National Children's Book Day is Children's Day

A friend from work, Mayen Lopez sent me a photo of a newspaper clipping from the Inquirer circa 2006. It is an article written by Neni Sta. Romana Cruz on the 2006 National Children's Book Day (NCBD). 

The article narrates the program of the NCBD that year as spearheded by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY). As far back as I can remember, children are always given the time to shine during NCBD. Back then, we had children perform songs, dances and storytelling presenttaions or excerpts from school musicals. Mayen's daughter, Amy Nayve beloned to a group of grade school students from St, Scholastica's College who perfomed an excerpt of the musical May Alaga Akong Puno at the NCBD that year. 

At the time, I was the librarian in Xavier School and nurturing a writing career with the help of friends and fellows in KUTING. Who would have thought that years later, Mayen and I would cross paths in the Beacon Academy without the knowledge of being at one place in one event years ago? The discovery of the article clipping is proof. This is history and it is not chismis. What a pleasant surprise!

Now here's the more amazing news. Amy Nayve is now all grown up and is a professional artist and paper engineer. I interviewed her in the blog. Read about her paper craft and paper engineering projects in School Librarian In Action.

Over the years, the PBBY has pursued the cause for literacy, development of children's books and the right of each and every child to read and have access to books and reading materials. One program to make this a reality is the Kids' Choice Award. Children read books that were published in a period of two years and they pick the best among the rest. 

This year, the PBBY in partenrship with the National Book Development Board (NBDB) will be awarding the Kids Choice Award and the National Children's Book Award on National Children's Book Day, Tuesday, July 19, 2022. 

I am excited to be this year's emcee and witness to the awarding of winners!

The 2020 National Children's Book Award Winners

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) announce the winners of the 6th National Children’s Book Awards (NCBA). From 218 nominated titles and a shortlisted 29 finalists, 3 titles emerged as winners. The NCBA is a biennial event that honors the best published books for children and young adults published in the previous two years. A maximum of ten titles may be included in the Best Reads list. In 2014 and 2016, a panel of child judges shortlisted ten titles and voted for their top choice through the Kids’ Choice Award.

The passion to develop children’s books in the country can be traced to Dr. Jose Rizal’s retelling of “The Monkey and the Turtle.” This was published in Trubner's Oriental Record in London in July 1889. The third Tuesday of July is celebrated as National Children's Book Day to commemorate the anniversary of its publication.

The awards aim to encourage parents and care givers to spend more time reading with their children while recommending the best published works.

The winners for the 6th National Children’s Book Awards are:

Ang Maliit na Kalabaw

Illustrated and written by Liza Flores

Adarna House, Inc., 2018

Cashaysayan: A History of Philippine Money (Halo-Halo Histories Book 2)

Written by Michelline Suarez, Joonee Garcia, and Divine Reyes

Illustrated by Benjor Catindig

Tahanan Books for Young Readers, 2018

Pitong Tsinelas (Seven Slippers)

Written by Divine Gil Reyes

Illustrated by Benjor Catindig

Tahanan Books for Young Readers, 2018

The NCBA is co-administered by NBDB with PBBY. The PBBY is a private, nonstock, nonprofit organization committed to the development of children's literature in the Philippines.

The NCBA is judged by a panel of award-winning children’s book authors, illustrators, and scholars. The esteemed judges are Dr. Christine Bellen-Ang, Dr. Rebecca Anoñuevo, Ms Dolores Carungui, Dr. Lina De Rivera, and Mr. Russell Molina.

This year, the NBDB and PBBY accepted nominations of books published in 2018 and 2019.

The awarding ceremony will be held in July 2021 during the National Children’s Book Day celebration.

The 2019 Children's Book Summit

Call for Manuscript Submissions-National Book Development Trust Fund Grant 2018

Lifting these information from the website of the National Book Development Board:

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONSThe National Book Development Board (NBDB) is calling for applications for the National Book Development Trust Fund (NBDTF) Grant for 2018. Authors and organizations are invited to submit at least 25% of their manuscripts or research works for books. The chosen works will receive a maximum grant of P200,000.00 each.

