rights of illustrators

• define and promote professionalism among illustrators

2. How would you describe ANG INK in this era of AI, climate change, multiverse storylines and metacognition?

While primarily known as illustrators for children, Ang INK has claimed a place as an organization of illustrators in general. 

Ang INK therefore, has the responsibility and opportunity to address issues that affect young people (like climate change), and new technologies that have an impact on illustrators (like AI).

But this is nothing new to Ang INK. 

Through its exhibitions, books, and other projects, Ang INK has always focused on the various aspects of Filipino life, while promoting certain advocacies that are significant to the Filipino child. We have tackled matters concerning children’s rights, the pandemic, environmental conservation and protection, the promotion of literacy, awareness of and appreciation for Philippine culture, and so on.

The issues and the environment today may have changed—perhaps more challenging—but Ang INK’s charge is the same.

3. What are your top 5 book recommendations to readers of children’s books?

Sayaw ng mga Kamaymag Kamay, Joanna Que at Fran Alvarez / Dancing Hands, Charina Marquez (English translation)

Papuntang Community Pantry, Eugene Evasco at lAdy Aguirre

Pagkatapos ng Unos, Harry Monzon 

Mang Andoy’s Signs, Mailin Paterno and Isabel Roxas

Hati Tayo!, Russell Molina at Dominic Agsaway 

Ang INK Panel 2023: What Makes A Good Picture Book?

 

Ang INK will be having another group/organization exhibit and part of the event is a panel that discuss picture books. They have invited four industry thought leaders in the panel and it is an honor to be a part of it. It will be on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 3PM at the UP Fine Arts. 

For this purpose, the Inkies sent guide questions ahead of time. 

1. What is your favorite picture book? It can be foreign or local. Share why you think it is the best. 

2. What is your definition of a good picture book? 

3. What is NOT a good picture book?

I am assigned to answer more questions as a school librarian. Such questions excite me because, there are so many trends and movements in Children's Literature these days. Ang INK is one group I am excited to share my ideas and opinions with. 

For starters, here are some of  my thoughts:

* A picture book is a visual art. Consider the pages of a book as a canvas in sequence. It moves and it can be moved both by the creators and the reader/viewer. The intended reader for this matter, is the child. A well crafted picture book becomes the child's experience in appreciating a visual art. The picture book is an art experience or aesthetics. I think it is also important to ask, if the creators' intended audience is the child, how then can they communicate art and aesthetics to this specific audience? Now here is an amazing thing, even adults find joy in reading picture books.

* My response to definition of GOOD and NOT GOOD would be the question: who gives value to the picture book, especially if this is considered as a visual art?

* Primarily so, it is important to use the principles and foundations in the visual art or visual literature as criteria, guide or a standard when creating and evaluating picture books, vis-a-vis, the reader's intent and context.

* While there are principles of visual literature, as guide in selecting, reviewing and acquiring picture books, we need to expose our children and ourselves to different kinds of picture books.

These are all for now. I am putting them up here so I can remember. I hope to see you there, friends!  

Ang INK Asks: What makes a good picture book?

 

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Recommended Reads: Must Have Children's Books at the MIBF 2019 (1 of 4)

The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) is just around the corner!

Here's hoping you have saved enough to buy books for your toddlers, your children and your teenagers. Whether you are a teacher, a parent, a grandparent, an adult working for kids' welfare and well-being or a children's literature advocate and enthusiast, may you find this list of recommended books helpful when choosing and buying books for young readers.

For this first batch, I have identified ten titles plus one!

Adarna House
1. Tingnan Mo, O! Isinulat ni Noelle Pabiton at Iginuhit ni  Gica Tam
2. Sirena Ba 'Yan? Is That A Mermaid? By Candy Gourlay Illustrated by Francesca Chessa Billungual Edition
3. Ang Taon ng Pusa Isinulat ni Jaume Copons at Iginuhit ni  Agustín Comotto

Anvil Publishing
1. 1..2...3.. by Aaron Randy
2. Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay

