Sawikaan 2007 & Buwan ng Wika

Celebration of the Buwan ng Wika was to open last August 15, 2007 in our school. Typhoon Egay and a series of "no classes" days moved the remembrance of its historical and cultural relevance in the community on August 31, 2007. The GS LRC has of course, prepared activities for the unit with storytelling sessions, film viewing and trivia contests.

It is during this time of the school year when Filipiniana books are disturbed from their silence in the shelves. Filipino and Tagalog become, all of a sudden, langauge stars to students who'd rather speak English or Taglish, a combination of both Tagalog and English language. While many traditional educators raise eyebrows to this mixture of langauge, it can not be denied that the assimilation of English words into hard core Filipino is ever present, and, inevitable. Our language is very much alive, and so is English. The result has actually prompted columnist Mike Tan to coin a new term for this mix - Finglish.

His article today is an interesting observation at how our langauge has morphed over time. Economics, changing contexts, cultural revolutions, etc., motivates and usher such changes. All this he reflects upon the announcement of the winners in the Word of the Year in the Sawikaan 2007. Miskol was granted the first place, followed by runner ups, roro and Friendster.

For more information on Sawikaan 2007, go here.

The 33d National Writers Congress

The Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) would like to invite writers and lovers of literature in its 33rd National Writers Congress to be held at the Pulungang Recto, College of Arts and Letters Faculty Center , University of the Philippines , Diliman, Quezon City on August 25 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. With the theme “Literature and Writers’ Welfare,” Senator Francis Pangilinan will speak about his legislative vision for literature. Other agenda are recent developments in intellectual property rights, and the model for a collective management group responsible for collecting royalties. Four noted writers will also receive the prestigious Gawad Pambansang Alagad.

A general election of the new set of UMPIL Board of Directors will be held afterwards. For inquiries, please call Vim or Joey at nos. 922-1830.

Appointments & Engagements

August 27, 2007
Naga Public and School Library System & the Philippine Board on Books for Young People
Seminar-Workshop on Developing a Library for the Young
Naga City, Philippines
Contact Person ; Riko Vinluan

August 30, 2007
3.30 pm - 4.30 pm
Read Or Die & Powerbooks
Panel Discussion on Children, Teens & Reading in the Time of IT
Manila International Book Fair
World Trade Center, Pasay City
Contact Person : Tin Mandigma (+639283555365)

September 1, 2007
9.00 am - 11.00 am
Storytelling and Read Aloud Session
Magsaysay Training
UN Avenue, Manila

September 2, 2007
8.30 am - 12.00 noon
Review Classes on School Library Management
UP SLIS, Diliman Quezon City
Contact : UP SLIS (98.18.500 loc. 2870 / 2869)

September 3-4, 2007
PAASCU Accreditation
Lipa City, Batangas

September 22, 2007
10.00 am - 4.00 pm
Storytelling Workshop with Ace Elgar
UP REGALE, UP College of Education
Diliman Quezon City
Contact Person : Teacher Portia Padilla (+639178581124)

Ibang Klase : Ang INK 16th Exhibit

On its sixteenth year Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK) grows older
and turns over a new leaf with "Ibang Klase!" , the theme for this year's
annual exhibit. It is Ang I.N.K. members' way of paying tribute to the
personalities who peopled and memories that colored their individual high
school lives.

The Crush ng Bayan, the Nerd, the Bully, the resident school ghost,
ghost-hunting in the school grounds, soirees, first love, first date,
first kiss, first dance, graduation, grad ball, prom king and queen,
choral fest, intrams, newspaper drive, drama fest, declamation contests,
debates, yearbook, diary (or blog), school ring, high school fair (jail
booth, kissing booth, marriage booth, concerts, crush, rollercoaster ride
with crush), cutting class, school paper, high school orgs, sleepovers,
zits, first deodorant, first make-up kit, first shave, algebra, biology,
trigonometry, geometry, physics, P.E., gym practice, immersions,
retreats, merit and demerit slips, quarterly exams, high school summers,
summer camps, excursions, field trips, first smoke, high school fashion,
Seventeen magazine, Sweet Valley High, Judy Blume, Bob Ong, celebrity
crush, school uniform, cutesy accessories, first makeup, etc. Funny or
sad, sane or crazy, memorable or forgettable, these are our memories of
high school.

Opening cocktails:
14 August 2007, Tuesday, 6:00 PM
at the Archaeology Wing, Powerplant Mall

Weekend Activities:
Saturday, 18 August 2007
1 p.m. - Face Painting
2 p.m. - Illustration Clinic with Don Arado, Liza Flores, Jordan Santos and Wilson Tortosa
Sunday, 19 August 2007
12 nn. - Face Painting
1 p.m. - Storytelling session
2 p.m. - Art Workshop with Jomike Tejido

Exhibit runs from August 14 to 23, 2007 at the Archaeology Wing, Powerplant Mall, Makati.

Visit our website: http://ink.group.ph/

JK Rowling Reviewed by Stephen King

Here is a fantastc review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by Stephen King. It could not get better than this - a writer reviewing another. King is obviosly, a fan of the Potter series. We get to see a writer responding as a reader of fantasy.

It is just so, wow.

National Book Awards 2006

Here are the finalists for the National Book Awards for books published in the Philippines in 2006:

ANTHOLOGY
The Manila We Knew, edited by Erlinda Enriquez Panlilio. Anvil.
Philippine Speculative Fiction, Volume 2, edited by Dean Francis Alfar. Kestrel IMC.

ALFONSO T. ONGPIN AWARD FOR BEST BOOK ON ART
Ani: The Life and Art of Hermogena Borja Lungay, Boholano Painter, by Marjorie Evasco. UST Publishing House.
Brushstrokes from the Heart: ArtPetron, The First Five Years, by Alice G. Guillermo. Petron Corporation.
Fabian de la Rosa and His Times, by Luciano P.R. Santiago, Ana P. Labrador, Macario Ofilada Mina, and Santiago Albano Pilar, edited by Ana P. Labrador. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana. net.

BIOGRAPHY / AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Abe: A Frank Sketch of E. Aguilar Cruz, by Nick Joaquin. Holy Angel University.
Ballerina of the People, by Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Angela Blardony Ureta, and Susan A. De Guzman. Ballet Manila Foundation.
Beyond the Great Wall: A Family Journal, by Mario I. Miclat. Anvil.
Joaquin, Nick. Ed Angara: Seer of Sea & Sierra. University of the Philippines Press.
Kapitan: Geny Lopez and the Making of ABS-CBN, by Raul Rodrigo. ABS-CBN Publishing.
Masay: The Untold Story of a Japanese Woman’s Heroic Compassion towards her Fellowmen circa World War II, Philippine Arena, by Celia Hernando Tobia-Bulan. University of Santo Tomas Publishing House.
Myself, Elsewhere, by Carmen Guerrero Nakpil. Nakpil Publishing.
Trailblazing: The Quest for Energy Self-Reliance, by Geronimo Z. Velasco. Anvil.

BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS AWARD FOR BEST BOOK ON BUSINESS & ECONOMICS
Coconut: The Philippines’ Money Tree, by Renato M. Labadan. RM Labadan and Associates and University Research and Resource Development.
The Path to the Success of Cooperatives, by Eugenio V. Mendoza and Eulogio T. Castillo. University of the Philippines Press.

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
Bad Kings, by Gilda Cordero Fernando. Anvil.
The Cat Painter, by Becky Bravo. Adarna House.
Hale, Hale, Hoy!: Mga Laro, Kanta, Tugma, at Bugtong ng Batang Filipino! Adarna House.
Halikpon: A Retelling of an Ancient Ifugao Chant and Pumbakhayon: An Origin Myth of the Ifugao Hudhud by Mae Astrid Tobias. National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Inang Bayan’s New Clothes / Mga Bag-ong Sinina ni Inahang Nasod, by Tony Perez and Agnes S. Caballa. Anvil.

COOKBOOKS AND FOOD
The Governor-General’s Kitchen: Philippine Culinary Vignettes and Period Recipes, 1521-1935, by Felice Prudente Sta. Maria. Anvil.
Potluck, Hidalgo Bonding: A Family Heritage Cookbook, edited by Jaime C. Laya and Adelaida Lim. Anvil.

