Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
National Book
This issue’s editor message from the chair
Li b a y Li n s a n g a n Ca n to r i s a p u b l i s he d f i c t i o n /
Development Board
n on f i c t i on au t h or an d c u l t u ral j o u r n a l i s t , me d i a
Vi s ion
l i t erac y l ec t u rer, adv oc ac y fi l mma ke r, a n d
The National Book Development Board is the
leading catalyst for building a culture of reading gen der ri gh t s t rai n er. A B A Fi l m a n d M A C rea t i v e
and authorship as well as an environment for the Wri t i n g gradu at e f rom t h e Un i v e r s i t y o f t he
T
growth of the book publishing industry towards Ph i l i ppi n es D i l i m an , s h e i s a t wo -t i me Pa l a n c a here has never been a more temperate climate for the prosperity of children’s books and young
making it globally competitive.
aw ardee an d a f orm er di rec t o r-s c r i p t wr i t e r o f adult literature. Fiction for young people has steadily improved in quality over the last few decades
Mi s s ion c h i l dren ’s edu c at i on al T V prog ra ms . Yo u c a n
with a readership base that includes a significant number of adults. Around the world, there are a
• Promote investments in the book industry e- m ai l h er at l i bay. c an t or@ gm a i l .c o m.
• Develop an environment conducive for the burgeoning number of writers of young adult fiction whose works now merit a separate bestseller
growth of the book publishing industry list. The spate of film franchises based on YA series is proof of the genre’s wide-reaching appeal and
• Enhance market growth of the book industry by This issue’s contributors
longevity. No doubt, children who first clamped their hands around Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s
promoting lifelong learning through reading
Beverly W. Siy is a writer, translator Stone almost twenty years ago are now the young professionals who will be first in line for the release
NBDB Governing Board and copyright advocate. Her expertise of the epilogue to the series.
Myta Santiago is a freelance writer and Tiyanak ng Tabon have their highly deserved spots in the list of finalists. It’s my sincere belief these
Ceferino S. Rodolfo
Undersecretary for Industry Development Group social media manager. On the side, she books prelude the wealth of stories (not to mention the lustrous illustrations and graphic art) that
D epartmen t o f Trade a nd Industry
is a bookworm, a practicing yogi, avid Filipino readers have to look forward to in the near future.
Felipe M. De Leon, Jr. rock collector, and passionate pen & ink
Chairman artist. She currently lives in Makati, Metro This issue of Bookwatch will appeal to followers of young adult literature with the following features:
National Commission for Culture and the Arts
Manila, Philippines.
“Writing for the Young” by editor Libay Linsangan Cantor; “What YA is to Filipinos and The Graphic
Rowena Cristina L. Guevara
Undersecretary for Science and Technology Services Revival of the Comic” by Mia Marci; and “Big Benefits of Bilingual Books for Children” by Beverly Siy. I
Department of Science and Technology Mia Marci is a freelance art and lifestyle trust that this will be another enjoyable read for you, our loyal reader. Thank you again for picking up
Ruperto S. Sangalang features writer. She is also an English this copy of Bookwatch. It has been our constant pleasure to report the exciting developments from the
Commissioner teacher and a post-graduate student Philippine book publishing industry. Read well and READ PINOY.
Commission on Higher Education who majors in Language and Literacy
Ani Rosa S. Almario Education.
F lo r M a r i e S t a . R o m a n a - C r u z
Vice President Chair, NBDB
Adarna House, Inc.
features
06 T
his volume of Bookwatch is released at the heels of the National
Writing for the young: the month of July when this celebration occurs in the country. Aside from
Trends and trajectories of encouraging young Filipinos to read more books, older Filipinos are also
Philippine literature for encouraged to participate in activities that will move them to enhance the
children and young adults
culture of reading in our society, hopefully to have these adults as partners
Big Benefits of the young in enhancing a general appreciation of Philippine literature.
of Bilingual
16
Writers, illustrators, and publishers are also given citations to encourage
Books for
Children them to produce more quality materials for the youth.
But as reading advocates that champion local publishing, we also have to ask
would-be writers on honing this craft. We discussed with illustrators to
a crucial question that often gets repeated in local literary gatherings: Are
give us a picture of how it looks like from their end of the pen. We asked
23
young readers reading local literature?
20
authors about their own assessment, their creative processes, and their
The Illustrated Word
own challenges when it comes to publishing and marketing both here and
What YA is Studies have shown that, despite the country being dubbed as “the social
to Filipinos abroad. Tides are changing. Readers are still reading, and as we found out,
media capital of the world,” and with all other media types distracting our
they’re also reading us, but perhaps the platforms to reach them have also
population on a daily basis, we Filipinos still love to read. Yes, we read books,
evolved. We also try to see where the youth now hang out online.
The Graphic Revival we read newspapers, and we even read comics. But as fictionist Jose “Butch”
of the Komiks Dalisay Jr. once lamented to a crowd of writers in a lit fest, he said “Filipinos
Philippine literature for the young is not entirely a new entity. It has been
read. They’re just not reading us.”
there for decades. Perhaps it’s time we revisit and see how we could help
its growth and enhance its reach—for the future of its existence, and for
Ouch. That was a few years back. How is the scene today?
its future audience.
movies for kids and teens, how does the Filipino youth accept and assess
Happy reading!
34
37
Filipino literature written especially for them?
Filipino Author
This issue tries to give an overview of how far Philippine literature has
A Fair World for Books: come, regarding the world of children’s literature, young adult literature,
Your Calendar of International Book Fairs and comics-graphic novels (for the young and young at heart). We talked
with creative writing professors who teach these subjects and encourage
15 Bestseller Lists
32 NBDB and PBBY name
best children’s books
39 Recently Released and
Upcoming Titles
P.S. The editor welcomes comments, suggestions and queries.
Trends and trajectories of As global markets involving children’s literature and young
adult literature are now expanding, what’s happening in the local
Philippine literature for market? What has been published? What else is being written? We By Libay Linsangan Cantor
children and young adults tapped practitioners in the field to share insights about the topic.
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Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
of the Sweet Valley High series and other at iba pa.” (All issues of characters aged 14-18,
Local authors, publishers, and children’s romance-focused publications popular during all stories about them could be considered as
rights organizations team up from time to the 1980s and 1990s. YA. All stories that children find entertaining
time to produce special projects such as could be considered as children’s literature.
Augie Rivera’s penned children’s book series Literary connections, cultural But there are also radical or sensitive themes
Batang Historyador. A project by UNICEF and disconnections like stories involving crimes, sex, war, and
published by Adarna House, the aim of the Indeed, many foreign (mostly American) others.)
books is to teach children about the important YA novels reached our shores. However,
eras in the history of the Philippines. some of us started to question the content of Aside from defining the genres from the
these novels, especially the culture it carries. point of view of the audience, like what Prof.
Filipino-American author Cecilia Manguerra Abad mentioned, Matias also adds another
the academic and the literary, with varying Brainard, in her preface on Growing Up Filipino: important strategy for writers to consider.
nuances and subject positions, as stated in this Stories for Young Adults, a YA anthology she “Mahalagang isaalang-alang ang paraan ng
excerpt: published and edited, echoed this sentiment pagkuwento sa mga radikal o sensitibong paksa para
when describing her reading habits growing sa mga bata.” (It’s also important to consider
“The function of children’s literature in up in the Philippines. “While I enjoyed those the way we narrate radical or sensitive stories
education is well established in theory and books, I would have wanted books with for children.)
practice as a fairly good venue for teaching Filipino protagonists, heroes, and heroines
children skills, moral, religious and social who could have taught me how to negotiate Of Filipino writers and crafting topics/
values, and aspirations, as well as for modeling life as a Filipina youth.” characters for the young
social roles. This thinking rests on theories of How are Filipino writers telling stories to
growth taken from developmental psychology Perhaps every generation shares the same children and young adults? Matias mentioned
education might also help explain the contents
(Piaget, Vigotsky), social learning in education thought, and some of them, like Brainard, that topics—and perhaps the writers
of what we earlier read as CL and YA in the
(Bandura), and theories of social and cultural
narrative pacing. Picture books operate on Philippines, as Abad expounded. “Locally
construction in sociology (James, Prout).