The Bookmark Inc.
Common Courtesies Series by Didith T. Rodrigo

Hiyas / OMF Lit

Porcupine Pirate Plans the Perfect Day by Robert Magnuson

Lampara Books

Green / Luntian by Becky Bravo Illustrated by Beth Parrocha

Tahanan Books for Young Readers
1. Pitong Tsinelas Kuwento ni Divine Gil Reyes Guhit ni Benjor Catindig
2. Folk Songs Series: Kaisa-Isa Niyan (Alvarez and Prudente); Pakitong-Kitong (Monzon and Prudente); Ed-Edoy (Albano and Prudente)

Plus one - Karapatdapat: Bata alamin ang iyong karapatan (CANVAS and Ang INK)

Do come back and check the blog for three more batches of children's books to buy and acquire for your home library and school reading centers.

An Interview With Rev Cruz 2018 Wordless Book Prize Winner

Here is an interview with Rev Cruz, 2018 Wordless Book Prize Winner. He does not consider himself an artist having no degree in Fine Arts. But his attitude and disposition about art tells us otherwise.

How did you learn about the Wordless Picture Book Prize?

Winning the PBBY Alcala Prize is one of the most important distinctions that a children’s book illustrator can aspire to. It’s been an annual tradition for me that as soon as the winner for the  PBBY Salanga Prize is announced, I download and read the winning manuscript and hope that I have enough inspiration and most importantly, time and effort to participate in the illustration contest. I was lucky enough to have two entries chosen as Honorable Mention. When the Wordless Picture Book Prize was announced, I recognized it as an

opportunity to share my own stories and not just interpret someone’s. Being a member of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan, I saw how we were encouraged to join the contest.  

Tell us something about Pibò?

It is a story about Pibò (being a wordless picture book, I would like to let the readers and the storytellers decide what Pibò is) and his adventures. He meets unique characters whom he befriends and travels through exotic environments until he finds what he was searching for. It is a story about friendship, belonging and sacrifice.

Pibò has been brewing in my head for years now ever since I started painting with coffee (being a coffee enthusiast). I created a character based on coffee beans, calling them coffee monsters, and I painted and even made sculptures of them. I intended Pibò as a unique coffee bean, a “peaberry” searching high and low to be reunited with his batch of coffee beans, his family.

What is your creative process for Pibo?

Since Pibò has been “brewing” in my head for years, creating several paintings with the character interacting with other characters and environments. There was no narrative at first. These paintings served as key scenes in a sort of journey. So creating a narrative was a matter of “connecting” these key scenes by filling it in with additional pictures that adds meaning to the key scenes and pushes the narrative forward.

One of my favorite key scene was when the characters meet the narwhal. At first it seems like a random thing when the narwhal shows Pibò a toothbrush and he’s confused with what to do with it. People who are knowledgeable about the nature of narwhals should be able to realize that the “horns” of narwhals are not really horns but are actually tusks or essentially and oversized tooth! The toothbrush actually makes sense as Pibò cleans it!

Who are your role models in your discipline or community? Why?

I realized that creating a wordless picture book demands a unique sets of skills that is different from just illustrating a picture book. For this, I looked into the works of Bill Thomson (“Chalk”), David Wiesner (“Flotsam”), Marla Frazee (“The Farmer and the Clown”) and Aaron Becker (“Journey”) as inspiration.

For children’s book illustration, I’ve always been a Maurice Sendak fan. I’ve always considered being a member of AngInK as a privilege being able to mingle with Beth Parrocha-Doctolero, Jomike Tejido, Liza Flores, Robert Alejandro, Totet de Jesus, etc. people I look up to and aspire to.

For children’s book literature, I love reading Rene Villanueva, Luis P. Gatmaitan, Eugene Evasco and Genaro Gojo Cruz, etc…

Who are you, as an artist?

This is so hard to answer ☹ I did not graduate with a degree in Fine Arts or any related course. So I’ve always felt inadequate as an artist, even hesitating to recognize myself as an artist. (In fact, I am a physical therapist by profession) But it has always been my passion to make art. I love making people happy and inspired when they see my art. As much as I can, I just create art in whatever form it is. Gawa lang ng gawa ng feeling ko na maganda. 

*Photos are protected by copyright. Please ask permission before downloading and attribute as necessary.

