Live Blogging: Books for Tots Program

National Bookstore Foundation Inc. partnered with the United Iriguenos for the Book for Tots program to distribute books to 40 public schools in Iriga, Camarines Sur. The program is in its third phase of implementation and training of teachers is the thrust for this year. With the influx of donated books for the past two years, teachers need more support in effectively using the books in the classroom.

When the organizers contacted me for a two-day workshop, I recommended my friend, Cynthia Villafranca to work with me in developing modules for the two day training.

I gave a session on Reading theories and cognition this morning. But, before my input on the topic, there were words and messages of inspiration that went around.

Mr. Larry Lee, president of United Ireguenos, delivered a welcome message in the mother tongue. I was like listening to my paternal grandfather. It made me teary eyed as he spoke of the importance of books and reading and that these two remain basic tools for empowerment. He mentioned about the association's goal of giving back to their kababayans at home. Mr. Lee is based in Washington DC but visits the Philippines periodically for the book donation project with National Bookstore Foundation.

Right now, the teachers are working on setting up their classroom library. We will soon close the session and have the wrap up. Tomorrow, they will have more activities on Reading techniques and strategies to be used in the classroom. 

The Iriga City Public Library

My visit to Iriga City last February 19, 2010 ended with a short stop at the public library. It was built in 2007 through the LGU's initiative on strengthening the advocacy on books and reading. I took some photos using the built in camera of my old LG cell phone. It's only 1.3 megapixels so I ask you to bear with the not so impressive photos.

The library is housed on the second floor of the new building. According to my friend and tour guide, Hermie Salazar, the first floor shall be the repository of the city's Library Hub.

Outside is a spacious patio where tables and chairs are set for those who wish to read in the open air. A good number of users were seated comfortably, their laptops turned on. Yes, they're logged on Facebook. Inside, one would find a mini-photo exhibit of places and people that are relevant to Iriga. Nora Aunor; Dr. Filipina Alfelor; the ancestral house of Jaime Frabregas (which I hope the family would repair and rebuild); and tourist spots in the locality. Provision for reading area is present as well as Internet stations.

If that's any indication on modernity, then the Iriga City Public Library sure knows how. And more!

It was my first time to see a library cum coffee shop. Wow. My kind of place! Books. Coffee. And a place with WIFI connection. Sadly, I did not get to talk to its librarian who attended the seminar-workshop I gave earlier that day at the University of North Eastern Philippines (UNEP). I would be interested on knowing the library and literacy programs they run for children, young adults and older members of the community. Library facility is one thing. The services and programs it implements are important things as well.

Storytelling and the Communication Arts Part 1

This post is part of a series on storytelling and communication arts. It's the material that I developed for the seminar-workshop in Iriga tomorrow, February 19, 2010. If you're not from the Bicol region, you can still catch this session in April during the PLAI-STRLC in Palawan.

See you (and don't be shy to say hi)!

I.Introduction
Storytelling.

The mere mention of the word and a host of images rush through one’s mind and consciousness.

What is your metaphor of storytelling? An open book; a lock and key; a child reading; a parent reading lovingly to his or her child; a teacher holding a book; a bird in flight; a rainbow. The list could go on and on. Each of us holds a special meaning on stories and the way we tell them.

To some, telling stories is as simple as sharing with another the mundane activities of everyday. To others it involves the utility of a variety of art forms and discipline especially when storytelling is used as a means to educate and entertain.

The use of voice, body movement and props enhance the telling to an audience, young and old alike. In such cases, performance storytelling becomes a delightful audio-visual experience. In schools, reading aloud is a very common but relevant activity. Holding a book while telling a story has become a technique many teachers and educators employ. In media, storytelling in radio shows and TV programs figure prominently but with a history that traces way back to the babaylan and the Lola Basyang tradition. Writers for television of telenovelas and movie scripts are storytellers in their own right. Thus, their output becomes a storytelling fodder for an intended audience. With the advent of computers and information technology, modern weavers of stories find many creative ways to render a captive audience the enchantment found in storytelling.

Indeed, stories make up the very fabric of our existence. Through storytelling magic happens; our wounds heal; our wings grow and we take flight.

The Iriga City Public Library

I found out about the Iriga City Public Library via this link. Good news indeed! A well applauded initiative. This means, people in Iriga have access to books and reading materials.

The photo of the library looks impressive. In the article, support form the LGU is evident. While the physical facilities and materials were described as important elements of the library, there was no mention of the librarian in charge of the library. Here's hoping that the Iriga City Publc Library has a competent and licensed librarian.