Adventures of a Diva Princess: Books

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With ABS-CBN picking up the rights to develop the beloved fantasy series into a multimedia franchise, Moymoy Lulumboy 6 instantly became one of the most anticipated releases on the biggest and longest running book fair in the Philippines.

The sixth installment debuted during the first day of the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) last September 13 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasig City.

Following Moymoy Lulumboy’s journey as a fascinating character who continues to grapple with the complexities of adolescent life, Lampara Publishing’s latest novel succeeds in debunking the preconceived notions about aswang by going beyond its role in popular culture.

In addition to Moymoy’s adolescent issues, the book marks the boy-aswang’s return to the enchanting world of Gabun where he saves his brother Alangkaw and childhood friend Hasmin from evil forces.

Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Ugat at ang Propesiya is Segundo Matias Jr.’s sixth offering from the Moymoy Lulumboy series. When asked about the novel’s transition towards a more “Young Adult” direction, the award-winning author pointed out his fascination on writing characters that navigate a flawed life. “Gusto kong gumawa ng isang YA novel na gaya ng Mga Batang Poz. Yung buhay ng isang teenager o young adult: nag-e-explore, madalas magkamali at pagkatapos ay natututo sa buhay.”

These vulnerable, colorful and inspiring creatures populate Segundo Matias Jr.’s string of young adult titles such as Angelica, Ang Multo Ng Balete Drive, whose heroine broke ghost rules to save a friend’s life, and Moñito, Ang Mabait na Demonyo, a kindhearted demon born without a horn and a tail. Both novels were launched on the same day as Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Ugat at ang Propesiya, leading Segundo Matias Jr.’s growing roster of fantasy titles.

Completing the publisher turned novelist’s showcase during MIBF week is Mga Batang Poz, a 2018 young adult novel whose digital series adaptation is considered to be one of the most viewed streaming titles on popular online platform, iWantv. Threading an important step forward in understanding the lives of People living with HIV-AIDS, the book garnered generally positive acclaim from various critics and publications, with Philippine Star Supreme praising the material for bringing attention to a subject that has long been derided by religious conservatives.

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As we celebrate Pride Month, did you know that we now have the first Filipino pop literature imprint focused on championing LGBTQ+ narratives? Yes, Pride Lit is the first pop imprint and it stands proud as a great source of entertainment and inspiration to readers of all kinds.

But more than teaching us the value of appreciation and acceptance, the brand has been very consistent in creating a safe space for underrepresented voices to flourish and share their stories, whether it’s about finding love in many forms and shapes or discovering one’s sexual awakening with fleeting moments of kilig.

Now celebrating its third year in the publishing industry, Pride Lit is taking a huge leap by releasing five unique titles from its roster of seasoned and respected writers and contributors. From Alex Rosas’ gender-swap romance Gay’s Anatomy to Soju’s campy fantasy Ang Asul Na Buntot Ni Aquano, the new releases represent diverse genres that speak of uniquely queer experiences and imaginative premises. Other upcoming titles that will be released this month include John Jack G. Wigley’s ensemble drama Kadenang Bahaghari, Lush Ericson’s instant pleaser Agustin and Ariston’s Version of the Universe, and Angelica Sorreda’s romantic offering Over Time.

“Each book actually talks about different emotions, experiences and were written differently,” Pride Lit Brand Manager Aiko Clarizza Buduan-Salazar points out. “The upcoming new titles will open readers’ minds on the fresh possibilities of storytelling.” True to its vision,

Pride Lit steps up its game by ensuring LGBTQ+ characters and its allies could be prominent figures in pop culture narratives, and serve as inspiration to the LGBTQ+ community whose vibrant lives are worth telling, and are now everyone’s stories. “We plan to release more books and become a staple in the community,” Salazar said. “Aside from providing feel good stories and erotic stories too, we plan to become more reachable to our target market and community.”

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Holey Cheese! -- the worldwide bestselling children series Geronimo Stilton by Scholastic is celebrating its grand 15th anniversary! Marking the historic occasion, the Geronimo Stilton Convention 2.0 is coming to town on May 25, 2019 from 1pm – 4pm at Atrium 1, Level 2, The Podium. So put those party hats on and get ready to have a “mice” time, because everyone is invited!

Exclusive for one day only, the Geronimo Stilton Convention 2.0 offers families all around a wholesome experience with plenty whisker-licking-good activities. Kids can bring their inner Picasso in the On-the-Spot Art Contest or stand a chance to win the Cosplay Contest when they come as their favourite Geronimo Stilton character. For a jumping-good-time, kids can spend the afternoon in the Bouncy “Cheeseball” Pit, an inflatable castle ready to be conquered!

