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VIDEO: WHY ARE PICTURE BOOKS IMPORTANT?

10/11/2014

 
Zarah Gagatiga, our Library Consultant, appeared on UNTV Good Morning Kuya last week to talk about the importance of children's picture books.

Why Are Picture Books Important? from Sambat Trust on Vimeo.

Special thank you to GMK for giving us permission to share this video.

VIDEO: Over 4,000 children now have access to books and a school library, all made possible by you.

7/2/2014

 

Think of a Philippines in which children love to read...

10/21/2013

 
Candy was inspired to make this video after talking about the work of Sambat Trust at the School Librarian of the Year Awards 2013. 
We love it!

(Video)Before and After:Laurel Library Room

6/13/2013

 

Author Q & A with Russell Molina: From Advertising Guy to Children’s Book Writer

2/3/2013

 
Award winning author, Mr. Russell Molina was at Trapiche Elementary School for the inauguration and launching of the school library there last August 11, 2012. His talk was well loved by children and adults present during his session. He even met a college buddy, Mr. Gerald Hidalgo of TUPAD, a civic organization supporting Sambat Trust in establishing school libraries in Tanauan, Batangas, Philippines. 
Mr. Molina has numerous books published and a slew of awards received but he remains humble and sincere to his audience, the Filipino child. In this interview, Mr. Molina shares his beginnings as a writer of children’s stories and his inspiration for writing Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon? (What hairstyle do you want?), a story about a young boy's wonderment on his father's work as a barber. 
1. When did you start writing for children?

I started in 1998 with the story "Ang Lumang Kumot ni Lola."  I wrote it then entered it in the PBBY Salanga Writer's Prize.  Luckily, it was given a special citation that year.  I took that win as a nudge that I should pursue writing for children.  I never stopped writing ever since.  

My background is really advertising.  I write copy (text) for numerous print ads and television spots.  So it's also like telling stories in 30 seconds or 15 seconds.  So the shift from writing copy to creating children's stories wasn't a leap.  I actually use what I learn in advertising when I write for kids and vice-versa.  It's a fun process. 

2. What was your inspiration in writing Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon?

"Anong Gupit Natin Ngayon?" is a combination of two experiences -- first, as a child growing up and visiting the barbershop with my mom and dad and second, as a father bringing my daughter to her own haircut sessions.  

As a child, I remember sitting in the barber chair and devouring pages of Funny Komiks (remember those?) in between snips.  Those times, I think, were my most creative moments.  Just being alone with your thoughts and your comics.  You can let your mind explode with ideas even if you're stuck to a chair.  And I remember imagining different hair styles then.  "What if" moments come to you when you let your mind fly and wander.

As a father, my heart aches every time I think of the time when my little daughter inevitably grows up - old enough not to need her dad to tag along.  She would finally make her own decisions, in hairstyles and in life.  So I guess I wrote this story also for parents.  Moments such as these are fleeting.  Embrace them and hold on tight as long as you can. 
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3. Among your published stories, which story do you consider as the best?

All my stories are my babies.  I gave birth to them. So it is really hard to choose. 

4. Describe the "creative process" you went through when writing Anong Gupit. Did you undergo the same experience writing your other books?

I really do not follow a strict process when it comes to writing.  Writing is like a journey and I seldom take the same route twice.  I allow myself to lose my way sometimes.  But all my stories start with an idea.  I don't think you can ever begin writing a story without an idea.  What is it that you want to say?  Where do you want to take your readers?  And what is it about your story that would make them sit up and listen?  If you can answer these questions THEN you can start the trek.  
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Mr. Molina's inspirational message to children, parents and teachers of Trapiche Elementary School.
5. As a writer for children, where do you see yourself ten years from now against the backdrop of Philippine Children's Literature?

I still see myself creating stories that celebrate the Filipino spirit.  Stories open the eyes, minds and hearts of Filipino children.  Books are the best vehicles to encourage kids to get to know themselves better.  And it is important that they read ABOUT themselves in the pages.  There are still a lot of Pinoy stories that are left untold.  I hope to continue championing this cause.  

6. Short message please, for teachers, parents and children who read your stories.

To the parents --- the best stories are YOUR stories -- stories about your childhood, about your family, about your community and about your life in general.  These are the best stories because you are part of them.  Pass them on to your kids.  These stories are your legacy.  Also, don't forget to read to your kids.  And don't forget to open a book too.  The culture of reading starts in your own home.  

To the teachers -- we need new writers and storytellers and I really believe that you are primed to take on the challenge of creating wonderful stories for kids.  Jump in!  Take the leap!  

Thank you for your support and for making my stories come alive with every telling.  

To the Filipino child -- open a Filipino children book today and read all about you.  You have always been our inspiration and we hope to return the favor and inspire you back with our stories. 

Ambulong Library Opening: Storytelling by Zarah Gagatiga

1/10/2013

 
Do you remember our Second Birthday Campaign for Ambulong Primary School? Here's Zarah at the library opening enjoying stories with the children!

Honolulu Marathon 2012: Running for Children's Books

11/18/2012

 
Would you like to show your support? You can sponsor Anthony here:
www.justgiving.com/Anthony-Mariano

Ambulong Primary School Library Opening Ceremony: Message for Candy Gourlay

10/23/2012

 

Message for Candy Gourlay from Anthony Mariano on Vimeo.

Sambat Trust's Second Birthday Campaign for Ambulong Primary School.

9/18/2012

 
Did you know we are celebrating our 2nd birthday this September? Sambat Trust became a registered charity in Sept. 2010.
Thanks to you, over 2,700 children now have access to books and a functional school library in the Philippines.

To celebrate our 2nd birthday this September,we are raising funds to establish a school library at Ambulong Primary  School, Batangas; a school with 970 children.
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Our fundraising target is £5,000- so we can deliver 2,000 children's books to the school.

If you break this down, it costs just £5.16 to give each child at the school access to books and a functional school library.

Celebrate Sambat Trust's 2nd birthday!
 
Go to www.justgiving.com/ambulongschool and donate just £5.00 to  give a child at Ambulong Primary School access to books and a library
    DONATE NOW

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