The Philippine Board on Books for Young People has released the schedule for their 26th Annual National Children’s Book Day celebrations. Events will take place throughout the week of July 20-25 with the awarding of the prestigious PBBY Salanga (Writer) and Alcala (Illustrator) Prizes taking place on July 21st.
2009 Salanga Prize winners:
* Raymund Garlitos, Ang Higante sa Loob ng Aming Bahay (The Giant Inside Our House) (grand prize);
* Perry Mangilaya, Di Ko Man Kamukha sina Inay at Itay (honorable mention);
* Victoria Bravo, Lola-Lola (honorable mention).
Raymund Garlitos’ story, Ang Higante sa Loob ng Aming Bahay revolves around a young child’s feelings and reactions to his OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) father’s homecoming. Garlitos is a teacher of English as a Second Language, as well as a freelance journalist, and has three children’s books to his name. One of these, Chenelyn! Chenelyn!, won an honorable mention in the same contest, back in 1997.
2009 Alcala Prize winners:
* Ferdinand Guevara (grand prize),
* Jomar G. Rivera (honorable mention),
* Maurice Oliver B. Risulmi (honorable mention),
* Christian Oliver Ang Cruz (honorable mention).
Ferdinand Guevara is awarded the 2009 Alcala Prize for his digital-3D interpretation of Ang Higante Sa Loob ng Aming Bahay (see photo, right). Currently working as a 3D animator Guevarra gave a contemporary edge to his illustrations by rendering them in 3D. With his use of applications such as Maya and Zbrush, he merged the digital world with the printed word.
Ferdinand Guevara is no newcomer to the PBBY-Alcala Prize nor indeed to children’s book illustration. In 1996, he won the award for his illustrations for Ang Itim na Kuting, by Natasha Vizcarra. He also illustrated Ang Makapangyarihang Kyutiks ni Mama by Rene Villanueva in 2002.
Check out incoming PBBY chairman Zarah Gagatiga’s blog to read about the National Children’s Day celebrations. You can also read about PBBY’s recent luncheon for South African storyteller Gcina Mhlope-Becker.