November In Review: Art, Books and Music (1 of 3)

Catching up on blog worthy activities and experiences I had last November. Here goes!

Ang INK Workshop at ARTS ABOVE 

Ang Illustrador ng Kabataan kicked off November by conducting the annual INKFest Capsule Workshop, a series of art workshops for free. I signed up Zoe for basic sketching and we ended up in a quaint and avant garde venue in Arts Above, West Avenue, Quezon City.

Zoe enjoyed the workshop and she went home with sketches to show her art teacher in school. It was her first time to attend an art workshop. What made the experience enjoyable was the actual drawing session sans lecture. It was a learn by doing exercise where the facilitator, Kevin Roque, advised, gave comments and feedback to workshop participants. Besides, it was participated by artists and art enthusiasts of all ages. In this learning environment, participants, young and old, learn from each other.

Another interesting thing was that the workshop was held at Arts Above. Owned by Roeder Camanag, Arts Above is home to his theatre group, Artists Playground. Located at the Penthouse of the building, it has a theatre that can accommodate 150-200 people, a workshop and performance area and a cafe where crafters and artists have a corner to sell their art and crafts.

Ang INK at Arts Above from Zarah Gagatiga

How lucky we were that day because we met Roeder Camanag! Back in the 90s, Roeder broke out into the local music industry as an OPM (Original Pilipino Music) artist. I like one of his songs, Sana Naman, where one longs for love to be reciprocated. At present, Arts Above welcomes artists, students and seasoned ones, to use their exhibit space, theatre and performance space for all artistic pursuits.

Visit their Facebook Page for inquires if you are looking for a space to use for events and artistic activities: https://www.facebook.com/artsabove.ph/

The Settlement by Mark Justiniani, presented by the Ateneo Art Gallery and CANVAS (Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development)

Zoe and I were in Ateneo De Manila University thrice last month and while there, we capitalised in enjoying the campus where traffic is well designed and there are paths to walk on. Since the Arete is the new home of the Ateneo Art Gallery, we made sure to pass by.

It was the installation art of Mark Justiniani that captivated us. I have no words to describe it and I recommend you go see it. Sadly, this blog post about Justiniani's public installation art ends today. Do check the website and blog of CANVAS, as well as the Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/CANVAS.PH/) for news and information on the next public venue of The Settlement.

Here are two photos we took inside it.

The dinning table that mimics the one in the Aguinaldo Mansion in Kawit, Cavite
is one of the mesmerising art pieces inside The Settlement. 

Inside The Settlement are windows and mirrors that illuminate or confuse the viewer
into thinking and perceiving truths and lies of past and present events in Philippine history.

The Guy Simondac Studio's Homeward Bound

Mid-November, the fambam watched a benefit concert of the Guy Simondac Music Studio (GSMS). Master Edgardo "Sir Guy" Simondac is father, uncle, teacher, mentor and friend to many musically gifted and talented students. He was my son Nico's piano teacher after Teacher Cess Galicia taught him the basics for a year.

From Sir Guy, Nico learned not just playing the piano, but life skills and lessons to bring with him through life. Sir Guy and Teacher Cess were both instrumental to Nico's acceptance in UP Diliman and St. Scholastica's College. Choosing the former, Nico is now a third year student at the College of Music majoring in Music Education. He joined the concert as a guest beatboxer of the studio's resident acapella group.

Sir Guy Simondac at his best and in his element

Zoe, on the one hand, attended violin classes in Sir Guy's Music Studio under the tutelage of Teacher Dean Giron. Zoe has taken a break from violin lessons but her interest in music remains. From Teacher Dean, she has learned to be patient not only in learning new patterns of notes, but also in ways of thinking.

Back in 2014, I attended voice lessons under Sir Guy's coaching. I had a wonderful time knowing myself and facing my fears. Sir Guy helped me gain my confidence in reaching the high notes, placing my voice and breathing exercises that help me calm down and strengthen my vocal stamina. I will never forget my first performance in the summer presentation of the GSMS in St. Scholastica's College. On days when I need to sing again, I go back to him and we rekindle old times, old lessons and make new discoveries together.