“ “
using spreads, with words integrated into the published stories in the 1970s to the early
In literary study and criticism, children’s
image, while comics use the speech bubble 1990s focused more on retellings of folktales, People took their writing to the Internet because it was free
literature is attracting new interest as an
and narrative boxes to separate words and myths and legends. For the more original
interdisciplinary area for those in childhood and there weren’t a lot of rules, and there was a large and
pictures.” stories, the trend was to be more didactic and
studies, literature, education, development
educational. Perhaps citizens of a country, as supportive community. Many of them succeeded. Most of
and culture. Cultural studies gave way to a
Abad also recalls earlier examples of this children, learn about their culture through
more serious consideration of marginalized them didn’t. There will always be a space for the print novel.
format. “The graphic novel may have its own the folktales we hear from our elders—and
forms of cultural expression such as children’s
history and development, but to my own eventually read.” But if a writer refuses to broaden their horizons, that doesn’t
literature. “
experience as a child, this reminds me of mean that the horizon isn’t there.
the famous Classics Illustrated collection of Outside of the academe, there have also
Indeed, before CL materials became stand-
novels and stories (not necessarily written for been pioneering efforts. In the 1920s, the - Gabby Lee
alone content, early educators found the
children) that were rendered in comics form.” popular magazine Liwayway already carried
need to incorporate stories in children’s
many children’s stories in the form of
textbooks as a way of making lessons more chose to be proactive about it. In his themselves—are getting more daring in the
CL and YA in and out of school folktales penned by Severino Reyes under
engaging. And this is where many children introduction in Bagets: An Anthology of Filipino subject matter they want to tackle in their
his famous “Lola Basyang” pen name. When
Now that the materials, publishers and before learned about local folktales, myths, Young Adult Fiction he co-edited with Carla stories.
the Americans colonized the country, they
the readers have been included in trying legends, and various creation stories: through Pacis, Eugene Evasco mentioned that in 1996,
also brought with them their collection
to understand CL and YA, another player textbooks. Eventually, materials for young the term “young adult” was officially adapted Prof. Abad also cites evolving themes and
of children’s literature. Jumping from our
should be considered: the education sector. readers were developed outside of textbooks. in Philippine literature when a group called topics. “By the year 2000 until now, more
own folktales to the Americanized folklore,
In the Philippines, some impoverished the B1 gang spearheaded the publication of stories for children and young adults explored
young Filipinos back then enjoyed children’s
families sometimes consider it a luxury to buy This crucial intersection of literature and YA materials. Publisher, editor, and head themes and topics which used to be considered
stories with “moral lessons” embedded in
books, so it is often writer Armin Santiaguel gathered a group of taboo or not yet fit for young readers. It used
them. A popular example is the Aesop’s Fables
the case that students writers in Filipino and came up with what he to be that stories on death, youth gangs,
collection as well as the rhyming words in
get introduced to proclaimed as “the first and only young adult bullying, sexuality, drug addiction, or
Mother Goose or Dr. Seuss books. And who
children’s literature book series in Filipino.” However, Evasco alcoholism, were the more daring themes in
could forget fairy tales that regaled us with
through their also aired his doubts whether this pioneering children’s lit. Now, there are topics on family
“once upon a time” tales which, more often
textbooks, integrated series would be considered as an important discord and problems (e.g. parental separation,
than not, end with the characters living a
as part of their formal contribution by the academe since it was financial trouble), children with special
“happily ever after” picture-perfect life.
lessons. This is why published in a popular format. needs, the OFW (overseas Filipino workers)
writers and publishers phenomenon, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual
Filipino children who were starting to cross
work closely with Regardless of what scholars might think, and transgender) issues, environmental
age brackets also crossed over to other reading
the education sector the concern still goes back to the primary concerns, socio-political events as they affect
materials. Also popular in the Philippines
in fine-tuning their audience: the children and young adults. children, and even dystopian views of society.”
were young adult series such as the Nancy
offerings for young Segundo “Jun” Matias, Jr., a publisher
Drew detective series and the Hardy Boys Acclaimed children’s book writer
readers. and author like Santiaguel, believes in this Stories and situations are not the only ones
mysteries, written and published in America and YA novel writer Carla M. Pacis’
during the 1920s-1930s, revised in the 1960s, sentiment in defining CL and YA. “Lahat ng presenting new approaches in local CL and works are originally written in English.
In a 2011 Kritika issues ng mga tauhang nasa edad 14 hanggang 18, YA literature. Characters are also becoming
and revived-continued-updated during Anvil Publishing Inc. recently released
Kultura online journal lahat ng kuwento tungkol sa kanila ay masasabing diverse. Whether they reflect realities of
the 1980s, the 2000s and even until today. translated Filipino versions of her
article by UP professor YA. Lahat ng kuwentong kawili-wili sa mga bata children during specific eras or are fantastical
Libraries of selected local schools carried YA novels like Enrique El Negro and
Dr. Rosario Torres- ay matatawag na children’s literature. Pero creations that challenge traditional storytelling
these series for elementary and high school OCW. (book covers courtesy of Anvil
Yu, she pointed out may mga temang radikal o sensitibo gaya ng mga boundaries, our local CL and YA literary
kids to enjoy. Inside classrooms, high school Publishing)
these intersections of kuwentong may kinalam sa krimen, sex, digmaan, materials are coming of age, so to speak.
kids also shared with each other their copies
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Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
Prof. Abad gives examples. “Gone are the days were also creations that look and sound and materials. But what about the existence blog, it has earned criticism from observers
when the characters in children’s lit (especially awfully familiar. They say E.T., we say Kokey? of newer publication venues existing side by who find a lack of “literariness” in the
in fairy tales) were ‘cardboard cut-outs’ of I leave that for another discussion someday. side with traditional systems? Aside from published materials on the site, with this kind
heroes and villains. Today, more characters being visible in print, today’s media-saturated of criticism coming from some prominent
are neither absolutely good nor bad; they just As a creative writing teacher at the UP world has also seen the proliferation of online figures in the local literati.
ARE. This probably helps the young readers to College of Arts and Letters, Prof. Abad has publishing avenues.
relate more to such characters because people also seen some form of mimicry happening But as writers who are also teachers, both
are a mix of both sides in real life. However, with her students who are fans of foreign Lee pointed to one of the more popular Lee and Abad—coming from two distinct
this trend also becomes a bigger challenge to CL and YA literature. “It is tempting to say websites-apps that let authors self-publish: generations—share the same opinion
the writers because they still have to strike that local writers are mimicking these dark- Wattpad.com. “Wattpad is simply an offshoot about this issue. Lee, in particular, is very
a balance with this ‘neither-good-nor-bad’ themed trends, especially in the YA dystopian of communities merging on the Internet. encouraging to fellow writers trying this
treatment in stories.” novels and LGBT stories. I’ve had my share Prior to Wattpad, there was Fanfiction.net outlet, as she could relate to this process.
of batches of students who went through and Archive of Our Own (AO3), fandom “If they really want to write, good for them.
It is indeed based in reality if protagonists different trends of the time, or kung ano zines and fan conventions. People just took ‘Literariness’ can be learned by reading more,
in CL and YA literature veer away from ‘yung uso na issue (whatever issue is trending) their writing to the Internet because it was writing more, and failing more. I began my
inhabiting a world clearly delineating black like bullying, child abuse, environmental free and there weren’t a lot of rules, and there writing career online, writing fanfiction.
from white to entering realms of gray. Matias problems, sexuality, LGBT issues, dystopian was a large and supportive community. Many Learned about plot, characterization, use of
has an explanation for this. “May interes ang systems. Even if I sometimes complain about of them succeeded. Most of them didn’t. language, and all the other elements of writing
readers sa mga character na dark at hindi safe. the gaya-gaya (mimicking) mentality, I choose Those who succeeded either got there because good stories on the Internet before I even
Mas gusto nila ang mga tauhan na may flaws. to see it as part of the starting out/growing they wrote something that resonated with stepped into a creative writing classroom. You
Siguro, pakiramdam nila na mas tao ito: marunong up stage of a writer. I remember starting out an audience, or filled a gap in that audience. write where you can, and wherever you can
magkamali at gustong malaman kung paano by copying the trend of ‘modern myths’ or Prof. Heidi Eusebio Abad teaches writing There will always be a space for the print get readers. And if you really want to shoot for
ang character journey niya.” (Readers are inventing my own ‘the legend of...’ (stories).” for children and writing for young adults novel, the literary novel. But if a writer refuses the moon, then you will.”
