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The Path to Possibilities: How Stories Can Reach a Global Audience by Scholastic Asia

October 17, 2017

It was my very first time to attend The Philippine Readers and Writers Festival. Well, it was already late because I was able to visit during the last day. I just heard about it through Scholastic Asia. The invite that I received excited me so much because it was laden with informative workshops and talks by reputable and award winning writers, best selling authors who came over for "meet and greet" and book signing activities. Of course, it was my chance again to have a productive day off joining individuals who had the same passion as mine: to read, write, and somehow contribute to the society in the best way that we could through the fruits of our labor.

The Philippine Readers and Writers Festival was a three day event. Everyday was filled with workshops hosted by different publications which you could attend for free. Just register and you would be given a free pass to all the ballrooms where the workshops were held plus free entrance to the 38th Manila International Book Fair. This event encouraged aspiring and current writers to learn and be good in their craft.

Due to my limited time, I had a chance to sit on a 2 1/2 hour workshop, "The Path to Possibilities: How Stories Can Reach a Global Audience" by Scholastic Asia and facilitated by five experts in the field of education, reading, editing, publishing, writing, and coaching. Let me give you their background and the insights that they imparted to inspire aspiring and current writers, bloggers, educators, students, and even parents to instill in themselves, to their kids and others the pointers on how to create a good story and love reading. Here they are:

Barry Cunningham

Barry Cunningham is the publisher of Chicken House Books, has had an impressive career in publishing. He has worked with the great names in children's books including Roald Dahl during the most popular years of his career. He soon became one of the best-known names in publishing after he signed up J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In 2010, he was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the Queen's Honours List for services in literature.

Mr. Cunningham prepared this video while on vacation. He was so enthusiastic to share his expertise and expressed his regret of not being able to see us in person. (Courtesy: Scholastic Asia)

According to Mr. Cunningham, the following insights could make a story appealing for kids:

- "Focus on the fight between good and evil. Let goodness prevail."

- "Quantify the importance of the villain. He must be highlighted."

- "Dialogue is important. Don't just narrate it. Let the characters describe it."

- "Treat emotions in writing. Feel the rage, joy, injustice, have roots of real emotion."

- "There must be action."

- "Friendship is love and magic. Friendship and power of love make the story beautiful."

Professors Sangil and Villanueva amazed the audience as they shared their insights. (Courtesy: Scholastic Asia)

Anne Frances N. Sangil

Professor Sangil is a full time Assistant Professor at De la Salle University Department of Literature where she teaches art appreciation, Philippine Literature, popular culture, and a literature elective on J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. She has participated in numerous Harry Potter conferences abroad, most recently at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland for a Brand of Fictional magic: reading Harry Potter as Literature. She is the Deputy Headmistress of Pinoy harry Potter (Hogwarts, Philippines) and also serves as a Chapter Organizer for their group in the Harry Potter Alliance.

She discussed about Harry Potter and the Global Audience. According to her, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter is a hit among readers, the young and the old alike because...

"J.K. Rowling knows when to tell too much details and learn to withhold.

Characters mature as the series continue. The progression of characters is non-static, predictable. and relateable. Readers grow with the characters and it is the secret of the success Harry Potter."

Vic Villanueva

Fondly called Teacher Vic, has spent 24 years doing literacy work in various roles. He was an Assistant Professor in the College of Education, University of the Philippines Diliman, Executive Director of Wordlab School, Judge of National Book Development Board, Consultant of Wordprime, Founder of Read Ability Literacy Improvement Center, and School Director of The Builder's School. He is currently a Senior Educational Consultant of Grolier Scholastic Philippines, Board Member of The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), and Reading Assessment Specialist.

The following are the key points that he has mentioned in "Reading Landscape: What Readers Look for in a Good Story?"

"What do kids want? Why do they want to know? Your answer depends on the hat that you are wearing. Are you a teacher, parent, publisger, writer? This drives our actions, motives,

assumptions."

"You have to know what do Filipino Readers read? According to the study, 22% read non school books weekly, 22% doesn't read, 91% for info and knowledge, and 9% enjoyment. Obviously Filipinos read to learn information. The question is what info do they want?"

"Know what children need then write the stories for them. This is the hierarchy of what kids want:

security, love and be loved, to belong, to achieve, to change, to know, to have beauty and order."

" Don't just concentrate on the highest percentage of what Filipinos read. Dapat balanse rin. Target all in one story as much as possible. It is writing for the child in you. Children can recognize the child in the book."

"You can't teach children to be good. The best you can do for your child is to live a good life yourself. What a parent knows and believes, the child will lean on.”

