Ang Ikaklit sa aming Hardin--Isang Panayam kay CJ de Silva + GIVEAWAY

 ANG IKAKLIT SA AMING HARDIN

Kuwento ni Bernadette Villanueva Neri

Guhit ni CJ de Silva

Salin sa Ingles ni Jennifer del Rosario-Malonzo

Layout ni Jennifer Padilla-Quintos

Inilimbag ng Publikasyong Twamkittens (2012)

 Tungkol sa Aklat

Aklat-pambatang tumatalakay sa mga di-kumbensiyunal at di-tradisyunal na pamilya ang Ang Ikaklit sa Aming Hardin (2012). Partikular nitong tinutuunan ang mga hámong hinaharap ng isang batang may dalawang nanay.

***

Isang Panayam kay CJ de Silva, ang gumuhit sa mga larawan sa libro

1. Ano sa tingin mo ang simbolismo ng bulaklak na Ikaklit sa kwentong ito at sa lipunan natin?

Naku, at the end of the day, siguro, si Det ang makakasagot niyan. Pero siguro, kung ako ang tatanungin, ito ang aking pananaw: Literal na reading ito — ang pangalan ni Ikaklit ay Bontoc para sa sunflower. So sa unang layer pa lang ng kwento (sa pangalan ng bida), ipinangalan na si Ikaklit sa isang bulaklak. So for me, the flowers symbolizes the individual and his relation to his/her family. Naihahalintulad ko ang pag-bloom ng isang flower sa pagmulat ng isang individual sa kanyang society.

2. Ano ang naging karanasan mo sa pag-guhit sa mga larawan sa libro? Masasabi mo ba na na-challenge ka rin dito, at gaano ito ka-espesyal sa iyo?

Napakasaya ng experience ko sa pagiging illustrator ng kwento ni Det. :) Challenge rin dahil first time kong mag-illustrate ng para sa mga bata, so syempre, kailangan kong mag-adjust in terms of colors. Subdued kasi ang color palette ko talaga - earthy and neutrals. Pero dahil para sa bata ang mga illustrations, pinaalalahanan ako ni Det na mas gumamit ng mga bright colors, para attractive para sa kanila. First time ko rin mag-illustrate ng umuulit na mga character, so kailangan kong gawing distinct ang mga features at styling sa mga characters — dapat malalaman mo kung sino si Ikaklit, sino ang mga nanay nya. At sa bawat spread, dapat, consistent ang mga itsura nila. :) Gaano ka-espesyal — syempre sobrang special for me. Una, dahil since college, favorite ko nang kwento ang Ikaklit. :) Pangalawa, napaka-swerte kong pumayag si Det na ako ang mag-illustrate ng kwento. Hindi naman ako talaga illustrator for children’s books. So napakaswerte kong ipinagkatiwala niya sa akin ang kwento. :)

3. Gaano nakakatulong ang mga larawan sa pagpapahayag ng menshae ng librong ito? 

I think, bilang kwentong pambata ito, napaka-visual ng mga bata. Nakakatulong siguro ang mga illustrations para ma-attract ang mga bata na basahin ang kwento.

4. Isang mensahe para sa mga mahilig gumuhit gaya mo?

Magdrawing lang ng magdrawing. At i-try ninyong gamitin ang skill ninyo para makatulong, kahit na sa maliit na paraan. :)

5. At ang mensaheng nais mong iwanan ng librong ito sa mga mambabasa?

Ang kwento ng Ikaklit ay kwento ng acceptance — acceptance na lahat tayo ay iba-iba, walang tama o maling set-up ng pamilya. Wala ring pamilyang perpekto.

***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***

TUNGKOL SA MGA MANLILIKHA

NAGSULAT

Nagtapos ng MA Filipino: Malikhaing Pagsulat si Bernadette Villanueva Neri sa UP Diliman at BA Mass Communication major in Journalism sa UP Baguio. Kumakatha siya ng mga kuwentong pambata, sanaysay, dula, at maikling kuwentong lesbiyana (na binansagan niyang “naratibô” o naratibo ng mga tibô). Kasalukuyan siyang nagtuturo sa UP Diliman, kasabay ng pagkuha ng duktorado sa Malikhaing Pagsulat sa parehong paaralan. Kasama niya ngayon sa bahay ang limang muning na tulad niya’y mahilig din sa ikaklit at iba pang mga halaman.