The Guy Simondac Music Studio is currently raising funds to fully establish itself as the leading music studio and talent centre in these parts of Southern Tagalog.

Nico and Zoe with Sir Guy, teacher and mentor in music and life.

More power to, you Sir Guy! We keep you in our prayers! Visit the Facebook Page of the Guy Simondac Music Studio through this link: https://www.facebook.com/the.gsms/

Illustrator of the Month: Tinsley Garanchon

The blog's Illustrator of the Month is Tinsley Garanchon. She is the illustrator of our upcoming books, the Bulilit Books, published by the Nutrition Council of the Philippines Publishing Corporation (NCPPC). 

1. How did you approach the illustrations for the Bulilit Books?

Since these are revised versions, the challenge was to create a modern approach yet retain something familiar to all the readers, local touches such as landscapes and interiors. Also, keeping the art in continuity. Timeless in a way.

2. What medium are you most comfortable using when illustrating books for kids?

Digital. If given an opportunity for art’s sake, I'd like to try traditional sometime.

3. As an Inkie, how does the organization help you grow as artist and as a person?

The profession of an illustrator leads you towards a solitary lifestyle but there are times, it's also helpful to have a set of like minds who share the same dreams and goals that can help and support you.

The organization’s direction is to keep this presence known that there is a group gearing towards the progress of children's book illustrators in the local and international scene.

4. Five art works that inspired you to illustrate for kids.

  

Nila Aye

An illustrator, hailing from the UK. Nila is the epitome of  retro.  Her bright, graphic illustrations which appear in various magazine and publications gives a nod to colorful, retro works.

 

Lorelay Bove

Found her works by chance online. Not only she works in the animation industry, she also worked with book illustrations where I was drawn into her works. Bright, colorful, flat and retro.

She also has an interesting background story. Lorelay comes from Spain, her dream was to work in Disney Animation and guess what, she did! Her personal story also inspired me to believe.

 

Neysa Bove

Her works have some similarities with her sister, Lorelay. But what draws the line to distinguish hers is the focal point of her works is the character in the artwork which has a feminine and more whimsical approach to it.

 

Dric

Found an illustration of Dric’s in an art book which featured illustrators from South Korea, China and Japan. What had me look up to his work was his choice of colors and before, I wasn’t as adventurous in exploring various palettes from vivid hues or pastel tones. Unlike now, I would try to try different color combinations and  see how would it set a tone for an illustration.

 

Mary Blair

As a child, I had childrens’ books from Disney. When I got older I was able to learn more about this one illustrator that stood out as an influence. Mary Blair did a lot of visual development during the earlier years of Disney films, she also designed the look of an amusement ride in Disneyland which we know as Small World aside from taking in other illustration jobs in publishing and advertising.

Websites of Artists and Sources of Images:

Nila Aye - http://www.nilaaye.com/#/brownlow/
Lorelay Bove - http://www.lorelaybove.com/
Neysa Bove - http://neysabove.blogspot.com/
Dric - https://www.instagram.com/dric/
Mary Blair - http://magicofmaryblair.com/maryscorner

Illustrator of the Month: Bernadette Solina-Wolf (2 of 2)

Bernie and Michael Wolf with pet dog

Here now is part 2 of the interview with Bernadette Solina-Wolf, Most Favorite Illustrator in the Aklat Awards 2016 of Lampara Books and Precious Pages Group of Companies.

What is the book illustration or project you wish you could have done?

I still have a project I am eye-ing to do---a coloring book on Philippine costumes.  

What do you consider your career highlights? Kindly name or identify five accomplishments.

Let's just say these events helped me a lot:

1) I was a founding member of the Ilustrador ng Kabataan which is now on its 25th year! I was invited to give the opening speech the other month (was it?). I had a bit of problem ending my speech. Mahirap datnan ng nostalgia pala! But I was able to thank God!

2) I had 5 years as Visual Arts teacher at the Philippine High School for the Arts in Makiling and bonded with very creative young artists now in top positions in the cultural and advertising fields, here and abroad.

