Book Review: May Mahaba Kaming Listahan sa Tindahan

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Kuwentong Musmos Interviews: Authors of Team Lampara Books Share Their Room To Read Workshop Experiences

Team Lampara at the press launch of Kuwentong Musmos 

My participation in the Kuwentong Musmos Workshop in Bohol last October is a running post in the blog. A developing story.

I had written about my insights and the wonderful time I had with friends in the children's book industry during the workshop. What followed was an illustrator workshop in Baguio City for artists who were chosen to illustrate our stories. My story, Masaya Maging Ako was given to Jamie Bauza to render and illustrate. Read more about the twenty books published by the four leading publisher of children's books in the country today. The Kuwentong Musmos Book Project is under the auspices of Room to Read in partnership with Adarna House.

And now, here is a round up of the blog interviews with authors of Team Lampara Books.   

Lauren Macaraeg author of Kiko Kitikiti, a book about ADHD

Mark Norman Boquiren author of Ang Batang Papet, a book about juvenile justice and detention

Reina Peralta author of Ang Nanay Kong Drayber, a book about gender roles and equality

Genaro Gojo Cruz author of Ang Alaga Kong Lolo, a book about a compassion and kindness to old people

Up next is the blog round up of the interview with illustrators of Team Lampara Books.

Kuwentong Musmos Illustrator Interview: Lui Buan

Lui Buan, the illustrator of Ang Alaga Kong Lolo (Gojo Cruz, Lampara Books 2019) shares with us his creative process and recommends books for aspiring artists. 

1. What is your creative process for Ang Alaga Kong Lolo?
 
The pre-production happened during the Room to Read workshop held in Baguio City last October. While reading the manuscript, I also had to get the “feel” of the story. Simultaneously, I was imagining how the characters would look like and their milieu.

For Ang Alaga Kong Lolo, I imagined the two main characters as subtly mirroring each other, not just with their “movements”, but also how they looked. 

For example, if Lolo wears a striped blue top - the child also wears a blue top. In the last pages, however, I did the reverse. That somehow adds an element of juxtaposition. For the location, I opted for a setting that is laid back yet is in proximity to the metropolis (because the child’s mother works in an office). So what came to my mind was Antipolo. It has the perfect setting for its greens and its uneven terrains are visually interesting. It also has a view of city skylines.

Once the characters were approved by the workshop mentors, I proceeded with sketching the storyboard - integrating both the characters and the story. The rendering and coloring for the illustrations happened after the workshop. Time is one of the challenges as we only had a month or so to illustrate the entire book (and the schedule overlapped with my graduate school finals, which made it even more challenging).

The pages were sent to the mentors for approval, and then forwarded to the book designer, Alen Mangabat for the book layout and the text. The challenge was all worth it, especially when I saw the printed colored sample.

 2. What is the picture book/children’s book you wish you had created or illustrated?I like Pergy Acuña’s “Sampung Eroplano” because the concept is cute,  and I want to try illustrating counting books. I also like Ivan Reverente’s “Ang Kuya Kong Zombie” because I am fond of playing computer games (during my freetime). :)

3.  What are your 5 tips for aspiring illustrators?
 First, hone your craft by drawing a lot. Second, get to know yourself well enough to know what your weaknesses and strengths are, and work on them. Then, believe in yourself more than anyone else; do not compare yourself to others. Lastly, keep on drawing!

4. What are your 5 recommended books for young artists or anyone who wishes to break out into picture book illustration.
 -Children’s Picture Book by Martin Salisbury has chapters on western children’s book history, character development and even storyboarding techniques! I think this book is a must-read.

-Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair - This is not about picture books, but if you have a cartoony style, it has chapters about character constructions and even character acting that you may want to apply to your illustrations!

-The Animator’s Survival Kit by Richard Williams - Another book that’s not about children’s books specifically, but, you might want to look at some chapters on character acting, body language, and other animation principles that can be useful, especially if you have a more cartoony style. :)

-Show Your Work by Austin Kleon - I think it is a good book for artists of all ages, in the age of social media. The book is really about how to show your work.

