Library Bulletin Board: The IB Learner Profile and Recommended Books

Because we want to hit two birds with one stone, we combined the IB Learner Profile with book recommendations as our library bulletin board for this semester.

The IB Learner Profile are the core values of all IB authorized school world wide. These values are the qualities that IB School communities aspire to be. IB Learners (including teachers and staff) strive to be: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-Minded, Caring, Risk-Takers, Balanced and Reflective.

Using the IB Learner Profile as theme for the bulletin board, we're able to remind ourselves of these values and our aspirations. Our context, being a Filipino school, the Beacon Academy is then rooted in the Filipino culture with a vision of a global and international education.

The IB Learner Profile permeates all aspect of the school, academics, school life, teaching and staff professional development as well as in its alumni and parent relations.

To further build on the development of these aspirations, us, in the library, thought of setting up the bulletin board into a reading recommendation services that has the IB Learner Profile as its anchors. The photo of our bulletin board, as shown above, has the ten IB Learner Profile and book covers of selected books that touch on each profile. We will regularly change the book covers, enjoining students, teachers and faculty to contribute.

A reading community learns. A learning community reads!

From Circulation Reports to Reading Guidance for Grade 9 -12

Towards the end of the 1st semester, my library staff and I looked over the circulation reports of our high school students. The numbers reveal a lot about our relationship with them. There are peaks and valleys on book readership from the last four months and this led us to reflect on the daily operations and readers services we provide for our students.

Studying circulation reports on a regular basis is helpful in the assessment of the library collection, reviewing the program and setting directions vis-a-vis curricular requirements and readers' needs or interest. I am reserving my reflections for another post on that matter. How readership affects and impacts collection development is for a separate discussion.

For now, let me share with you our response to sustain the readership and the habit of reading among our students.

I wrote each of them a letter. A generic one that has a record of the books they have borrowed, how far they have gone with their book quota and suggestions on how the library and its resources can further help them learn and grow. Below are my tips and recommendations:

• Extend your understanding of an author’s life or milieu by reading primary sources like diaries, memoirs, journals, biographies;
• Understand the context of a group of people in a particular time in history by reading personal stories, looking at a collection of photographs, browsing through timelines of world history books;
• Test the veracity of a hypothesis by reading secondary sources like researches and studies done by scientists, mathematicians and experts in the field of the social sciences;
• Look at models, patterns and processes of creation by analyzing case studies, business success stories, how-to-design handbooks, DIY manuals, craft books, art and architecture books;
• Read up on stories about college life, college admission tips, sample essays written by seniors who successfully got in their college of choice.
• Pick up a book on improving writing and research skills or being better at communication for business and social entreprenuership;
• A couple of contemporary fiction, select classics and a book of poetry or two will balance your reading list.

Students who are regular library users responded back right away. The usual suspects borrowed books over the holidays. It remains a challenge for us to entice and offer readers services to the reluctant ones and those who prefer to use another kind or mode of technology. 

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

12 Days of Christmas Movie Review: Bridget Jones' Diary

Bridget Jones' Diary
Director: Sharon Maguire
Screenplay: Helen Fielding
2001

Bridget Jones' Diary is one of my favorite romcom movies of all time. It follows on the tradition of Jane Austen set in late 20th century London and it could never be any better than that.

Bridget (Renee Zelwegger) is the typical modern woman, or so she tries to be, but kept on failing along the way. Career success and romantic victories do not seem to be her cup of tea, but she keeps drinking from the cup and breaking it abysmally. Her parents' marriage are on the rocks and the man whom she thought could be "the one" is crossing the Atlantic for a lucrative job in international law. But, the hero of the tale, Mark Darcy  (Colin Firth) made a decision that rocked Bridget's world and, I have to say this, made her run in her undies in what seemed to be the coldest winter yet.

I have many favorite scenes from the movie, but this closure caps of everything in a classic, yet, funny and very Bridget HEA. Austen is there, yes. But Fielding and Maguire left their hand prints on this charming tale of love lost and found again. The screenplay is honest, witty, sarcastic and utterly true. Maguirre's direction is whole and solid in showing how Bridget comes full circle.

And so, in this season of the Epiphany, I write this review to remind myself (and I hope those who read my blog too) that enlightenment is not only the mind opening up and the heart welcoming all the unfamiliar and strange things that come with the discovery of love. To know and to feel love is also to act on that love.

Mark Darcy followed his star. Bridget ran after hers. Love makes us do crazy things including, breaking down our own walls of self preservation. And we become better persons from it, despite the challenges and hard ships of loving.

There is a part 2 and 3 of this movie. But that will wait for another review!

