Books Are Boredom Busters

 

National Book Week 2018: Stories! Stories! Stories!

Darrel Marco explaining the judging mechanics

National Book Week begins on Saturday, November 24, 2018 and will end on Friday, November 30, 2018. NBW Chairperson Darrel Marco shares with us what makes this NBW celebration exciting, why libraries are all the more important in today's globally conflicted world, and compares NBW 2018 to Rhandee Garlitos'  Chenelyn! Chenelyn! (Adarna House)

 1. What makes NBW 2018 exciting?

Stories! Stories! And more stories!!! 

National Book Week 2018 this year is themed "Connected Actions, Collective Vision: Libraries transforming society".

I believe that it is thru the telling of stories that we can transform our society -- stories of struggles and hardships, stories of failures and downfalls, stories of hope and aspirations, stories of collaboration and cooperation, and stories of success and happy endings.

We are opening the 2018 National Book Week with a Reader's Theatre Contest and a Storytelling Festival on November 24, 2018 at the Gateway Gallery in Cubao, Quezon City. This is one successful story of collaboration between the PLAI and an NGO gearing towards the development and promotion of literacy in our society thru books and stories.

Another notable collaboration is among different regional librarian's councils working hand-in-hand with the Department of Education divisions to promote the National Book Week.

This year, we also introduced the nationwide Graphic Novel Making contest. Entries started pouring in from all over the Philippines since August, and this is aside from the usual Poster Making and Essay writing contests. Winners of these contests will be announced on the opening day, as well.

I think what makes this event exciting is the fact that this is not purely librarians' work but a collaborative effort of a community wanting to promote literacy. Some events and celebrations may have the flash and bangs but makes the NBW2018 special are those minute details that make the event more endearing to the public.

Entries for the Poster Making Contest

2. In light of the current political climate in the country and in the world, how do librarians and libraries factor in book development in the country?

The dawn of social media was a double-edged sword, with one side helping us to move forward thru easier and real-time communication, and with the other one shaking up our core value i.e. the truth. We are bombarded daily with deliberate disinformation in the forms of fake news, alternative facts and historical revisionism, and oftentimes people retaliate thru namecalling or smart-shaming. I say, let us go back to the facts -- i.e. the written and verified ones.

As librarians, we are supposed to be the gatekeepers of these facts. The library that is open to everyone -- the innocent, the accused, the victim, the abused and even to some extent, the criminals -- should be a bastion of social justice. We still have a long way to go in developing a learned nation that would go to books to seek for facts instead of social media but I am positive of the steps being taken to have a more media and information literate society. Additionally, there is also a sliver of hope that Philippine children's books today are tackling more radical and sensitive topics that were used to be considered as taboo.

The judges troop together for a photo op.

3. If you are to compare the NBW to a book, what is it and why?

In an ideal world, it would be The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Who doesn't love a beautiful butterfly as an ending, right?

But looking back, I would rather say, it's Chenelyn, Chenelyn by Rhandee Garlitos. 

Books are there whenever we need a friend or a helping hand, whenever we want to while away our time at the beach or at a coffee shop -- but we just realize their true importance once they are gone. We take for granted those books that are offered in front of us, given that we have social media, Netflix and technology.

I hope that books and technology would co-exist and would not go against each other. I mean if you could go watch one episode of RuPaul's Drag Race, then try to read one chapter of a book too, or even one short story, and you'll see that your life will change.

Media and Information Literacy in the Philippines & #milclicks

Since December of 2016, I have been engaged in discussions to contribute a little bit of what I know and of what I practice in the school library on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) with the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) through Mr. Joseph Marmol Yap, being the lead librarian in the steering committee. AIJC has done a great job of drafting a position paper on Media and Information Literacy.

Yesterday, the draft was presented to a group of professionals representing agencies and institutions in the private and government sectors that have a stake on the development and monitoring of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) directions and programs. The process has been very consultative and the draft, as far as I can see and say, is well crafted. Hopefully, this position paper gets the traction necessary for lead agencies and supporting institutions to operationalize MIL in the country.