DRAMA
Halik sa Kampilan; Dulang Kambayoka, by Frank G. Rivera. University of Santo Tomas Publishing House.
Mga Premyadong Dula, by Lito Casaje. De La Salle University Press.

EDITING
Anticipating Filipinas: Reading Bienvenido Lumbera as Critic, edited by Charlie S. Veric. University of Santo Tomas Publishing House.
Great Scott!: The New Day William Henry Scott Reader, edited by Bezalie Bautista Uc-Kung. New Day.

EDUCATION
Daughters True: 100 Years of Scholastican Education, 1906-2006, edited by Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz, Paulynn Paredes Sicam, Karina Africa Bolasco, and Ma. Ceres P. Doyo. St. Scholastica’s College.

ESSAY
(Im)Personal: Gabay sa Panulat at Pagmamanunulat, by Rene O. Villanueva. Anvil.
The King of Nothing to Do: Essays on Nothing and Everything, by Luis Joaquin M. Katigbak. Milflores.
The Knowing is in the Writing: Notes on the Practice of Fiction, by Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. University of the Philippines Press.
Science Solitaire: Essays on Science, Nature, and Becoming Human, by Maria Isabel Garcia. Ateneo de Manila University Press.
They Have Jesus: The Stories of the Children of Hapag, by Joey A. Velasco. Kenosis.

JUAN C. LAYA AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL IN A PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE
(H)istoryador( a), by Victor Emmanuel Carmelo D. Nadera Jr. University of the Philippines Press.
Ang Sandali ng mga Mata, by Alvin B. Yapan. Ateneo de Manila University Press.

JUAN C. LAYA AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Banyaga: A Song of War, by Charlson Ong. Anvil.
The Jupiter Effect, by Katrina Tuvera. Anvil.
Salamanca, by Dean Francis Alfar. Ateneo de Manila University Press.
Samboangan: The Cult of War, by A. R. Enriquez. University of the Philippines Press.
Women in the House, by Erma M. Cuizon. University of Santo Tomas Publishing House.

SHORT FICTION
Maligayang Pagdating sa Sitio Catacutan: Mga Kuwentong Kasisindakan, Aklat 1 / Malagim ang Gabi sa Sitio Catacutan: Mga Kuwentong Kasisindakan, Aklat 2, by Tony Perez. Anvil.
Pagluwas, by Zosimo Quibilan Jr. University of the Philippines Press.
Taguan-Pung, Koleksyon ng Dagling Kathang Di Pambata at Manwal ng mga Napapagal: Kopi Teybol Dedbol Buk, by Eros S. Atalia. University of Santo Tomas Publishing House.
Ten: Coming Home and Nine More Short Stories, by Albina Peczon Fernandez. Holy Angel University.

FILM
Mythopoeic Poe: Understanding the Masa as Audience through the Films of Fernando Poe Jr., by Alfonso B. Deza. Great Books Publishing.
Postmodern Filming of Literature: Sources, Contexts and Adaptations, by Joyce L. Arriola. University of Santo Tomas Publishing House.

CULTURAL STUDIES
Hiligaynon Mythological Stories and Folktales: Analysis and Translation, by Amorita C. Rabuco. University of San Agustin Publishing House.
Interactive Vernacular [and] National Literature: Magdalena G. Jalandoni’s Juanita Cruz as Constituent of Filipino National Literature, by Lucila V. Hosillos. University of the Philippines Press.
Kasaysayan at Pag-unlad ng Dulaang Pambata sa Pilipinas, by Arthur P. Casanova. UST Publishing House.
Mula sa mga Pakpak ng Entablado: Poetika ng Dulaang Kababaihan, by Joi Barrios. University of the Philippines Press.
Treading Through: 45 Years of Philippine Dance, by Basilio Esteban S. Villaruz. University of the Philippines Press and Philippine Folklife Museum Foundation.
Writing Literary History: Mode of Economic Production and Twentieth Century Waray Poetry, by Jose Duke S. Bagulaya. University of the Philippines Press.

POETRY
Apokripos, by Jerry B. Gracio. University of the Philippines Press.
Gagamba sa Uhay: Kalipunan ng mga Haiku, by Rogelio G. Mangahas. C&E Publishing.
Kung ang Tula ay Pwedeng Pambili ng Lalaki: Mga Tula, by John Iremil E. Teodoro. Igbaong Imprints.
Pag-aabang sa Kundiman: Isang Talambuhay, by Edgar Calabia Samar. Ateneo de Manila University.

SCIENCES
Contribution to Philippine Agricultural Modernization: Selected Papers of Fulbright-Philippin e Agriculture Scholars, Volume 1, edited by Liborio S. Cabanilla, Mario G. Andrada, and Liberty O. Inciong. Fulbright-Philippin e Agriculture Alumni Association.
A Guide to Families of Common Flowering Plants in the Philippines, by Irma Remo Castro. University of the Philippines Press.
Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (C.A.M.), by Victoriano Y. Lim. University of Santo Tomas Publishing House.
Philippine Agriculture, Food Security, and APEC, edited by Liborio S. Cabanilla. Philippine APEC Study Center Network and Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

SOCIAL SCIENCES
Adios, Patria Adorada: The Filipino as Ilustrado, the Ilustrado as Filipino, by Alfredo Roces. De La Salle University Press.
Archaeology and Culture in Southeast Asia: Unraveling the Nusantao, by Wilhelm G. Solheim II. University of the Philippines Press.
The Blood of Government: Race, Empire, the United States, and the Philippines, by Paul A. Kramer. Ateneo de Manila University Press.
A Dictionary of Cebuano Arts, edited by Erlinda K. Alburo. University of San Carlos Cebuano Studies Center and Toyota Foundation.
Engaging Society: The Sociologist in a War Zone, by John J. Carroll, S.J. Ateneo de Manila University Press.
How to Win an Election: Lessons from the Experts, edited by Chay Florentino Hofileña. Ateneo School of Government-Center for Social Policy.
The I-Stories: The Philippine Revolution and the Filipino-American War as Told by Its Eyewitnesses and Participants, edited by Augusto V. De Viana. University of Santo Tomas Publishing House.
In the Name of Civil Society: From Free Election Movements to People Power in the Philippines, by Eva-Lotta E. Hedman. Ateneo de Manila University Press.
Kuwentong Bayan: Noong Panahon ng Hapon, Everyday Life in a Time of War, by Thelma B. Kintanar, Clemen C. Aquino, Patricia B. Arinto, and Ma. Luisa T. Camagay. University of the Philippines Press.
Pestilence in the Philippines: A Social History of the Filipino People, 1571-1800, by Luis Camara Dery. New Day.
Romblomanon Dictionary, edited by Leonard E. Newell. Linguistic Society of the Philippines.
Stringing the Past: An Archaeological Understanding of Early Southeast Asian Glass Bead Trade, by Jun G. Cayron. University of the Philippines Press.
Unknown Aspects of the Philippine Revolution, by Jose S. Arcilla S.J. St Pauls Philippines.

SPORTS
Advanced Badminton Techniques: Whether You’re a Beginner or the Best, Your Bible to Better Badminton, by Valentin Oreta and Vip Malixi. University of Santo Tomas Publishing House.
Pacific Storm: Dispatches on Pacquiao of the Philippines, by Recah Trinidad. Anvil / Inquirer.

THEOLOGY & RELIGION
God Talk: Renewing Language about God in the Roman Catholic Tradition, by Andrew Gonzalez FSC. De La Salle University Press.
God Was Not in the Wind: An Evolutionary Understanding of Popular Religion in the Philippines, by Jimmy A. Belita, C.M. Adamson University Press.

TRANSLATION
The Colonial Odyssey of Leyte, 1521-1914, by Manuel Artigas y Cuerva, translated by Rolando O. Borrinaga and Cantius J. Kobak. New Day.
Fort, by and translated by B. S. Medina Jr. FEU Publications.
Gagamba sa Uhay: Kalipunan ng mga Haiku, by Rogelio G. Mangahas, translated by Marne L. Kilates. C&E Publishing.
Juanita Cruz: A Novel, by Magdalena Gonzaga Jalandoni, translated by Ofelia Ledesma Jalandoni. University of the Philippines Press.
Monografias de los Pueblos de la Isla de Pan-ay: Monographs of the Towns in Panay, by Juan Fernandez, O.S.A., translated by Jose G. Espinosa Jr. University of San Agustin Publishing House.

