on the cover - National Book Development Board

CONTENTS
24
Ate for a day. Miriam with
the kids of Yakap Day Care
Center in Quezon City.
Industry News
5 2nd Academic
Publishing Conference
links Luzon, Visayas,
and Mindanao
publishers
5 Readership trainings
in Booklatan sa
Mandaluyong
6 NBDB joins 2008
Marikina Book Fair
6 Miriam Quimbao visits
Quezon City Public
Library
7 Math textbooks
receive 2007 NBDB
Quality Seal
7 Vibal publishing plant
opens doors to NBDB
employees
8 UNLAK tours authors
to schools
8 NBDB Book Club’s
Tara Serings bags a
Palanca
9 Jose Y. Dalisay’s
Soledad’s Sister
launched
10 Enercon Boomics now
available for download
11 Nueva Ecija town
transforms poultry
farm into library
xx NBDB and Manila
Bulletin team up for
GCR
Special Feature Story
12 NBDB and LRTA
launch Tulaan sa Tren committee 2008
editors-in-chief
Alvin J. Buenaventura
Camille Dianne S. Mendoza
Writers
Maria Pia Benosa
Glenn L. Malimban
2
12
14 Exclusive behind-thescene photos from the
making of Tulaan sa
Tren
18 Why I Write National
Artist Virgilio Almario’s
speech at the World
Book and Copyright
Day celebration
xx NBDB Book Club
takes a trip down
memory lane
Cover Story
20 Teen heartthrob Matt
Evans and his offscreen adventures
Special feature
22 Hooked on Books: The
indie book store we
love
32 Bookworms Gone
Wired
In Every Issue
2 Editor’s Letter
3 Chairman’s Message
4 Executive Director’s
Message
29 Read Alert
27 Hot Off the Press
ON THE COVER
22
Matt Evans reads
True Philippine Ghost Stories
(No. 19), published
by Psicom Publishing.
Photographed by Daniel Tan.
True Philippine Ghost
Stories books are available
in all major book stores for
P80-P85.
Art Director
Circulation Staff
Mikke Gallardo
Sylvia C. Mendoza
Gemma E. Bermudes
Rhonell C. Dacio
Photographers
28
20
National Book
Development Board
2/F National Printing Office
Bldg., EDSA corner NIA
Northside Road, Diliman,
Quezon City 1100
Jay Alonzo, Ianne Barican
Daniel Tan
Board of Advisers
Marketing Staff
Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores
Executive Officer
Grace G. Santos
Salvador D. Briola Jr.
Lily Y. Pahilanga
Trunk lines: (632) 920-9853,
929-3677, 929-3887
Dr. Dennis T. Gonzalez
Chairman
www.nbdb.gov.ph
3
MESSAGES
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Words without Borders
READ PINOY!
Words in books can cross safely and become active beyond the borders
of time and space. Words and books that endure, flourish, and spread are
usually products of much reflection, research, and investment in time, talent,
and resources.
“All books are divisible into two classes: the books of the hour, and the
books of all time” (John Ruskin, 1819-1900).
Surely Ruskin was referring to books of value. No one should waste a
precious hour to read or talk about a worthless book or one that merely
multiplies words. Life is short and there is not enough time to read all the good
books that creative authors and publishers produce. A good book can help
us live with more wisdom, joy, or peace even for an hour so that, whenever
we turn to the book of everyday life, we do better in enriching its pages with
trustworthy words, meaningful works, beautiful images, and reflective spaces.
To produce books of value, we keep on urging publishers to increase
investments in research and development and either to set up permanent
research units manned by full-time experts or to enter into formal partnerships
with existing centers of excellence and reputable academic institutions. To
support Philippine authorship, we appeal to our Senators to act on the Book
Development Trust Fund Bill (HB 4213) which has been passed by the House of
Representatives in June this year. If enacted into law, it will provide considerable
support to the creative sector especially to our authors in the regions.
May we move closer to the day when our nation will see itself as a
people of the good books both of the hour and of all time, and may more
trustworthy words and meaningful works cross the borders of ignorance,
indifference, and intolerance.
Dr. Dennis T. Gonzalez
NBDB Chairman
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
2
Isa sa mga estasyon ang paglulunsad ng Tulaan sa
Tren kung saan ibinulong sa mga tainga at inilapit
sa mga puso ng mga pasahero ang mga tulang likha
ng ating mga dalubhasang makata. Inilapit din ng
ahensiya sa mga taga-Visayas at Mindanao ang
pambihirang pagpupulong na “Academic Publishing
Conference and Exhibit.” Ang estasyon sa mga siyudad
ng Mandaluyong at Marikina, at bayan ng San Isidro,
Nueva Ecija nama’y patunay sa pagpapaunlad ng ating
adhikain: bayan ng mahihilig magbasa.
Halina’t magbasa ng mga aklat Pinoy!
ALVIN J. BUENAVENTURA
Editor-in-Chief
PHOTO BY OCS ALVAREZ
Walong oras ang pinakamahabang
panahong nailagi ko sa loob ng
tren na bumagtas mula sa mga
bundok ng Wuyishan patungong
siyudad ng Hangzhou sa Tsina bago
ako naging kawani ng gobyerno.
Upang di mainip, pinatugtog kong
muli ang mga awitin sa ulo ko pati
ang awit ng mga paslit ay muli kong
sinariwa “pen, pen, de sarapen…”
Nagunita ko ito habang nagbabasa ng Mga Biyahe,
Mga Estasyon (Anvil), bagong aklat ng Pambansang
Alagad ng Sining para sa Panitikan na si Rio Alma.
Para sa mga batang mambabasa ang koleksiyon
na magpapagunita sa ating sariling tahanan at
magpapalalim sa ating pagmamahal sa bayan.
Isang biyahe, maraming estasyon. Patuloy ang
biyahe ng National Book Development Board upang
marating ang pinapangarap na huling estasyon:
katatagan para sa industriya ng paglilimbag ng
mga aklat at pag-angat ng kalidad na papantay sa
pandaigdigang entablado.
Andrea Pasion-Flores’ Photo by Dakila Angeles courtesy of Star Teacher
Tren, Tren de Sarapen
Read Pinoy! is this year’s theme for the 12th Philippine Book
Development Month (PBDM), our month-long celebration of books
and everything related to books in November. The message is simple:
we should all read Philippine-authored books or, putting it in another
way, if you’re Pinoy, you should read.
Even before the start of PBDM, we have already been spreading the
message in our various activities, like in the Tulaan sa Tren posters and
pre-recorded poetry readings where celebrities declare that they read
Pinoy. They say, for example, “Ako si Nikki Gil. I read Pinoy!” or “Ako
si Matt Evans, nagbabasa ng panitikang Pinoy!” We have posters in the
trains with celebrities holding books by Jose F. Lacaba, Vim Nadera,
Jose Y. Dalisay, Rio Alma and many more, not to mention excerpts of
poems of so many of our beloved poets.
In our GCR ad campaign with the Manila Bulletin, we feature
celebrities in page-dominant, colored ads gamely posing with a
Philippine-authored book. They encourage people to read what they
truly feel are important titles written by our renowned authors. On
August 30, we started with Miriam Quiambao holding The Manila
We Knew By Erlinda Enriquez-Panlilio (Anvil) and have followed it up
with Matt Evans holding Kuyog (Manila Bulletin) in September, Edu in
October all the way up to December 2008.
The National Book Awards on November 15 also promises to be a
highlight of the month-long celebration. For the first time it will be held
at the Yuchengco Museum on Ayala Avenue, through the help of the
museum’s curator Jeannie Javelosa. The trophies for this year’s National
Book Awards are sculpted by young sculptor Glenn Cagandahan, a
rising star in the world of art, whose work (using steel-reinforced epoxy)
has already been auctioned in Singapore. All these not only make
winning a National Book Award even more prestigious but jumpstarts
a valuable art collection as well! Gallerie Joaquin, a gallery known
for its exceptional art pieces and stable of notable artists, like Juvenal
Sanso, Lydia Velasco, Mario Parial, and Dominic Rubio, is our partner
in this. FYI: Gallerie Joaquin consistently promotes young artists with
exceptional talent side by side with its well-known artists, easing them
into the mainstream, here and in the region (Thanks, Jack and Tara!).
Capping off our month-long celebration of reading Pinoy is a threeday event in Cebu, starting off with a day-long publishing seminar at the
University of San Carlos and a book fair at the Ayala Mall in Cebu, truly
making this year’s celebration nationwide. Of course, there are contests,
readings, and a food/lit tour in Pampanga and Bulacan. Mentioning just a
few of what will be going on almost every day in November already leaves
me breathless, and makes me think that if you’re still not on November’s
bandwagon, it’s time to dream up something big that involves books and
reading (or, at the very least, start reading Pinoy already beginning with the
Noli Me Tangere as translated by National Artist Virgilio Almario. See our
schedule of events for the reason.). Do use our Read Pinoy! logo for any of
your own PBDM activities by downloading it from our website www.nbdb.
gov.ph, or by requesting a copy of the image from [email protected].
Miriam Quiambao reads Pinoy!
Trophy designed by Glenn
Cagandahan for the Philippine
Economics Society
Yuchengco Museum hosts the
awards night of this year’s
National Book Awards.
See you all in November!
Andrea Pasion-Flores
Executive Director
3
INDUSTRY NEWS
NBDB Academic
Publishing Fair
goes South
NBDB holds
academic publishing
conference in Cebu.
In another historic move, the NBDB
recently held the second academic
publishing conference and exhibit at the
City Sports Club in Cebu City to make
it accessible to publishers and academic
institutions in the South.
Titled “Towards Becoming Effective
Knowledge Providers through
Academic Publishing,” the conference
provided participants with information
on global trends and the latest
technologies in academic publishing.
“Our academics and scholars
are the backbone of research
and development in the country.
Organizing this conference is in line
with the State’s policy of providing ‘the
best conditions for the promotion of
Filipino authorship,’” said Dr. Dennis
T. Gonzalez, NBDB chairman during
his welcome address.
Dr. Colin Leslie Day, publisher
of the Hong Kong University Press
(HKUP), led the line-up of academic
publishing executives who shared
INDUSTRY NEWS
NEWS
VJ Nikki Gil takes a
time out to read to the
kids of Marikina.
Dr. Ricardo de Ungria
talks about publishing
in regional languages.
Dr. Dennis T. Gonzalez cuts the ribbon
with CHED Regional Director Enrique
Grecia to formally begin the conference.
Opening of the Bookfair. (l-r) Lirio Sandoval,
BDAP president; Marides C. Fernando,
Marikina city mayor; Atty. Andrea PasionFlores, NBDB executive officer; and Dr. Marion
S. Andres, Marikina city vice mayor.
Hong Kong University Press’
Dr. Colin Leslie Day
NBDB chair Dr. Dennis T.
Gonzalez (standing) with Central
Books’ Juan Carlos Sibal (3rd
seated from left) and Paolo Sibal
(4th seated from left) and Oce’s
Conrad Mendoza (extreme right)
HKUP’s experience as one of the
leading university-based publishing
houses in the region, publishing over
50 titles each year. Day reiterated the
crucial role of publishers in the society.
“There must be many of them pursuing
different visions, different agendas, and
different programmes. The existence
of many publishers is essential if there
is to be vigorous competition between
ideas within society.”
The other conference speakers were:
former DepEd undersecretary and De
2008 Marikina Book Fair
NBDB and local government promote
books and reading in Marikina
La Salle University executive publisher
Dr. Isagani Cruz, UST Publishing
House’s acting director John Jack
Wigley, and Literary Arts Council of the
National Commission for Culture and
the Arts chair Dr. Ricardo de Ungria.
The first academic publishing
conference and exhibit held in Manila
in 2007 resulted in the creation of the
Philippine Association of Scholarly and
Academic Publishers (PASAP) headed
by Ma. Luisa T. Camagay, director of
the UP Press.—AJB/DSM
The NBDB joined the City Government
of Marikina in its efforts to make
Marikina a city of readers during the
five-day Marikina Book Fair held from
June 30 to July 4. The book fair was
held in line with the City Government
and the Marikina City Public Library’s
reading project dubbed as “Ma-READkina, Maki-READ-na” spearheaded by
Mayor Marides C. Fernando and city
librarian Vic Jayson Cruz.
NBDB holds readership training in Mandaluyong City.
Participants of Booklatan sa Mandaluyong
program for trainors, while 54 participants that included
Day Care workers and volunteers were trained in storytelling
techniques during the Storytelling Training and Workshop.
The Booklatan sa Bayan, is a flagship program of the
NBDB geared towards heightening readership awareness.
The program aims to help ensure access and availability of
books and promote good reading habits.—Glenn Malimban
PHOTO BY OCS ALVAREZ
The NBDB, in its continuing goal to encourage and promote
readership and literacy in the country, brings the Booklatan sa
Bayan to Mandaluyong City. The program, consisting of series
of trainings on readership promotion and awareness, and
teaching good reading habits was held on August 1 & 2, 2008
in partnership with the city government of Mandaluyong.