Rating: 4.5

12 Days of Christmas Movie Review: Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2

Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2: Forever Is Not Enough
Director: Marlon Rivera
Screenplay: Cris Martinez
MMFF 2016

Talagang may mga milagrong nangyayari sa panahon ng kaPaskuhan. Biruin mo, sinamahan ako ni Papadoms manood ng Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2: Forever Is Not Enough! Last full show pa ang kinuha naming screening time at 30 minutes bago magsimula ang sine, nakapila na kami sa entrance gate ng cinema.

Syempre, nangunguna ako sa pila. At may nakakatawang kuwento bago kami nakapasok sa loob ng cinema.

Me to Ticket Lady: Miss, nagpapasok na ba?

Ticket Lady: Saan po?

Palibhasa, dalawang cinema kase ang binbantayan niya.

Me: Sa Septic Tank 2.

Ticket Lady: Nililinis pa po.

Wagi ang aming exchange of conversation, di ba? Tawa naman si Papadoms nung marining niya ito. Sapul. Senyales pala ito ng mga katawatawang eksena ng pelikula. Bukod sa katatawanan, makabuluhan rin ang pelikula at napapnahon. Tumawa kami at nag-isip.

Nag-isip, bes. NAG-ISIP.

Kaya heto ang top 5 na nagustugan kong mga eksena at aspeto sa Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2.

1. Eugene Domingo. Syempre, fan ako. Pero, bes, ang galing talaga ni Eugene dahil arte sya kung kailangang ang lungkot, saya, pagkadismaya, ka-bekihan, ka-kikayan, lahat na! Panalo sa akin ang tatlong levels ng hugot. Consistent si Eugene sa delivery ng lines sa eksena nila ni Jericho Rosales. Ang gagaling rin nina Joel Torre (walang kupas!), Cai Cortes at Agot Isidro, kahit pa kaunti lang ang role niya dito. Siya pa rin ang ideal na BFF ng bidang babae. She doesn't over run the lead, but makes her presence felt. Ganun din ang naramdaman ko habang pinapanood ko si Cai Cortes.

2. Ang talino ng script. Ang meta. Ang sharp ng dialogue at para sa aking pandinig, ang poetic ng language ni Cris Martinez. Lalo na sa eksena kung saan pikon na pikon na si Kean Cipriano kay Eugene Domingo.

3. Yung mga quiet moments sa movie, ang lakas ng dating. Enough na yung empty room sa condo ni Direk Rainer na magbigay ng hiwatig na olats na si direk kahit marami siyang trophy sa shelf niya.

4. Si Facundo. Need I say more?

5. Ang cover version ni Eugene ng Forever Is Not Enough. Ang organic. Hindi pilit. Authentic.

Ito ang mga dahilan kung bakit masasabi kong wagi ang sequel na ito para sa akin.

Rating: 4.5

12 Days of Christmas Book Review: Unholy Night

*This is a re-post from a previous book review on the blog.

Unholy Night by Seth Grahame-Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


In Seth Gahame-Smith's Unholy Night, the Holy Family was aided by Balthazar, a cunning thief who escaped his own execution, to leave Bethlehem. Together with Melchyor and Gaspar, the trio defended the Holy Family from Herod's men and out to the desert. Balthazar, Melchyor and Gaspar are names associated with the three wise men who gave gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts to the baby Jesus. In Grahame-Smith's fiction, the three men are wise indeed, but not in a scholarly manner to which the Bible described them to be. They are thieves and criminals out to save their own skin from Herod's fatal punishment. This the conceit to which the book was built upon. Blasphemous? I say it's a work of genius.

What worked

I've often asked who were the Wise men, the Magi. At the feast of the Epiphany, our parish priest would make us all believe that they were scholars from the East who understood the meaning of the messiah's coming. In my own imagination, I see the wise men as sages, astronomers, philosophers who knew something else was going and average people have no knowledge of this. They remain mysterious, if not, mystical men of history. Grahame-Smith filled in this gap and defined the Wise men as great sinners who found redemption not from guilt, but from acts of justice, remorse, forgiveness and love.


I like it that Joseph and Mary were depicted as real people subjected to weakness but strong in faith. This is the strength which assaulted Balthazar internally. Grahame-Smith provides his hero a rich backstory to bring out this internal struggle. Using the child Jesus as a metaphor of hope and blind belief, Balthazar came to forgive himself in the end. As for Melchyor and Gaspar, their redemption came, thirty three years after.