Categories include I.  Supplementary Reading Materials written in the Mother Tongue (Grades 1 to 3); II.  Supplementary Reading Materials for Senior High School Students (Grades 11 and 12);  III.  Supplementary Reading Materials for All Grade Levels

HOW TO APPLYSubmit the following documents:

1. Applicant’s curriculum vitae (in the case of juridical entities, its SEC registration documents, as may be applicable, and the curriculum vita of the authors-applicants).

1. A sworn statement indicating that the submitted work is an original and unpublished work, and that the applicant is the copyright-holder of the work.

1. A project proposal with project objectives; proposed scope of work (i.e., table of contents); timeline; budget and resources; and other relevant information supporting the author’s capacity to undertake the project.

1. NBDB Certificate of Registration.

1. Manuscript Format: in 12-point type, Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins, and sequentially numbered on 8.5’ x 11’ bond paper; in quadruplicate copies. A digital copy shall also be submitted.

1. Manuscript Substance: at least 25% of the manuscript, written in the identified language category for Supplementary Reading Materials written in the Mother Tongue, and in English or Filipino for Supplementary Reading Materials for all other grade levels.

 APPLICATION PERIODDeadline for submission for the Supplementary Reading Material written in the Mother Tongue is on 31 July 2018 and deadline for the Supplementary Reading Materials for all other grade levels is on 30 September 2018.Interested applicants should email their applications to oed@nbdb.gov.ph with the subject: NBDTF 2018 Application (Name of author/s or organization).You may download a copy of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9521, National Book Development Trust Fund Act, here. CONTACT INFORMATIONFor inquiries, please contact:National Book Development BoardUnit 2401 Prestige TowerF. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center,Pasig City 1605, PhilippinesTelefax: +632 570 6198 or +632 687 1804Email: helpdesk@nbdb.gov.ph

Call for Submissions: Papers, Panels, Talks, and Workshops for the 9th Philippine International Literary Festival (PILF) ​

Reposting this from the NBDB FB Page:

The National Book Development Board (NBDB), the government agency mandated to develop and support the Philippine book industry, is conducting the 9th Philippine International Literary Festival (PILF). The event is a landmark project of the NBDB that celebrates literature and promotes best practices through discourse on issues of authorship and readership shaping the book industry.

The Philippine International Literary Festival shall be held on April 19-20, 2018 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Pasay City, Philippines as part of the Buwan ng Panitikan (National Literature Month) celebration.

In line with this, we welcome submissions of proposals from individuals and organizations for breakout sessions that are of professional interest to our attendees (book lovers, writers, illustrators, book designers, librarians, publishers, etc.).

Session topics must hew to the theme “(AUTHOR)ITIES,” underscoring the power and voice that come with creation. Sessions may also revolve around innovative ideas or unique research on any of the following topics:

• Reading

• Libraries

• Storytelling

• Book talks

• Ethnography

• Community outreach

• Book programs for differently abled

• Literary adaptations (book to film, book to games/apps, etc.)

• Technology

• Gaming

• Social media

• Rights acquisition

Submission guidelines:

• Proposals for papers, panels, talks, or workshops must include an abstract (200-250 words) written in a style that is accessible to a variety of readers, including the general public. The session may be in Filipino or English. Abstracts must be submitted in English or be accompanied by an English translation.

• Proposals must indicate your chosen type of presentation (paper, panel, talk, or workshop) and its duration. We welcome 10-15-minute presentations for talks and papers and 30-60-minute presentations for panels. Workshops may be longer than 60 minutes. (Some talks and paper presentations may be merged by the NBDB in one session depending on the topic.)

• Proposals for panels must include a panel abstract and paper abstracts.

• Proposals for workshops must include a 3- to 4-sentence summary for the session.

• All proposals must be sent by filling out this form: https://goo.gl/forms/WtZqK2kxlCQEk0Jo2

All presenters are responsible for handouts and other materials required for their session. Successful applicants will receive priority registration to the festival and complimentary luncheons. Each presenter is responsible for their travel and accommodations.

Deadline for submissions is February 18, 2018. Notice of acceptance of proposals will be emailed by February 28, 2018.

For further information, please contact Ms. Debbie Nieto at oed@nbdb.gov.ph (cc: litfest@nbdb.gov.ph) or at (632) 929 3887 loc. 804.

