Author Interview: Bambi Eloriaga-Amago (1 of 2)

The blog's first Author Interview of the year is none other than Ms. Bambi Eloriaga-Amago. Her book, "Too Loud: Soothing Sensory Overload with Music" (Kahel Press, 2023) will be launched on January 6, 2023, 2PM - 3PM at the Quezon City Public Library.

About the book:

Jean's best friend Elmo has autism and a great ear for music. Loud noises easily make him anxious. On a particularly rowdy bus ride home, Elmo begins to panic. Will Jean and their friends find a way to help Elmo calm down?

“Too Loud: Soothing Sensory Overload with Music” is a picture book created by autism awareness advocates Bambi Eloriaga-Amago and Arthur (Gani) Riel Cabezas and translated to Filipino by Mark Daniel Fortaleza. It is a recipient of the publication grant of the National Book Development Board - Philippines.

1.   What books define your writing life?

A: I can’t think of particular books, but I do have authors whose writing styles I do try to emulate (emphasis on “try,” haha!) One is the late Sir Terry Pratchett. I love how his works are full of humor, while injecting loads of social commentary...I wish I was that witty. In the middle of reading, his words just make you stop and think about life, the universe, what it means to be human, and have a good laugh about it in the process. Genius, really. My top two favorite works of his are “Nation” and “The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents.”

Another is Rumiko Takahashi, the mangaka famous for creating classics like “Ranma ½” and “Inu-yasha.” I got into anime and manga because of her. She makes transitioning from funny to dramatic or action scenes seamless. I wish I could be as effortless as her in evoking mood changes, without having them come off as pilit or jarring.

 

2.   What books would you recommend to parents who have children in the spectrum?

A: Not to, as we say in Tagalog, magbuhat ng sariling bangko, but I’d like to recommend my own works—“Doobiedoo Asks” and “Too Loud.” I wrote them specifically for the “support team:” persons who may not have autism themselves, but do have a loved one who has. “Doobiedoo Asks” was made with parents in mind. It is the story of our own family and we shared it, in the hopes of helping other parents who may be facing a similar situation.

“Too Loud,” meanwhile, I wrote with fostering empathy in mind. It is geared towards younger neurotypical readers to show them how to interact with a friend or schoolmate who has autism.

A book I think, which may be helpful for parents and adults is “My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders,” it is a manga anthology illustrated by Monzusu. In the book, the mangaka collects and illustrates personal accounts of people with developmental disorders like ADHD and autism.

While for younger readers, controversy over the name Asperger aside, the book that was most helpful to me in explaining autism to my own son is “All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome” by Kathy Hoopman. In it, the author likens certain mannerisms and behavior of people with Asperger to well-known cat traits.

All of these books are a great first step towards understanding autism, which then leads to acceptance and accommodations.

Come back for the second part of Bambi's interview tomorrow! 

Who is Bambi?

Included among the Philippine Star Life’s list of women who changed local komiks for the better, writer Bambi Eloriaga-Amago is also a Journalism graduate (cum laude) from UP Diliman. She has worked on the editorial staff of various ABS-CBN publications and sat as Editor-in-Chief of Questor: The Ultimate Anime Magazine. She currently works as Manga Editor for US-based Seven Seas Entertainment and also adapts manga scripts for English language readers, including works like It Started With a Kiss and ToraDora. Her collaborations with artist-husband Roland include the Carnal series of komiks and the well-received Doobiedoo Asks, a Kids' Choice Awardee at the 7th National Children's Book Awards. While her latest published work is Too Loud: Soothing Sensory Overload With Music, a picture book illustrated by Artie Cabezas.

 

Socials:

fb: Comics by Amagination 

ig: comics_by_amagination

twitter: amagination_c

Kuwentong Musmos Book Project Magiging Radio/Podcast Audio-Drama

 

Kaninang umaga, inulan ang puso ko ng saya!

Umattend ako ng consultation at workshop kasama ang mga kaibigang manunulat na bahagi ng Kuwentong Musmos Project ng Room to Read. Isa itong reunion. Marami kaming na-miss at na-miss namin ang lahat!

Bohol Bee Farm.

Kakaibang flavors ng ice cream. Edible flowers.