It is still too early for me to reveal the documents we read and perused, but, rest assured that we will share these developments in our sector and allied professionals. What I can share with you are my "takeaways" from the round table discussion.

Takeaway #1 - I am glad to see an initiative to develop policies and frameworks of MIL with recommended strategies of implementation on a national level. In 2002, when MIL was still IL, librarians have started learning what it is all about. It was an isolated venture. What I learned of IL over the years is that, it is effective when it is anchored in a concept, a subject area and/or a context that is real and authentic to the experience of learners.

Takeaway #2 - The consultation meetings and round table discussions were composed of representatives from key institutions and agencies in the government and private sectors. The implementation of MIL is a concerted effort and each agency and institution has a role to play. This effort is a long time coming but now is the better time to come together to redeem and salvage this country.

Takeaway #3 - When IL was still a new concept I was trying to wrap my head around it, I asked myself two questions: How can IL be implemented in the school library? What are the roles of libraries and librarians in the growth and development of IL? I see IL then as a way of thinking. It is made up of skills yes, and very cognitive at that. But such skills are best applied in daily life and in endeavors that prompt real and authentic learning.

Takeaway #4 - It's funny because, I still ask myself the same questions now that UNESCO merged media literacy with information literacy. It only goes to show that learning never ends.

Takeaway #5 - There is such a thing as #milclicks. This is a social media campaign of UNESCO for MIL awareness and development. Go check this out for yourself, because I sure will!

PLUS: The National Archives welcomes visitors!

These are but my initial thoughts, afterthoughts and reflections. There will be more to write about MIL in future posts. For now, I leave you with thie very popular African proverb. It takes a village to raise a child. The library is part of that village!

Looking Back at IBGD Activities

Because it is International Book Giving Day (IBGD) on February 14, I look back at the books I gave away and who got them.

In 2013, I gave away Filipiniana and some picture books . The picture books were given to grade one students of Loma Elementary School. At the time, I was part of the team of volunteers who came every afternoon for tutorial sessions. The kids were suprised to be given books! To this day, many Filipino children still have limited access to books and libraries. This is the reason why I believe in the goals and activities of International Book Giving Day. One reader can share the gift of reading and literacy to others. Sometimes, it is the little acts of kindness that makes a difference in the life of another. As for the Filipiniana books I gave away, they ended up in the school's faculty lounge and in the hands of co-teachers.

In 2014, I gave away my books! I gave a copy of Tales From the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories to my co-teacher, Mr. Joseph De Santo, who has a daughter growing up in an inter-racial family. My colleagues' son, Sam, got a copy of My Daddy, My One and Only!

Sadly, in 2015, all I was able to do was post the e-poster of IBGD. I think I was busy with something else that year. A trip to Japan! So, this year, I am going to participate again. What books will I give away? Who will get them?

For more information, visit the IBGD website. There you can download free posters, bookmarks and book plates that are all artistically designed. These book stuff are lovely. And it is free! IBGD stays true to its simple goal of book giving. If you are going to participate in the book giving, please use #bookgivingday when you post photos and news about it in your social media accounts.

Abstract: The School Librarian As Literacy Leader

I am scheduled to speak at the 6th Rizal Library International Conference on Friday, October 23, 2014. I will be sharing the paper I wrote about school librarians and literacy.

This is the new abstract of the paper.

The School Librarian as Literacy Leader

Abstract

The 21st Century presents plenty of opportunities for the school librarian to assume leadership roles. One of these roles is that of a literacy leader. As a literacy leader, the school librarian can influence members of the learning community, particularly its young readers, develop a lifelong love of books and reading. By planning and implementing a variety of literacy programs appropriate for them, the school librarian contributes to the literacy skills development of young learners. The school librarian further supports the learning goals and objectives of the school in this manner.

