Ellie’s First Day at the Dentist: A Teaching Tale

Ellie’s First Day at the Dentist by Dennise Jean P. Manuben is a tale designed to teach kids about dentists. Many children have not visited their dentists yet, especially since the pandemic has prevented face to face checkups. I myself am guilty of that, since I was only able to recently visit my dentist for cleaning since the pandemic. I am thankful that I did, because I would like to preserve my smile. I hope that more people, especially kids, will visit their dentists as well.

This book was written and illustrated by the precocious author. I would like to commend her for inspiring children to have their teeth checked. I find the illustrations whimsical and appropriate for her age. The layouting and editing by Nellen B. Coronado is also noteworthy as the overall book is pleasant and inviting.

More children should be cautioned about avoiding sweets, such as candies. This book successfully does that. I know that more and more child authors are self-publishing their books. I hope that they will focus on stories that teach moral lessons and educational values. Visiting the dentist is a lifelong habit that must be instilled without unnecessary fear at an early age. This book achieves that, and also provides an enjoyable reading experience. Even as an adult, I was encouraged to continue observing proper dental hygiene through this book.

I would like to see more stories by the author, along with her illustrations. She has the potential to go a long way. This is only the beginning for her. She has the makings of writing more books in her career.

The layout artist also deserves commendation, and I hope that she has more projects not just in children’s books, but in other genres as well.

Ellie’s First Day at the Dentist by Dennise Jean P. Manuben is now available!

Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4: A Heritage Project

Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4 by Karl Gaverza is a heritage project like no other. The author is the unparalleled founder and scribe behind Philippine Spirits, a website that features mythical horror stories of our country. I am a fan, and this book was a treat that arrived just in time for Halloween weekend.

I am already a fan of the author, particularly of his efforts to preserve our country’s horror literature. Most of them were passed on through oral tradition, and this has been greatly affected by several factors such as colonization and the passage of time. Discovering our rich horror stories happened during the pandemic, when I felt the need to unwind from working at home by listening to podcasts. There, I discovered horror and true crime podcasts from the Philippines. Additional research on my part has led me to Philippine Spirits, which was my introduction to the author’s works both as a writer and a researcher. 

Mythica Obscura is filled with familiar stories such as Mr. Brown. I am no longer afraid while reading these stories because I am a horror fan myself. The illustrations have brought back the zine feel in the book, which I actually appreciate given that I do encounter zines myself during conventions and book fairs. To have all of these folk horror tales in one book is thrilling because it will be a valuable resource material for students who can further study them. It can also provide casual entertainment to readers like me, and ties to the motherland to those who are part of the Filipino diaspora. 

I would like to commend the author for commissioning Filipino artists to illustrate his book. It is also noteworthy that he is working with people from different parts of the country to translate his stories into different local languages and dialects.

I am excited to see what’s next for the author, as well as for Philippine Spirits. 

Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4 by Karl Gaverza is now available!

The Requiem Thesis: A Love Letter to Psychology

The Requiem Thesis by Christian Khiel Pineda Unto is a love letter to psychology. The author is a psychometrician by profession, and his work is evident in this novel. Including Freud in his novel is a brave effort considering that not everyone is into novels that are intellectual in nature. It is fortunate and beneficial to the reading public though that authors like Christian are unfazed by the general idea that Filipinos do not like intellectual novels. In fact, he enriches Philippine literature at large by contributing this rich and atmospheric novel to its fold. 

Reading The Requiem Thesis is a journey through escapism. I enjoyed being in another time and place through this novel, as I was reading this during a challenging time in my life. I am diagnosed with two mental illnesses, and I found this book to be a valuable resource considering that I have to work harder than most people in order to function properly. I am far from normal, and yet, this book made me feel that through diligence and hard work on my part, I will be able to reach a level of normalcy which can enable me to function and become productive. The most important components of my healing are that I am conscious and that I am willing to let my doctor help me become a better version of myself.

It is remarkable that I was able to see semblances of hope that I will have mental stability in a work of fiction. I think that novels are meant to guide us through stories and experiences which the author considers to be helpful to his readers. The Requiem Thesis was an enjoyable read. I even found the experimental study at the end of the book entertaining because my best friend happens to be a scientist.