Paglalakad sa beach sa umaga para abangan ang pagsikat ng araw. Babalik sa dalampasigan sa hapon para sa paglubog nito. May hawak na isang tasa ng kape at kasama ang isang kaibigan sa industriya at magkukuwentuhan tungkol sa... wala lang.

Ang mga workshops sa big group at small group ay nami-miss ko rin. Salamat sa teknolohiya, nakapag-usap kami kahit saglit lang sa Zoom.

Kasama sa pulong ang mga actor-writers ng Tanghalang Pilipino (TP). May mga nakilala akong bagong kaibigan sa larangan ng sining. Fangirling moment, sa totoo lang! Napapanood ko lang sila noon sa CCP at sa online channels ng TP. Ngayon, kasama na sila sa pagpapanday ng mga kuwentong pambata. Sila ang magsusulat ng radio adaptation ng aming mga kuwento. Exciting!

Nakakatuwa ang palitan ng mga kuro-kuro ng mga authors at actor-writers. Nakakatuwa na maging bahagi ng proseso ng mga actor-writers. Para kaming nagwoworkshop.

Layon ng proyekto na mas marami pang bata at pamilya, paaralan at komunidad sa Pilipinas at sa ibang bansa ang maka-experience ng aming mga katha at likha. Isa itong biyaya. Sa panahon ng pandemya, may pagkakataon tayong lumikha. Isa itong paraan ng paghilom at may pag-asa tayong makakamit.

Maraming salamat kay Sir

Al Santos

, sa bumubuo ng Kuwentong Musmos Project, sa Tanghalang Pilipino at CCP. Mas mabibigyan pa ng pagkakataon na marining ang boses ni Tere!

Kuwentong Musmos: Palihan para sa Pagsusulat ng Kuwentong Pambata

How many times have you gotten drunk so bad that a hangover is inevitable the morning after? A few times back in college? Recently? Just because.

Well, a hangover is never a good thing, except for events worth getting drunk in. The hangover lasts for days and it is a good feeling you wish to bottle and preserve. So you keep it in a flask. You take it with you wherever you go. For days when you need some sunshine and happy thoughts, you uncork the bottle and take little sips of the memory. Invigorating! 

The Kuwentong Musmos Writing Workshop for Beginning Readers I attended last week in Bohol is just like that, an experience that left me with a pleasant hangover. Who wouldn’t be if you are among your people, talking, listening, creating stories not just for Filipino children but for the children of the world. Organized by Room to Read (RTR) and Adarna House, the workshop was a Voltes Five moment!

Twenty Filipino writers from the country's leading publishing houses of children's books banded together. The result was forty manuscripts that tackled themes on identity, gender equality and inclusion written for beginning readers. It was hard work. And it was for a god cause. As  Al Santos of RTR said, "Your stories will be read by a child who has never seen or opened a book before." How can I say no to this project? The little things I do as a librarian, teacher and author suddenly expands. I become a part of something bigger than the round hole I plug my square peg in ( yes, I don’t fit most of the time and it’s a miracle that things work out sometimes).

The inputs made by the four publishing houses during the five day workshop weren’t at all new things for me but what they said amplified, affirmed and validated what I have always believed in. Invest in human capital (Anvil Publishing); Create imperfect characters and let them go through challenges (Adarna House); Take courage, use language responsibly and take risks (Lampara Books); Every writer has a world view that is reflected in his/her works (OMF/Hiyas) So, children’s book writer, what do you believe in? 

I believe in three things.

I believe in love. I believe in family. I believe that, with the use of appropriate methods, reading and literacy can change lives.

There were twenty of us who left Bohol last week. I would like to think that we came out of the experience as good writers and better persons. As of writing, many of us have received call backs from our respective publishers to revise the manuscripts in preparation for the illustrators' workshop in Baguio next week. The Kuwentong Musmos Writing Workshop is in-progress and the learning experience I took away from it, I will keep forever. 

Now, it’s time to share what I gained from the workshop. 