This paper fleshes out the scope of literacy leadership functions that a school librarian is capable of doing. The school librarian as a literacy leader creates and communicates a vision of literacy to teachers, the school leadership and parents, and follows through with the techniques and strategies for it to become a reality. School library standards, academic papers and research based articles are used to amplify this leadership role thus, making the school librarian a valuable member of the learning community.

Five school librarians are interviewed to provide examples and models of literacy programs implemented in their respective libraries. These school librarians are involved in planning and implementing literacy programs in their school libraries. Networking and collaborating with students, teachers, staff, school leaders and parents make a big difference in fulfilling literacy leadership roles. Assessment and evaluation, tracking of students’ literacy growth, and budgeting are identified as challenges and areas for improvement. In conclusion, a school librarian is a literacy leader when he or she lives out a genuine love for reading and believes that lifelong learning is not a set of skills to be mastered but a philosophy to be actualized.

WRAD 2014: Raising Our Voices Blogging Challenge Week 1

WRAD Raising Our Voices Blogging Challenge: Week 1: February 10 - 16

What is your earliest or fondest memory in which someone read aloud to you?
Your first mission is to answer this question. We are using this prompt to bring awareness to the impact reading aloud and the act of being read to has on readers of all ages. Consider it an opportunity to connect with others through the shared experience of hearing stories read aloud. 

More prompts: How you plan to celebrate WRAD on March 5? Who will you celebrate with? Where will you be? If you have celebrated WRAD in the past, what activities brought you and those you celebrated with the most joy? 

Growing up in the mid-70s, reading aloud was my alternative to watching TV because my parents controlled my viewing hours. There was Sesame Street and Electric Company to see in the morning while old Filipino movies and Japanese anime were my TV fodder in the late afternoon. This media experience did not drive me away from books. My mother read aloud to me. I loved the way the words slide out of her mouth and into my ears as she read from a book. The pictures in the books did not move when my mom read aloud to me, but the pictures I conjure in my head as she read aloud came alive. Those images were mine.

The words were strung together by the author. The pictures were illustrated by an artists. And yet, I have my own version of words and pictures put together. That is the power of the spoken word. Reading aloud enabled me to dream; to imagine; and to create. I did not know it then, but this is probably the reason why I became a school librarian. That love affair with books sealed my fate. Thanks a lot, Mom!

In the past WRAD celebrations, I had videos of book talks posted in the blog. I once did a read aloud of Lizard's Song. It is a joy to do this: talk about books and read aloud even if only it is done in this blog. This year, I'll celebrate WRAD 2014 by completing this blogging challenge.

I've done the first post for Week 1. On to the next!

World Read Aloud Day: Raising Our Voices Blogging Challenge

I am joining in this blog challenge initiated by Matthew Winner for World Read ALoud Day 2014 (WRAD 2014). The theme for WRAD 2014 is Raising Our Voices. As librarian and literacy advocate, I will use this blog as platform to raise the voice for books, reading and literacy.

I have lifted this post on WRAD 2014 Raising Our Voices Blogging Challenge from Matthew Winner, The Busy Librarian.

The World Read Aloud Day "Raising Our Voices" Blogging Challenge begins February 10 and runs through March 9. If you choose to take the challenge, each week you will be asked to write a post in response to a prompt or question (outlined below), for a total of 4 posts counting down to World Read Aloud Day. 

Each of the prompts addresses the WRAD theme "Raising Our Voices." Raising Our Voices encapsulates that simple yet effective way we show the world's children we support their future: that they have the right to read, to write, and to share their words to change the world. 

WRAD Raising Our Voices Blogging Challenge: Weekly Outline 

Week 1: February 10 - 16
What is your earliest or fondest memory in which someone read aloud to you?
Your first mission is to answer this question. We are using this prompt to bring awareness to the impact reading aloud and the act of being read to has on readers of all ages. Consider it an opportunity to connect with others through the shared experience of hearing stories read aloud. 

