Brochure of Room to Read Book Project

The news that our book, Masaya Maging Ako (Gagatiga and Bauza, Lampara Books) is included in this brochure and will soon be out for publication surprised me like a thunderstorm. On this day when typhoon Kammuri passed through CALABARZON, the Philippine Children’s Book Industry has something to smile about. And that is on top of all the gold medals that the FIlipino athletes are raking in the 2019 SEA Games. 

Masaya Maging Ako, illustrated by Jamie Bauza and published by Lampara Books. Created during the Room to Read (RTR) workshop for writers and illustrators in Bohol and Baguio, I have always dreamed of writing a story for my daughter, Zoe. And I did during the Room to Read Workshop in Bohol So, I dedicate this book to her, and to victims of mean cliques and bullies, kids, teenagers and adults alike. Remember that there is a place where the cliques and the bullies cannot touch you. You are never alone. You have companions. You have allies.

In time, those cliques and those bullies will get what they deserve. But for now, know that you are loved. You are beautiful in your own unique way. You are enough. You can make a difference!

Illustrator Interview: Kora Dandan Albano

With Ms. Gidget Roceles Jimenez

Kora Dandan Albano shares with us her joy in working with Gidget Roceles Jimenez in their book, All About the Philippines (Tuttle, 2015). She has some tips for budding artists on the use of watercolor as medium for art. Read on and you might just learn a thing or two about watercolor painting!

I love your spreads for the book, especially the ones on the end pages. Why Banawe and Pahiyas?

 

Sagada and Pahiyas spreads were actually inside illustrations for the Travelling Together and Fiesta sections. But he editors decided to use them as end papers for the book.

Your control of color and water is amazing! How do you do it? Any tips for aspiring illustrators and artists who are using this medium?

 

Watercolor is an unforgiving medium. So careful planning is important. Hindi pwede yung attack ka lang ng attack. Calculated lahat - from the amount of water that you mix into the paint to the degree of dampness of a pre-wetted paper -  lahat iniisip at pinaplano muna. Sa una parang ang hirap, pero if you’ve been using the medium for over 25 years like me, it becomes second skin,  instinctive na.

For me, there is no substitute for a good  drawing, so I always draw my pencil sketches on plain paper first, adjusting and revising until I’m happy with them. Then I trace them on quality watercolor paper using a light box - this is to avoid damaging the paper with too much erasures. Arches and Canson Montval watercolor papers are my favorites. I always paint from light to dark. Highlights are leave outs – kung ano yung kulay ng papel, iyon ang whites or highlights sa illustration. I don’t use white paint as much as possible.  I build up my images one layer at a time. Like in the Sagada spread, I painted the first layer of clouds first, then while letting that area dry, I tackled the first layer of the greens of the rice terraces next, and so on and so forth until the entire paper is covered with first layer of paint. Then I work on the next layer, starting at the parts that are already dry.  I move my drawing board a lot while painting. I even paint some parts upside down sometimes. Normally it takes about four to five layers of paint to finish an illustration.

More tips: 

> Always clean your mixing plates to avoid muddy mixture of paints. Huwag manghinayang sa paint. 

> Always use fresh water for washing and dipping your brushes. Replace the water when using a different hue. Like, if you are painting a part that is yellow and your water is already blue, you will end up painting it green if you don’t replace your water with a clean one.

> Sketch pad papers are not watercolor papers. Don’t use them.

> Invest on good quality watercolor paints. I use Winsor and Newton, and Holbein paints.

> If you want to be good in watercolor, paint in watercolor most days of the weeks, at least 2 hours at a time.

At the book launch or All About the Philippines

Describe the experience of working with Gidget and Tuttle.

We were a good team! Just like with most of my children’s book projects, I only worked closely with the editor/coordinator of this book. I really appreciate it that Terri, the editor from Tuttle in the U.S.,  involved me from the planning stage of the book up to the edits. For this project, Terri and I exchanged about 250 emails between us and each one I got from her is a “feel good” email. Her reactions to my submissions were always -  Awesome! Fantastic! Wonderful!

Though, Gidget and I knew each other, we never met to discuss the project. It is only during the edits that the three of us worked together via email, proofreading and making sure everything is in place. But it was good to know afterwards that Gidget really loved what I have done with our book. Looks like, even if we didn’t discuss a single illustration while I’m doing them, our vision for the book were practically the same.

What is your dream book?

I want to write and illustrate a book about my childhood in Bulacan.

Photo source: Grabbed from FB with permission from Ms. Albano and A-gel Ramboyong.

