Reading, Writing and Drawing @ The Library

The GS LRC, in coordination with the GS English Department whipped up an author-illustrator visit for the grade 7 students this morning. Fran Ong of Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing worked it out with us to make the event possible.

Award winning author, teacher, journalist, book reviewer and reading advocate, Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz shared with the boys, her life as a writer, her books and the long and tedious road to publication. Her session was filled with rich stories of more than 40 years of her writing history and personal experiences.

At the same time, illustrator and digital artist Joel Chua, an alumnus of Xavier School (Batch 95), showed samples of his works, digital art works and published books. It was Joel's Home-School Communication Notebook (HSCN) that brought great interest to the boys since he used it as a sketch book/comic book cum school planner. Half of the pages contained school related information, schedules and list of "to do's" The other half were filled with his drawings - panels with drawings in different colors of ink.

If Neni mentioned her diary as starting point to an illustrious writing career, Joel has his HSCN as seed bed for his artistic inclinations. Every person with a dream had to start somewhere. Who knows, one of the students who listened to Neni and Joel this morning may just begin a story or a drawing that could start of something big.

Their sessions were enriched by writing and drawing activities done by the guest author and illustrator with the students.

October is International School Library Month . Click the link and you'll read a valuable information about school libraries.

In the Philippines, most "international school" (IS Manila, Brent IS, Beacon IS) celebrate this event in their libraries and school communities. It is not exclusive though. I remember joining in one mailing list that highlights International School Library Month a few years back. I got some nifty ideas and gained some online friends.

The great thing is, reasons to celebrate school libraries abound. Do we, school librarians, have to wait for October or November(National Book Week)?

If not a librarian

Then I could be

...a teacher in preschool. Or a primary grades teacher teaching Reading. It's funny when I think about it since I have a degree in Secondary Education. I should be teaching high school instead. Also, I have enough graduate school units to meet the requirement of a college instructor. But, that's life. It is filled with ironies.

...a writer of children's story and young adult literature. But that would mean having "deep pockets". At least, in the Philippine context and experience, one could not live by royalties alone. I have pockets. They are not deep though.

...a full time storyteller selling and doing "telling programs and performances" in varied schools. I could easily get a grant from UNESCO and travel the world. Yeah, right.

...an educational consultant and trainor. I think I have enough workshop modules to train teachers and school librarians for their continuing professional education. But, this would mean legalizing and legitimizing the whole "gig".

...a full time housewife. Yup. But it would merely complicate things. And my life is already complicated enough.

PLAI Lecture Series

The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. in cooperation with the Philippine Group of Law Librarians and the PLAI National Capital Region Librarians Council will hold a lecture series on November 4, 11, 18, 25, and 28, 2008, 8:00 – 12:00 at the National Library of the Philippines Auditorium, T. M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila. The lecture series is offered to celebrate this year's Library and Information Services Month and the National Book Week.

Topics of the lectures and respective lecturers are:

November 4: Lecture on Property Accountability
Mr. Sofronio B. Ursal
Former Commissioner, Commission on Audit

November 11: Lecture on Wellness and Spiritual
Empowerment
Dr. Andre San Agustin
Holistic Development Program, Davao City

November 18: Lecture on Ethical Accountability
of Librarians
Ms. Corazon M. Nera
Chair, Board For Librarians

November 25: Lecture on Professional and Employment
Accountability of Librarians
Ms. Susima L. Gonzales
President, Philippine Librarians
Association, Inc.

November 28: Lecture on The Filipino Librarian: Today and
Tomorrow
Dr. Alan De Guzman
University of Santos Tomas

A fee of Php 200 for each of the lectures will be charged to participants to cover snacks and certificate of attendance. Package
is Php 700..00 which will allow the participant to attend 4 lectures, specifically on November 4, 11, 18, and 25. The last lecture
(November 28) will be held during the National Book Week Fellowship Luncheon. This is free for those who are attending the fellowship
luncheon.

For further inquiries, please contact the following: Susima Gonzales, 5259401, Rodolfo Tarlit, 9818500 loc. 2859, email:
tarlytup@yahoo. com.ph; Lily Echiverri, lily.echiverri@ gmail.com, 9292180; 92055145 loc. 301; Jo Ladlad, ladladj@dlsu. edu.ph, 5244611-
21 loc. 602/265; Fe Abelardo, feabelardo@yahoo. com, 5250926; Belen Vibar, belen@uap.edu. ph, 6370912 to 26 loc. 229; Emma Rey, 9315966,
email: emmamrey@yahoo. com; Nora Rey, 8189836, email: nora_rey@cvclaw. com; Julia Romano, 9207475, email: lolitromano@ yahoo.com.

Reflections on Educational Reforms

Got this from Dr. Dina Ocampo of The Reading Department, UP Diliman --




We are pleased to invite you to participate in the UP Centennial joint lecture on Philippine Education entitled WHEN REFORMS DON'T TRANSFORM: REFLECTIONS ON PHILIPPINE EDUCATION by Dr. Cynthia Rose Bautista, Dr. Allan B.I. Bernardo and Dr. Dina Ocampo. This will be held at the NISMED Auditorium in UP Diliman on 12 November 2008 at 2:00pm.

Call 9205367 for details.

Democratizing Reading Among Mindanaoan Children (DReAM)

Those who dare, dream. And those who dare to dream, make a difference.

Democratizing Reading Among Mindanaoan Children (DReAM Children) is a project borne out of the advocacy towards reader development. The project brings together local government units and agencies, academic, socio-civic and business organizations as well as professional organizations and individuals for a partnership that intends to make readers of the children of Tampakan, Kiblawan and Columbio.

The DReAM Children project was first launched in Tampakan, South Cotabato in September of 2006 with the following as partners:

The Municipal Local Government (LGU) of Tampakan
Department of Education – Tampakan and South Cotabato
Rotary Club of Koronadal (The Rock)
NDMU - Books and Information Technology Society (BITS); and
Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI)

The project has since then distributed about 5,000 volumes of books and reading materials to all of Tampakan’s elementary schools and barangay reading centers; and has facilitated reading-mentoring activities and library skills and management trainings.

DReAM Children is looking at continuing and strengthening its Tampakan partnership this year with the Community Development Information Council (CDIC) joining in as one of the major partners; as SMI continues to provide logistical support primarily in the aspects of books acquisition and distribution, and training activities.

Major undertakings under the various components of the DReAM Children project include:

The showcasing of the Municipal Libraries of Tampakan, Kiblawan, and Columbio as model community libraries in the KITACO region by collaborating closely with partners in the local government, the academe professional and local socio-civic organizations, in refurbishing the facilities of the library, and in helping build up its collections; and

The strengthening of community/barangay reading centers and public elementary school libraries/learning centers through the extension of support to their collection-building activities and capability-building activities.

The viability of the above undertakings is bolstered by the existence of book-donating local and foreign agencies that have been networked by SMI through its consultants in the CLA-LRGA Department. Among these donor-organizations are: The Makati Rotary Club Foundation, The Asia Foundation, Philippine Social Science Council, and the National Library Board of Singapore.

On July 23, 2008, DReAM Children-Tampakan distributed for the second time books and materials for the 17 public elementary schools in Tampakan South Cotabato, the 14 Barangay Development Information Centers (BDICs) and the Tampakan Municipal Library. The initial book distribution activity was in 2006.

On October 3, 2008, DReAM is again set to distribute an average of 5-6 boxes of books containing over a hundred volumes of pre-reviewed books and teachers’ resource materials on Science, Mathematics, Reading and Language, Filipininiana short story books, dictionaries and maps to the thirty (30) public elementary schools in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. (The DReAM Children Project in Kiblawan has the following for its partners: DepEd - Division of Davao Del Sur, Boy Scouts of the Philippines – Davao del Sur Council, Girl Scouts of the Philippines – Davao del Sur Council and the University of Mindanao Librarians Association, Sagittarius Mines)

Other future undertakings within the next 2-3 years include:

Continuous sourcing and distribution of books and other reading materials;

The conduct of periodic storytelling and library-based reading sessions in the different barangays of Kiblawan, Tampakan and Columbio in partnership with their respective municipal libraries.

Education and upgrading of reader development competencies of barangay reading centers-in-charge and school learning centers-in-charge through growth sessions, trainings and workshops; and

Promotion a “READ KITACO” campaign by way of contests -- poster-making, essay-writing, book cover design; Annual Summer Reading Festivals and by participating actively in the annual National Book Week activities.

