Live Blogging: Day 2 of Follett Workshop 2016 AM Session

Suji DeHart is a cheer leader for the school library.

Day 2 of Follett Workshop continues!

We listened to an inspirational talk this morning by Suji DeHart on library best practices using Follett Destiny, teacher and librarian collaboration, and use of web based app for library instruction. Suji is a school librarian from International School Kuala Lumpur (ISKL). She uses googlesites for a directory of web sites, collected and curated based on the school's curricular offering. Suji mentioned that she is in every faculty meeting and parents coffee, meaning, school librarians need to be PR managers of the school library. That's putting in a lot of visibility factor for the library.

In Suji's case, it's a lot of hard work. But it works!

After her session, we had a library visit to ISM's Media Center where we saw the genrefication of the fiction collection. ISKL started rearranging the fiction collection by genre and Suji discussed this in her presentation earlier. This is an interesting trend but, knowing me, I do not jump right away in the band wagon. I need to know more and reflect on this trend vis-a-vis our school community's context and culture. I believe that the success of a school library always depend on the unique ecosystem to which it belongs to. So, I will give this some time to think over. But, I will definitely go back to ISM to see how they turn the library into a bookstore type learning space.

Genrefication of Fiction Books: Is the shift worth it? What are the payoffs?

The Follett Destiny peeps are back showing how features of the LMS can work for our advantage. The Visual Search is pretty cool as well as the online support system set up for Follett Destiny users. Tim Ramsey is on the floor now speaking about the many uses of Follett Learning and Follet Shelf. He did say that when an ebook is bought through Follet Shelf, it is the buyers' property. No more perpetual access and limited access. What now of digital rights management?

Live Blogging: Follett Workshop 2016 PM Session

This afternoon, Larry Gilbert is showing participants the rest of the modules of Follet Destiny. We have explored the ebook collection that can be accessed through Brytewave, an app that can be easily downloaded from iTunes and Google Play. I love the Catalog interface where cataloging is done as easy as copying records from other databases. Everything is up there including RDA. It is only a matter of bandwidth and internet connection that would make or break the easy functionality of this module. So, this would mean two things: 1) secure a strong internet connection; and 2) set up an efficient system of work routines so that, more reader engagement can be spent with patrons of the library. I. LIKE. THIS.

Follett Community is where school librarians can get support from Follett people and colleagues.

Acquisition of books and ebooks can be done through Titlewave. Now this is not new to me since I bought our start up collection from Titlewave. I got the books cataloged already, barcoded and covered in acetate. Titlewave also sent the catalog cards and the soft copies that were easily converted into our current database because it was in MARC file. Easy as pie. The downside: shipmnet fees and customs duties. At the time, books were taxed. We ended up paying a big amount. Now I have to verify the lifting of book duties before resuming buying in bulk from Titlewave again.

We are winding down to Reports and, just like the rest of the modules, it has everything: patrons profile, over dues and fines, collection analysis, inventory and library statistics. From what I learned, the entire library system costs 3,000.00 USD.

So, I have a library budget that needs to be reviewed as well as a time line of work and projects to finish. I will see where I can put this transition or migration of databases and LMS in place against the bigger scheme of things.

Live Blogging: Follett Workshop 2016

The Back Office where the librarian has control of the LMS.

I am at the International School Manila (ISM) today attending the Follett Workshop for school librarians. Day 1 is a whole day discussion and product demo on Follet Destiny, a school library management system. Day 2 is going beyond Follett Destiny and into the school library.

As I write this, Larry Gilbert, Destiny Doctor, is demonstrating the efficacy of the Back Office - the admin control of Follet Destiny. The demo is pretty thorough and Larry Gilbert knows the system like the back of his hand. I find the interface helpful, efficient and easy to navigate. I have no doubts on the software and since I started at The Beacon Academy, I have my eyes set on Follett Destiny as the system of choice. In real life, however, there are factors to consider before making the decision of acquiring and using a library management system. I opted to go the other way in library automation. While our current library management system is working, issues on upgrades, centralization and connectivity, e-book availability and management have surfaced.

Because of change and continuing professional development, I open myself once more to the possibility of acquiescing Follet Destiny. As I listen to Larry, my notebook has a long list of questions and notes to put together. These would come in handy when I write my report and proposal.

UP FLIPP: New Professionals Series

Because I was invited as one of the reactors to the seminar and conference.

Also, I support future LIS professionals whatever college, university or school they hail from. I have always asked myself when will I ever teach LIS in the college level. It looks like it is going to be a long time coming. It won't happen in the near future though, I feel it in my bones that teaching in the university is a path I can take. A possibility, if things go my way as planned.

What excites me about this seminar and conference is the discourse that will follow after the resource speakers' input. I am eager to hear new voices in the profession. I know I can learn from the younger set of LIS professionals as well as from students studying LIS. Since I blog, do expect a live blog entry. And yes, I will be using social media too.