Bridging Books and Children Into the World of Digitization 4 of 4

Enter Technology

And now we talk about technology. Our traditional reader’s advisory and reading guidance services still holds water to children of this day and age. But as mentioned earlier, children growing up in the digital age can develop a genuine love for books and reading even more when we use technology as an enabler. Not only will technology provide access of these books by children, technology becomes the environment where children can explore and discover reading materials that will empower them.

Using blogs and wikis to post new titles of books, accessible through the library website is a start. Having a mobile app like ThingLink to create book promo materials presents a virtual image that chidden can interact with. Keeping a Twitter page and a Facebook account of the library where librarians post books, reflections on books read create a buzz of interesting books to read. Creating book trailers and posting them up on You Tube extends the interest of reading books. Get an account in Goodreads and post book reviews and recommendations. This way your network of children's literature readers expands. This can help in collection development. Involve children in the process of creating their own storybooks. Worthy of mention is the Early Readers Project of the Beacon Academy. High school students make their stories for younger readers which they can download for free. Another is Halo Halo books that follows the same model.

Indeed, books bring people together. You put a transformed librarian between books and children. The results can be life changing!

In conclusion, children's librarians are more relevant today than in any other time in empowering young readers to become citizens of the 21st century. With a knowledge of the young reader, the literature that is valuable for their development and the intelligent use of technology, children's librarians are transformers in their respective communities. It is my hope to see best practices of children's librarianship, backed up by sound research to further improve the profession.

Thank you for listening. Mabuhay!

Bringing Books and Children Into the World of Digitization 3 of 4

The Content: Philippine Children's Literature and Its Values

Despite the problematic scenarios I enumerated early on, we hope. This is what we do best, apart from smiling through the onslaught of typhoons and our country's troubles, we never give up. We hang on to hope that things will change. This positive outlook needs to be actualized. We need to do something proactive.

As board member of the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), I implore you to take stock of the new titles produced by our local publishers of children's books. Every celebration of the National Children's Book Day (NCBD), PBBY works with local publishers to make known to the market the product of children's books. This year, local publisher had their festival at the Muse Ambato during the 31st celebration of the NCBD. Children's books by our local content creators were featured, displayed, read aloud and demonstrated to children and people who teach and care for them. In July 28, 2014, the PBBY and the National Book Development Board (NBDB) proclaimed this year's Best Reads National Children's Book Awards. Alongside this joyful announcement, selected children from private and public schools convened and identified their Ten Best Books of 2014.

These are the Best Reads NCBA of 2014.

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

Here are the Kids' Choice Top Ten Books of 2014.

Berting ang Batang Uling by Christopher Rosales

May Darating na Trak Bukas by Virgilio Almario

Pintong Maraming Silid by Eugene Evasco

The 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

When Filipino children read books made for them by Filipino creators, a connection of culture and a bridging of identity happen. In a talk by Candy Gourlay, award winning Filipino British author of young adult novels, she tells her story of how she saw the impossibility of writing her own stories when she was young. The books she read had characters that had blonde hair and blue eyes written by authors with the same physical features. Somehow, this orientation of color and race prevented her from writing her own stories. Thank God she had a school librarian who fed her books despite the book borrowing limit of the library. This helped Ms. Gourlay expand her horizons and knowledge of the world. Her love for words and stories real and imagined continued. She became a journalist. She wrote stories of Filipinos during the Martial Law years up until the People Power Revolution of 1986. Her being a novelist for young adult readers is another story.

My point is, Ms. Gourlay read books with characters she could not fully relate with. There was that lack of confidence to write and tell her own stories because she did not see herself, a Filipino, as a lead character in the stories she read from books. But her librarian introduced her to other books that provided her with the freedom to imagine and create. How liberating could that be!

The literature we make our children read will shape their minds, their values and their choices in life. What happens if our children do not read at all? What if access to books and learning resources are few or lacking in some cases?

This is our job. Our mission. We must bridge literature and children through our library services and programs. When we employ the use of technology, the more exciting our job gets. But that will be discussed after this presentation of the 10 Values of Children's Literature (Clarkson, 1969).