Invited speakers were Dr. Merlene Alon, president of the
Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP) who gave a
two-day lecture and workshop on Readership Enhancement
and Advancement (READ) Program for Trainors and
Melody Remorca, professional storyteller, who handled the
Storytelling Training and Workshop.
Forty-two elementary and high school teachers, and librarians
from the different schools in Mandaluyong City attended the
two-day Readership Enhancement and Advancement (READ)
Teachers, librarians, students, and
parents attended lectures and fora on
readership promotion and reading
appreciation given by Dr. Merlene
Alon, president of the Reading
Association of the Philippines (RAP)
and Rhea Manuel, RAP member.
NBDB Get Caught Reading celebrity
endorser Nikki Gil inspired more
than 60 children from the different
schools in the city to get into the habit
of reading when she read Angelita L.
Aragon and Lydia P. Lalunio’s Ang
Magkaibigan (LG&M Short Stories
for Children).
National Artist for Literature
Virgilio S. Almario was the guest
speaker during the Writers’ Day forum.
The forum was attended by over 75
students of Marikina High School,
where the venerated poet talked about
the importance of a strong sense of
national identity to help uplift the
country’s current state.
The NBDB also invited Troy
Alistair Lacsamana of the Quezon City
Public Library (QCPL) and Suzanne
Yupangco of the Filipinas Heritage
Library (FHL), who each gave a lecture
on strengthening and promoting
libraries and barangay reading centers.
The Marikina Book Fair was
organized by the NBDB, City
Government of Marikina, Marikina
City Public Library, and the Book
Development Association of the
Philippines (BDAP).—Glenn Malimban
Miriam Quiambao reads to Day
Care students in Quezon City
Booklatan sa Mandaluyong
4
NEWS
A special treat welcomed youngsters of Quezon City
shortly after the opening of classes last June 18, when
NBDB Get Caught Reading endorser Miriam Quiambao
visited the Quezon City Public Library (QCPL) for a special
storytelling session during the turnover ceremony of
Miriam’s Get Caught Reading posters to QCPL.
Around 60 children of the Yakap Day Care Center in Quezon
City and their parents circled Miriam and eagerly listened as
she animatedly read Kristine Canon’s Bakit Matagal ang Sundo
Ko? (Adarna House). The storytelling was followed by the
turnover of Miriam’s Get Caught Reading posters, sponsored by
Trinitas Publishing, to the Quezon City Public Library. Miriam
was the very first celebrity to sign up for the Get Caught
Reading campaign, when the NBDB launched it in 2006.
Miriam Quimbao proves that she’s not just a
versatile host but also a talented storyteller.
Miriam turns over her GCR posters to QCPL with
Trinitas Publishing’s Danilo Malabonga, Atty.
Andrea Pasion-Flores and Quezon City librarian
Emelita Villanueva.
Because the habit of reading must be cultivated, NBDB
executive director Andrea Pasion-Flores also encouraged
parents to invest in books for their kids and dedicate at
least 20 minutes each day reading to their children.
The turnover ceremony was made possible through the
NBDB’s partnership with QCPL and Trinitas Publishing.
5
INDUSTRY NEWS
NBDB visits Vibal
Publishing House
Vibal takes NBDB employees on a
tour of its new publishing plant
Students of Maria Concepcion High
School in Pateros get up close and
personal with poet Benilda Santos.
Authors Tour
Metro Manila schools
NBDB Governor Dr. Queena Lee-Chua,
Dr. Dennis T. Gonzalez, Vibal Publishing House’s
Nila Mata, and DepEd Usec. Vilma Labrador.
A Badge of Excellence
NBDB and UMPIL bring renowned female poets
Benilda Santos and Marjorie Evasco to Pateros and
Mandaluyong City.
Excellent Textbooks in Mathematics receive 2007
NBDB Quality Seal.
6
“The Quality Seal will guide the schools on which textbooks
they should give priority to,” says Dr. Dennis Gonzalez.
NBDB Executive Director Atty. Andrea
Pasion-Flores with multi-awarded
book designer Francisco Doplon
DepEd Undersecretary and NBDB Vice Chair
Dr. Vilma Labrador encourages publishers to
produce more quality textbooks.
PHOTOS BY GLENN L. MALIMBAN
(L-R) DepEd’s Dr. Vilma Labrador,
Dr. Enrique Coralejo of FNB
Publishing, NBDB Executive Director
Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores, NBDB
Chair Dr. Dennis T. Gonzalez, and
some of the 2007 NBDB Quality Seal
evaluators and top Mathematics
experts in the country: Dr. Milagros
Ibe and Dr.Milagros Navarro
“The Quality Seal serves as a sure
guide but not a directive to private
schools, which rightly enjoy autonomy,
and should be protective of their
autonomy, from State management
and control especially on
matters like the specific
textbooks to select or
reject for their learners,”
says NBDB chairman Dr.
Dennis T. Gonzalez.
The NBDB Quality Seal
was launched last July 2007
to recognize quality private
school textbooks. For the
first Quality Seal Awards, a total of 20
nominations were submitted to the NBDB
by different schools and publishers.
The 2008 NBDB Quality Seal
Awards to be awarded in 2009 will
be given to excellent textbooks in
Mathematics and English (Language/
Reading).— AJB/DSM
PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN DIANNE BARICAN
The National Book Development
Board (NBDB) awarded the first ever
NBDB Quality Seal to five (5) private
school textbooks in Mathematics at the
Crowne Plaza Galleria in Quezon City
recently.
Advanced Algebra,
Trigonometry and Statistics
by Phoenix Publishing
House Inc., Growing
Up with Math 5 by
FNB Educational Inc.,
Intermediate Algebra by JC
Palabay Enterprises Inc.,
Realistic Math Worktext
3 by Sibs Publishing House Inc., and
XP Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry
& Statistics by Vibal Publishing House
were awarded the 2007 NBDB Quality
Seal after undergoing and meritoriously
passing the strict evaluations by
NBDB’s pool of experts from different
centers of excellence.
Mandaluyong Science High School.
The NBDB and the Unyon ng
This time the guest author was Dr.
Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL)
kicked off the author caravan “UMPIL- Marjorie Evasco of the De La Salle
NBDB Lakbay Awtor Para sa Kabataan University. Dr. Evasco imparted with
the students the importance of reading
(UNLAK)” starting last June 2008.
to be a successful writer.
The first stop was at the Maria
UNLAK’s main objective is to bring
Concepcion High School in Pateros.
famous Filipino
Renowned female
poets and writers
poet and award
to the young. It
winning author
is an opportunity
Benilda Santos
given to students
was the featured
to get to know
author. A 5-day
and meet local
exhibit of the
writers in person.
author’s works
The project
was set up at the
will run until
school library for
Dr. Marjorie Evasco (center) with (from left) Glorivie Diugan of
December 2008
the students to
Mandaluyong City Science High School, UMPIL’s Mike Coroza and Vim
and will visit more
see the author’s
Nadera, and Bong Versoza of NBDB’s Projects Division.
schools in the
literary works and
National Capital Region. Other authors
pieces.
who will be introduced in schools are
The event culminated in a short
National Artists Bienvenido Lumbera
program where students performed and
and F. Sionil Jose, Lualhati Bautista,
recited Santos’ poems in front of the
Isagani Cruz, and Jose F. Lacaba.
poet herself. She also shared insights
UNLAK is inviting the schools
and her inspirations in writing in a
to participate and be involved in the
short inspirational message. Santos,
project. For more information on how
who is also the Dean of the School of
to bring the program to your school, get
Humanities of the Ateneo de Manila
in touch with NBDB at 920-9853 or
University, readily answered the
the UMPIL office at the U.P. Institute
students during the open forum.
of Creative Writing at 839-2358.
In July, UNLAK went to
– Glenn Malimban
Mandaluyong City and visited the
To further improve on their knowledge
of the book publishing industry and
provide better services to stakeholders,
officers and employees of the NBDB
visited Vibal Publishing House, Inc.
(VPHI) in Quezon City recently.
VPHI showcased their state-of-the-art
machine, the CromoMan 45 printing
system. This latest equipment increased
production capacity and reduced waste.
Aside from the Philippines, CromoMan
45 is found in only four countries in
Southeast Asia.
The educational visit was divided into
two batches due to limited passenger seat
and to facilitate the tour around the plant.
“This is a rare opportunity to learn more
about the operations and processes in
book production,” said Executive Officer
Andrea Pasion-Flores, who thanked Vibal
for the tour and the privilege to see the
printing process up close.
Established in 1953 by the late
journalist Hilarion P. Vibal, VPHI is one
of the country’s leading educational
publishers with more than 5,000
textbook titles under its belt.
VPHI president Esther A. Vibal,
recipient of the 2001 NBDB Book
Development Leadership Award,
provided a warm welcome to the
visitors together with the officers
of the publishing house’s various
departments.-Alvin J. Buenaventura
NBDB executive director Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores and
director Wilfred Castillo thank Vibal Publishing president
Esther Vibal for accommodating the NBDB staff’s plant visit.
NBDB staff are toured
around the Vibal plant to
see how books are made.
7
INDUSTRY NEWS
Ilan sa mga aklat na
galing sa NBDB.
Soledad’s Sister Launched
Anvil Publishing and UP-ICW launched
Man Asian Literary Prize book.
Soledad’s Sister is a tale of two
individuals whose lives are redefined
by the arrival of the casket bearing
the body of a woman at the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The corpse, manifested as “Aurora V.
Cabahug,” is one of over 600 overseas
Filipino workers who return as corpses
to NAIA every year. Things get even
more confused than ever when the body
gets stolen somewhere on its long way
home, bringing these two individuals
who vaguely know each other in a
situation more complicated than before.
Shortlisted for the very first 2007 Man
Asian Literary Prize, considered the
Booker Prize for Asia, Soledad’s Sister is
commended for being “full of narrative
surprise, artfully put together and richly
observed. It offers an unillusioned,
compassionate portrayal of contemporary
society from a Philippine perspective,
and is utterly compelling. The characters
engage us in the epic yet very local nature
of their quest for dignity and justice.”
Tara FT Sering
wins Palanca
NBDB Book Club moderator
wins 2nd Prize for Fiction in
this year’s Palanca Awards.
The NBDB Book Club congratulates its
vivacious moderator Tara FT Sering for
bagging the 2nd Prize for Fiction in this
year’s Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for
Literature for her short story “Good People.”
Tara, who regularly moderates the NBDB
Book Club’s monthly intimate gatherings,
is the author of the National Book Award
winner Almost Married and several other
bestselling chic lit novels. She is also a
contributing editor and columnist for The
Philippine Star. Her column, Yellow Light,
appears on the Supreme section of The
Star’s Saturday editions.
Winners of the 2008 Palanca Awards
were awarded last September 1 at The
Peninsula Manila.
8
Ang magara at makabagong silidaklatan na bunga ng bayanihan.
St. Ignatius Public Library:
Ibang klaseng Tambayan
Dr. Dalisay signs copies
of Soledad’s Sister.
Mula sa manukan, naging silid-aralan,
ngayo’y may silid-aklatan
ni Alvin J. Buenaventura
Prof. Patricia May Jurilla, Dr. Jose Dalisay,
and Dr. Rosario Cruz Lucero
Help conserve energy
Download NBDB’s free Enercon Boomics.
Did you know that a TV set still consumes
electricity even on standby mode? To help
conserve energy and lower your electric bill,
unplug this and other appliances when not in use.
Enercon Boomics: Technologies for Saving
Energy, a recent publication of the National
Book Development Board and the Department
of Science and Technology-Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer,
contain “Tipid Tips,” “Fast Facts,” and funny
illustrations to provide Filipinos with relevant
information for saving energy.
Download your free Enercon Boomics at the
“Publications” portion of the agency’s website:
www.nbdb.gov.ph. As the downloaded PDF
is printer-ready, we are encouraging local
government chief executives to help print and
distribute it to their constituents. Enjoy reading
and be empowered with its simple, easy to
understand, and entertaining information. Share
it with your family, friends, and acquaintances
to help the nation conserve energy.
—Alvin J. Buenaventura
photos by Ianne Barican
ANVIL PUBLISHING, INC. and
the Institute of Creative Writing of the
University of the Philippines launched
the second novel of renowned writer
Jose “Butch” Dalisay, Jr. entitled
Soledad’s Sister during the recently
held UP-ICW CENTENNIAL
PANAYAM SERIES. The launch was
well-attended by prominent figures
in the academe, including National
Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario,
former ICW Director Vim Nadera,
writers Gemino Abad, Danton Remoto,
Charlson Ong, and many others.
Dalisay gave a lecture on “Novels
in Progress: Writing Long Filipino
Fiction in English,” where he used
his new novel as a springboard for
discussion. The lecture was followed
by reactions by academicians Dr.