Such conversations need to cut across groups and communities using media and technology. Who knows what conversations will transpire online line even after the seminar and conference folded up?

Guide Posts and Cornerstones in Research

Reflecting on process and product

As I have written in a previous blog post, we resumed research and EE work the week we got back at school in January. During an EE session with the juniors, I asked them two questions to prompt them to look back at where they are in their EE journey and to push them to look ahead, deadlines and all. After two weeks, I am getting final drafts of the seniors' EEs.

I am swamped.

Not complaining.

Just saying.

What I like about this experience is that, as a high school librarian, I get a first hand experience at seeing research being done by students. I also get to work closely with EE Supervisors as they guide and mentor their students in the process of writing the EE. Now, these are two interesting research topics I can work on in the future.

But, it has to wait a while.

Here are some random reflections, questions and thoughts I have been tossing in my head as I push the idea of an action research or a paper on high school research and collaborative teaching back in my head. For now, I wish to entertain these questions and thoughts before jumping into that research paper.

1. Research and writing are both process oriented tasks that involve a lot of cognitive functions. How can complex tasks such as these can be scaled down or divided in chunks so that, the high school student working on college level work can be guided or taught appropriately?

2. Where in the curriculum can a teacher teach writing and research? Apart from process, the word skills comes to mind when I meet writing and research almost everyday of my working life. So, content is essential as the meat or the substance by which the skills are applied.

3. Research is formative as well. Not only is it a test of intellectual endurance, it is also a test of character. Patience. Perseverance. Commitment to finish a task. How are we preparing our teens for the emotional stamina needed to do research?

4. Writing is listening. To one's self. To one's readers. We may teach writing as a form of communication, but, have we considered teaching writing as conversation and discourse?

5. As the school librarian, I am compelled to model research and writing. And reading! Yes, I need to read the curricular content. I need to know what sources to provide both student and teacher working on such tasks. Designing an environment to support research and thinking is a primary expectation, but going beyond and developing knowledge management systems in the school is another challenge.

Oh boy. Oh boy. Oh my.

Where will these thoughts lead me? Or am I misled by my thoughts?

Let's Talk About Books! And Reading.

Book talk@greenspine from Zarah Gagatiga

Looking Back at IBGD Activities

Because it is International Book Giving Day (IBGD) on February 14, I look back at the books I gave away and who got them.

In 2013, I gave away Filipiniana and some picture books . The picture books were given to grade one students of Loma Elementary School. At the time, I was part of the team of volunteers who came every afternoon for tutorial sessions. The kids were suprised to be given books! To this day, many Filipino children still have limited access to books and libraries. This is the reason why I believe in the goals and activities of International Book Giving Day. One reader can share the gift of reading and literacy to others. Sometimes, it is the little acts of kindness that makes a difference in the life of another. As for the Filipiniana books I gave away, they ended up in the school's faculty lounge and in the hands of co-teachers.

In 2014, I gave away my books! I gave a copy of Tales From the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories to my co-teacher, Mr. Joseph De Santo, who has a daughter growing up in an inter-racial family. My colleagues' son, Sam, got a copy of My Daddy, My One and Only!

Sadly, in 2015, all I was able to do was post the e-poster of IBGD. I think I was busy with something else that year. A trip to Japan! So, this year, I am going to participate again. What books will I give away? Who will get them?

For more information, visit the IBGD website. There you can download free posters, bookmarks and book plates that are all artistically designed. These book stuff are lovely. And it is free! IBGD stays true to its simple goal of book giving. If you are going to participate in the book giving, please use #bookgivingday when you post photos and news about it in your social media accounts.

The Green Spine Book Fair 2016: Book Talk Sessions

International Book Giving Day 2016

10 Most Borrowed Books of 2015

These are photos of books that our high school students borrowed the most in 2015. *Not in the photo are The Complete Persepolis (Satrapi, 2007) and Ghostopolis (TenNapel, 2010).

NCBA 2016 Best Reads: Guidelines for Nominations

Ncba 2016 guidelines from Zarah Gagatiga

Call for Nominations: 4th NATIONAL CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARDS

Ncba 2016 invitation for nomination from Zarah Gagatiga

The Singing Librarian and the Singing Guidance Counselor

Here is a video of our performance last Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Variety Show of the Back to Beacon Fair.



With me is Ms. Mayen Lopez, our guidance counselor. We sang Points of View by Joey Albert.

Back At Work in the School Library

I am back at work since Monday. The first two days were spent going back to the to do list and gearing up for the next five months ahead. So far, I have been productive. The usual routines were easy to do and my staff was up to speed to clear out the circulation counter. We set up new book displays and informed the school community of books to read at the start of the year.