interested in dark characters that are not ‘safe.’ courses at the undergraduate and graduate to broaden their horizons, that doesn’t mean
They want characters with flaws. Maybe they Matias, however, calls it differently. “Mimicry levels. Some of the children’s books she that the horizon isn’t there.” Abad also recognizes the value of these
feel that these characters are more human: is not the word. We don’t mimic. Inspired, authored are Polliwog’s Wiggle, Big World developments. “I’ve heard of the debates
that they could also make mistakes so they’re yes. (It’s) healthy. Kasi ang ibig sabihin ‘buhay’ For Little People, and the award-winning The Canadian company behind Wattpad on how the quality of writing suffers from
curious to know their character journeys.) ang mga writers at nalalaman niya ang trends.” Abot Mo Ba Ang Tainga Mo? (author photo counts millions of subscribers and visitors this freedom to publish one’s work online. I
(This means writers are ‘alive’ and they’re courtesy of Ms. Abad) coming from all over the world, mostly choose to look at the brighter side by saying
Going outside the Philippines, however, and attuned with trends.) comprised of younger netizens. Like a social that at least, more people are now writing and
looking into the foreign scene, there is no media network, one can create an account reading AND learning to be more critical
doubt that western materials infiltrating local Indeed, even seasoned literary writers also and curate their reading lists bookmarked of what is out there. As a published writer, I
shores would find fans among local audiences. couldn’t escape from this early process. From from available materials within the platform. know it makes me more vulnerable to scrutiny
But are local writers also mining these foreign the point of view of a writer, especially one Readers could remain readers in
materials and mimicking them? As a former writing in this era, Lee shared her insights As a writer, Matias also finds this aspect as this venue. Practicing or aspiring
writer of children’s content for television, about this. “Given that we are now writing in a challenge regarding storytelling, one that writers who are in this venue
I have witnessed myself that this “trend” is the age of globalization and a more democratic writers of today should accept and work on. also have the option to publish
actually a practice in local television. There playing field, there will always be influence “Challenge ang malaman ang bawat facet ng their works. But, similar to the
have been original creations, sure, but there within and beyond national borders. One of isang character. Challenge sa akin ang paggawa
the earliest lessons one learns as a writer is ng non-formula na
kuwento, out of the box,
to imitate, and then figure out what works/
risky stories, o hindi
what doesn’t work for you. Being a Filipino
pangkaraniwan. Sa dami
writer isn’t just about the language, but an
ng distractions o iba-
ability to capture the culture and render it in
ibang klase ng media,
an authentic way.”
kailangang gumawa ng
kakaibang mga kuwentong
Literary attractions and other media
hindi pa nababasa o
distractions
napapanood. Kailangang
Indeed, authenticity has always been a mayaman sa kuwento ang
challenge for writers in any given genre. Is it a writer.” (It’s a challenge
bigger challenge today, especially for CL and for me to create non-
YA lit writers, since their audience’s attention formulaic stories, out
span gets shorter and shorter as the world gets of the box, risky or
more and more “high-tech,” so to speak? extraordinary. With
so many distractions
Prof. Abad encounters this “fact” in her coming from various
classes. “To my view, young readers today media, we need to
demand the same ‘high entertainment’ that create different stories
they are now exposed to in their techie world. that haven’t been read
The multimedia gadgets that they are used to, or seen on the screen Speculative Fiction YA writer Gabby Lee and
the information overload from the Internet, yet. A writer needs to be rich in her collection of stories entitled Instructions on
the fast-paced and quick-changing visual and stories.) How to Disappear published by Visprint Inc.
auditory stimuli around them may prove to be
(images courtesy of Ms. Lee)
a challenge to the static words printed on a There’s no denying that writers
page.” are indeed rich in inspiration
10 11
Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
12 13
Bestseller Lists
Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
like Adarna House, Lampara Books, Tahanan also like Becky Bravo’s children’s stories in
Books, and OMF-Hiyas, more publishing English because of her witty sense of humor,
houses, even of textbooks, have branched and Carla Pacis’ dedicated works in the YA
out into the CL and YA genre. Even the novel. I am impressed by Lara Saguisag’s
number of literary contests on the genre has poetry for children because she is still able to
increased.” But, like with the boom that’s make it ‘sound and feel’ Pinoy in spite of her
happening online, this publication boom use of English.”
also yields similar concerns, as Abad pointed
out. “I welcome this growing number of Writers also learn from each other, and
publishing opportunities. It’s a different there should also be a healthy exchange and
dialogue. Thanks to efforts like the National
National Bookstore
concern, however, when it comes to quality
control in the choice of manuscripts, editing, Children’s Book Day and similar events, the Non-Fiction
discourse is alive. Within the classroom and Young Adult
and book production. Stakeholders in the 1 Stupid is Forevermore by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago
children’s book industry in the Philippines outside of it, the discussion should continue 2 ‘Day, Hard!: Lakas ng loob, Kapal Mukha by Annabelle Rama 1 You Know Me Well by Nina Lacour and David Leviathan
have to be less ‘onion-skinned’ when their and be encouraged, as Abad highlight in her 2 The Crown by Kiera Cass
3 The Best of the Morning Rush Top 10 with Chico, Delamar and
works are scrutinized on a more professional, recollection. “Of course, I have to mention
Gino Volume 3 by Chico, Delamar and Gino 3 All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
literary, scholarly, or artistic level.” Mailin Paterno’s maturity in the craft of
writing for children. From her, I first heard 4 Heart Detox by Bo Sanchez 4 Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between by Jennifer Smith
Filipino CL and YA moves forward, the advise to learn how to ‘distill the essence 5 Paano ba ‘to?! How to Survive Growing Up by Bianca Gonzalez 5 This is Where the World Ends by Amy Zhang
page by page in language’ especially when writing for 6 Dear Alex, We’re dating. Tama, Mali?! Love, Catherine 6 United as One by Pittacus Lore
younger children. Every word, every line 7 The Fall of Butterflies by Andrea Portes
Whether materials are published by by Alex Gonzaga
should count. This is what most writers who
established university or scholastic presses or 7 Everyday Kath: 365 Ways to be a Teen Queen 8 The Rose Society by Marie Lu
are used to ‘showing off their rhetoric’ find
by trade book publishers and even independent difficult when they venture into writing for by Kathryn Bernardo 9 Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard
presses, one thing’s for sure: Filipino writers children.” 8 Conversations Pa More with Ricky Lo by Ricky Lo 10 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
are getting more encouragement to create collection of short stories previously published
by the older generation of writers who wrote 9 #Basa by Brod Pete
and publish materials for young readers, as Indeed, Philippine children’s literature and Children’s
they expand their scope and reach within the about childhood tales and experiences such 10 Direk 2 Da Poynt by Wenn Deramas
young adult literature have come a long way. 1 The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
genres we call children’s literature and young as our National Artist for Literature NVM
And with writers, publishers and readers Fiction 2 Finding Dory from Disney’s My Busy Books
adult literature. Never mind that there’s Gonzalez, Gregorio Brillantes, Tita Lacambra
supporting the genres, CL and YA lit will 3 National Geographic Kids Almanac 2017 from National
still some form of song-and-dance routine Ayala, Kerima Polotan Tuvera, and other 1 Move on, Walang Forever by Marcelo Santos III
definitely travel farther, and further.
needed to be hurdled by writers who want to luminaries. Volume 2 features stories written 2 The Wrong Message by Queen Elly Geographic Kids
turn their creative push into a creative shove. by a younger generation of writers like Luis 4 Tsum Tsum Collector’s Guide from Disney
3 Habang Wala Pa Sila by Juan Miguel Severo
The Filipino is as wise as she/he is creative, Katigbak, Lakambini Sitoy, Vicente Groyon,
P.S. Some of Prof. Heidi Eusebio Abad’s 4 Attack on Titan 12 (Philippine Edition) by Hajime Isayama 5 Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks from My Little Pony
so there will always be ways to circumvent and Tara FT Sering, among others.
published children’s books include Abot Mo 5 In Case You Come Back by Marla Miniano 6 Disney Descendants’ Secrets of Auradon Prep: Insider’s
obstacles towards the path to publication.
