I love July!

July is always an exciting month for me, despite the fact that it is the time when typhoons greet my country with awry. Whatever destructive Basyang or Ondoy devastate the land, the resilient Pinoy manages to recuperate easily. As for me, July is a happy month not only because summer is up on the other side of the globe but also because July is National Children's Book Month!

In line with this, I'm looking forward to celebrate this joyous occasion through series of events:

First up, I'll be at Fully Booked SM North Edsa on July 17, 2010 at around 5:30pm for a book signing of my books from Adarna House. It's actually a whole day of storytelling sessions and book-signing with authors and illustrators. The event is free and open to the public so please bring along your kids. For more information, you may contact Adarna through 3723548 loc 122 or ergoe@adarna.com.ph

Next, my first full children's book with Tahanan Books, "Ay Naku!" written by Reni Roxas, will be finally launched along with other two new titles on July 19, 2010 Monday, 5pm at Mary Grace Cafe in Serendra Fort Bonifacio. I'm very excited about this book because we worked so hard for this and this is my first time to illustrate an almost wordless picture book. And whew! it wasn't that easy :-) Hope to see you for a good chat and book signing as well. RSVP call Fran or Josie at 813-7165 or email fran@tahananbooks.com

Then finally, I will be attending the ceremonies of the 27th National Children's Book Day on July 20, 2010 Tuesday, 9am at the Museo Pambata in Roxas Blvd. I'm happy to attend not only because I will be receiving an honoroble mention certificate for my entry in the PBBY Alcala Prize, but most importantly I will be able to meet again illustrators, writers, publishers, and stakeholders in the most anticipated gathering in children's book publishing. You may download this wonderful poster for free at PBBY, print it and have your own collectible poster. The  poster was created by the awesome Ang INK member Ariel Santillan.

Seven years old

When I was seven years old, the most memorable event was the first People Power EDSA Revolution. Around that age, my mother already taught me to save money. I remember she brought me to a bank and opened me a junior account. That's how I started to learn the value of saving hard earned money and the financial freedom it entails.

I will be part of a group exhibit by Ang INK entitled "When I was Seven" on June 1-15, 2010 at the Gallery 7 Digital Studio, 3rd level Eastwood Mall in Libis.

My work is a digital print series of three, in a limited edition giclee print on textured canvas, size 10" x 10". If you like a copy, please visit Gallery 7, you may also find very interesting works by INK members.

3D is the future

Surprises, surprises everywhere. We sometimes don't know what's going to happen next. But a spark of hope always reminds us that's it's going to be ok.

Since 3d is the coolest thing today, here's another 3D Stereo Pair I made. If you want to know how to make Stereo Pairs, here's how.

It should look like this if you know how to view Stereo Pairs:

I will be posting how to make 3D Stereograms soon, so keep posted!

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Cute magical bunny in watercolor and acrylic meditation painting

Space cats in watercolor and acrylic meditation painting

Spirit animal in watercolor and acrylic meditation painting

Real heroes among ourselves

This is my painting for a very relevant group show, Everyday Filipino Heroes staged by The Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) opening this May 1, 2010 at the Vargas Museum of the University of the Philippines, Diliman, QC, and will run until May 31, 2010.

The original artworks will be exhibited at the Vargas museum, while an outdoor banner printed version will be seen at the scenic UP oval. I hope you can drop by and see all the meaningful works, while reflecting for the upcoming elections. 

"KKK"

Ang pagiging guro ay isang kabayanihan dahil ito ay isang pakipagsasapalaran hindi lamang sa paghubog ng kabutihan, karunungan at katapatan sa musmos na kaisipan kundi ang pagahon din sa mga hamon ng panahon.

Post-it Affirmation Art no. 5

This post-it is dedicated to the upcoming May 2010 National Elections.

"My Vote is sacred!"

Reading books is a challenge

Getting kids interested to read books is becoming more challenging nowadays. Yes, more competition are catching the young mind's attention: gadgets, games, and stress from school activities, among others. These distractions leave them uninterested in reading, especially books. Poor children, if they only knew the benefits and magic of reading at an early age. Perhaps they will only appreciate that when they turn into adult monsters. LOL. Good thing there are still people, most especially parents and teachers, who have relentless dedication in enriching and promoting literature. Not only do they encourage the love for reading but also the traditions and culture that are closest to our hearts.

If you need great resources on children's literature and tips on how to make your children interested in reading, you can go to these inspiring and informative sites.

PaperTigers

Asia in the Heart Blog

I have some interviews there to share my insights on children's book illustration. I hope you will also enjoy the world of children's literature as much as I am and encourage children to read more in spite of the challenges.