 

The Start Right Reading Series: Kindergarten Level

3) Formed and toured the ANINO ShadowPlay Collective nationwide under the sponsorship of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and because of this, I experienced the rich cultural diversity of our country. Also, noted that Yoyoy Villame's "Magellan" is known nationwide in diverse cultural beats and rhythms. The tour really took a lot out of me (the only provinces we didn't go to were Tawi-tawi and Samar as well as Batanes!) so I just said "that's it...I did my end of the deal" and went back to teaching. The late Don Salubayba with batchmates and other PHSA students continued with it after high school and into college and up until now, the ANINO is still performing and doing international performances in various shadow play festivals!

4) Because of an absence of book projects, my husband and I ventured into creating a small cottage business we named the Nutart. He developed the coconut shells as painting "canvas" and I painted on them, first with sea life (for the nearby resorts) and then onto indigenous peoples when we dared get into Ayala Museum.  Now, on its 10th year, the baos have been invited by the National Historical Commission (NHCP) to make a round of exhibits in their different national shrines (i.e Mabini, Rizal, Malvar and Phil. Museum of National History in Pampanga...)

5) At present is the STARS project with Zarah Gagatiga. Each set of 12 books (Kindergarten, Grade One and Two) is no joke. Yet, every time I look at the finished artworks I tell myself, Boy, am I really honored!

Recommended Reads: Batang Historyador Series

Batang Historyador Series
Author: Augie Rivera
Publisher: Adarna House / UNICEF

Inspired by a query from Augie Ebreo on books and stories that can influence change, I searched for recommended reads on stories about people empowerment to extend this book service. My search led me to the The Batang Historyador series. The series has five books that show the lives of children across Philippine history as written by Augie Rivera and illustrated by Paolo Lim, Isabel Roxas, Jomike Tejido, Marcus Nada and Bryan Ballesteros. The first story begins during pre-colonial Philippines to the Spanish colonization, the American period to the Japanese Occupation during World War II and ends with a story of a boy who lost a brother during the Martial Law years. A work of fiction, yes, but the stories of childhood in each book has evidence of good research coupled with real life events that appear to have been taken from personal and oral histories. This later aspect of the book is something I wish to find out and validate.

Rivera writes with insight and revelation on issues that touch on children's rights. This is the strength of the series. How the author deftly tells the story, with respect and sensitivity to each child character being victims of slavery, exclusivity, racism, child labor, war and conflict either by chance, choice or by a bigger, more powerful force is a gift. There is a redeeming value at the end of each story. Central to the theme of the series is the implied message of hope rising from chaos and confusion. More than this, I am moved by the stories to think and wonder if we are really taking good care of our future, our children who will continue on. How are we nurturing and enriching our greatest resource?

It is tricky, as I think about it. To empower and influence change, one has to face the sensitive and "taboo" issues in one's life and in the wider, bigger society.

I segue to promoting the Ang INKFest on October 24, 2015 where Augie Rivera will talk about writing children's stories with sensitive issues. This will be in Fullybooked, Bonifacio Global City. It will start at 10.45AM. If you are in the area, go! If you have the time, attend! Speakers include, Tarie Sabido, PBBY President and May Tobia Papa, award winning writer and illustrator. Marcus Nada and Bru, Inkies all will talk as well.

Pinoy Illustrator Interview: Liza Flores

Liza Flores, illustrator and former President of Ang INK, answers questions about her creative process and the challenge of illustrating Dear Nanay, our book which was published by Lampara Books (2014).

a. What attracted you to use paper when illustrating a book for children?

I have always loved paper! As far as I can remember, whenever I'm at National Bookstore, or any store that has paper, I'd be looking at the store's paper selection (whole sheets, cut sheets, gift wrappers, notebooks), even if I had no real use for it. In a trip to the US, I bought Manila paper, just because their Manila paper had a nice thickness, and was in a nice yellowish-crafty color. 

I think the idea of using paper was planted in my head when I got a set of Japanese bookmarks when I was around 10 years old. 

Then I discovered I was pretty good with scissors. 

b. How different is this medium to, say, water color or digital media as far as rendition is concerned?