BEST DESIGN
Ani: The Life and Art of Hermogena Borja Lungay, Boholano Painter, by Marjorie Evasco, designed by Leo Abaya. UST Publishing House.
Brushstrokes from the Heart: ArtPetron, The First Five Years, by Alice G. Guillermo. Petron Corporation.
The Governor-General’s Kitchen: Philippine Culinary Vignettes and Period Recipes, 1521-1935, by Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, designed by Guillermo Ramos. Anvil.
Halikpon: A Retelling of an Ancient Ifugao Chant and Pumbakhayon: An Origin Myth of the Ifugao Hudhud, by Mae Astrid Tobias, designed by Rex Flores. National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

CITATIONS
Sawikaan series:
Sawikaan 2006: Mga Salita ng Taon, edited by Galileo S. Zafra and Roberto T. Añonuevo. University of the Philippines Press, 2007.
Sawikaan 2005: Mga Salita ng Taon, edited by Galileo S. Zafra and Michael M. Coroza. University of the Philippines Press, 2006.
Sawikaan 2004: Mga Salita ng Taon, edited by Galileo S. Zafra and Romulo P. Baquiran Jr. University of the Philippines Press, 2005. [NBA winner, 2005]

Ayala Foundation – for children’s books on paintings:
Juan Luna: Patriot and Painter, by Carla C. Pacis
The Boy Who Lost a Father and Found the Sun: The Life of Maestro Fernando Amorsolo, by Rene Villanueva
Fernando Zobel: The Man Who Painted Ideas, by Maria Elena Paterno

Sy Yinchow, for a lifetime of translating Philippine literature into Chinese

Seminar/Workshop on Writing, Illustrating & Storytelling

I am inviting all interested people to attend the UP Reading Department sponsored seminar/workshop on writing, illustrating and storytelling for children. Details of the event are as follows:

“A Day with Weavers of Magic”
Writing, Illustrating, and Telling Stories for Children
September 22, 2007(Saturday - Whole Day 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.)
Benitez Theater
College of Education
UP Diliman

Seminar/Workshop Fee: Php 500.00

Goal: To develop love for reading among the young
Objectives:
To appreciate children’s literature by being familiar with
* the process behind the creation of children’s storybooks
* different ways of storytelling that may be used in the classroom

Weavers of Magic:
“Tito Dok” Luis Gatmaitan
Award-winning writer of children’s books
Member, Kwentista ng mga Tsikiting (KUTING)

Ruben “Totet” De Jesus
Award-winning illustrator of children’s books
President, Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)
Member, Ilustrador ng Kabataan (INK)
Faculty, College of Fine Arts (UP Diliman)

Ace Elgar
Vice President, Kwentista ng mga Tsikiting (KUTING)
Member, ALITAPTAP Storytellers
Teacher, Ateneo Grade School

Zarah Gagatiga
President, Kwentista ng mga Tsikiting (KUTING)
Member, ALITAPTAP Storytellers
Head Librarian, Xavier Grade School

Contact person : Teacher Portia Padilla, UP Reading Department
09178581124 / portia_padilla@yahoo.com

Library & Librarian Workshops and Seminars Galore

When it rains workshops and seminars, it pours!

FROM PNU-LISSA:
PNU-LISAA, Inc. welcomes participants to the Seminar -Workshop on LIBRARY CUSTOMER CARE this coming August 14 and 15 at the PNU Library Conference Room. With the following sessions namely:

SESSION # 1 PROFESSIONAL CARE ACROSS ALL SERVICES
SESSION # 2 MARKETING BRANDS AND LIBRARY CUSTOMER CARE MODELS
SESSION # 3 LIBRARY CUSTOMER CARE AS AN INSTITUTIONAL MARKETING TOOL
SESSION # 4 ENRICHING THE CUSTOMER'S LIBRARY EXPERIENCE

Contact Person is Mr. Roderick Ramos of PNU University Library. Email him via this address - pnureferencelib@yahoo.com

FROM ALITAPTAP STORYTELLERS PHILIPPINES

The Third Inter-College Storytelling Competition 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------
The National Library and Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines in cooperation with Vibal Publication and Hero Channel invite all college students to The Third Inter-College Storytelling Competition 2007 with the theme "Pag Binasa ni Tatay, Mga Kuwento'y Nabubuhay"

SCHEDULES:
Registration Period: August 1- 18, 2007
Orientation/Workshop: August 12 and 18
8:00am-5:00pm

Elimination Round: August 25, 2007, Saturday
8:00am-5:00pm

Final Round: August 26, 2007, Sunday
1:00pm-5:00pm
Venue: National Library Auditorium,
Kalaw Avenue , Manila


The contest is open to all college students enrolled during the competition period or students who have graduated within the year 2007.

For registration and details, please contact
Phone nos. 0917.539.2630
Email us at alitaptap_storytellers@yahoo.com

FROM FDSEI

HOW DIFFICULT CAN IT BE: HELPING CHILDREN WITH SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY
The root cause of a Learning Disability is unknown. There are several hypotheses as to the cause; nevertheless, it is common for a person to have a learning disability. It is estimated that around 15% of all Americans have some sort of learning disability. However, rarely is the severity of the learning disability debilitating to the person. Through proper training and acknowledgement of the disability one can still live a fruitful life.

Resource Speaker: Ms. Lolita D. Serrano
President, Resources for Educational & Allied Consultancy Habitat, Inc.
President, Sharing Our Caring Foundation, Inc.
SPED Consultant for over 18 years

WHEN: August 19, 2007 (Sunday)
TIME: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
VENUE: Conference room Annex, Las Pinas Doctors Hospital , 8009 J.P. Aguilar. Avenue.Pulang Lupa II, Las. Pinas City , across Southville International School

Seminar fee: P 1,500 (includes handouts, lunch and 2 snacks)
10% discount for FDSEI members and those who will pay before August 13, 2007
5% discount for those who will pay before August 16, 2007
*You can pay thru any Allied Bank branch;
FDSEI current account # 3531-00100-5
8009 J.P. Aguilar. Avenue.Pulang Lupa II, Las. Pinas City

The official website is here.

If you're free in the afternoon of the 30th of August, 3.30 to 4.30, you might want to hear what's new with today's kids' and teens' reading habits. Spread the news! See you there.

And if you're a reader of this blog, don't hesitate to say "hi" or to introduce yourself. I'll be glad to meet you in person.

"Childreen, Teens and Reading In The Time Of IT" (Powerbooks and Read Or Die)

Below is the press release of Read Or Die's panel for parents, teachers and librarians on August 30, 2007. Please send to friends and people you know who might be interested. See you at the Book Fair.

Zarah Grace Gagatiga will be presenting studies and surveys about the reading habits of children as well as activities they do in their leisure time. Parents, teachers, librarians and care givers can see how much media and IT influences children's and teens' environment and way of living. The talk will be an open discussion/workshop type in order for the participants to actively discuss implications and ways of forming kids into better readers and users of information and technology.

Zarah Grace Gagatiga is the head librarian of Xavier School and is an active member of KUTING (Kuwentista Ng Mga Tsikiting, a writers' group for children's literature) and the Philippine Board On Books For Young People (PBBY). She blogs at http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com.

August 30, 2007 (3:30 - 4:30 PM)
Function Room A
Manila International Book Fair
World Trade Center, Pasay City

Philippine Publishers’ Roster of 2007 Children’s Books

Ah yes, life goes on after Hary Potter.

While readers and fans of the HP series were agog over JK Rowling's final HP installment, PBBY (Philippine Board on Books for Young People) was just as glad to have presented new titles from chidlren's book publishers last July 17, 2007. Below is the list. Titles shall be available in the upcoming Manila International Book Fair this August 29, 2007 to September 2, 2007.