The Requiem Thesis by Christian Khiel Pineda Unto is now available!

The Art of Forex: A Strategic Approach

The Art of Forex by Alexander Wee Gonzales is a strategic approach to trading. My first impression of the book was that it was different from the typical books I have encountered on the subject. Most of them were thick, hardbound, and intimidating. This book by Xander is written in plain English. Also, he did not promise the moon and the stars, but rather the ability to develop his approach called “Chart Vision”. He made forex approachable and comprehensible in less than one hundred pages.

It is evident in the book that the author is passionate about his craft. His way of teaching trading as both an art and a science cannot be achieved without the innate love for his work. In the beginning of the book, he wrote that no two traders are the same, and that it is an individual journey. This is true, and his “chart vision” approach is a solid foundation as a strategy.

My favorite part is the chapter on the psychology of the forex game. Here, I was able to understand the author’s roots in Taekwondo and how his background in martial arts has honed his resiliency and creativity. He was able to develop his own style in his sport, which was the similar game plan he had for forex trading. While learning the basics and the rules of the game, he built his own strategies through experience, wins, losses, and developing his signature style. I like this because it is not only applicable to trading, but to everyday life as well.

While I do not engage in forex trading, I have definitely learned some key concepts which I could apply to managing my own resources and continuing my journey as a published author and writer.

The Art of Forex by Alexander Wee Gonzales is now available!

Department of Irregular Elimination: An Introspective Journey

D.I.E. (Department of Irregular Elimination by Just Villanueva seems like your typical science fiction novel in the beginning: dystopian plot, technological elements, and anger. Lots and lots of anger. But what sets this novel apart is the journey through the values held by its protagonist. 

Mavelin Diaz is twenty-one. At such an impressionable age, she joins DIE, the Department of Irregular Elimination. She is tasked to kill unwanted forces such as terrorists in order to bring some semblance of order to a dystopian Philippines. She channels her energy into completing her expected tasks, but unforeseen events force her to make difficult choices. These choices bring her to an introspective journey, which happens in parallel to her exploits. And while the setting is a dystopian Philippines, there are still familiar places in the book. Benguet, for example, was the setting of one of their flights. I would like to commend the author for including one of my favorite provinces in the novel, and for describing it as full of trees. In an unforgiving future, it is comforting that trees still exist in fiction.

Loyalty is given to a country that provides its citizens enough reasons to defend it. DIE has reminded me of how love of country is still supposed to be upheld even during challenging times, and under questionable leadership. We need to be like Mav- brave, flawed, and loyal to a fault.

It is noteworthy that despite the cussing and the challenges that Mav faces, the novel highlights the importance of values such as forgiveness and patriotism. It is inspiring to serve one’s country even when the lines are blurred between right and wrong. I am eager to see how today’s readers will react to a Filipino science fiction novel such as this one. We definitely need more sci-fi in this country.

D.I.E. (Department of Irregular Elimination by Just Villanueva is now available!

Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Science Coursebook Volume 2: The Conversation Continues

Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Science Coursebook Volume 2 by Adrien Kyle M. Jacinto, RPh, MS is an exam reviewer designed to aid pharmacy graduates ace local and international exams. While both volumes of the author’s coursebooks were designed to provide all the essential information on all board subjects, I treated it as the continuation of my conversation with the author about pharmacy. 

As someone with no knowledge in pharmacy, I must admit that the first volume was more entertaining for me. I read it to pass time, and it made me understand the basics of pharmacy. This volume was a deep dive into concepts which were totally foreign to me, such analytical chemistry and manufacturing pharmacy. Good thing that the book had several illustrations which helped me grasp the information better.

What I found interesting in this book was the part on legal pharmacy and ethics in the Philippines. I am a PWD, and I am benefiting from indigent patient programs in hospitals and LGUs. It was empowering to know that there are laws that give me access to cheaper medicines, such as generic alternatives. In fact, my favorite concept was nonmaleficence, which means “to never injure or wrong the sick”. As someone with limited means, I have experienced various forms of discrimination because I always ask for help in order to afford my healthcare. Knowing that there are laws that protect me has inspired me to continue fighting for my life and for my rights.