-Ang Alaga Kong Lolo by Genaro Gojo Cruz and Lui Buan -  It will be available soon, so get a copy! :)

 5. What part in Ang Alaga Kong Lolo did you enjoy drawing the most or proved challenging to draw?

I really enjoyed drawing the characters so much, as well as the backgrounds. What I think was the most challenging part was showing the connection between the two main characters.

 

Kuwentong Musmos Author Interview: Genaro Gojo Cruz

Maraming beses ko ng na-interview si Genaro Gojo Cruz sa blog. At hindi ko na kailangan pang magpalabok sa pagpapakilala sa kanya. Pero ito ang gusto kong sabihin. Noong makasama ko siya sa Kuwentong Musmos workshop sa Bohol, nanginig ang lahat sa kanyang presensya. Subalit, tahasan din niyang sinabi sa Team Lampara, "narito ako upang makinig at mag-mentor."

Si Genaro ang nagsulat ng kuwentong Ang Alaga Kong Lolo (Lampara Books, 2019) na ginuhit naman ni Lui Buan.

1. Bakit ka nagsusulat para sa mga bata/kabtaan? 

Nagsusulat ako ng mga kuwentong-pambata dahil ito na ang pinakakomportableng genre para sa akin. Isa pa, nakikita ko ang halaga mga aklat-pambata para sa isang bansang maraming sakit. Maraming puwedeng gamutin ang mga aklat-pambata sa ating lipunan.

2. Paano ka nagsimula sa pagsusulat ng mga kuwentong pambata? Ano ang iyong origin story?

Nagsimula akong magsulat ng mga akdang-pambata noong 2000 sa Junior Inquirer. Ang JI ang maituturing kong naging training ground ko sa pagsusulat para sa mga bata.

3. Magbigay ng tatlong salita upang mailarawan ang karanasan mo bilang isang fellow ng Kuwentong Musmos Workshop?

Naging isang malaking hamon sa akin. Kailangan ang tiyaga. Mahalaga ang makinig sa iba.

4. Anong aklat ang sana ay ikaw ang nagsulat?

Sandosenang Kuya; Just Add Dirt; Papa's House; Mama's House; Yaya Niya, Nanay Ko; at Mabait na Kalabaw

5. Magbigay ng 5 tips o payo para sa mga gustong magsulat ng kuwentong pambat

Magbasa ng maraming aklat-pambata, lokal at banyaga. Makisalamuha sa mga bata. Magsulat. Magrebisa. Magpabasa ng naisulat na kuwento sa iba at humingi ng mga puna.

The Children’s Book Writer and His/Her World View Part 2

One of the many amazing things I experienced during the Room to Read Writing Workshop in Bohol was to be mentored by peers and friends in the book industry. I was part of Lampara House’s pool of writers and we have a team of editors to walk us through the entire process of creating a story for children but writers and friends from the other publishing houses became mentors too.

Ergoe Tinio of Adarna House was my seat mate. I discussed with her my character study and she was generous in her advise on how I can make my character stand out. Award winning author, Genaro Gojo Cruz gave suggestions on how I can reconcile the plot of the story to my character’s choices and decisions. Palanca Hall of Famer Dr. Luis Gatmaitan is the best venting buddy. Writing two stories in five days can be tiring and frustrating, I tell you. And then, there is Teacher Tin Canon who took time to listen to my story dilemma. When I presented my draft to the big group, I received validations and affirmations. More possibilities to improve the story. More insights to digest so I can continue to grow as a writer.

In the middle of this exercise, I realized how varied and beautifully diverse the many world views I encountered. At the end of the day, I was able to chart a course for my second manuscript.

I also observed how my writer friends' world views are reflected in their stories.

Luis, being a physician, has a series of books on heath and hygiene. Every year, Hiyas/OMF Lit publishes a book for kids that discuss a health issue through the Tito Dok Series authored by him. He has a number of books that breaks the myths and folkloric beliefs on medicine, health and wellness. The newest is Tuli o Di Tuli, a middle grade book on circumcision. Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel (Adarna House) is a favorite read aloud piece as it depicts the strength of a child battling with cancer. Then, there is 'Sandosenang Sapatos (Adarna House) that tells the story of a child with no feet who badly wanted to wear ballet shoes and dance.