Publisher

Adarna House

Sampu Pataas, Sampu Pababa
Lola Puti
Dalawang Bayani ng Bansa
Can We Drink the Ocean
Tight Times (by the 2007 PBBY Salanga and Alcala Prize winners)
Ready for School Series

Anvil

Ang Pitong Tanga
Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya
Ang Sultan Saif
Anting-Anting
Ang Palasyo ng mga Duwende
Children of Two Seasons

Bookmark

Khan: A Teacher of Everything
The Boy Monk in an Orange Robe
The Saint of the Gutters
Of Rubber Shoes and the Saddest Baby
Yuan Long Ping Story
Vietnam’s Son
Dancing in Cloud Gate
Green Clothes for the Yellow Dragon
A Different Kind of Policewoman


Canvas

Ang Batang Maraming Bawal
Sol: A Legend About the Sun

Lampara

Alamat ng Atis
Alamat ng Butiki
Alamat ng Mangga
Alamat ng Guyabano
Alamat ng Pating
Alamat ng Papaya
Ang Batang Natutong Magtipid
Ang Batang Natutong Maging Matapang
The Ugly Duckling
The Monkey and the Turtle
The Thirsty Crow
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
David and Goliath
Frog on the Moon

NCCA

Pumbakhayon
Halikpon

OMF Literature

What Beetle Can Do
Teo’s Cockatoo1
David and His New Classmate
Aruy! Magang-maga ang mga Tonsil ni JM!

Tahanan

500 Words and Pictures
Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang
Melampus and the Snakes
Odysseus and the Cyclops
The Trojan Horse
Long Ago and Far Away

Vibal

Why Do Squids Squirt Ink?
Lazybug: A Love Fable
Aliguyon at Pumbakhayon
His Friend, Eric
Mga Laruang Papel
Amansinaya
Nobody’s Hat
Pipo the Clown
Pagpagayuk
Naglakbay si Tulalang sa Araw at Buwan
Pipo the Clown
Ang Hardineron Tipaklong

The Life and Love of Severus Snape

This is another Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows SPOLIER. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I've always known from book 1, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, that there is something more to Severus Snape other than his hatred for James Potter. He was an enigma since. By the 6th book, I had a hunch that he was Dumbledore's mole. In the 7th and last installment, I was surprised to know his motivtaion to succumb into Dumbledore's plans and orders.

And I thought that Remus Lupin's character was so romantic.

Snape was the uber lover of Lily Evans. Sadly, his pasison for the Dark Arts cost him his own loss. But then, Lily's son lived. Redemption came seventeen years after.

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows : In Memoriam

WARNING! If you have not read the book yet, please, do not scroll any further. This post contains spoilers.

I got my copy of the 7th Harry Potter book from the Scholastic warehouse in Pasig City on Saturday, July 21, 2007. I was there as early as 7.30 a.m. I was far away from the hub of activities that littered bookstores in celebration of its world wide release. There was a different feel of getting the book in the warehouse. Besides, I really didn't feel like sharing it yet with friends who are, like me, Potterrites. I wanted to relish the last book all to myself in peace and quiet. And I did. That is why I'm giving it a second reading.

For the mean time, please, allow me to grieve for these fallen warriors of wizarding Britain.

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody.Your toughness and "constant vigilance" will always be remembered.




Fred Weasley. I wonder what your funeral would have been like. There would have been tears of, course, but there would have been more laughter.




Remus Lupin. I fell for you the first time you appeared in shabby, tatered clothes, sleeping in a compartment at Hogwarts Express. You were one of the best teachers Harry Potter ever had at Hogwarts.




Nymphadora Tonks Lupin. Just when motherhood is going to give you one of life's best gifts, you died with your hsuband in battle. I will miss the pink bubble gum hair, the clumsiness and the passion you had for seeking what you think Lupin deserves.




Dobby, Free Elf. For the many rescue operations you lent Harry, you are one of his heroes!




Hedwig, the Owl. Fly free to an uncaged land.

Book Review : Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows

One more day. Just one more day of waiting and I wll have my copy of the last Harry Potter book. I am beyond excited!

To ease up the thrill and anxiety of finally reading the final series, I've searched online for news of the book. I fotunately found an advanced book review in the Herald Tribune . In another news, it is said that this angered Rowling. Oh, what can she do? She has, after all, created a cult following by creating Harry Potter.

Harry Potter Phenomenon

I'm swept far and away by the Harry Potter mania that besieged the online world, as well as the real one. My personal blog, The Coffee Goddess, is ranked 23rd in Pinoy Tob Blogs because of my spoiler posts on the seventh Harry Potter book. I didn't quite expect it, really.



It was not my intention to ride on the book's popularity simply because, I'm a fan. And fans do that - rant and rave and rage over what they are so avid about.

Anyhoo, I've written a review of the movie which will find a published space in the school website this week or the next. Below is the full article.

The Movie Only a Potterite Would Love
By Zarah Gagatiga, GS LRC Coordinator

“What movie did we just watch?”

Such were the words of my dear clueless hubby as soon as the credits of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix rolled up the silver screen. I was pretty pleased to have seen it on its first showing day, but he did not share my delight. For the next ten minutes, he ranted out loud while I raved inside. The fifth Harry Potter film fell short of his expectations. I had a hunch all along that it is not a movie that will stand on its own.

I’m a fan of JK Rowling and her created universe so the angst ridden scenes of Dan Radcliffe, the gloom and the doom that bathed the movie from start to finish, and the exciting but short lived battle of the wizards were visual companions that connected me once again with the book. For one who has read the HP series many times over, the experience is utter satisfaction. This is where my hubby and I draw the line.

There were scenes in the movie that needed no explanation because I was fully aware of its dramatic and fictional background. On the other hand, the ones that director David Yates emphasized and tweaked a bit made me see perspectives I didn’t find in the book.

For example, Luna Lovegood is to me, only another quirky character that Rowling used for texturing. It was a barefoot Luna in the forbidden forest and her red sneakers tied to an archway that did me in. Seeing her come alive in the movie made me realize how essential she was for Harry to cope with the trauma of Cedric Diggory’s death and that of Sirius Black’s too. Sure, he has good friends like Ron and Hermione, but neither has first hand experience with death. This is very telling of what it is like in real life. Our peers may share our deepest sorrows, they may offer support and give us space to overcome the painful process of accepting a loss, but we all need to see one who’s been there and done that. Luna lends this to Harry. Rowling used her as a literary and artistic device to prepare Harry for whatever life will bring him in the next installments.

Another example is Dumbledore’s anxiety that evaded me in the book. I’ve always taken the Hogwarts Headmaster as calm and collected; always in control and larger than life. In the movie, I felt his greatness as well as his vulnerability.

Michael Gambon as a remorseful Dumblodore touched me to the core. He regret protecting Harry too much from the evils that Voldermort could wage. No matter how powerful a wizard he is, he could only do so much for the boy who lived. As a parent, I often find myself in the same predicament. There are battles that my own children will fight in their lifetime. Their joys and pains are mine to bear too. I, however, need to let them go and see how they can pick themselves up when they fall in facing their own Death Eaters and Umbridges of this world. Indeed, love moves us to do great things. It likewise renders us helpless and weak.

Then, there is Ginny Weasley. Yates deftly portrayed a hopeful Ginny, wistfully looking at the object of her childhood romance. She stays there at the background though, waiting and giving Harry and herself all the time to find themselves and be. It is so Jane Austen and I love it!

This sense of control and restraint presented by Yates through Ginny is a stab at youth’s tendency to be impulsive and reckless. It is during the teenage years when tensions between opposites – good and evil, conformity and rebellion, dependence and autonomy, to name a few, clash with in the teenager’s psyche. Oh, the growing pains that goes with adolescence. Harry struggles and this was made palpable in the movie. Yates extended this aspect of growing up by offering us a glimpse of how Ginny was managing all this time.

On the technical aspect, I wished for a snappy plot development and a lengthier battle of the wizards in the end. A professional dancer choreographed the manner in which wizards and witches brandish a wand to cast spells, hexes, jinxes and curses. Those scenes ended as soon as it begun.

The attempt at black comedy was obvious with Imelda Staunton as vehicle. She was an effective embellishment. The rest of the British actors were fantastic as usual, but their thespic talents did not offer salvation for a boring and dragging middle part. The scriptwriters, however, could have spent more time enunciating the importance of Harry knowing the prophecy. This is a key plot that carries Harry and friends till the sixth book. And if my guess is right, readers will hear and know more of it until the seventh book.

If you have not seen the movie yet, I encourage you to read the book first or, read the book after seeing the movie. Otherwise, you’ll end up asking the same question like my hubby. Worse, you might fall asleep on your way to Hogwarts.