Dear School Librarian in Action: Library Activities for Chidlren and Writing Community in Iloilo

Early of December last year, a friend referred me to Hazel Hagerty, a library volunteer in a private school in Iloilo. She is from the United Kingdom and will be in the Philippines for a while to help run a school library for grade school children. I received the following questions from her: 

As you are librarian, could I please ask for your advice... as to what I can do here in this children's library? I really want to plan an author visit too, do you know of any authors that are based in Iloilo or somewhere nearby? 

I sent Hazel my answers:

Here are the writers whom you can get in touch with for author visits and literacy events in your school:

I have rounded up friends from the local book industry and they have given me leads and names. Apparently, there is a book launching of Aklanon children's books on Dec 10, a children's book summit in Iloilo in February, and a growing number of children's book writers in the province. In fact, they have groups and a publishing house already.
 

Check these links:
 

Dungung Kinaraya
https://www.facebook.com/dungugkinaraya/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
Kasingkasing Press
https://www.facebook.com/KasingkasingPress/ 

Here are names of Ilonggo authors based in Iloilo, Aklan and neighboring areas:

Noel G. De Leon 

Melchor Cichon
Christian George Acevedo
Antonniette Cortez

Now, about the library activities for your children, here is a link to my blog where you will find reading and book activities appropriate for them and the community too.

On Books and Reading

http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/2013/02/dear-librarian-on-books-reading.html

Book Making and Information Literacy Lessons

http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/2008/09/information-literacy-skills-lesson.html

Book Spine Poetry

http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-book-spine-poetry-contest-is-back.html

I have not heard from Hazel since last week, but here's hoping she's doing well in her bookish and reading endeavors

Aklat Awards 2016: Most Favorite Writer (Lampara Books)

Vote for your favorite writer!

This is a shameless plug and campaign for votes!

I am nominated as one of ten writers for the Most Favorite Writer award in the Aklat Awards 2016 of Lampara Books. Go to the Aklat Awards 2016 Survey Form to vote for me, or for your favorite writer of picture books and story books for children. The survey closes on November 8, 2016. I wouldn't really mind if you vote for another writer, but I am campaigning not just for me but for my friends who are in the list too.

Over in Facebook, the reception I received on the Aklat Awards 2016 Most Favorite Writer has been mixed. Many agree and are game on this ala-beauty pageant cum popularity contest approach to recognising writers and their body works. There are those who find it inappropriate for writers to be pitted against each other in such a fashion. Those who have fans and who are actively visible in social media have the edge over the ones whose works can only speak for themselves. While this is true and may seem unbalanced and yes, not a very good measure of a writer's works, a past experience taught me that writers are brands too.

I was told by a top sales manager of one of the international distributor of children's books in the country that I am a hard sell. I am small, dusky, unfashionable and, at the time, I was FAT. My surname is non-commercial.  On face value, the sales manager did not find anything interesting to sell about me or on the work that I do. That was in 2010. I have published academic papers already; done workshops abroad; was the PBBY president; consultant to a number of NGOs on literacy training and school library development; and one of the few school librarian bloggers in the Philippines with a blog that has a strong readership. And yet, this sales manager was outright in saying that I am not "sellable". As a writer and public speaker, the sales manager did not think that he could market my expertise as a brand that people will buy.

Of course, I was offended. To this day, I have nothing to offer but my genuine love for books, reading and telling stories. I have lost weight because of a medical and health issue, but I remain small, dusky and unfashionable.

My body of work as a writer reflect my own personal struggles and issues as a daughter, sister, wife and mother. My first book, Tales From the 7,000: Filipino Folk Stories (Libraries Unlimited, 2011), co-written with Dianne de Las Casas is my homage to my mother land. It won us an award in 2015 as a World Storytelling Resource in Tennessee, USA. Big Sister, my book with Ruben Totet de Jesus as a top ten Kids Choice Finalist in the National Children's Book Award of 2016. It's been a good run, really!

I think I pretty much know where my heart is and where my head should be.

But this popularity contest is something I am taking a bite out of the marketing game of book selling. I still want to know if that sales manager, coming from a very commercial context, is still right about me.

I may not win here, and that's alright. I will go on doing what I love and what I know I do best.

The 4th Annual Story Writing Workshop of Lampara Books

Aside from the book launching and book buying events I had last MIBF (Manila International Book Fair), I also facilitated a story writing workshop sponsored by my publisher, Lampara Books.

