Call for Papers: RAP Demofest 2009

The Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP) is pleased to announce its Midyear Demofest 2009 to be held in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on November 12 (Thursday), 13 (Friday), and 14 (Saturday), 2009. This demonstration festival of RAP members and literacy educators, professors, and specialists is on the theme: Reading Comprehension Across the Curriculum.

To enrich the experience of participants in this demofest, the RAP enjoins enthusiasts, researchers, academics, practitioners, and teachers of literacy education (in the mother tongue, Filipino, and/or English) to submit proposals for demonstration lessons. Through this, the RAP aims to bring together professionals and advocates from various parts of the country to share their best practices on literacy education in relation to the following strands:

1. Comprehension in the Language and Literacy Curriculum
2. Comprehension in the Disciplines
3. Comprehension among Struggling Readers and Special Learners

Please take note of the following guidelines:

1. Outline of Proposal
I. Strand:

II. Title of Lesson:

III. Target Audience: (Early Grades/Primary, Intermediate, High School, or Tertiary)

IV. Proponent/s (maximum of 2) and Contact Information

A. Name/s:
B. Institutional Affiliation/s:
C. Mailing and/or Email Address/es:
D. Telephone/Fax/Mobile Number/s:

V. Lesson Plan
A. Objectives
B. Subject Matter and Reference/s
C. Materials
D. Procedure
E. Assessment/Evaluation
2. Length of Proposal: maximum of 3 pages (8.5” x 11”), single-spaced, Arial 12, with 1” margins all over
3. Duration of Lesson: 1 hour

The deadline for the submission of proposals is on September 15, 2009. Proposals may be submitted to the RAP Midyear Demofest 2009 Conference Director, Prof. Portia P. Padilla, through rapdemofest09@gmail.com or the Reading Department of the UP College of Education (Diliman, Quezon City). Notice of acceptance will be given by September 30, 2009.

Proponents of accepted proposals have to submit a final semi-detailed lesson plan (maximum of 5 pages: 8.5” x 11”, single-spaced, Arial 12, with 1” margins all over), together with an explanation of its theoretical underpinnings (maximum of 2 pages: 8.5” x 11”, single-spaced, Arial 12, with 1” margins all over), not later than October 15, 2009. These theoretical underpinnings will be explained to the participants before the start of the actual teaching demonstration.

Presenters will not pay any registration fee. However, they are responsible for their transportation and accommodation.

Writer Doctor Wins (Another) Award

Dr. Luis Gatmaitan MD, writer and doctor will be conferred the "Gawad Dangal Ng Wikang Filipino" by the Komisyon Ng Wikang Pambansa (Commission On The Philippine Language) for his contributions in children's literature, print and broadcast media on 28 August at the Century Park Hotel in Manila. Gawad Dangal Ng Wikang Filipno is an honor award given to a Filipino who has dedicated their life's work and craft to the promotion and growth of the national language.

Dr. Gatmaitan has been writing in Filipino since his early years as an essayist in local magazines. In 1994 his first story for children, Si Duglit, Ang Dugong Makulit(Duglit, the Pesky Blood Cell) won the prestigious Palanca Award. There's no looking back for Dr. Gatmaitan as he won Palancas one after another. Five Palanca Awards later, he joined the titans of the Palanca Hall of Fame.

Known in the local children's industry as Tito Dok (Uncle Doctor), he has fortified himself as the leading writer for children on health and hygiene issues. His Tito Dok Series is on its fifteenth book now. From asthma to sore eyes, colds and dengue fever, Tito Dok has educated, entertained and healed countless Filipino children from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It is no wonder that in 2003, he was proclaimed as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the nation. On top of these awards, Tito Dok is the representative for writers in the Philippine Board On Books for Young People and former Vice President of KUTING, the nation's premiere organization of Filipino children's book writers.

Having read his body of works, it is his family stories that I enjoy all the more. He has written about a young girl afflicted with leukemia; a grandfather whose senility has corroded his relationship with his grandson; and a father whose love for his handicapped daughter transcended death. Head on to OMF Literature and Adarna House for annotations of his children's books. Copies are on sale and can be ordered online.

Congratulatons once again to Dr. Gatmaitan! Mabuhay ang Filipinong manunulat! (Long live the Filipino writer!)

Dr. Dina Joana Ocamo, Outstanding Teacher and Filipina

A pleasant news from the education sector! The Metrobank Outsanding Teachers (MOT) of 2009 were announced last 8 August 2009. Among the ten teacher awardees, nine came from the public school system.

From the tertiary level, it was Dr. Dina Ocampo of the Reading Department of UP Diliman who was given this prestigious award. Teacher Dina, as she is fondly called in the UP Reading community was conferred another award last 2007. She was one of the Ten Outstanding Women of the Nation for Service awardee for her groundbreaking work and research on dyslexia. Teacher Dina's research on multilingual teaching won her the MOT this year.

Teacher Dina is founder of Wordlab, a school for dyslexic and special learners. She is also the Vice President of the Philippine Board On Books for Young People (PBBY).

Source of photo - cathychronicles.blogspot.com

Carlo J. Caparas on ANC's Media In Focus

I've posted this episode of Media In Focus where Carlo J. Caparas defends himself. Mr. Caparas is a talented man, but, compared to Lino Brocka and Ismael Bernal, he isn't "there" yet. Not quite. And it did not help that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo used her "prerogative" to proclaim him as National Artist.



I love it that Butch Dalisay spoke in Tagalog. Alex Tioseco, obviously a greenhorn but a promising film critic, is so privileged to be on the show.



I pity Mr. Caparas for being in the midst of this scam. It is sad to see how corruption has taken Philippine arts and culture by the neck. Our Filipino artists have gone to the streets. It is a season to be strong and steadfast.

Qualifying The Unqualified

This blog's traffic stats are in an all time high. Thanks to Cory and Carlo. It is the Carlo J. Caparas post that got the most comments though and I don't remember getting strong reactions to my posts until the National Artist hullabaloo came along.

While I found some replies very uncouth and lacking of finesse, I left the comments for democracy. I believe in freedom of expression. Besides, I've learned from a previous life that control will only make a beast out of a man. I dare not make the same mistake again.

So, in the spirit of freedom and democracy I stand by my belief that Carlo J. Caparas is undeserving of the National Artist award. Due process was not observed on his selection. Caparas has earned merits for his work and his contributions to Philippine pop culture is recognized by his peers in the industry. Yet, Caparas did not go through a screening process that was fair and square.

Storytelling At Sta. Catalina's College

I was in the Grade School department of Sta. Catalina College this morning for a storytelling session. I performed a book based storytelling of Christine Bellen's Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang to a group of very excited Kinder, Grade 1, 2 and 3 students. In between stories, I did participative oral telling styles that delighted my young audience and the teachers who were present during the one-hour session.

Ms. Jo, the librarian in charge confessed that it was their first time to have storytelling sessions in the grade school. They should thank Anvil Publishing for putting up the gig. Ms. Jo is keen for another storytelling session sometime soon.

In the second session, I had a warmer crowd amongst Grade 4, 5 and 6 students. One high school class joined in the fun and they were just as attentive. For this session, I performed Ang Alamat ng Lamok and Anting-anting from the Lola Basyang series of Christine Bellen.

I thought it would be difficult telling the books from the Lola Basyang series. The stories could be long for younger readers. But the narratives seem to spring from a radio script so the effect was ideal for read aloud. There are so many verbs to play on and animate. The dialogues between characters are short but engaging. For the record, it is still Dr. Luis Gatmatian's books that has given me the greatest challenge to story tell.

