Children’s book writer and filmmaker wins first prize in 63rd Palanca Awards

MANILA, Philippines - At the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, children’s book writer and independent filmmaker Mia Buenaventura took home the first prize for her collection of children’s poems titled, Attack of the Persistent Cold Virus and Other Poems. She placed third last year for her screenplay Ang Bulag na Musikero in the Dulang Pampelikula category.

“I am honored to be included in this year’s roster of winners again. It is such a privilege to be part of an event graced by the National Artists for Literature and the Hall of Fame awardees. It’s inspiring,” says Buenaventura.

Buenaventura carefully chose the theme for her poetry collection. “I wanted to write about a topic that’s unusual. Not many people would choose to write about germs, viruses, and bacteria especially in the context of children’s literature,” she explains.  “The style of writing is playful, bordering on the quirky, with the hope that the poems would be more memorable to readers of all ages,” she adds. True enough, two of the poems are from the points of view of a needy germ and, of course, a persistent cold virus.  

Buenaventura is the author and illustrator of Old Big Ben, a storybook for children inspired by a news article on a whale shark that was found floating along the shallow waters of Manila Bay. It was discovered that the whale shark died from water pollution, its stomach engorged with trash. In the book, the story is narrated by a sea horse who talks about his friendship with the valiant whale shark named Ben. The story hopes to help kids and the young-at-heart to understand the importance of marine protection and conservation.

The book is available at National Book Store and Powerbooks.