1. Children's literature affords delight and a sense of wonder.

         Example: Tagua-taguan: A Filipino Counting Book by Jomike Tejido, Tahanan Books for Young Readers, 2009 / Sparrow Makes a Home by Zarah Gagatiga Lampara Books, 2014

2. It extends the imaginative power of childhood.

         Example: Bakit Matagal nag Sundo Ko? by Kristine Canon Adarna House 2002

                        

3. It develops the child's appreciation of beauty.

         Example: Dear Nanay by Zarah Gagatiga Lampara House 2014 / Elias and His Trees  by Augie Rivera CANVAS 2005 / Naku, Naku, Nakuuu! by Nanoy Rafael Adarna House 2008

4. It contributes to the growth of a more compassionate human being.

         Example: Chenelyn! Chenelyn! by Rhandee Garlitos Adarna House 1999 / The Great Duck and Crocodile Race by Robert Magnuson Hiyas 2011

5. It opens to the wonderland of words and ways of using them.

         Example: Ang Sundalong Patpat by Virgilio Almario Adarna House 1997 / Ang Alamat ng Ampalaya by Augie Rivera 1995 / Ang Sampung Bukitkit by Eugene Evasco LG and M Corporation 2010

6. It offers a vast storehouse of information.

         Example: Nang Maghasik ng Lagim si Lolit Lamok by Luis Gatmaitan Hiyas 1999 / Bakawan by Untalan, Sarmiento and Tobias Adarna House 2009 / Guardians of Tradition by Mae Astrid Tobias Adarna House 2012 / What  Kids Should Know About Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan Adarna House Weng Cahiles 2013

7. It contributes to art appreciation.

         Example: Song of the Ifugao by Agay Llanera Museo Pambata Foundation 2010

8. It has the potential for raising the self-concept of a child who has a poor picture of himself.

         Example: Xilef by Augie Rivera Adarna House 2000 / The Girl in a Box by Dang Bagas Adarna House 2013 / AY Naku! by Reni Rojas Tahanan for Young Readers 2010 / My Daddy My One and Only by Zarah Gagatiga Lampara Books 2013

9. It forms a foundation for more difficult adolescent novels, poems and drama.

         Example: Sandosenang Sapatos by Luis Gatmaitan Hiyas 2002 / Si Langam at si Tipaklong Albert Angeles Adarna House 1981 / The Greediest of Rajas and the Whitest of Clouds Honoel Ibardolaza Adarna House 2004

10. It gives a heroic image to childhood.

         Example: Tall Story by Candy Gourlay Cacho Publishing House 2010 / A Readers' Story Kwento ng Isang Mambabasa by Glenda Oris Museo Pambata Foundation 2010

Knowing who our readers are and the literature that is available for them is one of the tenets of library services. As Ranganathan said all those years ago, to every reader a book; to every book a reader. We must always remember this basic and fundamental philosophy because we will never go wrong in planning, designing and managing transformed children's library services.

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.

Halina't Mamitas ng Aklat Bukas sa NCBD Fair!

How Well Do You Know Your Children's Book Publishers

Here's round two of our publisher/publishing house name game.

Publisher #4 : This publishing house is one of the leaders in textbook publication in the country. It has branched out to the publication of children's books with the motto: Instill the love of reading! And what a catchy name this publishing house baptized it's imprint with. Eugene Evasco, Genaro Gojo Cruz, Lina Diza de Rivera and Becky Santos-Gerodias are the teacher-writers who've launched not just one but numerous books with this publisher/publishing house in the past years.

Name this publisher/publishing house!

Publisher #5: This publishing house has garnered a number of book awards from the National Book Awards. While it specializes in Filipiniana, it also boasts of a credible line of instructional resources for teachers in the grade school, high school and college levels. Their titles of cookbooks, art and culture books are best sellers too! This publishing house revived the classic tales of Lola Basyang that led to a ballet performance of one book in the series.

Name this publisher/publishing house!

Will post answers to the clues this week. Keep visiting!

Janus Silang Blog Tour Author Interview: Edgar Samar

Super thanks to MJ Tumamac for translating the Filipino version of this interview to English!

Edgar Calabia Samar Interview
Janus Silang Blog Tour

English Translation

Why did you venture on writing for teens?

My first published work is actually a picture book entitled Uuwi na ang Nanay Kong si Darna! (Adarna House, 2002), with illustrations by Russell Molina. On one hand, creating Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon is my return to writing for younger readers because after [Uuwi na ang Nanay Kong si] Darna, I started publishing novels and poetry for older readers. The idea for Janus Sílang had been incubating in my mind for a long time but I did not have the opportunity to work on it until I got a RCW (Research & Creative Work) Faculty status in Ateneo [de Manila University], which coincided with last year’s invitation by Adarna House that I write a YA novel. 

What is the biggest challenge you came across as a writer for teens?