More information about previous festivals may be found on the NBDB website at booksphilippines.gov.ph.

The 33rd National Children's Book Day (NCBD)

The PBBY spearheaded the celebration of the National Children's Book Day last Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at the CCP. Mr. Genaro Gojo Cruz and Mr. Mark Lawrence Andres were both present to receive their awards. The winners of the 4th National Children's Book Awards were also revealed. Teaming up with the National Book Development Board, once again, the special day for Children's Literature was made more meaningful with the presence of children, kid judges, who announced the winner of the Kids' Choice Award.

The PBBY with CCP and NBDB and its respective leaders, Mr. Chris Millado and Ms. Neni Sta. Roman Cruz.

I posted the NCBA Best Reads of 2016 in the blog as well as the Top 9 Finalists in the Kids' Choice Award and this year's winner.

It was a happy day.

Despite everything that's going on in the country and the world, the celebration of the 33rd NCBD was steeped in hope, joy and the promise of a thriving industry. Tomorrow, July 23, 2016, the NCBD Book Fair commences at Xavier School San Juan. Bring a book bag for your purchases. Attend one or two talks in the PBBY Children's Literature Talks. Meet a friend. Greet your favorite authors, illustrators and industry leaders. Have your fill of books! Have fun!

Red was the color of the day and I was clueless as to the colors of the dinning sheets.
Fran Ong is fabulous! Tarie Sabido is gorgeous! And me, I'm the funny girl.

The 4th National Children's Book Awards Best Reads of 2014 and 2015

CITATIONS

4^th National Children’s Book Awards

Best Reads of 2014 and 2015

Dumaan si Butiki

Written by Mary Gigi Constantino

Illustrated by Ray Sunga

Published by Adarna House, Inc.

Sino ang mag-aakala na eksayting ang paglalakbay ng isang butiki? Sobrang nakakaaliw ang pagsulpot-sulpot kung saan-saang bahagi ng bahay ng butiki sa kuwento. Ang simpleng texto ay nagamit pa upang ituro ang konsepto ng kabaliktaran, sa paraang kaaya-aya. Kung kaya, hindi ka magsasawa sa pagsubaybay sa lahat ng dinaanan ni Butiki.   

-Prepared by Ms. Kristine Canon

Haluhalo

Illustrated by Eli F. Camacho

Published by Adarna House, Inc.

Ang aklat na ito, ay kumpleto sa sangkap, puwera lang sa salita. Marami itong iba't ibang kulay, siksik sa tamis at umaapaw sa aliw.  Kung sa bagay, ano pa ba ang kailangan sabihin kung kitang-kita naman at madali maintindihan ng bata man o matanda ang paggawa at pagkain ng haluhalo? Haaay! ang sarap ulit-ulitin ang pagbabasa sa nalikhang aklat ni Eli F. Camacho na Haluhalo.

-Prepared by Ms. Kristine Canon

Mang Andoy's Signs

Written by Mailin Paterno

Illustrated by Isabel Roxas

Published by Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing, Inc.

We see it everywhere. A crowd of funny, wise, vulgar, ridiculous words and phrases rendered in bold strokes and colorful letters. But as the sight becomes too familiar, the messages they convey are soon ignored.  Thus, it is refreshing to read  Mailin Paterno's simple story about a billboard maker who turned harsh warnings into gentle reminders. Isabel Roxas complemented it with her signature whimsical illustrations using bright splashes of color and chaotic spreads that actually make sense.  Together, they created Mang Andoy's Signs, a delightful book for both children and adults. This book truly deserves a sign of its own saying: "Simply marvelous!"

  -Prepared by Ms. Cecilia Picache

Salusalo para kay Kuya

Written by Ergoe Tinio

Illustrated by JC Galag

Published by Adarna House, Inc.