Teacher Tin, on the one hand is an advocate of peace education and inclusive instruction in the classroom. Her Salanga winning story, Bakit Matagal ang Sundo Ko is an empowering depiction of the child waiting to be fetched in school. Her child characters, Pitong and Karlo, in the books Pitong Patagotago and Sampung Magkakaibigan posses special learning needs.

Genaro's empathy and advocacy to empower the poor and the underprivileged seeps into his stories for children. Ang Dyip ni Mang Tomas, Ang Bahay na May Gulong and recently, an alphabet book for kids that show images and symbols of the lower-middle class family living in the city.

This would make for an interesting study. Besides the milieu, the author's world view affects his approach and treatment of storytelling.

Featured Translator: Genaro Gojo Cruz

Marami ng nakamit na karangalan at medalya sa mga pantimpalak sa panitikan si G. Genaro Gojo Cruz. Bukod sa pagiging isang mahusay na manunulat, si G. Gojo Cruz ay isa ring translator. Siya ang nagsalin sa Filipino ng aming bagong aklat ni Jonathan Rañola, ang Ino the Invincible (Si Ino, ang Walang Talo) nilathala ng Lampara Books.

Narito ang interbyu ko kay Genaro ukol sa proseso niya sa pagsasalin at mga pangarap para sa Panitikang Pambata sa Pilipinas.

1. How do you approach translation work?

Paano mo sinisimulan ang pagsasalin?

 Binabasa ko nang maraming beses ang kuwento hanggang sa maging pamilyar na ako sa tone at mood nito.

 2.  What has been the biggest challenge for you as translator of children’s srories?

Ano ang pinakamalaking pagsubok ng isang translator ng mga kuwentong pambata?

Bilang translator ng ilang kuwentong pambata, malaking hamon sa akin na maging tunog pambata rin ang kuwento kapag naisalin na sa wikang Filipino.  Sinisikap ko ring maging natural o madulas ang gamit ng mga salita nang di halatang salin lamang ito.  

Ang Ino the Invincible, ang aklat na sinalin ni Genaro Gojo Cruz sa Filipino ay mabibili aa Manila International Book Fair.

3. Among your published works, what book is the most meaningful and why?

Sa mga aklat mo, alin ang pinakamahalaga para sayo?

Sa mga aklat-pambata kong naisulat pinakamalapit sa akin ang sumusunod:  "Ang Dyip ni Mang Tomas" kasi bahagi nito ay kuwento ng tatay ko na isang tsuper ng pampasaherong dyip, ang "Makinang Makinang" kasi bahagi rin nito ay kuwento ng nanay ko na isang mananahi ng mga damit-pambata noon.  

4.  Name five books that infuenced you to write for children.

Limang aklat na may malaking impluwensya sa buhay mo bilang manunulat.

Ito ang limang kuwentong talagang kasama lagi sa mga ikinukuwento ko sa mga bata at nagiging batayan ko sa aking mga isinusulat na kuwento: "Unang Baboy sa Langit" ni Rene Villanueva, "Papel de Liha" ni Ompong Remigio, "Sandosenang Kuya" ni Russell Molina, "Yaya Niya, Nanay Ko" ni Ma. Corazon Remigio, at "Chenelyn, Chenelyn" ni Rhandee Garlitos.  

5. Complete the sentence: Ang pangarap ko sa panitikang pambata ng Pilipinas ay...

 Pangarap ko sa panitikang pambata ng Pilipinas ay makaabot pa sa mga liblib na bahagi ng ating bansa.  Makarating sa bawat tahanan ng pamilyang Filipino.

Si Genaro ay may dalawang aklat pambata na inilathala ng Lampara Books. Book signing niya sa Linggo, Setyembre 16, 2018 sa Manila Intetnational Book Fair.

