It was five, fun-filled days at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City where Brilliant Creations Publishing, Inc. (BCPI), once again, displayed their dedication to empowering young learners through literacy in the annual Manila International Book Fair, held last September 9–13.
STORYTELLING MAGIC
With a bigger venue, BCPI was able to successfully stage the Grand Finals of its 2nd Storytelling Competition on September 11, which featured a special performance of the award-winning picture book by Mark Norman Boquiren, Si Kier at ang Kaniyang Madyik Istiker, presented by the UE Drama Company.
The competition’s distinguished panel of judges was chaired by Head Judge Mr. Mark Norman Boquiren, award-winning artist-teacher, storyteller, and Brille Petit author. Joining him were Mr. Richard De Leon, Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT), editor and content producer of Balita; Mr. Arnold Trist’n Buenaflor, Brille Petit author, teacher, and UP National Writers’ Workshop fellow; Ms. Danielle Ayam Barredo-Eckstein, theater artist, teacher, and production manager; and Mr. Francis Jasson Villanueva, educator, theater artist, and improv practitioner.
In the end, Elior Pang, who read Pass the Message to Picaso, won in the English category, and Vinn Abarquez, who read Ang Boom at Palakpak ni Viktor, emerged on top for the Filipino Category.
BEHIND THE PAGES
The festivities didn’t stop there. At the booth, BCPI’s talented authors and illustrators swung by each day to meet their avid readers for book signings and launches. The signings were graced by:
- Abi Goy — Illustrator, Happy Whiskers’ Day (2nd Edition),
- Anicia Gatchalian Salangsang — Author, Ang Pambihirang Papag ni Lolo Sebyo
- Biyahe ni Raya — Illustrator, Ang Pambihirang Papag ni Lolo Sebyo,
- Ana Luciano-Fernandez — Illustrator, Sleepless Beauty (2nd Edition)
- Trist’n Buenaflor — Author, Ang Boom at Palakpak ni Viktor
- Danielle Florendo — Illustrator, Ang Boom at Palakpak ni Viktor
Manila International Book Fair is the longest running book fair in the Philippines, and this year’s event had a record-breaking 235,000 attendees across its five days, according to their official Facebook page. In this historic celebration of books and stories, BCPI stood as a champion for children to foster their love and passion for reading, creating avenues for growth with a community that supports life-long learning.