Prayer for Cory*

(Inspired by Ninoy Aquino's poem and Joe Mari Chan's song)

Heavenly Father,

We have fallen in love
with the same woman three times:

We loved her first in 1983,
when she flew back home,
a grieving widow in black.
Her brood under her wings,
she wrapped her grief with faith,
and with all her heart,
she embraced our frightened, fragmented nation.

We fell in love with her a second time,
as she marched the streets,
a reluctant Moses defying our Pharoah
who demanded to “let her people go.”
She called down confetti rain,
and through her infectious courage
we crossed the yellow sea.

Today we find ourselves falling
for the same woman a third time:
Surrendering herself to You,
she gathered her pain and ours—
a wounded, bewildered, downhearted people.
Not once did she give up on us.
And in her death, suddenly,
we regain hope in ourselves.

Lord, we thank You for our love for Cory
for each time we fell in love with Cory,
we fell in love with country,
And we fell in love with You.

AMEN.

*Courtesy of Fr. Johnny Go SJ. The same prayer was used as invocation during the necrological services last night at the Manila Cathedral.

Carlo J. Caparas, National Artist

If you believe otherwise, there is an online petition for Carlo J. Caparas as an unqualified National Artist.

If you are ready to make a stand, go to Petition Online.

I'm signatory no. 628.

Literary Best

Some thoughts to ponder on reading, writing, literary merit and literary awards --

I think good novels are written by writers who want with all their heart to write this novel, which is like no other. And which is therefore, as things stand, rather unlikely to win a prize. -- Ursula K. Le Guin

The full paper can be read in Book View Cafe.

Goodbye, Tita Cory

Corazon Aquino, the heart and soul of the original People Power died today at 3AM after more than a year's battle with colon cancer.

Tributes are pouring in for Tita Cory. During the months and weeks that she spent at the hospital, local columnist and journalists have written about her. This one by Condrado De Quiros is my favorite.

To the reluctant hero who believed that the Filipino is worth living for, please continue praying for us in heaven!

The 1st PBBY Poetry Contest

It will still be known as the Salanga Prize. But next year, PBBY is opening up the contest for children's poetry to fly and soar. Bring out the poet in you! Contest rules are in the PBBY website.

Blogs & Book Reviews

I found this blog on book reviews of children's literature and young adult fiction.

Tarie, is Filipina and she blogs and writes about children's and young adult literature. Mostly western. It's a good source for titles to buy and order for the school library collection. Her reviews are worth reading. It's the author and illustrator interviews that floored me though.

Click the link and peruse her blog. It's a very interesting read!

And speaking of reviews, Chasing Ray has an event coming up on August 12. One Shot, a day featuring authors, illustrators, reviews and related news in children's literature in Southeast Asia will be up on her website. I'm going to turn in some worthy news on the industry from our part of the world so if you have something to share, keep clicking the links and spread some Pinoy Pride in the blogosphere!

Buklat Bulilit 2009 Opening Ceremony

Buklat Bulilit opened in TriNoma Mall today with a simple program for kids invited from a local school. The four day long book fair drums up the importance of books and reading as it offers reading materials for children and young adults. The activities during the book fair are as follows -

July 29 - 10:30 am - Opening Ceremony

July 30 - 10:00 am - Storytelling Session

July31 - 2:00 pm - Storytelling
11:00 am & 3:30 pm - Oishi Mascot Dance

August 1 - 10:30 am - Hand Puppet Making
1:00 pm - Cooking Demo
3:30 pm - Lecture on the Novel for Young Adults

For details of the activities, contact the TriNoma Concierge or call 892-1801 loc. 21. This event is brought to the public by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People, Filipinas Heritage Library, TriNoma, the National Book Development Board, Jolibee and Oishi.

A Yellow Ribbon for Cory Aquino

I was merely a sixth grader when Cory assumed the presidency in 1986. There are only two things I have memories of her as President of the Philippines -- coup d'etat and Kris Aquino.

Her spiritual adviser is a Jesuit though and it was only in later years when I fully appreciated her spirituality. Here's a yellow ribbon for Tita Cory. I'll say a prayer for her tonight that she, and her family, may be ready to fully surrender her life to God's will.

Fil-Am Writer Writes About Pancit

This news is something to smile about.

Paper Tigers has a blog post on the book, Cora Cooks Pancit, by Filipino-American writer, Dorina Lazo-Gilmore. So the story goes that Cora assisted her mother in cooking pancit (noodles) one day. I love pancit and I just had bihon for merienda (snack) today!

I wish to get a copy of the book to see and taste its Filipino-ness. Besides, I first learned to cook pancit bihon and pancit bicol from my mother.

Shen's Books, the publisher of Lazo-Gilmore has this to say about her --

Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore grew up in a Filipino-Italian family in the kitchen with her mama, aunties and grandmas. She loves to create healthy recipes and share stories in the kitchen with her friends and daughters. Dorina has a B.A. in English and Journalism and is completing an M.F.A. degree in Children’s Literature at Hollins University. She is also the author of two other children’s books, Children of the San Joaquin Valley and Stone Soup: A Hmong Girl’s Journey to the United States. Dorina is originally from Chicago and lives with her husband and two daughters in Fresno, California.

The 2008 of the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

Here is a copy of the PBBY Chairman's report. Posted with permission from Totet De Jesus.

The past year was characterized by ongoing activities by the different sectors and newer initiatives aimed at making children more interested in reading and making books a little more accessible and within reach.

2008 was a special year for PBBY with 25th Anniversary. Events, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, and writers' talks were the highlights of this celebration.

Storytelling - Salaysayan 2008
The Board strongly recognizes the vital role that storytelling plays in promoting the love for reading. With the Alitaptap Storytellers Group, the Board organized storytelling competitions for both amateur and professional storytellers. Last year, the Eliminations and Grand Finals of Salaysayan 2008 were held during the Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center last September. Storytelling has really been getting much attention lately with various institutions engaging in storytelling activities as part of their corporate social responsibility projects. Our National Finals was generously supported by the National Book Development Board, a government agency whose present officers have been very active in finding meaningful and productive ways to promote and support reading advocacies.

25 Author Visits
Throughout the Board's 25th Anniversary, 25 schools were visited by their favorite children's book authors. The visits were a joint project between PBBY and the members of Kuwentista ng mga Tsikiting (Kuting), the organization of writers for children. The students had the opportunity to meet the writers, listen as they storytell and hear the stories behind their stories. Meeting the creator of a storybook was quite an experience for children and it gave an added thrill to the idea of reading.

25 Best-Loved Philippine Children's Book Characters
After surveying hundreds of Filipino children, an exhibition of rubber foam sculptures of the 25 Best-Loved Children's Book Characters was staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines during last year's celebration of National Children's Book Day. After almost one month of being viewed at the CCP, the exhibit was moved to the National Library, The Manila International Bookfair, and the University of the Philippines in Diliman. The sculptures were created by members of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK), the organization of illustrators for children.

There was very positive response to this exhibit from children, families, organizations and institutions. The exhibition turned out to be a good promotional tool for children's books. Aside from the endless picture taking beside the life-(or larger-than-life) size characters, the interest in the books was heightened because it is the first-ever attempt to have these characters in 3D form and have the actual book beside these characters for the viewers to read. For children who have read the books and recognize the characters, seeing (and touching) them was a memorable experience. For those who haven't read the books, seeing the characters and the books on display actually led the parents to check out the books during the Bookfair. I received information that some parents looked for all the titles of the 25 books at the Manila International Book Fair but were disappointed when they found out that some of them were not available anymore.

This year, we approached the City of Marikina and asked them if they are willing to celebrate National Children’s Book day with us. Since literacy is one of the thrusts of Marikina, we were welcomed for this year’s celebration. We are also happy because Marikina is preparing a permanent venue for the 25 Best-Loved Children’s Book Characters where children can view them.

