‘EDSA’ children’s book launched

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos young and old can now relive the 1986 EDSA Revolution through a children’s book launched on July 15, a day before National Children’s Book Day.

“EDSA,” written by Palanca finalist Russell Molina and illustrated by Peter Pan Prize winner Sergio Bumatay III, was launched at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) by the EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC).

EPPC was created by Executive Order 82 to spread awareness on the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, a key moment in Philippine history. 

The children’s book recalls in imaginative detail the last days of the revolution. According to a press release, the EPPC dedicates it to “Filipinos who stood against tanks and bullets at EDSA.” The book is meant to be a “mine for inspiration and a tool for remembrance and learning for all families.”

For author Molina, “A picture book is a shared experience. I want EDSA to be likewise. I want teachers and parents to put in stories. EDSA is not just one story but a series of different stories.”

Spreading memories

Both the book’s writer and illustrator have reaped awards for their work in the realm of children’s literature. Aside from becoming a finalist at the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, Molina has also received the Phillipine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) Salangga Writer’s Prize at the National Children’s Book Awards.

Bumatay’s illustrations for the children’s book, “Naku, Nakuu, Nakuuu!” won the Peter Pan Prize given by the International Board on Books for Young People in Sweden.

Representing President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino — whose parents were key factors in the first EDSA Revolution — Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma said during the book’s launch: “We thank Russell and Serge for their book that seeks to keep the spirit of the 1986 EDSA Revolution alive.”

At the end of the launch, students from Rafael Palma Elementary School were treated to a storytelling session and were given copies of “EDSA.”

Through the book, the EPPC hopes to help the youth with no memory of the revolution to understand its significance. 

“With the artful combination of history, arithmetic and literature, we thank Russell, Serge and Adarna House, in behalf of the nation, for bringing us this book. Living out the EDSA Spirit will now be as easy as 1, 2 and 3,” said EPPC Commissioner Millie Kilayko in her closing remarks. – With reports from Pia Ranada/Rappler.com