Rosario Cruz Lucero and Dr. Patricia
May Jurilla, who gave their opinions
on both Soledad’s Sister and the paper
presented by Dalisay on Filipino fiction
in English.
Aakalain mo bang ang bagong
tambayan(i) sa bayan ng San Isidro,
Nueva Ecija ay dating manukan?
“Tambayani” ang palayaw na ibinigay
sa St. Ignatius Public Library na
pinasinayaan kamakailan sa Barangay
Malapit. Inaasahang magiging
tambayan ng mga mag-aaral, ang
hinuhubog na mga bayani, ng T.
A. Dionisio National High School
(TADNHS) ang bagong gusaling
nakatayo sa isang dating manukan. At
ang mga mamamayan ng mga karatig
barangay ay maaari ring magbasa at
magpalipas oras kapiling ang mga aklat
sa silid-aklatan.
“Mula sa isang manukan, nagtulungtulong kami upang magkaroon ng
silid-aralan at makalipas ang mahigit
sampung taon ay biniyayaan kami ng
Poon sa pamamagitan ng ating mga
katuwang ng isang makabagong silidaklatan,” sabi ni Emerenciana M.
Dalalo, punungguro ng TADNHS.
Isinalaysay ni Dalalo na noong una ay
sa maalikabok na sahig umuupo ang mga
mag-aaral. Kasamang nagtitiis ang mga
guro sa masisikip at maiinit na mga silid.
Katuwang ni Dalalo ang Task
Force 57-75, isang pribadong grupong
naglalayong maiangat ang antas ng
edukasyon sa bansa, na siyang naghikayat
sa komunidad na maglaan ng panahon
at lakas upang makapagpatayo ng isang
maayos na paaralan. Ang Tambayani ay
isa sa mga bunga ng pagtutulungang ito.
“Mayroon kaming programa sa
pagbabasa na tinaguriang BASA:
Bayan Akayin sa Abot Tanaw na
pinangangasiwaan ni Fr. Ted Gonzales
SJ,” dagdag ni Jess Lorenzo, lokal na
lider ng 57-75.
Bilang isa sa mga katulong ng bayan ng
San Isidro, nagbigay ang National Book
Development Board sa pamamagitan ni
Dr. Dennis T. Gonzalez ng 16 na kahon
ng sari-saring aklat kung saan ang anim
na kahon ay mga aklat-pambata na galing
sa Vibal Publishing House, Inc.
Dumalo bilang panauhing pandangal
sina Fr. Bienvenido F. Nebres SJ,
pangulo ng Pamantasang Ateneo de
Manila; Edward Thomas F. Joson,
bise gobernador ng Nueva Ecija;
at Dr. Tarcila P. Javier, dibisyon
superintendent ng DepEd.
Lubos ang pasasalamat ng mga
magulang at mag-aaral ng TADNHS
sa mga katuwang tulad nina Paulino
Ador Dionisio at pamilya, ang nagbigay
ng lupa; Arch. Gerardo A.I. Esquivel at
Maria Teresa Yap Esquivel ng ASEC
Construction and Development Group,
ang namuno sa konstruksiyon; San
Lubos ang pasasalamat ni punongguro Emerenciana M. Dalalo.
Ilan sa mga panauhin ang punong-bayan ng San Isidro Sonia R.
Lorenzo; Alvin J. Buenaventura ng NBDB; at mga kinatawan ng
DepEd, Pamantasang Ateneo de Manila, Ayala Foundation, Inc.
Isidro punong-bayan Sonia R. Lorenzo
at pangalawang punong-bayan Cesario I.
Lopez Jr.; Carmela C. Oracion, direktor
ng Ateneo Center for Educational
Development; Lourdes T. David,
direktor ng Rizal Library; Ricardo S.
Badiola, superbisor ng DepEd; Mario
A. Deriquito, direktor ng 57-75 at Gilas
ng Ayala Foundation, Inc.; Engr. Ariel
E. Zabat, tagapag-ugnay sa larangan
ng pagpaplano at pagpapaunlad ng
San Isidro; Vicente P. San Vicente,
punong barangay ng Malapit; Efren
N. Balajadia, direktor ng Books for
Asia Program, The Asia Foundation;
Gloria Crespo-Congco, direktor ng
GK Builders Institute; Mark Lawrence
Cruz, tagapag-ugnay ng GK-Ateneo; at
Efipanio Jimenez Cunanan, pinuno ng
Kalipi Foundation, Inc.
9
READ ALERT!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Congratulations to the
2008 Palanca winners
The National Book Development Board congratulates the
winners of the 58th Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards
for Literature, the Philippines’ most prestigious and longestrunning literary awards. Know more about the awards and
the complete list of winners by visiting their website at
www.palancaawards.com.ph. Below is the partial list of winners.
NOBELA
Grand prize:
NOVEL
Grand prize:
“Gerilya” by Norman Wilwayco
“Ilustrado” by Miguel Syjuco
MAIKLING KUWENTO
SHORT STORY
First Prize:
“Game Show”
by Maria Lucille G. Roxas
Second Prize:
“Anghel Kalahig”
by Lemuel E. Garcellano
Third Prize:
First Prize:
“Things You Don’t Know”
by Ian Rosales Casocot
Second Prize:
“Good People” by Tara FT Sering
Third Prize:
“Night Sounds” by Nadine L. Sarreal
“Kabagyan” by Rommel B. Rodriguez
SHORT STORY FOR CHILDREN
MAIKLING KUWENTONG PAMBATA
First Prize:
No winner
“The Storyteller and the Giant”
by Celestine Marie G. Trinidad
Second Prize:
Second Prize:
“Si Karding at ang Buwaya”
by April Jade B. Imson
Third Prize:
First Prize:
Third Prize:
“May Tatlong Kurimaw”
by Allan Alberto N. Derain
No winner
“The Mapangarap and
the Dream Trees”
by Kathleen Aton-Osias
SANAYSAY
ESSAY
First Prize:
First Prize:
“Ang Pagbabalik ng Prinsesa
ng Banyera”
by Jing Panganiban-Mendoza
Second Prize:
“Ang Mabuhay Singers at Ako
sa Pag-awit At Pag-ibig”
by Michael M. Coroza
Third Prize:
“Talking to a Fu Dog on
a Wedding Afternoon”
by Jose Claudio B.Guerrero
Second Prize:
“Mirrors” by Katrina Stuart Santiago
Third Prize:
“Sapay Koma”
by Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz
“Agaw-Buhay” by Eugene Y. Evasco
POETRY
TULA
First Prize:
“Ang Iba’t Ibang Ngalan ng Hangin”
by Mikael de Lara Co
Second Prize:
“Sari-Saring Salaghati…”
by Renato L. Santos
Third Prize:
“Rubrica” by Niles Jordan Breis
10
First Prize:
“Morphic Variations”
by Francis C. Macansantos
Second Prize:
“Sl(e)ights” by Ana Maria Katigbak
Third Prize:
“The Gospel According to
the Blind Man”
by Marie La Viña
Four Filipinos
dominate longlist
of the 2008
Man Asian
Literary Prize
Alfred A. Yuson, Miguel
Syjuco, Ian Rosales Casocot, and
Lakambini A. Sitoy have a chance
to bag the USD 10,000 prize that
will be awarded in Hong Kong in
November 2008.
A veteran of 22 books and
member of the prestigious Manila
Critics Circle, Yuson’s nominated
novel “The Music Child” tell
of an American journalist who
encounters a “music child” and
undergoes strange experiences in a
southern island in the Philippines.
Copy editor and founder of the
online publication localjive.com,
Montreal-based Syjuco’s novel
“Ilustrado” trace a murder in New
York that will lead the protagonist
back to the Philippines.
Nine-time Palanca awardee
Sitoy with “Sweet Haven” is
the story of a teenager whose
pornographic footage, uploaded
on the Internet and sold as cheap
VCDs, throws her family into
turmoil.
Casocot, also a Palanca winner,
with “Sugar Land” is set in
Dumaguete City where a festive
celebration turned the lives of
three characters into a night of
sorrow.
Man Asian intends to bring
Asian fiction to the international
stage through the contest. Open
for well established and first-time
authors, the longlist of 21 yet-tobe-published works was chosen
from submissions from all over
Asia.
Last year, renowned writer Jose
Dalisay Jr. made it to the shortlist
of the first Man Asian with the
novel “Soledad’s Sister.”
—Alvin J. Buenaventura
Bibliophiles’ Haven
By Glenn L. Malimban
Whenever I have time, I go to
bookstores to browse books I like.
Usually, I would make rounds of
bookstores that offer bargain prices.
Let’s face it, we love buying things
at lesser prices even if we don’t
necessarily need them. But books are
a different matter. They are important.
The much anticipated book event of
the year, the 29th Manila International
Book Fair, will be held at SMX SM
Mall of Asia. This annual week-long
event will kick off this September 12 is
organized by the Book Development
Association of the Philippines (BDAP)
and Primetrade Asia Inc. An event
everyone should not miss.
The fair is a haven for avid readers,
book lovers, book enthusiasts, and
book addicts in the land. It is the time
where publishers and bookstores
gather to showcase hard-to-find books,
good books, and other must-have
INDUSTRY NEWS
books. It is also an important occasion
and great opportunity for the country’s
writers and authors to have their
masterpieces on display. Above all,
the affair highlights the importance of
books and the love of reading.
Aside from the great books on
sale, there are several book-related
activities lined-up during the 5-day
event. Among the scheduled
activities are storytelling sessions
by the NBDB with their invited
Get Caught Reading endorsers
as storytellers, poetry readings,
book launchings, book awards,
and forums. Different forums on
books, readership, book writing,
and copyright laws are among the
scheduled sessions that everyone,
including teachers and students,
should attend.
The book fair is a great
opportunity for people to hit upon
hard-to-find books, their favorite
author’s works, or the usual
textbooks needed in schools. This
is the only time where everyone
gets the chance to see rare and
collectible books. And the best time
to get them at reasonable prices.
I actually now have a mini-library
of my favorite books at home after
having attended the MIBF for years.
The MIBF provides an avenue for
book readers, including those who
want to be one, who cannot afford
to buy books at regular prices. Books
are not expensive. Compared to
other things people usually spend on
like cell phone loads, books benefit
all and they are economical.
Celebrate books. Celebrate
reading. This is the best chance to
get immersed in books. Go and visit
the fair. I’m sure you will not leave
without a book or two in your hands.
Manila Bulletin supports GCR
MB teams up with the NBDB in Get Caught Reading campaign
In a move to help develop a nation of readers, the
character of Manila--seen from the point of view of people
NBDB teamed up with Manila Bulletin to publish
who lived in it during its glorious past. “Literature about
the agency’s Get Caught Reading (GCR) campaign in
the city contributes to its myth-making,” says Executive
its pages. Beginning August and every
Officer Andrea Pasion-Flores. “It helps us
month for the rest of the year, well-loved
form in our minds, a kind of character about
celebrities will be featured reading their
Manila, for example. So that when we think
favorite Philippine-authored book and
of the city, all kinds of emotions are called
declaring that they read Pinoy!
within us. Perhaps, we will remember that
Former Miss Universe first runner up
Manila is a deeply historical place and not
Miriam Quiambao opens the campaign
just our nation’s capital. We will feel, not just
with a big splash. A certified booklover and
know, that the city stands for so much more
because it’s complex, teeming with people,
reading advocate, Miriam squeezes in her
and full of culture. It’s all these things in our
hectic schedule as TV host reading activities
heads because it was written about by our
like poetry readings, and storytelling to
writers, its glory sung by our performers, its
children in public schools and daycare
beauty captured in paintings by our artists
centers. She visits public libraries to help
contribute to all that is Manila in our minds.”
bring the message that reading is important:
Recently read during the NBDB Book
reading Philippine-authored books will help
Club meeting at Hooked On Books
our people appreciate the richness of our
in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City,
own literature, imbue us with a sense of
Miriam Quiambao declares her love for books
Enriquez-Panlilio shared her experiences
identity, and a love for country.
in the first GCR poster that appeared in the
Manila Bulletin last August 30.
about Manila and the experiences of
Here, she is shown reading The Manila
We Knew, a collection of essays edited by award-winning people who lived at the time when Manila was truly the
Pearl of the Orient. The Manila We Knew is available in
author Erlinda Enriquez-Panlilio. The book contributes
bookstores nationwide—AJB/DSM
to our literary heritage by bringing to life the unusual
11
it fa ns
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e
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N B DB a n
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on a
By Camille Dianne S. Mendoza
Photos by Daniel Tan
It isn’t every day that you get to fill a single train with
a National Artist, venerated poets, and celebrities.
Last August 9, the NBDB, together with the
Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), was
able to make this seemingly impossible
feat happen with the successful launch of
Tulaan sa Tren.