I had a lot of things to consider, from the language register that I was going to employ up to the novels’ content. For a lot of times, I had to weigh between making a truthful voice for my characters as well as a realistic story flow, and its would-be impression to my teen readers. Should Janus be cursing or not? Would that be genuine for his character? How would the readers accept that? I think that teen readers of my novel would be able to relate to Janus’s character. The problem would arise maybe from some parents and teachers as they see literature as something young readers should imitate or something that directly influences them. I admire those teachers and parents who look at their students or children’s reading materials as an opportunity to discuss the issues that children are really experiencing. In the face of these challenges, I hope that parents and teachers would see in Janus Sílang the things that children can positively gain.   

Who and what is your inspiration in creating Janus Silang?

I was also asked with this question in my previous interviews. The truth is I have long wanted to write a novel that I think the people I value would read and like, especially by my childhood friends I spent time with growing up in San Pablo. My personal challenge here was valuing simple storytelling. In my previous novels, like Walong Diwata ng Pagkahulog, the project of essaying is more dominant than narrating. For this book, I wanted to create a novel that would make my readers excited and ecstatic. I also wanted to be understood even by a regular teenager. If he reads my novel instead of playing DOTA even just for a few hours, I know that my time in writing this book is not wasted. After he reads the book, and while he waits for Book 2, he may play DOTA again. 

What novel or poem you wish you had written?

A lot! For one, I envy David Mitchell’s Ghostwritten for it is one of the best debut novels I have read. On the other hand, I inherited from Kundera my fondness of essaying in my novels, and his The Unbearable Lightness of Being is I think the book I have read repeatedly the most. Among Filipino works, I am still amazed by Tony Perez’s Cubao Pagkagat ng Dilim. But I also know that every writer has his own world that cannot be penetrated by anyone except when being read. I cannot write like any one of the writers I admire. My own writing is actually recognition and exploration of a world I hope that is not similar with other writers. 

What is next after Janus Sílang?

Wait for the next books in the Janus Sílang series. The second installment hopefully will come out this November and it is entitled Si Janus Sílang at ang Digmaang Manananggal-Mambabarang. I am also finishing for Adarna the book 101 Nilalang na Kagila-gilalas, an encyclopedia of creatures and characters of our own folklore. It might also come out this year, so wait for it! For now, I hope that a lot of teens would read Janus Sílang. It is now available this May in bookstores and it has a series of book launches also this month. Thanks a lot!

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.

The 11th Romeo Forbes Children's Story Writing Competition

Dear Nanay

My new book, Dear Nanay (Lampara Books, 2014) is now available in bookstores

MIBF Moments

The excitement and energy of the recently Manila International Book Fair is ebbing away. I am left with good memories and some regrets.

I regret not having enough time to visit booths and greet writers who launched their books that Saturday at the MIBF. I regret not taking enough pictures. I regret not being able to buy books! I missed the ReaderCon announcement of book finalists in this year's Readers Choice Awards!

But.

I am still basking in the wonderful moments spent with friends in the industry. Best of all, the hubby was with me the whole day at the book fair. That's a first, I tell you!

Sharing a few pictures --

L-R Ed Maranan, Luchie Maranan, myself, Luis Gatmaitan, Eugene Evasco, Heidi Abad, Rose Torres Yu, Becky Bravo and Jun Matias of Lampara House

Look who's at the Lampara Writing Workshop!

Started my presentation with a storytelling of Joseph's Overcoat using Albergus table napkins.

Signed for Luis "Tito Dok" Gatmaitan.

Did some book signing too after the workshop.

Thanks to Lampara House, my publisher, for organizing the panel-workshop on writing stories for children. The event was attended by published writers, teachers and librarians, students and readers from all walks of life. It was an honor to be with the company of academicians and Palanca winners: Eugene Evasco, Rose Torres-Yu and Heidi Abad. The presence of friends from KUTING made the even a celebration of books, reading and children's literature.

See you at next year's Manila International Book Fair!

PBBY Chair's Report: 2009 - 2013

PBBY on Air via DZUP 1602, LIBRADIO: Librarians sa Radyo

Celebrate NCBD: Join KUTING

Looking for Andoy: Sergio Bumatay III on Ngumiti si Andoy

Sergio Bumatay III's entries to the 2013 Alcala Prize were served in a platter. Literally. The clay sculptures depicted a young Andres Bonifacio and his Katipunero days. To me, his art works communicated dedication to the craft; taking risk and trying out something new. It worked on the concept of a talking sculpture. Impressive!

Looking for Andoy: Francin Cruz's Rendition for Ngumiti si Andoy

 The 2013 Alcala Prize winners have been announced! Congratulations to Dominc Agsaway for bagging first place! Honorable mention goes to Serj Bumatay III and Francin Cruz. Visit the PBBY website for the complete details of this year's Alcala awardees.