Independent publishers are also growing, with Ba Ang Tainga Mo? (2001, Gintong Aklat Handbook by Matthew Sinclair Foreman
and Reese Lansangan
writers combining efforts to taking advantage Awardee for Children’s Literature 2002
Aside from the encouragement of garnering 6 KenCasey by Ethyl Dela Peña 7 Thea Stilton #21: Thea Stilton and the Lost Letters
of online publication venues. One such project given by the NBDB-Book Development
awards and winning writing grants, writers 8 Return to the Isle of the Lost: A Descendants Novel
is Sola Musica: Love Notes from A Festival (2014) Association of the Philippines), Polliwog’s 7 Hai(na)ku by A.A. Patawaran
who choose to tell tales for the young are Wiggle (2004, Gintong Aklat Award Finalist
containing four beach fest-set stories by Ines 8 Fairytail 12 (Philippine Edition) by Hiro Mashima by Melissa Dela Cruz
also hoping that readers would support local for Children’s Literature 2006), and Big World
endeavors more. And for those who are just Bautista-Yao, Mina Esguerra, Chinggay 9 Vince & Kath by Queen Elly 9 Thea Stilton Mouseford Academy #5: The Secret Invention
for Little People (2014), to name a few. She also
discovering recent works, Lee recommended Labrador, and Marla Miniano, available in 10 Zsa Zsa Zaturnah sa Kalakhang Maynila 2 by Carlo Vergara 10 Color Me Creative: Unlock Your Imagination
won second prize in the Poetry Written for
several titles to begin with, especially in the digital format and paperback format. by Kristina Webb
Children category at the 59th Carlos Palanca
YA lit genre which she also writes. “Salingkit Memorial Awards for Literature in 2009.
Even Filipinos are writing from abroad.
by Cyan Abad-Jugo, Janus Silang at ang
As previously mentioned, Fil-Am Cecilia Gabby Lee co-wrote the bilingual (English-
Tiyanak ng Tabon by Edgar Calabia Samar,
Brainard came out with Growing Up Filipino: Filipino) book entitled La-On and the
What Things Mean by Sophie Lee, Sula’s
Stories for Young Adults (2003) composed of Flipside Publishing Services, Inc.
Voyage by Catherine Torres, the Filipino 7-Headed Dragon (2002) with her mom,
stories written by Filipinos based in the US and As of April 2016
Fiction for Young Adults series edited by Dean artist Marcy Dans Lee, who also provided
in the Philippines. It was first published in the the illustrations. She specializes in writing 1 The King of Nothing to Do: Essays on Nothing & Everything Fully Booked
Alfar and Kenneth Yu. Good books, great
US by her independent publishing company speculative fiction for young adults and has by Luis Joaquin M. Katigbak Top Ten bestsellers (April to May 2016)
stories, and a good overview of what people
and was also published in the Philippines later been published in several local anthologies in
2 Bayaning Lamanlupa by U Z. Eliserio
have been writing for the past few years.” 1 Philippine Cookery: From Heart To Platter by Tatung Sarthou
on by Anvil Publishing. She came out with the Philippines, US, and Australia. Her first
a second volume called Growing Up Filipino collection of short stories entitled Instructions 3 Imelda Marcos: The Rise and Fall of One of the World’s Most 2 The Rise of the Pinoy by Mike Grogan
Efforts within the academe are still present as on How to Disappear (2016) published by Powerful Women by Carmen Navarro Pedrosa
II: More Stories for Young Adults in 2010. Both 3 12:01 by Rusell Molina and Kajo Baldisimo
ever. The University of the Philippines Press Visprint Inc. includes her YA stories.
volumes are available as print books and are 4 Philippine Speculative Fiction Volume 10 edited by 4 After Eden by Arnold Arre
(UP Press), for instance, came out with what
also sold via Amazon.Com. Dean Francis Alfar and Nikki Alfar
they called “UP Jubilee Student Edition” Segundo Matias Jr. is a Palanca award- 5 Wounded Little Gods by Eliza Victoria
books in 2002 which aimed to bridge gaps Want to discover more? Abad adds to the list, winning literary writer who was also a 5 Day Devoid and Other Stories by Luis Joaquin M. Katigbak 6 Zsazsa Zaturnnah: Sa Kalakhang Maynila Blg.2 by Carlo Vergara
between the Filipino student and the Filipino mentioning literary greats worth revisiting and prolific writer of TV drama series. His book 6 The Untold Story of Imelda Marcos
entitled Ang Papag ni Tatang (2012) won an 7 Lost by Rob Cham
author by (re)publishing literary works in current examples worth discovering. “I have by Carmen Navarro Pedrosa
smaller books cheaper for an average college honorable mention citation at the Philippine 8 Imelda Romualdez Marcos -The Verdict by Carmen Pedrosa
great respect for the works of Rene Villanueva 7 A History of the Philippines by Samuel K. Tan
student to afford. Two books in the project Board on Books for Young People’s 2012 9 Jose Rizal -El Filibusterismo 2015 Edt. by Leon Ma. Guerrero
and Augie Rivera, who both write in Filipino.
are The Children’s Hour: Stories on Childhood PBBY-Salanga Prize honoring the children’s 8 1001 Reasons to Stay in the Philippines 10 Where Should You Invest by Marvin Germo
They can tackle light and whimsical topics book author. As a publisher, he is affiliated
(2007) with volume 1 edited by Gemino (given their trailblazing work in the children’s edited by Isagani R. Cruz and Lydia B. Echauz
Abad and volume 2 edited by Cristina with Precious Pages/Lampara Publishing Inc.
TV show Batibot), or very serious and sensitive 9 Kubori Kikiam: Strips for the Soul #1 by Michael David
He just finished writing the third book in his
Pantoja Hidalgo. Volume 1 includes a issues (e.g. child abuse or Martial Law). I 10 Kubori Kikiam: Best Things in Life #1 by Michael David
YA series Moymoy Lulumboy.
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Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
BOOKS
with the way they form
words into sentences, and
Ilocano writers who sentences into stories.
contributed to the anthology
FOR CHILDREN By BEVERLY W. SIY
The Best Ilokano Short Stories for
Children, Volume One include
Anna Liza Gaspar (above), opportunities to get to know people from
Ariel Tabag (below), and Cles other towns, or from other parts of the
Rambaud (far below). world, who speak and act differently from
them. They may learn about the characters,
A look at children’s books sold in the Philippine capital of setting, tradition, food, clothing, and
Metro Manila shows a number of them carrying the story both manner of speaking from these books, and
in English and Filipino. Other writers from the regions are also parents and teachers can help in discussing
the similarities and differences. That way,
doing the same thing to reach a wider audience as they translate
children get to see through the eyes of other
their region’s languages into Filipino or English. Get to know people, in entirely new perspectives or points
some of these publications and authors. of view. This contributes to the nourishment
of children’s experiences of other cultures.
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Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
Hagdan/Agdan (Stairs) is a children’s book that that make up the community, society and the doors are opened for writers and publishers
explores what parts of a house could be thinking world in which they live” so that children may to produce more materials.
about, with the stairs as the central character. It is learn to identify stereotypes and biases when
written by Sherma Benosa (left) and illustrated by they encounter them in the real world. We are seeing this reality now in the
Bianca D. Fuentes (right). (photos courtesy of MJ Philippines. Writers and publishers from
Tumamac of Xi Zuq’s Nook xizuksnook.com) Philippine children’s literature has examples the outskirts of Manila are usually the first With bilingual books,
that illustrate this encouragement. Rhandee to identify this need, like some members
Garlitos’ Si Faisal at si Farida, written in of the largest organization of writers in the children could learn not
Filipino and English, begins with Christian country called GUMIL Filipinas (Gunglo
children Adrian and Nerissa’s perceptions dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano iti Filipinas) to discriminate other
of newcomers Faisal and Farida, who are or the Ilocano Writers Association of the
both Moslem children, and unfolds on how Philippines. In 2015, they published a
languages, other cultures,
the friendship among the four children are
forged despite their differences.
collection of children’s stories in Ilocano, a or other people.
language largely spoken in Northern Luzon.