National Artist Virgilio Almario, Gemino
Abad, Jose Lacaba, Marra Lanot, Paolo
Manalo, and Vim Nadera and other
Philippine Literature bigwigs rode a jampacked train with the public from Santolan
to Recto, in a historic and unforgettable
event where the poems recorded by
Edu Manzano. Miriam Quiambao, Nikki
Gil, Rhea Santos, Matt Evans, Christine
Bersola-Babao, Romnick Sarmenta, Lyn
Ching-Pascual, Rhea Santos, and Chinchin Gutierrez were played and heard by
the public for the first time. The poems
are now regularly heard by LRT Line 2
passengers over the public announcement
system in Line 2 stations. The literary
experience is all the more enlivened by
posters of the poems placed inside the
trains that the passengers can look up at
while taking their everyday commute to
school or work.
The Tulaan sa Tren launch began at the
LRTA Santolan Depot, LRTA’s Atty. Elmo
Triste and NBDB chairman Dr. Dennis
Gonzalez welcomed the literary giants and
the celebrity readers – most of whom came
12
with their families – as well as their loyal
followers to the festive event that did not
only bring the poems closer to the public
but also the poets themselves. From the
depot, everyone walked a few meters to
the Santolan Station where the Tulaan sa
Tren train awaited. The 60-minute ride
took passengers from Santolan to Recto
back to Santolan Station, entertaining
everyone aboard with the celebrities’
superb renditions of poems such as Jose
Corazon de Jesus’ “Ang Tren,” Jose Garcia
Villa’s “To A Lady Going to Antipolo,” Rio
Alma’s “Ang Ilog,” and Jose Lacaba’s “Ang
Mga Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran
ni Juan de la Cruz.”
The launch was also well-timed with
Anvil Publishing’s release of Rio Alma’s
latest book Mga Biyahe, Mga Estasyon
(Journeys, Junctions), where the well-loved
poet reflects on his journeys to different
places in the world. Almario, who took the
train ride with childlike glee, congratulated
the NBDB and the LRTA for their wonderful
present to the Filipino people.
With Tulaan sa Tren, the NBDB hopes
to invigorate the ordinary Filipinos’
appreciation for Philippine poetry and
rekindle their interest in reading the best
poets and authors of our country. The
project will run until January 2009.
ario commends the
National Artist Virgilio Alm works of poets such
the
g
NBDB and LRTA for makin
re Filipinos.
mo
to
ible
ess
acc
as himself
Domingo, Atty. Andrea
LRTA’s Planning Chief Ely
and Dr. Dennis Gonzalez
z
Chairman Dennis T. Gonzale
lcomes
LRTA’s Atty. Elmo Triste we
Dennis Gonzalez
inistrator
al and wife Gloria with Dr.
everyone in behalf of Adm
BDAP president Lirio Sandov
Mel Robles.
Pasion-Flores,
, Mga Estasyon
his latest opus Mga Biyahe Tren.
Rio Alma signs copies of
sa
an
was launched with Tula
(Anvil Publishing), which
Danton
Poet and Ateneo professor ,
ahe
Biy
Andrea Pasiona
y.
Mg
Att
a,
from
var
ds
Gue
rea
n
me
oto
Car
Poet Nerisa del
nager and Rem syon.
ma
’s
hin
n-c
Chi
and
ez
Mga Esta
Flores, Chin-chin Gutierr
ta
author/publisher Angie Ure
ABS-CBN’s Julius Babao and
GMA 7’s Rhea Santos and
with Virgilio Almario.
Christine Bersola-Babao
zalez
Pascual with Dr. Dennis Gon
Rhea Santos and Lyn Ching-
B Secretariat
NBD
ierrez with members of the
Gut
Versatile actress Chin-chin
meets Rhea
Poet Paolo Manalo finally
own comical perher
ed
der
ren
Santos, who
“Yours, Etcetera”
m
formance of Paolo’s poe
n.
Tre
sa
an
for Tula
Poet Teo Antonio reads from
n.
Mga Biyahe, Mga Estasyo
a.
different titles by Rio Alm
ugh
thro
wse
bro
Lyn
Rhea and
13
THE M A K I NG
a r es these
h
s
h
tc
a
w
k
o
o
B
d -t he -sc ene
in
h
e
b
e
iv
s
lu
c
ex
la a n sa T r en .
u
T
m
o
fr
s
to
o
ph
m
tfor
z leads the group to the pla
NBDB Chair Dennis Gonzale
ne.
ryo
aits eve
where the Tulaan train aw
mons to
ryone proceeds to the
era (standing) whispers sum rpretative From the LRTA Santolan Depot, eve
UMPIL president Vim Nad
inte
an
ugural train ride.
in
ina
sts,
the
other seated gue
Santolan Station to take
LRT
z.
Danton Remoto and all the
Cru
a
Raul Funilas and Khavn del
performance with LIRA’s
,
Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores
and Dr. Dennis Gonzalez
Virgilio Almario,
Literary giants Gemino
Abad and Virgilio
Almario chat during the
hour-long train ride.
m nick bring
Ha rlene and Ro
Zeke Silestijne
along daughter
l.
to the pictoria
d
TV host /actor an
u
Ed
r
ai
OM B ch
s
Man zano record
e
tim
ay
aw
s
ile
wh
’s
il
Nikki G
em ino Abad
tholog y The G
read ing travel an
ther-son poem “I
fa
du ring the
”.
Man ila We Knew
Teach My Ch ild
photo shoot.
ps from one
A very playful Rio Alma lea
ile Sir Jimmy
wh
r,
the
ano
to
ch
coa
n
trai
Abad laughingly looks on.
lardo designed
. Graphic artist Mikke Gal
Marjorie Evasco’s “Origami”
Jay Alonzo
her
rap
tog
pho
el
, while trav
the Tulaan sa Tren posters
of Manila.
provided the scenic photos
Alonzo and Daniel
Tan
the poster of his classic
Poet Jose F. Lacaba with
las na Pakikipagsagila
ilaKag
a
Mg
g
piece “An
the background.
on
z”
Cru
a
palaran ni Juan del
ill Between Two Cities”
Photos by Jay
y Sarap Magbasa”
Rene O. Villanueva’s “Ka
a stands in
Nerisa del Carmen Guevar
”.
“27
m
front of her poe
tor
LRTA Administra
ty.
At
d
Mel Robles an
es
or
Fl
nsio
Andrea Pa
m of
du
an
or
em
M
e
sign th
. The
15
ly
Ju
Agreement last
ed
rk
wo
DB
LRTA and NB
Tulaan sa
hand in hand for
cies’ gift to
Tren, both agen
le.
the Filipino peop
rds poems of
Matt Evans reco
eights Rio
literature heav yw
caba.
Alma and Pete La
with daughter Antonia
Julius and Christine Babao en to Christine’s
y list
enjoy the train ride as the
r the PA system.
pre-recorded poems ove
taking everyone on a
Tren train finally arrives,
Here’s our train. Tulaan sa
Santolan Station.
to
Santolan to Recto back
60-minute poetic ride from
OF
t and
UM PI L presiden
ach Vim
Tu laan voca l co
hind
be
s
Nadera goof
gin
Ch
n
Ly
GM A 7’s
Santos.
ea
Rh
d
an
l
Pascua
o
Miriam Quiam ba
rs
tte
Le
s
hold
from Pa lawan by
Criselda Yabes.
Bersola
Mom Christinerrez reads Jose
ie
ut
G
n
hi
ading fun
-c
re
in
Ch
Babao makes
Medya. The
, who
ya
An
er
F. Lacaba’s Edad
ht
ug
’ interpretations for da
frames
ow
nd
wi
ta lented actress
to
on
Mar ra Lanot holds
d
an
n
ui
aq
.
Jo
ot
of Nick
in this difficult sh
e one quiver.
poems w ill mak
was a gargantuan
the Tulaan sa Tren project
No small feat. Pulling off
of many individuals
sity
hard work and genero
task realized through the
and different sectors.
Isabelita Orlina Reyes’ “St
14
15
Panitikang
Walang Lipunan
WHY I WRITE? Ang sagot kong
lagi noon: Ito lang ang káya kong gawin
nang mahusay. Ang ibig sabihin, hindi
ko káyang maging matagumpay na
abogado, gaya ng gusto ng Tatay ko.
Napakabobo ko sa matematika kayâ hindi
ako puwedeng negosyante, at lalo na’y
maging accountant o siyentista. Maagang
lumabo ang matá ko at kayâ imposible
akong maging matinik na drayber o
pulis. Bahagi rin ng luma kong sagot ang
paniwala na isang trabaho ang pagiging
manunulat, at tulad ng ibang trabaho ay
isang trabahong puwedeng pagkakitahan
kung mahusay ka. Ngunit paano kung
gusto mong maging manunulat at hindi
ka mahusay na manunulat? Sapagkat
ang totoo, ilan ba namang nangangarap
maging manunulat ang maaaring
magtagumpay at tulad ko’y maging
National Artist? Sapagkat ang totoo
rin, kahit na napakalaki ng talino mo
nang isilang upang maging manunulat,
kailangan mo dito sa Filipinas ang ibang
trabaho para mabúhay at patuloy na
maging manunulat.
Why I write? Ang isasagot ko
ngayon: Dahil mamamatay ako kapag
hindi nakapagsulát. Ang ibig sabihin,
anuman ang gawin ko para mabúhay—
magbili man ako ng puri o kidney,
magtuta man ako o magtoro—higit
kong ituturing na kaligayahan ang
16
pagkakataong humawak ng bolpen o
humarap sa makinilya o computer at
bumuo ng ilang taludtod o ilang talata.
Ang ibig ding sabihin, suwertihin
man ako at humawak ng malaking
kayamanan o kapangyarihan, higit kong
ituturing na malaking kapalaran ang
pagsulat ng tula sa pagitan ng pagsulat
ng order at memo, pagpirma ng letter of
credit at sari-saring kontrata.
Iyon ang ginawa ko magmula
noong sabihin ko sa sarili na gusto
kong maging makata. Araw-araw,
kahit ano ang aking ginagawa at kahit
wala akong naiisip sulatin, tumititig
ako sa kawalan upang sumulat.
Ginagawa ko iyon isang oras arawaraw. Tumitigil ako at bumabalik sa
ating mundo kapag walang pumasok
na dapat sulatin pagkatapos ng isang
oras. Ngunit nagiging dalawa, tatlo, o
kahit magdamag ang isang oras kapag
dinalaw ako ng anumang kapanapanabik. Ang ugaling ito ang sekreto ng
sinasabing pagiging prolipiko ko. Ang
dami-dami kong nasulat! Ang damidami ring basura kong naipon!!!
Napagkatandaan ko na ang ugaling
ito. Patuloy akong naglalaan ng
panahon araw-araw para humawak
ng bolpen o humarap sa computer. At
kayâ, mamamatay ako kapag hindi
nakapagsulát.
Sa UE (University of the East) ko
nabuo ang pasiyang maging makata noong
1963. Tapos na ako noon ng AB Political
Science sa UP at sinayang ang apat na
taon na pasulat-sulat lamang ng love
poems para sa mga babaeng magustuhan
ko at para sa mga babaeng nililigawan ng
ilang kaibigan ko. Ngunit nararamdaman
ko na noong batà pa ako na napakatindi
ng hilig ko sa pagtula. Lagi ako sa mga
lamayan kapag may patay sa aming baryo
dahil nakikinig ako sa mga berso ng
mga naglalaro ng bulaklakan at huwego
de prenda, at minimemorya ko ang
mga bersong ito nang hindi alam kung
bakit. Noong pumutok ang rebelyong
Hukbalahap, isang Kapampangang Huk
ang tinubos ng Tatay ko sa kampo ng
Nenita Unit at naging katulong namin
sa bukid. Anung laking tuwa ko nang
malaman kong isa siyang makata. Nakita
ko siyang maghari sa huwego de prenda
at dupluhan, at inisip kong bantayan siya
sa bukid upang magpaturo sa kaniya ng
pagberso. Siya ang una kong maestro sa
paggawa ng tugma at sukat.
Grade III yata ako nang mamatay
ang isang sikat na makatang-bayan
sa aming nayon. Sa búrol ng makata,
nagkaroon ng isang malaking duplo at
dinayo ng mga batikang duplero mula sa
mga karatig bayan ng Bulacan at Nueva
Ecija. Pinanood ko ang duplo na tumagal
ni Virgilio S. Almario
hanggang madaling-araw kinabukasan. Isa
iyon sa hindi ko malilimutang karanasan.
Hanggang ngayon, nakikita ko pa ang
mga makata, matatandang makata,
nakabarong tagalog o kamisadentro,
kumikintab sa pomada ang kalbuhing ulo,
magigilas ang tindig, at namumulaklak sa
taludtod ang bibig pagtindig. Kay hahaba
ng mga saulado nilang argumentasyong
nasa tugma’t sukat! Pinanood ko ang
duplong iyon nang nakamulagat ang matá
hanggang wakas.
Kinabukasan ng gabi, nalaman ko
kay Inay na hinanap ako ni Tatay nang
matuklasan niláng wala ako sa bahay.