Lampara has been conducting the workshop since 2011. This is 4th writing workshop for its patrons and avid readers. I have been participating as its facilitator for three straight years now. In my first year, I only had a 40 minute talk on writing stories for kids. In the second year, I was given an hour and a half to do a mini-workshop. This year, I had two hours of input session and a workshop. As always, it was a pleasure to meet new friends, young and old.


I was even interviewed by young writers from Palanan Elementary School. Dave and Camille are six graders who attended the workshop. They are campus journalists for the school paper.

Joining me in the workshop as facilitator was Eugene Evasco, Palanca Hall of Fame Awardee.

I opened the workshop with a brief introduction on the trends and themes prevalent in Philippine Children's Literature today; the National Children's Book Awards; why the NCBA should be taken seriously; the first Kids' Choice Award; and implications of all these to writers of children's stories. To immerse the participants in children's books, I had them read it. They reviewed the books following the 10 Values of Children's Literature by Ruth Clarkson. There was sharing of output in small group and big group discussions.

When Eugene Evasco came up the stage, he provided an array of different exercises for writing stories. Many of his exercises were pre-writing activities; language techniques; strategies for character and plot development.

It was an enriching afternoon! We had eighty participants and they filled the room with their interest and enthusiasm. Here's hoping we would have more writers to write for children.

KUTING Induction of New Members

Don't we all look solemn in the photo?

I had the honor of inducting seven KUTINGs last Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the residence of the organization's current President, Dang Bagas. I have had the pleasure of "mentoring" them by conducting a talk and workshop on Young Adult Literature and Reading Choices of Teens last November 2013. In 2014, I was one of the four readers in the workshop.

I couldn't help but recall my own journey in the probationary membership process. How I wanted to write! A lot of things have happened to me since my membership in KUTING began in 2004. All I can say is this, that I have found true friends, writing companions and champions of Philippine Children's Literature in just a decade.

Cheers to children's books! To writing! To coffee and to more meaningful years of advocating Philippine Children's Literature!

Tag Team Interview: Dang Bagas & Aldy Aguirre (3 of 3)

Here is the last part (part 3) of the Tag Team Interview of Dang Bagas and Aldy Aguirre. Part 2 was posted last January 12, 2013">.

What is your favorite children's book or YA book?

DB: Asking me this question is like asking me to choose just one star in the universe I would like to own and keep in a jar for only me to look at. Please, please don’t force me to choose only one, cause I have lots and lots, countless lots of favorites.

Ok. Fine. I’ll choose one. And I’m choosing this one because I think this is one book that at every moment I read it presents something different and new to me like it’s always the first time I’m reading it. And so it would be a good choice of book to keep if ever I get trapped in an island with no hope of rescue. And that would be Zusak’s The Book Thief.

(Now, my other books are jealous. And they’re all clamoring for a hug.)

AA: The dream hunters by Neil Gaiman and Yoshitaka Amano, books by Shel Silverstein among others

Dang Bagas is a tinkerer – a scriptwriter, theatre artist, filmmaker, teacher, playwright, KUTING’s current president. 

Aldy Aguirre is a freelance illustrator from Q.C. He tries to create drawings and illustrations which he hopes can inspire others to also draw and imagine. He has the 2010 PBBY Alcala illustrator’s grand prize and is a member of AngINK (Ilustrador ng Kabataan), a group of driven illustrators for children.

Reading Choices of Filipino Teens

Here is the PPT I presented to KUTING during one afternoon with probee members. The lecture was part of a series for probee members who seek to develop their writing craft.



Thanks to school librarian friends from Miriam College, Assumption SanLo and DLS Zobel for contributing their top YA reads to my lecture.

A Very Bookish Wedding

Writers Beverly "Bebang" Wico Siy and Ronald "Poy" Verzo tied the knot yesterday at San Agustin Church. Reception followed at the Ramon Magsaysay Hall along Roxas Blvd. Congratulations Beb and Poy!

The Museo Pambata Book Mobile Van was the bride's bridal car.

