Pictures from the NCBA Ceremony
Hello, hello! I was able to nab some pictures of the Philippine National Children's Book Awards ceremony from Ramón "Rayvi" C. Sunico and from the Philippine National Book Development Board (photos taken by Daniel Tan). Here I am with fellow judge Maria Elena "Mailin" Locsin. I had just arrived at the awards ceremony and was anxious to announce the winners to the whole world. To the left is Rayvi, a pioneer in Filipino young adult literature and the man behind the awards! From left to right: the fabulous Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores, executive director of the Philippine National Book Development Board, and my fellow judges Karen Ocampo Flores, Dr. Lina Diaz de Rivera, moi, and Mailin. (Ana Maria F. Rodriguez, also a judge for the awards, was unable to attend the ceremony.) Author May Tobias-Papa receiving her award for Araw sa Palengke : Illustrator Sergio Bumatay III accepting his award for Tuwing Sabado : Author Russell Molina accepting one of
The signed copies of Tall Story go to...
Eric Manalastas and Jayson Vega! Congratulations, Eric and Jayson! I will email you soon to ask for your mailing address.
1st Philippine National Children's Book Awards
Yesterday was the announcement of the winners of the very first Philippine National Children's Book Awards (NCBA). The awards are for the very best children's and young adult books published in the Philippines (2008-2009). There are no categories and no rankings for the NCBA. And the NCBA does not only evaluate the text of the nominated books. Illustrations, book design, and even the materials used in printing and binding the books are evaluated when choosing the "best reads" for young people in the Philippines! I was a judge for the awards (yes, this is me revealing my sooper sekrit project!) and I am very proud to now share with you the six winners of the first NCBA. Below are the winners' covers and the judges' comments on the books. Araw sa Palengke ( Market Day ) Written by May Tobias-Papa Illustrated by Isabel Roxas Adarna, 2008 (In Filipino, with English translations) "Listen well," her mother tells her. "Hold on to me tightly, ha?
GIVEAWAY: Tall Story by Candy Gourlay
Andi hasn't seen her brother for eight years and when he steps off the plane from the Philippines, she cannot believe her eyes. He's tall. EIGHT FOOT TALL. But Bernardo is not what he seems. Bernardo is a hero, Bernardo works miracles, and Bernardo has an amazing story to tell. Last night was the launch of the Philippine edition of Tall Story by Candy Gourlay (Cacho Publishing House, 2010). Below is Ramón C. Sunico, the Philippine editor and publisher of Tall Story . He has cried each and every time he has read Tall Story . (It has made me cry, too. It is such a touching story about a long-lost brother and sister. Click here to read a few of my comments on the book and my interview with the author.) Below is the inspiring author herself, talking about how getting her book published in the U.K. (by David Fickling Books), the U.S. (also by David Fickling Books), and the Philippines is one of the best things that has ever happened to her. The very best things to ev
27th National Children's Book Day
Yesterday was the 27th Philippine National Children's Book Day and I attended a lovely celebration organized by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY). The celebration included a presentation of the latest children's books from Philippine publishers and the opening of a retrospective exhibit of the works of the late illustrator Albert Gamos . The keynote speech was delivered by the always inspiring author Candy Gourlay . She presented the idea of a Philippines where every child loved to read and had the power to imagine and therefore work toward a better Philippines. Wow. I'm definitely up to the challenge. Are you? Here are pictures of the hardworking members of the PBBY (and Candy Gourlay with the PBBY): Raymund Falgui was awarded the 2010 PBBY-Salanga Prize for his unpublished collection of children's poems, Green Leaf and Other Poems . Congratulations! I love that he said that if we all remembered what it was like to be a child, we would a
Storytelling Saturday
I spent my Saturday at the SM North branch of Fully Booked , enjoying storytelling sessions from Adarna House . The children were so precious. So smart and animated. And I was really impressed by storyteller Dyali Justo . She had infinite patience with the children and was such a bundle of energy. She made the storytelling sessions truly entertaining and engaging. Some Adarna House authors and illustrators were there! Below are pictures of the children in line to get their copies of Just Add Dirt (Adarna House, 2009) signed by author Becky Bravo and illustrator Jason Moss . One of the picture books Dyali Justo read aloud was the wonderful Naku, Nakuu, Nakuuu! (Adarna House, 2008). It's one of my favorite picture books. Nanoy Rafael writes so beautifully and Sergio Bumatay III is an amazing illustrator. I was able to snap this picture of the both of them at the event (Sergio Bumatay III on the left and Nanoy Rafael on the right) and I was SLAYED. I should a