By 2009, it is hoped that the collaborative undertakings under the DReAM Children partnerships will result in the establishment of functional learning centers in most elementary schools and barangays in the Kiblawan-Tampakan-Columbio area, with the established barangay reading centers having their own evolving reader development programs.

Visit daxiweida for more information on the DReAM initiative.

Portrait Of A Librarian By A Grade One Boy

A happy surprise from my last class in 1st grade last week --



I loved the hoop earrings. I think it's the pair I always wear to school. Look at the big wide smile and the purple blouse I wore that day. I'm so brown, and yes, my eyes widen when I teach (think Mona Dy - that's why we're friends!). Not to frighten, huh!

The boy did me justice. More happiness.

My Poem Will Visit A US 1st Grade Classroom

Sue Ferguson, a school librarian from the US made my day today when she sent me this email--

I am emailing to find out if I could have your permission to use the poem you made up about parts of a book in a lesson I am going to give my first grade classes next month. I think my classes would really enjoy it.

I said yes, of course. Happiness!

And then there is this email from Mario Feir, a rare book collector of Filipiniana inviting me (and Kenneth Yu) to view and see his library in Bonifacio, Global City. Now I wonder if Kenneth, after my infamous blog posts about his student days in Xavier School, would be glad to join me one weekend?

Disturbed by Anonymous

If you're observant enough, you would notice that I have changed the comments feature of my blog posts. It's hidden now and for very good reason.

An hour ago I checked my email and found a comment by "Anonymous" on how I could easily win first place in the Filipino Blog of the Week Awards. Some sneaky suggestions. But what surprised me was "Anonymous'" revelation-- the gall of some bloggers to actually sneak a way into first place using the tip (as instructed by "Anonymous"). To protect the integrity of all concerned, I immediately changed the comments feature of my blog posts.

I'm finishing off what is left of my lunch break so my comprehensive post on the matter will have to wait.

To "Anonymous", thanks, but I have to choose what I think is RIGHT. I could not go around teaching my students about honesty and responsible use of online resources and IT only to break them in the end. Yes, "Anonymous", I try to play fair in a world that no longer believes in the good old values of long ago.

Kenneth Yu: Reading Idol

Mr. Kenneth "Kyu" Yu, publisher and editor of Philippine Genre Stories, dropped by the GS Learning Resource Center last Tuesday, September 30, 2008. He was in the Xavier School campus as a visiting author to Fr. Johnny Go's grade 7 GEMS English class.

As a student in Xavier School, Kenneth Yu's favorite hang-out place was the library. Inspired by a book of myths, he and some friends adapted and wrote their own collection of Greek myths. The library, fortunately, still has a copy of their book project. Go here for the historical profile of Kenneth Yu's first foray in writing, editing and publishing. It's a story every teacher and school librarian will love!

Now here's an excerpt of an interview that Kyu lent us via email.

What book would you like to see in electronic format available online and why?

Hmm...I'm not sure. Being a publisher, I guess I'd like to see all books in electronic format, but in a legal way. I'm afraid of piracy affecting writers and publishers and taking away what is due them. But in any case, I would love to see all works whose copyright has legally lapsed to be made available in electronic format. So, Shakespeare, Dante, Poe, Hugo, Stevenson, and other classics should be made available. In fact, I think they are, via www.gutenberg.org. :) Hooray! There's no excuse now to not read these classics, as long as you've got a computer and an internet connection.

Amidst the busyness of daily library work and routine, we hope to whip up a write up on Kyu as our reading idol for the month of October.

2nd Best @ The Filipino Blog of the Week Award

School Librarian In Action placed second in the Filipino Blog of the Week (128) Awards.

Thank you for those who voted for my blog. It's up in the running for week 129, so if you have the time to vote again, I'd truly appreciate it.

In the meantime, I'll try my best to provide you, my dear readers, with content that is not only entertaining but substantial as well.

Information Literacy Skills Lesson: Parts of a Book

Two weeks ago, I conducted classes on Information Literacy Skills for grade 2 on Parts and Care for Books. The lesson was focused on information that can be found on the different parts of a book and locating skills like the use of a table of contents and an index. By using the analogy of body parts to parts of a book, the care and responsibility for the printed medium was taken up as well.

This week, I'm teaching grade 1 students on the same content and skill. Although the content and skill are the same, the treatment and approach are different. For one, students actually examine the books and are asked to identify each part through oral drills. Only five basic parts (cover, spine, table of contents, title page and main body or text) are introduced but the same emphasis to the information found in the title page is discussed. If the grade 2 boys worked on a written activity to enumerate ways to care for books they borrow from the library, the grade one boys had a book making activity.

I purposely alloted enough time for this activity. I even requested a double period encounter from the Reading teacher so the boys could finish their books on time. Library classes are held in the library and are facilitated by the librarian.

The grade one boys could easily tell ways how to care for books, but, making one deepens their understanding and appreciation of book making itself. Besides, the process is close enough to publishing. Once back in the classroom, enrichment and follow up on the necessity of caring for books will be done by the Reading teacher.

I showed an example, first of all. Then, I presented the instructions on how to make the book.

It's really very simple.

The boys were given four pieces of bond paper cut in quarters. They had to write and draw their favorite food, toy and person on each page. The first page serves as the title page where they must write the title of their book (My Book Of Favorites) and the "by line" (their name as author of the book). Once the drawings and writings are finished, they color and make designs. The last step was to staple the pages together and bind it with masking tape. The boys were pleased with themselves upon reading their own work.

In the classroom, the teachers will display their finished work and allot a sharing time so they could talk about the books they wrote. Imagine if book making could be done in the middle grades as well. What stories and facts could the boys create and communicate? Oh, the many ways to make library classes fun and engaging!

Ani Ng Sining Grant

ANI NG SINING GRANT

For the year 2009, the Philippine International Arts Festival (PAIF) has created the theme "Ani ng Sining". It will feature the talents and performances of the many artists and arts groups in the seven arts on whose trainings, competitions, and creative expressions it has invested the past year or so. The Festival will be a celebration of the fruits of the creative efforts for the past year and a looking forward to a richer, more fertile ground in the coming years for the evolution of artistic modes of expression available to the Filipino creative imagination.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts encourages culture and arts organizations nationwide to take part in this celebration by making the PAIF a part of their annual program of activities. Thus, everyone is encouraged to implement their own PAIF Program in their own communities. The NCCA also invites organizations nationwide to submit project proposals which may be considered for possible funding assistance. This funding assistance is competitive. Noteworthy projects shall be selected by the PAIF Ad-Hoc Committee from among all proposals received by the NCCA based on the following criteria:

A. Proposals for new works will be evaluated according to the following:

1. Originality of Concept

2. Innovative Artistic Treatment

3. Interaction of Various Art Forms

4. Reflection of Philippine Culture

Slots open for application: 6 slots (2 slots per island region)

Budget per project: P 200,000

B. Proposals for productions based on works by National Artists will be evaluated according to the following:

1. Originality of Concept

2. Innovative Artistic Treatment

3. Creative Integration of National Artists' Works and Styles

4. Reflection of Philippine Culture

Slots open for application: 3 slots (1 slot per island region)

Budget per project: P 200,000

C. Proposals for previously-staged productions will be evaluated according to the following:

1. Artistic Achievement

2. Audience Impact

3. Critically Acclaimed

4. Reflection of Philippine Culture

Slots open for application: 6 slots (2 slots per island region)

Budget per project: P 200,000

QUALIFICATIONS:

The grant is given to individuals or groups whose proposals or current works meet the following qualifications:

1. A production that has been staged and has received critical acclaim or regional or national recognition may apply for restaging the particular work.

2. A new work with a significant theme and innovative production style and featuring the interaction of two or more art forms (architecture, visual, literary, music, dance, theater and cinema)

3. A new production that aims to deepen the public's appreciation for the artistic achievements of two or more National Artists by featuring and incorporating in a creative way the themes and styles of the selected National Artists

4. The artistic form of all of the above entries may be foreign but the content should be Filipino. However, translations or adaptations of foreign productions (e.g., Broadway) do not qualify. All entries must be original Filipino work and not necessarily funded by the NCCA.

5. The applicant's proposal must contain a detailed written account of the work's concept, its artistic treatment, and other pertinent production requirements.