When I use paint or colored pencils, I have to have a very clean and detailed drawing of the whole book before I can color. (1) I start by making small thumbnail studies. (2) Then, I draw all the pages again, but this time bigger, a little bigger than the book's size. I use regular bond paper and a pencil when I do this. (3) With A light box, I trace my drawings on to the actual paper board I'll be using. (4) Finally, I color my line drawings.

With paper cutouts, I can jump from rough thumbnail studies straight to cutting. I don't draw on the paper I cut. I just imagine the shapes I need, like a circle for a head of a character, then I cut. Almost any object can be simplified into simple, basic shapes. So I would cut one piece or element at a time, move things around to see what works, and build each character, scene, and page as I go along. Then, I glue the parts when I'm happy with what I have.

c. What was your approach to Dear Nanay? The story is pretty sad, but you made it appear light and cheerful.

I remember Beth Parrocha saying that whenever she got a sad story, the more she wants to make the illustrations happy. That's how I felt after reading the manuscript. 

Also, how the story was written was already easy to understand. So I figured there was room for the illustrations to be less literal. I could illustrate sending a letter via snail mail, or via email, but why not via paper airplanes? 

d. Is being an artist/illustrator your first choice of career? If not, what made you become one? If it is, what keeps you in it?

I couldn't decide what course to take when I was applying for college. I knew I liked art, and maybe something communication-related, but that was it. So I ended up choosing Visual Communication (Fine Arts), not really knowing what I'd be when I graduate. 

It never occurred to me that being an illustrator was a career until I saw INK's exhibit whan I was in college. In fact, it's funny that it never occurred to me that real people made the drawings in my favorite books. And when I saw the illustrations of Robert Alejandro, Mel Silvestre, Joanne de Leon, Beth Parrocha, I thought, hey, I'd like to do that too!

I enjoy the process of making a book. I like imagining the story and making it "real". I learn something new every time: about the materials I use, about what I am capable of, about how to tell a story better. Then, there's the happy bonus of seeing my work printed, and being enjoyed by the one reading it.

Tips on Celebrating the 30th NCBD

Are you preparing your book list for your reading child this NCBD? Have you prepared a book fair and storytelling session in your school and library? If yes, you're well on your way to celebrating the 30th NCBD. But here are more activities you can do to celebrate the event:

a. Get posters of the 30th NCBD from the PBBY Secretariat and distribute them to friends, schools, barangay hall and day care centers.

b. Visit the PBBY website and check the list of published Salanga-Alcala books. How many do you have in your collection?

c. If you are an inspiring writer for children and young adult,  join a writing group like KUTING.

d. If you're an art enthusiast, visit the Ang INK exhibit, Curious Buffet, in Cubao.

e. If you are a chidlren's lit advocate, teacher or librarian, attend the CLAPI seminar.

f. Invite the winners of this year's Salanga and Alacala in your school, library and classroom.

g. Watch out for this year's new books for children and young adults. I will post the list/PPT. in the blog. I hear there are good and interesting titles! Get a copy. Buy from the bookstore or the publisher.

h. For librarians: set up a book display in the library on Rizal and Bonifacio. Rizal because NCBD commemorates the publication of The Monkey and the Turtle in Trubner's Oriental Record in London. Bonifacio because it is his 150th birth year/anniversary.

i. For academic and research librarians: Promote and publicize theses and studies on Philippine Children's Literature. Make the abstracts available to the public.

j. Watch Sandosenang Sapatos in CCP.

More activities to post in the next few day!

Celebrate NCBD: A Curious Buffet

A CURIOUS BUFFET
Ang I.N.K. Group Exhibit
About the Exhibit:
Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan presents an exhibition inspired by the kitchen.

Pots and pans, teacups and spoons are the stuff of the everyday and the normal. We use our kitchenware and utensils almost unthinkingly - picking them up, using them, washing them down over and over again. Kitchen and table utensils are the tools of our daily domestic routines and are steeped in the matter-of-factness of life. Spoons and teapots can be some of the most unremarkable things in the world. Utilitarian and ordinary as they are, one may think that they are far removed from the wonder of the visual arts.

But art can exist in everyday things. In this exhibit, Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan aims to juxtapose the common kitchen utensil with the magic of art. Factory made utensils give way to artworks made with hands. The artworks on display will use kitchen items and utensils as starting points for sculptures and paintings. Objects that were originally intended for cooking and eating will be reassembled, recombined, repainted and transformed to items for pure visual enjoyment.