Pontius Pilate and the Roman Army were given a moment to shine as well. Pilate is yet another enigmatic character I hope some fictionist would unravel. Herod was characterized as the ultimate monster king. His evil deeds are enough to set the backdrop of a world in constant chaos. Thus, Jesus' coming to this world, quietly and with no fanfare, remain a puzzle I of the Catholic faith so continuously try to solve.


Grahame-Smith's violence and gruesome narrative did not offend me, in fact, I found it entertaining. Perhaps I was still angry at something or someone to have enjoyed it. It was therapy reading the book. There are some events in life like death and injustice that need to be experienced to see truth and peace. Like the journey to the desert and into Egypt, such an experience is not an easy one to take. This is where we need, not just guts and toughness, but a lot of courage. A lot of faith.


What did not work

The inclusion of magic seemed off, like the warlock from the west. The angels appearing in a dream were fine by me. The warlock came out of nowhere. Grahame-Smith tried to cross genre, but I found this piece misplaced in the novel. It would have worked for me, if Herod was assisted by one of his own priests to glamor up himself and do a trickery on Pilate's army.

Overall, it was a good read. I like Grahame-Smith's bending of history. Here in Unholy Night, he knew enough of religion and faith to respect Joseph, Mary and Jesus. I think I am ready to read Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

12 Days of Christmas Book Review: The Legend of the Wandering King

*Reposting this book review in this season of the Epiphany.

Laura Gallego-Garcia’s The Legend of the Wandering King was standing among the newly processed books in the technical room of the library when it called for me, asking to be read. I did not heed the call until two weeks later when it was officially out for circulation.

The story blew me away. I felt the need to share it with the grade seven Reading teachers in school who perennially search for interesting titles of books. They were drawn to this book as well, that they included it in the list of book reports for grade seven. It turned out that the students and their parents enjoyed the book as well.

This is one of the perks of the job – to discover wonderful reads, share them with others and in the process, experience the delight and enjoyment that the printed word can offer.

What worked
The romance. Yes, I'm a romantic fool. But I'm not talking of the love story between Walid, the lead character, and Zahra, the Bedouin. The journey towards redemption; the search for life's meaning; the quest for one's dreams and its fulfillment; and the fairy tale ending -- everybody lives happily ever after -- all these appealed to me immensely.

The writing. Gallego-Garcia's language must have been brilliantly beautiful in Spanish that it is equally flavorful in English.

The setting, historical background and local flavor.The exotic land of Arabia during the pre-Muslim epoch evokes great curiosity. This is the stuff I devour -- the past and how it could never be brought back, except in stories.

The characters. Prince Walid is a darling. But as always, the underdog has my vote. The carpet weaver is my hero. Besides, he was a very intelligent librarian and archivist. He's a poet too, and he successfully trumped down the prince's talent three times.

What did not work
The old man in the red turban. Then again, it's forgivable, since the novel is a story of enchantment. Good thing that Gallego-Garcia made Walid suffer. The presence of the djinn was made credible.

12 Days of Christmas Book Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

*Reposting this book review from 2011 because, it was a Christmas gift.

Mona Dy, a bosom buddy, coffee companion and my walking book catalog gave me a book for Christmas that became my first read for 2011. The book, The Guernsey and Potato Peel Pie Society, afforded me a delightful reading experience that eclipsed the repercussions of some bad news at the start of the New Year.

Written by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, the novel speaks of the complex nature of human beings, but at the same time, celebrates the enduring goodness and tenacity of the human spirit. Wrapped in humor and twined with tenderness the novel reminded me of the good things in life -- good books to read, great friends to trust, and keep, and a family to love and to come home to at the end of a harrowing day.

The story begins with Juliet Ashton, a writer, who attempted to survive the chaos and loss brought by World War II. She did manage to rise from the ashes, both internal and external, by establishing friendships and building relationships with members of a book club, the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Its origin is explained in the book quite intriguingly and a recipe for the pie is included as well. From where I come from, we do eat potatoes, peeled and unpeeled. But a pie made of potato peelings could either be the product of the writer's imagination or consequences brought by the call of survival in a time of war. Either way, this information on the book club's beginnings piqued my interest to know more about Guernsey and its community. Apart from this, it is Shaffer’s epistolary approach to writing the novel that made a greater impact

What worked

The exchanges of letters between Juliet and her friends lent great description on the level of friendship and the degree of intimacy she has with them. The letters were used as instruments to gauge the mindset and emotional depth of every character. It is amazing how Shaffer successfully breathed life to each character through the letters. There were no narratives, no long exposition to introduce and explore the characters' conflicts and problems but the letters were enough. Each has a distinct and unique voice. 