This wedding was the most unique I have attended yet. It's a book themed wedding and the reception showcased what Beb and Poy are all about: writers in love! The bridal car was a book mobile courtesy of Museo Pambata; our guest tags were bookmarks from old catalog cards; the center piece on every table were books from the Verzo Family Library. The hall was filled with friends and familiar faces from the writing and publishing industry.

As in any wedding, there were songs and a dance by the couple. Again, Beb and Poy did their own take on this as the singers were poets who sang songs of love and life. Their wedding dance was a Dance Revo of Dirty Dancing's I have the Time of My Life theme. Lakbay Lahi performed their signature world music ensemble and three young poets delivered a Balagtasan on staying single or pursuing the vocation of married life.

Thank you, Beb and Poy for inviting me and allowing me to bring my hubby. It's an honor to be witnesses to your union. We wish you all the best and may you have more books and poems to write in the future!

Bookmark and Wedding Invitation Rolled Into One

I got this bookmark from Poy Verzo and Bebang Siy last December 7, 2013 during the 3rd Filipino ReaderCon. If you look closely, you'll see two books standing on its spines. On the spines is an image of a couple in wedding attire. Below the bookmark is the word, Kasalan, Filipino for wedding. The groom is none other than Poy Verzo and the bride is the irrepressible Bebang Siy.

This bookmark serves as invitation to their forthcoming wedding on December 30, 2013. I am honored and privileged to be invited to their wedding.

Poy is a poet while Bebang is a novelist. Both have won in the Filipino Readers' Choice Awards.

Bebang has no idea how much this bookmark means to me as I have started a collection just two months ago. Thanks so much, Bebs!

KUTING Kwentuhan: On Reading Choices of Kids and Teens

Happy Mother's Day!

Another spread from Jomike Tejido from our book, My Daddy, My One and Only. What a fitting illustration for today's Mother's Day celebration.

To my mom who pushed me to become a librarian; to my children who make me a better person every day by being their mother; to my husband who made my being a mother possible; and to my mothers in the profession, thank you for this life filled with grace!

Author of the Month: Eugene Evasco Part 1

Eugene Evasco shares with us his "acceptance" speech for the Salanga Prize awarded to him last 19 July 2010 at the UST Museum during the 28th National Children's Book Day. Written in Filipino, Mr. Evasco emphasizes his motives and agenda in writing for children. This is his second Salanga Prize having won in 1998 for his story, Federico, a story about a boy with Down Syndrome.

Magandang umaga at pagbati sa ating lahat—sa mga ilustrador, tagapaglimbag, kapwa manunulat, guro, tagapagsalaysay.

Lubos akong nagagalak sa pagdiriwang at sa pagkilalang ito sa larangan ng aklat pambata. Nakagagalak dahil karangalan ang makatanggap ng premyo mula sa mga tunay na tagapagtaguyod ng panitikang pambata. Pagkaraan ng 14 na taon, muli na naman akong naparangalan ng Salanga Writer's Prize. Medyo matagal-tagal na paghihintay, pero isang kaiga-igayang paghihintay.

Kung totoong tao si Federico, ang karakter na may Down’s Syndrome sa kauna-unahan kong aklat, siya'y isa nang clerk sa post office, naghahardin, nagpipinta, volunteer sa pangangalaga ng ligaw na pusa't aso, at nagagalak sa pag-aaral ng internet. Sa palagay ko, magiging kaibigan niya si Rizaldy, isang batang nais kilalanin ang katukayong bayani at ang diwa ng pagkabansa.

Ngayong umaga, nais kong pasalamatan ang PBBY, na unang kumilala sa aking panulat. Ang pagkilala na nagsimula pa noong 1996 ang nagsilbing hudyat, pahiwatig, at motibasyon sa kung ano ang aking magiging karera pagkatapos ng kolehiyo. Ngayo'y nagtuturo na ako ng pagsusulat, nakapaglathala na ng mga aklat, kolektor at mag-aaral ng mga aklat pambata sa Pilipinas at ng daigdig.

Maraming salamat sa pagtukoy ng landas na aking tatahakin.