 GUMUHIT

Si CJ de Silva ay nakilala bilang Promil Kid sa mga commercial nito noong 90s. Ngayon, si CJ naman ang gumagawa ng mga patalastas bilang Art Director sa isang advertising agency. Hilig pa rin niya ang magpinta at gumuhit.

NAGSALIN SA INGLES

Nanay ng dalawang munting binibi si Jennifer del Rosario-Malonzo. Siya ay isang manunulat, editor, mananaliksik, at aktibista. Nag-aral siya ng peryodismo sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas at kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho sa isang internasyunal na organisasyon. Mahilig siya sa tula at potograpiya, at nait matutong maggitara.

Si Jennifer T. Padilla-Quintos ay nanay ng dalawang masayahing batang sina Gaby at Joaquin. Isa siyang graphic artist, art teacher at manggagawang pangkultura. Nagtapos siya ng Fine Arts sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman.


Para sa mas marami pang impormasyon ukol sa libro, bisitahin lamang ang mga sumusunod:

Panayam sa mga manlilikha

Manunulat (Det). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IHOcloUho0

Gumuhit (CJ). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxEVBijAvTc

Nagsalin sa Ingles (Ate Jeni). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxKiDUJTxSk

Nag-layout (Ate Poti). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHgrzEvcFAo

Mga Video Blurb

Vlad Gonzales (Guro, Kritiko, Manunulat). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdKF9QrQj74

Rose Torres-Yu (Guro, Kritiko, Manunulat). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU9VZjx-zDU

Poti Padilla-Quintos (Nanay). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mGn5kV_5Nc

Ging, Rose & Roni (Rainbow Family). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJSLAweBEbc

Roni (Batang may dalawang nanay). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Net09DFwbXs

Teaser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sadP76IWbaw

Jennifer L. Armentrout - White Hot Kiss: Book Review

 

White Hot Kiss (Dark Elements #1)

Jennifer L. Armentrout

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

 

 ***

Imagine trying to live your life in the most normal way that you know how, but having a hard time doing so because of the fact that well, you are not normal and some of the people around you are not, as well.

 

I'm not really into the whole Paranormal/Fantasy/Romance thing, but I'd have to say that this novel was good. It wasn't really my thing, but still, it was good. Mainly because Armentrout was able to create a world of her own, and it wasn't anything like other Paranormal stuff out there. I think it's also brave how she used demons and gargoyles in the story, made them a really important part of it, and made sure that they are not seen as so evil. 

When you create a story, I think it's very important that you learn how to create something original and try to break through the mold. This story was able to do that and more. While it may be a bit slow-paced, you'd also appreciate how everything has been crafted carefully, and how great the characterizations are. 

If you're into stories that are complicated and definitely not like any other, try White Hot Kiss. It's full of magic, it's hot, sexy, and it's something that's quite intriguing, you'd probably want more.

 

Something New

"Are you pregnant?" Karen asked Emma, her best friend since kindergarten while at one of the uber-sophisticated, air-conditioned restrooms at Luna East. This one was at the fifth floor of the Arts building though, one that not a lot of students use. Emma immediately got out of the cubicle that she was in as she heard Emma puking yet again. She straightened her skirt and grabbed Emma by the arm before asking the dreaded question.

"Are you effin' pregnant?" She said, with much more strength this time, not minding if anyone would hear.

"Can you shut up?" Emma said, turning off the faucet after splashing some water on her face.

"You're throwing up again."

"I'm not pregnant, K," Emma said, "I just had too much to eat."

"Oh," Karen said, "Okay." She said nonchalantly, as if the fact that Emma just said that she was throwing up because of eating too much is not something to be worried about. At least she's not pregnant, Karen thought, an eating disorder is better. She and Emma then left the restroom.

**

Margot hastily got out of the cubicle as soon as Karen and Emma left. She hated those moments when some girls enter the restroom and go on with their tattletales, and superficial lives.Who would not get worried knowing that her friend has been purging? Margot shook her head.

She hated those moments when she had to stop reading whatever novel she was reading just because of those noisy teenage girls who knew nothing about life. Not that she knew everything, but at least she didn't have to throw up after eating, or worry about getting pregnant before graduating from high school because there's just so much to do.

Like, being part of the arts and crafts club. Or, immersing herself in the newest Maria Semple or David Levithan read. Or listening to The Smiths on her worn out iPod mini, one that she has not given up for around eight years now. What for? It still works, and she just doesn't like those new gadgets. You buy one today and you have to change it again in a few months or so because it's no longer "new". There's a lot of better use for money than that.