Workshops at the Manila International Book Fair
The PBBY offered workshops at the SMX Convention Center during the Manila International Book Fair. Among the workshops given were:

A Thumbnail History of Children's Literature in the Philippines by Dr. Lina Diaz de Rivera, 25 Ways to Entice Children with Stories by Manolo Silayan, Creating Effective Visuals for Children's Books by Ruben de Jesus, and Reading, Responding and Reviewing by Neni Sta. Romana Cruz. One thing we learned from these workshops is that aside from making the workshops really interesting and substantial, a big effort should be placed in marketing these events to ensure more participation among those groups who will benefit from these activities.

Museo Pambata
Museo Pambata, one of the institutional members of the Board, has continuous programs such as the Mobile Library and the Book Feature where a writer and illustrator is featured every month and are attended by children from welfare centers, nearby communities and museum visitors. A new Career Option or Paglaki Ko Theme Room on the Writer and Illustrator of Children’s Books will open on December 2009. Just recently, South African storyteller Gcina Mhlophe Becker gave a storytelling workshop hosted by the Embassy of South Africa and Museo Pambata.

Booksellers Sector
It is heartening to note the opening of more bookstores within the Metro Manila area. Book fairs during Linggo ng Wika, school fairs, United Nations Week and other occasions continue to bring reading materials closer to children. It has been observed that less young people go to the bookstores and so these book fairs play their role in making these books available in the school environment. Co-branding promotions in bookstores have been started by publishers as premium for books. Reading of quotable quotes from famous people, or excerpts from books will be heard over the in-store radio systems of the leading bookstore chain. Students now get an automatic !0% discount on their textbooks upon presentation of their school ID.

Storywriters Sector
Several writers have been invited to deliver papers and conduct workshops for local and international groups and institutions. Theater adaptations of children’s stories have been staged by schools, community theater groups, Ballet Manila and the Cultural Center of the Philippines during its Virgin Labfest.

Wan Dey Isang Araw
PBBY’s radio program won the Special Citation for the Best Entertainment Radio Program at the 2008 Catholic Mass Media Awards. Last year, the program won the award for the same category. Wan Dey Isang Araw is a joint production with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and DZAS. Wan Dey Isang Araw was also a finalist in the Best Children’s Radio Program in the 2008 Golden Dove Awards given by the KBP.

Book Reviewers Sector
The most significant development is the space given the PBBY and the Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation as a regular contributor in the Saturday Commentary column of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. There remains only occasional interest in book reviews in the lifestyle pages - much to be desired in this area. We see the efforts of the Manila Bulletin’s children supplement editor in having children write book reviews.

Reading Programs
The Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation has begun the implementation of reading programs from Luzon to Mindanao with the sponsorship of corporate foundations. The effectiveness of these programs are being studied by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Poverty Action Lab.

THE COMING YEARS
For the coming years, the Philippine Board on Books for Young People plans to revitalize the annual PBBY Salanga Prize and the PBBY Alcala Prize. Next year‘s Salanga prize will be awarded for the first time to a collection of poetry for children. More schools will be approached and encouraged to participate in the illustrators competition. Hopefully, more local and international linkages can be tapped to support continuing literacy advocacies. Storytelling will still be vigorously promoted as an important tool to encourage the love for reading and a return to our oral tradition. More creative promotions will be studied to encourage more involvement in reading activities. We also hope to strengthen the research component with the involvement of our new sectoral representative for research. We also would like to invite everyone to Buklat Bulilit, a children’s book festival at the Trinoma from July 25 to August 1 co-organized by PBBY.

Let me just end my report by sharing the sentiments of the board on taxing of imported books which violates the Florence Agreement, an international treaty the Philippines signed in 1952, and the Republic Act 8047 or the Book Publishing Industry Development Act.

Books open minds to creativity, critical thinking and possibilities of what one can be. To add a tax to this valuable medium of learning is like killing ideas and a brighter future of our people. Children specially should have access to libraries and books. We just need to look at other countries in Asia that have good public libraries and see how progressive they are. Reading books from all over the world is our own writers’ lifeline. The only way for our young to take part in or benefit from the very important emergence of global ideas is through books.

This, coming from writers, illustrators, educators, storytellers, librarians, publishers, booksellers, book reviewers, media practitioners, reading advocates and our respected institutional members.

Readers make good leaders. To have a nation of good leaders, a continuous access to enriching reading materials must be available for each and every child.

Thank you.

Ruben "Totet" De Jesus
PBBY Chairman 2006-2008

Buklat Bulilit 2009

Should you miss the week long book fair in Marikina City's Convention Center, you can catch it up at the TriNoma on July 29 - August 1.

The National Book Development Board (NBDB), Filipinas Heritage Library, and the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) invite kids and kids-at-heart to take part in Buklat Bulilit, a children’s book festival showcasing the best of Philippine children’s literature at the TriNoma Mall from July 29 to August 1.

Buklat Bulilit features a series of events that promote the love of reading and books among the young. Storytelling, cooking demos, book fairs, and mascot appearance await kids of all ages at the Cinema Lobby, 4th Level of the TriNoma in celebration of Children’s Book Month.

Buklat Bulilit is presented by Filipinas Heritage Library, Philippine Board on Books for Young People, National Book Development Board, and TriNoma, in partnership with Anvil Publishing, Adarna House, Jollibee, and Oishi.

Photos of the 26th NCBD

Thanks to Rayvi Sunico, PBBY Teasrurer, for sharing these NCBD photos he took with his very handsome camera. Where shall the 27th National Children's Book Day (NCBD) be?

And while guesses are ripe in the PBBY e-group as to where the next NCBD venue will be, in behalf of the PBBY officers and board members, I thank all the wonderful people of Marikina for joining hands with PBBY in launching and celebrating this year's NCBD. Next year, the Salanga Prize will be awarded to the best poetry, in English and in Filipino, written for the child reader.

Sulat na! Start writing!

The Iriga City Public Library

I found out about the Iriga City Public Library via this link. Good news indeed! A well applauded initiative. This means, people in Iriga have access to books and reading materials.

The photo of the library looks impressive. In the article, support form the LGU is evident. While the physical facilities and materials were described as important elements of the library, there was no mention of the librarian in charge of the library. Here's hoping that the Iriga City Publc Library has a competent and licensed librarian.

NCBD @ The Podium

Storytellers Melody Remorca and JK Anicoche regale kids at The Podium with the story, Si Bolet Bulate. This activity is inline with the NCBD celebration.

Today is National Children's Book Day!

The launching of NCBD activities at the Marikina Convention Center went well this morning. As usual, writers. illustrators, storytellers, teachers, librarians, publishers and people from the children's book industry in the country came and gave their support to PBBY. Pictures of the event will follow.

While a host of activities will be conducted in the city of Marikina for one whole week (July 21-25, 2009), there are celebrations of NCBD in different schools, libraries and communities in the metro. This is good. The home, however, is another place where NCBD can also be celebrated. Every third Tuesday of July, read a book to your child. If you are not a parent, then find one who you can read to.

6PM at the Novitiate

Chirping crickets.
Croaking Toads.
Ribiting frogs.

And Jesuit brothers
singing their vespers.

NCBD Activities

Taken from the PBBY website --

Storytelling Workshop
With South African Storyteller Gcina Mhlophe
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Museo Pambata

Children's Book Fair
Featuring various locally published books
July 20-24, 2009
Marikina Convention Center

25 Best-Loved Children's Book Characters' Exhibit
July 21-24, 2009
Marikina Convention Center

Chamber Storytelling Session
By Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines
July 21, 2009, 2:00 PM
Marikina Convention Center

If you can't attend in any of the activities, you can celebrate books, reading and Philippine Children's Literature in your own home, school and community. Send me photos or news of your own NCBD celebration and I'll feature it in this blog!