What is on our current display table are books that inspire, encourage one to make a resolution and keep it through the year, and move one to reflect on things past and present. I put in some poetry books as well as collections of short stories for students and teachers to read in between their busy week. It is grading week this week, so, teachers particularly are stressed.

Yesterday, I had a session with the seniors for their Extended Essay work. They are now nearing the end of their research journey. Majority of them are down to the revision process. Our reading passports from last Christmas break are trickling in and I am excited to read feedback from students.

This morning, we kicked off our Book Fair for A Cause initiative where book sellers, Scholastic, Adarna House and Lampara Books will be selling their books. Proceeds of the fair will benefit the classroom library project of the library for Loma Elementary School.

On the admin side of things, I might attend a professional development workshop this month. This one is a workshop that I am pretty excited to attend since it will focus on international school librarianship. There is also the PCNC accreditation I am looking forward to doing soon with a team of staff here in school. It is a lot of work, similar to PAASCU but, I find such tasks intellectually stimulating.

I think I am off to a good start at work. Happy new year! Happy new you!

Links to The Janus Project 2015: Year End Reflections

The writing assignment I committed to doing is finally complete! I posted my reflections in my other blog, The Coffee Goddess, since the themes of the reflections were all very personal. Besides, the blog has been dormant for a year or more. Posting my reflections there is a way to revive the blog. So, for personal stuff I make public, it all goes to the TCG blog.

I am cross posting the links here in School Librarian In Action, because this blog has a following.

Where I wrote about accomplishments and highlights of 2015.

Where I wrote about failures and mistakes made in 2015.

Where I wrote about growing old as a game changer .

Where I wrote about the three things I spent my energies on.

Where I wrote about things lost and found.

If you are inspired by any of the entries, don't stop yourself from writing one. The assignment involved a lot of thinking, a lot of time. The result is clarity of thought and an amplification of the values that we hold dear.

It was worth doing.

Movie Review: #WalangForever

I met Jericho Rosales in 2012 at a storytelling session for the Inquirer

SPOILER!

SPOILER ALERT!

#WalangForever
Director: Dan Villegas
Producers: Quantum Films, MJM Productions, Tuko Films, Buchi Boy Films

Our film of choice this Metro Manila Film Festival season is #WalangForever. It is too bad we didn't catch Honor They Father, but, who knows. I am hopeful to see the movie before the season officially ends. Now, for my review.

#WalangForever is a story of love lost and found. Mia, played by Jennylyn Mercado, and Ethan, portrayed by Jericho Rosales, are former lovers once engaged. Personal problems, priorities in life and career put their relationship to the test. It was one test they both failed. Thus, the experience made them bitter, jaded and scorned. Mia, a successful screenwriter coasts through life penning the greatest love of her life into her movies while Ethan, manages a thriving business, until a life changing event made him decide to leave the country and live with his mother abroad. Thanks to friends, a timely barkada reunion put them back together again.

Love is lovelier the second time around? Not really.

What worked

When Mia and Ethan were back in each others' arms, it was not the sweet moment of love's second chance. After all, a painful break up would elicit more complications. With Ethan's diminishing health, Mia made the choice to love again. Despite the past and the pain of loss, Mia went after her man and took the risk of being hurt all over again.

For what? And why? Well, to love. Forever.

This is where the conceit of forever comes in. It is in fact the questions, may forever ba? Ano nga ba ang forever? which the movie presented at the beginning by showing people and couples defining what forever is, is the whole point of the movie. It is a philosophical challenge, actually, but, with humor and comedic touches by Dan Villegas' direction, this idea of infinity and the struggle to establish the constants in our lives make the journey of finding a forever lighthearted at the same time, life affirming. In the end, the movie audience is made to find his or her own forever and its relative, if not elusive, definition. #WalangForever does not only make you laugh or cry, it makes you think of the what is and the now.

I find the script and storytelling smart and sensitive. I particularly loved the quiet, awkward moments and the hidden contexts between characters like Ethan and Aldus, Tita Betchay and Tonipet, Ethan's mom and her foreigner husband. The ensemble cast of supporting actors are a delight to watch. They are given enough back story to represent who they are in the lives of Mia and Ethan and the relevant roles they push the plot forward toward a happy ever after. Their roles, though small for some, like Sasha, Ethan's kinakapatid, emphasize the yearning or desire of this constant, this idea of forever. Despite Ethan's death, everyone remains hopeful. Life goes on. Love endures. The ending where Mia's latest film about her life and Ethan's is lived out for all to see and witness. Such is the story of love, where one's immense pain is a source of great joy.

Using film to amplify this concept and to tell a story in this medium is reflective of the passion and dedication that Villegas and the rest of the production team have on their craft. They make movies yes, but they also love. They love their art. They love their craft. They love to share a good story.