Ino the Invincible at the Manila International Book Fair 2018

I hope to see you at the launching of Ino the Invincible (Gagatiga and Rañola, Lampara 2018) at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF)! The schedule for book signing will be announced soon. 

Ino the Invincible is a story of friendship and what we Filipinos are so crazy for, basketball! There is no brawl in the story, only sportsmanship. Kindness and decency too. Three things in short supply these days. So, if you believe in these values and in building lasting friendships through sports get a copy at the MIBF and read the book aloud to a child or to a class.

Do support our Filipino book industry, especially our local publishers of children's books, as there are many titles out this MIBF season. 

Here's a throwback post on Ino the Invincible including a back story. See you at the MIBF!

Author of the Month: Genaro Gojo Cruz

Because the third Tuesday of July is National Children's Book Day, the blog's author of the month is Mr. Genaro Gojo Cruz. He is a back-to-back winner of the Salanga Prize. In this interview, Mr. Gojo Cruz shares with us his motivation and inspiration in writing stories.

Salanga Prize win ners Imelda Estrella, honorable mention & Genaro Gojo Cruz, grand prize winner 

Back to back winner ka sa Salanga at may honorable mention pa! Ano ba ang sikreto mo?

Di ko alam eh. Ang pagsali sa mga patimpalak ay lagi namang walang kasiguruhan. Iba-iba ang judges kaya di ko rin alam kung ano ang gusto o hinahanap nila sa isang kuwento para sa mga bata. Ang sikreto ko lang sigurong masasabi, kapag may patimpalak, para akong nagkakaroon ng gasolina para sumulat. Nagkakaroon ako ng "gana".

2. Bakit Dalawa Kami ni Lola?

Napakatagal ng nasa isip ko ang kuwentong "Dalawa Kami ni Lola." Gusto ko lang ipakita ang paralelismo ng pagiging isang bata at pagiging isang matanda. Natutuhan ng isang bata ang mga gawain para sa kaniyang sarili habang di na nakakayang gawin ng isang tumatanda ang dati niyang mga ginagawa. Napakadali ko lang naisulat ang kuwento. Punong-puno ako ng gana habang isinusulat ito. Ang totoo, wala akong rebisyon na ginawa sa kuwento. Ipinasa ko ito sa PBBY kung paano ko ito unang naisulat.

Genaro Gojo Cruz with friends in the Kids Lit industry

Mamili ka lang ng isa:
a. Rizal o Bonifacio
Bonifacio

b. Beer o kape
Kape

d. Museo o library
Museo

e. iPad o Android
iPad

f. Facebook o Twitter
Facebook

4. Ano ang kuwento o aklat na gusto mo na ikaw sana ang nakasulat? Bakit?

Sana ako ang nakasulat ng "Nemo ang Batang Papel" ni Rene O. Villanueva na tungkol sa isang batang-lansangan na naging papel na nilipad patungong langit. Di man sinabi nang tahasan, death ang tinalakay sa kuwento na isang napakahirap talakayin sa isang kuwentong pambata. Sa ngayon, ginagamit ko itong pamantayan sa pagsulat ng mga kuwentong tumatalakay sa karanasan ng mga batang lansangan. Sa pagsulat ng mga kuwento, iniiwasan kong magpabaha ng luha. Gusto kong masaya ang kuwento!

Back-to-Back Winner for 2017 PBBY-Salanga Prize

The official press release reads:

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People declared Genaro Gojo Cruz as the grand prize winner of the 2017 PBBY-Salanga Prize. Gojo Cruz bagged the Salanga prize with his story Dalawa Kami ni Lola, a story about a child and his grandmother.

This is Gojo Cruz’s second grand prize win. Gojo Cruz, a children’s book author and professor, won the grand prize last year. For his win, Gojo Cruz will receive 25,000 pesos and a medal.

Gojo Cruz’s story, Pamilya Papel was also declared honorable mention alongside Imelda Estrella’s story, May Lihim ang Dagat.

Winners will be awarded during the celebration of the National Children’s Book Day on July 18, 2017.

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

Congratulations to Mr. Genaro Gojo Cruz and Ms. Imelda Estrella!