In the end, when all the artworks are assembled, the intention is to create a collection of desserts and treats of a different sort for both the eye and the mind.

Details:
Post (formerly PABLO) Cubao X
Exhibit Opening: June 29, 2013/ Saturday/ 6pm
Exhibit runs until July 13, 2013.

 

* Lifted from Xi Zuq's Nook. 

Let's Talk About Children's Books

Albert Gamos 1951-2009

Albert Gamos, Filipino illustrator par excellence passed away yesterday, 3 November 2009 at 10:00 in the morning. His remains lie at the Holy Mary Memorial Chapel, Rizal St., Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City Philippines.

Mr. Gamos is a multi-awarded illustrator and an esteemed honorary member of Ang INK (Illustrador Ng Kabataan). He is known for his classical and intricate style of illustrating for children. This is evident in his recent work on Pandakotyong, one of the many books comprising the Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang series of Anvil Publishing.

The Boy Who Touched Heaven

Book Review of The Boy Who Touched Heaven story by Iris Gem Li, illustrations by Serg Bumatay III. Published by CANVAS & Adarna House, Copyright 2007

When Heaven Is Close Enough To Touch
By Zarah Gagatiga

So the saying goes that a picture paints a thousand words.

Last year, CANVAS, a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting awareness in appreciation of Philippine art, culture and the environment, and Ang INK (Ilustrador ng Kabataan ), the first and only organization of Filipino illustrators for children in the country, selected artist and illustrator Sergio Bumatay III to render a painting that would serve as the inspiration for an original children’s story that would celebrate Philippine environment and culture.

Bumatay’s piece was then used to call on writers from all over the Philippines to enter CANVAS’ first Elias Dakila Chidren’s Storywriting Competion on Environment and Culture.

With a little help from the eighth Wonder of the World – the Banaue Rice Terraces Iris Gem Li, a young Business Adminstration student from the University of the Philippines, was adjudged the winner as she shaped a story about an Ifugao boy who dreams of touching heaven. Smitten by the heavenly bodies that adorn the sky during the day and at night, the Ifugao boy thought of ways to make his dream a reality. Li’s telling of the young Ifugao’s adventures and mishap is both funny and ridiculous. Child readers would find this appealing since their natural response to humor is still unblemished by life’s ironies and realities. The young Ifugao is the epitome of every child, curious, daring, irrepressible, unafraid, makulit.

Aptly titled as The Boy Who Touched Heaven, the story goes beyond the fulfillment of a young boy’s whim and fancy. It resonates to older readers as well, particularly to adults because; it carries a theme that bespeak one of life’s many tenets – that what we perceive as an unreachable heaven is right in our very own home. Indeed, finding one’s happiness and rediscovering the simple but lasting joys that family and home can offer is as close to touching heaven.

Apart from the theme, the humor and the plot that is easy to follow, and the storybook is truly a delightful read because of the cultural elements presented in the colorful and playful illustrations of Bumatay. Readers, young and old, need to know and see more of the country’s ethnic tribes, their children and their culture, for they are part of what makes this nation great. Bumatay‘s colors are as vivid as the brave Ifugaos’ woven cloths; as alive as the region’s dangerous, but beautiful landscape. The artwork’s authentic detail further enriches the cultural experience as he included little items that are unique to the Ifugao such as the necklace of beads, the nose flute and the ornament worn on the head by male Ifugaos.
Here’s looking forward to more culturally inspiring stories in the future.

CANVAS, now in its third year of advocating Philippine culture and the arts through books with stories written and illustrated by some of the country’s best young artists and writers, co-published The Boy Who Touched Heaven with Adarna House, the leading publisher of storybooks for children today, and Ang INK. The story may be read online at the CANVAS website (www.canvas.ph), and is available in bookstores nationwide.

Zarah Gagatiga is a school librarian. She is currently the coordinator of the Grade School Learning Resource Center of Xavier School. She is a board member of the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) representing the sector for librarians. Visit her blog at http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com.