Butch Dalisay @ National Chidlren's Book Day 2007

The National Children's Book Day was held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines yesterday, July 17, 2007. The usual ceremony of awarding the Salanga and Alcala prizes were, of course, the highlight of the day. New titles of books by eight publishing houses were presented to the interest and delight of the audience. There were more than twenty titles released and some will be launched in 2007, so people in the industry are happy about this continued, if not, rapid growth of children's book publishing today.

It was Butch Dalisay who graced the occasion. Sharing his reading experiences as a child, he attributed a well stocked library and a very good reading program to his life long love for books and reading.

He remembers with fondness, the Rizal Provincial Library, the public library that satiated his reading appetite. That library is still alive today and can be found in a relatively new building in Pasig City's local government area.

With books and reading, Mr. Dalisay saw a world that is bigger and grander than his own. This prompted him to know more, to learn more and to become more of the boy he used to be. He is continuously learning, even to this day when he has received all possible literary award in the country and overseas.

At the end of his speech, he encouraged schools and libraries for more reading contests other than talent and sports contest that seem to be all too popular to the growing Filipino child. For writers and publishers, stories that matter and help readers become better Filipinos. What exactly is "Filipino" means so much in this day and age. Indeed, this is a far greater challenge.

Reading Idols

As a way of celebrating National Children's Book Day on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, our GS LRC launched an activity that would promote and model the reading habit among our students. Dubbed as the READING IDOL, we would feature members of the school community and their reading habits.

The first to take center stage is none other than our school director, Fr. Johnny Go SJ. His reading habits and choice of reading materials are as dynamic as his personality. Read the full interview from our school website here.

Perks of the Job

Who ever said that being a school librarian is uneventful? Think again. With these perks, I'm glad I'm here in this profession!

Free movie pass. Ateneo Law School is sponsoring a special, private screening of Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at Greenbelt 3. Show starts at 11.30 a.m.

Harry Potter Party invite on July 14, 2007 at McDonald's Greenbelt. There will be games, activities and lots of book readings and discussions on the six books and the coming 7th Harry Potter on July 21, 2007.

Bookmark to use for the 7th Harry Potter book. Where are the Horcruxes? Who ends up with whom? Is Snape really evil? Will Harry die? Burning questions that need answers!

Harry Potter sticker. Hmm...Where to stick? On my mew Mac Notebook?

National Conference on Children's Literature for Children

The UP Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas, in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), will be sponsoring the first-ever Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Panitikang Pambata (National Conference on Literature for Children) with the theme "Tungo sa Gintong Panahon ng Panitikang Pambata" (Towards the Golden Age of Literature for Children) on July 25-27, 2007 at the Claro M. Recto Hall, Faculty Center, UP Diliman.

The national conference will feature paper presentations by both established and young literary critics, creative writers, and visual artists for children led by renowned UP scholar Dr. Rosario Torres-Yu. Topics include interpretation and interpellation of Filipino aesthetics, historical and regional narratologies, educational and informational praxes, the culture of reading, media, diaspora, sexual politics, folklore, ethnography, peace talks, and poverty and revolution, – all in relation to literary production for children.

Keynote speech will be delivered by critic and National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario. The said conference will also feature workshop talks by illustrator Jose Miguel Tejido, Adarna House publisher Ani Rosa Almario, and renowned writer for children Prof. Rene O. Villanueva. For inquiries about conference fees, reservations and the like, contact Dr. Eugene Y. Evasco (eugene.evasco@gmail.com) and/or Prof. Will P. Ortiz ( bilogangbuwan@gmail.com). You may also contact 9244899.

The State of Philippine Children's Literature

There is this article in PCIJ on the state of children's literature in the country. Read it here. I'm very much aware of how dismal it is. The landscape and environment has not changed in the past ten years.

I'd rather dwell on the many ways and initiatives that organizations and civic groups put up every year for the development of children's literature.

I hope someone from PBBY gets to invite the writer of the article. There is hope. Then, maybe, she would write of better things about the industry.

NCBD 2007: 'Basa tayo 'Tay!

PBBY Secretariat, Ani Almario, sent the invites for the 24th National Children's Book Day celebration. This year's theme, 'Basa tayo 'Tay!, focus on the role of fathers in developing the reading habit. Celebrity fathers like Paolo Abrera and Nolo Silayan will tell stories for the kids and the kids at heart on NCBD. Multi-awarded writer Jose "Butch" Dalisay will be the guest speaker.

The NCBD event will start at 10.00 am on July 17, 2007 at the Main Lobby of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Spoiler on Harry Potter 7

What has become of Harry? This is a possible spoiler, so don't say I didn't warn you!

Click here.

First Encounters @ the Library

Library Orientation classes for primary grades won't happen until the last week of June. Librarians are all busy team planning with Reading teachers in their assigned grade levels and there is one more Mediashoppe cum LRC Orientation for new teachers at the Early Education Library on Friday, June 22, 2007. The grade one students, however, had their first encounter with the library during the first week of school. Their class advisers brought them up to the "big" library as part of their school wide orientation program.

Since it was their first days in a big school environment, some of them could not help but get lost.

One grade one boy was looking for the bookstore to buy a school textbook. He went up the library instead. He did this several times even though he was told and guided to where the bookstore was. One teacher who has a son in grade one was frantic last Thursday since she could not find her son during dismissal. It turned out that her son was at the library reading with much bigger boys in the primary section. The school's Assistant Principal had to guide one first grader to where the books are so that he can read and enjoy a cooler place at lunch break.

In our supervision time at lunch break, the first graders are the noisiest and rowdiest. There are fighting, games of hiding and seek, running about, jumping and rolling down the mini-amphitheater we all call the Storytelling Area. Boys would report stealing and grabbing of books. They also ask the most questions.

For these boys, the library is but another area for play and recreation. Rules and regulations do apply, but the implementation of such requires patience, compassion and a firm but caring voice when communicating with them.

I remember in first grade, I had Ms. Oliva, my first school librarian in my old parochial school in Pateros. She was plump, cheerful and always smiling. I would go to the library at recess to read. When I had my first borrower's card, I brought home a Dick and Jane book which I finished reading in no time. It stayed in my cabinet for days and weeks until my mother discovered it sleeping among my old toys. She had to pay the library a good amount of overdue fees. That's when she started borrowing books from IS Manila. Soon, I was reading Maurice Sendak, Dr. Seuss, Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey, Ezra Jack Keats and Eve Bunting. I never borrowed again from my school library until sixth grade when being small and dusky excluded me from my more prettier classmates. It was the peak of my awakening from books, reading and literature.

When my mother brought me to see the Children's Media Center of IS Manila, I met my first library fairy in the person of Neni Sta. Romana Cruz. She does not know this yet, but I adored her the first time I saw her emerging out from a room. She had sad raccoon eyes but her smile was gentle and welcoming. There was an aura about her that drew me in. That's when I acknowledged how I wanted to be like her - to be surrounded with books in a room so free and beautiful; to be reading and writing for life; to be with children; to be forever young.

By second grade, I was already reading chapter books. Frog and Toad are Friends by Anita and Arnold Lobel; Greek Myths and Norse Legends; Scary stories and comic books. I had my first dinosaur book and at eight years old (I started school early) I considered myself a dinosaur expert. I wanted to be an archaeologist to find out dinosaur fossils in the Philippines. By third grade, I knew how to use a dictionary and an encyclopedia. Nancy Drew and the Bobsey Twins became my heroes at fourth grade. I laughed with Ramona and Beezus and solved mysteries with Encyclopedia Brown in fifth grade. Between the two Hardy boys, I had my heart set on Frank Hardy. I was a reading geek at 11 years old that when I discovered a few good classmates who were also readers, I didn't see myself as too strange at all. Only a little. And then, I stopped reading. I didn't know why, I guess I just wanted to rest for a while.

My mother intervened again. She brought me to work every summer. At that time, she was assigned at the Middle School Library of IS Manila. There began my new reading adventure as a teenager. That of course is anotehr story.

I do not know how far the reach of our influence can impact the lives of our grade one students. Most of them may only remember their library as a cool place, where the aircon is always on; a hangout venue with friends; a waiting area till the fetcher arrives; a place to sleep; an area for play and games. I do know that we're doing our best. We're doing our share to raise boys who are fully alive, endowed with the passion for justice and the skills for development.

