The Launching of Janopol Elementary School Library

Last June 26, 2014 was the launching of the school library at Janopol Elementary School, Brgy. Janopol Occidental, Tanauan, Batangas. It is the 11th school library that Sambat Trust UK has set up in Tanauan. The launching was a star-studded affair because officials from the local government unit, the DepEd and the Sanguniang Barangay were there. Annie Pacana-Lumbao, guest author, gave a talk and a read aloud to students and a round table discussion with Janopol Elementary school teachers.

The principal of Janopol Elementary School, Madame Emma Punzalan, was thankful for the donations and support given by the local DepEd and the Sanguniang Barangay. There were no students present during the launch because they had classes. But, when the boxes of books were turned over to Principal Punzalan, Dr. Cecil Carandang Assistant Superintendent of Tanauan, DepEd, Brgy. Captain Albert Dalisay and Atty. Ferdinand Perez of the Mayor's Office were like little children who received gifts on Christmas day. It took the host of the program a few minutes to go back to the launching ceremony to continue. Each of the adults who opened the boxes of books took one book to browse and read.

When they had their chance to deliver a message, they all made mention of the beautiful books they laid their hands on. Atty Perez was impressed with the story of Ang Munting Patak Ulan. He said that such books are truly educational and entertaining. "Not only does it tell the story about a little raindrop's adventure, it also teaches young readers the subject of the water cycle." Brgy. Capt. Dalisay wanted to bring home a chapter book. How he wished that everyone in the barangay can visit the new school library in Janopol Elementary School! Now that is something to think about.

When Dr. Carandang delivered her message to teachers, PTA Officers and LGU Officials present that day, she was very proud to share the news that Tanauan schools topped the NAT in the district. She credits the school libraries set up by Sambat Trust as contributing factors to this achievement. "A library in the school provides information, additional knowledge and increased self confidence to students. The presence of books and libraries mean that we support student learning." She encouraged the teachers of Janopol Elementary School to use the library and make it a functional learning center.

After the ribbon cutting and morning snacks, Annie Pacana-Lumbao gave a read aloud of her first published book, And That Won't Wake Me Up! which her daughter, Anelka, co-wrote. The students were engaged and delighted at the interactive techniques of Ms. Pacana-Lumbao. Indeed, everyone can relate to the difficulty of waking up in the morning to go to school.

When Ms. Pacana-Lumbao finished her read aloud, she shared her experience of writing the book with her daughter and getting it published by Adarna House. The students would have wanted to stay on, but their teachers were waiting for their turn. During Ms. Pacana-Lumbao's round table discussion with them on reading, books and literacy development, the creation of student made books and teacher made resources came up. In light of the K-12 Curriculum, teachers are encouraged to be content creators too. The Tanaun DepEd leaders were quick to reply on the initiatives they have had in place for the development of reading materials especially those that prmote mother tongue base instruction. The teachers expressed that they are looking forward for more training sessions on teaching literacy.

Well, the work is cut out for Sambat Trust UK!

Update on a New Book Project: Start Right Reading Series

It is a series for early readers under
Lampara Books' line Easy to Learn Books.
Illustrations are done by Bernadette Solina-Wolf.
Coming soon! We're looking at a September 2014 release.

A Design of a Mobile Library

Sometime in March, I was consulted by a grade nine student on a project in Tech. The class needed to plan and design projects that will help build and empower communities. One student dared to design a mobile library. I showed the student some existing mobile library projects by local and international libraries, foundations and individuals. After a month and a half, he came back showing me the prototype.

A container van was used to house a mini-library that has printed reading materials as well as ebooks and digital resources. Included in the design was an Internet connection.

See the photo in the right. There are chairs and tables; shelves and cabinets; and iPad and Macbook stations. The cost of the mobile library is two million pesos.

WOW.

NCBD Librarian's Workshop: Creating a Library Program Focused on Life Skills Development

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) invites librarians toThe School Library as Avenue for the Development of Life Skills, an echo and workshop session of the 42nd International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Conference in Indonesia.