6. The proposal must also be endorsed by a representative of the NCCA regional committee.

THE PROJECT PROPONENT

1. Organizations must be duly-accredited proponents to the NCCA. Otherwise, proponents may apply for accreditation by submitting all required documents (for more information please visit our website at www.ncca.gov. ph)

2. Proponents must complete the liquidation of an unliquidated project and secure a Certificate of Project Completion from the NCCA Project Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PMED) to be eligible to apply for the Ani ng Sining Grant.

3. Proponents with projects to be implemented until February 2009 shall not be eligible to apply for the Ani ng Sining Grant.

4. Only one proposal may be accepted from each organization/ individual.

The deadline for submission of project proposals, accreditation requirements, detailed line-item budget and other requirements is on or before the midnight of October 13, 2008. Proposals received after the deadline and/or with incomplete requirements shall not be processed and will be returned by the NCCA to the proponent

All project proposals may be addressed and submitted to:

Plan/ Policy Formulation and Programming Division
National Commission for Culture and the Arts
5th Flr., NCCA Building, 633 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila
Telephone Nos. (02) 527-2209, (02) 527-2192 loc. 509
Cell Phone Nos: 0918-9427972
Fax No. (02) 527-2198 or (02) 527-2084
E-mail: pmd@ncca.gov. ph or info@ncca.gov. ph

Give me love!

Here is one shameless plugging. I don't normally do this, but what's there to lose?

This blog has just been nominated for the Filipino Blog of the week at http://salaswildthoughts.blogspot.com/. If you go there, you'll see a poll for the featured Filipino Blog of the week. Just tick on the square that says lovealibrarian and the work is done.

Be a friend and give me some love! Thanks in advance!

Good Finds at The Manila International Book Fair 2008

Yes, books were aplenty at the MIBF last September 12-16, 2008 but I bought only the titles that fit my budget. Though I only had three titles in my book bag, my best finds at the book fair were friends, old and new.

Here's Andy Arcilla-DeGuzman, an old friend from college. She now has two kids and works as librarian at the Philippine Christian University in Dasmarinas, Cavite. Her kids are Victor (8) and Nicole (7). Andy and I go along way back. It's pretty strange how we would only meet once a year at the book fair. With email and texting technology, I'm challenged to keep in touch with her more frequently. We have a lot of catching up to do.

(L-R)Frauline Oclarit, Ariel Oclarit, Me and Dr. Luis "Tito Dok" Gatmaitan.

The Oclarits were at the MIBF to touch base with friends and professionals in the library industry. Frauline and I met during the 2005 IASL Conference in Hong Kong. Imagine that! She's from Mindanao and I, from Manila but we met in bustling Hong Kong, a Chinese territory. She presented a professional paper at the time while I was the eager participant. This time around, she's helping out hubby Ariel in setting up DREAM Children Project (Democratizing Reading Among Mindanaoan Children) in barangays in South Cotabato. From their stories, four reading centers have been set up already but books are wanting as well as people who could help run sustainable programs for literacy development. I am awaiting email from either of the Oclarits since I am interested to help out in whatever way I can. The thought of going to South Cotabato is dangerously exciting!

I'm with Melody Remorca and daughter Marky. Luis Gatmaitan poses with us and takes a bite of Pilandok's mango. In 1997, Melody and I began telling stories for Museo Pambata and National Bookstore. At the time, NBS still had their famed Kiddie Book Club. Part of their activity was storytelling sessions in several branches. I did storytelling gigs for NBS on weekends and partnered with Melody several times in many a storytelling sessions. A decade after, we're still very much active in the industry that shaped who are.

In spite of these happy encounters, I could not help but think what destiny is trying to tell me. For the past three months now, I've been bumping into old friends and acquaintances; people I knew from my past. I'm tickled by the idea of a bigger plan forming in the cosmos for me to know and discover what is. I know I'n being "speculative" about this, but good finds are hard to find. It's the kind that does not happen every day.

Call for Entries: PBBY-Salanga Prize 2009

The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) is now accepting entries for the 2009 PBBY-Salanga Prize. The contest is co-sponsored by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and The National Library.

The grand prize winner shall win a cash prize of P25,000.00, a gold medal, and an opportunity to be published. Prizes will be awarded in an appropriate ceremony to be held during the celebration of National Children's Book Day in July 2009.



CONTEST RULES

· The contest is open to all Filipino citizens except those who are related to any PBBY member up to the third degree of consanguinity.

· Stories should be intended for children aged 6 to 12 years old. The plot and the sequence must be capable of sustaining an illustrated book of 28 to 32 pages.

· Entries may be in Filipino or English.

· Entries must be in hard copy, double-spaced, on short bond paper. Maximum length is five (5) pages.

· A contestant may send in more than one (1) entry.

· Each entry must be signed by a pen name only. Five (5) copies of each entry should be placed in an envelope, on the face of which only the pen name of the contestant should appear.

· Together with each entry, contestants must submit a second envelope, on the face of which the pen name shall appear. This must contain the contestant's full name, address, contact numbers, a short literary background, and a notarized certification from the author, vouching for the originality of the entry and for the freedom of the organizers from any liability arising from the infringement of copyright in case of publication, and affirming that the entry or any variant thereof has (a) never been published nor (b) won any other contest i.e. that it has never won 1st, 2nd, 3rd, honorable mention in any other contest or otherwise been awarded a medal, a citation, or included in a publicized list of meritorious entries to a literary contest.

· All entries must be sent through snail mail to the PBBY Secretariat, c/o Adarna House, Inc. 2/F FSS Bldg. 20 Scout Tuason cor. Scout Castor Sts.,Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City 1103.

· All entries must be received by the PBBY Secretariat no later than 5:00 p.m., November 14, 2008.

· Winners will be announced no later than December 12, 2008. Non-winning entries may be claimed at the PBBY Secretariat until January 6, 2009.

The winning story will be the basis for the 2009 PBBY-Alcala Prize. For more details, interested parties may contact the Philippine Board on Books for Young People, at 2/F FSS Bldg. 20 Scout Tuason cor. Scout Castor Sts., Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City 1103, Telefax 372-3548 or email pbby@adarna. com.ph.

Another Book to Movie Adaptation

Yup. I've given up my Twilight fixation but I'm still an Edward Cullen fan! There are just some things you can't shake off easily and a "hawt vampire" is one of them. So expect me to watch the Twilight movie in November. After that, there's Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. And then, Inkheart.

Brendan Fraser plays Mo (yummy!). Paul Bettany is Dustfinger (yummy too!) and Andrew Serkis is Capricorn (great actor!) I just hope New Line didn't sanitize Inkheart the way they did The Golden Compass. It's good to be grim. Even in children's literature.

Salaysayan 2008 Finals

The advantage of judging in both the elimination and final rounds of the Salaysayan Contest was that, I saw how much the contestants improved and grown into the competition.

Two days are not really enough to raise one's game, but all of the contestants (6 in the English Division and 8 in the Filipino) gave their best. In the end, it was "Kuya Lance" (Filipino) and "Teacher Michelle" (English) who brought home the cash, the medal and the prestige. Madame Sonia Rocco and Kuya Tony Yanza bagged the 2nd prize, while Kuya Claude and Ate Dyali were the 3rd prize winners.

It was difficult judging the Filipino Division, more so in the English Division. Every one was at their best! Michelle Agas, however, stood out among the rest with her tempered and restrained rendition of Lina Diaz De Rivera's Lazy Bug: A Love Fable. She had the right moves and animations to the characters' actions and dialogues. Hers was neither awkward nor misplaced. Her voice dynamics for each character was apt and pleasing. Though she has the tendency to spread her voice thinly to annoyance, her control was remarkable last night. For one, I learned she sang with the UP Concert Chorus. Her musical training and experience was her saving grace all through out the five-minute performance. Just imagine the effort and the energy that a storyteller puts forth when doing a complete program!

Storytellers use their voices a lot. Exhaustion would come in easy when air is taken from somewhere else. The diaphragm is still the best source for air; the stomach, a source for strength and stamina.

Apart from Michelle's voice dynamics and well choreographed animated moves, she used a nice little tune to emphasize the bug's identity. Don't we all have a song or mantra to live by? This is what I was talking about from my last post on the Salaysayan Contest. Others show off their talents in acting and performance but fail to present the more important thing - the story and its message. We all are bedazzled with changes in voicing and lively actions. Then again, there's more to it than merely showing off one's chops.