CANVAS Book Launch : Ang Batang Maraming Bawal

CANVAS will be launching Don Gonzalez's first book, Ang Batang Maraming Bawal at the Ayala Museum on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 6.30 p.m. Don won the 3rd Romeo Forbes Writing for Children contest in 2005. He is a probee member of KUTING.

In Tune to Web 2.0

Xavier School has a spankingly new website. The GS LRC is mentioned in an article on one outreach activity with the St. John the Baptist Catholic School. Click here.

Library Video Clips

The times, they are changing.

Instead of looking over for videos in the AV section for my grade two class this afternoon, I went to YOU Tube for video clips about the school library. These are some of my finds.

GS LRC Mediashoppe 2007

Can you guess how many books the GS LRC have in its collection? This was the question that greeted GS teachers last June 1, 2007, Friday for their annual Mediashoppe at the Storytelling Area of the GS LRC. Given by the GS LRC to collaborate with teachers in the development of learning resources, this year's Mediashoppe was the most, if not successful, organized Mediashoppe yet.

The program began with an orientation of basic library services and programs for the sake of the new hires. Junior and senior teachers are already familiar with the GS LRC's features, but a quick walk through on the LRC's services was a big help to remind them that a department that supports their instructional needs exist in the community. What was new for everyone, newbie and seasoned teachers alike, was the DOORS Project of Mrs. Chit Olivares, Reference Librarian.


The Directory of Online Resources (DOORS) is a project initiated by Mrs. Olivares to enrich the print and non-print collection of the library with online resources. Using FURL, she was able to build a list of useful sites for teachers who can use them in the different content areas. Another relevant information provided by the Mediashoppe was the presentation of the ITS-AV Integrated Office by Ms. Garce Aromin, ITS Coordinator. Beginning this school year, reservations of equipment, facilities and tech support will be provided by the ITS. The GS LRC will concentrate on content and knowledge management of the AV collection. In this structure, it is foreseen that more resources will be utilized by the community.

Teachers were able to select and review learning resources possible for acquisition this school year. With their MLAs present, it can be truly said that the administrators are involved in this process of building the library's collection. They also got to view new titles of materials, journals and books available for their perusal.

It was Mr. Ronald Briones of the GS Science department who got the correct estimate on the volume of the LRC's collection. Without the hard work of Mrs. Jane Diaz, Readers Servcies Librarian, who put the Mediashoppe together, and the support of Mrs. Jane Natividad, GS Principal, it would not have been possible for the GS LRC and the GS teachers from the different departments to have a fun and fruitful morning of collaborative work.

Love Your Books

June is National Book Development Month. Filipinas Heritage Library and the National Book Development Board has prepared a slew of activities for the reading Pinoy.

From June 27 to July 1, a literary exhibit at the Glorietta Park that features places in the metro that have inspired our writers to create their literary master pieces is up for display. Tickets cost Php 500.00.

Aside from this, poetry readings, storytelling sessions, book illustration contests and theatrical presentations make it to the week long calendar of the National Book Development Month. Call 8921801 for details.

Misplaced Librarian

There were many insights and issues that surfaced from my seminar-workshop with public and barangay librarians yesterday at the Filipinas Heritage Library. Public librarians, kin to school librarians, have their share of problems, concerns and what-nots. For many, funding and budget is not the number one challenge in meeting the objectives of library services, but, staff training and the availability of enough manpower to sustain the energy of the library. This was articulated by almost three fourth of the participants.

Although it was never identified what kind of training they needed the most, I have an inkling that the skills and competencies they must learn are those on library management, communication skills and the ability to integrate a variety of disciplines that will eventually lead to succesfull plans and programs for the public library. In this case, librarians must be given enough exposure to travel and bench mark with other librarians in the provincial and international settings. Those who are still in the academe earning the degree necesitate an interdisciplinary learning experience in their study of Library and Information Science.

Last I heard, teachers of LIS are revising and improving curriculum to give focus and direction to students. There may be students who would like to focus on IT development; public service; media and communications; education and training; etc. but with a foundation on LIS.

When job related issues began sprouting during the discussion, I was earnest to hear them out. I was interested to find out the paradigms and schools of thought these librarians subscribe to. Often, their comments and questions reflect their personal and professional philosophy.

One librarian was given the task as tour guide. And yes, it was a very uncomfortable task. Not the librarian's fault since she was trained to procure, organize, manage and circulate the library's collection. Then again, the role of a librarian has changed radicaly over the years that to maintain that set of tasks limits the moral, cultural and intellectual growth of the community. Public librarains have a special role in elevating literacy. And there are many kinds of literacy. Is the public librarian trained and prepared for this change. Is the public librarian equiped to handle emerging kinds of literacy for people of different age groups and demographics?

There are many librarians I know who did not take LIS courses but were lucky enough to learn and get units of LIS. Most pursue a graduate degree even. Some are quite succesful though their bachelor's degree is non-LIS. But what happens if the table is turned? What can the librarain do if he or she is expected to be teacher, curator, manager, events planner, PR officer, editor, web developer, even computer technician? Will he/she rely on God given wit and talent or learn new things to integrate with the old knowledge?

Librarian Mothers

I grew up with a librarian mother. Bosom friends know too well how my mother influenced me to become like her, a librarian. Though she steered me to the path of corporate librarianship, I found my bearing on school and children's library service. As to that, I credit my other mother in the profession for showing me the possibility of growing in this track of librarianship. Dr. Mary Orendain of the PNU University Library is my role model. You might wonder who then is my inspiration to pursue ICT in application to school library services. She is none other than Dir. Lou David of the Rizal Library of the Atene De Manila.

I have written a post about my mothers in life and in librarianship a few years back when my blog was barely a year old. Check it here if you wish.

I remember them again with fondness and honor because they have made their presence felt this month of mothers and flowers in my very busy and complicated lifestyle. I take it as a reminder to go slow; to pause; and to examine my priorities.

Dr. Orendain visited me yesterday to personally deliver a token. I was touched by the gesture. So, I returned the respect she deserve by giving her a tour of our library and buying her something in return. Not too much of an amount but enough to let her know that I appreciated her going out of the way to see me. Talk of the present and future status of school librarianship in the country was inevitable. She encouraged me to finish my graduate degree in time for an opening to teach at PNU. Before she left, she reminded me that we must work on a book project together.

Move two weeks earlier and you would have found me at the Rizal Library paying a courtesy call to Dir. David. She was her usual unselfish self. The IL Module for the 11 Public Schools in Quezon City is nearly done. All that's left is its implementation. It was a project she began two years ago and I wa sone of the witnesses to its conception. She lent me some materials that she knew would be very helpful to my advocacy.

In the middle of May, I received text messages from my mother raving about the talk that she attended. She just had an insightful morning with our school director as part of an in-service training session provided for new administrators in her new job. In our exchange of SMS, I was affirmed how lucky I am to be in Xavier School. I am now beginning to see a different perspective to my job as middle level manager. Her advice gave me sanity. We may have our own differences in life and in librarianship, but she will always be my mother.

In time, I will assume a colleague level with Dr. Orendain and Dir. David. But, just like my own mother, they will remain my teachers forever.

IASL Matters

With my membership renewed in IASL, I'm now eligible to vote for the new set of officers. Dr. Diljit Singh and James Henri are both in the running for IASL President. Both have been to Manila to help with projects on IL and school library development. I'm positive that whoever gets elected will continue on with the progressive means by which IASL delivers support for school librarians all over the world.

The newsletter that IASL sent provides information on all candidates. Gerry Brown's article on his visit here in Manila was also included as well as pictures of wonderful Filipino Librarians he interacted with. For this year's annual IASL conference in Taipe, IT and School Libraries take the limelight with the theme, Cyberspace, D-World, E-Learning : Giving Libraries and Schools the Cutting Edge.

For more infromation on the conference visit the IASL website.

CPE & Professional Standards for Librarians

Last April 18, in a seminar sponsored by the
PLAI STRLC, Prof. Cora Nera discussed the history, context and issues surrounding the Continuing Professional Education for Librarians. It was to me a very interesting point of discussion because, the CPE would ensure a high level of professionalism among librarians. It would inspire and motivate librarians to become learners for life. This would implicate that librarians are a valuable professional in the community and to the society at large.