It helped a lot that the characters talked about their favorite book. This added depth and texture to each character. They're all so interesting, I hoped they were real characters. My favorites, apart from Juliet are Sydney, Isola, Elizabeth and yes, Dawsy Adams -- Juliet's object of affection. Yes, Virginia, it is a romance novel too. It follows the tradition of Austen, tempered and restrained. At the background is the remnants of World War II where Juliet and Dawsy must pick up the pieces of their lives to build a new one.

Shaffer was a librarian, editor and had experience working in bookshops. She translated all these into the novel and the overall effect is fantastic. I felt her passion for the printed word and her strong belief in the role of the book as emissary of  culture and the arts.

What did not work

Sadly, Shaffer did not live to see the success of the novel. She died in February 2008. Annie Borrows, her niece, was instrumental in helping her finish the novel (which is actually a good thing). 

My 2016 In Retrospect: Writing Life

So I begin my inventory of 2016.

It was a tough year, generally speaking. But after looking closely at the events and experiences I had since the year started I realized how grace filled the year has been for me. For the next few days, I will post in the blog my 2016 stories of joy, love and life. World events and the nation's current political climate are very frustrating. There are days when I feel afraid and insecure of my safety and my family's too. The economy is looking glum, from where I am but, as what I learned from Ignatius, God is in all things. There are graces to be had.

In 2016, I was able to work with a team of proactive young writers. Under the efficient leadership of YGOAL, we were able to finish a teacher training manual on Personal Development for the DepEd's Senior High School Program and Curriculum. I blogged about our BPI-YGOAL Teachers' Manual and the wonderful people I worked with.

I did not launch any children's book this year, but Big Sister was a finalist in the Kids Choice Award of the NBDB and PBBY. My story for children, The Little Sparrow was included in CCP's Literary Journal, Ani. I have a contribution in Bumasa at Lumaya vol. 2 A Source Book on Philippine Children's Literature (Anvil, 2016) about setting up libraries and reading centers for children. With the help of MJ Tumamac, we ran a blog tour that had the participation of influential Pinoy book bloggers and industry observers.

Needless to say, 2016 was a productive year. On to 2017!

This year, my book projects include the final production of grades 1 and 2 STARS, my early reading series for Lampara Books. There is also the book project I inked a contract with one of the leading foundations in the country. Here is a preview of the illustration by Tinsley Garanchon. And, if things pan out, I might do a bi-monhly column for a new magazine for Library and Information Professionals.

There is only grace. Only grace.

#KwentoRP612: Faith. Love. Hope.

My short piece for #KwentoRP612. This month, the theme to write about is HOPE.

Faith sat beside her sister and heaved a sigh.

"Let me guess," Love began, "prayers have been few and are hard to come by."

She nodded. "It gets tougher and more difficult every year."

"We can't stop, you know." 

"I know." Faith replied and looked around. "But where is Hope?"

Love tilted her head towards the door. "Out there, planting seeds. Which reminds me, I need to go and do my bit of work now."

Faith bid her sister goodbye. She closed the door and went in her room where she sat quietly on her bedroom chair.

"Father Time, take care of my sisters. I believe in Hope, so please, keep Love alive!"

My Reading and Book Review Inventory for 2016

I have listed down the book reviews I have posted in the blog for 2016. Over at Goodreads, I have 13 books recorded there that I have read this year. Not bad, but, I need to do more.

February 2016
Romance Books
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

March 2016
After You by Jojo Moyes
Wrap Them, Store Them, Peddle Them: The Filipino Way

May 2016
The Power of Habit
12:01
Mommy Loves You Just the Same

June 2016
Rebel of the Sands

July 2016
Toffler and Friedman
Breaking Barriers by John Couret

August 2016
What Things Mean

September 2016
Ember in the Ashes

October 2016
A Torch Against the Night
A SEAL's Pledge

November 2016
Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL

December 2016
Mistletoe Misconduct (Portland Storm Series)
Holiday Hat Trick (Portland Storm Series)

Monthly 1st Post of 2016

Here's keeping up with a blog tradition of posting first posts of each month of 2016.

January: Movie Review of #WalangForever 
We watch a movie every Metro Manila Film Festival. Last year, our movie of choice is #WalangForever. 

February: UP FLIPP's Seminar and Unconference
The format of the seminar lent engagement and more discussion among peers and colleagues. More of this because the method is proactive, collaborative and collegial.

March: Book Trailer for Big Sister
Lampara Books, my publisher, made a neat book trailer for Big Sister, my fourth stand alone picture book.

April: The Hourglass Model of Research
The month of April was research month at the Academy. I blogged about the processes we went through to standardize and formalize research instruction. 

