The 2016 National Children's Book Book Fair at Xavier School & the PBBY Kids Lit Talks

The 2016 National Children's Book Day (NCBD) Book Fair was a lot of fun! Bumasa at Lumaya vol. 2 was launched. Editors, Neni Sta. Romana Cruz, Ani Almario and Ramon Sunico had short but substantial talks. The book fair program boasted of storytelling activities, Yoga for kids and adults, product presentations, author talks and book signings, exhibits of works and selling of art by Ang Illustrador ng Kabataan.

The PBBY Children's Literature Talks were well attended. There was a mood of fun, festivities and so much hope for the industry.

In our librarians' workshop, Darrel Marco and I facilitated points of discussion on how school librarians can "awaken the force" - their own and their readers too. In a nutshell, Darrel introduced the core competencies necessary to plan and implenent innovative reading and literacy activities for digital learners. These core competencies are: assimilation, collaboration and awakening. He also did a profiling of the digital learner. He even showed a homegrown video that he made using Puppet Pals, an app for digital storytelling. He used this video to teach access to information using the Table of Contents among grade school students.

Afterwards, I stretched the points he raised in the input session and moved on to the workshop. The participants read books, wrote reviews and posted short annotations of their reviews on social media.

Watch out for more professional development activities! Do join us! Let us learn together!

Bumasa at Lumaya!

2016 NCBD: Bumasa at Lumaya 2 Blog Tour Round Up

Here's a round up of posts from bloggers who joined in the Bumasa and Lumaya 2 Blog Tour.

Award winning writer, Xi Zuq, featured Eugene Evasco's essay on the State of Philippine Children's Literature (2012-2013).  

Author and Young Adult reader, Mina Esguerra interviewed Ms. Carla Pacis and Mr. Rayvi Sunico on their piece, Filling the Gap: Young Adult Literature in the Philippines. From her interview with Sunico and Pacis, it looks like the conversation on everything Young Adult Literature in the Philippines today will continue between them.  

I did an interview for Josephine Litonjua and you can read my confessions over at her blog, Cinderella Stories.

That's three bloggers and there are seven more to go!

For now, let me remind you that the launching of Bumasa and Lumaya volume 2 (Anvil, 2016) will take place during the National Children's Book Day (NCBD) Book Fair in Xavier School San Juan on Saturday, July 23, 2016. The launch is at 9AM. Expect the authors and contributors to be present, as well as the editors and publisher of the book. At 10.30AM, the PBBY Children's Litearture Talks begin while the NCBD Book Fair runs all day from 8AM till 5PM.

Bring a book bag for your book purchases! Come with full batteries in your phones and bring a charger. Dare to ask for selfies from your favorite authors. Request for signatures. Have fun at the fair!

Bumasa at Lumaya Blog Tour: July 17 - 23, 2016

Bumasa at Lumaya Vol. 2 A Source Book on Children's Literature in the Philippines (Anvil Publishing, 2016) will be launched during the National Children's Book Day (NCBD) Book Fair! I am proud to have a contribution to this collection wherein I wrote about the setting up and organization of school libraries and reading centers. The NCBD Book Fair is on July 23, 2016, Saturday at Xavier School San Juan. The book fair gates will open at 7.30AM, registration is at 8AM and at 9AM, the book launch begins!

In line with the launch, I am hosting a blog tour of the book here in School Librarian in Action. Below are the bloggers and their scheduled postings.

1. Zarah C. Gagatiga of School Librarian In Action will do a book review and chapter feature on July 20.
2. Tarie Sabido of Asia in the Heart World on the Mind will do a book review.
3. MJ Tumamac of Xi Zuq's Nook has written an introduction of the blog tour. He will post a chapter feature on his blog on July 18.
4. Blooey Singson of Bookmarked will post a review on July 18.
5. Cris Tanjutco Ngo of Teacher's Pet will post a chapter feature on July 18.
6. Mina Esguerra of Publishing in Pajamas will post a contributor and editor interview (Carla Pacis and Rayvi Sunico) on July 18.
7. Cassandra Javier of She Flies With Faeries will post a contributor interview on July 22.
8. Josephine Litonjua of Cinderella Stories will post a contributor interview (Zarah C. Gagatiga) on July 22.
9. Jord Irving Gadingan of Tsa-Tsub! will post a review.
10. Collaborative Bloggers and Readers of Bookbed will post an interview.

2016 NCBD: Bumasa at Lumaya 2 Blog Tour

On July 23, 2016, the PBBY, in cooperation with Xavier School San Juan, will run the annual National Children's Book Day (NCBD) Book Fair. On exhibit are titles of children's books and young adult literature by our local publishers. Now on its third year, the NCBD Book Fair program includes a series of talks on reading, learning, book development, library services, children's books and young adult literature. Needless to say, the event will be graced by the presence of your favorite children's book writers as well as advocates, teachers and experts in the field.