May nagbalitang kapitbahay na nakita
ako sa búrol. Malayò sa amin ang
bahay ng namatay. Ginaygay ni Tatay
ang kalsada kasáma ang dalawa kong
pinsan. Isa sa kanila ang nakasulyap
sa aking nakahiga, tulóg na tulóg, sa
malalim na rampa. Doon ako inabot ng
matinding pagod at antok pagkatapos
ng magdamag na panonood ng duplo.
Noon pa, nakahanda na akong matulog
sa damuhan at hamog para sa tula.
Hindi naintindihan ng Tatay ko
ang aking hilig kayâ pinilit niya akong
mag-abogado. Hindi naiintindihan
hanggang ngayon ng mundo, lalo na
ng lipunang Filipino, ang problema
ng makatang tulad ko. Hindi tulad
noong araw na matalik na salik ng
sinaunang lipunan ang makata. Hawak
ng makata ang memorya ng kaniyang
lipi. Siya ang tampok na tagabigkas
ng kanilang alamat at kasaysayan sa
mga pagdiriwang; siya ang babaylang
kinakausap ng mga bathala; siya ang
mambunong na gumagamot sa pinsala’t
karamdaman. Siya ang diwa’t kaluluwa
ng bayan hanggang dumating ang mga
mananakop na Europeo’t Kristiyano.
Isa rin marahil makata si Bangkaw, ang
babaylang humawak ng kampilan laban
sa mga mananakop. Tinutulan niya ang
bagong relihiyon. Kahit sinasabi ng mga
misyonero na inililigtas nila ang bayan
sa “bagyo’t dilim,” alam ni Bangkaw
na papatayin ng binyag at kaluluwang
Kristiyano ang katutubong kaluluwa.
Tatlong dantaong nawala, naligaw,
at nalubog sa bagong kabihasnan ang
kaluluwang Filipino. Tatlong dantaong
nawalay at nagumon sa búhay ng
mga santo’t prinsipe ang makatang
Filipino. At isang bayang madaling
pagsamantalahan ang isang bayang
walang sariling kaluluwa. Kayâ nitong
gumigitna ang ika-19 siglo ay isang
makata ang naghimutok na:
Sa loob at labas ng bayan kong sawi
Kaliluha’y siyang nangyayaring hari,
Kagalinga’t bait ay nalulugami
Ininis sa hukay ng dusa’t pighati.
17
kasabay ng kaniyang pananaginip sa
kaniyang Celia ng Beata’t Hilom at mga
awit ng sinaunang mga nimpa’t sirena
sa Lawa ng Bai. Ibig niyang ibalik ang
haraya sa sariling bayan. Pipintig din
ang damdaming ito sa isang biyaherong
ilustrado nitong ikalawang hati ng ika-19
siglo. Ihahambing niya ang sarili sa isang
dahong tuyo na tinatangay-tangay ng
hangin at dinadahas-dahas ng ulan:
Hoja seca que vuela indecisa
Y arrebata violento turbión,
Asi vive en la tierra el viajero,
Sin norte, sin alma, sin patria ni amor.
At itataghoy niya ang malubhang
pangyayari na tila siya “Extranjero en tu
propio pais.” Isang dayuhan sa sariling
bayan. Sa ganito inihasik nina Balagtas
at Rizal ang binhi ng himagsik sa loob ng
lipunang kolonyal. Gigisingin nito ang
dibdib ng isa pang makata ng rebolusyon,
si Andres Bonifacio, at bibigyan niya ito
ng pangalang “Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang
Bayan”—ang pag-ibig na pinakadalisay
at pinakadakila, at ang mahiwagang pagibig na makapagbabalik sa katutubong
dangal ng mga sakop na Filipino:
Banal na pag-ibig! Pag ikaw ang nukal
Sa tapat na puso ng sino’t alinman,
Imbi’t taong-gubat, maralita’t
mangmang,
Nagiging dakila at iginagalang.
Bago matapos ang siglong iyon ay
pinasiklab ng “pag-ibig sa tinubuang
bayan” ang Himagsikang Filipino laban
sa mga Espanyol. Sina Rizal, Bonifacio,
Plaridel, Jacinto, Jomapa, Antonio Luna,
Mariano Ponce, Fernando Ma. Guerrero,
Cecilio Apostol, Simeon Ola, Macario
Sakay, Aurelio Tolentino, Tomas
Remigio, Isabelo de los Reyes, isang
henerasyon silang binaliw ng matinding
“pag-ibig sa tinubuang bayan.” Namatay
silang nasa mga labì ang dakilang
halik ng “pag-ibig sa tinubuang bayan.”
Mabilis na sumunod sa kanilang hanay
ang isa pang henerasyong binaliw din
ng taimtim na “pag-ibig sa tinubuang
bayan” sa ilalim ng bagong mananakop
na Amerikano: Lope K. Santos, Benigno
R. Ramos, Julian Cruz Balmaseda,
Iñigo Ed. Regalado, Jesus Balmori, Jose
Corazon de Jesus, Cirio H. Panganiban,
Zoilo Hilario, Leon Pichay, Iluminado
Lucente, Amando Osorio. Hindi sila
ganap na masilaw sa makabagong
18
edukasyon at teknolohiyang hatid ng
Amerikanisasyon, hindi nila matanggap
ang pananaig muli ng mga dayuhang
mananakop, kayâ hanggang noong 1929
ay inihimig ni Batute sa kundiman ang
pangunahing mithi ng sambayanan:
Filipinas kong minumutya,
Pugad ng luha ko’t dalita,
Aking adhika:
Makita kang sakdal laya!
Hindi tumagal ang diwa ng Himagsikang
Filipino sa malakas na kampanya ng
Amerikanisasyon. Bago sumiklab ang
Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig, lubos
nang niyakap ng mga bagong politiko’t
edukado sa Ingles ang kapangyarihan ng
Estados Unidos. Pagkatapos ng maikling
pananakop ng mga Hapones, bumalik ang
mga Amerikanong tila mga tagapagligtas
at pinaglaruan ng kapalaran ng bayang
sinalanta ng digma.
Pangarap ng tula, wika ni Rimbaud,
na baguhin ang búhay. Lalo na marahil
kapag malinaw na hindi katugma ng
pangarap ng tula ang nagaganap na
pagbabago sa búhay ng tao at lipunan.
Mabilis at maraming nangyaring
pagbabago sa lipunang Filipino
nitong ika-20 siglo, higit na mabilis at
marami kaysa alinmang siglo sa ating
kasaysayan, ngunit mga pagbabago
itong lihis sa bisyon ng mga nagdaang
makata ng Himagsikang Filipino.
Lubhang ikinabagabag ito ng mga
makata ng nagdaang siglo at patuloy
na ikinababagabag ng mga makata sa
kasalukuyan. Hinahati ng bagabag
ang kanilang puso tungo sa iba’t ibang
paraan ng himagsik at pagtatakwil
sa umiiral na mga katiwalian. Hindi
lahat sa kanila’y literal na kumakapit sa
patalim o nagsusunog ng sarili. Hindi
lahat sa kanila’y natututong humawak
ng armas, magtanim ng bomba, at
maging terorista. Ngunit kahit ang
pahayag ni Alejandro G. Abadilla bilang
nagsasarili’t nag-iisang katauhan:
ako
ang daigdig
ng tula
ang tula
ng daigdig
ako
ang walang maliw na ako
ang walang kamatayang ako
ang tula ng daigdig
ay hindi manipesto lamang ng pagsamba
sa sarili. Isang paraan din ito ng
pagtatakwil sa mga nagisnan ngunit
hindi niya masikmurang kalagayan ng
karaniwang tao sa lipunang Filipino.
Tulad ng mga makatang Modernista sa
Kanluran, kailangan niyang talikuran
ang kongkreto’t Kapitalistang lungsod.
Ngunit bilang makatang Filipino,
kailangan din niyang ibantayog ang
“malayang damdamin” na naghahanap
ng ibang pagbabago para sa kapuwa
Filipino. Ang nakaraang siglo ay
isang siglo ng pagkabigo, magmula sa
pagkabigo ng pangarap na Kalayaan
ng Himagsikang Filipino hanggang
sa pagkabigo sa sarili nga ngunit
mapagsamantalang pamahalaan,
pagkabigo sa pag-iral ng katarungan,
ultimong sa pagkabigong magkaroon
ng disenteng pamumuhay, malinis na
tubig, sapat na pagkain. Waring lalong
lumulubog sa kumunoy ang ating dangal
samantalang nagsisikap tayong maging
moderno at makasunod sa uso. Kayâ
namamayani din sa pagtula ang mga
tanaga’t epiko ng pagtatakwil. Sarisaring pagtatakwil sa ating lipunan. At
hinding-hindi maiintindihan ng ating
lipunan ang gawaing ito ng makata.
Why I write? Dahil ayaw kong
maging isang produkto lamang mula
sa pambansang pabrika ng edukasyon
o maging tornilyo, palaisip nga,
kapaki-pakinabang ngunit walang
damdaming instrumento sa makina
ng negosyo, o maging artipisyal na
ngiti sa mga siksikang lansangan at
mariwasang bulwagan. Dahil nais kong
maging gunita, tuklasin ang nakapiit o
nakatagong kaluluwa ng bayan, at dulutan
ng bago’t marangal na pangarap ang
tao—yaong uri ng pangarap na walang
simbahan, wala pang korporasyong
nagbebenta, at walang lipunan kungdi
ang pag-asa sa hinaharap. At magsusulat
ako kahit hindi ninyo ako maintindihan.
O magsusulat ako hanggang hindi ninyo
ako naiintindihan.
Si Virgilio S. Almario o mas kilala sa kanyang sagisag na
Rio Alma ay ginawaran ng Orden ng Pambansang Alagad
ng Sining noong 2004. Bukod sa pagiging pangunahing
makata, kritiko, tagasalin, at guro, isa rin siya sa mga
aktibong tagapagtaguyod ng kultura at wikang Filipino.
Ilan sa kanyang mga akda ay Makinasyon, Ang Makata sa
Panahon ng Makina, Una Kong Milenyum , at Sari-sari.
Siya ay kasalukuyang Dekano ng College of Arts and
Letters sa UP. Ang talumpating ito ay bahagi ng panayam
noong nakaraang Pandaigdigang Araw ng Libro at
Karapatang-Ari (World Book and Copyright Day) noong
Abril 23 sa Filipinas Heritage Library.
READ
PINOY!
THE 12th
Philippine
book
development
Month
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
NCR
Textbook R&D
November 7
Filipinas Heritage Library
A forum that will focus on different aspects that
contribute to the improvement of the quality of
our elementary and high school textbooks.
Long Reading of Noli Me Tangere November 8-9
In an evening of fun and good food, Dr. Jose
Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere will be read in parts by
celebrities, and well-known artists and authors.
Lost in Translation November 10
The lecture targets publishers who want to
venture into translating new and existing works
to suit the regional markets. It aims to discuss
issues on the demand for translated works, the
specific language/s to use, and the presence of a
bilingual/trilingual market in areas outside of NCR.
Book Fair
at the TriNoma Mall
November 10-14
Storytelling Contest for
Teachers at the TriNoma Mall
November 11
Book Marathon at the
TriNoma Mall
November 11
Writers’ Rights November 12 In this forum, the writer’s concerns on copyright,
fees, royalties and other forms of compensation
received from publishers will be discussed. The
forum will also include a lecture by a foreign
publisher on how Philippine authors can get
published abroad.
Market-based selling November 14
The seminar will address the concerns of
publishers and booksellers in terms of selling to the
right market, how to sell creatively, and balancing
marketability and profitability in the industry.
How to Read Poems, Essays,
Novels, Etc.
November 18-27
The lecture, which targets teachers from both
the elementary and high school levels, will
feature some of the biggest names in Philippine
Literature who will provide techniques on how
to teach different genres like novels, essays,
poems, and short story both in Filipino and
English.
Food and Writing November 22
Venture into the art of food and writing with
the best Bulacan and Pampanga have to offer!
Relish the good food and literature that abounds
in the province.
CEBU ACTIVITIES
Ayala Center Cebu Book Fair November 28-30 Storytelling Contest
November 29
The Art of Folk
November 29
A drama competition for public school students
that will showcase our regional fold literature
Publishing 101 November 21-28
This seminar brings together all the relevant
topics and issues related to publishing in one
day, such as author’s rights, copyright, with extra
focus on translations and marketing books in
other regions.
For details on how to participate in the 12th PBDM activities, call the NBDB at 920-9853.
19
Matt Evans, former Pinoy Big Brother Teen Housemate turned fantaserye
hero and now one of primetime TV’s hottest
matinee
idols,
proves that, yes, cute boys dig books too. By Camille Dianne S. Mendoza
Imagine we’re inside
Matt Evans’ psyche
– one of those dream sequences where one’s biggest desires
are revealed. We see Matt standing briskly, leading an army
of men, and directing a battered ship as it sails against the
furious seas. There are one-eyed giants and nymphs that lure
one into eating lotus plants and forget all memory of home.