Masarap maging bahagi ng pamilyang Pilipino. Malaki, maingay pero masaya. Para bang ibinalik ako sa pagkabata ng “Salusalo para kay Kuya.” Naalala ko noong bata pa ako, kapag kaarawan ko na ay sabik na sabik akong gumising nang maaga para buksan ang aking mga regalo. Ramdam mo rin ang pagmamahal ng isang kapamilya sa kaanak sa kuwento. Sa bawat pahina ng kuwento, nangungusap ang mga mapinpintog na pisngi ng mga tauhan, abala sa isang salusalo, pero masaya pa rin ang lahat. Ipinapa-alaala na dapat tayong maging katulad ni Bubuy Boy, na umiiyak ng bahaghari, na kahit na parang may iniwan na malaking butas ang ating kaanak kapag sila ay pumanaw na, kailangan tayong maging malakas at puno ng pag-asa at sariwain ang mga inspirasyong iniwan nila.

Salamat Ergoe Tinio, JC Galag, at Adarna House sa mahusay na kuwento!

-Prepared by Mr. Troy Lacsamana

Supremo

Written by Xi Zuq

Illustrated by Al Estrella

Published by Adarna House, Inc.

Supremo is an engaging read.  This heartwarming story takes you back to the good old days when you felt lucky to have a best friend and you felt tingled upon seeing your crush. Its flowing language, realistic plot, and catchy illustrations come together to give you one unforgettable ride. It makes you laugh out loud; it makes you stop and think; it even manages to make you shed tears. And, just when you start thinking you’ve had it all, it reminds you of your social responsibility―without pushing it down your throat forcibly. Kids will love this, and adults will enjoy it, too. Supreme, indeed!

-Prepared by Prof. Portia Padilla

Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon

Written by Edgar Calabia Samar

Published by Adarna House, Inc.

"Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon is a captivating tale of a young boy’s courage amidst the enveloping darkness in his life. Edgar Calabria Samar pulls us into a world of mysterious events and frightening characters from Philippine folklore. He expertly weaves in elements from role-playing video games, a concept that connects with young readers (and to gamers of all ages). This book takes us on a rollercoaster ride full of adventure, suspense, and danger. 

Finally, a hero like Janus Silang claims his space in our imagination. He rises above the challenges and gives hope―a bright star leading us out of the darkness."

-Prepared by Mr. Dan Matutina

Of Dreams, Innovations and Memories

My output: The Book of Z

Early this summer, I decided to do something that would allow me to recollect and to go back to basics. Initially, I wanted to take writing classes, but due to personal limitations, as I am still recovering from my TIA, I opted to take the History of Publishing and the Book at UP Diliman. It is a short course that is part of a series of publishing classes organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP). The class was facilitated by Ramon Sunico.

For three meetings, I sat in lectures, participated in activities and wrapped my mind around historical events, influential people in world history and the concepts that these people conceived to change the way people think. From the ancient times to the middle ages, the Rennaisance and into the modern age of printing Mr. Sunico successfully presented the milestones that brought in book technology and publishing to what we know about it today.

A sample wood block, but it's rubber

In college, I took the required course on the history of the book and libraries. What I remember then was a narrative of dates and events that did not mean a thing to me. I think it was because, as a sophomore, my idea of the book and my world view was very limited. Now, with a little bit of experience, I am able to make meaning of this history to my work as a school librarian. For one, an understanding of book history and publishing provided me with a context to ground my professional practice. There is much talk about digital resources and ebook collection building. Seeing the book as a technology and how young digital resources are, I am more cautious in making decisions on what to select and acquire. There are lasting and overarching concepts that need to be considered. Building a library collection that is balanced requires careful thought because investing in technology can be extremely costly.

 I had fun doing the activities! I wrote using a straw quill which we made in class. I did potato prints and made books out of paper. Every meeting, Mr. Sunico brought in his tools of the trade: a litho stone, a composing stick, rare books that smell so good, a set of sieve and frames for making paper. The experience was like stepping back in time where the modern gadgets I enjoy tinkering with pales in comparison with the technology of long ago. Because, really, what are these gadgets we enjoy today, but upgrades of innovations and inventions of the past. I could not help but think about time as a concept. The past and the future mesh with the present making "the now" more relevant than what was and what is to come.