What I am equally excited about in this year's NCBD Book Fair are these three things:

1. My publisher, Lampara House, will sell my books: My Daddy! My One and Only! A Tale of Two Dreams; Dear Nanay; Big Sisters; the Start Right Reading (STARS) Learning Package for Kindergarten Learners. I will also be at the Lampara House's booth for book signing.

2. I will conduct a talk on library services geared towards the growth and development of digital learners. I will do this with a partner, Mr. Darrel Manuel Marco. Our session, Awaken the Force: Innovative Library Services for Digital Learners is scheduled at 3PM.

3. Bumasa at Lumaya Vol. 2 (Anvil Publishing, 2016) will be launched during the NCBD Book Fair! I am proud to have a contribution to this collection wherein I wrote about the setting up and organization of school libraries and reading centers.

In line with the launch, I am hosting a blog tour of the book here in School Librarian in Action. Below are the bloggers and their scheduled postings.

1. Zarah C. Gagatiga of School Librarian In Action
2. Tarie Sabido of Asia in the Heart World on the Mind
3. MJ Tumamac of Xi Zuq's Nook
4. Blooey Singson of Bookmarked
5. Cris Tanjutco Ngo of Teacher's Pet
6. Mina Esguerra of Publishing in Pajamas
7. Cassandra Javier of She Flies With Faeries
8. Josephine Litonjua of Cinderella Stories
9. Jord Irving Gadingan of Tsa-Tsub!
10. Collaborative Bloggers and Readers of Bookbed

2016 NCBD Illustrator Interview: Mark Lawrence Andres

Mark Lawrence Andres, is the blog's featured illustrator of the month. Mr. Andres won the 2016 Alcala Prize for his illustrations of the winning Salanga Prize story, Makinang, Makinang by Genaro Gojo Cruz.  He will be awarded a medal and a cash prize on July 19, 2016, National Children's Book Day at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. This is his first award and his first attempt in illustrating a story for children.

Mark Lawrence Andres is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator. He graduated with a degree in Industrial Design in the College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines, Diliman. He uses watercolor for his artworks, but he is also open to try other medium like poster color.

a. Ano ang kahulugan ng pagkakapanalo mo ng Alcala Prize? 

Isang malaking karangalan para sa akin ang mapanalunan ang Alcala Prize. Ito rin ang unang award na napanalunan ko bilang isang ilustrador kaya masayang masaya ako nang malaman ko ang balita. Nakakatuwang malaman kapag kinikilala ng iba ang gawa mo. 

b. Anong mga preparasyon ang ginawa mo para maiguhit ang Makinang, Makinang?

Naalala ko ang kabataan ko sa kuwento kaya nagustuhan ko talaga ang proseso ng paggawa ng mga illustration. Noong bata kasi ako may lumang makina rin kami sa bahay. Gaya ng bata sa kuwento, ginagawa ko ring duyan ang pedal ng makinang panahi kapag hindi ginagamit ng tatay ko. Pero higit pa sa mismong makina, mas itinuon ko ang aking pansin sa pagsasalarawan ng pagmamahalan ng ina at ng kaniyang anak.  Para sa akin, ito ang pinakamagandang elemento ng kuwento. 

c. Ngayong nanalo ka na sa isang patimpalak, saan mo nakikita ang direksyon ng iyong karera sa buhay bilang designer at visual artist?

Sa ngayon, nagtratrabaho ako bilang isang full- time graphic designer pero gusto ko rin sanang mahasa ang pagiging ilustrador. Mahilig ako sumubok ng iba't bang style sa illustration. Sa palagay ko, nasa proseso pa ako ngayon ng pagdiskubre ng sarili kong estilo. Gusto kong gumuhit para sa isang kwento na hindi lang magugustuhan ng mga bata, kundi pati mga matatanda. Katulad ng The Little Prince.

d. May nais ka pa bang gawin bilang artist at sino ang gusto mong makasama pa sa paglikha?

Noong nag-aaral pa ko sa kolehiyo, laruang pambata ang thesis ko. Masayang gumuhit para sa mga bata pero masaya ring gumawa ng bagay na pwede nilang hawakan at paglaruan, na makapagpapasaya sa kanila. Kung mabibigyan ako ng pagkakataon, gusto ko rin sanang makipagcollaborate sa isang arkitekto para magdisenyo ng isang modernong palaruang pambata.

For more information on the National Children's Book Day, the Salanga Prize and the Alcala Prize, visit the PBBY webiste: pbby.org.ph.

Bumasa at Lumaya Blog Tour

I am inviting interested book bloggers to join in the Bumasa at Lumaya 2 Blog Tour. Feel free to download the letter of invitation. Comment on this post or send me an email/PM over at Messenger on your interest to join. I will send you collaterals, link to the registration form, a copy of the book and blog materials for the blog tour.

We will be needing ten book bloggers for the blog tour so it's a first come, first serve basis.

Super thanks to MJ "Xi Zuq" Tumamac who made the banner and collated all materials for the Bumasa at Lumaya Blog Tour. Thank you to Anvil Publishing for sending over 10 copies of the book for the book bloggers to read, review and enjoy.