They named the collection Dagiti Napili a
Children are not the sole beneficiaries of the Kapipintasan a Kabukbukodan a Sarita a Para
existence of bilingual books. With the advent Ubbing Umuna a Libro (The Best Ilokano
of bilingual books, the need for such books Short Stories for Children, Volume One).
naturally widen readership; therefore, more
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Y
W t is A
Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
h a
reckon with. YA, I believe, is similar.” For Sabido, the challenges to YA in the to read. And they’re not reading Filipino
Philippines aren’t limited to the genre alone. YA books, which is a problem. We have to
A former journalist turned YA novel “One challenge is actually getting writers who address that. It’s something that the PBBY
author, Gourlay remembers a time when are going to write full-length novels. A lot of and all the local publishers are trying to work
the Philippine publishing scene was bereft Filipino writers write short stories but you on.”
of titles and characters that young Filipinos only have a few who write full-length novels.
could connect with. “[As a writer] I am But it’s also because of economics, isn’t it? I Sabido also clarifies, “YA here is not
always aware of the Filipino child reader think there are only very few people here who young. What makes it appear young is
because once upon a time, I was exactly that. can just write fulltime like John Greene, and
F
the small number [of books available]. In
And I remember growing up in the 1960s sometimes you need that kind of commitment terms of development and availability,
to
and 1970s wondering why there were no to write a novel.” there’s so much more room for growth and
i lip ino s
Filipino characters in the books that I read underdeveloped potential. But that’s what
voraciously.” She even wrote about it for She continues, “I also think publishers makes it so exciting!”
the UK news website, The Guardian, in have a hard time finding good quality YA
an editorial titled “Growing up I thought manuscripts. It’s not a secret that they are Indeed, as YA isn’t exactly young, there
Filipinos Weren’t Allowed in Books.” It was looking for YA manuscripts to publish, and have already been recognized YA novels
in being conscious of the young Filipino they do receive manuscripts. But are the and materials published in the last couple
reader that she wrote Tall Story which was manuscripts good enough for them? Does it of decades in the country. While Kabanata
published in the Philippines in 2010. “I want fit their editorial vision? Will it appeal to their is a recent project for the PBBY, a project
Pinoy kids to read my books and say, ‘That is target market? Or does it meet the vision of prior to that was the Pilar Perez Medallion
me... and hey, I really like what I see.’” their publishing house? Kasi ang hirap e – it’s so for Young Adult Literature contest.
hard! That’s several challenges in one!” Organized by The Filipinas Heritage
Tall Story was a 2012 National Children’s Library, Adarna House, Candy Magazine,
Book Award winner in the Philippines, and Recently, the PBBY launched the Kabanata, National Bookstore, and Powerbooks, the
also received acclaims abroad such as the a program that selects 10 YA manuscripts to contest launched in 2001 in honor of its
In a country where half the population is below 24 years of age, and about a third of that first Crystal Kite Awards for Europe, The develop for publishing. Says Sabido, “The namesake, a children’s librarian from Pasig,
percentage is teens, is Philippine YA lit addressing this readership? UKLA Children’s Book Prize, and National number of submissions wasn’t mind-blowing. and to help boost the availability of local YA.
Geographic Kids Brilliant Summer Books. We had like 30-40 submissions. That’s not a The contest called for original manuscripts
By mia marci But even Gourlay isn’t so sure what the exact lot. If that had been a call for short story entries, targeting an audience of children 10-14 years
appeal of her novel is to attract such readers there would have been a big difference.” old to further boost the presence of YA in
and accolades not just in the Philippines but the Philippines at the time. The contest was
W hen young adult (YA) literature is that because teens like a book, it must already around the world. “If I knew the answer to She also finds that even with readers willing short-lived, however, because the winning
mentioned, recent international hits be YA. “It’s YA when it was written for the what makes a reader fall in love with a book, to spend for books, it’s not the norm for them published novellas were said to be difficult
as Harry Potter and The Fault in Our Stars are teen audience in mind or marketed specifically my life would be so much easier! I didn’t set to just pick a title by a Filipino writer off the to sell at a time, according to an e-mail from
some of the titles that come to mind. But for to a teen audience.” out with a plan to win acclaim. I just bookshelf. Teens tend a junior writer and researcher of Adarna
Tarie Sabido, a longtime blogger of local and wanted to write a story.” to buy Filipino books House on a query from Zarah Gagatiga, a
regional children’s literature and chairperson Over an e-mail interview, award-winning YA when they are required librarian and blogger for “School Librarian
of the Philippine Board on Books for Young author Candy Gourlay pointed to this author- by a teacher or come as in Action.” Only four manuscripts won the
People (PBBY), the nonprofit organization audience relationship as well, especially since highly recommended medallion the short time it existed: Jacobo’s
which leads the celebration of the National there’s a difference once the audience is in the by someone they trust. Ghost by Annette Flores Garcia, Mga Ako by
Children’s Book Day, YA in the Philippines writer’s mind. “Children’s authors are unlike Amalia Salamat, ‘Sup by Maria L.M. Fres-
has spun off from the way it’s defined by writers for adult readers in that we know who But contrary to what a Felix, and Anina ng mga Alon by Eugene
western publishers, booksellers, and readers. our readers are. I know that many writers like lot of adults say, Sabido Evasco.
to insist that they write for themselves. I can’t stresses, “Filipino teens
Filipinos, Sabido observes, tend to apply say that. From the moment I begin telling a read. They’re just not Contests or no contests, there are writers
the western definition, but the local reality story, I am thinking of my reader. But YA is reading what their who still write, of course. One recognized
is very different. “When we say young adult not just about writing,” she continued, “It’s parents want them writer of YA novels is Carla M. Pacis whose
novels, we mean novels for those aged 8-12 not even just about marketing even though to read or what their works include OCW: A Young Boy’s Search
and 13-18, a much wider range compared it first emerged as a marketing category. It teachers want them for His Mother (2001), Birdflight (2000), and
to American YA books. In the UK and US, has become a culture that embraces both Enrique El Negro (2002), to name a few. Pacis
publishers cater to the 8-12 year old crowd the creators (the writers) and the consumers also co-edited Bagets: An Anthology of Filipino
with the use of chapter books or what they (readers, bloggers). One does not exist without UK-based Filipino author Candy Young Adult Fiction with Eugene Evasco,
call middle grade novels, separate from the the other; the successful YA books are the ones Gourlay’s award-winning YA novel Tall published by UP Press in 2006. The short
YA genre geared towards 13-18 year old that have a strong social media relationship Story is about a Fil-Brit teenage girl who stories were written in both English and
readers.” with their readers. It’s a give and take.” meets her Filipino half-brother for the first Filipino, and covered a number of themes
time as he steps into foreign soil to be with common in YA, from growing pains, to
This approach is seen in the marketing of Aside from this relationship, Gourlay also their family. young love, and finding one’s place in a
Tall Story, a novel penned by UK-based reminds us of crucial facts. “We must not
forget that YA is a relatively new phenomenon!
“ ”
Filipino author Candy Gourlay, published
in 2010 by David Fickling Books (DFB) in Even here in the UK, publishing houses are YA is not just about writing. It’s not even just about
the UK and also by Cacho Hermanos in the still trying to figure it out. It is a category of
Philippines. Sabido mentions it in light of the writing of our time.” She further points marketing. It has become a culture that embraces both
this differentiation. “Tall Story in the United to a parallelism of how the category and its Bagets: An Anthology of Filipino Young Adult the creators and the consumers.
States is not labeled as a young adult novel; intended audience evolved. “A while back, Fiction, edited by renowned children’s/YA book
it’s a middle grade novel. But here in the I wrote [in my blog] about the invention of writer-professors Carla Pacis and Eugene Evasco, - Candy Gourlay
Philippines, we are calling it a young adult the teenager in the 1940s - when ‘teenagers’ contains eight YA stories written in Filipino and
novel.” She also corrects the misconception emerged as an economic and cultural force to 8 written in English.
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Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
the
Raissa Rivera Falgui’s YA the teens, it’s a positive venue and avenue for
novel Woman in a Frame is Sabido. “Reading is reading. If it compels
about a girl getting intrigued young people to read, then yay! So I’m all
with a painting of a woman, for Wattpad. Hello, they’re reading stories,
illustrated
so she sets out to discover they’re writing stories, they’re commenting
the story of how this painting on each other’s stories, they’re sharing
came about, leading her to a stories. That’s not a problem to me. That
historical narrative. is wonderful.” Perhaps it’s also notable to
mention that award-winning authors and
recognized writers have also experimented
with publishing their works in this site.
word
As reading advocates and the local publishing
scene create efforts to encourage readers Illustrators in the Philippines, especially those who focus on illustrating
to patronize local novels, writers should
works for young readers, describe their creative processes and personal rewards
also be brave enough to explore new ways
of publication and writing experiences of on why they draw what they draw.
growing up that readers could relate with.
