March 2020 Update: Another Award!
Hello, Friends and Supporters,
We hope you are all keeping yourselves healthy and sane as much as you can. This truly is an exceptional time in our lives, one that will leave long lasting impacts to the way we live, think, act, love, and care for each other.
Despite the grimness of the current situation, we do have some happy news to share: Jack & Agyu is one of the three finalists of the 32nd Independent Book Publishers Association Book Awards, Children's Book Category!!!
Here's the link to the announcement: https://www.ibpabenjaminfranklinaward.com/2020-winners-childrens-4-7
The winners will be announced in May 2020 but even if we don't win, we're still so so ecstatic!
I'm still in disbelief as I write this post. I know we don't need awards—it is enough to know that our books are much appreciated and loved by the kids (and parents) in our Filipino and Fil-Am community—but it feels mighty good to know that our hard work is being recognized by publishing organizations!
We are a small and independent publisher and we are still figuring our way in the publishing world. It feels good to know that we're doing something right and that some in the publishing world are noticing. It is inspiring and motivating us to make more books!
A few weeks ago, our collaborators at the Bukidnon Studies Center put together a turn-over ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the books. I'm told it was a beautiful ceremony, one that the community showed up and expressed appreciation for. To my collaborators in Bukidnon, I hope you know how deeply grateful we are that you are in this journey with us, making books, getting our stories out, and making our experiences known and celebrated. To more books!
Lastly, a few pictures from our launch with the Tagalog Project. Again, so much gratitude and love from me to everyone who showed up, listened to the story with open hearts, shared their own stories of empowerment, made anting-antings, and enjoyed champorado with me. And thank you to Clarice Aguillera for making it happen. More power to your Tagalog Project, Clarice!
We had other events planned to launch Jack & Agyu but those are now on hold as we navigate this coronavirus situation. I'll keep you all posted.
In the meantime, keep a safe distance from each other, still be social, and wash your hands!