Meet Philly Boo, Brille Petit’s Official Character!
Philly Boo is inspired by the Philippine eagle owl, scientifically known as Bubo philippensis. Its name is a playful combination of its scientific name and its Philippine roots:
PHILLY = philippensis
BOO = Bubo
Interestingly, Philly Boo also sounds a little like “Filibusterismo,” a subtle nod to our National Hero, Jose Rizal, who was an avid reader and book collector. Rizal’s personal library reportedly grew to more than 2,000 volumes, reflecting his deep love for books and learning.
And there is more to Philly Boo than just a clever name.
Owls have long been associated with wisdom, knowledge, and learning, making the owl a meaningful symbol for Brille Petit. Just as the owl represents wisdom, Philly Boo represents the curiosity, imagination, and love for learning that Brille Petit hopes to inspire in every young reader.
The Philippine eagle owl is a vulnerable species belonging to the family Strigidae. It is endemic to the Philippines and can be found in lowland forests across several Philippine islands, including Luzon, Catanduanes, Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Mindanao, and possibly Sibuyan.
This owl feeds mainly on rodents and amphibians. Because it depends on large lowland forests for survival, protecting and conserving these habitats is essential to keeping its population safe.
Through Philly Boo, Brille Petit hopes to introduce young readers to this remarkable Philippine bird while inspiring them to learn, explore, and care for the wonderful world around them.
Say hello to Philly Boo, Brille Petit’s official character and your reading buddy!