Manila International Storytelling Festival

Storytellers from abroad are invading Manila! This month, Gcina Mhlope-Becker enthralled Manila with her warmth and energetic telling. Next month, a host of globe trotting storytellers will regale the local community with stories and telling techniques. A good omen for storytelling in the country.

Legends and myths of pirates and princesses, tales and chronicles of fairies and fantasy will come alive at the Manila International Storytelling Festival (MISF) 2009 on August 28-29, 2009.

Ignite The Imagination With Worlds Woven Into Existence Through Words! The Festival will see an exciting cast of globe-trotting storytellers showcasing their art through live storytelling performances and seminars.

The festival offers a wide array of seminars for educators, parents, librarians, social workers and other professionals. Focusing on the craft of storytelling, these seminars use words as a medium to motivate, challenge and excite participants.

Memories Spun Into Tales That Make You Laugh And Cry. Take Away With You An Exciting Experience In The Art Of Story Telling! Sign up now for one of SIX SEMINARS or one of the TWO DAILY PERFORMANCES. More details about the seminars, performances and the tellers at Manila International Storytelling Festival.

Click the link for more information and details to the storytelling festival.

PBBY Luncheon for South African Storyteller

The raging rain did not stop me from attending the gala night performance of visiting South African storyteller, Gcina Mhlope-Becker last night at the Little Theatre in the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Gcina, pronounced by clicking the tip of the tongue towards the two front teeth and sliding the last two syllables out, was amazing! She is an actress, writer, performer-storyteller, radio and TV show host in her native South Africa. She has been in the industry of performance storytelling for twenty six years. Her expertise in storytelling, well crafted and honed through years of experience, is very evident in her choice of stories, emotional emphasis, phrasing, body movements and stage blocking. Not only is she a skilled teller, she is warm and spontaneous too. Thus, endearing herself to the Filipino audience present in her session last night.

She told of tales from her country, oral tales and folklore, of Mazanendaba, the woman who discovered stories from the bowels of the ocean. Then there was Lungile, the most beautiful woman in all of South Africa who married a man delivered by birds with beautiful feathers. Simple stories, yes, but they dazzled through her rendition. What touched me were her personal stories on apartheid. Gcina keeps these images alive, preserving them for people to remember. She is being true to her name.

Today, after her successful workshop at the Museo Pambata, the PBBY hosted a lunch for her and Ambasador Vermuelen at Cafe Remedios in Malate. Together with the South African counsel, Mr. Hugo and her daughter, Kweizie, they were treated to Filipino food and warm hospitality. There were plenty of exchanges going around - books, life stories, food, words, more stories and culture. Illustrator Ruben "Totet" De Jesus and writer Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, gave Gcina their best selling books. I told her the story of Monkey and the Turtle. Nina Lim-Yuson of Museo Pambata was the perfect hostess. The lunch was even made more special because of Gcina's daughter, Kweizie, turned thirteen years old today.

It was her wish to visit a country she has not been to on her thirteenth birthday. She got her wish and more! Now, she and her mother found new friends from the Philippines.

Breaking the Silence: Extension Request In Vain

I have been terribly busy the past two weeks and to break this bit of news after a blogging hiatus in this blog is not very good at all. But news, good or bad, must be known to all. We are, still, in a democracy.

From my inbox via the Google group, Filipino Librarian --

For the information of those librarians who are graduates of BSE, BSEE, AB, and other degrees with major or specialization in Library Science, who would like to take the Licensure Exam for the last time (scheduled this Nov 2009), please be informed that the request made by the Board for Librarians for a resolution "extending the period within which to allow graduates of the above mentioned degrees to take the examination" has been denied. Justification for the denial is based on the provision of the law (RA 9246) which allowed the above mentioned graduates to take the licensure exam within the time frame of five (5) years from the effectivity of the law. Since the time period specified by the law has expired, any extension can only be done thru an amendment of the law, and any amendment "can only be made by the same
body that created the law."

You can also access the legal opinion dated 17 March 2009 addressed to Mrs. Corazon M. Nera, as Chairman of the Board for Librarians, at the PAARL Yahoo Groups

It does not bode well for many Filipino Librarians who finished an education degree, major in LIS. Pointing fingers will not help anyone at this point.

Gcina Mhlope -Becker: South African Storyteller In Manila

From my inbox today --

You or your teachers may be interested in attending any of the following sessions with visiting South African storyteller, writer, stage actress, motivational speaker Gcina Mhlope -Becker whose folktale books have been adopted in South African schools:

Tuesday, 7 July, 2- 4 pm, CCP Silid Pambansang Alagad ng Sining (Forum with her on Child Education and Storytelling. I am moderating the forum)

Wednesday, 8 July, 10 am (invitational performance)

Thursday, 9 July , 10 am *

Friday, July 10, 3 pm*

Friday, 10 July, 8 pm (invitational gala)

Saturday, 11 July, 8 to 11:30, Museo Pambata, Storytelling Workshop*

Note: the asterisked events have an admission fee of Php 300

As a result of the A(H1N1) assault

Xavier School has released PR on the cancelation of classes from June 25 to July 5. Beginning this Friday, June 26, selected courses and subjects for intermediate grades and secondary levels can be accessed online. Using technology, a student can follow the required course outline through independent studying. Teacher made online lesson will be available and parents of younger students must assist their children in weaving their way in the web.

This was how Singapore and Hong Kong schools survived during the SARS season. I'm not happy about a Xaverian positive with the virus, but it sure is an exciting possibility for my son to learn via technology.

Here's hoping for better days to come.

"Tulaan Sa Tren" Poetry Writing Contest (Poetry Reading Inside The Train)

The National Book Development Board (NBDB), Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), and Vibal Foundation are giving aspiring poets a chance to have their poems posted in LRT trains as part of the Tulaan sa Tren readership promotion campaign.

Rules and guidelines:
1) The contest is open from 22 June 2009 until 22 July 2009 to all Filipino citizens of all ages.

2) The NBDB will accept original, unpublished poems with the theme Journeys/Paglalakba y. Entries may be in English, Filipino, or any of the regional languages (with English or Tagalog translation if written in a regional language) and should be up to 200 words long. Only one (1) poem per author will be accepted.

3) The Board of Judges will select three (3) winners each for the English and Filipino categories. For each category, the Grand Prize winner will receive P5,000.00, second prize winner will receive P3,000.00, and third prize winner will receive P2,000.00. Winning entries will be posted in LRT trains alongside the works of established Filipino poets and will be published in a compilation of Tulaan sa Tren 2 poems. The NBDB shall share copyright with the authors for their winning poems for purposes of broadcast and/or publication in the NBDB’s readership campaigns.

4) Entries must be submitted along with the Official Entry Form. The author’s name and address must only appear in the Official Entry Form and must not appear on the entry. Entries may be e-mailed to tulaansatren@ nbdb.gov. ph or sent postmarked no later than July 22, 2009 to:

Office of the Executive Director
National Book Development Board
2/F NPO Bldg.
EDSA cor. NIA Northside Road
Diliman, Quezon City

5) The winners will be contacted by the NBDB prior to the launch of Tulaan sa Tren 2 and will be awarded during the project launch tentatively set in August.

Entry forms may be downloaded on the NBDB website (www.nbdb.gov. ph)

Time Traveling Librarian

It was early this year when I chanced upon Audrey Niffeneger's book, The Time Traveler's Wife, at Fullybooked. I included it in my mental list of "to read" for this year. Due to some budgetary constraints, I still have not acquired a copy.

I'm inclined to read the book because of it's theme and story line. It's a mixed genre of romance and science fiction, so it would make for an interesting read. What's more, the lead character, Henry DeTamble is a librarian.

