Private Iris is on YouTube!

A few weeks back, a friend tagged me in a post by Jamie Bautista in Facebook. Jaime is a common friend in the publishing industry, having written and produced several comic and graphic novels for kids and kids at heart. Back in 2014, we were together in the the MUNPARLAS Bibliocare Conference in Sagada. It was my first time to meet Jaime, but I have heard and read about his works, especially Private Iris.

My kids love Private Iris.

In his Facebook post, Jaime shares the process and the journey of creating Private Iris. He fought for his ideas, especially the character being a girl. His efforts and persistence paid off. Private Iris had a good run of twelve volumes. Now, it's an animated short film. It can be seen and watched on YouTube. Here is episode one from the Private Iris channel.

UAAP Season 2018: The Battle of Katipunan

Original work by "the" Arnold Arre, 2018

By now the Battle of Katipunan has ended. The dust have settled. Bonfires extinguished. As a basketball fan, I follow the UAAP's games and news on TV, social media and once upon a time, watched the games. I have long gave up on the Philippine Basketball Association though and that is another story. I digress.

Back to this season's UAAP. It is a memorable and historic run by the University of the Philippines' Fighting Maroons. From zero to hero, the Iskolars ng Bayan showed grit, perseverance and diligence in a sport dominated by the well trained, systematic and scientific Blue Eagles of the Ateneo de Manila University. Suffice it to say that this season's UAAP had a lot of inspiring stories that will keep us hoping in a time of darkness and divisiveness.

I have chosen and curated news and articles that show this inspiration and hope in the competitive sport of basketball.

Jijil Jimenez tells us the fighting spirit of Paul Desiderio, team captain of the Men's Basketball Team and how alumni rallied and banded together to help raise the team that we all saw fight during the finals of the UAAP.

Nikko Ramos and Recah Trinidad recalls the highlights and memorable moments of the season, comparing the Ateneo to UP teams, how different in status quo and socio-economic backgrounds these two schools are, but all the more the same in charism, spirit and devotion to God and country. In the end, it is the camaraderie of these learning communities that radiated and made this basketball season one for the books.

To end, an Atenean, Eriko C. Dela Cruz wrote an endearing and sincere letter to the UP Community. Proof that the Battle of Katipunan is a competition between friends who, different as they are, are one in ideals and dreams of building a better Philippines.

The Books That Bind Us: Mythology Class

When my first born, Nico, was in sixth grade, he read Mythology Class by Arnold Arre. I have kept a copy over the years, but, honestly, I have not finished reading it until Zoe, my daughter pushed me to. With her brother's influence, she read the novel, of course. 

Last month, during my four day stay in Sagada, I willed myself to read it. And yes, like my kids, I enjoyed the book as well.

Zoe's note on the title page

What worked

Arre successfully merged the old stories of Philippine lower legends and myths within the modern day setting. He knows his myths and he can tell stories. He invites readers to take the fantasy ride using familiar experiences: family, barkada, malls and pop culture, academic life, falling in love and near death experiences. Once you're hooked, he transports you to the what-if universe. The thing is, you would give him a chance because the possibility of this fantasy world to be real is a metaphor for living a life.

I don't exactly know what my kids found enjoyable in Mythology Class, but for me, being a fantasy reader, the stories I loved from childhood propels me to keep on hoping in light of the many challenges this world has to offer. Like the hero of the novel, Nicole Lacson, one must have faith in order to live and thrive. And yes, the romantic in me believes that keeping the faith will lead me to find love even in the most difficult of times.

What's amazing about Mythology Class is that, it holds an appeal to young readers a decade and four after its publication. That happens when you put a well researched and well written story together. As for the illustrations, the black and white renditions are very accessible.

What did not work

I could not help but think of Arre's purpose for creating Mythology Class. Perhaps it is a response to the many Gaimanish graphic novels that abound in the market, that Filipino readers and comic book creators need to read something homegrown. It's no biggie, really. But, I am looking at more original stuff. Then again, I contradict myself. There is nothing new under the sun. With brilliant craftsmanship, something old can be turned into a fresh and new creation. I give props to Arre for achieving this.

Zoe's note at the end of the book.

Lastly, the binding is not that sturdy. I think this is one area where our publishers can improve on. I am looking forward to a newer edition. So, if Mr. Arre happens to read this review, I hope he would give it a thought.

Rating: 4 Bookmarks

Recommended: Gr. 5 and up