50 Chikiting Books launched to mark National Children's Book Day celebration

Vibal marked the nationwide celebration of the National Children's Book Day on July 21, 2020 with the launch of 50 new children's books under its Chikting Books imprint. 

As the highlight of a month-long celebration called the "Children's Books Festival," Vibal announced the arrival of its new titles from an exciting mix of seasoned and new children's book authors and illustrators, united by the goal to keep Philippine children's literature alive and thriving despite the current pandemic situation. 

"Now, more than ever, we need to promote the love of reading especially among children who are just staying at home," said Eugene Y. Evasco, one of the country's premier children's book authors, who joined an online discussion on Vibal's FB page with his co-authors and illustrators last July 21. "We have a lot of children's books that can be used to supplement learning literature and traditional values." 

Evasco was joined in the panel by his illustrators Rhea Elnar for Ang mga Iskrapbuk ni Purita and Elle Shivers for Mga Sisiw para kay Maestro Ibarra.  Another panel featured Mariel Balacuit and Jhucel del Rosario, author and illustrator, respectively, for the book Lito, ang Munting Superhero which tackled the interesting story of a boy who defies the odds and shows his friends the true meaning of heroism despite one's shortcomings. 

On July 22, another panel assembled authors Danilo Calalang and Nina Amoncio who wrote Nang Magtampo si Tonio and Nasa Alaala ni Ella, and Sari, respectively. They were joined by Illustrators John Ronnel Popa (Nasa Alaala...), Joyce Melegrito (Nang Magtampo...) and John Albert Rico (Sari).

The panelists shared their inspiration behind the stories and illustrations, and urged upstart writers and artists to follow their dream using their passion as motivation. 

Other online launches are scheduled throughout the week until the end of the month featuring the rest of the authors and illustrators of the new Chikiting Books. Aside from the launches, Vibal's FB page also featured a live puppet show by the National Library of the Philippines Kwentistas' Ate Melai who delivered a contemporary story about two characters, Bing Kambing and Boy Puppy as they coped with the pandemic. 

Kuya Rich from Ang Pinoy Storytellers meanwhile did an entertaining storytelling session of Ang Pagong at ang Matsing based on the classic tale written by Dr. Jose Rizal, which is the inspiration of the National Children's Book Day celebration. 

Prior to that, Vibal also hosted a 3-day writing workshop by Eugene Evasco and a 3-day art workshop by artist Randy Valiente.