Hurrah to Jennylyn Mercado and Jericho Rosales. Their chemistry is amazing. Jennylyn Mercado's star quality never dims. Her light shines in the movie from start to finish. Jericho Rosales is still Mr. Pogi and though the lines on his forehead reveal that he is not as young as he used to be, he remains the dramatic actor I loved watching in Pangako Sayo (yes, I used to watch teleseryes).

What didn't work

Sid Lucero. That cameo. It is so small for his acting chops. Can someone please give him a lead role in a romcom?!

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Monthly First Post of 2015

In retrospect and in keeping up with a blogging tradition, here are the monthly first posts in the blog for the year 2015. The first sentence of the blog post for each month is a link to the complete article.

December - First of all, I wish to thank everyone who prayed for me and my family during our medical crises.

November - Rainbow Rowell is back with Carry On, a fascinating but sad depiction of magic and man's obsession with power.

October - It is the eve of World Teacher’s Day and I write this — a short piece on the teaching role of a school librarian.

September - This is one of my favorite illustrations in our new book, Big Sister (Lampara House, 2015).

August -  Museo Pambata has chosen me as one of the six storytellers to be included in the roster of artists and creatives who push for the development of literacy and children's rights.

July - Dare Me Again is a novella set in the Dare to Love series by Carly Phillips.

June - I will be taking on Concurrent Session 1: Children's Literature 101 for Librarians. I hope to see you there!

May - It's Mother's Day on May 10!

April - This is the new school library of the Laguna Sino-Filipino Educational Foundation.

March - Early in February, I joined the peer mentoring program of International Librarians Network's.

February - This is the Valentine's Day post I promised to do a few weeks back.

January - Yes.

The Janus Project 2015 - 2016

Here is a writing project I mean to do in the coming days. Before January 1, I will be posting 10 highlights and disappointments of 2015. In the first week of January, I will be writing about the three 3s: game changers, things I focused on; and things I forgot. Whew.

This is going to be a lot of thinking. Like going on a retreat and filling up a journal. It can be stressful but, cathartic too. I call this the Janus Project as it will help me recollect my 2015 at the same time, push me on to 2016.

Thanks to Rica Bolipata Santos for this writing challenge!

Back to Beacon Fair: Storytelling Workshop

Post Christmas Reflections: Family, Friends and Comfort Food

My Nanay Leony at 86 years old.

The three days before the New Year is a welcome break. Preparing for Christmas festivities, no matter what scale or magnitude, is stressful. I am glad that part of Christmas is over. For me, it was a time to strengthen family ties and friendships; to focus on caring for myself; and to look after my children's health as well. The stomach infection I had last month made me realize a lot of things. For one, I need to downsize on speaking engagements. I must select writing projects that I can realistic do given a time frame. I have to finish my book projects before jumping into a new endeavor. These and many more!

Boy, I really need to sit down and think things through. And yes, I have to keep my day job.

For the time being, my holiday break has been for family. The four of us went out and watched a movie before Christmas. I visited my parents and relatives on Christmas day. I cooked for a family reunion in my husband's side. I missed a great deal of reunions with friends before Christmas, but this week, I will be doing some catching up with them. And in between were the appointments and consults with doctors - mine and my children's. My kids' had their heart monitor results out already.  So far, all is good. My mammogram results will be out next week and I choose not to worry or else, I will ruin a good holiday break. I pray for this to last till New Year's and, hopefully, in the years to come.

Christmas is indeed a time of coming home.

One of my childhood's comfort foods: INUTAK

Visiting my lola last Christmas, I indulged in a comfort food of my childhood. Inutak with cheese ice cream! Memories of childhood came flooding in. After school, I would drop by Aling Loleng's inutak store to buy a cup and eat the sweet delicacy on my way home. I learned that Aling Loleng has died but her inutak lives on. It is just pitiful that I only get to eat inutak at Christmas time. I can buy one medium sized box, but the ice cream to partner it with has to be right. It has to be cheese sorbetes - the Pinoy ice cream that is sweet and salty. A perfect combination to the glutenous inutak.

As for my lola, Nanay Leony is 86 years old and she can still host the family get together in Comembo. The barangay is very near Pateros. I went to school there. I walked to school from our house in Comembo by crossing a bridge over Pateros river to the town proper. Yes, I grew up in a small town where everybody knows everybody. What stories I told my kids that made them draw up a family tree. The eldest, Nico, was very much interested that he made another one for my husband's side of the family. He seem to find answers there as to who he is and what he aims to become in the future. On the one hand, Zoe is still exploring her interests and choices.