May: The Challenges of School Librarians in the Senior High School Program
This is a post I need to go back to and further explore. Young Adult Library Services in the Philippines is an area of growth and more discussion.

June: A Thesaurus of Philippine Children's Literature
An interview I had for Tericel Tamayao, librarian at Bent International School Manila.

July: Of Dreams, Innovations and Memories
One of the best workshops I attended in recent memory! The insights I gained from attending the NBDB series of workshops last July were important ground work for my practice of the profession.

August: #griffinsread: The Reading Journey
An infographic I made for our reading guidance program in school.

September: Illustrator of the Month: Ruben de Jesus
A feature on Mr. Ruben de Jesus, illustrator of Big Sister

October: Be Heard! Be a Blogger
A short video clip I used for my lecture in the University of Perpetual Help, Binan Campus

November: The 2016 Picture Book Month
I am a Picture Book Month Ambassador  and this year, I was website administrator too. It was a lot of fun reading and interacting with the 2016 Picture Book Month Champions!

December: Hosting an Author Visit Program
My tips for librarians who are planning for a successful Author Visit Program in their schools and learning communities.

My top three favorite among the twelve posts are:
1. The Challenges of School Librarians in the SHS Program
2. Of Dreams, Innovations and Memories
3. The 2016 Picture Book Month

I invite you to read on the 12 posts. If you are feeling generous, let me know what you liked best by posting a comment or sending me an email/message.

12 Days of Christmas Movie Review: Tiktik (Repost)

Because Erik Matti won Best Director for Seklusyon in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival's Gabi ng Parangal, here is a review of Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles which he directed back in 2012. This review is a repost from October 2012.
 

Titktik: The Aswang Chronicles
GMA Films and Agosto Dos
Directed by Erik Matti

I saw the full trailer of GMA Films' Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles a month back when my family and I watched an APO Hiking music inspired movie. All four of us were impressed of the powerful visuals of Tiktik that we have the movie scheduled for a Halloween viewing. We did as planned and we were not disappointed.

For one, it's the kind of movie that did not make us think. I mean this in a good way.  For me and hubby, it was a perfect leisurely watch since we both work in places were thinking is the name of the game. For Nico and Zoe, exams had just ended, so goodbye thinking cap.

It was hard not to enjoy the movie. We  marveled at the visual texture the movie evoked since it made the setting, time and place characters too. There were scenes that grossed out our youngest (Zoe) but the campy tandem of Ramon Bautista and Joey Marquez made her forget the gory scenes. By itself, it is a good movie with a decent script since we shared our aswang stories to our kids' undivided attention and interest before retiring for home. I can't endorse it as an aswang movie for all families, but it will definitely rekindle old horror tales from long ago. The conversations that come after watching a movie is precious. This sharing of after thoughts rarely happens (in families) anymore.

Two days after watching Tiktik, my daughter asked me this, "Ma, talaga bang may aswang?" (Are aswangs real?)

I replied, "If you can think about it, what makes you say it is not real? The thing is, an aswang can be a metaphor or a symbol of evil. It can be the evil inside of you or in your environment. And like Makoy and Nestor in the movie, you just don't surrender to evil easily. You have to fight it to overcome it. Sometimes, it takes a while to fight it out with our aswangs and the aswangs that dwell around us."

She has not asked me since then. Happy Halloween!

Photo source: http://kapusocentral.blogspot.com/2012/08/tiktik-aswang-chronicles-full-trailer.html

Preview: Book Project 2017

Around March of 2016, I began a research and development project  for one of the leading foundations in the Philippines. It is a book development program which the foundation commits to finish by 2017. After a three month long R and D, I pooled together a team of creatives as approved by the foundation's board members. I couldn't fully reveal the entire project yet, but here's a study by our illustrator whose work in progress makes me super excited to share with you all!

Any guess on what the story is all about?

Author of the Month: Lauren Macaraeg (2 of 2)

Here is part 2 of Lauren Macaraeg's interview where she shares her favorite books and her plans for the next writing adventure!

What is your top five children's book?

1. The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis – I've always wished to discover a magical wardrobe that would transport me to Narnia!
 
2. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – What an incredibly detailed world Tolkien built! I can almost imagine that hobbits are real... and that I have a hobbit ancestor from way back. Hahaha.
 
3. Bible storybooks for kids – I liked to pore over colorful illustrated Bible story collections while I was growing up. That's why Bible story characters are just like childhood friends of mine!
 
4. Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang by Severino Reyes – Lola Basyang's stories were a big part of my childhood, thanks to one of my favorite kiddie TV shows! That's why it was a treat for me to discover this collection of Lola Basyang tales in college.
 5. The Roman Mysteries series by Caroline Lawrence – This vibrant book series combines some of my favorite things to read about: ancient Roman history (yes, I'm geeky that way!), mysteries, likable characters, and references to gross things (yes, I am isip bata that way! Lol).

Lauren with peers and friends in Lampara Books during the Aklat Awards 2016

What is the book you wish you have written?

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Actually, I wish I had written the entire The Chronicles of Narnia book series!

It has all of the elements I love about children's fantasy literature: Magic, talking animals, an imaginative story, unexpected plot twists (it was the first fantasy series I read as a kid so it was a huge surprise for me that the wardrobe was a portal to Narnia), lovable characters, a worthy villain (or in this case, villainess!), exotic food (I've wished for so long to taste Turkish Delight). And one awesome Lion!

If it was possible to be transported to a fantasy world, Narnia is the first place I would choose to visit.

Quo vadis, Lauren?

My wish is that I may make other people smile as many, many people have also made me smile. I hope to accomplish that in my lifetime, both as a writer and as an individual.

I want to make a difference, whether it be a big or small one, as long as it is a positive one. Our country is going through dark and difficult times. Many people are experiencing darkness in their own personal lives. Even if I am an imperfect person with an imperfect life, I wish to be even just a small light for the Lord in the middle of that darkness. I would like to be a beacon of hope to others in the same way that others have been a beacon of hope to me when I experienced my own dark times.

I only have one life and I want to make it count. I have no guarantee that I will succeed in my life goals, but I want the chance to at least try. And to have a lot of fun while trying!

Lauren Macaraeg can be reached and read online through these sites:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurenvmacaraegauthor
Website: www.laurenvmacaraeg.com
Blog: www.laurenvmacaraeg.com/blog 

Author of the Month: Lauren Macaraeg ( 1 of 2 )

Wacky Lauren having fun by the pool side.

The blog's Author of the Month is Ms. Lauren Macaraeg. Lauren recently won in the Aklat Awards 2016 as Most Favorite Writer for Children. In this interview, Lauren tells us of her goals and dreams as a children's book writer, the journey she took to become one and the euphoria of being voted as Most Favorite Writer for Children in the Aklat Awards 2016.

Why write for kids?

I write for kids simply because I love children's books. My fascination with kids' stories was born when I was a little girl and is still very much alive now that I am a kid pretending to be an adult.

There is magic and beauty in children's books. I am amazed at the ability of whimsical stories to whisk us away to new worlds and transform our view of the seemingly ordinary world.

There is also a form of truth and raw honesty in kids' literature that draws me to it. I rarely see pretentious writing in books for children. Perhaps it's because it's useless to try to impress young readers by using big, fancy words or gimmicky writing techniques. You need to tell children an interesting story, create characters they can relate to, and make them laugh or cry. Kids will simply like a book or they won't.

I also like how good children's literature manages to acknowledge that problems, pain and challenges exist in the world, while giving hope to us readers at the same time. Books were an important part of my childhood because they gave me happiness and hope. That's why I want to create books that will also bring new generations of kids hope and joy.

How did you come to be a writer for children?

I started practicing to be a children's writer when I was just a little girl. I used to sew and staple pieces of paper together to make my own books. It wasn't surprising that I became a bookworm because my parents encouraged me to love books. My mom Uni literally surrounded me with books since I was a baby. My dad Boy used to ship me boxes of poetry books while I was growing up.

However, I started to seriously consider becoming a writer for kids only when I was in college. I took up a children's literature class with my college barkada and I enjoyed it so much that I also enrolled in a children's writing class the next semester. Both classes, which were taught by Ms. Cyan Abad-Jugo, developed my writing skills and my appreciation for kids' literature. The epic brainstorming sessions with my creative, funny college friends – the Totaleclipsers and the Manangs - sharpened my wit and imagination.

Kindred spirits: Aspire to be to inspire others!

My involvement with the Special Education Society of Ateneo (SPEED) is another major factor that led me to become a children's writer. I was a volunteer teacher for children with special needs for most of my college life. (In case you're wondering, I don't have any formal training in special education. It was just something I loved to do). My time with the kids developed my creativity and deepened my wish to make a difference in the lives of children. My special needs students are actually my main inspiration in writing my book Sinemadyika.

I first started to write professionally when I worked for an educational publishing company. Practical matters led me to set aside writing, at least on a professional level, and work in a different field for several years. However, while I was recovering from a tonsillectomy years ago, one of my closest college friends, Pow, encouraged me to try freelance writing. With the guidance and help of my best friends and fellow writers, Pow and Jo, I started to write again on a freelance basis.