Also not to be missed is the Book Discussion of “My Favorite Geronimo Stilton Adventure” for kids to share their own unforgettable Geronimo moments with other fans of the series. Packing a paw-erful punch, the fun continues with Face-Painting, Photo Booth, Parlor Games and a yummy Snack Bar. The party of the year will also feature a Celebrity Appearance of Geronimo and Thea Stilton in a special musical number, shaking and grooving with their “cheesy” dance moves. As a memento, fans can also get their book copies stamped by Geronimo and The Stilton themselves!

An award-winning Ratitzer Prize author, Geronimo Stilton runs The Rodent’s Gazette, Mouse Island’s most famouse newspaper. Geronimo can be a scaredy mouse at times, but that does not stop his daring escapades across the globe (and other realms too)! Geronimo writes the Geronimo Stilton series to share his funny adventures with young readers around the world.

Each book is fast-paced, filled with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love. Commenting on his book, Geronimo said, “They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise!”; his eyes gleaming with excitement. Plus, it sure makes learning English as enjoyable as chewing off a large chunk of cheese!

The series was first published in 2000 in Italian with the English version being published in 2004 by Scholastic Corporation, and since then has been entertaining children the world over with his amazing adventures. Together with his sister Thea, cousin Trap and nephew Benjamin, Geronimo Stilton exposes kids to different cultures in his quest for the latest scoop. To date, koGeronimo Stilton has written seventy-two (72) internationally bestselling books and 7 spin-off series titles all based on his most exciting escapades. His sister Thea also has her own popular books based on her life as a photojournalist!

Don’t miss the paw-some party of the year! To join the Geronimo Stilton Convention 2.0, simply present any Geronimo Stilton book purchased from National Book Store, Powerbooks, NBS Express and online at www.nationalbookstore.com; upon registration at the venue. The Geronimo Stilton Convention 2.0 is co-organized by Scholastic Asia, National Book Store, Powerbooks and The Podium

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The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons surprised pundits by barging into the UAAP men's basketball finals just four years after finishing the annual tournament with just one win—and now one of the rising young sports journalists in the county is going to explain how UP's alumni engineered this amazing turnaround.

To be penned by columnist Naveen Ganglani, who has extensively covered the Fighting Maroons and the UAAP since 2009, the new book will provide readers with an in-depth look into the events leading to the humble beginnings of Nowhere to go but UP (NTGBU), a group of UP alumni volunteers who dared to believe that they could reinvigorate UP's resource-challenged sports programs.

"I’m incredibly lucky and grateful to the members ofNowhere to go but UP group, who have given me the opportunity to tell this amazing story," said Ganglani.

The writer, an alumnus of De La Salle University who roots for his Alma Mater’s Green Archers, nonetheless acknowledges that "the rise of the Fighting Maroons in the past five years leading up to their trip to the UAAP Finals is nothing short of phenomenal."

"As an outsider looking in, I hope to convey how the story of a rival school is incredibly inspiring, even to those who do not bleed maroon. I hope to do justice to their story by writing an accurate, comprehensive, well-researched book that will answer many questions about the rise of the Maroons," added Ganglani.

"What were the early challenges the group faced as UP tried to rehabilitate its reputation as one of the UAAP’s cellar-dwellers? What was the motivation behind the bonfire during a one-win campaign which was celebrated in Diliman, but mocked outside of the university’s walls?"

"What led to UP hero and legend Paul Desiderio nearly missing out on the chance to wear the school’s name across his chest? How was a once-in-a-generation talent like Juan Gomez De Liaño brought into the fold? Why was it so important for UAAP MVP Bright Akhuetie to leave a legacy at UP that he chose the school over other suitors? These are just some of the questions the book hopes to answer," shared Ganglani.

Aside from covering the UAAP, Ganglani has also written features and done on-camera reports on the NBA, PBA, FIBA, Philippine Superliga, and many other leagues. In 2015, he was chosen by Nike to be a representative of Southeast Asia to interview Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in his final NBA season. Ganglani also has his own web sports show – Beyond the Sport w/ Navs – and runs a printing business in Manila with his family.

For Ganglani, writing this book on the UP Fighting Maroons’ incredible rise will be the most important project of his career.

“As a sports journalist, my ultimate goal to write a story that can inspire others to rise above themselves, which is what the Fighting Maroons did the last five years with help from the dedicated and passionate UP community. Chronicling that special journey, one that was filled with many unforgettable memories, will be the perfect way to do so,” said Ganglani.