Nais ko ring pasalamatan ang mga tagapaglathala ng mga aklat pambata na bumubuhay sa mga tekstong aagapay sa pag-unlad ng kabataan. Ang pagdami ng mga publisher at ang pagbabagong-bihis ng aklat mula pa noong 1996 ay indikasyon sa makabuluhang pamumuhunan sa kabataan at sa pagbabasa.

2011 Salanga Prize Winners

Congratulations to Eugene Evasco for winning the grand prize of the 2011 Salanga Award. His story, Rizaldy, will be awarded the Salanga Medal on July 2011 during the celebration of the 28th National Children's Book Day.

Honorable mention goes to Patricia Gomez for her story Pepe's Gift.

Interview by Rocket Kapre Part 2

Rocket Capre unravels my mind scape and process in storytelling, writing and blogging. In the part 2 of the interview, Tales From the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories is mentioned. Dianne de Las Casas, my co-author, friend and a great influence in my storytelling and writing career is featured as well.

Author of the Month: Astrid Tobias

On May 9, 2010 a good friend of mine is celebrating her birthday in heaven. Astrid Tobias, writer and life's consummate lover is SLIA's Author of the Month. Liwliwa Malabed, our common friend, shares these wonderful memories of Astrid. She also did this beautiful portrait of her.

Astrid is a Salanga Prize winner and Palanca Awardee. She has left a handful of storybooks, media projects and a host of advocacy in culture and the arts.

Recall the first time you met her.
Yikes. I didn't like Astrid the first time we talked (but I did like her hoodie jacket with ears!) around 9 yrs ago. She asked me a question and I was still answering her first question when she launched in to another question! Then when i tried to answer her second question, she turned to another writer in our office (Agay, I think) and she talked to her instead! Hahaha. Yan, ADHD nga.

How well do you know Astrid as a writer/author? You may discuss her writing style, the creative process she underwent, her craft and choice of themes in writing stories for children.
She can come up with wonderful stories overnight. When I told her that her story (MALANG) was chosen for the Crucible project, she was so surprised because she just wrote it overnight!


What's your favorite Astrid Tobias story? Please explain.
Bayong ng Kuting. Kasi KUTING. Two years ago, Astrid and I were in Pililia, Rizal for a training. We saw three black kittens abandoned by their mother and we decided to take them home. In the process of putting them in the box, Astrid was bitten by one of the kittens. The story Ang Bayong ng Kuting reminds me of THIS story.

What do you think is Astrid's greatest contribution to Philippine Children's Literature? Or what legacy did she leave us - colleagues and friends in the industry?
Astrid was always in a hurry and when she left, we understood why. She made us take a look at our life and go do things we've always wanted. To quote her: Gogogo!

In Children's Literature, aside from KUTING, she also worked for children's media where kids write, produce and direct. She held workshops all over the country, teaching kids how to use the video camera.


How can we, in the industry, keep Astrid's memory alive?
Keep writing, and maybe teach kids what we know. Hold workshops for them.


Any message you wish to say or give her?
Hay. I'm thankful for the last two years I shared closely with her. To my headhunter and go-getter: bitin pa ako (I want more), but I'm happy with all those moments (pig-out moments, massage+obernyt-kina-danggit moments, ukay moments, planning world domination moments). I'm trying to gogogo, instead of tsakana (later on) and next time!

*Art Angel, a TV show for kids, will air Astrid's story Bayong ng Kuting today at 9AM.

Author of the Month: Rhandee Garlitos

I have featured and wrote about a good number of Filipino writers for children in this blog in the past. Turning five this year prompted me to make it a regular feature. So, every month the blog will have an Filipino author to meet and know about.

For this month of April, I've asked Mr. Rhandee Garlitos to answer five questions that tackle his experiences as a writer for children; the books he has published; the recent book that won him the prestigious Salanga Prize last year; and the creative process involved in his writing.

I hope you all enjoy his honest and sincere disclosure.

1. When did you start writing for children?

Before I started writing literature for children, I first became an interested reader of children’s books, and this goes all the way when I was still a young two-year-old kid. I was fascinated not only with the pictures but also with the words, trying to mouth them or when my grandfather read them to me, listening to every word that he says. Though I started writing poetry and essays when I was still in grade school, the topics I was writing about were way too “heavy” — fear, romantic love, death, sadness — something that I continued doing until I finished high school.

