Editor’s note: I missed this year’s Manila International Book Fair (September 11 – 15, 2019) because I was out of town with my family for a short vacation. I know, right? It really has to be on the MIBF season, I had no control (cries). Anyway, even though I wasn’t present at the fun bookish fair, my friends were able to go and I was able to send them to a media launch that I was invited to.
The Moymoy Lulumboy Media Launch happened in September 13, 2019 at MIBF (SMX Convention Center)
This recap is already long overdue. So, I’ll let The Royal Polar Bear Reads take over from here!
Moymoy Lulumboy Media Launch
Moymoy Lulumboy Media Launch started out with a hearty lunch just right before the actual program kicks off. The organizers were really generous to feed us right off the bat and give us the much needed energy for the rest of the day. After being fed, the program was opened by a live reading of Angelica, Ang Multo ng Balete Drive and Monito, Ang Mabait na Demonyo, both are also by Segundo Matias, Jr. — whom is also known for his work Mga Batang Poz. It is a recent trending mini-series produced by iWant that tackles about HIV social awareness and cases in the Philippines.
Right after having a great live reading performances, Lampara Books finally introduced the sixth book of Moymoy Lulumboy — Ang Ugat at ang Propesiya. The introduction came in with an impressive short performance by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).
Fun discussion with the panel.
For the rest of the media launch, we’ve had plenty of discussions with Mr. Segundo Matias, Jr., and illustrators, Mr Jomike Tejido and Ms. Jamie Bauza, both whom have worked with Mr. Matias.
They have talked about the process of creating the books and the illustrations. According to both artists, they were give creative freedom in their illustrations including the smallest details. They wanted to emphasize the growth of teenager in the books and make Moymoy Lulumboy as a relatable tale for young readers.
They also discussed how the author and the artists work, like which comes first — in this case, the story is provided first and then the artists will work their magics.
Mr. Tejido shared that his way of illustrating is by giving diversity and by using different elements. For example, the book mentioned about “flying creatures” and Mr. Tejido worked his way by using different types of “wings” for these creatures.
Segundo Matias, Jr. shares his writing process.
Mr. Matias also shared that he is indirectly incorporating the stories of every Filipinos in the real world in his books. He said that he writes based on what is happening on his (our) environment and what’s currently relevant to the society.
One audience asked him if there will be musical rights out of Moymoy Lulumboy. Mr. Matias said that while there is indeed a plan for it under ABS-CBN, one of the requirements is that PETA needs to be the one to perform it live.
He also shared how he likes to write young adult and middle grade more.
Another thing that he pointed out is that, for him, writing young adult and middle grade is more fun than writing adult books. According to him, in adult books, the characters mostly have already established their personalities which makes it difficult to explore the character building. While in YA and MG, the characterization of every character is more enjoyable. There is a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in building their personalities — Mr. Matias said so.
Mr. Matias feels like he is incorporating life lessons when writing his own characters. He said that if you are writing a book with a young adult protagonist, you can let the character make mistakes because this is where the development of the character happens. The mistakes and wrong decisions they make is more understandable given their life stage is as compared to adult characters.
He talked about his plans for new stories.
When asked about his plans for new stories, he told us that he doesn’t have any plans in writing a story based on a historical figure just yet.He shared that writing Moymoy Lulumboy was the fruit of his free time. It started when he had long plane trip and started writing the first draft of Moymoy Lulumboy.
To end the media launch’s short program, Lampara Books was so kind to give us press people a loot bag with amazing stuff with a copy each of: Moymoy Lumboy Book 6. Angelica: Ang Multo Ng Balete Drive, and Monito: Ang Mabait Na Demonyo. We also had them signed.
Being a first timer to attend these kinds of event, it was an amazing experience. It’s nice to know that more local books for kids and young adults are being written, where they can resonate with the characters as they grow.
I hope to attend to more events like this to support our Filipino local authors and publishers.
Editor’s note: That looks like a fun event! It was unfortunate that I wasn’t able to go. But then again, I’d like to thank Raf from The Royal Polar Bear Reads and Danica from The Hogsmeade Reader for coming in my behalf.
I’d also like to thank Ms. Celine Aquino and Lampara Books for inviting me. I hope I can go to more events like this.
And since we’re talking about more Filipino books, I’ll also share this upcoming Aklatan: The All Filipino Book Fair, happening on November 20 to 21, 2019 at the SM Megatrade Hall. See poster below for more details.
Where you able to go to the Manila International Book Fair? If yes, leave a link to your event recap or on your massive book hauls in the comment section!
The Royal Polar Bear likes to read on his free time. He fantastically dislikes classics. Aside from reading, traveling and sleeping are his best friends. He tends to hibernate most of the time.
It’s great they let your friends go in your place! It also looks like a really fun event. 🙂
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
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