No, this isn’t Matt dreaming of reprising his role as Pedro
Penduko in the hit TV series.
From On-screen protagonist to Literary hero
Although he has crossed over from combating kapres and
engkantos as the legendary hero Pedro Penduko in the hit
fantasy series into a burgeoning dramatic actor in the ensemble
drama Iisa Pa Lamang, Matt admits that his greatest dream
role is still that of a mythological hero. “I hope to play the role
of Odysseus someday,” confesses Matt, who became enamored
of the Greek hero after a DVD marathon of mythology movies
with friends.
From Brad Pitt’s guile performance as Achilles in Troy to
the many other action-packed adventures of other Trojan and
Greek heroes, he was so awed of their on-screen quests that it
eventually inspired him to read more about their battles and
voyages in books. The stories filled Matt and his friends with
much enthusiasm for mythology that they trooped to another
friend’s encyclopedia collection at home to know more about
the gods of Olympus and their favored heroes. Matt admits,
though, that the perilous long journey of Odysseus back
home is what fascinated him the most.
The Other Heroes in Pedro’s World
The nineteen-year-old heartthrob proves that boys these days
are not all about online games, sharing how books and reading
can still be a subject of interest among über-active boys his age.
Like most young men, his attention is most easily piqued by
action adventures and characters of extraordinary vigor – much
like the stories and heroes that make up the cyber games kids
are addicted to nowadays.
Almost at the same time he discovered TV, Matt began
reading comic books and got introduced to his first superhero
Captain America then cheered as Harry Potter rode his first
broom stick and win his first Quidditch match in Hogwarts
as a young adult, and these days chuckles at the comic brew of
personalities in Roni Santiago’s Kuyug series.
Reading was never just a school requirement for Matt,
whose Mom had already introduced books as tools that would
take him to the worlds of his favorite superheroes. Because
unlike television, he could go back to their adventures again
and again anytime and anywhere he wanted.
Chilling Stories To-Go
Before he became a recognized face in television, Matt and
his friends would regularly hang out inside UP Diliman
and wander around the campus, sharing hair-tingling ghost
20
anecdotes. His curiosity of the paranormal and the unknown
led him to the pages of horror books like True Philippine
Ghost Stories. It seems that when not in character as a
monster-slaying mythical hero, the boy, whose thirst for
adventures whether going ghost-hunting or fighting creatures
from different realms is insatiable, satisfies his craving for
action by turning to the pages of his books.
The All-in-One Book
Matt believes though that all the adventures, drama, and
action that we find in many different books can be found in
just one book. “All kinds of stories can be found in the Bible.
There’s drama, action, and fantasy!” A devout Baptist, Matt
was raised to get into the habit of reading the Bible everyday.
He reads at least three chapters of the Bible each night
before going to bed. Matt says he is most intrigued by the
last chapter of the Bible – the Revelations. “Sometimes, it is
chilling to observe that many of the things prophesized there
are already happening now.”
Boys Read Too
Although he has observed that many of his female friends read
more than his male friends, perhaps because boys are more
into outdoor and physical activities, Matt believes that boys are
not that difficult to encourage to read at all if given the right
kind of books that will most likely attract their attention. He
also shares how boys can influence others in their group to be
readers too. “Sometimes when we’re together, my friends and
I talk about books that we’ve read, which eventually influence
the rest of us to check out the books we’re talking about.”
Matt said that just like how most young boys bring up the
latest on-line games during conversations with friends, they
could also bring out the readers in their barkada by talking about
the books they have read as well. Back in high school, a loner
classmate who would always sit in one corner of the classroom
reading non-school books intrigued him so much that he and his
other classmates eventually found themselves asking the other
boy about the books he was reading. Eventually, many in the
class were also encouraged to read books for fun.
Far from the oversized Afro-do we first saw him in when
he entered the Big Brother House, Matt is now almost
unrecognizable from the lovable and comic Pedro Penduko
who fought side by side elves and tikbalangs in a shorter and
cleaner cut. Matt is testing his versatility as an actor now
playing a regular guy in a primetime drama. He wears normal
clothes, deals with the dramas of ordinary mortals, and faces
the day-to-day drama of everyday life.
While his present small-screen role confines him to a world
so conventional and heaving with melodrama – his dream of
playing Odysseus having to wait till he gets more buffed and a
bit older – Matt is assured that his exciting escapades need not
take a hiatus at all…at least not in the pages of his favorite books
where he can always turn to in between takes and continue his
journeys with ghouls, witches, giants, and classic fabled heroes.
Photo by DANIEL TAN
Let’s play a game.
Matt reads
True Philippine Ghost Stories
(Psicom Publishing).
Matt
About Books
21
Philippine Journals
Academic Journals
OnLine within greater reach
SIX most downloaded articles from PhilJOL:
1 Florina Y Orillos-Juan (2006)
Gitnang Luzon sa Harap ng
Pananalasa ng Pesteng Balang
(1991-1995): Salimbayan ng
Kasaysayang Panlipunan at
Kasaysayang Lokal.
Malay www.philjol.info/index.php/MALAY/article/view/79
2
Roberto C Mata (2006)
Ang mga Ilog sa Loob ng
Sinaunang Bayan ng Meycauayan:
Ugnayan ng Heograpiya at Tradisyon.
Malay www.philjol.info/index.php/MALAY/article/view/81
3
Fernando A Santiago Jr (2006)
Isang Maikling Kasaysayan ng
Pandacan, Maynila 1589-1898.
Philippine Journals OnLine (PhilJOL: http://www.philjol.info/) is
a service that provides access to Philippine published research
helps and increase worldwide knowledge of indigenous
scholarship. PhilJOL is a database of journals published in
Philippines, covering the full range of academic disciplines.
The objective of PhilJOL is to give greater visibility to the
participating journals, and to the research they convey.
Journals are selected for inclusion on PhilJOL using the
following criteria:
1 They are scholarly in content, and contain original
research (in addition to other content)
2 Their content is peer reviewed and quality controlled
3 They are able to provide all content for inclusion on PhilJOL
(tables of contents, abstracts and PDFs of full text) in
electronic format
4 They are published within Philippines. Management of
publishing strategy, business development and production
operation are all run from Philippines.
PhilJOL provides information on each participating journal,
including aims and scope, contact details and general information.
It also provides Tables of contents and abstracts (where available)
for all articles published within these journals. Many full text articles
are also available. All the material on PhilJOL is free to view, search
and browse, however copyright of all content is retained by the
journals or authors – each journals will need to give permission for
any use or re-use of the content that falls outside Fair Use. PhilJOL
is not a publisher: PhilJOL provides a service to the journals by
hosting their content online, and actively promoting the website to
encourage discovery of these titles and their articles. Individual
journals are also using the website to publish their journals and they
welcome submissions from registered users.
22
Services for researchers
The journals are listed alphabetically,
to help researchers find journals
of relevance, and allow browsing
of the journals. The website has a
sophisticated searching tool, to help
researchers locate articles of interest
and relevance to their area of study.
Email alerts also provide a reminder
service, to alert researchers to newlypublished issues from their selected
titles. Each journal has its own home
page, where researchers can find
information about the aims and scope
of the journal, and information on
how to submit articles to each journal.
If the journal is available in print,
information about how to obtain
copies is also given. Many journals
publish in full text online. Others
publish their full text at another
website - links are provided from each
article abstract page. Researchers
should also take note of the Research
Support Tool which accompanies
the abstracts of each article. The
links from the red box to the right of
each Abstract screen are designed
to support the reading and use of
the abstracts. Tools offered include
information about the authors, quick
and easy links to allow identification
of further articles from other websites,
definition of difficult terms using
online dictionaries (simply click twice
on any word in the abstract), and
the automatic generation of citations
to the article using “Capture Cite.”
We encourage you to make use of
these tools to enhance your research.
Please remember to contact the
journals directly if you have any
questions for them - PhilJOL is not the
publisher of these journals.
History of PhilJOL
Philippines Journals OnLine
(PhilJOL) was initiated in May
2008. It is a project supported by
the International Network for the
Availability of Scientific Publication
(INASP). It aims to promote the
awareness and use of Philippinespublished journals in all disciplines
by providing access to tables of
contents (TOCs), abstracts and full
text on the Internet.
PhilJOL uses the Open Journals
System created by the Public
Knowledge Project based in Canada.
This software is open source and
allows the journal content listed on
PhilJOL to be indexed through Open
Archives Initiative search engines
dedicated to research, which harvest
the metadata for each journal article,
making this work readily available
to a global audience, and giving the
journals greater visibility among the
worldwide research community.
4 Edgar C Samar (2007)
Paghawak sa Panahon: Ang
Salaysay Bilang Talinghaga sa Tula.
Loyola Schools Review
www.philjol.info/index.php/LSR/article/view/192
5 The Editor (2006)
Sipi ng mga Koleksyon ng
Proyekto sa Kasaysayang Lokal at
Oral ng DLSU Marcelino A. Foronda,
Jr. Center for Local and Oral History.
Malay www.philjol.info/index.php/MALAY/article/view/82
6 Genevieve L Asenjo (2006)
Kung Ang Makata Ay Ang Tula Ay
Ang Blurbs At Introduksyon, Nasaan
Ang Mambabasa?
Malay www.philjol.info/index.php/MALAY/article/view/80
Ideya www.philjol.info/index.php/IDEYA/article/view/74
Future plans for PhilJOL
Information (PERI) provides support
to researchers around the world
through access to information and
training and support for the use of
information.
The primary goal of PhilJOL is to
facilitate worldwide access to the
full text of Philippinesese Journals either by hosting the full text online
or redirecting users seamlessly to
existing websites. We envisage
PhilJOL providing a range of online
full text access models for journals,
from complete open access to only
subscribed access, with hybrid
models of restricted access. On the
current PhilJOL system open access
to full text is already possible. It is
also hoped that the journals on the
service will soon begin to allow
online submission of articles and that
they will conduct the whole editorial
process in this online environment.
Related Projects
INASP has established similar
OnLine journal projects in other
regions, particularly Bangladesh
Journals Online (BanglaJOL), Nepal
Journals Online (NepJOL) and
Vietnam Journals Online (VJOL).
INASP also developed and managed
African Journals Online (AJOL)
until 2004 when the management
was transferred to NISC in South
Africa. INASP is also assisting some
African journals to publish their
full text online and the Programme
for the Enhancement of Research
How journals
can join PhilJOL
If your journal is not included
on PhilJOL and you would like to
participate, see the criteria for
inclusion (in the section “What
is PhilJOL” above), and contact
PhilJOL directly – [email protected]
If you would like to recommend new
journals for inclusion in PhilJOL,
please let us know – we are always
looking for more titles.
Links to PhilJOL
Rizal Library
http://rizal.lib.admu.edu.ph/News.asp?nID=7
Ateneo de Manila University
http://www.admu.edu.ph/index.php?
p=120&type=2&sec=29&aid=5345
Philippine Sociological Society
http://dsa-ateneo.net/pss/?s=pss
WorldWideScience
http://worldwidescience.org/wws/
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Conspiracy_of_the_Maharlikas
Raffy Saldana’s Blog
http:// raffysaldana.blogspot.com/2008/05/
philippine-journalsonline.html
23
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Stories about strange creatures
delight young readers
(Available in major book stores.
Book Paper P450, Paperback P260)
Adding to the growing list of exciting Filipino young adult books is Anvil
Publishing’s Leaf and Shadow: Stories about Some Friendly Creatures by
Cyan Abad-Jugo.
The book is a treasure chest of tales inhabited by strange but funny,
lovable creatures: a homesick anito stuck behind an old aparador; a
musical rocking horse carved out of a very special block of wood; a
poor kapre blamed by Old Manang for all the misdeeds in Lola’s house;
and a shadow man who hosts parties in his shadow world. The stories
are filled with children who befriend these creatures and discover a little
bit more about themselves and the world they live in. The stories deliver
positive messages for young and impressionable readers: the generosity
of friendship, the endurance of nature, the unfairness of blame, the
adventure in make-believe, and the fascinating silliness and cleverness
of people, while entertaining them with their delightful plots.
Cyan Abad-Jugo is currently pursuing a PhD in English Studies at the
University of the Philippines. Her first book, Father and Daughter, is an
anthology of poetry and prose, written withv her father, eminent poet
and academic Gemino H. Abad. Her second book is a collection of
short fiction for young adults, entitled Sweet Summer and Other Stories,
which was read by the NBDB Book Club. The first story in Leaf and
Shadow, “Behind the Old Aparador,” won second place in the 2003
Carlos Palanca Awards, Short Story for Children category.
A Woman of Substance and Selfless Service
A Political Journey (Anvil
Publishing), chronicles the life of
former Senator Eva Estrada Kalaw.