After answering the prompt, share a short description of how you plan to celebrate WRAD on March 5. Who will you celebrate with? Where will you be? If you have celebrated WRAD in the past, what activities brought you and those you celebrated with the most joy? If you haven't finalized plans, of if this will be your first WRAD celebration, use this space to share your brainstorming process, and direct your readers to litworld.org/worldreadaloudday for activities and recommendations.

Week 2: February 17 - 23
Adult & Child
Answering the following questions with a child. The child can be a student or your own. Age does not matter. Make sure to exchange and enjoy answers with one another before sharing them with us.
1. I think everyone in the world should read…
Me:
Child:
(repeat this format for the remaining questions)
2. If I could listen to anyone in the world read aloud to me it would be…
3. When I read aloud, my favorite character to impersonate is…
4. The genre or author that takes up the most room on my bookshelf (or e-reader) is…
5. My favorite part about reading aloud or being read to is... 

Week 3: February 24 - March 2
A Snapshot of My Reading Life
Post a photo that gives readers a glimpse into your reading life. This could be your favorite place to read, your bookshelf, your library, your classroom, a book from childhood that you still re-read today, your favorite person to read with. Anything that brings joy to your reading life will work!
Below the photo share a short narrative explaining why this picture is meaningful to you. 

Week 4: March 3 - 9
Raising Our Voices
It's time to read aloud! Select a favorite text, or a personal story that you love to share out loud, and make a video. If you don't have a webcam, are having technical difficulties, or prefer not to be on camera, you can also translate this challenge into a written post. Share what you will be reading on World Read Aloud Day, and why you chose this particular piece to read aloud.

If you choose to take up the WRAD Raising Our Voices blogging challenge, make sure to tweet your weekly posts to @litworldsays and use the hashtag #WRAD14 so that we can retweet your wonderful read aloud stories! Happy blogging!

Picture Book Month 2013 Round Up of Champions: Nov. 4 - 7, 2013

Fantastic ideas and thoughts on picture books!

Picture books are important because pictures are what initially attract a child to a book and, from there, to the whole process of reading.
 
Larry Dane Brimmer, Nov. 4, 2013


I am baffled that there exists the debate of “either/or” when it comes to picture books as actual books versus ebooks. It seems to me that we are talking about two very different things, and hopefully, both have their place in the world. I would love to see the ebook evolve into something that works with and/or complements the book, rather than compete with and try to be a facimile or skeuomorph of the physical book. Just as there are many ways in which the ebook can not duplicate the wonders of the physical book (i.e. trim size, page turn, tactile experience, etc.), similarly, there are ways in which the physical book can not duplicate the potential wonders of an electronic supplement to the story (i.e. animation, sound effects, interactivity,etc.)

Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Nov. 5, 2013

Picture books give the reader a chance to be a part of the story, controlling the pace by deciding when to turn the page, when to linger over a special word or sentence, when to leap ahead or jump back in the story, and when a book is really good, to turn back to page one and start reading all over again. In real life, we can’t do these things.

Daniel Kirk, Nov. 6, 2013

And because they’re picture books, the words tell only half the story. The rest is revealed by the art, which helps kids notice details in the world around them, plants the seeds for art appreciation, and teaches them to look beyond words for emotional clues with respect to communication.

Emma Walton Hamilton, Nov. 7, 2013

Picture Book Month is an international literacy initiative that celebrates the print picture book during the month of November.

Filipino Friday: Reading Habits and Book Formats

Reading Habits and Book Formats
Where and how do you read? Can you read anywhere and everywhere, or do you need a certain place/mood/state of mind to get reading? Do you read more in the morning or at night or any minute that you can? Where and how do you usually read? Are you exclusively for print, or do you go for ebooks more than print? Have you ever tried audiobooks?

 It's Filipino Friday once again! This time, joiners are asked to look at their reading habits. Here's my take.

Reading happens all the time and for different reasons. We read signs to find our way. We read faces of people and their actions to understand unspoken social cues and underlying messages they could not speak of. We read because we're bored. We read to learn. We read to unlearn. We read because we want to impress. We read because we wish to be free.