This blog tour is in conjunction with the celebration of the 33rd National Children's Book Day. Bumasa at Lumaya 2 will be launched on July 23, 2016 during the National Chidlren's Book Day Book Fair in Xavier School. See you all, friends and reading advocates!

Read and Take Flight

This year’s NCBD theme is Bumasa at Lumaya (Read and Take Flight).

When we read books, we take flight. Our imagination is set free. Our sense of wonder soars. Our ability to play around and think outside the box is activated. When we read, we can look at another person’s place in the world and discover that our humanity is mirrored in them. Our world view expands and we realize, despite our color, culture and creed, that we are not any different from each other at all.

To drum up this theme, volunteers are encouraged to:

1. Post on their social media accounts (FB, Twitter, IG, Tumblr) photos of Filipino children’s books and/or Filipino YA books that

1. Have set their imagination free
2. Allowed their sense of wonder to soar
3. Moved them to take a proactive action for one’s self and others too
4. Encouraged and fostered play and recreation
5. Expanded their world views
6. Made them realize the importance of compassion, empathy and kindness
7. Made them proud of their culture: regional and national
8. Gave them an AHA moment (self knowledge or a solution to problems)

B. When posting, include the bibliographic data: title, author, illustrator, publisher, copyright

C. Set the posting this way:

Week 1 - This book sets my imagination free!

Title:

Author:

Illustrator:

Publisher:

Copyright year:

HASHTAGS to use:

#bumasaatlumaya

#ncbd2016

#PinoyLibrarian4PHkidslit

#GurongPinoy4PHKidsLit

#PHKidsLit

#PHYALit (if it is a YA book)    

       

D. Schedule of posts:

Week 1 - July 3 - 9: Books that set my imagination free and my sense of wonder to soar.

Week 2 - July 10 - 16: Books that moved me to take action, to be proactive and encouraged me to play and have fun.

Week 3 - July 17 - 23: Books that expanded my world view and stirred in me kindness, empathy and compassion.

Week 4 - July 24 - 30: Books that made me proud being Pinoy and books that gave me AHA moments

You may also blog about this, but be sure to connect or link to any of your social media accounts. Thanks and have fun!

Banner for blog post and social media postings:

Throwback: The 2015 NCBD Book Fair

The 2016 National Children's Book Fair is just around the corner! It will officially be open to the public on July 23, 2016, Saturday from 8AM to 5PM. This year, PBBY partners with Xavier School San Juan for the annual book fair of children's books and literature fest.

To refresh your memory, allow me to share with you this AVP of the 2015 NCBD at the Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University.

This AVP is made by Ms. Michelle Arispe, Grade School librarian of the Ateneo de Manila University.

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.

Bumasa at Lumaya! Read and Take Flight!

The 2016 NCBD theme: Read and Take Flight

The 33rd National Children's Book Day (NCBD) is on July 19, 2016. This year's theme is Bumasa at Lumaya. In English, this translates to Read and Take Flight. The Philippine Board on Books for Young People is spearheading the celebration by awarding the Salanga Prize and Alacala Prize to the author and illustrator who won in the annual contests. On July 23, 2016, the NCBD Book Fair will be held at Xavier School San Juan.

In one Facebook convo, a friend asked why pick a theme that suggests the call of the times. So I asked her, what is the call of the times? She said, that with the current revisionist movement in Philippine history, especially on Martial Law, and the worrisome results of the national elections, how apt it is to drum up on freedom through books and reading. I told her that there really is no political or historical agenda to the theme.

First of all, Bumasa at Lumaya is a book published by Anvil Publishing House (1996). This book was edited by Mailin Paterno, Rayvi Sunico, Rene Villanueva (+) and Rio Alma. It is a source book and manual on Children's Literature in the Philippines. Writers, illustrators, teachers and advocates of children's books have benefited from Bumasa at Lumaya in their creative journeys. Friends in the industry have asked if there is going to be a new edition of Bumasa and Lumaya. Indeed, the changing times and trends that push new ideas and creative inventions into local children's books needed documentation. So, after twenty years, Bumasa at Lumaya volume 2 was born.

Early this year, Bumasa at Lumaya 2 (Anvil, 2016) was released in the market. My contribution to the collection in this new volume is a quick fix guide in setting up a library and reading center. I am honored to be part of this project and working with the editors was a learning experience.

Side by side now: Bumasa at Lumaya Volume 1 and 2

Now, to put things in perspective.

Reading will always have that power to free and liberate the mind, the heart and the spirit. What we read shapes the way we think. It expands our world views. It will never go out of style. Reading will always be the new sexy. In times of crises and desperation, reading can lead us to solutions, a sense of meaning, a way to make peace with ourselves. In some cases, reading can start up a revolution. The beautiful thing is this: when we read, we are also inspired to create. There is freedom in this act of creation. When the mind, the heart and the spirit is free, the ability to create becomes a manifestation of this freedom.

Read and Take Flight. Bumasa at Lumaya!