I will definitely go through an inventory of my life in 2015 with the goal of pushing forward to 2016. That is another stressful endeavor, but necessary. I have always shared my life and my stories publicly with the hope that others may find inspiration from it. I know that doing this helps me amplify meaning in my own as well.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas Movie Review: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

SPOILER ALERT


Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 2015
JJ Abrams, Director
Lawrence Kasdan and JJ Abrams, Writers

With renewed hope, my family and I watched Star Wars: The Force Awakens. We were not disappointed. We enjoyed the movie because, really, who cares about Anakin Skywalker's ascent to Jedi-hood and his descent to Darth-ness? Well, OK... I sound cocky. But really, a better script could have done the prequels justice. So, when the Force awakens, 30 years after Return of the Jedi my husband and I are more interested to know where Luke, Leia and Han left off. We know there were books, comics and online games on the saga, but, the movie experience is a stand alone entertainmnet fare we both looked forward to.

I like Rey, because, finally, a girl Jedi coming into terms with herself and her powers. This one is for my daughter. I like Finn, because, I have always wondered what goes on in those storm troopers' mind. I like BB-8 because he is fast. Maz Kanata is the closest thing I can attach my Yoda fascination to and it seems she holds the secret to why the Luke's light saber was in her care, in the first place.

I love how TFA paid homage to the Millenium Falcon, to Han and Leia, to Chewie, to C3PO and R2D2, coming back to life. The force is so strong it can resurrect dormant droids! I thank JJ Abrams for restoring my childhood. Though, Han Solo died at the end of this episode, I look forward to many things: how evil is Kylo Ren going to be since his act of murder is beyond redemption; the potential of Rey's friendship with Finn; the secrets that Maz Kanata will reveal; and Luke, oh Luke. You better make up for Han's demise!

And so, as we dread the coming Metro Manila Film Festival, Star Wars: The Force Awakens has given me a good amount of cinematic happiness despite the death of my childhood crush. Such is life that joy and sorrow live side by side.

12 Days of Christmas Movie Review: Rise of the Guardians

Re-posting this, because we love it! Sharing the love!

Rise of the Guardians, 2012
Peter Ramsey, Director
David Lindsay Abaire, Screenplay / William Joyce,  Author

What do Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman and the Easter Bunny have in common? They're all guardians. Guardians of children from all over the world. It's a conceit too big to make it believable. The magical visuals and metaphors used in the story helped me suspend my disbelief.

What worked

Thanks to high tech CGI animation, the film's ambition to make magic worked wonders. What appeared real to me: the golden strands of the Sandman weaving dreams on top of sleeping heads of children; Jack Frost producing ice and icicles on everything he touches and breathes on; the Boogeyman's sinister shadow that casts doubt and fear; the black mares with gleaming eyes depicted as nightmares that snuff out dreams of gold. DreamWorks did its homework so, as far as animation is concerned, they got the prize in the bag.

 I've nothing much to say about the script as I find the sub-plots cluttered and a few bits misplaced. For example, the elves and the yetis. They're all adorable but too much of them were used as comic relief. Perhaps, this was an attempt to lighten a story that's too philosophical for kids in the preschool age?

The movie is really meant for adults, like me, who've had their share of lemons thrown at them by life. Childhood is magical and wonderful. Growing up breaks the magic and wonderment. Children are trusting and honest. Grown ups operate on deceit to get what they want and are more fearful of their evil, if not, imperfect selves showing out for others to see. Such contradictions were made palpable through the use of childhood folk lore and images that we're familiar with - Jack Frost, Santa, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, the Sandman. Each represent a virtue or an aspect of childhood: play, wonder, memories, hope and dreams. Stuff that children believe in. Stuff that adults find once again in the children they care for and love.

What did not work

Apart from the cluttered script, the movie left me with a big lacuna on the Man on the Moon. I'd be looking up on William Joyce's novel from which the movie was based on. And this is actually a good thing, thinking about it.

Rise of the Guardians is a feel good movie. I'm glad I'm a parent and that I work with children and teens. If not, I'd have chucked the movie out the window as an attempt to water down Gaiman's conceit in American Gods.

Photo sources:

http://kidstvmovies.about.com/od/RiseoftheGuardians/ig/Rise-of-the-Guardians---Photos/Sandman.htm

http://www.movieposterdb.com/movie/1446192/Rise-of-the-Guardians.html

12 Days of Christmas Movie Review: The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton, Writer 1993
Henry Selick, Director
Touchstone Pictures

Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King and Halloween celebrity had an attack of ennui. In his ruminations, he stumbled upon Christmas town. There he found joy and wonder in the cold winter snow. Bent on understanding this source of happiness, he brought in all the tidings and trimmings of Christmas in Halloween town. So enamored was he, that he even assumed the role of Santa Claus.

This animated movie is one of my favorites to watch with the kids at Christmas. They grew up watching Jack Skellington sing, dance and make himself look foolishly cute in Selick's amazing stop motion animation. We love the music and the soundtrack. Danny Elfman is an amazing musician and his baritone fits Jack Skellington's personality well.  Sally's character is the true hero though. She stands by Jack no matter what and made a great effort to save Santa Claus from the Boogey Man.