Facilitated by Zarah Gagatiga, Librarian (Beacon Academy) and PBBY Board Member, this workshop session will help librarians integrate life skills and well-being indicators in library management. Ms. Gagatiga will also discuss concepts in planning, implementing and evaluating programs and services for children and teenagers. 21st century trends in school library management and administration will also be presented as well as information of professional learning networks, particularly the International Association of School Libraries.

The workshop is a part of the National Children’s Book Day celebrations, and will be held on July 15 (Tuesday), 9:00AM to 12:00 NN at Museo Pambata, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Slots are limited to fifty (50) participants, and the workshop fee is five hundred pesos (Php 500.00). For inquiries and reservations, e-mail pbby[at]adarna.com.ph. Pre-registration is required.

*Reposting with permission from the Adarna House blog.

School Librarians as Literacy Leaders: Abstract

This is the abstract of my paper that got accepted in the 6th Rizal Library International Conference.

23 Mobile Things PH SG: Things 17, 18, 19 - Research & Productivity Tools & File Sharing

I have been terribly busy the past weeks. School ended last May and I'm officially on summer vacation.

But.

So, I am catching up on 23 Mobile Things PH SG.

Things 17, 18 and 19 are all familiar tech tools. I have been using Evernote since 2011 as a way to synchronize files on the school library project I am involved in for Sambat Trust UK, a charity that set ups school libraries. Evernote keeps me on track on reports and updates, feedback and news from the charity's director and field coordinator. Since there's a mobile app, I get news from them real time. It's been pretty efficient.

I've downloaded Workflowy in my iPhone. It's very similar to the productivity tools that came with my iPhone apps when I bought it. But it's good to give it a try. Hootsuite is another productivity tool that I use to campaign for the school library projects of Sambat Trust UK. It saves me a lot of time in posting to all my social media accounts. Sadly, much as I want to try Buffer, I need an iOS7 upgrade in my iPhone. I am not yet ready to upgrade for economic reasons.

When Dianne De Las Casas and I were working on Tales From the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories (my first book published in the US), we synced work through Dropbox. It was amazing. Now, Dropbox comes with an app. I tried downloading it but, like Buffer, it needs to run in iOS7.

I'm not jumping in the bandwagon.

Here's what I'll do: this summer, I'll include a review of useful apps  that can be used by teachers and students. I'll have the list published in the school's newsletter and posted in the school library's web portal. Indeed, the role of librarians have shifted from keepers of information who provide access to users to facilitators of technology to assist users in the responsible and efficient use of tools for thinking.

Promise, I'll post projects I do and learn from 23 Mobile Things PH SG.

And yes, I am on summer vacation.

The 31st NCBD e-vite: Come one, Come all!

Paper Accepted!

The 31st NCBD Book Fair & the DepEd's Advisory

The 31st NCBD Theme: Pumitas ng Aklat. Buklatin. Basahin

The PBBY Logo: Old and New

NBDB's Kapihan with Librarians

I am looking forward to this round table discussion with stakeholders of the book industry. Meanwhile, I am sifting through my list of what to share and what not to share.

Filipino Librarian of the Month: Rochelle Salonga-Silverio

Working as a librarian for more than nine years now, the Valenzuelano blogger, mom of a bubbly kid, and miniature pinscher enthusiast describes librarianship as one exciting field. “It is very dynamic. Like a well loved adventure book, you just cannot wait to know what is on the next page. ” She says. Let us learn more about Rochelle Salonga-Silverio, our Filipino librarian this month of May. 

Rochelle Silverio graduated cum laude at the University of the Philippines Diliman and has also completed her MLIS there in 2011. At present, she is the head librarian of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela and is a lecturer at UP-SLIS. You will find her writing about life as a Valenzuelano at the One Valenzuela blog.

1. What's your lib story? Describe how you made the choice of majoring in LIS and what college life was like for you as an LIS major. You can cite challenging stories and success stories while studying the course.