I'm bent to get a copy. Even a second hand copy. After reading the Sookie Stackhouse series, I deserve a serious romance novel. Niffeneger's book was adapted into a movie, besides. Eric Bana plays Henry (yum!) and his leading lady, Rachel Adams portrays his wife Claire. Here's the trailer.

Evelyn Nabus, Filpino Librarian

This is Ms. Evelyn Nabus, Filipina and licensed librarian.

She is currently the librarian of Marikina City's Ka-Angkan Family History Center. The center is a genealogy library where one's family roots and routes can be traced. Ms. Nabus manages non-projected media formats that carry valuable primary reosurces of one's lineage. Before her assignment in Ka-Angkan, Evelyn was a college librarian at the Pamantasan ng Marikina. She also has an extensive experience in developing and implementing programs for the Marikina Public Library.

As officer of the Public Librarians Association of the Philippines, Ms.Nabus worked with other public librarians in organizing seminars and workshops for their professional growth. Likewise, she is an ex-officio of the PNU Library and Information Science Alumni Association.

NCBD @ Marikina

Last July 11, the PBBY officers and board members met at the Kapitan Cafe, Kapitan Moy building in Marikina City to finalize plans for the 26th National Children's Book Day. This is the first time that PBBY will have the celebration of NCBD (National Children's Book Day) outside Manila. Only three venues were used in the past -- CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines), TNL (The National Library) and Museo Pambata. This year's theme focus on leadership and readership thus, the NCBD poster boasts of this slogan - Readers Make Good Leaders!

Marikina has taken a great interest on literacy promotion. The whole month of July promises to be a fun-filled month of reading, writing and interactive activities for children and literacy advocates. There is more to Marikina than just shoes, really. In fact, I was there twice last week to visit a librarian friend who is working in the city's Ka-Angkan History Foundation. If you want your genealogy traced, pay the center a visit and you might just discover your roots leading you to a popular celebrity or historical figure in the past.

Going back to NCBD matters, the Salanga and Alcala Prizes will be awarded during the opening ceremonies on July 21, 2009 at the Marikina Convention Center. Here's a photo of the winning Alcala by Ferdinand Guevara. His interpretation of Garlitos' wining Salanga, Ang Higante Sa Aming Bahay was done in 3D art.

A Book. The Kiss. And some skin

Last Wednesday, I came home and found a package with my name on it. There was no return address so I was nervous and excited at the same time. I was transformed to Tatiana Del Torro upon opening the manila envelope. It's not everyday that I get a free book, you see. I could only think of the Filipino Librarian as the sender. Like a true librarian, he sure knows what book I will enjoy reading. To every reader is a book!

In The Stacks is an anthology of short stories about libraries and librarians. Edited by Michael Cart, it boasts of nineteen short stories by this century's premiere writers of fiction (so it says in the blurb). I will hold judgment as to how these writers perceive books, reading, libraries and librarians until the last story. I'm already on the third story in the collection and so far, it's been a satisfying read. Le Guin's The Phoenix left me puzzled. Yet, I am in awe of her discourse and her perspective to human nature's complexity. Calvino's A General In The Library is a timely read as I've been blogging about TGBB 2009.

Yes, yes! I will write a review. This is too good to pass.

So the same goes with the monumental "kissing" scene of Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Well, at least, for me it is. I am a solid Ron-Hermione fan and I'm thrilled with the news. I hope it beats the Harry-Cho kissing scene from Order of the Phoenix!

Add the movie trailer of New Moon on the pile and my routine induced world shook a bit. Taylor Lautner showed some skin. Woof! Woof! Go Jacob!

WEB TECHNOLOGIES

Training for Development of Library and Teaching Resources

Philippine eLibrary Partners:
1. Commission on Higher Education
2. Department of Agriculture
3. Department of Science and Technology
4. The National Library
5. University of the Philippines

Target Audience:
1. Librarians and other Information Professionals/Specialists
2. Faculty members of colleges and universities

Objectives:
At the end of the Training, participants are expected to:
1. Know the information products and services of Philippine eLibrary
2. Create a library/teaching site integrating various web resources
3. Gain familiarity with web technologies and web resources

Pre-Requisite for Participants
Participants must be computer literate

Methodology
1. Lectures
2. Hands-on training

Duration
3 Days


Tentative Schedules and Venues:
June 17 – 19, 2009
Baguio City

June 24-26, 2009
Naga City Library, Naga City

July 15-17, 2009
Venue: Cagayan de Oro City

July 29 – 31, 2009
Cebu City

Registration Fee: P 5,000 per participant. For registration or details, contact:
Ms. Melody Madrid 02 5281972 or Ms Tina Diaz 02 5253196

The 2nd National Conference On Children's Literature

The Pilandokan (National Research Society for Children’s Literature) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts will be sponsoring the Second National Conference on Children’s Literature with the theme “Panitikang Pambata sa Edukasyon” (Children’s Literature in Education) on July 16-17, 2009 at the Claro M. Recto Hall, Faculty Center, UP Diliman. The national conference will feature paper presentations and workshops by both established and young literary scholars, creative writers, artists, and children’s right advocates. Topics include Filipino concept of child and childhood, state of Philippine children’s literature, national identity, book piracy, children in television, children’s media, children and the social problems, literacy program for the urban poor children and the deaf, and the formation of Filipino childhood identity. Keynote speech will be delivered by renowned literary critic and Pilandokan Founding President Dr. Rosario Torres-Yu. For inquiries about the conference fees, contact Dr. Eugene Y. Evasco and/or Prof. Will P. Ortiz (pagongatmatsing@yahoo.com). You may also contact Prof. Jayson Petras (0922-8889662) or Ms. Pauline Hernando (0906-5839390).

Aklatan ni Mika

Sometime in 2006, I had a telephone conversation with Lizanne Alcazaren who runs Aklatan ni Mika, a children's library in a halfway house for children with cancer. The halfway house is a shelter for children who go through chemotherapy and counseling sessions. At that time, I was still the President of KUTING. Lizanne and I were brainstorming on literacy activities for the children to do while undergoing treatment.

Dreams are easy to conceive, of course. Weaving them to reality is another matter entirely. For some reason, plans did not push through but Lizanne continued collaborating with Teacher Isa Bautista-Saplala of Miriam College. It is a small world. Teacher Isa is my kumare and former co-teacher in Xavier School.

Last month, Teacher Isa brought me to Akltan ni Mika for a storytelling workshop with the children they take care of. We did listening, speaking, reading and writing activities with the kids. They were very eager and perceptive. Teacher Isa's students from Miriam College lent a hand and joined in the fun. For nearly five years now, Lizanne and Teacher Isa struggle to keep the library and its literacy programs alive. I admire their tenacity and dedication. And so far, they and the children have been blessed. Donations and volunteers pour in especially at times when they are needed the most.

TGBB 2009: News From The Grapevine

From a reliable source --

...the "suspension" is temporary. The duties/taxes are not rescinded, removed or lifted.

The battle is not yet over.

Lifting Book Duties

In a previous post about the The Great Book Blockade of 2009, I mentioned the silence that pervaded Filipino librarians on this side of the issue. While it is good to note that Filipino blograrians were up in arms to blog about TGBB 2009 in their individual capacity, there was no collective voice from professional associations or teachers of LIS to rally or petition the lifting of book duties. Unless, of course, I have not been looking at the right places. I can be wrong.

iRead2 put a fullstop on my musings through this post --

Now even if the duties were scrapped the common man would not be able still to get or even buy a book. There is still a need to develop other avenues by which everyone can avail of the book and one of this is develop our public library system. Promote and develop them.

Not everyone can afford to buy a book. Not everyone has a credit line to buy a book. This is where or this where a library, public or otherwise can fill the gap.