Reading is part of the four communication art skills. The three being, listening, speaking and writing. All four integrate and are integral to comprehension, knowledge creation and survival. What makes reading a book extra special for me is that, I develop a personal relationship with the author and the creators of the book when I engage in it. Books I've read and loved are friends. Thank you to the team who dreamed of creating and producing such good friends.

So, I really get disappointed for badly created books. Sayang. What would have been a wonderful communion of ideas and experiences would never be. But then again, I remind myself, as a librarian, one tenet of readers' services is "Every book a reader. Every reader a book." And I have to respect and observe that law.

As far as my own reading choices go, I like reading both print and digital formats. I am still loyal to the printed book though, especially because I'm a school librarian and my advocacy is very much immersed in literacy development among young people. While digital natives of this generation can seamlessly operate on technological gadgets to read and learn, they need to develop the basic and fundamental literacy skills (from word recognition and vocabulary, comprehension and context building, study skills to work skills) Reading printed books can do that. These literacy skills are essential in learning more complicated skills and the new literacy - media literacy, digital literacy, information literacy, cultural literacy, family literacy, etc.

What's amazing is, the reading and learning of fundamental literacy skills and new literacy can happen simultaneously. It is thus important that all types of reading formats, genre and kinds are made available for the ardent reader.

Day 2 of the TK Park Conference on Reading

The Miracle Libraries of South Korea

 Day 2 of the TK Park Conference on Reading commenced last July 13, 2012, Friday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention. The day's program was as insightful and inspirational as the Day 1 with three speakers and a panel that ended the successful conference.

The morning session had Dr. Amorn Nakontharp and Dr. Banjalug Namfa speak of 21st century learning. Dr. Amorn focused his talk on teachers and the demands of sound pedagogy that is applicable for learning and living in the 21st century. He emphasized the new skills that students need to develop to succeed in teh 21st century, but also, staying true in practice of the basic reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. His message to parents, teachers and school librarians: Play games with your children; tell stories to them; engage them in conversation; listen and see how your children think and process information.

With Asarin and Tuktak of TK Park who both took care of me

 

Indeed, the digital age poses so many demands for the teacher. In parting, Dr. Amorn encouraged teachers to teach students how to love learning. In the same vein, Dr. Banjalug Namfa posed questions that made every one reflect on 21st century learning: How do we read? How do we write? How do we collaborate? Where do we get information? How do we learn? How do we communicate? Her session incorporated principles and values of the ASEAN as well. This for me was a session of relearning.

I have always known the ASEAN as an organization of Southeast Asian nations that discuss political, economic and social development in the region. To hear Dr. Banjalug talk about the five principles of the ASEAN made me realize that the organization is deeply concerned with the development of its people towards the future of the region. The five principles are:

1. Knowing ASEAN.

2. Valuing Identity & Diversity.

3. Connecting local and global.

4. Promoting Equality and Justice.

5. Working together for a sustainable future.

Speakers and TK Park staff all together in this photo at the end of the conference

That is why, in the panel, one topic tackled the empowerment of children for the ASEAN future. The five of us speakers pointed out the relevance of family and community in raising children grow in their potentials. Many best practices in reading and literacy development had been presented and these are examples of projects that support families in rearing children who are aware of their culture, history, nationality and tolerant of other peoples. Mr. Chan Soo Ahn, director of Citizen Action for Reading Culture in Korea is involved library development to promote peace and understanding. A non-government organization, Citizen Action for Reading Culture has established ten libraries with one new library in the process of establishment.

With a new friend, Zubaidah Mohsen of Singapore, National Library

The TK Park Conference on Reading  2012, had been a success as it achieved its objectives. But, to truly empower children for the ASEAN future, continuous re-evaluation of paradigms and practices in education, knowledge creation, library systems and structures need to take place in the Southeast Asian countries. I am starting with my own family, my children, in making them realize that unique as they are, they are not alone in the world. There are so many things to learn from others that if they seclude themselves in their own circle, they will become stagnant and their knowledge, stale. As I said in the panel as my closing remark, it is important that we all become lifelong learners. Lifelong learning is not merely a set of skills but a philosophy.