The book, which will be published by the Nowhere to go but UP Foundation, will include exclusive interviews with UP’s coaching staff and players, as well as key alumni from the UP community who helped augment the state university's athletic programs.

According to NTGBU Chairperson and UP Maroons Manager Atty. Agaton Uvero, "the goal really is to produce a tome that will be enjoyed not only by UP alumni and fans of the Fighting Maroons, but also by those who are looking for motivation to strive for something bigger."

UP Maroons coach Bo Perasol echoed Uvero's sentiments, stressing that "the story of the Maroons is still being written as we speak."

"Nonetheless, UP is in a unique situation as the only state university in the UAAP. As such, its varsity teams face circumstances far different from their counterparts in private schools," said the former Maroon, who graduated from UP Diliman in 1994.

"It's a very interesting story, and we hope that it will inspire those who face enormous challenges in the pursuit of their ambitions. Nakakaiyak, nakakatawa, nakaka-inspire. Which is why I and the rest or the team are really excited about this project."

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HARRY POTTER “20TH ANNIVERSARY” COVERS BY AWARD-WINNING ILLUSTRATOR NOW AVAILABLE IN THE PHILIPPINES

It’s official, I’m old! I can’t believe that Potterheads around the world is officially celebrating 20 years of Harry Potter with the release of new book covers by a known and award-winning artist. It seems it was just yesterday when I was browsing around National Bookstore and I was intrigued by this book with a bespectacled boy riding a broomstick entitled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. After reading it overnight, I went back to National to look for the second book but it was sold out already! But thank God my friend Rye has one. He said that he was a little bit embarrassed to tell me that he was reading a YA book, but it was so good he said. Good thing he has the book in his car and I finished reading it in one sitting. Then we influenced another friend and we three can’t stop talking about Harry Potter. That was the start of our Harry Potter addiction and over the years, the agony of waiting for each book is a real torture.

If we shared books with the first two books, the third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is another story. We each bought our own then and it was always the hardcover edition starting with this one. We always made sure we were the first to get our hands with the new book and the most memorable one will always be the release of Book 7 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows where we were up by dawn to fall in line because it was going to be a worldwide simultaneous release.

On my part, book 7 had the most impact on me, dislodging Book 5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix where Sirius Black died (after that I got numbed with some of the characters being killed so I was numbed enough when Dumbledore died).

I know Book 7 is going to be brutal but I wasn’t really prepared for it. All those deaths, Fred’s death hit me the hardest that I stopped reading for five hours, was hard to accept and I kept thinking how JK Rowling is such a murderer. You might think I’m overreacting but this is how much I’m into Harry Potter and his world.

The release of book 7 is the end of an era and I always think that no book can surpass the Harry Potter series and how it left an impression to many who have read it. (The movies are another matter) I am glad that we are the first generation who discovered the series.

Yes, twenty years went by so fast and Harry Potter was such a large part of me and my friends’ life. Every time JK Rowling would hand out Harry Potter crumbs, we were always excited to wait for it. Fan fiction is also a godsend for many of us who can’t let go of Harry Potter. As for me, I began to collect Harry Potter international editions, not all but a particular book that I like. When Scholastica announced that they will release a HARRY POTTER “20TH ANNIVERSARY” new Covers Illustrated by Award-Winning Artist Brian Selznick, I was overjoyed. I was planning to buy the series one book at a time for like a period of 5 months for my collection, but LOOK!!!

Scholastic is treating Potterheads to the brand-new ‘20“ Anniversary“ covers of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, illustrated by worldwide bestselling author and award-winning artist Brian Selznick. The release of the new edition marks the celebrated milestone of the 20th Anniversary of the US publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The highly anticipated new paperback editions have been released last June 26, 2018.

Breathing the epic story into life, the new edition is rendered with Selznick’s signature black and white style with jewel-toned type. But when the covers are placed side by side in a chronological order, this is where the real magic happens. The covers will then form a dazzling single image that tells the overarching story that begins with Harry’s arrival at Number Four, Privet Drive. through the epic conclusion of the Battle of Hogwarts.

All seven covers depict thrilling moments and beloved characters from across the series, including Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Albus Dumbledore, and many more. Sharp-eyed readers will spot intricate details throughout the artwork, such as Hermione’s Time-Turner, Harry's Patronus, the maze from the Triwizard Tournament, and the Hogwarts Express steaming toward a new school year with the next generation on board.