There was, however, a silent disquiet among the participants when the list of requirements was presented. It seemed impossible to attain only if a librarian considered herself a technician, a clerk or a paraprofessional. The work and expectations in the list are being done by professional librarians already. It is only a matter of time for one to organize and define the required task to meet the standard.

Speaking of standards, it was good to know that library groups were able to identify and articulate professional standards. The school library standards, however, is in a state of dissonance. Public school librarians and private school librarians differ in their perception of roles and responsibilities. How then can the divide be narrowed?

Library Customer Care

From friends in the PNU LISAA. Their seminar is a few months away so there is enough preparation time. Below is the list of Board Members and Offocers

Dear Colleagues:

Greetings from the Association!

PNU-LISAA, Inc. invites you to a 2-day seminar-workshop on LIBRARY CUSTOMER CARE on August 14-15, 2007 at the Library Conference Room, Edilberto P. Dagot Hall, Philippine Normal University.

The Association aims to: introduce customer care to the library profession; encourage all to utilize accepted customer care models in the practice of the library profession; and enrich the customers’ library experience while handled by the library personnel and other information professionals. Topics will include (1) professional care across all services; (2) marketing brands and library customer care models; (3) library customer care as an institutional marketing tool; and (4) enriching the customers' library experience.

This invitation is open to all and will entail a fee of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (Php 2,500.00) which will cover seminar kits, handouts, certificate of participation, certificate of appearance, snacks and lunches.

Reservation with partial payments of One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (Php 1,500.00) on or before July 15, 2007 enjoys a ten-percent discount. For payments and other inquiries, please email any officer of the Association.

Thank you very much.

Truly yours,

RODERICK B. RAMOS (Signed)
Vice President/Conference Chair

Noted by:

ESTELA A. MONTEJO (Signed))
President

Council of Advisers: Dr. Linda M. Tayona, Prof. Miguel Cobaria, Prof. Ruben Marasigan and Dr. Mary A. Orendain

Estela A. Montejo, President, Ateneo De Manila University, Loyola Heights, QC (emontejo@ateneo. edu)
Roderick B. Ramos, Vice-President, Philippine Normal University, Manila (pnureferencelib@ yahoo.com)
Noemi Cabantog, Treasurer, St. Paul College, Pasig (noemi_cabantog@ yahoo.com)
Marifi E. Navarro, Secretary, Elizabeth Seton School, Las Pinas City (marifi77@yahoo. com)
Marites K. Chavez, PRO, Congressional National High School, Dasmarinas, Cavite (mvkc1015@yahoo. com)
Antonio Resurreccion, Auditor, Xavier School, San Juan, Metro Manila (tonyr@xs.edu. ph)

Board Members:
Jocelyn L. Ladlad, De La Salle University, Manila (ladladj@dlsu. edu.ph)
Consuelo Estigoy, Araullo University, Cabanatuan City (cjestigoy@yahoo. com)
Lorenza D. Oliveros, College of Veterinary Medicine, UP Los Baños, Laguna (lorenz_ph@yahoo. com)
Joy Perez, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Ayala Alabang Village (perezjm@zobel. dlsu.edu. ph)
Medina De Castro, Ex-officio, Sta. Isabel College, Manila (mdecastrous@ yahoo.com)

Alitaptap Poster Design Contest

Here's a little push for friends in Alitaptap.

We are once again seeking assistance from illustrators who are willing to provide us illustrations for poster designs to be used in our storytelling competitions for 2007. We are launching this search through a small poster design competition opened to all illustrators.

Here are the details of the design contest. Please email if you need more info. Thanks for your interest in joining. We are excited to see your entries.

Guidelines:
1. You may submit as many entries as you want.
2. Poster theme should be included in the design.
3. Submit artwork – layout must be digital, layered, photoshop, corel, freehand, illustrator. 300dpi resolution, size must be 18x24 inches.
4. Contents of the poster is attached. If you received this through a forwarded message, you may ask for info from alitaptap_storytellers@yahoo.com.
5. Actual poster size is 18 x 24 so the texts in the poster may be adjusted to make them proportionate to the poster size.
6. Included in the design are:

For our general poster. Theme: "Pag Binasa ni Tatay, Mga Kuwento'y Nabubuhay."

Must have a father holding a book while telling a story to his kid(s) in a place of illustrator's choice.

For our Inter-College Competition:
Must include a standing teenage guy/girl holding a book while telling a story to a group of kids.

Four our Children's Competition:
Must include a standing little boy/girl holding a book while telling a story to a group of kids with some adults.

CD copy of design must be submitted to:

Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines
c/o Melanie Abad-Ramirez
The National Library of the Philippines
TM Kalaw, Metro Manila

Deadline for submission: June 4, 2007.

From the entries, we will select one design for each competition.

The winner is expected to make all necessary changes, revisions, etc. for the production of the poster.

Prizes:

1. Name of Artist as Grand Prize Winner of 2007 Alitaptap Poster Design Competition shall be included in the poster design.
2. The winner will receive P3,000 in cash. P2,000 shall be awarded upon announcement. And the balance of P1,000 shall be awarded after the completion of the printing of the poster.
3. An Alitaptap medallion shall be awarded to the winners during the Grand Finals of the Inter-College Competition.

New POWERBOOKS Branches

For all book lovers and bibliophiles, there are two new branches of Powerbooks you can visit.

Book Talk

A school library has many roles and functions. The promotion of books and reading is one of these. The librarian in this case, becomes a teacher who bridges literacy and the tools necessary for its acquisition to students. Furthermore, she assumes a collaborative role as teaching partner of the classroom teacher. In the process, support for the teaching and learning process is forged between teacher and librarian.

Since techniques and strategies abound when it comes to the promotion of books and reading, Book Talks, are by far the easiest to do. It is simple, quick and resources to implement it are very accessible in the library. Books are, after all, always available in the library.

To start a book talk session, you need to prepare yourself by reading good books suitable for your intended audience. Other library resources can be “talked” about though, so do not limit the opportunity with books alone. Denise Johnson (2003) provides these basic tips:

1. Select one or more books to share. When teachers share more than one book, the books are usually related in some way: they may be part of a text set, written by the same author, or on a related topic.

2. Plan a brief presentation for each book. During the one- to two-minute presentation, the presenter tells the title and author of the book and gives a brief summary, and then explains why they liked it and why students might be interested in it. The teacher may also read a short excerpt and show an illustration.

3. Display the books. Presenters show the book during the book talk and then display it on a chalk tray or shelf to encourage students' interest.

Take note that Book Talks are not exclusive for teachers to do. The library at lunch time or dismissal is filled with students eager to read or while away the time. Invite them for circle groups to discuss new books or old favorites. Energize your Readers' Services by conducting Book Talks.

Library Linkages

It's going to be a happy day today depsite of the stifling heat this morning.

I got an email from Prof. Melissa Alma Orencia of the PNU, RAP Secretray and literacy advocate, regarding recommned books for children. What made it so was that, she referred me to a public library in Taipe who seems earnest at building a children's library collection representative of the diverse cultures in the continent. What better way to do so but stock up with the prouce of chidlren's books from the different countries in Asia!

So I gave her links from the PBBY website since Neni SR Cruz and I wrote about our favorite books there. Likewise, I was prompted to continue writing book reviews and annotated bibliographies on the available Filipiniana for children. With the promise of organizing this blog, I told the good professor to keep visiting since it will forge linkages between libraries as well as cultures too.

Also, our school director sent AHON Foundation's letter regarding a book donation project. Dubbed as Book Drive School Competition that will run from July 2-31, 2007, private schools are enjoined to raise books donations as many as they can. Winners will be awarded trophies and Time Life Books.

Now I wonder what will happen to the books that AHON will give to public schools when most are devoid of a library personnel. Sure, teachers are there to bring kids closer to books. They can teach reading, besides. But librarians can help fortify the links between books to kids and teachers to students. I still have to see a foundation that will support the training and development of librarians and library personnel. This is, of course, only a part of the whole library and literacy development scenario. The point is, librarians are more important than the book collection of a library.

Live Blogging @ Apple Camp : Podcast Using Garage Band

I jus finished a voice recording in Garage Band. After uploading to iTunes, I went to Ning.com and have it uploaded there too. I can't get the conversion code for html tag yet so it will be in a while till my first post on a podcast that I made. I was able to take pictures of myslef though. It's so vain of me to post here, but I can't help myself!