(Bruno Bettelheim, The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales)

"Getting these key points in mind can truly keep us engaged in following your dreams to conceptualize, write, and influence the world."

"As advocates, we have to get people to read for their humanity. Weird is better than normal when people find you weird when you read."

Sophia Lee

Sophia grew up in the Philippines. She wanted to be many things growing up: doctor, teacher, ballerina, ninja, crime-fighting international spy, wizard, time traveler, journalist, and lawyer. She likes to think that she can be all these things through writing. She loves words and the meanings behind them. Her favorite word is chance. What Things Mean, a Scholastic Asian Book Award Winner, is her first book.

Sophia Lee spoke to us live through Skype. (Courtesy: Scholastic Asia)

Here was Sophia's answer to the question, "How can stories reach a global audience?"

"Embrace your culture, your uniqueness, the color of your skin.

Create a voice, don't be afraid to commit mistakes. Create a character who tells your own story."

Catherine Torres

Catherine is a diplomat and writer from Manila, Philippines. Her work has taken her postings in New Delhi, Singapore, and now, Berlin, where she lives with her husband, a Korean scholar and translator, and their son, Samuel. When foreign affairs, as well as domestic ones, permit, she voyages around the world on boats made of words. Her book, Sula's Voyage, is a Scholastic Asian Book Award Finalist.

The Skype video call of Sophia Lee was followed by Catherine. (Courtesy: Scholastic Asia)

Catherine answered the question, "What are your tips to aspiring writers out there?"

"Do something that inspires you. Attend writing class and read writing books. Submit your manuscripts or stories. Take advantage of those who accept submissions. Join writing contests."

"Deadlines are important for writers. Get in touch with yourself as a Filipino when you write. In my case, I have three months to write and edit. Find time to write and create your own schedule."

"Instilling the love for books at a young age can lead to a love for writing. Join the school paper. Express yourself through writing. Writing can be a password to the world. It can open doors for you. If you start writing stories about culture and diversities, the problem in the world can be lessened."

Learning from the speakers could be refreshing and recharging. Even if we are writing for a couple of years now, learning should not stop. After all, we don't have the monopoly of knowledge. All the insights that they said would mean that great writers started from reading at a very young age. They found it easier to express themselves effectively due to their exposure to good vocabulary, other writers' ideas through the books that they read, and most of all through their own experiences.

All the tips that they've shared may sound easy but being great not just in writing entails a lot of hard work, enthusiasm, and perseverance. Furthermore, experience makes perfect and permanence. Learning is part of our lifetime and it shall only end as we die.

Achieve Your Professional and Personal Goals Through The Freelance Fair 2017

August 30, 2017

I took the courage to resign from my job as a teacher and started freelancing in 2006. I was determined. I had guts over fear. I turned my love for crafting into business. Then I opened a blog site in 2012 just to write as a diversionary activity. I never thought that I could be invited by brands to do collaborations and earn through writing.

Until now, I still have the luxury of time taking care of my family while earning through what I am passionate about.

I still want to take freelancing to the next level. I still need to learn more. I am not contented to be self-taught that's why I am so excited to join THE FREELANCE FAIR 2017.

The Freelance Fair 2017, Manila Workshops, SJ Valdez

In line with this, I wish that one of you can join me. Here's a GIVEAWAY/EVENT ALERT courtesy of Manila Workshops.

Mars at Pards, I invite you to join THE FREELANCE FAIR 2017 by Manila Workshops this coming Saturday, September 2, 2017, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Bayanihan Center, Pasig! For those who wish to attend this event, you may use the promo code: TFF17blog_SJV200off upon registration until August 31 to get Php200 discount! You may register and know the details about the fair here: THE FREELANCE FAIR 2017.

I will be raffling ONE SEAT worth Php800 for this event. Madali lang sumali. Just FIND THE PHOTO BELOW AND REPOST ON INSTAGRAM (to be seen by PUBLIC, please...) with the hashtags #allaroundpinaymama #aapmgiveaway #ManilaWorkshopsxAAPM #TheFreelanceFair2017.

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Aug 30, 2017 at 1:22am PDT

SHARE THIS POST ON YOUR FACEBOOK WALL (to be seen by PUBLIC, please...) and LEAVE YOUR FULL NAME AND URL OF THE SHARED POST IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW THE POST.

I will choose the winner through random.org and will be announced tomorrow afternoon, August 31. Make sure that you can attend before you join. Thank you! I hope you'll join! God bless...

Check out the announcement below by Manila Workshops, This will make you realize that you should not miss this event especially if you are thinking of pursuing to be a freelancer.