A: I first entered the University of the Philippines as a student of Occupational Therapy. I believe that during that time, my Tatay’s medical condition then influenced me to sign up in the course. After two semesters and a field exposure in summer, I realized that the medical field was not for me. Among the courses open then was the Bachelor of Library and Information Science of ILIS (now SLIS). After my initial talk with Prof. Rosalie Faderon, I knew from then on that I am destined to be a librarian. 

My parents respected and supported my decision to take the course. College life went on smoothly. Mabait akong estudyante. I guess the only minor hitch that I encountered then was a missing grade in a particular non-LIS subject. I even had to go to the professor’s house because she was not in the best of health. Naabutan ko pa siya na naka-dextrose! Good thing, she still had my grade. I could have repeated the subject.

Yet not all roads run smooth. My Nanay was diagnosed with cancer a few months before I took the licensure examination. I vividly remember how I did my final review at her room in PGH during the 2 day examination. Though she is fighting her own battle then, she still made it a point to be there for me. I consider that as the biggest hurdle that I had. Learning that I got the highest score a few days after is the icing on the cake.

2. What has been the greatest challenge you've faced so far as a licensed and working librarian? Why do you say it's a challenge?

A: Many librarians might agree with me that financial limitations would make it to the upper end of their daily challenges. It is a challenge since you have to do more with less. Some might just give up and say “kulang ang budget eh”. In my point of view, this type of idea enables one to think. It makes you more ingenious on how to carry out a certain plan or activity.

As Albert Einstein once said, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity”. 

3. What is your area of expertise in LIS?

A: I am a forever fan of children and young adult literature! During my college days, I used to foresee myself in a school library. I worked in a private school right after I graduate. Masayang kasama ang mga bata! Yet with the idea of paying back to the city that I have been living in for almost three decades now and in consideration of proximity of my home to the workplace, I opted to become a college librarian in a local university in Valenzuela. Though I had to leave the school library scene, I still make it a point that we acquire materials on children’s literature since the university offers Elementary Education. To add, I also got a growing personal collection at home, which I share with my daughter. After I got my MLIS, UP SLIS gave me the opportunity to teach children’s literature. 

I can say that you can count on me in the areas of library management, cataloging, and children’s literature.

4. What do you think are the requirements and preparations necessary for becoming a LIS professional?

A: “I thought that the librarian profession was among the easiest.” a comment a new acquaintance told me as we were discussing our jobs. I still meet people who still do not know that librarians need to undertake board examination and those who still think that our work is just limited to guarding books. Though various campaigns and activities held in the librarianship field had helped change such views, I guess many still hold these ideas about the profession. 

Other than taking the library science course, passing the licensure examination, and having that innate characteristic of wanting to search for answers, I believe you have to have the spirit to be an LIS professional. You should have the fortitude to show that you are not “just” a librarian.

5. What rewards have you reaped from being a LIS professional? 

A: Just like many of our colleagues in the field, I have received a lot of blessings. I have been given commendations; met a number of authors and illustrators; taught and shared what I love; and travelled to quite a number of places.

But I guess the best rewards that I have ever received from being an LIS professional are genuine compliments from library patrons whom I have helped with their searches. Knowing that I have made their lives a bit easier by finding answers to their questions is, as the familiar photo commercial says, definitely priceless.

Echo-Workshop on the IASL 42nd Annual Conference: The School Library as Venue for Life Skills Development

Mark your calendars!

On July 15, 2014, I'll be giving an echo-workshop session to school librarians on The 42nd IASL Conference held in Bali, Indonesia last August 27-31, 2013. This is in congruence to the celebration of the 31st National Chidlren's Book Day. The echo-session workshop will be at 9AM - 12 NN. Venue is in Museo Pambata.

There is a workshop fee of Php 500.00. For inquiries and registration detail, email pbby@adarna.ph The DepEd advisory and endorsement will follow.

Keep checking the blog or visit the PBBY website in the following weeks for updates.