She glanced at her watch. It was 2:00 in the afternoon already. She had classes in an hour, and she was getting hungry. Yep, she's one of those girls who actually eats because she likes it and she actually doesn't mind gaining weight. She doesn't though. She's also one of those girls who have very fast metabolism, and that's why people often think that she's on a diet or that she's starving herself. She HATES feeling that way. But then again, what could she do? Damned if you do, damned if you don't, anyway.


She made her way out of the restroom, heavy Polka-dotted bag and a couple of books in hand, and bumped into Ronan. He transferred to Luna East from rival school Preston High just last year, their junior year in High School. He was tall, with Blue eyes, Dark, Chestnut Brown hair and an overwhelming presence because of his Half-Brit heritage. They have never spoken before, but she knew a lot about him. How could she not, when almost every girl in school talks about him like he's a god?

"Margot," He said.

She raised an eyebrow, her defense mechanism for awkward situations like this. "Why do you know my name?" She said as she picked up her books. Ronan bent down to help her, too.

"We were classmates, weren't we? Intro to Interior Design?" Yep, they had classes such as Interior Design because Luna East was an Arts School. And that's why it's awesome.

"Yeah, but--" She said as she placed the books one by one back in her bag.

"I paid attention," Ronan said, "here," he said, handing her Maria Semple's "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" and then getting it back, "Wait, I haven't read this one."

"Go buy one."

"Aren't you willing to lend this to me?"

She took a deep breath and rolled her eyes, "Ronan," she said, "We're not friends."

"Maybe," he said, "but we can be."

"Why would we be?"

"Aren't you willing to try something new?"

"What is it to you?"

"Nothing," he said, "Just being friendly." He smiled and then rummaged through his sling bag, "Tell you what," he said,"I'll lend you this," he handed her a copy of Don Winslow's "Savages", "I know you haven't read that."

"How do you know?"

"I stalk you on Goodreads."

She rolled her eyes again. She barely checks the friend requests on her Goodreads page. "You're insane," she said.

"Maybe," he said, "or maybe I just want to be friends with you."

For some reason, this made her smile lightly, "Fine," she said, accepting the book, "I'll return this to you in three days. Make sure you finish that book, too."

"Is that a challenge?"

"Maybe," she smiled.

He chuckled, "What's your number?"

She shook her head, took a mini notebook from her bag and wrote down her number on a page. She tore the page and gave it to Ronan.

"Thanks," he said, "See you in three days."

"Fine, fine," she said and started to walk away. She opened the first page of the book that Ronan lent her, and saw that something was written on it.

I've been wanting to lend this to you for a while now, but I have no idea how to reach you. So, yeah, I've been keeping this in my bag, in the hopes that I'd have a chance to talk to you each day. Creepy? Sorry.

Hope you're willing to try something new. 

Ronan

She glanced back at him and caught his eye. They shared a smile. Well, it was clearly the start of something new...

___________________________________________________________

Haha! Tried writing a story for Luna East, darlings.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, then check THIS out. 

And join the raffle HERE. 

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe -- Book Review

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe
J.Randy Taraborelli

From New York Times bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli comes the definitive biography of the most enduring icon in popular American culture. 

When Marilyn Monroe became famous in the 1950s, the world was told that her mother was either dead or simply not a part of her life. However, that was not true. In fact, her mentally ill mother was very much present in Marilyn's world and the complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes is a story that has never before been told...until now. In this groundbreaking book, Taraborrelli draws complex and sympathetic portraits of the women so influential in the actress' life, including her mother, her foster mother, and her legal guardian. He also reveals, for the first time, the shocking scope of Marilyn's own mental illness, the identity of Marilyn's father and the half-brother she never knew, and new information about her relationship with the Kennedy's-Bobby, Jack, and Pat Kennedy Lawford. Explosive, revelatory, and surprisingly moving, this is the final word on the life of one of the most fascinating and elusive icons of the 20th Century.

***

I consider myself a Marilyn (or rather, a Norma Jeane) Devotee so when I saw this book last week, I just couldn't help but buy it. And I guess I made the right decision because it turned out to be something really good.

Much has been said about Marilyn Monroe. So much has been said about who she was in life, and how she died. This book does not glorify her, or exaggerate about the craziness of her life. This book does not portray her as bad, nor good, but rather allows people to take a look at who she really was: As Norma Jeane, and as Marilyn. It provides a detailed account about her life--from who her grandparents were, to the circumstances that were around when she was born, to her foster homes, husbands, alleged affairs, and her battle with her personal demons.

