Remembering Queena

Author, educator, and advocate of proactive parenting, Dr. Queena Lee-Chua leaves a legacy of research-based guidance through her books. I first knew her simply as a parent during my Xavier School era; she would often drop by the library because her son Scott was a voracious reader. Even then, she already had a knack for understanding people and community.

As the years went on, she would send me current research on literacy, especially on math, technology, and reading, as well as updates on her latest books with Anvil Publishing. One of them, “Growing Up Wired: Raising Pinoy Kids in the Digital Age”, became a nonfiction favorite and a trusted reference for my talks and library projects. Published in 2013, it challenges popular beliefs and conventional wisdom on technology use, grounding its insights in research, case studies, and sound pedagogy. Interestingly, the book opens with a prayer by Fr. Alberto Ampil, SJ, a gentle reminder that discernment, intention, and critical thinking are essential in navigating the digital world.

Seasons came and went, and I gradually lost track of her more recent work, though Scott’s occasional updates on Facebook helped me keep connected from afar. Still, it was a sad day when he posted about his mother’s passing.

Thank you, Queena. Today, I read your book.

Thank you so much, Ouie!

 

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In Memoriam: Ruben "Totet" De Jesus (1961-2023)

May interbyu ako kay Totet sa blog. Taong 2016 ito. Na-publish na ang aklat naming “Big Sister” ng Lampara House.

Taong 2016 din ng mapiling finalist ang “Big Sister” sa NCBA Kids Choice Award. Hindi namin iyon inasahan. Isang sorpresa!

Maraming salamat, Totet. Nagkaroon ng kabuluhan ang kuwento ni Ate dahil sa mga drawings mo!

Tulad ni Dianne at ni Bernie, hindi ka lamang isang kaibigan. Ikaw ay kakampi; kapatid; kasanga sa pakikipaglaban para sa pag-unlad ng pambatang panitikan.

Isang payapang paglalakbay, Totet!

Ruben de Jesus (1961-2023)

@djahjumma

Padayon, Totet!

♬ Beautiful Memories - Lux-Inspira

In Memoriam: Miguel Magpantay Cobaria (September 30, 1948 - February 22, 2021)

Back in November 2019, the CLAPI and the NLP organized a talk on Children’s Literature and they invited me to share developments in the book industry specifically on the publication of children’s books in recent years. Both agencies supported the launch of my 9th book with Lampara Books, “When A Book Talks” (Gagatiga and Cabalar, 2019). It had a good attendance from the public sector.

From the audience, it was Prof. Miguel “Mike” Cobaria who made himself known with projects and programs for inmates in Muntinlupa and the urban poor. He talked about the use of children’s literature to engage adults and young people to read. What an interesting topic to study, I thought. As if we have all the time in the world.

Sir Mike bought copies of my books that were on sale that day. He asked that I sign them for his community whom he visits every week for storytelling and Bibliotherapy sessions. I gladly obliged. Unknown to many, it was Sir Mike who inspired me to pursue Reading Guidance and Readers Advisory, Bibliotherapy and BookTalk Services at a time when everyone in Philippine Librarianship was crazy over IT applications in library management and operations. Productivity and efficiency are important goals for any library to achieve. Library automation and computerization were the answers. It was the 90s. Everyone was riding and jumping on the IT bandwagon. But someone has to work with teachers and parents so children and young people can build their confidence to learn how to read. Teachers need an ally. Parents need literacy partners and support systems. I chose that path. I decided to take on that role. I thank Sir Mike for opening that door of possibility. It has led me to amazing adventures and a continuing journey of self discovery.

It will take me a while to come to terms with his passing. The last time we met was in January 2020, a few weeks before lockdown. He attended the Bibliotherapy workshop I set up for librarians in the Southern Tagalog Region. We were preparing for volunteer work in evacuation centers in CALABARZON to conduct storytelling and Bibliotherapy sessions with children and their families who were displaced because of the eruption of Taal volcano. He already looked frail and feeble at the time but his mind and his spirit were animated with the grace and mercy of God. He invited me to join him in one of his outreach activities. I said yes, of course. But it never happened.

In his passing I felt I have lost not just a teacher and mentor but a dear friend as well. I console myself with the thought that Sir Mike will remain a kindred spirit.

Rest in God’s peace, Sir Mike! We will carry on!

In Memoriam: Susima Gonzales 1928-2013

Many good things and notable achievements have been said about Madam Susima Gonzales over at Facebook since news of her passing reached the closely connected circle of Filipino Librarians. Indeed, her accomplishments are countless. She had monumental contributions to Philippine librarianship. We lose one influential and revered pioneer in the discipline.

On a personal level, I thank you, Ma'am Susi, for the advice you gave me when I was a fresh graduate from PNU eager to take the license exam for librarians. Right after my oath taking, I was brave enough to ask you of the process involved in getting my ID at the PRC for I was two years shy of the legal age to have one. You told me to be patient and to wait till I'm 21 years old to file my documents. Just a couple of years ago, you helped me once more in facilitating the renewal of my license. You know how important it was. You took my plea seriously for having a license is not merely a requirement that every Filipino librarian must posses. It is a moral obligation. Salamat po.

Colleagues will include in their roaring tributes of you how you helped build Philippine librarianship over the course of four decades. I celebrate the simple and quiet deeds you have done for me and other young Filipino librarians out there.

Rest in peace, Ma'am Susi.

Photo source: http://filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com/2006/03/outstanding-librarian-2004susima-l.html