Written by the former senator
herself, with preparatory texts by
Menchu Sarmiento and Peter Cruz,
the book is a wonderful account
of the senator’s life commingled
with important events in Philippine
history. With a clear and detailed
narrative, she recounts her early
days as a student in an exclusive
Filipino school for girls, her
experiences during the Japanese
invasion of the Philippines and
her introduction into politics. The
pages are filled with stories of
how deeply one woman loved
her country, as she helped make
laws that will liberate the Filipino
people from poverty and colonial
mentality.
24
In her recollections, the senator
very passionately writes about her
opposition to the sending of Filipino
soldiers to Vietnam, her living
nightmare that was the Plaza Miranda
bombing, her difficult and sometimes
lonely fight against martial law when
she was incarcerated twice for her
beliefs. These and many more fill the
book – and make it a very engaging
read especially for young students
who desperately need role models in public service.
In the Preface, Senator Kalaw shares
this most important belief: “There
are positions in politics and in life
that people of principle must never
compromise, no matter how difficult
or dangerous these may be... And
in this life, I meant every word and
deed, and I have not regretted any of
it. Being consistently in the opposition
Book pays homage to
Baguio culinary landmark
Lia Llamado, Feliz Perez and Adelaida
Lim’s Café by the Ruins: Memories
and Recipes (Anvil Publishing) is a
veritable feast of stories and recipes
that contain one common ingredient
– Baguio culinary centerpiece Café
by the Ruins. Café by the Ruins
is a cultural landmark which has
entertained and delighted many
Baguio city visitors for decades.
The recipes collected by Lim
are introduced by essays beautifully
describing the recipe’s origin and
brief history. Featured recipes include Tita Susie’s Crispy
Tapa, their bestseller; fish roe paté, a Café signature dish;
lassi, a refreshing yogurt drink popular in India; a variety
of freshly baked and preservative-free breads; and garden
salads and dressings. A special section on slow food,
food grown and prepared by local artisans and small
farmers reflects that author’s fondness for natural and
organic cuisine.
Lia Llamado fondly pays homage to this enduring
and beloved landmark with this conclusion, “The Cafe
family always seemed to stretch and grow—from artists
to politicians, their kids and their kids’ kids. The rich
friendships and sense of family love is what makes the
Café what it is: an asylum, a sanctuary, a home—to
everyone, as much as it is to us.”
(Available in major book stores for P650)
Mga Biyahe, Mga Estasyon
has never been an issue for me. For
as long as all Filipinos benefit from it,
and the greatest good of the country
demands it, I will say it and do it; let
history be my witness. If I were to
live my life again, I will live it exactly
as I did...I will still do it my way.”
(Available in major book stores for P850)
National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, or Rio
Alma to his legions of readers, adds another title to
his series of poetry books for young people published
by Anvil Publishing, Inc. Mga Biyahe, Mga Estasyon
(Journeys, Junctions) is a collection of
poems of wandering, displacement and
alienation which project the characteristic
tension between home and destination.
The persona is always Filipino, and the
voice is that of the advocate of the Filipino
language and the student of Philippine
history and society examining and reliving
the Filipino experience.
The poems are translated by Marne L.
Kilates, who shares that his experience
of “re-writing all this wandering (physically,
geographically, cosmically, and within ourselves),
in our second language, was a most instructive and
The diverse personalities in
renowned artist Roni Santiago’s
Kuyug are now in two comic
books, Kuyug 1 & 2, published by
the Manila Bulletin. Experience
the rural life in Barangay Kuyug,
and come across the hilarious
characters and their sharp and
humorous views on different issues.
Available in all National Book Store
branches for P100.
exhilarating one.” He hopes that the journey will be
felt by the readers as well.
This unique series of poetry was developed by
Anvil to provide young readers with age- appropriate
literature written by the masters. The other
titles in this unique series for students are Ang
Hayop na Ito, Estremelenggoles, Sari-sari and
Sentimental. A critic, literary historian, editor,
university professor and mentor of young poets
in countless workshops, Rio Alma has written
more than 25 books of poetry and criticism.
He is presently the Dean of the Colleges of
Arts and Literature at the University of the
Philippines . Marne L. Kilates has published
three books of his own poetry and prose.
He won the SEA WRITE Award in 1998 and has won
several Palanca prizes and National Book Awards for his
poetry and translation. – Alvin J. Buenaventura
25
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Improve your
English
From Coelho to
Kathmandu
Award-winning author Jose A. Carillo releases
two new grammar books.
BOOK EXPLORES TRAVELING WITH A PILGRIM’S SOUL
Tahanan Launches
New Anthology of
Palanca Prize Winners
Stories For Children
English Plain and
Simple: No-Nonsense
Ways to Learn
Today’s Global
Language (Second
Updated Edition)
Softcover, 498 pages, 160 mm x 245
mm format, P490.00; hardbound
edition available by order
This bestselling book, which won the
National Book Award in linguistics
from the Manila Critics’ Circle in
2005, is unique in that it may be
read simply for pleasure or as part
of a rigorous self-review. It seeks
to help nonnative English speakers
improve their written English without
having to go back to the classroom.
Each of its chapters is a delightful,
entertaining essay built around an
important lesson or insight into
the language. Readers will have a
truly enjoyable learning experience
reading this book, for they can go
straight to any chapter that strikes
their fancy and need not worry about
missing any prerequisite instruction.
26
The 10 Most Annoying
English Grammar Errors
Softcover, 122 pages, pocketbook
format, P120.00
This new book is a delightful, insightful
guide to how English really works. It
consists of the author’s incisive, noholds-barred critiques of the most
annoying grammar and usage errors
that crop up in today’s newspapers
and magazines as well as in the
broadcast media and on the web. As
the author suggests, no self-respecting
writer, editor, or publisher ought to
publish until he or she has studied
and taken to heart the English-usage
prescriptions and caveats of this book. Both books may be browsed at
www.manilatimes.net/josecarillobooks
and are now available from selected
outlets of the following bookstores in
the Philippines : National Book Store,
Powerbooks, Bestsellers, Goodwill
Bookstore, Fully Booked, and
Expressions. Group or bulk orders
may be placed with the publishers by
e-mail to [email protected].
Anvil Publishing, Inc. and Fuji Xerox
cordially invite you to the launching of
Tahanan Books finally releases
ten stories from the best and
brightest talents in Philippine
literature in The Night Monkeys,
a charming anthology featuring
entries handpicked from
Palanca archives from 1998
through 2005. The book is the
long-awaited sequel to The
Golden Loom, the critically
acclaimed first collection of
Palanca prize winners published
in 1997.
The new anthology celebrates
the exciting diversity of writing
and illustrative styles that have
vitalized the face of Filipino
children’s literature in the last
decade. The genres of fantasy,
social realism, and historical
fiction illuminate this eclectic
mix of tales ranging from a
haunted old aparador to a
magical chicken to an unusual
World War II friendship
between a Filipino child and a
Japanese soldier.
Lauded by children’s book
critic Carla M. Pacis as a
collection that “raises the
bar for Philippine children’s
literature,” The Night Monkeys
is a book sure to delight boys
and girls as well as parents and
teachers.
The Night Monkeys is available in all
major bookstores for P295. For more
information, call Tahanan Books at 8137165 or email [email protected].
From a 25-hour train ride
through the remote regions
of Siberia to sitting with
the Dalai Lama for ten
days in India, journalist
Angela Blardony Ureta has
embarked on extraordinary
travels to quaint and colorful
destinations. This intrepid
traveler shares her spirit for
adventure that satisfy both
the senses and the soul in
her first book, “A Pilgrim’s
Diary: Passages and Inner
Landscapes”, awarded by
the Manila Critics Circle for Best Design and nominated for
Best Travel Book at the 2006 National Book Awards.
Published by Treehouse Creative Village, “A Pilgrim’s
Diary: Passages and Inner Landscapes” is a collection of
30 travel essays that are consistently rich in detail and full
of intimate musings. Readers will be amazed by Ureta’s
journeys as she discovers Buddhism in Nepal, explores
haunted castles and tunnels in Scotland, pays homage to the
historic monuments that are the Taj Mahal and Stonehenge,
takes a muddy trek around Cornwall and a boat ride in the
alligator-infested swamps of New Orleans, participates in
the sacred rituals of the Kankana-eys in Sagada and records
the vanishing folk songs of Ivatans in Batanes, discovers the
beauty of the deep at the Great Barrier Reef, walks through
the dreamer’s paradise that is Montmartre, and investigates
the Baker Street residence of the “real” Sherlock Holmes,
among other unusual travel escapades.
Also included is a rare interview with Brazilian novelist
and icon Paulo Coelho (whom the author met in London
in 1997), as well as her encounters with French marine
archaeologist Franck Goddio who discovered the San Diego
galleon wreckage, and American photographer A. Victor
Goodpasture who recounted his expedition to Antarctica.
A journalist for print and television, Angela Blardony
Ureta spent 12 years as an executive producer and writer for
the ABS-CBN Current Affairs Department, and was also a
former lifestyle editor for The Manila Times and continues to
contribute feature articles to newspapers and magazines.
Copies of “A Pilgrim’s Diary: Passages and Inner
Landscapes” are now available in all branches of A Different
Bookstore, Popular Bookstore, Filipinas Heritage Library,
and at selected branches of National Book Store and
Powerbooks. Send e-mail to [email protected]
for inquiries.
Poetry on Demand Series Launch at the
29th Manila International Book Fair
3–4:30 p.m., September 13, 2008, Saturday
Room 3, Level 2
SMX Convention Center
SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Marra PL. Lanot’s
Riding the Full Moon
Grab the award-winning poet’s
new collection of poems
Booklovers will be delighted by new poems
in Marra PL. Lanot’s “Riding the Full Moon.”
The book, which is part of the Poetry on
Demand Series, is published by Anvil
Publishing and Fuji Xerox.
“Riding the Full Moon” is the latest
collection of poems by Lanot. The book is
composed of pieces originally written in
English, in Filipino, and in Spanish. The cover
and inside illustrations are by Danny Dalena,
and the book design is by Ani V. Habulan.
Lanot is a prize-winning poet, essayist, and
freelance journalist with several books to her
name, including “Deja vu & other essays,”
“The Trouble with Nick & other Profiles,”
and “Witch’s Dance at iba pang tula sa Ingles
at Espanyol.” She has been translated in
many foreign languages, and has written for
television and cinema. At present, she teaches
at the University of the Philippines, Diliman,
and acts as literary editor of Philippine
Graphic magazine.
The two other poetry books released at the
same time as Lanot’s “Riding the Full Moon”
are Mookie Katigbak’s “The Proxy Eros” and
Lia Lopez-Chua’s “The Fate of all Progeny.”
FOR INQUIRIES AND ORDERS EMAIL
[email protected]
or CALL ANVIL PUBLISHING AT TEL. NOS. 02-747-1622, 02-637-5692)
27
HOT OFF THE PRESS
BOOK REVIEW
HOB’s wide selection ranges
from law and economics
books to home and lifestyle
titles handpicked by owners
Laurence and Patty Arroyo.
A Book Haven in Katipunan. Hooked on
Books is located at 138 Katipunan Avenue,
St. Ignatius Village, Quezon City. HOB is
open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Ayala: The Philippines’
Oldest Business House
Review by Alvin J. Buenaventura
The first public library in the Philippines was opened
by Jacobo Zobel Zangroniz (1842-1896), great great
grandfather of Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.
Zobel Zangroniz, barely 30, accepted the position
of mayor of Manila on condition that “the government
should help me in my struggle against the improper use of
certain funds.” He wrote about his liberal sympathies in
the newspapers of the day which earned him the distrust
of some colonial authorities. Aside from establishing the
library, he administered the city well and pushed for the
translation into Tagalog of instructional pamphlets on
agriculture and other industries. He beautified the streets
and waterfront of Manila with fire trees. He is credited for
introducing the dazzling fire trees into the country.
Eduardo Lachica’s 240-page book encapsulates 150 years
of the family in the Philippines. “Into the Ayala family as it
is today flows three main bloodlines—Spanish, German,
and Filipino. They represent three ancestral sources-Ayala, Zobel, and Roxas, the patriarchs of which share one
distinction: they were primarily business pioneers.”
Aside from business, the Ayala family’s active
participation in charity work and support to civic
activities and the arts can also be traced to ancestors
who initiated a pet educational project. Domingo Roxas
(1782-1843) wanted a nautical school while Mariano
Roxas (1820-1864) wanted an art museum. “Zobel
Zangoniz’ dream was a school of arts and trades. He
worked very hard to realize it, but on the very day that
the school opened, the Spanish authorities closed it.”
The Ayala family continues to keep aflame Philippine
business, arts, and education like a thousand fire trees
glowing around the country. Proof of this continuing
family tradition is the National Book Development
Board’s partnership with the Ayala Foundation through
the Filipinas Heritage Library.
The stories of each family member combine in
Lachica’s opus like books in a family library. Despite
one revolution and two world wars, they stayed
because “the members of the Ayala family were held by
a bond of loyalty to family and to country.”