It was only when I was in college that I started writing literature for children, when I became a staff member of Malate, the literary magazine of De La Salle University. At the time, Rio Alma, who would become my mentor in poetry and a major influence in my writing, visited DLSU for a lecture. Adarna House, which he founded, was selling his poetry books and also children’s books that I grew up with. I started buying children’s books and wrote my first attempts to write children’s stories, with the aim of getting them published at the literary magazine. And when an announcement for a children’s book-making contest sponsored by a big publishing house was posted on one of the school bulletin boards, I decided to join, mainly out of curiosity and the experience. I asked an art staffer of my magazine to illustrate the story I will enter for the contest. Luckily, we won and months later, the first book I have written, Ang Paglalakbay ni Pepito Piso, got published in 1996, when I was only 18 years old.

2. What was your inspiration in writing May Higante?

My latest book, May Higante sa Aming Bahay, is a personal two-year writing journey towards coming up with a story that glorifies and demystifies the Filipino father. In a society where the Filipino mother is always put in a positive light and the Filipino father relegated at the background, I decided to write a story that could possibly break ground on the way the Filipino child considers an important figure in the family. The father in this story is a sketch of the father-figures in my life: my uncle Lenito Gatchalian who was a tall but gentle surgeon and loving father, and my mentor, Virgilio S. Almario (aka Rio Alma) who, despite his imposing credentials and strong voice, is a father to many Filipino young writers.


3. Describe the "creative process" you went through when writing May Higante. Did you undergo the same experience writing your other books?

It was a story that was never easy to write, mainly because of my detachment to my own father. Our relationship was like that of Shiva and Ganesh: my father is so absorbed with his own thoughts and problems so the rigors of raising a family fell to my mother, who became very over-protective and defensive, to the point of sometimes being insecure and overbearing; I was the stubborn child who protected his mother so we took all the attention and love she could give to her husband. Nevertheless, he was the guiding light that made this story possible. Too bad that he passed away not seeing this book coming to light.

Compared to my other work, it was written several times all over in a span of two years. I was carrying the idea in my head for a long time, struggling to get it done but trying to find a way to make it a fun story to read; that is, I want it to become a profound tribute without being a tear-jerker. I think that watching my own daughter growing up helped me understand the character of the father in my story. I put myself in her shoes and how she imagined me to be — a “giant” of sorts. I was literally the tallest and biggest figure in the family, my height and weight an imposing feature of me that I used as a detail to the character of my story. The rest of the details developed as time went by, but only got finalized in print in time for the deadline of the PBBY Salanga Writers’ Prize.


4. How many of your stories have been published into children's books and which is the most memorable?

I have written and translated several stories, but I was fortunate that almost all of them were turned into children’s books. Each of these books has a particular special place in my heart because I think of the rigors that come with their creation.

My first book, Ang Paglalakbay ni Pepito Piso, was memorable because it was my first children’s book. I was only 18 years old and in college when it came out in 1996. Although the story’s characters were dated, the lessons of the story are timeless — courage to discover what is new, ability to pick one’s self up from tragedy, and being rooted to your family and community.

My popular book, Chenelyn! Chenelyn!, was easiest to write. I finished writing it on the computer for only 30 minutes. The funny circumstance with this story was that it was my mother, more than anyone else, who inspired this story. I was frantic and stressed out while coming up with a story to beat the 5 p.m.-deadline for the 1997 PBBY Salanga Writers Prize, having decided to change my entry at the last minute. I kept on asking her to get things for me (something to drink and eat, a pillow, etc.) and she gladly obliged to my requests. Then I thought, why not write about a story about a maid who could do all these things and make it appear so fantastic to her ward? It was followed by ceaseless typing and after that, rushed to the PBBY office where I made it just in the nick of time, the last entry accepted for that day. The rest, as they say, is history.

I wrote Mga Lihim sa Gabi ni Ruming in verse form because of the influence of poetry in my creative writing experience. Most of my stories were written not in paragraph form, but in sentences broken into lines that simulate the appearance of a poem. This book was written out of a fascination with an image. At that time, I was still at the office at 9 p.m. when I saw the silhouette of a cat on one of the windows. I thought, what if I write about the night habits of cats? The name of the character was inspired by a cousin who frequently goes out at night, usually to drink with buddies or meet his girlfriend.