Similar to the first volume, the author has provided a QR code which lets the reader access the solutions to the sample problems online. I commend the author for this measure to combat book piracy, since access to the solutions online is subject to his approval. I would also like to commend the author for providing his email address so that readers can address issues and concerts to him personally. This fosters academic discourse and intellectual improvement.

Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Science Coursebook Volume 2 by Adrien Kyle M. Jacinto, RPh, MS is now available!

Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Science Coursebook Volume 1: A Pharmacy Exam Reviewer

Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Science Coursebook Volume 1 by Adrien Kyle M. Jacinto, RPh, MS is a pharmacy exam reviewer like no other. I must admit that I have no background in this field. My background is in the Humanities. However, I have always been a frustrated scientist. My best friend in college was a biology professor, and he instilled in me the value of applying the scientific method in my everyday thought process. As a result, I have tackled this book review assignment as an experiment. My goal is to understand the basic principles of pharmacy without having the educational background in this branch of science.

The result was a trippy read. I am a visual learner, so the illustrations helped me appreciate the concepts which were otherwise foreign to me. Since I am a person with a disability and I am taking medication, it was refreshing to see visual representations of the antidepressants that I take. And as someone with several drug allergies, it was enlightening to see how the drugs that I am allergic to work, such as penicillin.

There is a QR code provided by the author which lets the reader access the solutions to the sample problems online. I find this an effective measure in combating book piracy. More importantly, the author has provided his email address in order to address any concerns regarding the book. I commend the author for initiating the exchange of ideas not only for the reader’s benefit, but also for his own continuous learning.

I highly doubt if the information I have read will help me in everyday life, but I must say that the book has helped me appreciate pharmacy as both a science and an art. The author is evidently passionate about his field of study, and I am eager to see how the second volume will help me appreciate pharmacy as an approachable series of concepts instead of a foreign language.

Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Science Coursebook Volume 1 by Adrien Kyle M. Jacinto, RPh, MS is now available!

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Forever grateful for my @centralbooksph @publishondemand family for giving me the chance to become a published author. Dito po ako nagsimula. ❤️

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The Dog Who Wants a Home: Teaching Kids How to Love Shelter Animals

The Dog Who Wants a Home by Harrie Summer S. Martija is a children’s book which was written by a child. The precocious writing talent of the author shines in her maiden publication. The story is full of empathy and heart, which is much-needed in today’s fast-paced world. 

I enjoyed reading this book because I could relate to the story. Like Berry, I also felt like it was difficult to fit in. I was not accepted, and I had to compete with other people just to make a name for myself. This may be a children’s story, but I was able to empathize with the dog who could not find a home in the beginning. I would like to commend the author’s parents for raising such a kind-hearted child. 

Finding the meaning of home is the running theme in this book. Home may not be a place per se, but it can also be the feeling of belongingness. This book emphasizes the importance of adopting dogs who do not have a home, and who do not have owners yet. Before buying a dog or a cat, please consider adopting or fostering from an animal shelter first. I myself have volunteered at PAWS before, and it was an eye opening experience. I was able to feel like the dogs and cats were all happy to see me, even if I was only there to help out for a day. I felt loved, even if the animals around me were only there at that time.

I wish I could adopt a pet but our home is very small, and my living situation is not ideal for keeping a pet. I am lucky that my partner has seven cats who are all there to give me love when I am with them. This book reminded me of the importance of loving animals, especially shelter animals. We need more books to teach children about animal shelters, and how they can help out.

The Dog Who Wants a Home by Harrie Summer S. Martija is now available!

We Can Survive: Teaching Kids How to Be Resilient

We Can Survive by Jude Fenete Atienza is a book of poetry for children. What sets this book apart from others on the pandemic is that it is a collection of poetry in both Filipino and English. Almost all the children of my friends are having difficulties with their Filipino subject homework, so this book is a much-needed resource. We need more children’s books in Filipino, and it would be nice if there is also a portion in English, even if it is not a direct translation such as in this book.