By singing that little ditty, "I'm an insect, not a bird!", Michelle has offered her audience a significant human experience. She must have studied the story several times to truly understand and communicate its relevance. When she personified the beating heart of an old tree, to the surprise of the young bug upon these words, "You've found my heart", she had the grand prize in the bag. That lone dialogue meant so much. The way she said it was like finally discovering one's passion; one's reason for being. When she said those words, with a twinkle in her eye and a contented smile, it was as if she was challenging her listeners; asking them if they have found their heart's desire or if their hearts have been found and claimed. She has revealed an insight to Lina Diaz De Rivera's story.

I have not read De Rivera's story, but having heard Michelle tell it halfway made me want to borrow a copy from the library to read and see it for myself. If this is not storytelling magic, tell me what is!

The long and short of it, Michelle knows herself; her strengths and weakness; her gifts and her flaws. She knew how to balance them and was disciplined enough to climb a notch higher into the finals. She played and studied her piece. She gave a new perspective to the story. She was well prepared. She wanted to win. And she did win for all the right reasons - that, in storytelling, it is the story who is the star!

Having said all these, I dream of a day when I could tandem with Teacher Michelle. Should the time come, the honor would be truly mine.

Make Your (Alma) Mater Proud

I lifted this out from Roderick Ramos' email. Roderick is currently the Vice President of the Philippine Normal University Library & Information Science Alumni Association (PNULISAA). It's been visible these days in the circle of library science events and happenings. Thanks to the untiring efforts of Roderick Ramos!

If you're a PNU LS or LIS alumnus, give back some love! Doesn't have to be enormous. A little goes a long way!

Ann is 3rd year 17 year-old LIS student this year. She said that she’s thankful that she can study and truly grateful for this scholarship. “With your help, I will finish college and in turn, help my family too. I promised myself that I will do my best. ”

“I believe in the Association’s noble objectives in realizing my dream to elevate the status and image of the profession by recruiting the best potential librarians imbued with good work values and high ethical standards.” From: PRC BFL Corazon Nera

PILLARS OF THIS YEARS’ SCHOLARSHIP OF PNU-LISAA, Inc.

Cayaban, Celedonia R. (DLSU,CSB)
Estigoy, Consuelo (ELJMC)
Ladlad, Jocelyn (DLSU)
Limpin, Placida Socorro (Australia)
Montejo, Estela (ADMU)
Nera, Corazon (PRC)

Pay Your Membership Now!

TOGETHER WE WILL ACHIEVE MORE! PNU-LISAA, Inc, a caring alumni group, calls on your support to help achieve goals, of providing each and everyone wonderful experiences of professional growth, lifelong learning, camaraderie and fellowship.

GIVE TO PNU-LISAA, INC.

Renew your membership now: fill up an application form, pay only P150.00 to any of our officers and ask for an official receipt, or, send your fees through
Banco de Oro with Savings Account Number 470378972 under the Account Name: Philippine Normal University Library and Information Science Alumni Assn. (PNU-LISAA), Inc. and keep a copy of the deposit slip for the release of the OR.

If you want to share a gift, you can speak and discuss this with our advisers:
Mrs. Evelyn P. Nabus, , and Prof. Ruben P. Marasigan at
302-7717. Thank you for your support.

Forthcoming activity of the Association is a forum with a general assembly in December. For inquiries including membership, e-mail ramospnulisaa@yahoo.com, text @ 09187318010 or leave a message @ 302-7717.

Genuine

And so it goes that stories come alive in the hands of an experienced teller.

Sonia Rocco has proven that in the recently concluded Salaysayan Storytelling Contest of the PBBY. She may not be the professional storyteller in league with Kuya Bodjie and Melody Remorca, but Madame Sonia dug deep into her life experiences, rich enough to flavor her 5 minute storytelling gig with sincerity and confidence. Fluency of the language also helped her earn a spot in the finals on Tuesday, September 16, 2008.

Storytelling is a performance art that requires the teller to be honest, spontaneous and natural. More than its entertainment value, it is a means to communicate an idea, a perspective, a world-view, an insight, a significant human experience. How could one truly communicate if there are masks and “put-ons”?

I’m withholding other opinions and thoughts on my experience as judge in this season’s elimination rounds of Salaysayan (except for the ones mentioned above) till the finals on Tuesday. Let me end this post with these words in the hope that those who made it to the finals could raise their game --

One has to know one’s self to be able to effectively tell a story.

Some kind of sad

Here's an article that touched me so.

It brought back memories of book characters I've loved, outgrown and let go of. The Cat In The Hat and Winnie The Pooh. The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Encyclopedia Brown and Ramona. James and the insects that dwell in his giant peach. I only hope my kids would know them and love them as much as I did when I was young and unfolding.

Like everything else in this world, in fiction or in reality, I grew up and changed.

But I'm holding on to Hogwarts. I don't think I'm ready yet to let go of Harry though I'm smitten and bitten by Edward Cullen. Harry is Harry. It will be a while till I keep my HPs in a closet to be forgotten. No, I won't even sell them because I hope that my kids would discover its magic that only JK Rowling could wield and harness.

She pulled me back to believe in fantasy once more. When I wrote to her in 2000, she answered back (at least, via Scholastic) and sent my students letters and photos for us all. She unlocked a door in my mind and unleashed again that untamed sense of wonder. She pushed me to discover Tolkien and CS Lewis; Funke and Zusak; Gaiman and Pratchett. And my reading days and nights were never the same again.

How could I relegate her and Harry in a dark closet all too soon?

The Storytelling Librarian

Here's one storytelling gig I did in school during the Lingo Ng Wika celebration. I used Dianne de las Casas' Peanut Butter & Jelly Jam chant-song to perk up the boys. What followed was a set of actions and movements for the story, Ang Matandang Mananahi.

I don't normally do this, posting video clips of my storytelling gigs in school or elsewhere, but having lost a few good pounds gave me the confidence!

MIBF 2008: Words Without Borders

The Manila International Book Fair will open on September 12, 2008 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Head on to the MIBF website for a comprehensive look of the varied activities in store for everyone. And I mean everyone-from the serious to the curious.

Do click on Special Events for an overview of the seminars, workshops, exhibits, book launchings, etc. schedule during the four day book fair. Again, I invite you to join me in two of my seminar-workshops - the PBBY and the Vibal Publishing sponsored events respectively.

Apart from these two, I'm just as excited to judge for the Salaysayan Storytelling Contest of the PBBY and Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines on Sunday, September 14 and 16, 2008. What magical doors could storytellers open this time as they do the book based storytelling technique? Would listeners dare step into that magical land? How strong could storytellers, competing for prize and reputation, convince us that the magical world is just as real?

See you there!

Keeping The School Library Alive

Right after my PBBY seminar-workshop, I'll be running to Vibal Publishing House's booth in the Manila International Book Fair. See you there on September 13, 2008 at 10.45 pm!

The Living Library: Promotions and Marketing Strategies to Keep the School Library Alive

The seminar presents a slew of fun and exciting activities, projects and ideas that will keep students and teachers in utilizing the school library. Participants will be exposed to making a PR Plan and Readers’ Services Program that will lead to a visible library deemed by the school administration as a very important academic department.

Library Magic

The PBBY has a line up of workshops during the Manila International Book Fair on Sept 12-16, 2008. Visit the PBBY website for more information. If you're a teacher, parent, writer, poet, illustrator, storyteller or literacy advocate, you'll find a workshop/seminar of interest.

For librarians, three seminar/workshops are on schedule for September 13, 2008 at SMX, Pasay City.

Library Magic:
25 Steps to Building a Mobile Library
Nina Lim-Yuson, Director of Museo Pambata (10.30-12.00)

25 Ways to Survive and Thrive: Managing Change in Libraries
Zarah Gagatiga, Sectoral Representative for Librarians, PBBY (9.00-10.30)

Setting Up Children’s
PLAI (Philippine Librarians Association Inc.)

I do not hope to amaze and dazzle. But, I will be inviting participants to identify the variety of changes that occur in today's libraries - from manpower and staffing; structures and systems; analog to digital resources; attitudes and paradigms; roles and expectations. After this, they will be given opportunities to look at themselves and their response to changes through the Emotional Quotient Approach.

Honestly, this is a new module that I've designed in the summer. My motivation sprang from the trials, struggles and challenges I've experienced so far as a school library coordinator. They were far from pleasant, but not at all bad. Something has to rise from the ashes and I invite you to join me in setting the phoenix aflame.

See you there!

Twilight (Spoliers Ahead!)