Wrote my name using a straw quill

On a personal level, I am bringing with me my fascination of Haroun Al-Rashid and Charlemagne. Haroun Al-Rashid is the caliph responsible for the collection of stories that littered the Silk Route. If not for him, I would not be enjoying the 1001 Nights and YS novels that are based on this classic. He also built libraries under his empire that housed scrolls, illuminated texts about the sensual and the secular. Proof that God and Man can indeed create beautiful things! Charlemagne, on the other hand, standardized language and writing, so that, everyone in his kingdom can understand his decrees and laws. These men knew what to do with language, knowledge and the power that it gave them to rule for years.

The different ways they put value on content, building libraries and setting standards inspire me to read more about their era, their accomplishments and its effect in society, past, present and future. To paraphrase a quote from Mr. Sunico's lecture, it is important to look at how people who make influential things think.

NCBD 2015: Philippine Children's Book Summit

Pinoy Kwentista: Dyali Justo

With Dyali Justo at DepEd Laoag

Last November 13, 2015, I had the sheer joy of being with Dyali Justo, teacher and storyteller, in the Booklatan sa Laoag workshop of the National Book Development Board. She answers a few questions about storytelling, an art she is so passionate about.

1.  Kailan at paano mo nalaman na isa kang storyteller?
Grade school- volunteer sa Home for the Aged, I wrote a poem for the grans, then I delivered it. From then on, I was invited to do storytelling. 

2. Ano ang paborito mong ikwento at bakit?
Ang mahiyaing manok- poem form kase ang dating ng rhythm, fun,very interactive. Yun tema makatotohanan. Maraming mahiyain at insecure dahil sa maling pakiramdam sa mga tao sa paligid.at may true friend na magsasabi ng totoong sitwasyon. May nanay na supportive na ina-aasess ang kakayahan ng anak. Yung dulong part na ng kwento, may desire to help others so they can overcome their own weaknesses. So real. 

Dyali in action. Telling the story, The Monkey and the Turtle

3.  Magbigay ka ng isang karanasan sa pagkukwento na hindi mo makakalimutan.
Marami, lalo sa mga out of town trips: sa Masbate, umakyat kami ng bundok, ang mga bata dumating nakasakay sa kabayo o di kaya sa mga hinihilang sasakyan ng kalabaw, para lang makakinig ng kwento. May language barrier, pero naging fun kase pareho ang tilaok ng manok sa maynila at sa masbate. Sa Palawan, nagtanong ako: "ano ang iyong wish? (Ang kwento ay Wishing Well) may isang boy na sumagot lutu lutuan. Nagtawanan ang mga kakklase at tinatawag na bakla. Pagkakataon un para maituro ang konsepto ng wala sa gawain ang gender preference. My mga tatayna naglalaba, nagluluto, may mga nanay na nagpapalit ng bumbilya o sirang gripo. 

4.  Ano ang isang "tip" o payo na maibibigay mo sa kwentistang nag sisimula pa lamang
Know your purpose why are you a storytelling.

The 5th Philippine International Literary Festival & Book Industry Summit

The Top Ten Best Books for the Kids' Choice Award 2014

One of the new things introduced in the recent NCBA Best Reads of 2014 awards ceremony was the Kids' Choice Award. This is not the first time kid judges were picked to choose books they deem as the "best" of the year. The Filipino ReaderCon staged a similar reading award last year. What makes this award giving activity interesting is that, books for children are read by kids and they get their say on what is good and well written literature.

Rafa Valera announces the Top 10 Best Kids' Books of 2014

Writers of children's books often claim that their intended audience are children. But adult writers sometimes miss the whole point of hitting the target audience they write for. Mea Culpa. Parents and teachers pick books for their children and students with all the good intention of instilling values and "morals". But parents and teachers often make the mistake of choosing books for their kids as boring and too far off from the young readers' experience and context. Mea Culpa. Librarians would look at catalogs, circulation statistics and inventory reports and use data from these cold instruments to decide on book acquisitions for young readers. Mea Culpa.

Yes. I do make mistakes.

But. The good thing of being involved in the PBBY and in this industry is that, I am fortunate enough to witness thinking that is outside the box.

So if we adults claim to be concerned with our children's well being, particularly in their thinking skills (which is synonymous to READING), we should trust them enough to express themselves and voice out their opinions on the choices they make. Giving them the opportunity to choose the books they think is the best of the year is a liberating exercise and one where we can learn from.

Reading is a shared endeavor.