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

I see myself still writing books for children, enjoying the process along with fellow children’s book writers and friends, and inspiring and teaching those who would like to pursue the craft through talks, writing workshops and school visits.

Paglaki Ko Gusto Ko Maging Manunulat o Illustrador ng Kabataan

Great news from Museo Pambata! It's an indication that Philippine Children's Literature is an established and flourishing industry. Museo Pambata will launch a new interactive room/center where kids can explore and discover their writing and illustrating talents through the activities about premier Filipino writers and illustrators for kids.

Museo Pambata and some friends (PBBY included) worked together to choose and create a short list of 6 children storybook writers and 6 illustrators to feature and include in the exhibits for the theme room.

The chosen writers are:

1. Rene O. Villanueva

2. Augie Rivera

3. Luis Gatmaitan

4. Rhandee Garlitos

5. Carla Pacis

6. Russell Molina

The chosen illustrators are the following:

1. Albert Gamos

2. Ruben de Jesus

3. Jo Anne Bereber

4. Jose Aruego

5. Robert Alejandro

6. Beth Parrocha

The room will be housing exhibits that present:

1. The type of intelligences writers and illustrators have (Theory of Multiple intelligences – Howard Gardner and Right Brain-Left Brain Theory)

2. Writers and illustrators discussing their sources of inspiration and ideas

3. The tools of trade/gadgets used and simulated work place/area

4. Samples of first manuscripts, journals, sketch pads, drawing studies, printing templates

5. Original/digitized artworks (from published works)

6. Distinction/recognition/awards

*For the writer’s corner, the interactive activities include children putting together words that complete the story text in a particular drawing.

**Other fun exhibit modules include a clothes rack where children can dress-up as characters in the storybooks as well wear headdresses of famous characters in the book.

*** There would also be a special display area for the 25 best loved characters in Philippine Children’s literature.

In the room, there would also be a tree serving as the reading area where various storybooks for children are displayed for the children to explore, read and enjoy. Making this new room possible are Adarna, Cacho, OMF, Anvil, Lampara Books and Philippine Board on Books for Young People.

PBBY's Fave Books for the Filipino Child Reader (3 of 3)

MY TOP 3 CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITERS


Rene Villanueva
Contribution to Philippine Children's Literature: He was able to write literature for kids in four formats – book, poetry, play,(theatre), TV.

Kept a journal for possible stories; Used a Pilot pen for writing because it has an easy slide on paper; Claimed that writing is the only thing he was good at, so he wrote and wrote and wrote and wrote; Was nominated for the Hans Christian Award of the IBBY.

Augie Rivera
Contribution to Philippine Children's Literature: Alamat ng Ampalaya – CLASSIC!

Augie is a disciplined writer. He works to write and his writing works!
He values research as a relevant part of the writing process. His approach towards crafting a story is always well thought of. He is a thinking writer. Alamat ng Ampalaya was a product of the 1995 UP Writer's Workshop where it earned praises and very good feedback from the panelists.

Dr. Luis Gatmaitan
Contribution to Philippine Children's Literature: Health and hygiene books for kids – Tito Dok Series. The series is a very accessible reading material for children on health and hygiene issues; Wan Dey Isang Araw – his radio program that reaches far flung areas of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The show features Filipino stories written by Filipino writers for children.

Luis may be known for his Tito Dok series, but he is an excellent essayist as well. He read Funny Komiks as a child and was greatly influenced by it. Has an uncanny talent in listening to kids and their conversations and uses them as spring board for his stories. He uses the “what if” technique in writing.

MY TOP 3 CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR

Albert Gamos
Mentored and inspired the many children's book illustrators we admire today.
No personal info, but I love his classic style of illustration. There's something very old and antiquated about his drawings, yet it looks so new and fresh!


Totet de Jesus
I like the texturing of his drawings. It's like something I can touch and uncover layer over layer.

Jomike Tejido
He knows how to have fun. He is unafraid to break conventions and visually “teases” the reader through his illustrations. His works offer new perspectives and insights.