After re-reading Half Blood Prince and Deathly Hollows last month, I took a break and browsed through some professional books. The call of fiction is stronger so I borrowed a friend's copy of Twilight. I have heard friends gushing about the book. Some colleagues asked if our library has a copy. Just last night, I've finished reading it and I'm contemplating whether recommending the book as part of the library's growing Fiction collection would benefit our Young Adult readers (mostly boys).

The conceit (or theme) is seductively intriguing.

Carlisle Cullen and his coven of vampires has, for decades, mingled and lived among humans with a good amount of success. What with the Volvo, Mercedes and Four Wheeler Jeep that his "children" drive to school, Carlisle Cullen did not spend three centuries sleeping in a coffin by day and sucking human blood by night. He is cultured, educated and a practicing medical doctor in the rainy and sleepy town of Forks, Washington. His family includes Esme, who is the known and recognized wife of Carlisle, Rosalie, Alice, Emmet, Jasper and Edward, the "adopted" kids of the Cullens.

For a while, the Cullens lived as normal as any humans in Forks, but with an observed distance from the rest of the community. Their wealth, beauty and mysterious aura were reasons enough for the common folks to shy away from them. One day, Bella Swan arrived from Phoenix, Arizona and muddled the secured routine of the Cullens as well as their life style. Edward, the youngest of the Cullens, was the most affected. The two fell in love and the rest, as they say, lived happily until the last chapter of the novel.

The author, Stephenie Meyer, has written two sequels of Edward's vampiric saga, New Moon and Breaking Dawn (there are two more actually, but the titles escape me as of writing). Words from the grapevine on the sequel render mixed reviews. I'm not surprised. Twilight is juicy and chewy, but that's all there is to it. It did not nourish nor fill me up. Clearly, at least to me, it is no comfort food.

The romance between Edward, a vampire, and Bella, a human, is scintillating but I doubt if this would be enough to keep readers loyal to the story. Though written from the point of view of Bella, the female protagonist, readers are introduced to vampire lore and legend through her experiences and interactions with them. Meyer used these vampire stories from folk lore and myth to establish a context and suspend disbelief. There lies the strength of Meyer's Twilight.

Put away the garland of garlic cloves, crucifix and coffins. Meyer's vampires struggle to fight their demons to achieve a degree of humanity and sanity too.

Sadly, very little of this internal and external conflict emerged in the lives of the characters. Too much romance was invested on Bella and Edward. Though, their pairing proves to be spunky and fun as their dialogues are peppered with humor and dramatic irony. Still, Meyer’s dialogues and conversations of the two heroes were far from Rowling's wit or Zusak's poetic prose.

Withholding these layers of emotional and psychological unfolding of the characters must be intentional so that, readers would have a lot to look forward to in the next two novels. If only for this, then I’m in it for the ride. Carlisle is enigmatic and Alice is a character to be reckoned with. I’m also expecting to know and understand Edward’s motivation for turning down Bella’s challenge to make her one of them. She gets a chance at immortality but her vampire lover denies her of it. I want to see her grow or transform in the succeeding sequels.

So it seems that Twilight is not the main meal. It is but an appetizer. But questions in my mind remain. How did she take care of her characters? What human depth and profundity could Meyer offer her excited readers?

Yan Ang Pinay: Lucrecia Kasilag, National Artist

Yumao na si Lucrecia "Tita King" Kasilag, Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Musika, noong Sabado, Agosto 16, 2008. Naihatid ni Tita King ang PBBY sa ika-25 taon nito bago siya tuluyang mamaalam. Maraming maraming salamat, Tita King, sa iyong mga dakilang pamana.

Narito ang alay na tula ni Frank Rivera.

MUSIKA NI TITA KING

Tinambul-tambol na bao
Hinimas-himas ng palad
Pinitik-pitik ng kuko
Musika ang inilahad.

Luma't kaibang musiko
Agad niyang pinag-alab
Tunog-Bagong Pilipino
Likhang Lucresia Kasilag.


KAY TITA KING KASILAG

Kawaya'y di lalawiswis
Kung plawta'y walang iihip
Dahil sa iyong pag-alis
May harayang maiidlip.

Lamig-init ma'y magkiskis
Walang siklab na sisilip
At ang langit sa pagtangis
Kidlat-kulog, mauumid.

What do I get from blogging?

Certainly, not cash.

This blog has had good reviews in the past and once in a while, it gets linked to online directories. SLIA has been featured in a few blogs as well and I have had my share of plagiarism issues. But this email from Michael McWade is the most surprising yet that I get from blogging.

Dear Ms. Gagatiga ,

I am writing to you from the city of Nanaimo , on Vancouver Island
in the province of British Columbia in Canada .

From your web sites I see that you might be the person that can help
me get some very important information re: education for a child in Pasig City .

Mr. McWade is from Vancouver, Canada and he found me out online. I did reply as ethics would dictate. I'm still smiling at the thought of this unusual and amusing online phenomenon.

Aside from the Canadian query, I also got an invitation to join a social bookmarking site from Mabeline Lee of SocialMatic.

I've come across your site through
your profile at MyBlogLog. I felt that your site
http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/
provide interesting and useful contents to online users. Hence, I would
like to invite you to join the Socialmatic network, and hope you can
share all your favorite bookmarks online through SocialMatic.

In an online environment, people who are worlds apart meet to flavor and enrich the global community.

Licensed Librarians In Philippine Public School Libraries

There is this bit of good news from PBBY board member, Neni SR Cruz, in her article on 70 more Library Hubs to grow in Cebu, Makati and Muntinlupa. DepEd has apparently approved the posting of a licensed librarian in public schools --

Muntinlupa schools division superintendent Fe L. Faz also formally announced the long-awaited happy news: after two years of discussions, the licensed librarian post was finally approved by the Department of Education.

This move by the DepEd cast a ray of light for the development of Philippine public school libraries and in effect, the possible growth of libraries as reading and learning centers . If it is a sign that DepEd has finally recognized the law (RA 9246) and the role that librarians play in the improvement of the Library Hubs, then hope springs eternal indeed. In the middle of all this, I could not help but look for any involvement by professional library organizations or schools offering Library & Information Science. It seems that, if they have any contribution to this happy news (that took years to fulfill), then librarians and teachers of Library & Information Science are a humble and quiet lot.

Or, it only goes to show that there are plenty of people and organizations who are bent on building libraries so children could be given access to books and reading materials. It does not matter anymore if they come from the library profession. It takes a community to raise a library.

PAASCU Assembly: Revision of GS Survey Form

Last July 25, 2008 at Club Filipino, an assembly of selected (Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities) PAASCU accreditors convened to revise the survey form used for accreditation in the Grade School.

I was invited to join the team of librarians who revised the survey form. Along with Mrs. Del Hernandez (Ateneo Grade School), Mrs. Gloria Melemdrez (San Beda Taytay, Rizal), Mrs. Sonia Reyes (Assumption Antipolo) and Mrs. Normita Moneda (Malate Catholic School), we thoroughly went over each area and item of the survey form for school libraries. The proposed changes in the survey form will undergo another reading by the commission before approval. Hopefully, an improved survey form will be used next year by the accreditors.

You might be wondering where the need for revision came from. As everything else in this world, change must be recognized to adapt with the times. The room for improvement is the biggest one in the house, besides. The improvement of the survey form could lead to better results of the accrediting process and thereby, further help school libraries reach standards and possibly surpass them.

On a personal level, taking part in the revision process was both an honor and a privilege. The assembly was composed of seasoned and experienced accreditors from PAASCU accredited schools. I met, once more, my first chairperson, Dr. Cynthia Arcadio (Assumption Antipolo) and friends from accreditation work. Most of them have seen and witnessed highlights and low-lights in their years of service to basic education. But they have endured. They have aged in wisdom and in grace.

There is a good way to growing old.

Librarian as PR Manager

Last Monday, July 21, 2008, I entertained some visitors from St. Paul, Bulacan. Headed by Sis. Marissa Tumbali, they wanted to see the physical facilities that modern school libraries of today have. Their visit was in preparation for PAASCU accreditation. But to me, I revel in the moment because it's PR work. It's something I enjoy doing.



Aside from the tour I gave them (three libraries all - Early Education Library; GS LRC and a brief trip to the HS LRC), I presented basic library programs and services we provide students and teachers. For them, what made an impression was the centralization process that the library is currently undertaking in areas like structures and manpower. I think, centralization is one relevant issue facing librarians today that needs to be discussed and articulated. It has advantages and limitations, but clearing the air and foreseeing its benefits and possible pitfalls may help the librarian adjust.

Librarian Seminars & Workshops Galore!