And that, my friends, is my take away from last Saturday's NCBA Best Reads of 2014 awards ceremony. In many of my reading and library workshops on developing a reading culture, I often speak of reader feedback. Librarians can provide services and programs that must be contextualized to the readers' experience. To do this, librarians need to be open to feedback and to listen to what their readers are saying. Mechanism should be in place. In fact, staging a Kids Choice Award in the school through the library's program is one mechanism.

Of course, librarians can check out the books that made it to the NCBA Best Reads and Kids Choice Award, but wouldn't it be fun to test these books in your own learning community? Or, pick the books that adults claim as children's books and have it validated by kids who can read them too. The whole idea is for readers to come together, to listen, to discuss and build on a stronger reading culture in the community.

Alon Cristobal announces The Day of Darkness the Kids' Choice Award

And now, for the Top Ten Best Books for the Kids's Choice Award 2014 (in no particular order or ranking):

Berting ang Batang Uling by Christopher Rosales
May Darating na Trak Bukas by Virgilio Almario
Pintong Maraming Silid by Eugene Evasco
A Girl in A Box by Felinda Dang Bagas
Pages (Bookmark)
Sine Madyika by Lauren Macaraeg
Ang Bongang Bongang Batang Beki by Rhandee Garlitos
Ang Ikaklit sa Aking Hardin by Bernadette Neri
Sandwich to the Moon by Jaime Bauza
The Day of Darkness by Zig Marasigan - Kids Choice Award 2014

Congratulations to authors, illustrators and publishers of these "best books"! This a big compliment and affirmation from children who read!

NCBA Best Reads of 2014: Bits and Pieces of the Awards Ceremony

The recently concluded NCBA Best Reads of 2014 awards ceremony was a success indeed! I'll post some insights I gained from the experience for another day. For now, I'll share some of the cool things that happened last Saturday, July 26, 2014 at the GT Toyota Auditorium in UP Diliman.

Play time!

There were kids present in the audience. They were the kid judges of the Kids Choice Award, kids of the NBDB Officers and PBBY board members, and kids of authors and illustrators who came in the event. Because of them, NBDB and PBBY set up a party themed NCBA awards ceremony. A play area was set in one corner; a photo booth was in another; there were balloons; a very Pinoy spaghetti and hotdog were served for snacks; and sorbetes!

Hats and head dresses to wear for picture-picture!

At the photo booth 

Like the NCBD, the NCBA awards ceremony was a reunion and gathering of friends and allies in the Philippine Children's Literature industry. National Artist Virgilio Almario was present; Usec. Dina Ocampo and Usec. Che Cristobal attended the event and they brought with them their two sons. It was a family event, really. With Adarna House winning five awards, the Almarios automatically became the grand slam award winning clan of 2014! Those long hours working with writers and illustrators surely paid off.

This year's ceremony was graced by the amazing performances of JK Anicoche, PBBY board member, thespian, action star and founder of Sipat Lawin Ensemble. A group of four performers from Sipat Lawin delighted the audience with a very lively and contemporary rendition of Rene Villanueva's Ang Unang Baboy sa Langit. I get the feeling we will see more of them in succeeding literacy events.

The Sipat Lawin Ensemble did a lot of improv! Amazing!

As for me, my NCBA day ended with coffee and a light dinner with KUTING friends. Three KUTINGs reaped the "open book" award from the NBDB and PBBY. We have to celebrate this with the rest of the cat litter. For now, we're all basking in the after glow of a glorious NCBA Best Reads event.

Finally.

The National Children's Book Award Best Reads of 2014

Four books were proclaimed the National Children's Book Award Best Reads of 2014. These books are, in no particular order or rank:

Ngumiti si Andoy (Adarna House) by Xi Zuq (MJ Tumamac), illustrated by Dominic Agsaway  

Hating Kapatid (Adarna House) by Raissa Rivera-Falgui, illustrated by Fran Alvarez 

What You Should Know About Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan (Adarna House) by Weng Cahiles, illustrated by Isa Natividad 

The Girl in a Box (Adarna House) by Felinda "Bang" Bagas, illustrated by Aldy Aguirre

There was also the Kids Choice Award and the Save the Children Award. Ten kid judges picked The Day of Darkness (Bookmark) by Zig Marasigan and Bahay Kubo (Adarna House) illustrated by Pergilene Acuna bagged the Save the Children Award.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Flashback Friday: The National Children's Book Award Best Reads 2010 & 2012

NBDB Booklatan in Malabon and Then Some

A week long Booklatan was held in the last week of March by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) in Malabon National High School. I was there last weekend as an invited speaker on library marketing. The event had several surprises for me.