This book was never exploitative. In a way, you would want to learn more about her because of all the information here, but in case you are not a fan, or you've always thought badly of her, you would begin to see her in a different light. And I guess, Marilyn deserves that. After all, she was a person, too, and she had to deal with her feelings and with all the confusion while in the public eye. 

Was she perfect? Was there an excuse for the wrong things she did? No, but what you have to know is that she is just like us--human, imperfect, and fragile. That she tried to live life the best way you can. That we'll never know much about her, even though how much we try. That we can read more, and watch more of the things that are dedicated to her, but in the end, she will remain a mystery. And that's the beauty of this book, and of Norma Jeane herself.

Luna East Arts Academy: Interview with Addie Lynn Co

Luna East Website: lunaeastacademy.org

Paperback Order Form: bit.ly/lunaeastv1

***

Welcome to Luna East Arts Academy, a place where your teenage fantasies are released, and where you can find yourself—or find people who can help you get to know yourself even more.

Luna East is a collection of short stories from today’s talented bunch of Filipino Authors. It’s a sneak peek about the lives of the students of Luna East Arts Academy, a fictional school where a lot of magic happens.

From childhood sweethearts, to love at first sight; to Cadet Training memories; teenagers trying to go against the Status Quo; to not being sure if the person you like likes you back; to picturing someone naked; getting rid of rumors and being true to yourself; Anime Conventions; Coffee shop talks; and learning to stand for yourself and for the people in your life, this book has it all.

Addie Lynn Co's "The Apple of My Eye" is one of the stories that you'll get to read once you buy Kids These Days: Stories from Luna East Arts Academy Volume 1.

I got the chance to interview her and this was how it went:

1. "You are the Apple of my eye" is the title of your Luna East story.
Did you have your own "apple of your eye" back in school?

Yes, I did have the 'apple of my eye' back in high school, but it was a different kind from my story. I never had the courage to say something about how I felt so I never got to know how he felt and I never got rejected.

2. What were you like back in school?

I was more like a combination of Navi and Fefe but I was never an Anja. I'd like to think of myself as the quiet but honest leader of the group. I try to keep my feelings to myself but when I burst, I say things with all honesty. I had different circle of friends so I don't really belong in just one kind of 'stereotyped' high school clique (i.e. The Popular Kids, The Loser, The Wallflower, etc.) I guess I was an all-around girl. :)

3. You're also releasing your 2nd novel "Forget Me Not" soon (w/c I've
seen previews of in Wattpad, and w/c I loved!). What is your
inspiration for this?

Glad you liked the preview! Am still gathering my courage to release it because I fear that it would not be as good as the other releases from my #romanceclass 'classmates'. But the idea came to me around three years ago when I was walking home back from the post office because I had to send someone a snail mail. And as I was walking home, I thought not everyone sends snail mail anymore. Text message or email would be much faster and you know that you are sending directly to the person. Snail mail has the higher possibility of getting lost or being undelivered. And questions like what if the receiver never gets to read the sender's message? What if it was something important? Maybe an explanation for an offense the person committed and he/she was asking for forgiveness? And so on.

Then, sometimes when life gets tough for me, I have these thoughts of 'what if I can just forget everything and get away from my life' kind of thoughts. I always thought it would be so cool to get away from all my problems and start over again and be a different person than I was.

So I romanticized things and put the two together and out came Forget Me Not.

4. Any message for your fans?

It's okay to be afraid but never let that fear stop you from doing anything. Instead let it be your driving factor to want to know how things will end up. So that one day when you're older, you won't look back in your life and you'd be filled with a lot of 'what if's'. There may be haters but there definitely will be fans who would appreciate your hard work. Just try to pursue your passion and don't let the fear of failure get to you.

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Addie grew up reading Sweet Valley University and Nancy Drew mysteries. She finished a degree in Communication Arts and really wanted to pursue a career in filmmaking, but due to high production costs, she opted to tell her stories through her novels. Being the hopeless romantic that she is, she will stop at nothing to share her passion with everyone and hopes that she could infect others with it. She’s a daydreamer by day and an author by night. She has released her first book Hello: A Trilogy.

***

Got nothing to do on the 8th of February? Then head on over to Ayala Museum and come to the launch of #LunaEast Volume 1! It'll be fun :)