I'd like to think that most Filipino librarians are battling their own professional issues and problems that to make a noise on the TGBB is just too much to do for now. I would like to think that somewhere out there, Filipino Librarians are quietly transforming their libraries into places where the public can freely access information from printed and online media.

Breaking the Blockade

PGMA did one right decision today --

"Taxes on book imports lifted"
By Paolo Romero Updated May 25, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo ordered yesterday the
Department of Finance to scrap the taxes imposed on imported books and
reading material.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the directive was prompted by a
torrent of criticism on the move of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), which
is under the supervision of the finance department, to impose the
duties.

“President Arroyo ordered the immediate lifting of the customs duty on
book importation,” Remonde said in a text message to The STAR.

“The President wants books to be within reach of the common man. She
believes reading as an important value for intellectual formation,
which is the foundation of a healthy public opinion necessary for a
vibrant democracy,” he said.

More on the news at Philstar.com

Live Blogging: Reading, Writing and Storytelling

Mommy Chit and Mommy Rose listen attentively to May Tobias-Papa as she opines on reading vs. use of computers. We're now talking about he importance of read alouds at home. It's inevitable to talk about writing and not mention the important topic on reading. To write, one must read.

Live Blogging: KUTING @ 1026 DZAR Sonshine Radio

May Tobias-Papa, writer and illustrator of Araw Sa Palengke is listening to a recorded audio of her story. There's a question and answer portion going on right now with a child caller. She just won a special prize! Ang saya!

We're now being introduced by Ate Hannah, the host of the show BATANG MAY K. Quickly she moved to interview May on her story.

CPE Hulabaloo

The updated CPE (Continuing Professional Education) Program for librarians was discussed and presented by Madame Susima Gonzales last May 11, 2009 at the PASLI (Philippine Association of Librarians Inc.) National Seminar in Teachers' Camp, Baguio City.

It caused quite a stir.

For one, the participants were a mix of teacher-librarians, librarians with license and those without. Two, there were a good number of school librarians present at the seminar who were newly graduates while a big chunk of the crowd belong to the senior category. Their reactions were a cacophony of questions, comments and reclaims.

I am sure that PASLI's intentions to have Madame Gonzales present the updated CPE were well meant. But no one could have prepared the listeners from the shock of hearing this news. The CPE program contains very high standards of competence, which, to me, is necessary for any licensed professional. There are so many issues and problems facing the Filipino school librarian today that to be burdened with 60 CPE units to complete in three years time is simply a needle on the camel's back.

The PLAI and the BFL (Board For Librarians), along with the associations of Filipino Librarians in the country MUST do a lot of "change-crisis management" in the way new paradigms are being presented to members of the profession to fully understand and appreciate the updated CPE.

I will post some suggestions in the near future on ways to ease up the tension caused by the new CPE Program. For now, I need to go to a radio station in Ortigas for a live interview. I will be live blogging the segment, so keep posted!

Timeline of the GBB09

Manuel L. Quezon III has a nifty timeline of the Great Book Blockade of 2009 (GBB09). That's where I learned that RockEd will be giving away free books on May 24, 2009. So, if you're somewhere near Roxas Boulevard on the given date, go and rally for books, reading and literacy.



It is also interesting to note that R. Hemley has written about the strength of Pinoy bloggers on bringing up this issue to the public. MLQ III has the links too. Now I wonder if PLAI, or any of the many Filipino Librarian's association in the country has a "say" on the GBB09.

Shhh. Silence please. You're in the library.

Updated Librarian's CPE

ARTICLE III

CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION OF PROVIDERS, PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, OR SOURCES; EQUIVALENT CREDIT UNITS; CREDIT REQUIREMENTS; EXEMPTIONS AND OTHER MATTERS

Section 13. CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION – In order to merit accreditation, the following criteria shall be complied with :
A. For CPE Provider :
1. must be a duly registered organization, firm, institution or agency, or a professional of good standing and has never been convicted of a crime;
2. shall have an established mechanism for measuring the quality of the program being offered or administered;
3. must have adequate, modern, and updated instructional materials to carry out the CPE programs and activities;
4. shall have a pool of regular instructors, lecturers, trainors, and resource speakers with good moral character and technical competence and must be holders of current/valid professional registrations and licenses, if they are professionals regulated by the Commission.
B. For CPE programs, activities or sources :
1. The scope shall be beyond the basic preparation for admission to the practice of the profession. The contents shall be relevant/related, but not limited, to the practice of librarianship.
2. The programs, activities or sources shall enhance the competence of the registered and licensed librarian by upgrading and updating knowledge and skills for the practice of librarianship as brought about by modernization as well as scientific and technical advancements in the profession.

Section 14. PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES AND SOURCES FOR ACCREDITATION AND EQUIVALENT CREDIT UNITS - Any provider may submit to the BFL CPE Council programs, activities, or sources to be approved and accredited for credit units (CUs). No CPE providers shall be allowed to conduct CPE programs, activities, and sources without prior approval and accreditation from the Council.
As used in these guidelines, the following terms shall mean :
1. Seminars shall refer to the gathering of professionals which shall include, among others, workshops, technical lectures or subject matter meetings, non- degree training courses and scientific meetings.
2. Conventions shall refer to a gathering of professionals which shall include, among others, conferences, symposia, fora, or assemblies for round table discussions.
3. Resource Speaker shall refer to a professional who acts as discussion leader or lecturer in a convention, seminar or any similar gathering.
4. Master’s Degree shall refer to a graduate degree in Library and Information Science, Education or related field from a recognized school, college, or university.
5. Doctoral Degree shall refer to a post-graduate degree in Library and Information Science, Education or related field from a recognized school, college, or university.
6. Self-Directed Learning Package shall refer to learning which uses course manuals or accredited learning modules. Accredited learning modules include self-instructional materials or programs which may be in the form of printed manual, audio and video cassette tapes, films, computer-assisted learning (CAL), study kits, learning aids and modules or the use of the information highway. These should include among others clearly defined objectives, adequate content and an evaluation component for each module.
7. Authorship shall refer to the ownership of intellectual property which includes technical or professional books, instructional materials and the like. Credits earned must be claimed within one (1) year from the date of publication or production.
8. Peer Reviewer shall refer to a professional who acts as an evaluator of a research paper, conference paper or journal article before it is presented or published.
9.. Post-Graduate or In-Service Training shall mean training or specialization at the post-graduate level for a minimum period of one(1) week.
10. CPE Provider shall refer to a natural person or juridical entity which includes, among others, accredited or non-accredited professional organization, firm, partnership, corporation or institution which offers, organizes, or arranges CPE programs, activities or sources for implementation and administration.
11. CPE Programs, Activities, or Sources shall refer to the regime of CPE which enhance the competence of the librarians by upgrading and updating knowledge and skills for the profession as brought about by modernization and scientific and technical advancements in the profession. The scope shall be beyond the basic preparation for admission to the practice of the profession. The content shall be related but not limited to the practice of the profession.

Section 15. CPE CREDIT UNITS
The total CPE credit units (CUs) for registered and licensed librarians with baccalaureate degree shall be sixty (60) credit units for three(3) years. Any excess credit units earned shall not be carried over to the next three-year period except credit units earned for master’s and doctoral degrees or for other special training.

One credit hour of CPE program, activity or source shall be equivalent to one(1) credit unit. CPE credit units shall be granted only to accredited programs and providers. However, programs and activities conducted by providers within the year of accreditation and were not pre-accredited may be given credit upon submission of documents relevant to the programs to the PLAI CPE Council and upon approval of the BFL CPE Council.