Surprise number 1: Ken Spillman

Who would have thought Ken Spillman, author and literacy advocate, would be there? He flew to Manila to award a grant of PHP 10,000.00 to a Filipino author as additional funds for him/her to attend the Asian Festival of Chidlren's Content in Singapore this May 2014. That lucky author happened to be Genaro Gojo Cruz. When he learned that NBDB set up a Booklatan, he volunteered to tell stories to the kids there.

When we met, we had a book swap. I gave him copies of my book since the last time we saw each other, he gave me copies of his books. And yes, Ken, I still owe you a neat write up and a book review. Before he left Malabon, he handed to me his book donations to Sambat Trust UK's next school library project. I hope the next time we meet, I'll be able to take Ken to the schools that Sambat Trust UK has adopted.

Surprise number 2: Mayor Lenlen Oreta, the storytelling mayor of Malabon

I saw how Mayor Lenlen Oreta read aloud an Adarna Big Book for kids aged 4-7. Seated on straw mats, they eagerly listened to the mayor read aloud the story of two puppies, siblings who have opposite personalities. Mayor Oreta is a pro. He has questions prepared for pre, during and post reading. I learned later on that he visits schools once a week to do storytelling sessions. Now that's a literacy initiative worth emulating.

Surprise number 3: Malabon Teachers don't know who Augie Rivera and Christine Bellen are.

Two authors born in Malabon and Malabon teachers must know who they are and the contributions these two talented authors have given to Philippine Children's Literature.

Surprise number 4: Audience were all teachers

I expected to speak to Malabon librarians, but I was the only librarian in the room. So I had to adjust my stance to cater teachers' needs and interests. It's a good thing that reading and literacy are two concepts that teachers share with librarians. It was not at all difficult for me to make adjustments. However, the absence of librarians in a workshop meant for them is a cause of alarm. While the local LGU and the DepEd division they're sent out memos, librarians were excluded from attending. I learned about this from one of the participants.

Thinking about this, I feel that advocacy initiatives of librarianship in the political, educational and cultural aspects of Philippine society must be in place. What do I mean by this? I'll reserve a separate post on library advocacy. For now, it is good to talk about the relevance of libraries and the important roles librarians do. Those who are given this opportunity should do more than talk about topics, trends and issues that concern librarians  and the profession. It is essential to emphasize integration and collaboration with allied professionals. Teachers can set up reading and literacy centers. True. Librarians are there to sustain these reading centers and transform them into learning hubs where readers can critically think on their own, make well informed decisions and be useful citizens who can contribute to the growth of the community.

Filipino librarians, our work is cut out for us.

Aklatan 2013

Aklatan in English translates to library.

But the Aklatan event on September 11, 2013 pertains to a book fair that highlights Filipino books on sale. What makes this book fair interesting is its promotional pitch: date your favorite Pinoy writer. What a way to meet and greet your favorite author!

Aklatan 2013 is spearheaded by Visprint, Inc. and the National Book Development Board. Read more via http://www.panitikan.com.ph/content/local-publishers-hold-first-annual-aklatan-all-filipino-book-festival">Panitikan.com.ph

Alfred, Ambeth and Andres Bonifacio

30 November is a national holiday being the commemoration of  Andres Bonifacio's 149th birth date. A bio pic, Supremo, produced by Alfred Vargas will be shown on 30 November at SM Fairview cinemas. The same movie is included in the line-up of indie films in this year's Cinemanila at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Festival date begins on 5 December and ends on 11 December, 2012.

Here's the trailer of the movie.



