Children create first Leon Kilat's storybook

CEBU, Philippines — The first storybook on Cebu hero Leon Kilat created by Cebuano children is set for launching today on the hero’s 147th birthday.

The launching is the highlight of the cyber celebration dubbed as "Leon Kilat: Revolution and Magic" that Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel, Tres de Abril Inc., with Sangguniang Kabataan Federations of the Cebu Province, Mandaue City, Argao, Boljoon, Sta. Fe and the Cebu Heritage NGO Diyandi will hold today at 2 p.m. today.

Cebuano children of a 2018-workshop Historya (Children Creating Stories from Cebu History) will offer their birthday gift for Cebu hero Leon Kilat: "Si Leon Kilat ug ang Sigbin" --a children's book created and illustrated by children on the legendary Leon Kilat and his Sigbin.

A short video on the Historya project that would show how the children created this magical Leon Kilat story will be also screened. The video is created by Hong Kong-based communications specialist Pros Laput of Social Communications Asia.

Another Leon Kilat book author, Emil Justimbaste, will present a fun and informative talk on Leon Kilat's Anting-anting (amulets) in the Facebook Live event at Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel FB page.

Jhulianna Capangpangan (University of San Carlos- South Campus), Santi Sagayno (Gaas National High School), Isabella Faith Bautista (Ateneo de Cebu) and Francis Luke Vicoy (Colegio del Sto. Niño) authored the storybook.

The book illustrator is Ateneo de Cebu's Kristine Anne Subaan.

Book publishers Tres de Abril, Inc. and Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel hope that the book will reconnect the youth to their Cebu roots.

Sponsoring the events are the SK Federation Presidents Jerico Rubio of Cebu Province, Dallie Cabatingan of Mandaue City, Yves Mariele Dela Peña of Argao, Jaya Mae Ordoña of Boljoon, and Jay Contento of Sta. Fe.

Cebu heritage NGO Diyandi Board Member Architect Omar Maxwell Espina will also give his message during the event.

There will be a Trivia Quiz with prizes during the book launch.   GAN (FREEMAN)