27th National Children's Book Day

Yesterday was the 27th Philippine National Children's Book Day and I attended a lovely celebration organized by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY). The celebration included a presentation of the latest children's books from Philippine publishers and the opening of a retrospective exhibit of the works of the late illustrator Albert Gamos.

The keynote speech was delivered by the always inspiring author Candy Gourlay. She presented the idea of a Philippines where every child loved to read and had the power to imagine and therefore work toward a better Philippines. Wow. I'm definitely up to the challenge. Are you?



Here are pictures of the hardworking members of the PBBY (and Candy Gourlay with the PBBY):




Raymund Falgui was awarded the 2010 PBBY-Salanga Prize for his unpublished collection of children's poems, Green Leaf and Other Poems. Congratulations!


I love that he said that if we all remembered what it was like to be a child, we would all be better people. :o)


Zarah Gagatiga, chair of the PBBY, gave a fabulous reading of one of Raymund Falgui's poems.


Aldy Aguirre was awarded the 2010 PBBY-Alcala Prize for his unpublished illustrations for Green Leaf and Other Poems.



Congratulations, Aldy!



The program for National Children's Book Day was at Museo Pambata, a children's museum in Manila. One area of the museum is dedicated to children's book authors and illustrators and encourages children to consider being authors and illustrators when they grow up. What a great concept for museum space!





I had a wonderful time celebrating National Children's Book Day with fellow children's book lovers and I'm already looking forward to next year. Thank you, PBBY!