Being a fan himself, Selznick said, “I’m a huge Harry Potter fan (a proud Hufflepuff!), and to be asked to illustrate the 20th Anniversary edition covers was an absolute honor. I knew this project came with so much responsibility to the stories, as well as to the readers.

Philippines also celebrated Scholastic 20th Anniversary of Harry Potter with a special tea party held at 49-B Heirloom Kitchen last June 30, 2018.

Scholastic Asia with Pinoy Harry Potter, Hogwarts Phils and National Bookstore celebrated the 20 years of Harry Potter Magic with tournament by way of quiz and activities, where each house; Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff competed for the “House Cup.” Off course, Gryffindor won!

Heirloom’s special menu were served and we especially loved their cookies and scones with butter and jam.

Overall, the celebration is a huge success and some were lucky enough to take home a complete set of Harry Potter books.

Thank you so much Ms. Joyce Bautista, Scholastic Asia and the rest of the team for the magical celebration.

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Have you ever thought of what you will be doing once you retire from work? Retirement may look like fun; after all you will be reaping what you sow after so many years of hard work but to many that is not the case. Some people have misused their retirement funds on things that won’t give them security when they need it while others don’t know what to do with their retirement money.

This shouldn’t be the case since that money is your reward after years of hard work and with the future being uncertain, you should prepare for any eventualities that will happen.

Bestselling author Robert C. San Luis have an answer for you with his book entitled Wealth Without Wall Street -- Seven Keys To an Early Retirement. Recently launched at the Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City, his book touch on topic such as financial freedom among others.

Wealth Without Wall Street -- Seven Keys To an Early Retirement is a success in the United States. Mr. Robert San Luis is a finance guru, successful investor, and sought after investment consultant in America. He recently arrived in the country to educate Filipinos on investment trends and achieving their dreams of financial freedom.

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Mr. San Luis is born to Filipino parents (who are both doctors), who migrated in the US in the 1950s. But instead of following in his parent’s footsteps, San Luis decided to take a road less travelled and decided to become a financial advisor and a business coach. “I have started an investment revolution and I have brought it here in the Philippines to mark a global campaign that will teach investors how to replace their income and enjoy an early retirement,” he said.

He is also known to be a successful financial planner to high-net worth individuals abroad and an expert in real estate investments and a manufacturer of housing communities in the US, San Luis observed that many individuals have a hard time enjoying a gratified life after retirement. “We build our finances and investments while we are young. We work to prepare for a comfortable retirement, but based on facts only two percent will enjoy financial freedom after they retire from work. And this is what led me to writing this book,” he explained.

With his expertise and experience in the world of finance and investment, San Luis came up with optimal ways that any one who wants financial freedom can apply. In his book, San Luis stated that if we see ourselves stuck at one point, we need to change strategy to change our lives, and it is paramount that we act on it swiftly.

“Filipinos are talented, smart and creative, but they are still in the dark looking for means to build a stable income. These people also spend long hours in front of the computers doing Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. With this opportunity at hand, make use of the Internet to create your personal brand,” he divulged.

He said that these Internet platforms have created a vast market of opportunities for everyone. However, he still points out that we need to standout, and become an authority in our field.

San Luis’ another rule for success is to keep moving. According to him, we also need to build our own business even if we have to start with a small capital.

Lastly, the book Wealth Without Wall Street will also help you plan to prosper. San Luis shares some of the most sought-after investments that can help you retire sooner. He highlights in his book that people should learn how to replace their working income with passive income by adopting a well-planned approach in investment opportunities.

He further related in his book to “ Focus on investing in a portfolio of assets that can generate the cash flow to replace your working income, once you have passive income equal or greater than your expenses, you are free.”

The Wealth Without Wall Street will teach you how to reduce risk, increase cash flow and enjoy greater financial security. It will also show you how not to work until death but will teach you how to make smarter financial decisions for a retirement lifestyle you desire.

The book Wealth Without Wall Street -- Seven Keys To an Early Retirement will be available in all Fully Booked branches by the end of the month. So make sure to make a reservation and contact https://www.fullybookedonline.com/contact-us.

You can also check www.robertsanluis.com for more information.

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I've always been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but more oftentimes than not we put breakfast in low priorities and we tend to eat breakfast with food that is most convenient to cook.

Nestle Philippines with its Choose Wellness Program took the initiative to encourage a good breakfast habit and make the first meal of the day exciting. To achieve this, Nestle Philippines launched "I Can't Believe It's Breakfast!", a book of 30 easy to follow recipes that will make your breakfast exciting, nutritious and something that gets you excited to eat before beginning your day.