In the end, Jack realizes how things are and how they need to be left as they are. Happiness is everywhere. Jack found it after one big blunder. Going back to Halloween town to redeem himself by saving Santa Claus just in time, he got the girl and lived horrifically ever after.

Photo source: http://www.gstatic.com/tv/thumb/movieposters/15096/p15096_p_v7_aa.jpg

12 Days of Christmas Movie Review: English Only Please

Re-posting because, the Metro Manila Film Festival is just around the corner.

English Only, Please
Director: Dan Villegas
Story and Screenplay: Dan Villegas
Antoinette Jafaone and Anjeli Pessumal

Yes. I jumped on the bandwagon and I was not disappointed at all.

What worked

1. Derek Ramsay and Jennylyn Mercado. It was my first time to see a movie starred by these two actors. I confess, I had no idea how good an actor Jennylyn Mercado is. In the movie, she plays a simple girl but her presence screams star appeal. She lights up the screen like a 24 karat diamond ring. No wonder she's the one chosen as the Starstruck grand winner.

Her portrayal of Tere Madlansacay is very accessible. Tere is your everyday girl and Mercado essayed the role effortlessly. She's your BFF and go-to-girl. She's the loyal and hardworking daughter. She gives, so much, until it hurts.  In the end, she looks at herself and decides she has not given enough. This is her only flaw and one that can be easily forgiven, if not, tolerated at least. I find myself rooting for her to end up with that nice Fil-Am guy, Julian Parker.

Derek Ramsay as Julian Parker, the brooding, angry, broken hearted Fil-Am who went out on a limb to avenge his pride is just WOW. For once, Ramasay's character is not bent on seducing a vulnerable woman. His quiet and tempered portrayal of a man who found love in a hopeless place is way sexier. Like Tere, his only fault is to fall in love and have his heart broken all over again. So I wish the same thing for Julian: to find the girl he deserves.

Since this is a romantic comedy, they did find each other and a chance at happily ever after. Together, Derek and Jennylyn make a formidable couple. So charming is their chemistry that I am praying for a sequel.

EOP FP Page: https://www.facebook.com/englishonlypls/photos_stream

2. The script. I like the slow moments in the movie. Goodrom-coms have this element. It allows the viewer to listen to conversations and to look at the non-verbal language that transpire between characters. Luckily, the casting director picked the right actors because, Ramsay and Mercado are opposites who are so good to look at. You put two different characters together and you start to understand what the message of the movie is all about. Language is never a barrier between people who truly love each other. Things may be lost in translation, but it is in speaking the truth from the depths of the heart that we find clarity and freedom. Plus, there is enough external and internal tension between the two that kept me through the finish line. That ending where Julian and Tere jumped into the bus leaving for Manila holds a lot of promise for a part two. How much will they give and go for love? What challenges and conflicts will they face in the next stage of their relationship?

Sadly, one of the producers who happen to be a former co-teacher and FB friend confirmed there won't be any sequel.

3. Love and Language. I enjoyed the movie's play on language and how, in some way, it was like an invisible character that brought Julian and Tere together. The scriptwriters are smart in putting in that vocabulary spiels in between scenes. It was humorous and done with enough wit. No crying spells and dramatics. Humor will always save the day. Just when Cai Cortez was about to cry over Jennilyn's lot, she sucks in juice from her balut and with it is an acceptance of things as they are.

The many forms and ways of loving were also depicted with care and humor. Those numerous "Motmot" scenes, single motherhood, family dynamics are springboard conversations about love, sex and relationships that can be taken up with among young people of today.

What did not work

I just wish there were more scenes that showed Derek Ramsay immersing and appreciating the Filipino culture to fully justify his line: Fil-Am ako (or was it laki ako sa US), pero pusongFilipino.

Overall, English Only, Please is a well thought out film. Its actors were well chosen too. At last, here is a movie in this year's Metro Manila Filmfest that doesn't dumb down its paying audience. Thank you to its producers, scriptwriters and director for empowering us to think, to feel and to laugh with you!

12 Days of Christmas Movie Review: RPG Metanoia

RPG Metanoia, 2011

AmbientMedia

Re-posting because the Metro Manila Film Festival is just around the corner 

What worked

The story and the script - The story is about an eleven year old boy named Nico who is addicted with online computer games, particularly RPG Metanoia. He and his friends frequent an internet cafe where they play online. For Nico,  a computer at home that hangs every now and then could not satiate his addiction for the game. Soon an online tournament will take place and he and his friends are all eager to participate. Having discovered the Helmet of Destiny, an item that would lead them to victory, Nico and his friends were confident at winning the tournament. During the tournament, he failed to heed his friends' advice losing the game in the process.

Just when I thought I've seen this one coming, the plot takes a turn for the better. Nico's story arc was surprisingly good and well crafted. From a self  centered only child, sheltered and fearful, he transformed into the story's hero that everyone will cheer for.