By MYTA SANTIAGO
The important thing is to create, as Gourlay
concludes. “If you love to read a certain
kind of YA, know that yes, you can write
it without being derivative. Remember
I llustration nowadays has been an evolving art form, visible from
award-winning backgrounds in games to thought-provoking book
covers. Today, it covers far more than conventional types of art. Many
Having a clearer idea of what your audience is also necessary to guide
you through a project. Another illustrator, Yas Doctor, quipped, “Yes,
audience is important. Whenever I illustrate, I try to get my ideas across
that form, genre, cast, and setting are just
an artist today can be considered an illustrator of some sort, and they without straying away from the story.”
jumping off points. Focus on bringing your
confusing teenage world. have their own expertise. However, their field is as competitive as any
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Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
Groups are important “Ang INK has a lot of great talented artist
On children’s books illustrated children’s book author Eugene members,” Brent mentioned. “And when you are
There are many opinions on how Philippine Illustrators, just like any artist, need a
Evasco’s book entitled May Lakad Kami ni constantly surrounded by such caliber of talents,
children’s books are and should be illustrated. community where they can get constructive
Tatay (A Trip with My Father) and the Palanca somehow you acquire their aesthetics and apply it
Doctor mentioned that, in general, it’s difficult criticism and new ideas from the sages of the art
award-winning story Ang Singsing-Pari Sa on your own works which levels up your drawing
to explain what could be considered a good world. This is handy for those who dabbled in
Pisara (The Millipede on the Blackboard) co- game. The org also opens a lot of opportunities for
kind of illustration for kids and teens—except something else before realizing that illustration
written by Evasco and Chris D. Martinez us to make our art reach more people, like exhibits
that it should engage them in some way. was their dream job, just like Doctor.
published by Lampara Books. and publications.”
Brent Sabas, fellow Ang INK member and “I wasn’t an art major so being in Ang INK
Alvarez added, “Good illustrations are the
Visual Communications graduate of the really helped developed my skills. What I really
ones that do their jobs well, and selflessly Illustrators create images that summarize the
University of the Philippines in Diliman, like about the organization is that you get to
offer themselves up for the reader to ingest, stories of writers. In the world of children’s books,
also had the same thought. “The styles in meet and surround yourself with people who
take apart, and turn into something of their it poses a challenge as illustrators devote so much
children’s illustration are evolving. For me, are very creative and productive, which I think
own. Good illustrations are generous with time and talent to create the perfect picture that
it’s hard to pinpoint what makes it effective is very important for anyone who wants to
emotion and details that no matter how young minds can enjoy and learn from.
for kids and teens. With the existence of the fulfill their passion,” Doctor asserted.
many times the reader opens a book, he or
Frances Alvares and her illustration (above) Internet, I believe kids are more accepting she will always find something new to From the words of the illustrators featured, while a
for Hating Kapatid (Fair Share) written by towards visually dynamic illustrations.” Sabas Kong had a laugh when she narrated her
look at.” picture paints a thousand words, it takes a thousand
Raissa Rivera-Falgui and published by thoughts on the matter. “Ang INK is like
Adarna House. a place where you can breathe in fresh air. hours to make one picture. We should thank
When I joined the organization, I met new these visionaries who never stop creating a world
artists who are down to earth, passionate and full of color—straight from their own childlike
enthusiastic. Their ideas are fresh but concrete. imagination.
Everyone is different and the same. Ang INK
helped me by simply inspiring me to continue
making artworks. It’s also a gateway to market
yourself—to tell people what you can do and
maybe land an illustration project.”
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Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
P hilippine komiks historians describe the ‘50s and ‘60s as the “golden
era” of this kind of publication, marked with the Philippines
being one of the largest comic-producing markets, the birth of classic
In the Philippines, the line blurs between comic and graphic novel. Ace
Vitangcol, creative director of Studio Studio and the writer of comic
series like Love in a Bag, Angel Crush, and My Celestial Family, explains.
everyone. “The visual appeal is very strong
with comics. It can show off ‘badassery’ (and
romance, drama, comedy, etc.) unlike any
characters such as Mars Ravelo’s Darna and Lastikman, and the import “Comics creators are careful about labeling something as a graphic novel, other medium,” added Vitangcol.
of local artists to draw for popular DC and Marvel comic titles. But typically reserving that title for bigger story lines. But like Alan Moore
even when the industry tragically dwindled by the end of that era, the [writer of graphic novel Watchmen], some just call all comics as comic And who’s reading? There’s a popular
industry is far from dead. books.” notion of the niche audience—comic book
“nerds” who collect comics and anything
After the ‘60s, comic writers and authors charged on, whether as For Rob Cham, who wrote and drew Light published by Anino and everything related to them. But Cham
comic illustrators for publishers abroad or as cartoonists for editorials Comics, that thin line and the birth of the local graphic novel may have and Vitangcol have different ideas of who
or the comic section for the local paper. It also paved the way for the also stemmed from artists who had to slowly work their way to being reads local comics and graphic novels. “As
local “graphic novel,” a term first coined by American comic writer published in print. Artists drew a series of short comics before compiling the industry covers a very wide spectrum,
Will Eisner in 1978 to differentiate one-shot long-form stories told them and sending them to a publisher, the way Pol Medina Jr. did with from grassroots ashcans that are printed
through comics from the funnies and superheroes. Some notable local Pugad Baboy. ”Pol Medina always collected his strips, made his own in very small quantities and sold only at
titles that fit Eisner’s definition were Pol Medina Jr.’s Pirata in 1995, an comics, and self-published ever since.” conventions, to more mainstream titles like
independent one-shot graphic novel centered on the canine character Trese, Kikomachine (by Manix Abrera), the
Polgas of his popular Pugad Baboy series, and Arnold Arre’s Mythology Cham cites the Trese series by Budjette Tan as another example of a books by (Adarna House imprint) Anino
Class in 1999, which went on to win at the National Book Awards concept being sold to the publisher (Visprint) that expanded into a series Comics, and my own work (which found
bestowed by the Manila Critics’ Circle and NBDB. over time. It sells because it is a visual medium, with something for almost
28 29
Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
Author-illustrator Carlo
Vergara and his latest graphic
novel featuring his queer
character superhero Zsazsa
Zaturnnah.
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Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 Si Janus Sílang at ang BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
Tiyanak ng Tábon
NBDB PBBY
Written by Edgar Calabia Samar
and Published by Adarna House, Inc.
best
Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon is a captivating tale of a young boy’s
name courage amidst the enveloping darkness in his life. Edgar Calabria Samar
Children’s Books
pulls us into a world of mysterious events and frightening characters from
Philippine folklore. He expertly weaves in elements from role-playing video
games, a concept that connects with young readers (and to gamers of all ages).
This book takes us on a rollercoaster ride full of adventure, suspense, and
danger. Finally, a hero like Janus Silang claims his space in our imagination.
The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Philippine Board on Books for He rises above the challenges and gives hope—a bright star leading us out of
Young People (PBBY) celebrated the 4th National Children’s Book Awards (NCBA) last the darkness. - Dan Matutina
July 19, 2016 at the CCP Theatre Main Lobby.
Naalala ko noong bata pa ako, kapag kaarawan ko
The NCBA recognizes the best children’s literature published from 2014 to 2015. Out of
na ay sabik na sabik akong gumising nang maaga
123 nominees, six books stood out to win Best Reads of 2016. The books were judged by Kid’s choice award
para buksan ang aking mga regalo. Ramdam
the panel composed of Kristine V. Canon, Portia P. Padilla, Alistair Troy B. Lacsamana,
mo rin ang pagmamahal ng isang kapamilya sa
Cecilia V. Picache, and Daniel Gabriel U. Matutina.
kaanak sa kuwento. Sa bawat pahina ng kuwento, This year’s Kid’s Choice Award went to
nangungusap ang mga mapinpintog na pisngi ng Made Perfect in Weakness, written by Didith
they convey are soon ignored. Thus, it is Rodrigo, illustrated by Patricia Lascano, and
NCBA Best Reads 2016 mga tauhan, abala sa isang salusalo, pero masaya
refreshing to read Mailin Paterno’s simple pa rin ang lahat. Ipinapaalaala na dapat tayong published by The Bookmark, Inc.
Here are the Best Reads winners for the year
story about a billboard maker who turned maging katulad ni Bubuy Boy, na umiiyak ng
and their citations from the judges.
harsh warnings into gentle reminders. Isabel bahaghari, na kahit na parang may iniwan na The Kid’s Choice Award was decided upon
Roxas complemented it with her signature malaking butas ang ating kaanak kapag sila ay by two groups of Kid Judges. The first group
Dumaan si Butiki whimsical illustrations using bright splashes pumanaw na, kailangan tayong maging malakas at of kids aged 11-14 years old picked their nine
Written by Gigi Constantino of color and chaotic spreads that actually puno ng pag-asa at sariwain ang mga inspirasyong favorite books to pass down to the younger
Illustrated by Ray Sunga make sense. Together, they created Mang iniwan nila. Salamat Ergoe Tinio, JC Galag, at group aged 7-10 years old.