The author’s poems are easy to read, especially for children who are not commonly exposed to poetry. The text is relatable and they deal with topics on the pandemic, such as the quarantine and the vaccine. Difficult subjects such as death are also tackled here. The illustrations by Jann Flloyd D. Atienza provide visual context to the bittersweet pandemic poems. The book is designed by Lyka D. Atienza, and it presents the book as a world class work.

To be honest, I enjoyed the Filipino poems in this book more. Perhaps it is because I am rarely exposed to poetry in the vernacular. It could also be because I simply enjoy reading Filipino works outside the academe. It is refreshing to appreciate our Filipino language in the literary sense, and I hope that this is the starting point for a lifelong love for Filipino poetry.

I hope that the author and his collaborators will write more books on difficult subjects such as death and sickness in the future. His background in science is a rich foundation for stories and poetry that children can learn from. We need more authors with his technical background. I am eagerly waiting for his upcoming books.

We Can Survive by Jude Fenete Atienza is now available!

Hunter Chronicles 1: A Visual Feast

Hunter Chronicles 1 Rizal: The Immortal Trial A Nosey Journalist, an Indomitable Hero Two Timelines…One Immortal War by Clifford T. Sychingiok did not disappoint the fantasy fan in me. I picked up this book thinking that it was solely about our national hero, but I realized that it was a fantasy artbook focused on a short story. The said short story was about Dr. Yuko Yamamoto, a bioengineering expert. The accompanying illustrations provided a glimpse into the author’s rich imagination. The equipment illustrations were detailed, and I was impressed with the various timelines in which these characters were presented. It seems that the author visualized these heroes to be able to help in different decades, settings, and locations. All that matters was their preparedness to help, and their skill sets. 

Dr. Yuko Yamamoto focused on the legacy of resilience, which inspired her to use her expertise in order to help her countrymen bounce back after World War II. I felt inspired by her sense of purpose. She used her gift in order to help people after the war, and her sense of responsibility prodded her to help and make a difference. Yuko also channeled her hope that one day, Hiroshima will rise again after the war. Instead of focusing on that “one day”, she acted on her day one. She immediately took action. Decades later, she was able to use the same expertise to helm the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

It was an engaging short story, and I would like to know what happens next. The book is filled with richly detailed illustrations. I am curious if the author illustrated the book as well, as no one was credited for these artworks. I look forward to the author’s upcoming works.

The book tapped into my sense of wonder and imagination. We need more books that marry history and fantasy in order to inspire people of all ages to make the world a better place.

Hunter Chronicles 1 Rizal: The Immortal Trial A Nosey Journalist, an Indomitable Hero Two Timelines…One Immortal War is now available!

Childhood Journey: A Doorway to Understanding Children Better

I read Childhood Journey: Helping Children and Teens Fight Their Battles because I was curious about how psychiatry can help children cope with their own problems. The book was edited by Spes F. Romero-Reyes and Anna Vasquez, both veterans in their field. Reading it became a poignant experience because it brought me back to my childhood. I had my fair share of issues back then, which is part of growing up. Everyone encounters their own challenges, especially when they reach adolescence. The book brought me back to those issues, and some of it felt so familiar that I had to take breaks while reading it. Luckily, I was able to address my personal issues, and I am much better now. Also, reading has become one of my favorite pastimes, and I am thankful that to this day, this hobby still leads me to helpful resources such as this one.

The chapters were written by talented psychiatrists who took their time to describe various issues faced by children and adolescents as they grow up. It was difficult to read some parts of the book because they felt so familiar, that the words seemed to reverberate through my mind. It was painful to look back, but as I was taught in the past, it is always helpful to hurl myself back to the present. The present is all I have to address the issues at hand and to become a better individual. This book does not only help the general public understand young people, but everyone as well. After all, we were all children once.

Admittedly, it is a privilege to receive professional help. I hope that more people in the Philippines will consider taking better care of their mental health. Mental health is healthcare. Childhood Journey reminds us that if we give children the right tools to cope with their own issues, they will become better adults in the future. So, it is never too early or too late to get the help that we need.

Childhood Journey: Helping Children and Teens Fight Their Battles is now available!

