In celebration of the 41st National Children’s Book Day (NCBD), the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in collaboration with the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) feted exemplary works in writing and illustration by giving away the prestigious PBBY-Salanga and PBBY-Alcala prizes on July 16 at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez.
This year’s PBBY-Salanga grand prize winner is Eric Roxas for his fun and clever tale, “Monina’s Many Moles”, about a magical gift and self-acceptance with one’s peculiarity. This accolade pays tribute to esteemed journalist and writer Alfredo Navarro Salanga and recognizes exceptional story writing for young audiences.
Honorable mention goes to Allena Marie Antido for “Tiny Little Box of Isla”, Carmela Esguerra-Jose for “Baby Namin si Lola”, Gerardo Gojo Cruz for “May Nawawala sa Loob ng Aming Bahay”, Patricia Marie Grace Gomez for “The Balayong Table”, and Kim Alexis Santiago for “What Mona Likes, What Lolo Likes”.
With 10 years of experience in illustrating visuals for children’s books, illustrator Marcus Vito Nada wins the PBBY-Alcala grand prize. He is joined by Gervia Angelo Andres and Elisha Marcela Felix for receiving honorable mention. The prize pays homage to National Artist Larry Alcala, and in recognition of illustrators who skillfully bring children's stories to life.
With the theme “Payapa ang Puso ng Batang Nagbabasa”, the NCBD celebration and awarding ceremony featured the keynote speech of teacher, book author, and peace advocate Kristine Canon, musical performance by Ginger Karganilla and Billy Joel del Rosario and composed by Greg Zuniega, and entertaining storytelling of an excerpt of “Monina’s Many Moles” through a puppet show by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) puppeteer.
During the program, the welcome remarks were delivered by the Cultural Center of the Philippines Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan then Philippine Board on Books for Young People Chair Paula Cabochan Reyes gave her opening remarks and chair’s report.
The day also saw the opening of the Payapa Book Fair, participated by Aklat Alamid, Aklat Mirasol, ANK Publishing, Southern Voices Printing Press, Street Tales, and Super Maya, and the PBBY-Alcala Exhibit that will run until July 19, 2024.
Observed every third Tuesday of July, the NCBD commemorates the pioneering publication of "Mono y Una Tortuga" (The Monkey and The Turtle) written by Philippine hero Dr. Jose Rizal.