Producer, Alfred Vargas, also plays Andres Bonifacio. He's a very good looking Andres Bonifacio, if you ask me. In the book cover of Prof. Ambeth Ocampo's Looking Back 5: Rizal's Teeth Bonifacio's Bones, the Great Plebeian looks more like Apeng Daldal than a handsome revolutionario. I grew up knowing and recognizing this artist's rendition of Bonifacio that littered many history textbooks I used in school.

Who is the artist of this Bonifacio illustration? Another iconic image I am curious about that's related to Bonifacio is the cedula ripping one where Katipuneros wear red pants and white shirt. The red pants is a dead giveaway in battle. Why use the ominous color? More questions surface as I read Prof. Ocampo's article on Bonifacio. He was home schooled and read voraciously. Where did he get his books? Gifts from friends? Donations? Is Bonifacio a book thief? Now that would make a good story in speculative fiction genre, ano? The librarian in me wonders. The writer in me is tempted to begin this story out and see how it develops.

Books bought from the NBDB initiated book exhibit at SM Megatrade Hall

In 2013, the nation celebrates Bonifacio's 150th birth year. PBBY's Salanga Prize will be given to a story on Andres Bonifacio come July as we celebrate the 30th National Children's Book Day. Let's prepare early for this historic event.

Quality Books Exhibit

I got an invitation from the National Book Development Board via email --

DepEd and  NBDB Set Quality Books Exhibit--open to everyone, no entrance nor registration fees.

In celebration of Philippine Book Development Month, the Department of Education and the National Book Development Board are holding a first-ever exhibition of Highly Recommended Supplementary Materials on Nov 27-28 at 10am -5pm at the Mega Trade Hall 1. SM Megamall. The exhibiton will feature about 1600 awardwinning book titles and other books endorsed by the NBDB. About 20 publishers are participating.

These were gathered from the National Book Award winners and finalists, National Children's Book Awards, Gintong Aklat Award winners and finalists, Madrigal-Gonzalez First Book Award winners, Carlos Palanca Memorial Award winners, MAN Asia Literary Prize Filipino winners and finalists, NBDB Quality Seal Textbooks, and Highly Recommended Books selected by the Metrobank Foundation Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED). Copies of the list of quality books which will be updated yearly will be available.

The event is meant to help teachers and administrators from both public and private schools in selecting Philippine titles for supplementary reading and library collections. There will also be lectures on Textbook Development in the Mother Tongue, Translating Textbooks, Teaching with a Local Cultural Perspective, and Choosing Supplementary Materials and other related topics. National Artist Virgilio Almario leads the roster of speakers. DepEd will be represented by Sec. Armin Luistro and Usec Francis Varela.

All are welcome to attend. The exhibit and the workshops are free of charge.

For more info, call the NBDB at 920-9853, 929-3677, 929-3887 or visit www.nbdb.gov.ph 

I got the invite from the chair of the NBDB herself so I feel compelled to go. I'll think I shall enjoy myself.

Picture Book Month 2012

It is November and the calendar is full of literary and literacy events. There will be a Read Lit District affair in Manila come mid-November and it promises a host of popular literary celebrities from here and abroad. Thanks to the National Book Development Board's (NBDB) untiring efforts of bringing readers, writers and lovers of words together, Manila is fast the becoming the new literary events place of this generation. Let's just hope that the sparkle and glimmer of celeb writers who will visit our shores will reach the regions. Perhaps technology can do that. With social media and the Internet, what is not possible these days?

Speaking of which, a US based literary and literacy event is taking place this whole month of November as well. And, thanks to Facebook, I am reminded to blog about it!

It's Picture Book Month!

Dianne De Las Casas, one of the founders of Picture Book Month has consistently been posting updates over at FB. Visit the website for details. There's a theme to talk about and discuss every week for as long as it concerns picture books! Also, there's a long list of authors and illustrators who speak and advocate the creation and readership of picture books.

Why are picture books important?

Dear me. I learned to read through picture books. My kids learned to read through picture books. And I bet, there are lucky kids out there who are learning how to read through picture books. By saying this, we look at reading not just a way to comprehend the written word but a skill set to derive meaning out of pictures, images and visual metaphors. Picture books are a trampoline for young readers so that they'll be able to tackle difficult materials and media in the future.

We're preparing kids for reading and for LIFE. Let's add picture books and the reading of it in their daily diet!