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SPELLING OUT FREEDOM WITH FREELANCING

What comes to mind when you think of Freelancing? Do you see it as merely a sideline job or as what we Filipinos informally call ‘Raket’? By common definition, Freelancing is when you are self-employed, by offering your skills and services to clients or businesses, without necessarily being bounded to a single employer or a long-term contract. If you haven’t dipped your toes in Freelancing, then perhaps now is the time to consider.

Did you know that according to Upwork, a leading global online jobs platform, the Philippines is the third highest - earning country in the world when it comes to freelancing? In fact, more than 1.4 million Filipinos are registered in the platform alone!

With the sheer power of that number, it only attests to an overwhelming number of individuals who have found their fulfillment and achieved their #Lifegoals in Freelancing. This is not to ignore that like any other profession or job, Freelancing does have its own unique struggles, but if you’re the kind of person who wishes to feel and be more empowered in one or in all aspects of your life, then allow us to sum up what Freelancing can give you: F-R-E-E-D-O-M. And yes, we do intend to spell it out literally, by giving you our take of what that word means in the world of Freelancing. So if you’re an aspiring freelancer or entrepreneur, or avoiding a potential bout of “FOMO”, then read on!

1) F - lexibility and Autonomy

We live in the Digital Age, so it should come as no surprise the technologies that can allow us to work anytime and anywhere, and provide services to clients from anywhere in the globe! Say goodbye to long commutes and hello to telecommuting! Also, the nature of Freelancing can give you the flexibility and autonomy to work at your own pace and choose the clients and projects you want to work on.

2) R – ewarding Career

Who says that Freelancing can’t be a career or profession? For many who have gone this route, it has paved way for them to pursue their dream jobs without the constraints of a fixed job description or the frustration of being stuck in a mundane ‘9-5’ office job. As a self-employed professional, you are fully empowered to pursue projects that would nurture your skills and passions.

3) E – ndless possibilities

As a freelancer, there is no limit to the opportunities and possibilities you can pursue, now that you have full control of your career, profession and time. Whereas before, the most part of your day and energy would be spent in long energy-draining meetings and long commutes, Freelancing lets you color and fill each day with activities that you consider truly aligned in attaining your life goals.

4) E – nables you to design your own lifestyle

Are you a night owl who is most productive in the evenings? Dreamed of having your own 4-Hour Work Week? Or what about getting down to finally working on that business plan for your dream start-up? With Freelancing, you can get creative on how you design your typical week, that would specially cater to your unique personality, interests and quirks.

5) D – o things your way

Always had a need to be in full control of your work, surroundings and growth? Then Freelancing will definitely give you that! Being your own boss is one of the great perks of being a Freelancer, and that means getting things AND results done just the way you envisioned it.

6) O – wn your time

Ever wondered how it would be like to respond to emails in your swimwear, with your toes brushing the sand as it points towards a breathtaking view of the beach? Well, in the Freelancing Handbook, you are free to take a vacation in the middle of the week, just as long as you get the job done and your clients happy. Becoming a Freelancer means taking full control of your time and schedule.

7) M – ake room for the people and things that truly matterAnd here’s the most important part. Freelancing enables you to spend more time with your family, and other things that truly make life meaningful. With Freelancing, it has paved way for the rise of thousands of hands-on mommies, who find fulfillment in being able to nurture both their families and careers. Whilst for many others, they found it in more time spent in pursuing volunteer work, or in endeavors which define their passions and values.

There you have it. That’s how you spell Freedom with Freelancing!

And if you’re itching to learn more about the boundless opportunities of being a Freelancer, then you’re in luck. This year, Manila Workshops, with the support of the Department of Information Communications and Technology (DICT), will be holding the 2nd Freelancer Fair on Sept. 2, 2017, to be held at the Bayanihan Center, Pioneer, Pasig City. It is the country’s first and largest event for Freelancers, which would gather together freelancers, business owners and brands for a whole day of talks tackling the Freelancing Landscape and the different opportunities in store for both existing and aspiring freelancers. The theme for this year’s full day event is Cultivating Relationships, as inspired by the mission to cultivate, nurture and help more people discover how Freelancing can help them achieve their professional and personal goals.

For more information about this year’s The Freelancer Fair, visit their EventPage. Get your ticket and see you at the Fair!

To learn more about Manila Workshops, the organization behind this event, connect with them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also view their upcoming workshops by visiting their official website. *About The Freelancer Fair:

The Freelancer Fair is an annual event started last by Manila Workshops, headed by the team’s CEO – Ginger Arboleda, a former employee, freelancer and now a serial entrepreneur / technopreneur, and mom blogger. The Freelancer Fair was built especially for aspiring and existing freelancers, companies, brands and organizations who want to support the Philippines’ freelancing industry.