(AVAILABLE AT THE FILIPINAS HERITAGE LIBRARY)
28
De La Salle, CEO: The Corporate
Leadership Principles of St. John
Baptist de la Salle
Hooked On Books
NBDB Book Club’s New Home
Review by Alvin J. Buenaventura
While Enron lay in ruins, the Institute of the
Christian Brothers continues its worldwide
expansion.
St. John Baptist de La Salle founded the
institute in 17th century France. In current
jargon, he led it as chief executive officer.
Iloilo-based author Napoleon G. Almonte
writes “De La Salle practiced the best
management and leadership philosophies even
before a Deming or a Drucker wrote about it.”
One should only look at his institute still
vibrant at 328 years old; and the schools being
managed by the brothers around the world to
agree that, indeed, De La Salle is a CEO par
excellence.
The book explains the saint’s ten leadership
principles using parallelisms from the writings
of management gurus and corporate examples.
“Almonte must be credited for his effort to
distill St. De La Salle’s leadership principles
in a condensed book that is easy to read
and inspiring,” writes Raul T. Concepcion,
chairman of Concepcion Industries.
The late Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC, former
Education secretary, wrote that the book
“presents an interesting and innovative
dimension of the Founder…a creative way of
describing one aspect of the personality of the
saint and an explanation from a human view
point the success of his foundation.”
Green or blue, maroon or yellow, reading
this slim volume will surely add more colors to
your leadership life. For inquiries and orders,
email [email protected].
When one thinks of Katipunan
Avenue, the word “traffic”
immediately comes to mind.
Fortunately, nowadays, Katipunan
Avenue has something more
pleasant to offer: a cozy and intimate
bookstore. The next time you drive
along that busy street, look to your
right when coming from Ortigas
before hitting Boni Serrano, or to
your left when driving from Ateneo
before reaching the St. Ignatius
Village gate. In between Monterey
and Save More Drug, you will find
HOOKED ON BOOKS (HOB):
a haven for lovers of fine books
and for those who simply want to
momentarily escape from the traffic
and the rush of day, relax with a
book in hand, take in the beauty of
art while listening to cool music.
Personal Favorites
HOB’s titles are personally
handpicked by the owners, husband
and wife team, Laurence and Patty
Arroyo. HOB’s book selection,
which includes law, economics,
business, history, biography,
literature, fiction, religion, science,
home and lifestyle, reflect the
owners’ backgrounds, tastes, and
interests. Laurence and Patty are
both lawyers with undergraduate
degrees in business management and
economics.
Kiddie Reads
HOB is also known for its unique
selection of children’s books. Laurence
and Patty are the proud parents of four
rambunctious little boys. They find
that the best way to keep their children
from getting bored and restless is to
engage them in reading books and
stories that captivate the imagination.
Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue
Sea by Jan Peck is one of the boys’
all-time favorites, which is also muchloved by children who visit HOB.
HOB offers classic children’s books
such C.S. Lewis titles, award-winning
books like as Crocket Johnson’s
Harold & the Purple Crayon and John
Scieszca’s Trucktown Smash! Crash!,
and inspiring non-fiction for kids like
Salt In His Shoes, a story of how a
little boy persevered in learning and
playing basketball, until he became
the basketball legend that he is –
Michael Jordan.
What is also distinctly HOB is its
selection of parenting books on special
topics, like autism, anger management,
and parenting for Asian parents.
Home for Books and Art
Like no other bookstore, HOB is also an
art gallery. Almost the entire wall space
of HOB is bedecked with beautiful
pieces of artwork both by budding
artists and their mentors. The artworks
are for sale at reasonable prices too!
The Children’s Section is chock-full of well-loved classics
like C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia and awardwinners like Crocket Johnson’s Harold & the Purple Crayon
and John Scieszca’s Trucktown Smash! Crash!
Currently on exhibit is “3+1”
which displays the works of three
faculty members of the University
of the East College of Fine Arts, Lito
De Guzman, Alex De Jesus and
Leonardo Uy, and a recent graduate,
Mark Cruz. The exhibit runs until
September 30, 2008.
Workshops, Tutorials, and More
The review and tutorials, workshops,
and events at HOB cater to both the
young and the young at heart. For
the young men and women anxious
to get into the top universities, HOB
offers review classes for ACET,
UPCAT, DLSUCET, USTET and other
college entrance exams. Review
sessions are conducted by highlyqualified instructors with degrees
from the top universities. Students get
value for their money with one-onone or group classes conducted in
an environment that is conducive to
learning. Regular academic tutorials
for all levels and all subjects as well
as review sessions for the civil service
exam are also offered.
For the little ones, there are
free storytelling sessions every 4th
Saturday of the month, at 4:00 p.m.,
conducted by Adarna House, the
first and largest publisher of Filipino
children’s books.
HOB is open from 11:00 a.m. to
9:00 p.m. everyday. For details, visit
hookedonbooks.ning.com, call 911-2149
or e-mail [email protected].
29
Bookworms Gone
NBDB Book Club
travels back
in time
NBDB Book Club members took a trip down
memory lane with The Manila We Knew editor
Erlinda Enriquez-Panlilio (seated).
By Maria Pia Benosa
Urban zones have sprouted like
mushrooms across the country.
While the Taft-North Avenue line
showcases a city almost devoid
of all tropicality, down south a
suburban, almost American lifestyle
is available to prospective dwellers
in Alabang. Gimmick places for the
young are now the newly opened/
constructed areas in Fort Bonifacio
and Libis, followed by pioneering
establishments in the Makati and
Tomas Morato areas. From far
away, either overseas or out into the
remotest Philippine provinces, these
are all just images of the lavish and
quixotic place that is Manila. But
where does Manila really stand amid
all these changes and the seemingly
unstoppable immersion of the
country into a vast, global village?
These were the things that the
NBDB Book Club pondered on
during their monthly meeting last
July 25, at the Hooked on Books
bookstore along Katipunan Avenue
in Quezon City. The spotlight was
on a collection of essays by twelve
women writers reminiscent of Manila
in the days when it was strewn with
cadena de amor and when music
and the theatre were bare necessities
in its inhabitants’ lives. Edited by
Erlinda Enriquez-Panlilio, The Manila
We Knew is not only a sketch of old
Metropolitan Manila or the grandeur
of the age its writers lived in: it also
30
traverses its boundaries and takes
us far back into the pages that our
history books fail to tell us. In it are
heartbreaking stories of pain and
love struggled with in the war and
snapshots of a milieu that has given
rise to what the country is today,
and what it will continue to be in the
future.
Panlilio, who shared her tales
and anecdotes on publishing the
collection at the book club meeting,
has been with the other women
writers through three collections of
essays, another one of which she
co-edited. The first book, Shaking
the Family Tree, was published in
1998, and the second one, Why I
Travel and Other Essays by Fourteen
Women, in 2000. Together they call
themselves the W3, for “Women
Writers’ Workshop”, a group of
amateur writers under the mentoring
of Dr. Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo,
former director of the UP Creative
Writing Center and now Vice
Chancellor for Public Affairs of the
UP System.
Moderated by award-winning
author Tara FT Sering, the NBDB
Book Club, taking a break from the
litter and hubbub characteristic of
the city, filled Hooked on Books
with laughs and thoughts about the
old days and at times even urging
Panlilio to draw more funny tales
from her precious memory box.
Wired
Book lovers have already come to conquer the world, even if it is only through the internet for
now. By setting up online discussion, social networking and peer-reviewing book websites, the
world is now a bit smaller for bibliophiles. Though the Philippines is yet to become a regular
leg of every bestselling author’s book tours, the World Wide Web has made the acts of setting
up book clubs, organizing local author lectures and promoting new publications easier. Here
are some interesting websites for you to browse on lazy nights, which are sure to keep you up
‘til daybreak like your precious books do. By Maria EJ Pia V. Benosa
Bookcrossing.com
Linda Panlilio and NBDB Book Club moderator Tara Sering
Although the Manila they knew can
never be brought back, the Club
agreed that the very infamy and ill
repute that surrounds the city today
is just as beautiful a landscape as
the past’s was. It is after all, the life
stories that count.
www.bookcrossing.com
Bookcrossing.com is an initiative
begun by Humankind Systems, Inc.,
which literally sends books traveling
across the world. Joining is simple.
One only has to choose from his
collection a book which he has read
or hasn’t read but wants to share with
other people. The person must then
log the book into the website and
generate for it a BCID (BookCrossing ID) which he later writes on the
book’s cover. And then off the book
goes as the owner leaves it in a coffee shop, park, practically anywhere
where a potential new owner can
read it and pick it up!
The continuation of the chain lies
on the hands of the new owner. He
or she must log in to Bookcrossing.
Com to enter the BCID and at least
post a note telling people about what
happened to the book. The chain
may go on for days, months, years,
as long as people want to share it to
others. The most traveled book so
far is “Der seltsame Bücherfreund”
/ Hoffnung’s Constant Readers by
Gerard Hoffnung, which has already
gone through 338 users in several
European countries such as Germany,
Austria and Switzerland.
BookCrossing is yet to reach the
Philippine Archipelago—the only
activity being in Cebu City. But who
knows, maybe one day it will be
prolific in Manila itself, when books
will be in the hands of both young
and old, and rich and poor. By then
avid bibliophiles will have another
reason to go out of the confines of
their usual reading areas and book
websites, to meet other people of
their species, go forth and multiply.
BookMooch
www.bookmooch.com
Bookmooch.com offers users a
chance to get the books you like
from fellow users—for free! All a
bookmoocher has to do is put up online a list of books he or she is willing
to give away as well. For every book
one puts in a list, he receives a tenth
of a point. Giving away a book is
worth a point, and when you have
the right number of points, you can
already start mooching the books
you like from other user. To compensate however for books sent by
mail abroad, BookMooch gives users
as much as 3 points. The website
features a feedback system like the
one used in online shopping website
Ebay.com, which helps users procure
more easily the books they put in
their wish list.
The idea behind BookMooch.
com is to find a ‘good home’ for or
to make better use of books whose
owners will never use them again but
cannot bear to throw them away. It
helps keep antique books in circulation as well as those that have
been out of print for decades. Many
Filipinos have joined the BookMooch
craze already. They have formed
their own Shelfari online group called
BookMoochers Pilipinas, where they
share many stories about themselves
and even tips on which postage services to use best and how to get the
greatest book finds in BookMooch.
Shelfari
(www.shelfari.com)
Shelfari functions as a literal online shelf
where one can show off his books—be
it the Bible, romance novels or business textbooks. Their database is pretty
extensive that one can search even the
latest anthologies from Philippine poets
or the most recent editions of Our Daily
Bread. Books on display can be labeled
according to the following: Books I’ve
read, Books I’m planning to read and
Books I’m reading. One can also tag his
favorite books and put up a Wish List
of books he wishes to have. The largest
personal collection to date has 21,725
titles as of press time. Whew, talk about
a real library.
Shelfari is a great place for getting
the dish on the book you’ve been
eyeing for weeks in your local bookstore. The comments and reviews are
from fellow users, so expect honesty
and straightforward Boos. Many little
communities called Groups have also
sprung from Shelfari, where people
from all over the world pay tribute to
favorite books and authors, or even
go as far as start their own online fan
and book clubs. At present, more than
twenty Shelfari groups are Philippinebased, including the NBDB Book Club.
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Partner Institutions & Individuals
Gemino Abad
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Light Rail Transit Authority
ABS-CBN Talent Center
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(LRTA)
Jim Pascual Agustin
Jesuit Music Ministry
National Artist Virgilio Almario
Gilopez & Corazon Kabayao
Administrator Mel Robles
Jay Alonzo
Jose F. Lacaba
Eduardo Abiva
Merlie Alunan
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Santos Abrazado
Lamberto Antonio
National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera
Wilfredo Alday
Teo Antonio
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Anvil Publishing
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Artistation Inc.
Manila Bulletin
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Tina Cassion
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Resty Meneses
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Vim Nadera
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Coke Bolipata
NBN-4
Ely Domingo
Bookmark, Inc.
Optical Media Board
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Book Development Association of
the Philippines
Lyn Ching-Pascual
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Performing Rights Society
of the Philippines (PRSP)
Annabel Ganancial
Belen Calingacion
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Philippine Star
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Conchitina Cruz
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Daniel Tan (GCR photos)
Gregory Perez
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Lory Tan
Aylwinson Pillos
Filipinas Heritage Library
Emmanuel Torres
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Filipino Society of Composers,
Ricardo de Ungria
Prima Tapia
Authors, & Publishers (FILSCAP)
Anjie Ureta
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Mikke Gallardo
JC Uy
Marivic Tuason
Nikki Gil
Voltaire Veneracion
Raymond Vasquez
GMA News and Public Affairs
Winton Lou Ynion
LRTA Planning Department
Fr. Jessel Gerard Gonzales
Col. Adelo Jandayan
Business Development Unit
Line 2 Engineering and Maintenance
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