One writing attempt led to another until I eventually joined the 1st Annual Lampara Books Children’s Story Writing Contest in 2011. One of the perks of winning the said contest was having my story Sinemadyika published by Mr. Segundo “Jun” Matias and Lampara Books as an illustrated storybook in 2013. So you can say that a throat problem and a tonsillectomy led me to become a children's book author. Haha! God really works in weird, mysterious ways.

What does winning in the Aklat Awards 2016 mean to you?

It's an answered prayer in two major ways.

It's an answer to an important question! I asked the Lord earlier this 2016 if I should continue to focus on writing or to focus on something else in 2017. I know I may seem confident, but there are times when I get discouraged as a writer too. I totally didn't expect God to answer my question in this wonderful, unexpected way! For me, my surprise blessing of winning at the Aklat Awards 2016 is an encouragement for me to keep writing. 

Congratulations, Lauren!

It's also God's way to grant my wish of bringing joy to people through writing. I used to struggle with depression, although it may not be obvious to people who know me as a cheerful, outgoing adult. Books played a crucial role in my healing during my battle with depression. That's why I wish to write many books and articles and blog posts that will give hope to other people. Or simply to make them smile or laugh! Learning that I was voted as “Most Favorite Writer” in the Lampara Books category made me happy knowing that I brought others joy through writing. This blessing also makes me feel hopeful that I will have more opportunities of spreading happiness to others as an author in the future.

I am thankful to the Lord for this surprise. I am also thankful for all my family, friends, colleagues, and of course, readers for encouraging a newbie writer like me to follow my dreams.

Lauren Macaraeg can be reached online through these sites:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurenvmacaraegauthor
Website: www.laurenvmacaraeg.com
Blog: www.laurenvmacaraeg.com/blog

12 Days of Christmas Movie Review: Saving Sally

Saving Sally
Director: Avid Liongoren
Rocketsheep Studio, 2016

When I first saw the movie teaser for Saving Sally over on Facebook, I immediately tagged my teen aged kids. They were excited to watch the movie. They have been planning on spending their Christmas money to watch it weeks before the Metro Manila Film Fest. On December 25th, we were lining up for tickets.

This very simple love story is so charming and pure that, I am recommending this for families with teenagers to watch and see together despite the phallic symbols that represent one of the characters. Spewing a few more of it when he speaks. This was done in context and one that my teen aged kids fully understood both as cinematic interpretation as well as a metaphor for people who are so full of themselves. Don't we meet those kind in real life? Like Marty, we see them as monsters and, yes, dickheads.

Which brings me now to enumerate what I enjoyed about the movie.

It doesn't lie. Totoo siya. Its agenda is not to offer amusement, shallow humor or an escapist joy. Funny because, the movie is a combination of animation and live action and yet, it shows how things really are. It is overflowing with monsters, fictional characters from comic books, robots from a long gone TV show of my childhood but its speaks of truths that are lasting. Good is good. Bad is bad. And then, there are the gray areas in between that we all need to deal with at some point in our lives.

Marty struggles to find a voice for his feelings for Sally.  His mom tells him that such issues can't be forced. Marty's dad lent advice and support at an arm's length. No wonder Marty turned out the way he is, the nice geeky guy whom you can always count on. Apparently, Marty needed a lot of growing up to do and in its wake, is heartbreak and a lot of adulting. Sally, for all her smarts and intrepid inventions, could not break free from the confines and cruelty of her surrogate parents. A victim of circumstance, she fell prey into the hands of Nick, the dickhead boyfriend, who took advantage of her vulnerability. See how valuable is the role of family in shaping one's identity? 

This only goes to show that Saving Sally has a lot to offer. Love takes time and if it is real, it finds a way. Courage is found in the depths of our fears. Redemption begins from a desire to save one's self. In the end, the geek gets the girl. Then again, in the beginning of the movie, it was the smart, artistic and weird girl who saved the geek. YAY!

How Marty saved Sally is a feast for the senses. The visual metaphors are brilliantly done. I liked the floating sketches surrounding Marty and Sally. It pushed the plot forward. Their relationship is in suspended animation. They are neither friends nor lovers. The colors and lighting looked old, a lot of sepia and shades of brown in the back ground but this added texture  and a warmth enunciating the themes of the movie. Monsters drawn in black, white and graying hues emphasizing Marty's perspective and world view.The robots that Sally created and the city where she and Marty lives in are rendered in steampunk. This makes me want to give steampunk another try.