For the next three days, I'll post the winning illustrations of the three illustrators and provide annotations.

Let me begin by Francin Cruz's entry. She rendered an illustration of Andoy as very human by showing him with his father, a tailor by trade. She drew Andoy working in a printing press. This image fascinated me. Instead of the bolo or itak, Andoy is shown holding a quill, writing. Her last illustration is my favorite among the three. At the center is Andoy, selling abaniko and baston. We are familiar with this image. Our textbooks told us that Andoy peddled fans and walking canes. But, look at the mischievous glance Andoy has for the mestiza on his right. Typical teenager!

What thoughts Andoy had while writing on the poster?

Andoy with his father. I wonder what tales and stories his father weaved as the young Andoy listened.

See the look in Andoy's face. He had his eyes on the girl who just walked by. Selling fans and walking canes isn't that bad.

Congrats once more to Francin Cruz. I thank you for revealing to me a romantic side of the revolutionary hero!

Author of the Month: Russell Molina

Let's kickstart 2013 with an author interview. The blog's featured Author of the Month is Mr. Russel Molina.

In this interview, he shares his thoughts on his writing process and how he started out as a writer. He reveals his inspiration for writing the PBBY Salanga 2012 winner, Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon. Illustrated by Hubert Fucio and published by Adarna House, the story book is available in bookstores nation wide.

1. When did you start writing for children?

I started in 1998 with the story "Ang Lumang Kumot ni Lola."  I wrote it then entered it in the PBBY Salanga Writer's Prize.  Luckily, it was given a special citation that year.  I took that win as a nudge that I should pursue writing for children.  I never stopped writing ever since.  

My background is really advertising.  I write copy (text) for numerous print ads and television spots. So it's also like telling stories in 30 seconds or 15 seconds.  So the shift from writing copy to creating children's stories wasn't a leap.  I actually use what I learn in advertising when I write for kids and vice versa.  It's a fun process.  

2. What was your inspiration for writing "Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon"?

"Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon?" is a combination of two experiences first, as a child growing up and visiting the barbershop with my mom and dad and second, as a father bringing my daughter to her own haircut sessions.  

At the 2012 NCBD, Museo Pambata

As a child, I remember sitting in the barber chair and devouring pages of Funny Komiks (remember those?) in between snips.  Those times, I think, were my most creative moments.  Just being alone with your thoughts and your comics.  You can let your mind explode with ideas even if you're stuck to a chair.  And I remember imagining different hair styles then.  "What if" moments come to you when you let your mind fly and wander.

As a father, my heart aches every time I think of the time when my little daughter inevitably grows up -- old enough not to need her dad to tag along.  She would finally make her own decisions, in hairstyles and in life.  So I guess I wrote this story also for parents.  Moments such as these are fleeting.  Embrace them and hold on tight as long as you can.  

3. Among your published stories, which story do you consider the best?

All my stories are my babies.  I gave birth to them. So it is really hard to choose. 

4. Describe the "creative process" you went through while writing "Anong Gupit Nating Ngayon". Did you undergo the same experience while writing your other books?

I really do not follow a strict process when it comes to writing.  Writing is like a journey and I seldom take the same route twice.  I allow myself to lose my way sometimes.  But all my stories start with an idea.  I don't think you can ever begin writing a story without an idea.  What is it that you want to say?  Where do you want to take your readers?  And what is it about your story that would make them sit up and listen?  If you can answer these questions THEN you can start the trek.  

At a public school in Batangas

5. As a writer for children, where do you see yourself ten years from now against the backdrop of Philippine Children's Literature?

I still see myself creating stories that celebrate the Filipino spirit.  Stories open the eyes, minds and hearts of Filipino children.  Books are the best vehicles to encourage kids to get to know themselves better.  And it is important that they read ABOUT themselves in the pages.  There are still a lot of Pinoy stories that are left untold.  I hope to continue championing this cause.  

6. Short message please, for teachers, parents, and children who read your stories.

To the parents, the best stories are YOUR stories - stories about your childhood, about your family, about your community and about your life in general.  These are the best stories because you are part of them.  Pass them on to your kids.  These stories are your legacy.  Also, don't forget to read to your kids.  And don't forget to open a book too. 

The culture of reading starts in your own home.  

To the teachers, we need new writers and storytellers and I really believe that you are primed to take on the challenge of creating wonderful stories for kids.  Jump in!  Take the leap!  

Thank you for your support and for making my stories come alive with every telling.  

To the Filipino child, open a Filipino children book today and read all about you.  You have always been our inspiration and we hope to return the favor and inspire you back with our stories.  

Thanks! Happy New Year everyone!