The School Library as Venue for the Development of Life Skills: An Echo and Workshop Session of the 42nd IASL Conference in Bali, Indonesia held on August 27-31, 2013

The echo-workshop session will discuss life skills and well being indicators, and how librarians can use these skills and concepts in planning, implementing and evaluating programs and services for children and teenagers.  21st century trends in school library management and administration will also be presented as well as information on participation on professional learning networks, particularly in the International Association of School Libraries.

The Books That Bind Us: Mythology Class

When my first born, Nico, was in sixth grade, he read Mythology Class by Arnold Arre. I have kept a copy over the years, but, honestly, I have not finished reading it until Zoe, my daughter pushed me to. With her brother's influence, she read the novel, of course. 

Last month, during my four day stay in Sagada, I willed myself to read it. And yes, like my kids, I enjoyed the book as well.

Zoe's note on the title page

What worked

Arre successfully merged the old stories of Philippine lower legends and myths within the modern day setting. He knows his myths and he can tell stories. He invites readers to take the fantasy ride using familiar experiences: family, barkada, malls and pop culture, academic life, falling in love and near death experiences. Once you're hooked, he transports you to the what-if universe. The thing is, you would give him a chance because the possibility of this fantasy world to be real is a metaphor for living a life.

I don't exactly know what my kids found enjoyable in Mythology Class, but for me, being a fantasy reader, the stories I loved from childhood propels me to keep on hoping in light of the many challenges this world has to offer. Like the hero of the novel, Nicole Lacson, one must have faith in order to live and thrive. And yes, the romantic in me believes that keeping the faith will lead me to find love even in the most difficult of times.

What's amazing about Mythology Class is that, it holds an appeal to young readers a decade and four after its publication. That happens when you put a well researched and well written story together. As for the illustrations, the black and white renditions are very accessible.

What did not work

I could not help but think of Arre's purpose for creating Mythology Class. Perhaps it is a response to the many Gaimanish graphic novels that abound in the market, that Filipino readers and comic book creators need to read something homegrown. It's no biggie, really. But, I am looking at more original stuff. Then again, I contradict myself. There is nothing new under the sun. With brilliant craftsmanship, something old can be turned into a fresh and new creation. I give props to Arre for achieving this.

Zoe's note at the end of the book.

Lastly, the binding is not that sturdy. I think this is one area where our publishers can improve on. I am looking forward to a newer edition. So, if Mr. Arre happens to read this review, I hope he would give it a thought.

Rating: 4 Bookmarks

Recommended: Gr. 5 and up

Book Review: Alif the Unseen

Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the many surprises this novel offered me: an Arab-Indian hacktivist as the main character; the simmering romance between Dina and Alif; the book lore combined with the modern trappings of technology; and the layered presentation of myth and philosophy, religion and fantasy interwoven with much care and craftsmanship. How can such contradictions exist in one novel and yet stitched so tightly into a beautiful tapestry like an embroidered story cloth of the ancient times.

I finished the novel with a thought that the fundamental beliefs we hold as truths will never change in the face of modernization or progress. Good books and well written novels illuminate and present such insights. This novel did just that to me.


View all my reviews

Positive Discipline Project

Promoting positive and nonviolent discipline of children in the Philippines

In celebration of the 20^th International Day of the Families, Plan International Philippines, together with representatives from the European Union, DSWD, DepEd and the Quezon City Government, will launch a 3-year project entitled “Collective Action to Promote Non-Violent and Protective Society for Children” or the Positive Discipline Project.

The project aims to help families, teachers and barangay officials promote positive and nonviolent means to discipline children and stop abusive ways of punishing children. It covers the provinces of Ifugao, East Samar, Sarangani, and the cities of Quezon, Naga, and Cebu. It is being supported by the European Union and Plan International Germany.

The event will feature a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between project partners and DSWD and DepEd, It will end with a storytelling session of the book, “Mantsa”, written by Palanca-award winner Augie Rivera, about the harmful effects of corporal punishment on children.