Understanding the Self: A Roadmap to Self-Identity

I read Understanding the Self by Maria Asuncion Marissa C. Tanangco as I was undergoing a major personal crisis. It was fortunate that this book happened to be in my hands, as it was useful for my discernment about major life decisions. Little did I know that I would learn a lot more than the skill of better decision making, as this book was packed with information on how to know myself better.

I must admit that I was initially intimidated by the book because of its academic look and feel. Luckily, I was able to enjoy the book as I went through it. The author included some autobiographical parts in relation to the theories she introduced in the book, which gave it a more personal touch and feel. Her personal anecdotes made the psychological concepts easier to understand. 

I am aware of the academic nature of this book, but I do wish that the author posted a disclaimer that readers with traumatic experiences in relation to their families will need to discuss the material first with their instructors. Some of the activities might not be appropriate for those with traumatic experiences in the family setting. Other than that, I found the activities relatable and easy to follow. It was also noteworthy that the author used plain language in writing her book.

I appreciate the personal stories of the author on her own challenges and grit. I admire how she was able to take on these challenges with bravery and self-awareness. I felt inspired to face my own challenges with the same spirit. It has really helped me put things into perspective.

I hope that the author continues to write resource materials which could help learners cope with current challenges and realities. We need more teacher authors to nurture our personal growth and development, and it pays to provide the right tools to equip students for the future.

Understanding the Self is now available!

Ang Magkapatid na Parang Aso at Pusa: Teaching Kids About Teamwork

Ang Magkapatid na Parang Aso at Pusa by Richard and Mira Lumiqued is a story about teamwork. The brother and sister in the story post a classic example of conflict between siblings. What warmed my heart about this story was its lesson on teamwork, and how working together can make things happen.

As an only child, I do not have any firsthand experience on sibling dynamics. From what I have heard from the people in my life, having a sibling can be a painful experience. However, when you think of your sibling as your ally, then it transforms into a rewarding experience. This book has given me a glimpse into the world of sibling conflict, and how it can be resolved through teamwork and compromise. I must admit that when I entered the workforce, I found it difficult to relate to some people because I did not have siblings to tease me or give me unwarranted opinions. I realized that having siblings can teach people how to resolve conflicts, work together, and build stronger relationships.

I found the illustrations by CJ Escurel very interesting. They were vibrant and lively. I would like to see more works from this talented illustrator.

I am excited to read the continuation of this story. The authors have built up quite a cliffhanger with their story. I also found it amusing that both husband and wife authors work in HR. I believe that their HR skills were rooted in their family lives, and having siblings has been the foundation of their fruitful careers.

I am thankful for this book because it reminded me that working together is better than resolving conflicts on my own. It is better to have allies than enemies in times of uncertainty and weakness.

Ang Magkapatid na Parang Aso at Pusa by Richard and Mira Lumiqued is now available!

Sundaes on Sundays: A Treat for All Ages

Sundaes on Sundays: A Fun Rhyme About Homophones by Cheerine Dy Choi is a treat for all ages. The text is easy and fun to follow. I read this book through the eyes of someone who enjoys reading children’s books even as an adult. The illustrations by Kate Adajar were too cute for words and overall, the book was adorable.

I read this book during an awful day. I received bad news, and honestly, I was too tired to read anything on my list. Luckily, this children’s book seemed to beckon me with its attractive cover (yes, I do judge books by their covers). So, I read the book aloud and before I knew it, I already had a smile on my face.

This book turned my frown upside down with its rhymes and witty sentences. I praise the author for her inventive prose, and her imaginative rhymes. I am also a fan of her discounted pricing for those who would like to donate this book. We need to raise more readers, and it can begin with the fascinating world of homophones.

I enjoyed reading the book so much that I wish that it could become a series. I also wish that the author could provide supplementary content such as QR codes that could lead to verbal examples of homophones. Perhaps an interactive content layout could become a possible future book idea for the author! I have high hopes for the author because her book made me smile on a terrible day. I felt like it was a Sunday, a day when worries seem to melt away.

If there are more Filipino books like Sundaes on Sundays, then the future of our country can be brighter and more intelligent. 

Sundaes on Sundays: A Fun Rhyme About Homophones by Cheerine Dy Choi and illustrated by Kate Adajar is now available!