Day 1 of the TK Park Conference on Reading

 Day 1 of the TK Park Conference started with a keynote speech and welcome address of Dr. Tatsanai Wongpisetkul and Mr. Songsak Premsuk, Chair of the Office of Knowledge Management and Development in Thailand (OKMD). The OKMD is the governing department of TK Park. As explained by Dr. Wongpisetkul, TK Park is not a library, but a prototype knowledge management center for regional TK Parks in the regions of Thailand. As of to date, there are six TK Parks in the country and monitoring is only one aspect of TK Park's job. The staff of TK Park undergo constant research and development to improve the creation of knowledge and services it provides the public. For five years, it has been an uphill climb for them.

The medium of instruction in the conference are Thai and English. We were all given translators we attached on our ears to listen to the English translations for Thai speeches. This was the same for Thais who needed to hear our English speeches in their mother tongue. All in all, there were five speakers: myself, Zu Mohsen (Singapore), Shu Binti Haji (Malaysia), Sothik Hok (Cambodia) and Chan-soo Ahn (Korea). Except for Mr. Ahn, we four have delivered our paper and project presentations today.

I was the first to speak on the Role of School Libraries and Librarians in the Digital Age. I had the audience listen up the moment I showed a photo of my first library card and the story behind it. It has never failed me, that story. I then moved on to the flow of my presentation and in one hour, I was done. Thai Radio requested for an interview to which I graciously obliged.


The presentations that followed were library and reading projects in Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia.

In Singapore, the National Library has a project called Born to Read, Read to Bond. This is a project that provides parents with Reading Kits and equip them with skills in reading to their children through talks and workshops. Malaysia has a similar project known as Every Baby a Book. What makes this different is the production of one specific cloth book and parents' guide in using the book for their baby. Since then, many parents in Penang, Malaysia availed of library cards. Indeed the love of reading begins at home and parents are the first to model the reading habit. A nation of readers begin in the family, the smallest unit of society. I am amazed and impressed at the daring and passionate ways in which the public librarians in Malaysia and Singapore spearhead the reading culture in the family through a library program.

In Cambodia, a non-government organization called SIPAR (accronym in Cambodian) sets up libraries in schools and in prisons. Sothik Hok presented the history and context of this project as well as ties with Room to Read, another NGO devoted to reading development in children. School library development is a strategy to help Cambodians reestablish their sense of self and well-being after the war. The motto in which SIPAR leaves by is this: "When people don't reach for books, we must make the books reach people". Their project will be awarded a grant by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Sothik Hok is bound for London in August to receive the award during the IBBY Conference there.

Tomorrow will be Day 2 of the conference where three more papers are up for presentations. In the afternoon, I will join a panel to discuss these questions: What would be the characteristics of children for ASEAN future? How can we build them? Do they think children in ASEAN countries today are smarter (because they grow up in the digital age)? Do you have any concern that the reading is on the decline among children because of the Internet - Wikipedia, Google etc.?

Drop by the blog and read up on updates from the TK Park Conference on Reading 2012.

The Gift of Literacy is a Gift of Love

I have written about Sambat Trust in a previous post. It now has a spankingly new website by David Millward.

The charity is on it's way to building its next school library. People around the globe are making a donation. Giving is a gift of love. Give love to literacy development. Check Sambat Trust's website for donation procedures.

World Read Aloud Day: March 9

LITERACY is not a LUXURY.

LitWorld has proclaimed that March 9 is World Read Aloud Day. The websites says -- Celebrate the Power of Words and Stories and Take Action for Global Literacy. 


Start cooking up activities to drum the event! I'll be posting videos of my storytelling read aloud sessions and tips to doing great read aloud and book talk sessions that whole week of March 9 to 15. What's your contribution?

LOL means Lit Out Loud!

More info at the National Book Development Board website.