The supporting characters - Thanks to endearing and interesting characters in the movie! Nico has parents, who, despite their limitations, try their best to fill gaps in Nico's life. He also has friends who, despite himself will tell him the truth and can accept him, faults and all. If not for them, Nico would have turned out like the villain, Sargo.

Among Nico's friends, it is May, the girl next door, who showed him what he's been missing all along - real games played in the streets or in Filipino, larong kalye. With his boy barkada (gang) they spent the remaining summer days playing patinetero, piko (hop scotch), taguan (hide and seek), and tumbang preso. It is in playing these games where in Nico learned life lessons. Being good at virtual games does not equal to the vicarious experiences learned through play. Besides, Nico was able to overcome his own    insecurities. In the end, he became better at computer games because he established a healthy relationship with his friends thus, strengthening his character.

The visual metaphors and avatars - The band aid straps on Nico's leg; the first rain drop on Mark's knee;   the avatars of Nico and his friends are some of the reasons why the movie has lasting impressions. And yes, they are all good ones. Life is filled with growing pains. You get bumped and bruised, hurt and wounded. But hey, that's what it is to live and grow. Seasons come and go but true friends are forever. The Filipino has a very unique and diverse culture. Be proud that you're Pinoy!

The depiction of the modern Filipino child - It is the handling and depiction of the modern Pinoy child that I find most effective in RPG Metanoia. Nico is current and relevant. One may counter  that his character is too ideal or stereotypical, but to me, it is just but right to give him a good set of middle class parents and supportive friends. Put these all together and the movie is a certified Philippine Children's Literature material. Children have RIGHTS and the adults who take care of them is responsible to ensure that these rights are expressed and exercised.

As far as the 3D animation is concerned, I can say that it's a good start. Then again, I always go for content and the storytelling rendition. In many ways, the creators and producers of RPG Metanoia have succeeded in making it a movie that can be enjoyed by kids and kids at heart.

What did not work

I was looking for a solid closure on Sargo/Cel at the end. I'm not satisfied seeing him attend May's birthday party. Other than that, I have no more complains.

Congratulations to the creators of RPG Metanoia! Here's hoping that they continue creating satisfying stories rendered in relevant and meaningful medium in the future!

12 Days of Christmas Movie Review: Love Actually

Love Actually, 2003

Richard Curtis, Director and Writer

What is not to love in a movie that has everything and everyone? Collin Firth. Hugh Grant. Emma Thompson. Alan Rickman. Liam Neeson. Martin Freeman. With cameos by Rowan Atkinson and Claudia Schiffer. Directing this ensemble cast, with a script that weaves in and out of these Londoners at Christmas is impressive. Love is in the air at Christmas and even after the season. Indeed it is all around, including heart break and the misfortunes that come with loving.

My favorite pairs:

Harry and Karen (Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson): Theirs is a test of fidelity where Harry flunked big time. Emma Thompson's Karen is the ideal wife and this makes the cheating husband the absolute villain in the relationship. Her control and composure in keeping things together for the children is a situation that many couples can relate to. That they shared a meaningful look at the end of the movie, in Heathrow Airport, says a lot. 

Jaime and Aurelia (Colin Firth and Luica Moniz): Love conquers all, including barriers in language. Jaime had to take lessons to speak Portuguese. He ran after Aurelia and proposed. One of the funniest moments in the movie.

Karl and Sarah (Rodrigo Santoro and Laura Linney): Love, no matter how intense, does not always work out the way you want it. This makes you think of the "one who got away."

The British Prime Minister and the President of the United States (Hugh Grant and Billy Bob Thornton): The British PM kicked the US President's ass. All for his love of country. Didn't he become bolder at pursuing Natalie after that episode with the press? Love can do that! 

Sam and Daniel (Liam Neeson and Thomas Broadie-Sangster): Amazing how a father can show his own brand of loving to his stepson. Watch Titanic together! Support him all the way to run after the love of his life, because, really All I want for Christmas is You!

Of course, in between are the cute story lines on friendship, on moving on, and finding love in places you least expect it. It's Christmas and it's a romantic time of the year!

Photo source: http://www.filmequals.com/2012/12/11/love-actually-one-subplot-to-rule-them-all/

12 Days of Christmas Book Review: Unholy Night*

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

Unholy Night by Seth Grahame-Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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

What worked

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


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


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


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


What did not work

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

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




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PBBY Pasko and Publishing News

 Here I am with one of my favorite groups of people: the PBBY!


Before attending to the series of doctor appointments that week after APEC, I managed to join the PBBY peeps for the annual Christmas party. What joy! As always, conversations focused on what matters to us: children, books, reading, art and culture. We celebrated the triumphs of friends. We missed the ones who weren't able to come. We remembered Atty. Tony Santos and recognized the big gap he left behind in the service of public libraries. We looked back at projects we accomplished this year. Cognizant of a growing industry, we couldn't help but dream for a more vibrant children's book industry in 2016. While we closed our book for 2015, we are looking forward to 2016 because, it is National Children's Book Awards in July!