Watch out for the easter eggs. If you're from UP Diliman, you will appreciate and understand Zorro's appearance. There are designs of buildings that are reminiscent of old haunts in the campus. I have my comic book faves and it is such a delight to see its covers in the movie too. The names and labels of stores, commercial establishments and places in the city are identified with Pinoy wit and humor. Even the sound track is cool and tender, comforting and heart wrenching the next.

I hope the movie gets an extended run and distributed in more movie houses. With eight wonderful films this season of the Metro Manila Film Festival, we all need to pick the ones we want to watch and the ones we need to give a chance. This year, it is worth to spend 200 - 300 pesos for three to five movies in the roster. But if you can afford it, go watch all!

A Peaceful Christmas From Us, the Gagatigas!

12 Days of Christmas Movie Review: It's A Wonderful Life

60th Anniversary version available in Amazon

It's A Wonderful Life
Director: Frank Capra
1946

James Stewart is George Bailey, a businessman of Bedford Falls, who lends money to the middle working class of the community. When his Uncle Billy lost a hefty amount to keep the business going, George fell into despair and contemplated on committing suicide. Through his guardian angel, Clarence, George realized that suicide is not a solution to his problem. His is a wonderful life, indeed!

What worked

I love James Stewart. He is perfect for this role as he represents the working class of his time and age. While this kind of character has dated the film, James Stewart's acting and his rendition of the role do not. Every man is given a moment: a fall from grace; hitting rock bottom; committing an epic failure in life. Stewart's George Bailey is dignified, a man of integrity who draws respect from his peers and members of the community. When he met a dead end on his business, Stewart's George Bailey transformed into someone else. Where is the man who needs to be brave? I wanted to yank him away from the ledge in the bridge when he was thinking of ending his life.

Enter George's guardian angel, Clarence, who at the start of the movie was called on by God to intervene. I also liked this part because I do believe in angels. God's love is indeed eternal.

Clarence showed George past events of his life: how he has helped many people build lives through his buisness; what brought his hearing impairment that disqualified him from fighting in the war; and how much he is loved by his wife and children. One's course of action do affect and effect the lives of many.

I first saw this movie when I was in my tweens and I have felt good inside after seeing it. Through the years, I would watch the movie with friends and family and I would get the same feel good effect. These year, at Christmas time, watching it again affirms the magnificence and magnanimity of God's love for us. Like George Bailey, we are given the freedom to make a choice: to do good or bad; to be brave or to be a coward; to fight for our values or to run away from them. Like George Bailey, we are constantly guided by our angels. God does not control our every actions, but He is ever present in our lives.

This Christmas, I recommend this movie to be seen at home with family and friends. The world is so much in need of hope. I think we all need to be reminded how, in these dark and difficult times, God is with us. Sometimes we know and feel how he works in our lives and sometimes, we do not feel Him at all. But He sends angels, in one form or another, so that we realize that life is wonderful indeed!

Rating: 5

Source of image: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/518356GQPGL.jpg

12 Days of Christmas Book Review: Holiday Hat Trick

Holiday Hat Trick by Catherine Gayle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Mitchell Quincey is visiting his ex-wife, Mia, for the holidays. His sole objective is to get approval from her for joint custody of their daughter. When Q (a nickname he goes by among friends in the Portland Storm Hockey Team) finally met Mia for the first time in a long while, he realized he was still in love with her.

Q is persistent and charming. While Mia plays hard to get, she couldn't help but give him another chance seeing Q shower her daughter with attention and love. Admittedly, Mia has her hands full on being a single working mom. Somewhere in the middle of the holidays, they got back together in each others' arms.

What worked

Christmas magic and the presence of family were factors that pushed Mia to forgive Q's faults. Besides, Q and Mia have a long history that their families brought back through reunions and dinners shared during Christmas time. Having divorced a year before, the time apart made them both think of their loss in the divorce and how rash decisions can further lead to loneliness and isolation. On the one hand, it gave Mia the confidence to find her own footing and rediscover her self. Not only is she a wife to a popular hockey player, she has become a person of her own pursuing a career she could be proud of. What better time to have things sorted out but at Christmas time. When love is real, it finds a way.

What did not work

Since I am invested in the series, I would have wanted to see Mia more involved in the Portland Storm WAGs. The same with Q. Before and after this novella, he was only a footnote to the entire series. He could have been a character that shaped the team into what it is in its recent stands on the series. But, I am keeping my hopes up to find out what Mia and Q will play in the community of the Portland Storm Hockey Team players and their families.

I'm waiting for what Catherine Gayle has in store in the future installments for Q and Mia. I'm holding her out to Jim Sutter's mantra, "we take care of our own."



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