I Want to Be a Cloud: Reaffirming the Meaning of Life for Kids

Reading I Want to Be a Cloud by Nichole P. felt like I was being hugged by a white, fluffy cloud. I am a PWD with a Psychosocial disorder, so this book was just what I needed. The holidays were tough, and the upcoming Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day celebrations already feel like an uphill battle. This book reminded me of the simple joys that make life worth living.

The tough days will pass us by, but our will to live will keep us afloat. I appreciate that this book is both in English and Filipino. Children these days struggle with speaking the vernacular, and I really believe that bilingual books will give them a better grasp of both languages. A book about dealing with difficult emotions teaches children that it is okay to feel down. It is in the breaks that we take that reaffirm the meaning of life for us. And when I read this book during a break in between my busy week, I was able to remember the things that make life fun and exciting.

The illustrations by Reu gave the book a cuddly and comforting feel. The story by Nichole P. is not just for children. Even as an adult in my 30s, I was able to feel better after reading this book. I hope that Nichole writes more books about handling difficult situations and emotions in the future. She has the potential to become a prolific author in both English and Filipino for children.

I hope that people will learn to take breaks every once in a while in order to remember that life has ups and downs. We just need to wait things out in order for the ups to be upon us once more, and for the downs to be resolved. 

I Want to Be a Cloud by Nichole P. is now available!

Ayn Needs to Practice: Teaching Kids About Perseverance

Reading Ayn Needs to Practice by Kailey Ayn Tan felt like a throwback to my childhood. I used to take classical flute and voice lessons, which took a lot of time from me. I needed to practice everyday, especially when my recitals were just around the corner. I remember motivating myself with the latest VHS rentals from Video City once I survived my recitals. This tactic has worked for me, and the reward system was similarly employed in the book.

The protagonist is relatable and her ordeal feels familiar to many children. Even if I no longer play the flute that much and sing regularly, I still feel disciplined enough to observe my daily routine of exercise and writing. It seems that the discipline that I have gained from practicing music is already ingrained in my system, albeit in other aspects of my life. I believe that this book will teach kids the value of perseverance and hard work. Children need books like Ayn Needs to Practice in order to normalize preparation. Sometimes, seeing yourself in a book is all that it takes to motivate you. And this book is going to help children who find themselves too lazy to practice their musical instruments. This can also be applied to other fields that require practice, such as sports and mental training. Children need to learn the value of hard work, and the rewards that come with being persistent.

I would like to commend the author for her efforts to motivate children who are in a similar situation that she is in. She has also done an excellent job with the book’s illustrations. I hope that she will write more books about her own life experiences so that she can help and inspire children to read and reach for the stars.

Ayn Needs to Practice by Kailey Ayn Tan is now available!

The Forlorn Rice Cooker: Teaching Kids About Purpose

Reading The Forlorn Rice Cooker by Nina Daza Puyat felt like I was listening to a story by one of my relatives in LA. My relatives in California have rich imaginations, and this is right up their alley. And they do have rice cookers which take up pride of place in their respective kitchens. This story was not just entertaining, but also relatable to someone who spent half of her life going back and forth between the US and the Philippines. There is nothing more Filipino than a family rice cooker and some good old fried rice. And for many families, the rice cooker has already become synonymous with nourishment and sustenance.

I have become a Nina Daza Puyat fan with her first book, Ang Alamat ng Lumpiang Shanghai. This author is a fellow Knoller and a true creative. She is proud of her culinary ancestry by including recipes in her children’s books. I think that she is doing the right thing by writing books for children. We need to influence the next generation by enriching their imaginations and using everyday objects such as the rice cooker in order to teach valuable lessons.

I appreciate how this book teaches children about purpose. Sure, some gadgets such as the frying pan can do amazing things. But the rice cooker, with its sturdy built and dependable character, is the only one that can whip up everyone’s trust staple, which is white rice. Purpose is something that is found in the character of the individual. One does not need to be flashy or ornate. It just has to fulfill its purpose in order to become useful. And kids these days need to remember that purpose is already found in them, and not by being visible on social media or wearing expensive clothes.

The Forlorn Rice Cooker by Nina Daza Puyat is now available!