Section 16. PROCEDURES FOR ACCREDITATION OF CPE PROVIDERS
The BFL and PLAI CPE Councils shall observe the following procedures for the accreditation of CPE providers :

A. In case of natural persons :
1. Any person seeking to offer an organized or arranged program, activity or source shall accomplish and submit to the PLAI CPE Council an application form.
2. An application shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following information :
a. Full name, address and telephone number/s of the applicant-provider
b. Relevant educational background
c. Profession, principal area of professional work and number of years in the practice of profession
d. PRC License Number and date of expiration
e. Current employment
3. Applicant-provider shall submit a valid NBI clearance.
4. Applicant-provider shall pay an accreditation fee at the PRC.
B. In case of juridical entities :
1. Any agency, organization, institution, association or similar juridical entity seeking to offer an organized program, activity or source shall accomplish and submit to the PLAI CPE Council an application form.
2. An application shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following information and documents :
a. Full name, office address, telephone/fax numbers, and e-mail address
b. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration papers (copy)
c. List of officers, with their PRC License Numbers and expiry date if officer is a member of the regulated profession.
d. Plans for CPE programs or activities for the year applied
e. Proof of past CPE activities or programs conducted/arranged (immediate past year) for applicants renewing accreditation.
3. Applicant-provider shall pay an accreditation fee at the PRC.
C. All applicants shall submit to the PLAI CPE Council the following :
1. Mechanism for measuring the quality of the program, activity, or source being offered.
2. Criteria for selecting and evaluating speakers, resource persons, or lecturers.
D. Issuance by the Council of Certification of Accreditation (CoA) as CPE Provider in the case of natural persons and juridical entities and their programs, activities and sources by the Commission proper. Accreditation shall be for a period of three (3) years, renewable every three (3) years upon the filing of an application and payment of accreditation fee.

Section 17. PROCEDURES FOR ACCREDITATION OF A CPE PROGRAM, ACTIVITY, OR SOURCE
1. A CPE provider seeking accreditation of an organized or arranged CPE program, activity or source shall submit said program, activity or source (in triplicate) to the BFL CPE Council, through the PLAI CPE Council, for evaluation and approval. The program, activity, or source shall cover a period not to exceed three (3) years.
2. The application for accreditation of a CPE program, activity, or source shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following information and documents :
a. Title/s of program/s, activity/ies, or source/s
b. Name of CPE provider, address, phone and fax numbers
c. Date and venue of the administration of the program
d. Objectives
e. Targeted audience or participants
f. Contents and number of hours
g. Resource speakers, lecturers, discussion leaders, panelists, reactors, moderators, and facilitators, including their qualifications and current PRC license if they are members of the regulated profession
h. Actual program and schedule
i. Seminar or convention fee to be collected, including estimated budgetary expenditures
j. Evaluation to be used which could either be any of the following modes or systems :
• evaluation of seminar by the participants
• evaluation of participants by CPE provider (i.e. tests)
• other methods of evaluation
2. If the BFL CPE Council finds the CPE program, activity, or source to be relevant to the profession, cost effective to the participants, and in accordance with the guidelines, said Council shall issue a certificate of accreditation within thirty (30) days from receipt of the application.

Section 18. POST-ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS
Upon the completion of an accredited CPE program, activity, or source, the CPE provider shall submit a report to the BFL CPE Council within 15 days from the last day of the offering. The report shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following information :
1. Name of CPE provider
2. Name or description of CPE program, activity, or source
3. Accreditation number and date of issuance of accreditation
4. Certified list of participants indicating names and PRC professional license numbers and date of expiration as well as of resource speakers, lecturers, discussion leaders, panelists, moderators, or facilitators who took part or participated in the CPE program, activity, or source
5. Date and time of start and completion of the holding of the CPE program, activity, or source
6. Venue or location of the holding of the program
7. Summary of evaluation results of participants
8. Name of the CPE Council representative who monitored the CPE program or activity.

Section 19. SANCTIONS
A. Accredited CPE Provider - Accreditation shall be withdrawn from the CPE provider who:
1. is found not complying with the prescribed rules and regulations for
CPE, or
2. has committed substantial deviation from the approved program, or
3. has submitted false reports, or
4. has committed such other acts that the BFL CPE Council finds to be in violation of the interest of the program.
B. Commission Employees
Any employee of the Commission who causes, abets, or helps in the renewal of the ID card / license of a registered professional without complying with CPE requirements shall be considered to have violated office and/or civil service rules and regulations and shall be proceeded against administratively, and, if found guilty, shall be meted out the penalties provided for by the said laws and rules and regulations.

The Great Book Blockade of 2009

The Great Book Blockade of 2009 has made everyone in the book industry busy and noisy. The PBBY is actually coming up with its own stand on the plight of book taxation in the country. Elfren Cruz has written an essay in Business World about this.

Here's an excerpt.

Historically, in every slave-owning society (including the United States) slaves were not allowed to read. There was a period in European civilization when barbarians ruled and books were accessible in a few monasteries. This was aptly called the Dark Ages.

One of the saddest periods in the history of the Catholic church was the period of the Inquisition and the Index of Forbidden Books when again authorities decided what could and could not be read.

Alberto Managuel, in his book A History of Reading, wrote:

"As centuries of dictators have known, an illiterate crowd is easiest to rule; since the craft of reading cannot be untaught once it has been acquired, the second best recourse is to limit its scope. Therefore, like no other human creation, books have been the bane of dictatorships. Absolute power requires that all reading be official reading, instead of whole libraries of opinions, the ruler’s words should suffice."

Throughout history, man’s search to know his world and himself has been through the written word conveyed in books. Perhaps it may be difficult for most politicians to comprehend, but the truth is that words and wisdom, written in books, have the power to change our lives much more than roads, bridges, and ambulances financed by pork barrel funds.

For the full article, read Mr. Cruz here.

Photos from Baguio

My Baguio Blues can be viewed in The Coffee Goddess. I was not really lonely. I went to Tam-Awan Village and the BenCab Museum all by myself.

Photos from Donsol

You can view them in my personal blog, The Coffee Goddess.

Storytelling At The PASLI National Seminar

This is just to say that I had a great session on Storytelling with the participants of the PASLI (Philippine Association of School Librarians, Inc.) National Seminar on Effective Library Services: New Approaches and Strategies. I still have no idea what to do in Baguio tomorrow. Maybe go sight seeing or sleep in late in bed.

I'm really too tired to blog so the details have to wait for tomorrow.

The flight to Sorsogon and back to Manila, then the road trip to Baguio City has worn me down. Yes Virginia, I too get tired. I miss the hubby and the kids.

I miss home.

It seems I've been away for so long.

From Sea to Mountain

This is just a note to say that I have safely arrived in Baguio City at 12:05 this morning.

After landing safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 3:30PM yesterday, I dropped by at my sister-in-law's place to get my Baguio baggages. The six hour trip from Cubao to Baguio went on pretty smoothly with two stop overs - Dau and Cabanatuan (?).

I am now in Teachers' Camp, Baguio City sharing a room/dorm with nine participants of PASL's (Philippine Association of School Librarians) National Seminar on Effective Strategies and Approaches.

The weather is very cold. Sorsogon and Legazpi weather were tepid to humid. Baguio climate and temperature bites at the toes, ears and nose. Now I need to grab a few hours of sleep.

Live Blogging: Donsol Beach

Today, we're at the beach, picking shells, making sand castles and yes, wifi-ing! Jojo, Divine and I did not go whale watching with SAS Executive Director Coly Los Banos and Project Coordinator Cats Alcaraz. For one, I don't know how to swim. So does Jojo. Divine lent moral support so she stayed with us. Besides, there's the Baguio trip to think about.

I'm a bit regretful. It's not everyday you get the chance to swim with butandings. Then again, silence is priceless.

Donsol beach is teeming with marine life. We saw a school of fish by the shore and they glistened in the sun. It was fantastic. Hermit crabs scuttle about while jellyfishes blob their way by the shore. A few feet away is the shell graveyard where we will do more beach combing later.