Who ever said that nothing happens in Philippine librarianship should read this. There abound in the industry a plethora of seminars, workshops, fora and lectures. If only participants could identify and publish concrete results from their attendance to such professional growth activities then, indeed, librarianship in the Philippines is far from dormant.

October 25; 27-30, 2008
Seminar-workshop on "Updates on Library Operations"
Sponsor: Philippine Normal University Department of Library & Information Science
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/

September 10-11, 2008
LIBRARY & INFORMATION LITERACY POWER PACKAGES
Sponsor: PNU-LISAA, Inc., A Caring Alumni Group
OBJECTIVES; To share and enrich the knowledge of fellow professionals and library personnel on information literacy with customers' competencies in mind through authentic learning by: (1) introducing information literacy as a power tool in the discovery for best practices enriching customers' library experience; (2) apply professional assessment procedures in upgrading customers' information literacy; and, (3) create relevant library information literacy plans and packages.
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/05/september-10-11-2008-information.html

August 29, 2008
Forum on "Libraries and Librarians: their roles as tools for research"
Sponsor: The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. Central Luzon Region Librarians Council
Holy Angel University
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/07/august-29-2008-libraries-and-librarians.html

August 21-22, 2008
1st LibraryLink Conference: Be Connected to Go Forward!
Sponsor: LibraryLink
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/04/august-21-22-2008-1st-librarylink.html

August 13-15, 2008
2nd Phil-BIST (Book, Information Science and Technology) Conference and Fair with the theme: "EMERGING LANDSCAPE, MINDSCAPE AND NETSCAPE OF THE PhILIPPINE BOOKS, INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR QUALITY SERVICES"
Sponsor: Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN) through its Library Committee
Mindanao Alliance of Educators in Library arid Information Science (MAELIS)
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/06/august-13-15-2008-conference-and-fair.html

July 25-27, 2008
Seminar-workshop on "Information and Library Centers Value added Service: e-library and Content Management"
Sponsor: Philippine Society of Librarians and Information Specialists
Integrated Society of Information Professionals of the Philippines (ISIPP)
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/07/july-25-27-2008-information-and-library.html

July 24-25, 2008
SEMINAR WORKSHOP ON "INFORMATION LITERACY (IL) AND THE LIBRARIAN-TEACHER PARTNERSHIP"
Sponsor: International Federation of Library Association (IFLA) – ALP and Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) CEAP-NCR Tertiary Commission Library Committee
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/06/july-24-25-2008-seminar-workshop-on.html

July 23-25, 2008
Conference on "INFORMATION ACCESS: INTERNET AND LIBRARIES"
Sponsor: The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc.
National Capital Region Librarians Council (PLAI-NCR)
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions – Committee on Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (IFLA-FAIFE)
http://libraryseminarsworkshopsfora.blogspot.com/2008/04/july-23-25-2008-conference-on.html

Inventors, Inventions & INFOLIB

Some good news!

The library information systems we use in our GS library, INFOLIB, has a website. The best part is the availability of free downloads to patrons and users. Congratulations to Gerry Laroza! May the spirit of open source continue to flourish.

Speaking of new born websites, I am experimenting on WordPress.com for new blogs. Here's what I've conjured at The SMIT Files. I'm still trying to figure out my way in WordPress.com but with great ease. It helped that I used a MacBook for the job.

Another Launch

From my Inbox --

You are cordially invited to the book launch and one-man art exhibition of CANVAS' latest children's book, Si Lupito at ang Baryo Sirkero (Lupito and Circus Village). Written by Rowald Almazar, with original artworks by Jose Santos III, the story is the winner of CANVAS' 3rd Annual Romeo Forbes Children's Storywriting Competition.

The book launch and art exhibition opens with cocktails on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 6pm at the Ayala Museum's ArtistSpace. The show runs until July 21, 2008.

After the very "privy" book launch of The Night Monkeys last night at Mary Grace, Serendra by Tahanan Books, CANVAS maintains the momentum. Such events keep the industry abuzz. With the 25th NCBD coming in this July 15, 2008, what new titles of books would arouse the child reader's reading interest?

Let's Play!

The characters to be included in the 25 Best Loved Book Characters exhibit on July 15 are as follows:

1. Chenelyn
2. Ampalaya
3. Pilo
4. Filemon
5. Juan Tamad
6. Raquel
7. Rosamistica
8. Barumbadong Bus
9. Emang Engkantada
10. Mahiyaing Manok
11. Pandakotyong
12. Mariang Alimango
13. Ibong Adarna
14. Carancal
15. Butsiki
16. Duwende
17. Mateo
18. Pilandok
19. Pagong at Matsing
20. Peles
21. Langgam at Tipaklong
22. Mariang Sinukuan
23. Og Uhog
24. Lola (Pambihirang Buhok)
25. Tiktaktok at Pikpakbum

Now here's the challenge: Can you identify the authors who created them? How many can authors can you identify with their respective book characters? Post a comment or a reply! Coffee is on me for the first person to get the most correct answers!

The Silver Lining On Philippine Children's Literature

The PBBY is celebrating its silver anniversary with a host of activities for children’s literature enthusiasts:

National Children’s Book Day Ceremonies/
Awarding of the 2008 PBBY-Salanga & 2008 PBBY-Alcala Prizes
July 15, Cultural Center of the Philippines

The annual ceremonies celebrating National Children’s Book Day, in commemoration of the publication of Jose Rizal’s Monkey and the Turtle in Trubner’s Oriental, shall once again happen at the CCP. The ceremonies include the announcement of new books coming out in 2008, courtesy of the country’s leading children’s book publishers; the awarding of this year’s Salanga and Alcala; and, the induction of new PBBY members.

25 Best-Loved Children’s Book Characters Exhibit
July 15-22, Atrium, CCP
September 12-16, SMX

After surveying hundreds of Filipino children, here is an exhibit of life-size sculptures of the 25 best-loved children’s book characters. The sculptures are done by members of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang InK).


PBBY-NBDB Salaysayan 2008
Eliminations:1-5 pm, September 14, MIBF Stage Area, SMX
Grand Finals: 1-3 pm, September 16, MIBF Stage Area, SMX

Open to both professional and amateur storytellers, Salaysayan is a storytelling contest which aims to promote a love for reading and a return to our oral tradition. Salaysayan is a joint undertaking between PBBY, National Book Development Board (NBDB) and Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines.


25 Author Visits
July
Throughout the year, 25 schools will be visited by their favorite children’s book authors. The visits are a joint project between PBBY and the members of Kuwentista ng mga Tsikiting (Kuting).


Museo Pambata Activities
July, Museo Pambata

To celebrate our silver year, Museo Pambata has lined up the following activities: Pop Stories Exhibit; an opinion corner for child visitors; a book donation corner; and a cosplay day where people can dress up as their favorite children’s book characters!


Workshops at the Manila International Book Fair
September 13-15, SMX Function Rooms
The PBBY offers the following workshops at SMX during the Manila International Book Fair:


A Thumbnail History of Children’s Literature in the Philippines
A lecture to be delivered by Prof. Lina Diaz de Rivera
9-12 noon, September 13, Meeting Room 8, SMX

25 Ways to Entice Children with Stories
A workshop on storytelling; Facilitator: Manolo Silayan
1-4 pm, September 13, Meeting Room 8, SMX

Library Magic
-25 Steps to Building a Mobile Library
-25 Ways to Survive and Thrive: Managing Change in Libraries
-Setting Up Children’s Libraries
Facilitators: Nina-Lim Yuson, Zarah Gagatiga, PLAI
9-5 pm, September 13, Meeting Room 9, SMX

Tong Tong Tong: Tinig, Tunog, at Talino ng Tulang Pambata
Facilitator: c/o Linangan ng Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA)
9-12 noon,September 14, Meeting Room 9, SMX

Creating Effective Visuals for Children’s Books
Facilitator: Totet de Jesus
1-4 pm, September 14, Meeting Room 9, SMX

Reading, Responding and Reviewing
A workshop on reviewing children’s literature; Facilitator: Neni Sta.Romana-Cruz
1-4 pm, September 15, Meeting Room 9, SMX

PRC Librarian of The Year (2007)

Congratulations to Dir. Lourdes T. David of the Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University for being conferred by the Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC) as the Outstanding Professional Librarian of 2007.