Published by Adarna House, Inc. Andoy’s Signs, a delightful book for both Adarna House sa mahusay na kuwento!
Sino ang mag-aakala na eksayting ang children and adults. This book truly deserves - Troy Lacsamana The older group was composed of Pheonna
paglalakbay ng isang butiki? Sobrang nakakaaliw a sign of its own saying: “Simply marvelous!” Heart Ragasa, Apriel Beltran, Horacio
ang pagsulpot-sulpot kung saan-saang bahagi - Cecilia Picache Supremo Rafael de Peralta, Alon Fabros, and Rafael
ng bahay ng butiki sa kuwento. Ang simpleng Written by Varela. The younger group consisted of
texto ay nagamit pa upang ituro ang konsepto ng Salusalo para kay Kuya Xi Zuq Ricmel Padon, Sean Kirby Cruz, Yasuyuki
kabaliktaran, sa paraang kaaya-aya. Kung kaya, Written by Ergoe Tinio Illustrated by Avendaño, Alizza Tolentino, and Althea
hindi ka magsasawa sa pagsubaybay sa lahat ng Illustrated by JC Galag Al Estrella Hazel Fresno.
dinaanan ni Butiki. -Kristine Canon Published by Adarna House, Inc. Published by
Adarna House,
Masarap maging bahagi ng pamilyang Pilipino.
Haluhalo Inc.
Malaki, maingay pero masaya. Para bang ibinalik
Illustrated by Eli F. Camacho
Published by Adarna House, Inc.
ako sa pagkabata ng Salusalo para kay Kuya. Supremo is an PBBY-Salanga and
engaging read. PBBY-Alcala Prize
Ang aklat na ito ay kumpleto sa sangkap, puwera This heart-
The PBBY also awarded this year’s PBBY-
lang sa salita. Marami itong iba’t ibang kulay, warming story
Salanga and PBBY-Alcala Prize winners.
siksik sa tamis at umaapaw sa aliw. Kung sa takes you back
The Salanga Prize calls for writers to submit
bagay, ano pa ba ang kailangan sabihin kung to the good old
original stories, while the Alcala Prize
kitang-kita naman at madali maintindihan ng days when you
calls for illustrations for the Salanga Prize-
bata man o matanda ang paggawa at pagkain felt lucky to have
winning story.
ng haluhalo? Haaay! Ang sarap ulit-ulitin ang a best friend and you felt tingled upon seeing
pagbabasa sa nalikhang aklat ni Eli F. Camacho your crush. Its flowing language, realistic
The PBBY-Salanga Prize went to Genaro
na Haluhalo. - Kristine Canon plot, and catchy illustrations come together
Gojo Cruz for his story Makinang Makinang,
to give you one unforgettable ride. It makes
while Joseph Salazar, John Paolo Sandicho,
Mang Andoy’s Signs you laugh out loud; it makes you stop and
Leila Francesca Maligalig, and Jacqueline
Written by Mailin Paterno think; it even manages to make you shed
Franquelli were named honorable mentions.
Illustrated by Isabel Roxas tears. And, just when you start thinking
Published by Ilaw ng Tahanan, Inc. you’ve had it all, it reminds you of your social
The PBBY-Alcala Prize went to Mark
We see it everywhere. A crowd of funny, wise, responsibility—without pushing it down
Lawrence Andres, while Dominic
vulgar, ridiculous words and phrases rendered your throat forcibly. Kids will love this, and
Ochotorena was named an honorable
adults will enjoy it, too. Supreme, indeed! Illustration by
in bold strokes and colorful letters. But as mention. (photo courtesy of PBBY)
- Portia Padilla Mark Lawrence Andres for
the sight becomes too familiar, the messages
32 Makinang Makinang 33
Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
C opyright It is also very impor tant for the general public, not
only authors, to be acquainted with copyr ight and
and the other intellectual proper t y r ights. When they develop a
deeper understanding and concer n for these r ights, the
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Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
World
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and BOOK FAIR
Exhibition Center August 24-28, 2016
1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Venue: East Hall 1-3, West Hall 1-3
China International Exhibition Center
for
Filipino authors have more opportunities celebrates WBCD as a tribute to poet and hero On a personal level, I do my best to help in Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
for publication in neighboring countries. Francisco Baltazar who was also born in April. the awareness campaign whenever I receive Website: http://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/ No. 88 Yuxiang Street, Tian Zhu Zone,
ASEAN consists of ten countries in messages on Facebook from fellow writers. Shunyi District Beijing, China
Southeast Asia, which totals 600 million in The NBDB, IPOPHL, Komisyon ng Wikang I answer some of their comments on my The Hong Kong Book Fair is designed to both Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Books
population. We should see the integration Filipino (KWF) or Commission on the posts related to copyright and publishing, sell books from around the world and showcase Website: http://bibf.net/
as an opportunity to promote works from Filipino Language, National Library of the I also give tips on managing and protecting the thriving reading and writing culture in and
our country to a larger market. The ASEAN Philippines (NLP), National Commission their rights. Recently, I helped a friend around Southeast Asia. Since 1990, the fair Despite having been exhibiting books and
publishers just need highly skilled translators. for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Instituto who writes Filipino poetry in computing has seen exponential growth of visitors, and in publishers for almost 23 years and being one
I believe that publishing works in the Cervantes, Embassy of Spain, Ayala Land, and the royalties she should have received 2011, a whopping 950,000 individuals visited of the top four best international book fairs,
the Beijing International Book Fair has been
ASEAN market would be easy, especially if
the authors’ copyright negotiations with the
WTA Architecture and Design Studio plus
other entities from the private sectors came
from a company that published her poem
without permission. Through my e-mail
Your Calendar of the six-day book fair. Organized by the Hong
Kong Trade Development Council, the book seeing a gradual growth on international
local publishers are clear and precise. It is together for this project. Free publications and and Facebook account, I read a lot of stories fair’s major exhibit categories include: general writers and publishers, notably from the
recommended that the translation rights are other materials on copyright and intellectual and receive queries from Filipino writers International books and publications, children and teen’s West, in the recent years. Still, this book
intact and available for foreign publishers. property rights were disseminated by NBDB about their experiences on copyright and books, religious literature, and other printed fair is a must-go for any writer or publisher
and IPOPHL to the public. NBDB also offered publishing. Since my knowledge is still Book Fairs products. who desires to achieve a wider audience,
Indeed, movements towards addressing free t-shirt printing services of quotes from limited, I usually refer them to Director especially that the expected number of
copyright issues are now happening. The authors and winners of the 34th National Book Wilfred Castillo of NBDB (helpdesk@ attendees this year will be 300,000. Most
Publishing Course that was launched by the Awards. To wear these silk-screened shirts nbdb.gov.ph) or to Atty. Louie Calvario of
by Myta Santiago of these participants might join the main
NBDB and Book Development Association already promotes the excellence of Filipino IPOPHL (mail@ipophil.gov.ph). highlight of the book fair is the Children’s
of the Philippines (BDAP) last June 2016 has writers. NBDB also offered henna tattoo Book Publisher’s Hall, located in E1 of the
a copyright component that was taught by sessions which featured images related to Every bit counts. Collectively, these actions Exhibition Center. This is where many
Atty. Nicolas Pichay, who is also a poet and literature and the love of books. There was also help towards enhancing our knowledge on Book fairs offer a plethora of children’s book authors meet and discuss
a playwright. Furthermore, IPOPHL is now a book market where buyers were given roses, copyright issues. I hope we could all do our topics that can work with children, from
opportunities for writers, publishers,
in the process of establishing the Bureau of live performances such as balagtasan (a debate share in its protection. toddlers to teenagers’ products.
and literary geeks to see developing
Copyright and Related Rights. in the form of traditional Filipino poetry),
trends in literature, as well as discovering
puppet show, and storytelling activities.