2016 NCBD Author Interview: Genaro Gojo Cruz (2 of 2)

Here is part 2 of Mr. Gojo Cruz's interview where he shares with us his dreams for the Philippine Children's Literature industry.

3. Saan mo nakikita ang iyong sarili bilang manunulat ng Kwentong Pambata, 5-10 taon mula ngayon?

Gusto kong sumulat sa mas mga batang Pilipino. Nasimulan ko na ito sa "Maghapon Namin ni Nanay" at "May Sampung Pulang Langgam" na ang target na mambabasa ay ang mga batang 0-4 at 5-7 edad.

Marami nang manunulat ang nagsusulat para sa mga batang edad 8 hanggang 12.

Gusto kong maging katuwang ng mga ina ng tahanan ang aking mga aklat para sa mga bata sa pagpapakilala sa kanila ng kanilang taglay na kultura. Gusto kong sumulat ng mga aklat sa mga batang may maliliit na kamay at ang turing sa aklat ay laruan lang muna.

4. Ano ang iyong mga pangarap para sa pagyabong at pag-unlad ng Panitikang Pambata sa bansa?

Pangarap kong magpatuloy ang pag-unlad ng panitikan para sa mga bata.

Madagdagan pa sana ang mga manunulat para sa mga bata sa mga darating na taon.

Pangarap kong dumating ang panahong ang mga bida sa mga lokal na kuwento para sa mga bata ang matatandaan at iidolohin ng mga batang Pilipino.

Pangarap kong maging tulay ang lahat ng guro upang maiparating at maipakilala sa mga bata ang ating magagandang aklat para sa mga batang Pilipino. Kung nais nating makabuo ng isang nasyong nagbabasa, kailangang magkaroon muna tayo ng mga gurong nagmamahal din sa pagbabasa.

Genaro Gojo Cruz reinvents himself by pursuing writing for younger readers.

English Translation:

Where do you see yourself as a children's story writer, 5-10 years from now?

I wish to write for younger children ages 0-4 and 5-7 years old. I have started with two books published by Adarna House, Maghapon Namin ni Nanay and May Sampung Langgam. There are a good number of books for children aged 8-12 years old. I wish to be a partner of mothers by writing for younger children and help them appreciate their culture even at a young age.

What are your dreams for the growth and development of Philippine Children's Literature?

I dream an industry that continually grows and develops.

I wish to see more Filipino writers write for children in the years to come.

I dream that Filipino children idolize characters from children's books written by Filipino writers.

I dream that all Filipino teachers introduce story books written by Filipino writers to their students. If we dream to build a nation of readers, our teachers should first and foremost be readers themselves.

Genaro Gojo Cruz will be awarded the 2016 Salanga Prize on July 19, 2016, during the National Chidlren's Book Day at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

2016 NCBD Author Interview: Genaro Gojo Cruz (1 of 2)

Genaro Gojo Cruz among his treasures! Books! Books! Books!

Genaro Gojo Cruz bagged the 2016 Salanga Prize with his story, Makinang, Makinang. In this interview, Mr. Gojo Cruz shares with us his thoughts on winning the 2016 Salanga and clues us in on the winning story.

1. Hindi ka baguhan sa mga patimpalak sa pagsusulat ng kwentong pambata. Ano ang kahulugan ng pagkakapanalo mo ng Salanga Prize ngayong taon?

Kinompleto ng Salanga Writers Prize ang aking pagiging manunulat para sa mga bata. Kasi sa tingin ko, ito na ang pinakamahalagang parangal para sa mga manunulat ng panitikan para sa mga bata sa Pilipinas. Binigyan ako ng parangal na ito upang magpatuloy sa pagsusulat ng panitikan para sa mga batang Pilipino. At sa bawat kuwentong tinatangka kong isulat sa isang bakanteng screen, lagi't lagi akong isang baguhang manunulat.

