A Night for Mang Tomas

Four years after our first book, we are proud to launch what is probably our most Filipino children's book to date. Written by Palanca winner, Genaro R. Gojo Cruz, it has all the elements and icons - from family to Simbang Gabi to jeepneys - and over time, we've continuously strived to improve, even in increments, each book that we publish. And in a bit of an understatement, it really helps that Anthony Palomo's acrylic on canvas works for this project are spectacular.

For this book, we had the luxury of more time than we've had with our other books - that's one thing we've learned, that we need time to come as close to perfect as we can - from the translation to the editing to the layout to getting the colors just right.

We also introduced a thumbnail page of all the artworks, uncropped, so that readers get a sense of the actual pieces that were produced to bring the story to life. The book then doubles as a portfolio of sorts for the artist, and a unique record of a series of his/her works.

We have Joy Mallari and Dawn Atienza (of Tin-aw Gallery) to thank for this idea, and we'll do it again for our next book, Doll Eyes, by Eline Santos featuring works by Joy, coming in February 2009. (That's going to be our first horror (!) children's book, and it's going to be a great one! We guarantee it!)

But anyway, first things first. Tonight's the night for Genaro and Anthony and Mang Tomas' jeepney. Hope to see you at the Ayala Museum at 630pm. Cocktails will be served!