The recipe book highlights the importance of breakfast as part of Nestle Philippines long term Choose Wellness advocacy.

"Working parents like us are always pressed for time, so preparing a nutritious breakfast for our children early in the morning may prove to be a daunting task," cited Ms. Aurora Alipao, Nestle Philippines Consumer Engagement Services Head on why most of us skip breakfast. "Children themselves, especially adolescents, prefer to get more sleep than rise up early to have breakfast and there are those who purposely missed breakfast to lose weight," she further cited.

During the launch Nestle Philippines Corporate Nutritionist Ms. Catherine Sarmiento highlighted the importance of breakfast. She said that breakfast:

Gives the right fuel to perform your days' tasks.
Sets pace for the type of food one choose to eat throughout the day.
Helps in weight management.
Promotes bone, gut and heart health.
Focus well mentally and emotionally.
Promotes healthy lifestyle for you and family.

She further added that a good weekly breakfast plan which allows food variety and thereby avoiding taste fatigue will be a good start to promote a good breakfast habit. "Panning ahead will save you time during the week, and we will ensure ensure that the breakfast you serve daily helps meet your family's nutritional needs," she said.

The most exciting part of the book launch was a cooking demonstration by Nestle Resident Chef Tess Sutilo, who by the way developed the 30 recipes featured in the book. She cooked four of the featured recipes in the book which I say is really delicious and nutritious. It's also easy and not time consuming as most of the recipes can already be found in your kitchen.

Nestle Resident Chef Tess Sutilo and Nestle Philippines Consumer Engagement Services Head Aurora Alipao

I Can't Believe It's Breakfast! is available exclusively to members of the Nestle Club. For more information on the Nestle Club and how to get a FREE copy of the recipe book, please visit www.nestleclub.com.ph

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From the bestselling Geronimo Stilton titles comes a series of fun and engaging activity books for students.

WHEN IT COMES TO BEING A FAITHFUL READING COMPANION to children, nobody does it like Geronimo Stilton! The much-loved title character will now accompany children in their school academic lessons with the newly-introduced English skills series, The Geronimo Stilton Academy: Pawbooks, catered to students aged 8 to 13.

Through a series of guided and structured exercises, the activity books include the Comprehension and Vocabulary Pawbooks that comes in three levels – Basic, Intermediate and Advance – helping prepare children to become mouse-ter-ful readers and writers.

These workbooks are specially developed with a similar imaginative and innovative approach found in its bestselling storybook titles which comes with a good mix of creative text formatting, delightful illustrations, humor, and adventure – making English learning more enjoyable and exciting for the young learners!

In addition to that, children who are familiar with the Geronimo Stilton series will find learning even more meaningful and pleasurable with research showing that learners learn better when they are engaged and motivated.

Raising independent learners

Meanwhile, the Geronimo Stilton Academy: Pawbooks goes beyond just featuring its hugely popular title character, Geronimo Stilton, but includes excerpts taken directly from the fa-mouse-ly funny and entertaining stories, which helps encourage children to learn independently.

Students will be able to apply what they have read from the book series to the mouse-xercises in the workbooks together with fun activities at the end of each section that will consolidate what they have learnt.

To start off, parents can also take a walk through the workbooks together with their children with the fun and interactive lessons that comes with easy-to-follow notes and examples as well as cool side-bar questions that will spark children’s interest while developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Raising young learners can be a daunting task for most parents but with the Geronimo Stilton Academy: Pawbooks, parents will find it easier to get their children interested and motivated in learning English together with their favourite book character!

COMPREHENSION PAWBOOKS

Authentic excerpts from the Geronimo Stilton series

Structured practices to develop children’s reading skills

Variety of question types comprising whilst-reading questions, comprehension questions and graphics-based activities at different levels of difficulty to ensure thorough understanding of the text.

Fun activities at the end of each section that are related to the excerpts to engage and motivate students to read.

VOCABULARY PAWBOOKS

Authentic excerpts from the Geronimo Stilton series

Fun word puzzles that help children understand word formations.

A variety of exercises that assess children's understanding of new vocabulary and allow them to use the new words that they have learnt.

Fun activities at the end of each section that give students opportunities to consolidate what they have learnt and use their new vocabulary.

A glossary with meanings of the words learnt in each workbook.

About Scholastic

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology and related services and children’s media. Scholastic creates quality books, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, magazines, multi-media and other products that help children learn both at school and at home. The Company distributes its products and services worldwide through a variety of channels, including school-based book clubs and book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, on-air, and online at www.scholastic.asia.

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