2. Maari mo bang ibigay ang buod ng Makinang, Makinang?

Tungkol ito sa isang makinang panahi na may mayamang kasaysayang pinagdaanan. Sa pagsisikap ng ina at ng kaniyang tatlong anak na babae na pag-aaralan ang pananahi ng mga damit, hindi nila namamalayang naliligtas pala sila sa panganib ng ikalawang digmaang pandaigdig. Ang totoo, ito naman talaga ang layunin ng ama ng tahanan na siyang bumili ng makina. Ang kuwentong ito ang nakarating sa batang si Ino na kinuwentuhan ng kaniyang ina tungkol sa makina.

One of the many illustrated story books by Genaro Gojo Cruz

English Translation:

1. What is the relevance of winning the 2016 Salanga Prize to you since you have won in prestigious writing awards in the past?

Winning the Salanga Prize completes my role and identity as a children's story writer. The Salanga Prize is a relevant award as it inspires writers like myself to continue creating stories for children. However, every time I face a computer's blank screen, I feel I am a newbie writer in the industry.

2. Can you give us a synopsis of Makinang, Makinang?

Makinang, Makinang is a story about a sewing machine used by a mother and her daughters during World War II. By sewing, they were saved from the conflicts and the horrors of war. This had been their father's aim since he bought the sewing machine for the family. Ino, a young boy, listened to his mother tell this story of the sewing machine and how it saved the family through a very terrible time in Philippine history.

Genaro Gojo Cruz will be awarded the 2016 Salanga Prize on July 19, 2016, during the National Chidlren's Book Day at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The PBBY Salanga Prize Winner and Awards of 2016

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People declared Genaro Gojo Cruz as the grand prize winner of the 2016 PBBY-Salanga Prize. Gojo Cruz bagged the Salanga with his story, Makinang Makinang, a simple tale about a child’s encounters with his mother’s sewing machine.

Four writers were cited as honorable mention this year: Joseph Salazar for his story, Kung Bakit Hindi Nagsasalita si Kabunian; John Paolo Sandicho for his story, May Dalawang Dulo ang Puso ni Papa; Leila Francesca Maligalig for her story Dandelions; and, Jacqueline Franquelli for her story, Kindat, Kindat.

Gojo Cruz is a prize-winning children’s book author and a professor at De La Salle University and Philippine Normal University. He has won honorable mention in the Salanga twice before: 2004 and 2014.

Gojo Cruz will be awarded during the celebration of National Children’s Book Day on July 19, 2016.

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

The PBBY Alcala Prize Winner of 2016

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People declared Mark Lawrence Andres as Grand Prize Winner of the 2016 PBBY-Alcala Prize. Andres is a graphic designer of And a Half Studio and has illustrated three children’s books for an NGO. He is also a member of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK), a professional organization of children’s book artists.

Artist John Dominic Ochotorena won honorable mention. Ochotorena is a member of Ang INK as well.

This year’s PBBY-Alcala Prize called for entries based on the 2016 PBBY-Salanga Prize grand prize winner, “Makinang Makinang,” by Genaro Gojo Cruz.

Both Andres and Ochotorena will be awarded during the celebration of National Children's Book Day on July 19, 2016 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

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

The 2014 PBBY Salanga Prize Honorables

SALANGA PRIZE

• Michael de Guzman
  Reyna Elena (honorable mention)
• Genaro Gojo Cruz
  Gaano ba Kalayo Patungong Paaralan? (honorable mention)
• Susan Anne Alegro Quirante
  Ang Misay sa Aming Bahay (honorable mention) 

Three Authors share Honorable Mention at the 2014 PBBY-Salanga Prize

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People awarded Honorable Mention for the 2014 PBBY-Salanga Prize to writers Michael de Guzman, for his story "Reyna Elena;" Genaro Gojo Cruz, for his story, "Gaano ba Kalayo Patungong Paaralan?" and Susan Anne Alegro Quirante, for her story "Ang Misay sa Aming Bahay."

This is not the first time de Guzman and Cruz have been awarded by the PBBY. De Guzman bagged Honorable Mention in 2003, while Cruz won Honorable Mention in 2004. This is Quirante’s first award from the PBBY.

The three winners shall be awarded during the celebration of National Children’s Book Day in July 2014.

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

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

Lifted from the PBBY website