The sea is a calm pool today. The sky, blue gray. I feel so small in this great expanse of water and air.

Live Blogging: SAS Teacher Training - Read-A-Thon

The day started with a session on Experience Stories conducted by Jojo Pagsibigan. Participants were encouraged to cull out songs, poems, folk tales, local history, family and cultural stories unique to Donsol and their own experiences. In the absence of printed materials to read and use for instruction, Experience Stories can be used as tool and strategy to teach literacy skills. Participants performed the songs, stories and dances after te input session.

The Art of Questioning and Lesson Planning was taken up as well. It was a pretty heavy morning.

In the afternoon, the SAS Team did a skit of the Read-A-Thon. The participants finally had a more concrete idea of how the SAS reading program is implemented. In the photo, Cats Alcaraz played the part of Project Monitor while Divine David portrayed the role of the teacher. Jojo Pagsibigan was the Principal.

Right now, Jojo Pagsibigan and Divine David are conducting the last session for the day which is Storytelling and Read Aloud. It's graduation at 4.30PM. This concludes the 45th Teacher Training Workshop of SAS. A new Read-A-Thon program will commence in Donsol, Sorsogon on June 15, 2009.

Live Blogging: Day 2 of the SAS Teacher Training In Donsol

The teacher participants are early today. It's 7:45AM and the hall is almost filled. And yes, the nervousness has ebbed. I feel calm and relaxed like the placid sea this morning.

We ended the day yesterday with a fun activity, Dress the Character. Jojo Pagsibigan effectively handled the session while the participants responded in full force. Today, we'll have more activities since it's output day. Pictures to follow. Promise!

Live Blogging: Day 1 of the SAS Teacher Training In Donsol

It's been a fruitful morning. The theories presented during the session this morning elicited many comments, questions and responses from the teachers. Their principals are very supportive as well. The SAS Team conducting the training were impressed at how engaged the teachers are, so far.

Four schools from the Donsol Central district are taking part in the training session. Their active learning journals provided us with a status of their participation and engagement. I'm hoping to carry on the momentum until tomorrow. Today is theories day while tomorrow is application and practice day. Jojo Pagsibigan and Divine David, group facilitators for this training workshop has been both superb! But I am still nervous since my input sessions will run until 4PM today.

Right now, the teachers are reading the books in the SAS Collection. It is important that they know the books available for them and their students because these books will be used in the Read-A-Thon. More about it on future live blogging posts.

Live Blogging: SAS Teacher Training In Donsol

The flight to Legazpi was on schedule despite the cloudy skies and gloomy weather in Manila. Family and friends sent text messages of heavy rains and a storm brewing up in the North last night. But it's a sunny day here in Donsol, Sorsogon and the SAS Teacher Training is all set to begin forty minutes from now.

It is a far cray from the physical set up that Petron and SAS organize in Manila, but that does not matter. The Read-A-Thon is a grass roots program that includes teacher training so they can implement the month long reading program that SAS has developed since 1998.

It's my first time to be lead trainor without the presence of the senior master trainors. I am nervous.

Will blog about more of our Donsol adventures later.

All In The Name Of Reading

* This is alarming. No byline came from the forwarded email, but it's from a reputable e-group I subscribe to. Besides, I have friends and connections in the publishing industry and all have bewailed the sad state of taxing imported books.

In the last few months, the importation of books into the Philippines
has virtually stopped. (To those of you who frequent bookstores, I
don't know if you've noticed.) The reason why is explained in this
article by Robin Hemley, a University of Iowa creative writing
professor currently on a fellowship in the Philippines.

If you have no time to read the article, the essence is that because
the Bureau of Customs has decided to impose duties on the importation
of books into the Philippines.

This, despite the 1950 Florence Agreement on the Importation of
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Materials (which you can see
here), which the Philippines ratified in 1979. The preamble of the
agreement states: "Considering that the free exchange of ideas and
knowledge and, in general, the widest possible dissemination of the
diverse forms of self-expression used by civilizations are vitally
important both for intellectual progress and international
understanding, and consequently for the maintenance of world
peace...", an indisputable proposition.

Here's an excerpt from Robin Hemley's article (i shortened it a bit.
better if you can read the whole thing.) -

...Over coffee one afternoon, a book-industry professional (whom I can't
identify) told me that for the past two months virtually no imported
books had entered the country, in part because of the success of one
book, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. The book, an international best
seller, had apparently attracted the attention of customs officials.
When an examiner named Rene Agulan opened a shipment of books, he
demanded that duty be paid on it.

The importer of Twilight made a mistake and paid the duty requested. A
mistake because such duty flies in the face of the Florence Agreement,
a U.N. treaty that was signed by the Philippines in 1952, guaranteeing
the free flow of "educational, scientific, and cultural materials"
between countries and declaring that imported books should be
duty-free. Mr. Agulan told the importer that because the books were
not educational( i.e., textbooks) they were subject to duty. Perhaps
they aren't educational, I might have argued, but aren't they
"cultural"?
No matter. With this one success under their belt, customs curtailed
all air shipments of books entering the country. Weeks went by as
booksellers tried to get their books out of storage and started
intense negotiations with various government officials.

What doubly frustrated booksellers and importers was that the
explanations they received from various officials made no sense. It
was clear that, for whatever reasonâ€"perhaps the 30-billion-peso
($625 million) shortfall in projected customs revenueâ€"customs would
go through the motions of having a reasonable argument while in fact
having none at all.

Customs Undersecretary Espele Sales explained the government's
position to a group of frustrated booksellers and importers in an
Orwellian PowerPoint presentation, at which she reinterpreted the
Florence Agreement as well as Philippine law RA 8047, providing for
"the tax and duty-free importation of books or raw materials to be
used in book publishing." For lack of a comma after the word "books,"
the undersecretary argued that only books "used in book publishing"
(her underlining) were tax-exempt.

"What kind of book is that?" one publisher asked me afterward. "A book
used in book publishing." And she laughed ruefully.

I thought about it. Maybe I should start writing a few. Harry the
Cultural and Educational Potter and His Fondness for Baskerville Type.

Likewise, with the Florence Agreement, she argued that only
educational books could be considered protected by the U.N. treaty.
Customs would henceforth be the arbiter of what was and wasn't
educational.

"For 50 years, everyone has misinterpreted the treaty and now you
alone have interpreted it correctly?" she was asked.

"Yes," she told the stunned booksellers.

Throughout February and March, bookstores seemed on the verge of
getting their books releasedâ€"all their documents were in order, but
the rules kept changing. Now they were told that all books would be
taxed: 1 percent for educational books and 5 percent for
noneducational books. A nightmare scenario for the distributors; they
imagined each shipment being held for months as an examiner sorted
through the books. Obviously, most would simply pay the higher tax to
avoid the hassle.

Distributors told me they weren't "capitulating" but merely paying
under protest. After all, customs was violating an international
treaty that had been abided by for over 50 years. Meanwhile,
booksellers had to pay enormous storage fees. Those couldn't be
waived, they were told, because the storage facilities were privately
owned (by customs officials, a bookstore owner suggested ruefully).
One bookstore had to pay $4,000 on a $10,000 shipment.

The day after the first shipment of books was released, an internal
memo circulated in customs congratulating themselves for finally
levying a duty on books, though no mention was made of their pride in
breaking an international treaty...

SLIA Blog Advisory

I've been running a series of teacher training seminars for the past weeks and I will fly to Donsol, Sorsogon for yet another teacher training seminar sponsored by CEMEX and Sa Aklat Sisikat this week. By Monday next week, I will be in the Philippine Association of School Librarians (PASL) National Seminar at Teacher's Camp, Baguio City.

I'm in a roll so blogging will be put on hold until I surface and catch my breath.