Ang Lihim ni Leia
We had as very special guests last weekend Adarna House, a publishing company based in Metro Manila, Philippines — my neighbors in Quezon City actually — who were launching for a Baguio civic organization a wonderfully written and illustrated children’s story that had as its subject child abuse.
I met Ghani Madueno, the illustrator of the book and I was instrigued, “You illustrated child abuse in a children’s book! How?!” and sorry that I missed the book launching (’twas a busy, busy weekend) …
Before heading back for Manila, they gave me an autographed copy and I asked their permission to feature it here. They gallantly acquiesced.
The Book:
Lihim ni Leia is written in both Filipino and in English. It is a short story of how a little girl copes with the abuse she receives in the home, how her teacher spots the symptoms in school, and how they resolve the situation. It is beautifully illustrated, too, and very well-intentioned.
It will be a great addition to any child’s collection of books. Believe me, no matter how well things seem in a home, school or neighborhood, there are wolves in sheep’s clothing out there who can do a lot of harm.
The Author:
Augie Rivera las won the Palanca awards multiple times for his children’s stories in Filipino and English. Among his works is Alamat ng Ampalaya, which is on its 12th year of publication. He is one of the founders of KUTING (Kuwentista ng mga Tsikiting), a group of Filipino authors of children’s stories. You may contact him at augierivera(at)yahoo(dot)com.
The Illustrator:
Ang Lihim ni Leia is the second book ilustrated by Ghani. He is a member of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang InK). You may reach him at theghan_1(at)yahoo(dot)com
The Organization behind the Project:
The book is actually a project of the Soroptimist International of HOPE (Helping through Outreach Program and expertise), a Baguio civic organization headed by Becky Domogan. Among their projects are: the adoption of Barangay Happy Hollow, the Urban Kalahi Livelihood Project - a loom weaving project, the support of eight scholars, and the creation of a Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, a Christmas Outreach Program and medical missions.
And Lihim ni Leia is available at all Goldilocks outlets in Baguio — Session Road and SM City Baguio — for just Php100.00. You may contact them at 074 446 5047. A portion of the sale of the book will go to establishing and maintaining Hub of Hope, a day care center and breast milk Bank in Baguio City.
The Publishing House
And should you want to have a book published or buy a children’s book, you may also wish to contact Adarna House at 02 372 3548 or email them at adarnahouse(at)adarna(dot)com(dot)ph. They have been in this business for decades and are considered the first and largest publisher of children’s books in the Philippines. I used to walk past their old office all the time on Scout Tuazon near Tomas Morato Ave for years while I was living in Manila and, having met them, can say that they are truly the nicest folks!
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Lisa’s Disclaimer:
I have not received any payment or monies for this post, nor am in any way connected with any of the persons, natural or juridical, mentioned here, nor will receive any commissions from the sale of the book.
Ang Lihim ni Leia is simply something all mom’s can look into, a great buy, a rare beautiful-but-useful thing, and hopefully, an item worth coming up to Baguio for (although I’m sure they’ll make it available in bookstores soon)!
I like Adarna books. They are doing a great job writing about our Filipino culture and values. It seems like it’s a financially successful enterprise too. May their tribe increase
Me and my kids have been reading Adarna Books. While visiting Ms. Lisa, I got the chance to read this book and I find it amazing how they have illustrated such story. This is a reality that we as parents should look into for the welfare of our children and their future. I am giving it a thumbs up! This will teach kids, both little girls and little boys on what to do when they are being molested. And for the parents, this will serve as an eye opener to all of them.
hi! thanks for featuring the book.
Augie, thanks for writing the story! Good job!
Hi!
How can we get a copy of the book for our library? Our office is in Manila, I already called Adarna House and told me that I can only get a copy from Soroptomist International. Our complete address is National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), 1145 J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila; tel. nos. (632) 735-4955/735-1864; fax no. (632) 736-4449. Hoping to hear from you soon, thanks. Bles
Hi Besilda,
“Ang Lihim ni Leia is available at all Goldilocks outlets in Baguio — Session Road and SM City Baguio — for just Php100.00. You may contact them at 074 446 5047. A portion of the sale of the book will go to establishing and maintaining Hub of Hope, a day care center and breast milk Bank in Baguio City.”
“.. you may also wish to contact Adarna House at 02 372 3548 or email them at adarnahouse(at)adarna(dot)com(dot)ph.”