Copyright is not only a literary issue; it is authors with a new story to tell. They are
also a cultural issue. It is also very important It is still a long and difficult road before we good venues to buy books straight from
for the general public, not only authors, to are able to inform the greater majority on the the authors or publishers themselves.
be acquainted with copyright and other benefits of respecting one’s copyright. The But they also provide a chance for
intellectual property rights. When they country is also producing more writers than
storytellers to advertise what they have
develop a deeper understanding and concern before. Most of them are young and amateur. FRANKFURT BOOK FAIR
But I believe that we are in the right direction, in store for their audience. Book fairs CHINA SHANGHAI
for these rights, the respect for authors October 19-23, 2016
and their creations will follow. Hopefully, especially with the awareness campaigns also give workshops to individuals who INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S
Venue: Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1, 60327 BOOK FAIR
this attitude will eventually be ingrained targeted at authors and the public sponsored by want to dabble in the art and business Frankfurt am Main, Germany
in our culture. This will entail the decline the government and the private sector. November 18-20, 2016
of writing and publishing, making Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
of plagiarism and piracy of Venue: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition &
these events something to always look Website: http://book-fair.com/en/ Convention Center
copyrighted materials.
forward to. In short, book fairs give 1099 Guozhan Rd, Pudong, Shanghai, China
Hailed as the biggest book event in the Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. (tentative)
That’s why the celebration of what everyone wants: good books, world, the Frankfurt Book Fair is also one
World Book and Copyright good company, and good advertising. Website: http://www.ccbookfair.com/en/
of the oldest. It was “officially” organized
Day (WBCD) every April 23 in 1949 by Frankfurter Buchmesse GmbH,
gets bigger and more significant The efforts in China to bring the world of
While there are small fairs to attend, but the book fair has been in operation for books into her country, and the country
each year. The objectives of more than 500 years. Today, it is the go-
the WBCD are to strengthen especially local ones, the bigger fairs are into the books of the world, have been
to book event for any and every writer and monumental. With the China Shanghai
the love of reading among a good, free-for-all target. Philippine publisher, as well as bookworm and fan of
the youth and to champion children’s books especially can benefit International Children’s Book Fair, the great
the letter. A dedicated children’s and young country will be able to see various media for
the respect for copyright of from a worldwide audience, given that adult’s media section will welcome readers to
authors and their works. For young minds from around the world.
they open the eyes of foreigners to the different authors and publishers from around
2016, it was held at the Ayala the world, notably those from France, Italy, It is the only book event in the Asia-Pacific
Triangle, a park in the middle culture and traditions of the archipelago. region dedicated to children’s and young
and Spain. An illustrator’s corner will also
of the Makati business district. be erected to exhibit graphic portfolios adult’s publications. Because of its niche
April 23 is the birthday of two However, if you’re not sure which book from local and international artists. Around market, it boasts some 300 exhibitors from
well-loved writers, William fair to go to, here are some upcoming book 300,000 is estimated to attend this year. 30 countries, and an attendance of almost
Shakespeare and Miguel de 30,000.
fairs for the rest of 2016 and a bit of 2017.
Cervantes, and the Philippines
36 37
Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
Selected
Recently
INDONESIA THE LONDON BOOK
INTERNATIONAL FAIR
Released
BOOK FAIR March 14-16, 2017
&
September 28- Venue: Olympia London
October 2, 2016 Hammersmith Road,
TOKYO INTERNATIONAL Venue: Assembly Hall, Kensington, London
Upcoming
BOOK FAIR Jakarta Convention Center Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
September 23-25, 2016 Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto, Daerah Khusus Website: http://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight Ibukota Jakarta, Indonesia
Titles
3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan Operating Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The London Book Fair started in the early
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Website: http://iibf.id/?lang=en 1970s with a theme in mind: to become the
Website: http://www.bookfair.jp/en/
venue for various media to distribute their
Indonesia is very expressive of their culture; products both in London and other parts of
Organized by Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd., add that to their love for reading, and you the world. The most vivid part of this three-
the Tokyo International Book Fair started in have a book fair cum cultural show in one. children’s books
day event is the children’s section, complete
1993, around the same time as the Beijing The Indonesia International Book Fair was with seminars and workshops, as well as an 1 A FOR ADOBO
International Book Fair. While attendance is organized by the Indonesian Publishers “emporium” where suppliers and publishers, Nelson Agustin
still low compared to Beijing (a mere 40,000 Association in 1983, but it hasn’t gained both new and old, meet each other. Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing, Inc.
attendees are expected this year), TIBF is much momentum unlike its East Asian
gaining ground with almost 500 exhibitors counterparts. However, this is one of Tahanan Books
coming to the venue from across the globe. the premier book fairs in our neck of the August 2016
A zone dedicated to children’s books alone woods, and with Indonesia having a culture 2 A First Look At Philippine
will cover 1/6 of the fair, which comprises much like ours, it would not be a problem Birds, Butterflies & Fishes
children’s books, picture books, children’s marketing our literature to them. Maria Elena Paterno and
magazines, and teaching materials. Crispin Dayao, Jr.
Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing, Inc.
August 2016
3 A First Look At Philippine
Fruits, Flowers & Trees
Lolita J. Bulalacao, Ph.D and
IN ST R U CT IO N S O N H OW TO D ISA P P EA R
“In Gabriela Lee’s first book, Instructions on
How to Disappear and other stories, she has
meticulously and intelligently reworked numerous
Crispin Dayao, Jr.
genre tropes. Set in future Manila, a gleaming
metropolis where one’s paranoia may not be Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing, Inc.
exactly unfounded and whose lashing sings tribute
to Philip K. Dick, “Stations” takes on the ethical
trappings of high technology adoption. “August
August 2016
fiction
Moon” relies on a succession of flashbacks to
uncover, as well as obscure, the eventual doom
of a woman who deems herself a “good wife,”
while “Eyes as Wide as the Sky” depicts a post- 4 The Detective Boys of
BOLOGNA CHILDREN’S BOOK ASIAN FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN’S 1 Charged war world—scorched yet not wholly devoid of
hope. These stories insist on the unreal becoming Masangkay: Ang Mangkukulam
the real, the rational melding with the irrational,
G ab r i e la Lee
Bologna Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (tentative) 2 Impiyerno
Website: http://www. Website: http://afcc.com.sg salin sa Filipino ng Inferno
bolognachildrensbookfair.com/ ni Dante Alighieri
The Asian Festival of Children’s Content or in producing children’s content. Over 100
speakers are featured in the yearly event,
Resty Ceña (tagasalin, Young adult fiction
Compared to other book fairs where AFCC is a huge five-day event, which is a English to Filipino)
children’s media is just a topic, Bologna in combination of a professional trade fair and with more than 700 conference delegates 1 Moving Onwards and Upwards
Visprint, Inc. Hanako-Amihan Yabut
Italy takes this type of content several steps a consumer’s event, so it’s not exclusively a and around 10,000 participants adding to
August 2016 Adarna House
further. For the past 53 years, the Bologna literary festival. It was reconstituted as such by the foot traffic of the fest. Each year, there is
Children’s Book Fair has been hosting the its organizers, the National Book Development always a “country of focus” and for 2017, it’s September 2016
enhancement of content for young ones— Council of Singapore, from its 2000 origins as Indonesia. The AFCC is a good way to do
the Asian Children’s Writers and Illustrators an environmental scan of what’s happening
Science fiction/
from writers to publishers, from animators to
illustrators. In the last few years, the book fair Conference. Since 2010, the AFCC has been in the Asian market regarding children’s fantasy/horror
has seen 1,200 exhibitors from 98 countries, host to a plethora of activities that includes not content production and to discover academic 1 Instructions on How to
with a steadily growing attendance; last year’s only a book fair but professional conferences, updates regarding early childhood literacy or Disappear: Stories
attendance was almost 40,000. various thematic workshops, seminars, various topics in childhood studies. Gabriela Lee
and master classes. The AFCC attracts an Visprint, Inc. Religious / Inspirational
international crowd composed of writers Late July 2016 1 Why live for God and How:
and illustrators, of course, but also parents, Short Readings and Reflections
students, teachers, publishers, editors, agents, for Growing Christians
2 Naermyth: Revelations
distributors, and media professionals involved Daniel Espiritu
Karen Francisco
Visprint, Inc. New Day Publishers
September 2016 July 2016
38 39
Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
40 41
Bookwatch Vol. 20 No. 2 BookwatcH Vol. 20 No. 2
4 Media and Information 6 The RPS Styles and Strategies 5 Workplace Essentials
Literacy of Teaching and Learning Chan/de Jesus/Juagiong
Carol Gonzales Towards Effective Educators
in Nursing and Health
5 Physics 1 Professions
Cresta Lee, Valerie Dellosa, Dr. Rosalinda Salustiano
John-Niel Masong, Ivy Neis,
Lalainie Bagui, Lorna Aban &
Sheryl Monterola
42 43