Ma'am Lou has touched many lives of students and professionals in the field of library science, information technology and academic research. I would not have pursued the inkling to try IT and its applications to pedagogy if not for her mentoring and tutelage way back in the late 90's. I could still remember the term paper I wrote for in her MA class, LIS 260. It was about Computer Aided Instruction (CAI). Little does she know that every time I write a professional article, essay or paper on library and information science, on IT and its use in pedagogy, I close my eyes and think of her many advice. When faced with challenges and crises in library management, her words of wisdom come to mind and I become hopeful, yet again. Salamat po, Ma'am Lou!

I wish her the best, good health and many more years to inspire young librarians and IT professionals to grow in their chosen field of expertise.

Photo courtesy of The Filipino Librarian.

Raising Readers

Adarna House is once again, stretching its wings to serve a wider base of demographics. It now has an events and training wing for parents, teachers and librarians. Check the website, Masayang Magbasa, to find out more.

In their Raising Readers Seminar Workshop this coming July, Adarna House sets its eyes particularly on the development of libraries. And boy, do they have a lot in store for librarians!

SCBWI interview with Neni Sta. Romana Cruz

Reviewing & Critiquing Children's Books: An Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) interview with Neni Sta. Romana Cruz

Neni is a children's book reviewer, a children's book author, a journalist, an educator, a PBBY member, Sa Aklat Sisikat
trustee, and Advisory Board member of SCBWI Philasia.

What's with book reviews? Where do they belong in the scheme of things? What's a good book review? A bad one? Do book
reviews help at all? How? What about critiques, what's the difference? Do they help, can they also do harm, and how? What are some of the good and bad practices in book reviews? How should children's writers and illustrators treat good or bad reviews of their books?

These are just some of the questions we might ask Neni on Monday, June 16. See you there!

When : 6 to 8 pm Monday 2008 June 16
Where : McCafe at Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati
right in front of AIM (Asian Institute of Management)
Host : Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators

This activity is open to members and non-members,
to published and unpublished children's writers and
illustrators, and anyone who has a keen interest in
children's literature.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
6 to 6:30 pm - Roundtable introductions, Booktalk, Q&A
6:30 to 8 pm - Reviewing & Critiquing Children's Books
8 pm up - (Optional) Roundtable discussion, more Q&A
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sa Muling Paglipad Ng Ibong Mandaragit

Magtatagalog ako. Sa unang pagkakataon sa blog na ito, magsusulat ako ng post gamit ang Inang Wika. Tutal, Araw ng Kalayaan sa Hunyo 12, Huwebes kaya napapanahon. Ngayon pa lang, hihingi na ako ng paumanhin sa mga alagad ng Wikang Filipino, lalo na sa mga purista, kung mababasa nila itong post na ito at mapuna na marami akong mali at kakulangan sa paggamit ng wikang ito. Sa kasamaang palad, ang kasanayan ko sa pagsusulat sa wikang Tagalog ay nangangalawang na. Palibhasa, sa kolehiyo pa lang, Taglish na ang nakagawiaang kong pamamaraan ng komunikasyon.

Pero, susubukin kong muling ipahayag ang ilang kuro-kuro at mga opinyon tungkol sa blog post ni Sassy Lawyer sa aklat ni Amado V. Hernandez. Syempre, marami na ang nagreact at nagbigay ng kung ano-anong puna at opinion. Hindi ko naman binasa lahat. Namili lang ako. At syempre, yung kay Sassy Lawyer ang pinagtuunan ko ng pansin sapagkat, sa kanyang blog nagsimula ang lahat. Kung mabibiro ko lang si Connie Veneracion, sasabihin ko sa kanya, "So your name begins with C. C for Connie. C for controversy!" Ano kaya ang kanyang response?

Una sa lahat, naiintindihan ko ang pinangagalingan ni Connie. Nagbigay siya ng critique sa nobela bilang isang magulang na nagtuturo sa kanyang anak na maintindihan ito.

Magulang din ako na may dalawang anak. Yung panganay, mahilig namang magbasa. Magsisimula na siya sa ika-limang baitang at natapos na niya ang Harry Potter Book 3 nitong bakasyon lamang. Bukod sa Harry Potter, nagbabasa din siya ng mga aklat pambata na nailathala ng Adarna House at Tahanan Books. Mga maiikling kwento ang binabasa niya at itong mga aklat na ito ay naaayon sa kanyang edad, karanasan at kasanayan sa pagbabasa. Syanga pala, lalaki ang panganay namin. Bilang isang guro at librarian, ginagabayan ko siya sa pagpili at paghahanap ng mga babasahin na gusto niya. Mahalaga na may participation ang bata sa choices niya sa buhay maliit man o malaking bagay. Nagulat na nga lamang ako nung Marso nang sabihin niya na gusto na niyang basahin ang Harry Potter 3. Ang ibig sabihin nito, handa na siya sa materyal ni JK Rowling. Natutuwa din ako pagkinukwento niya sa akin ang mga aklat na nabasa niya na sinulat ng mga Filipinong Manunulat ng Panitikang Pambata. Paborito niya sina Augie Rivera at Dr. Luis Gatmaitan.

Ganyan kami sa bahay. Mahalaga sa akin ang pagbabasa. Reader din ako kaya gusto kong lumaking readers ang aking mga anak. Yung bunsong babae, ay, kakaiba siya! Isang araw, magsusulat na lang ako ng post ko tungkol sa kanyang pagbabasa.

Ngayon, ano ang kinalaman ng mga anak ko sa controversy ni Connie? Malaki sapagkat, tulad ni Connie, concerned ako sa binabasa at babasahin ng aking mga anak. Tulad ni Connie, concerned din ako sa pag-aaral at pagkatuto ng aking mga anak.

Ang mga required reading sa paaralan ay hindi magulang ang pumipili kundi ang mga guro na may sinusundang gabay na learning competencies, subject matter guides, scope and sequence, etc. Madalas, ang mga babasahin ay pinipili ayon sa set of goals and objectives na dapat matutunan ng mag-aaral.

Kung sino man ang pumili ng Ibong Mandaragit bilang babasahin sa 3rd year high school, ay dapat na-consider ang contexto, experience at kasanayan sa pagunawa ng wikang Filipino ng teenager na babasa nito. Eh ano ba ang binabasa ng isang 15 or 16 years old na high school student? Bakit sa dami ng contemporary literature sa Filipino, Ibong Mandaragit pa? Baka mas magenjoy pa sila kung chick lit ang babasahin. O di kaya, yung anthology ng KUTING na pinamagatang Bagets: A Collection of 16 Filipino Stories (English and Filipino) for Young Adults. Ay, nagsingit na ako ng agenda! Hahaha!

Anyhoo, may magandang objective ang mga guro kung bakit Ibong Mandaragit ang piniling babasahin. Hindi ito masama. Lahat naman ng gurong magtuturo, may mabuting intensyon. Pero, may pamamaraan din kung paano maiintindihan ng isang bagets ng henerasyong ito ang obra ni Ka Amado. Tungkol sa World War 2 at Japanese Occupation ang nobela. Maraming mapupulot na aral at values ang kabataang babasa nito. Malaki din ang role ng wika para maintindihan at ma-appreciate ang nobela. Kung maraming mahihirap at malalalim na Tagalog sa nobela, kinakailangan na ma-unlock ang mga kahulugan at contexto nito. Nagawa kaya ito ng guro ng anak ni Connie?

Ang guro kaya ng anak ni Connie ay naghanda ng Pre-Reading activties upang lubusang ihanda ang mambabasa sa obra ni Ka Amado? Mayroon kayang purpose for reading na inilatag sa babasa ng Ibong Mandaragit bago pa man basahin ito? Hindi biro-biro ang nobelang ito. Kailangan ng amatinding preparasyon ng gurong magtuturo nito upang ma-enjoy at magkaroon ng enlightenment at transfer of insight ang bagets na babasa nito. Isa pa, habang nagbabasa o binabasa ng bagets ang Ibong Mandaragit, may mga techniques at strategies kayang ibinigay para tuluyang maunawaan ang chapters? Kung may balakid sa pangunawa, paano naipatag ang pagkabagabag sa isip ng mambabasa ang mga ito? Kung may mga tanong, paano nasagot at sinagot ang mga ito?

Take note na may iba't ibang level ang comprehension kaya dapat, ang heirarchy of questions ay sumusunod sa order of thinking. Pwedeng simulan sa literal, papuntang inferetual, pataas sa critical at magtatapos as creative thinking. Maari din na i-funnel ang pagtatanong para mahasang mag-isip at maintindihan ang mga complicated na themes, motives of charcaters ng nobela. Pwed din magkaroon ng lifting sa pagtatanong tungkol sa mga aspeto ng nobela upang maitaas ang antas ng pag-iisip ukol sa mga isyu na pinaguusapan sa nobela.