Dreamy me. Fascinated at the sophisticated software by Apple. My mind is racing at the many ways Apple can do to help the teacher deliver his lessons. iMacs in the library? Hmm...






A little bit confused here. I'm on my way to geekdom!

For the past two days, we've been immersed in Apple-landia. As in all journeys, one closes and the next unfolds. It is what lies ahead that is a far greater challenge.

Live Blogging @ Apple Camp : Comic Life

Our project for this morning is a comic strip using Comic Life. Here are the projects made by my coteachers. Can you guess which is mine?

Live Blogging @ Apple Camp : Web 2.0

Blogs were created this morning. SLIA had a major make over. I joined a new social/learning network powered by Ning. Junior Tan is looking for teachers he can recommend to join the Apple Distinguished Educator conference in Singapore. It's been a high tech morning and right after lunch, we talked about Web 2.0.

By showing a variety of online communities, blogs and teacher-student created websites, Junior Tan explianed the evolution of the web into a more interactive and engaging learning tool.

Live Blogging : Apple Camp @ Xavier School

I'm blogging live from our Apple Training session with Junior Tan of Apple (Asia). Since last year, Xavier School has partnered with Apple to enrich our instructional technology program with iMacs. A series of training sessions were given the Chinese Teachers last school year to infuse their Chinese classes with computer based and web enhanced teaching strategies. The school is stretching its initiatives to include content area teachers and librarians too.

Now he is asking participants to create an account in Blogger. We're all using the spankingly new iMacs in the school's iMac Lab and he has allowed me to use SLIA for the exercise. Major changes soon on template and design!

John Shelley & SCBWI

It is not everyday that a librarian gets a voucher. Beaulah Taguiwalo of SCBWI Philasis sent this via email and I feel so, privileged. It's not entirely free, but it sure made my day.

Visit John Shelley's website here. Get to know more of SCBWI Philasia and the people behind it by visiting their website here.

Writing for Kids Workshop

Writing for Kids Workshop
May 26, 2007 at 1:00 - 5:00 pm
5th Flr. Robinson's Galleria Corporate Center
Php 500.00 workshop fee inclusive of materials

One of those blog things from Blogthings

I don't normally do this in SLIA, but it complements my current state of being so I'm putting it right here. Try it! Lighten up a bit. Loose that hair from the tight bun.

You Are the Ego

You take a balanced approach to your life. You definitely aren't afraid to act out on your desires - even crazy ones. But you usually think first. Morals drive you as much as hedonism does. You've been able to live a life of pleasure... without living a life of excess.

Are You Id, Ego, or Superego?

Book Review: For One More Day by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom's new book, For One More Day, is yet another heartwarming, endearing and feel good novella for all the optimists and the little Ms. Sunshines out there. It is the story of Chick Benetto, a one-time baseball great who failed miserably in life but found salvation in a near death experience.

Attempting suicide one night, he found himself in between worlds - one leading to the after life, the other to the one he intended to leave behind. Sandwiched in this terminal between life and death, he met his mother in the very house he grew up in and for one more day, he discovered answers to questions that long bothered his unstable, if not unhappy life.

Albom once again proved that he is a master at ceating stories from snapshots of real life people. With his belief on the importance of family and human relationships, he strikes a homerun with this one as he combines true to life stories of people he knew and that of his own family members. This has become his trademark though. If not for his excellent craft at writing, he is already predictable since he has done this strategy in Tuesday's with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

In his earlier novellas, he was full of pathos and vulnerability that his readers bleed along with his characters. Catharthic, as it is called and it is the same with For One More Day. However, I find Heaven better than this new offering because, its appeal is more intriguing and wonder bound. The idea that one can choose his own heaven amazed me. If that is the case, I am not afraid to die since it may lead me to the many heavens awaiting me along with the people I will be meeting to help me find the meaning of my own life. Death is indeed, the next great adventure (Albus Dumbledore, HP 1 The Sorcerer's Stone, 1997).


Then again, one need not die to find his own heaven. It can actually be a place on this earth where toil and trouble do exist. After all, like Eddie, we all are put in a place where we are needed the most; where we are most happy. That place becomes our own heaven on this earth.

Chick Bennetto did find his reason-de-etre through his mother who never gave up on him. A mother holds the thread that binds a family, but a son will always need a father no matter how great his mother is.

For One More Day may be an engaging and touching book, but Albom can do better next time. What with Heaven and Morrie beating One More Day in terms of depth and universal theme.

RAP Annual Summer Convention 2007

The RAP Annual Summer Convention 2007 ended last April 28, 2007 with a great big sigh from convention chair, Dina Ocampo of the UP Reading Department. It had 480 participants, the biggest so far, and along with it came a hundred problems too. Like anything else in life, when the end comes, you only remember the good ones and the shinning moments of its existence. Unless you are a pessimist, you'd linger on the guilt, the mistakes, and the little faults. RAP Officers, as I was made to see in those two days were not made of that stuff.

Over all, it was a very good conference where in teachers, administrators and educators convened and experienced how theory, research and practice are put into play. How I wish Filipino Librarian Associations can adapt the same format for a conference. The last I heard of plenaries and con-current sessions done by PLAI was two or four years back.

The field of Library and Information Science is ever expanding, ever evolving. Research on the profession and the practice of it must be shared with others, librarian or not. Imagine what Filipino Librarians can learn from research so that theories are tested and questioned, thus, professional practice is improved. In my opinion, we are not there yet. We still patronize one-man seminars and talks. Nothing wrong there since we are getting the best resource speakers in our field of specialization, but, we need to be more scholarly by reading, knowing and listening to research and best practices done by other librarians.

It is amazing how the RAP has networked with IRA so seamlessly in the past years that the investment is paying off. Having the VP of IRA, Barbara Walker, was very beneficial to all present. She gave new perspectives to the teaching and study of comprehension. Her presence was inspiration to those who are "there" and motivation to those who are "striving" to be.

On a perosnal level, I enjoyed the convention. I even got to chair a session on children's literatture to my delight! It is so good to listen to two professionals give their results and study on gender issues on Filipiniana published books for kids. Some research presentations are familiar that it enriched existing knowledge and content base. I believe that, as a school librarian, I have to always be reminded of my connection to the discipline and the art of teaching. It is not enough that I know and do the work of a librarian. It is necessary to know the langauge and the craft of the people I work with becuase there lies the root of collaboration.

Hudhud Epic for Kids by the NCCA

Two new children's books have been published by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to teach children about the Ifugao epic, Hudhud.

Pumbakhayon and Halikpon are retellings of two episodes from the epic which is usually chanted by the Ifugao people in Cordillera while harvesting rice. Both books are written by Mae Astrid Tobias, with illustrations by Jose Miguel Tejido, and translated into Ifugao by Maribelle Bimohya.

Pumbakhayon is the story of how the mythical figure Pumbakhayon passed on the different epics to the Ifugao people. Halikpon, on the other hand, is the love story of Bugan and Aliguyon.

“This book on tales of the Ifugao Chant, Hudhud, is designed for the child so that he will grow into the adult person that is envisioned to be steeped in the culture of his people, the Ifugao,” says anthropologist Dr. Jesus Peralta in his foreword. Dr. Peralta is the Project Director of Safeguarding and Transmission of the Hudhud Chants of Ifugao, a three-year project of the NCCA to promote awareness and appreciation of Ifugao heritage.

NCCA will distribute free copies of the books to Ifugao schoolchildren.
For more information, please contact Cecil or Min, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), 633 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. Tel. No. 527-4434 or 527-2192.

From Words to Worlds

The first day of the RAP Annual Summer Convention is over. These are my highlights:

1. I met old friends from the teaching industry.

2. I met new ones, too.

3. I saw Teacher Portia Padilla's students perform a storytelling gig. It is to me, very special because, I gave them a workshop on Storytelling last November during my lean months.

4. Barbara Walker's and Dr. Nemah Hermosa's plenaries. Reading Comprehension is proces; active conversation; and community. Reading Literacy has a changing face, a changing idfentity. Therefore, reading teachers must be able change paradigms too.

5. I had a SRO for my presentation on ICT integration. But the room was so hot I was profusely sweating.

More plenaries and concurrent sessions tomorrow!

Integration of ICT PowerPoint Presentation