Librarian On TV Part 1

Here's a video of the TV guesting I did last April. The interview was soooooooo impromptu. I was not even given a list of questions before going live. But I enjoyed it big time!



The TV guesting is courtesy of the National Book Development Board's campaign for reading and literacy development.

RAP's Ruby Year Literacy Awards

More! More! More awards for reading and literacy!

DO YOU KNOW OF ANY PERSON/ INSTITUTION/PROGRAM OR PROJECT WORTHY OF AN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR PROMOTING LITERACY AND LOVE FOR READING? HERE IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNIZE SUCH EFFORT!

Awards will be given by the Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP) in connection with its RUBY JUBILEE Celebration in November 2010

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA?

When nominee is a PERSON, he/she should be a Filipino citizen who;
Ø Has unquestionable integrity;
Ø May be still in active service, retired or diseased;
Ø Must have created an impact on a Filipino community in terms of at least five of the following aspects of achievement:

a. research yielded;
b. number/quality of achievers trained;
c. number of learners served
d. one or more significant ideas initiated;
e. actively involved in unpublicized literacy project
f. has published professional articles on literacy and reading education;
g. has wide extension work in reading/literacy education;
h. has helped raise the qualitative standards of achievement/service.

When nominee is an INSTITUTION, it:
Ø May be nationally or internationally based but serving the Philippines/Filipinos;
Ø Must have been in active operation within the last five years;
Ø Must have had professional impact on a Filipino community based on five of the Aspects a to h under the criteria for individual nominees.

When nominee is a PROGRAM or PROJECT , it:
Ø May not be Filipino –initiated but has record serving the Philippines/Filipinos;
Ø Must have been in active operation within the last five years;
Ø Must have had professional impact on a Filipino community in terms of five of Aspects a to h for individual nominees.

WHO MAY NOMINATE FOR ANY OF THE CATEGORIES?

Ø Nominations may be submitted by:
- Any RAP member
- Any head of public/private school or office ( director, superintendent,
president , rector, dean, principal, )
-Any NGO head (president, director, coordinator)

Ø Nomination can be done in writing following this format:

NOMINATION FORM
Achievement Award: for Individual / Institution /Program/Project Category
(Underline Intended Category)

Full Name of Nominee:___________________________________
(Print in Caps)
Postal Address: ________________________________________
________________________________________
Contact Nos.: Landline: __________E-mail__________________
Fax: ______________Mobile No. ______________

For Individual Nominee, include:
Date and Place of Birth ________________________
Highest Educational Attainment:_________________
When and Where Taken _______________________
Current Occupation: ________________________
Name and Address of Employer__________________


Data about Nominator:

Name ___________________________________________
Postal Address:____________________________________
Contact Nos. Landline:_________E-mail:________________
FAX ____________ Mobile No.:____________
Date of nomination__________________________________

Signature _________________________________________

TAKE NOTE: For any type of Nomination, please attach a typed:
1. One-page description of the nature of literacy work done for the last five years of more;
2. One half –page justificaton for the nomination; and
3. A passport-size photo of the nominee (for individual nominee) / a photo of the nominated institution/program or project (Optional).

Ø Submit all nominations to:any RAP Board Member or send them by mail to

Office of the Dean
UP College of Eduication
Diliman, Quezon City

The Spirit of PaperTigers

PaperTigers is in the process of selecting books for children that will be donated to places around the world where the need is great. Here's an introduction on the project they launched last February 1, 2010.

The Spirit of PaperTigers project is best understood within the overall goals of PaperTigers: that is, to encourage literacy, helping to make children hungry readers and thus helping them form a lifelong habit. It is also our goal to do that within the context of promoting “multicultural” or “cross-cultural” books: this means we focus on books that promote awareness of, knowledge about, and positive acceptance of “the other”, books that encourage empathy and understanding.

I'm hoping that The Spirit of PaperTigers reach the Philippines. To stretch my hopes further, it would be a great opportunity if PBBY can network with PaperTigers on this endeavor. Click the highlighted words for more information on the project.