Baka naman, pinabasa lang ang Ibong Mandaragit sa mag-aaral at nagbigay lang ng guide questions.Or, book report kaya ito? Independent reading?

Kung tutuusin, kailangan pa ng closure activities or After Reading para ma-clarify ang mga naiwang tanong sa isip ng mag-aaral. O di kaya, makagawa sila ng activity na magbibigay motivation upang makagawa rin ang mag-aaral ng response sa literature na binasa.

Mayroon kasing tinatawag na Psychology of Reading. Dito makikita ang relasyon ng text, reader at writer. May interaction na nangyayari pag na-encounter ng reader ang text ng writer. Madalas, doon nangyayari ang magic of reading. Kung walang magic, walang comprehension. Ang wikang ginamit ay maaring balakid sa pangunawa. Nandyan din ang schema at prior knowledge na tinatawag. Ang child reader at ang tinatwag na Young Adult reader (age 13-18) ay kinakailangan pang mabigyang gabay sa pagbabasa ng literatura. Dadating ang panahon na hindi na nila kailangan ng gabay. If reading is psychological, it is also developmental. Dadating ang panahon na ang kailangan nila ay kabahagi sa pagbabasa. P

Kung hindi naihanda ang teenager na babasa ng obrang ito, talaga naman, kahit ako ang magulang ng teenager ay magrereklamo. Sabi nga ni Von Totanes, a complaint is a gift. Kahit sinong magulang ay magkocomplain kung walang preparasyong inihanda para sa bata upang matutunan at masiyahan sa aklat na binabasa. Pero, may mapupulot tayong lahat sa (complain at) controversy na ito.

Sa Hunyo 12, ipagdiwang natin ang ating kalayaan! Magbasa at maging malaya!

Readings In The Summer

My summer would not be complete with out books. Last year, Gallego-Garcia's The Tale Of The Wandering King filled my summer days and nights with dreams of old Arabia; of poetry and love under moonlit desert oasis; of coming home and completing a full circle. This summer, three books are surviving me through the grueling heat and occasional rain showers.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak; Like The Flowing River by Paulo Coleho; and Swith Bitch by Roald Dahl.

I'm done with Swith Bicth by Dahl and I'm finishing up Zusak's The Book Thief. Both are darkly delicious books but, it's Coelho's Like The Flowing River that sparks and spices my days at work.

And oh, there's Jimenez's Seven Secrets to Employee Discipline and Dismissal for practical reading.

Interview With A Librarian

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators will have a special feature on Monday May 19!

Librarians Today and Children's Books: An SCBWI interview with Rosemary Kinyanjui

We will have the pleasure of interviewing Rosemary Kinyanjui, the Head of the Children's Media Center at International School Manila. Rosemary has worked with children's libraries in international schools in different countries. She will answer our questions and tell us what she knows, and what she thinks, about libraries, librarians, and children's books today.

When : 6 to 8 pm Monday 2008 May 19
Where : McCafe at Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati
right in front of AIM (Asian Institute of Management)
Host : Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators

This activity is open to members and non-members. We welcome published and unpublished children's writers and illustrators, and anyone who has a keen interest in children's literature.

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6 to 6:30 pm - Roundtable introductions, Booktalk, Q&A
6:30 to 8 pm - Interview : Rosemary Kinyanjui
8 pm up - (Optional) Roundtable discussion, more Q&A
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This activity is open to members and non-members, to published and unpublished children's writers & illustrators, and anyone who has a keen interest in children's literature. All you have to do is bring any children's or young adult book that you want to share, discuss, ask questions about, or use as a springboard for discussion. Or, bring your work in progress for a children's book - either a manuscript or artwork - and ask for a group critique.

We collect an attendance fee of P80 for members and P100 for non-members, which mostly goes to ordering a hot or cold drink for you during the meeting.

For more information contact
* Beaulah Pedregosa Taguiwalo
0917-787-4956, taguiwalo8888@yahoo.com
* Dominique Garde Torres
0905-347-1668, nikkigtorres@yahoo.com

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We don't want to send you email that you do not wish
to receive. If that's the case, please let us know.
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Live Blogging: GS LRC Departmental Purposing

Work for us in Xavier School began last Monday, May 5, 2008. We're all scheduled to have departmental activities for the whole week. For us, GS Librarians, we put aside for the meantime our Inventory to revisit our reason for being.

This afternoon, we're a reviewing the GS LRC's VMG (Vision Mission Goals), Roles and Functions of the GS LRC and our MAFs (Mandated Areas of Focus). The session I'm having with my staff is merely a "priming" session for tomorrow's evaluation and planning session.

The 2008 Salanga and Alcala Awards

Judging the Salanga Prize for two years in a row made me choose change this year.

I opted to wrestle with Ruben "Totet" De Jesus (PBBY President) and Liza Flores (Ang INK) for the Alcala Prize. This year's winner is none other than Serge Bumatay III. Two in a row for Bumatay since he won the Alcala last year for Jean Patindol's Tight Times.

For more information on the Salanga and the Alcala, visit the PBBY website. It is the 25th National Children's Book Day this year and the grand winners for both awards will be given quite a sum as cash prize.

The Dream of Robert Alejandro

I got this Friendster Bulletin Post from a member of KUTING about Robert Alejandro's call for book donations.

I'm helping set up a children's mini
library in Barangay Luna in Isabela.

I heard the children have NEVER seen a
children's book!
- BUT they have a healthy daily dose of
noontime shows and telenovelas :-(

From this dream of a mini library, I'd
like the children to have a love and
affinity for books which will last a
lifetime.

Please message me here / email if you
have spare children's books I can send
to Isabela.

I will post pictures of the library (and
the kids) when the library is set up.

Please feel free to pass this message along.

Thank you very much!

Cheers

Robert (Alejandro)


email: robert.a.alejandro@ gmail.com
site:
http://raadesign. com/
http://robertalejan dro.carbonmade. com/

Robert Alejandro is a graphic artist, illustrator and artist, celebrity and TV Host of Art is Cool, a show for kids on art and carfts activties. Though the show has ceased air time, Alejandro still dreams of doing something for the children in Isabela. If you're from up there, pitch in some books for the children's library. A good reading reading habit begins with access to books.

The 4th Philippine Blogging Summit

Blogs are getting some negative press these days. But really now, it's how the technology is used for boon or bane.

Check out the 4th Philippine Blogging Summit website. It's going to be on April 26, 2008 at the Malcolm Hall, UP Diliman. Old, reliable names are line dup for this year's summit so it will prove to be one substantial blogging experience once again.

Dinner with Dianne de Las Casas

International storyteller and writer, Dianne de Las Casas was in town last March 10-12, 2008. I had the honor and the pleasure to have had dinner with her last Wednesday. I missed her workshops in the Development Academy of the Philippines and Lourdes School, Mandaluyong, but I was able to touch base with her Wednesday night.

She is more beautiful than ever; still the vivacious and warm person I met in 2006. She has a lot of love to give and it endeared her to the many Filipino teachers and librarians she met in her workshops.

Visit her website, The Story Connection.

The Pasig City Library

It was last year when I met public librarians from the Pasig City Library. I had a seminar-workshop for the Filipinas Heritage Library and the National Book Development Board in June 2007 and it was for public librarians.

I promised myself that I will visit the new library. I pass by the building every morning when I go to work. The good thing about it is that, the public library is just beside the Pasig Central Elementary Scool. This means that the city government considered the location of the library as a means for easy access to children who are learning to read. It turns out that it was being renovated. It will not open until May 2008 which means, I will have to wait three more months to check it out with my kids.

The public library in Pasig City was a popular students' destination in the 80's and early 90's. Through the leadership of the great Pilar Perez, the public library in Pasig became a research and learning center for chidlren and teens. I remember my teachers in Pateros Catholic School encouragng us to go and do our research there. I did use the resources of the Pasig City Library once or twice, but I never saw or met Pilar Perez. She will remain in my memory though as one librarian leader in the field of Children's and Young Adult Library Services.

The public library, at that time, was used to be housed in the villa very near the Pasig Cathedral. That villa is now the city's museum. But, before that, a strange looking warehouse along A. Mabini St. carries a sign that reads " Rizal Provincial ---ary". We can only speculate if it was indeed the first location of the Pasig City Library.