Apart from this exciting news, Anvil Publishing has been at work with us for the book project that has taken nearly five years to complete. The second volume of Bumasa at Lumaya is a project we hope to launch in 2016. My how-to-do-it article on setting up libraries for children is included in the collection.

12 Days of Christmas Book Review: A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is a childhood favorite. Though my first experience of the story is through an animated TV movie, it only fueled me to read the book. As always, the printed format provides a different experience.

Reading the beginning line, Marley was dead: to begin with, filled me with intrigue and made me laugh. How can a Christmas story begin with death? Surely, dead men tell tales. Ebeneezer Scrooge, Marley's business partner, had it all coming. Not only did Marley's ghost haunted him on Christmas Eve, but three ghosts of Christmas past, present and future paid him a visit as well. What a haunting! This is the best part, at least to me, in the novella. The ghosts were used to mirror Scrooge's need for reflection and introspection. It had made all the difference for him to change his heart. The man who has forgotten how it is to be human redeemed himself in the end.

A Christmas Carol is one of the few books I re-read at Christmas. Now that I am older, I take the book as my reminder to be brave and courageous. The need to constantly face our demons or the ghosts that haunt us is a recurring phase we all need to go through life. I still laugh at the wit and dry humor of Charles Dickens, that hasn't changed at all. But while some visitations of the past afford us resolutions to help us see perspectives in the present time, the experience may not at all be Scrooge like. I suppose, what matters is journeying on with life with a smile and a steadfast heart. Because, really, that is what hope is all about.



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Catching Up: Filipino Fridays #4: 5 Revolutions That Changed the Way I Read

This is the last in the meme and it is a topic worth reckoning.

What are the five revolutions that changed the way I read?

1. JK Rowling. She introduced me to fantasy. And to canon. Reading the Harry Potter books, made me reach out to Tolkien, CS Lewis and more British writers. She also changed the way I look at the author and reader relationship. Imagine my delight when she answered a letter that I wrote to her for my book club in school! She sure does know how to please the fans. And her marketing team is just brilliant!

2. Book to Movie Adaptations. This helped me in reading engagement as well as being enriched with the literary and filmic experience of stories.

3. Ebooks and epublishing. I am leaning more and more on my Kindle, but I stay loyal to the print. I am also curious about self publishing. Given the time, I would venture into that realm. I have a Wattpad account, so maybe, re-activating it is a start.

4. Social Media. My news source and gossip channel is Twitter, FB and Pinterest. I also make use of social media to promote my books.

5. A Busier Philippine Book Industry. A lot has happened the past five years! The slow but measured growth of Philippine YA; Komikon; Booklatan; the annual book fairs; the National Children's Book Awards. The book industry is changing and growing and, in our experience in Manila, Filipino readers are more visible now than ever.

What will the next five years look like?

12 Days of Christmas Book Review: The Saga of Santa Claus

The Saga of Santa Claus by M.D. Couturier

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Saga of Santa Claus is an origin story of Norse background. It narrates the beginning of the Yuletide gift giving tradition; the man behind the happy red suit; the elves who helped him make toys; and other little bits of Christmas traditions we all recognize and practice. Take for example the stockings filled with gifts and the mistletoe that hangs on every homes' door or window. These practices are unique to western culture but, from where I am from, families have adopted the custom despite the absence of snow and mistletoe. Perhaps, people are attracted to the idea and the novelty of it all. Mark Couturier explains why it is so and it amused me that Thor is the reason for this.

There are is of course, the presence of the Norse Gods in the story, like Odin and Frigga. There are fairies and goblins too. A magic ring and a magic sleigh complete the gifts bestowed upon the chosen one. The book starts out as a legend and finishes off into a myth that children of all ages will find delightful.

The best part for me was Valdor's climactic turn into the kind hearted man that he truly is. Spoiled from childhood, this crown prince story arc is a classic, almost canonical change spelled the difference in the entire novella. It is a good read this Christmas as we keep in mind the message of the season despite turbulent times. Kindness and compassion, friendship and humility, will save us from our greedy, selfish selves. Valdor experienced this through friends who stuck with him and strangers who didn't give up on him.

I believe that every man and woman, and child, has that constant companion who will love him or her, no matter what.





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School Library Assessment and Evaluation Tool

In my training with school librarians last October, a professional development activity organized by Scholastic Philippines, I talked about assessment and evaluation tools for school libraries. The PowerPoint presentation can be viewed in this post: School Library Improvement: Assessment and Evaluation.

Now here is the assessment and evaluation tool I designed using the DepEd School Library Guidelines of 2011.