WHAT: Media Launch of the “Positive Discipline Project” – Promoting positive and nonviolent discipline of children in the Philippines

WHEN: Thursday, 15 May 2014, 9 AM – 12 NN

WHERE: Annabels Restaurant, Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

WHO:

Plan International Philippines

European Union

DSWD

DepEd

DILG

Quezon City Government

Augie Rivera and Tonipet Gaba for “Mantsa”

Social Media: #internationaldayoffamilies #positivedisciplineproject

Twitter @PlanPhilippines

Klasrum Adarna Workshop: All for the Love of Reading Baguio Edition

Last March, I was at the ISO in Ateneo De Manila Univeristy for the Klasrum Adarna Workshop  Developing A Genuine Love for Books and Reading. The Adarna Dream Team brought this workshop to Baguio City last Saturday, May 10 2014. There were only forty two teachers, compared to the eighty five participants in the Manila workshop, but all forty two of them went out of their way to give their one hundred and one percent in all the activities.

At the start of the workshop, I asked them to introduce to me a side of Baguio City I have not known or discovered yet. They were game! The Adarna Dream Team and I were treated to a mini-cultural show of Cordillera culture. Teachers sang songs, chanted and danced in traditional folk songs and music. This energy fueled us to finish the workshop with a bang.

Following the original design of the workshop, the Baguio teachers put forth well written book reviews; artful drawings of the folk tale of The Legend of the Cashew Nut; an artistic story theatre presentation of Father Rat Finds a Midwife; and insightful reflections from Lit Circle activities and worksheets. As my "pabaon" I shared with them activities and reading promos on digital reading. On both workshops, I observed that very few teachers engage themselves in this medium. Kids and teens are so immersed in the digital environment. I wonder what teachers are doing to reach out to them through technology.

At the end of the workshop, the Baguio teachers gave me a standing ovation.

I ate a lot of humble pie that day.

One teacher took my hand in a firm handshake and said, "You are very inspiring. Thank you for the wonderful ideas you shared and the positive attitude you displayed".

I thanked her back and replied, "It is in teaching others where in I learn so much, about one's self and about others too. Thank you for allowing me to facilitate this workshop here in your school."

This experience of teaching and learning never ends. It grows!

Social Media Perks: Followers & Gift Cards

One way to know that blogging works for you and that your blog has a good following is when you get blog exchange promos.

Grammarly did just that with this blog. I wrote a review of Fangirl and got an Amazon Gift Card. I spent it for a copy of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Collected Stories. I ordered the book last March 31st and received it last Monday, May 5.

Collected Stories came right in time for an in Memoriam reading from one of the great magic realists of this day and age.

Moving to another social media-file sharing platform, Slide Share, I had a pleasant surprise when I learned that Joyce Valenza started following my slides.

JOYCE VALENZA.

Joyce. Valenza. is. following. me.

I am still freaking out!!!

23 Mobile Things PH SG: Things 15 ,16 & Catching Up on Things 13 & 14

I'm a returning mentor for Thing #16: Ebooks & Ebook Apps this week on 23 Mobile Things PH SG. It's a fun week since there are two things going on in 23 Mobile Things apart from mine. Thing # 15 Adobe ID is also up for reading and discussion.

It's a smart move for Joan Wee and Karryl Sagun to put these two things together in the same week as these two things are connected. Mentor Persues Rex Molina provides a thorough and practical use of Adobe ID to access Adobe Ebooks, while I lend insight and strategies on using ebook apps and setting up an ebook collection in the library. I come from the school library background, while Mr. Molina brings forth his experience in an academic library setting. It's going to be an exciting convo this coming Saturday, May 17 at 10.30AM Manila time, I predict!

To make Thing 16 more exciting and engaging (I hope), I'm giving away copies of my books for the first five librarians who will do and submit any of the three activities I designed.

As for the past Things, particularly 13 and 14, I updated the links in About Me and added apps like Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler and Blogger in my account there. I'm relearning Tumblr all over again. I discovered I have a microblog in Tumblr: In Between Shelves. Now I'm thinking of using it to tell the back stories on my published books, or share success stories on reading, books and my library advocacy. We'll see. I've really no intent in using Tumblr for specific library work, so I suppose I'll optimize it for developing my personal and professional learning network (PLNs).