Wherever I am, the world comes after me.
It offers me its busyness. It does not believe that I do not want it.
Now I understand why the old poets of China went so far
and high into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.
"The Old Poets of China" by Mary Oliver

UP Asian Center to Host Public Forum on Writing a Successful Children’s Book

Details

The Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman will be hosting a public forum, “Paano Lumakas ang Loob ng Mahiyaing Manok,” on Tuesday, 1 December 2015, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Hall of Wisdom, GT-Toyota Asian Cultural Center, Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. The forum is free and open to the public; seating is first-come, first-served.

Let us know you’re coming. Fill out this Google Form.

Sharing their insights on the elements of a successful children’s book are the author, the illustrator, and the publisher of Ang Mahiyaing Manok (The Shy Rooster). Published by Adarna House in 2000, it garnered various local and international awards, including the Encouragement Prize at the 2000 Noma Concours for Children’s Picture Book Illustrations, Tokyo, Japan. 

The book was also a finalist in 2000 for Best Children’s Book, National Book Awards, Manila Critics Circle; and runner-up at the 2004 New York Showcase Exhibition, Winter Conference, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

Ang Mahiyaing Manok was written by Rebecca Añonuevo and illustrated by Ruben de Jesus. Rebecca Añonuevo has a Ph.D. in Literature from De La Salle University; two of her books, “Talinghaga ng Gana: Ang Banal sa mga Piling Tulang Tagalog ng Ika-20 Siglo” and “Talab:  Mga Sanaysay sa Wika, Panitikan, at Pagtuturo”  won National Book Awards for Literary Criticism from the National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle. Dr. Añonuevo has also garnered various Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature for her literary works. 

Ruben de Jesus is Professor at the Department of Visual Communication, College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines Diliman. He is one of the founders of “Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan” (Ang INK; the Illustrator of the Youth) and the Sectoral Representative for Illustrators of the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY). His illustrations in Ang Mahiyaing Manok established a distinct style recognized and honored in visual and children’s literary art circles. Professor de Jesus has a solo art exhibit, Tilaok, at the UP Asian Center until 11 December.

Learn more: TILAOK: An Art Exhibit Inspired by “Ang Mahiyaing Manok”

The Asian Center offers M.A. degrees in Asian Studies with four fields of specialization: Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia. The Center also has an M.A. program in Philippine Studies that allows students to major in Philippine society and culture, Philippine foreign relations, or Philippine development studies. The Center offers a Ph.D. program in Philippine Studies in conjunction with the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. For an overview of these graduate programs, click here. The Asian Center also publishes Asian Studies: Journal of Critical Perspectives on Asia, the latest issue of which can be downloaded at the journal's website. View recent and upcoming Lectures & Conferences and read other News & Announcements. Join our mailing list to receive invitations to lectures, conferences, etc.