Adarna House
Adarna House, Inc. is a Philippine company engaged in the publication of local literature for children of all ages. The company is headquartered in Quezon City in metropolitan Manila.
| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Virgilio S. Almario |
| Country of origin |  Philippines |
| Headquarters location | Quezon City |
| Distribution | Nationwide |
| Key people | Emelina B. Soriano-Almario, President and General Manager |
| Publication types | Books and other educational printed materials |
| Fiction genres | Both fiction and non-fiction |
| Official website | adarna |
History
During the mid-1970s, the Nutrition Center of the Philippines (NCP) found itself in need of a series of storybooks to supplement their mental feeding program.[1] They approached Virgilio S. Almario, a well-known poet and literary critic of that time, to spearhead the production of this series. He then recruited authors, editors, illustrators, and researchers for the series, which he would call Aklat Adarna. (The Adarna bird is a fictional creature which had the ability to cure any sickness with its song.) The name was chosen to evoke the healing power of education and knowledge against the struggle of the Filipino against poverty-causing ignorance.[2]
When NCP concluded the storybook program, Almario carried on with the project through the Children's Communication Center.[3] Soon enough, with its increasing number of publications, CCC needed a distributor and publisher and a decision was made to found Adarna Book Services, later renamed to Adarna House, Inc.
Products
Preschool
For many years, Adarna House's preschool line was limited to a collection of 5 posters for preschool teachers and day care workers. In 2007, they released the Ready for School series — a set of 10 flip books (one side with Filipino text, the other with English) discussing preschool concepts like colors, shapes, emotions, and directions.[4]
Through a partnership with Reach Out and Read Philippines, Adarna House published the very first English-Filipino board books in the country.[5]
Storybooks
It was 1977 when 8 pocket-sized and landscape-format storybooks were published under the Aklat Adarna Series. The titles included Istorya ni Dodong (The Story of Dodong) in two parts, Si Pilar Katerpilar (Pilar the Catterpillar), Ang Pag-ibig ni Mariang Makiling (The Love of Mariang Makiling), Digong Dilaw (Yellow Digo), Munting Patak-Ulan 'Little Raindrop), Nang Magkakulay ang Nayon (When Color Came to Town), and Si Emang Engkantada at ang Tatlong Haragan (Emang the Enchantress and the Three Rascals).[6] The last four of these titles are still in print, with Nang Magkakulay ang Nayon relaunched in 2010 with English text and a Cebuano translation—a first in Adarna House history.
Adarna House has since published more than 400 original stories,[3] with over a hundred stories still in print as picture books or in collections.
Intermediate readers and YA fiction
In 2001, Adarna House launched its first teen novellas under the Pilar Perez Medallion for Young Adult Literature:[7] Jacobo's Ghost by Annette Flores-Garcia and Joanne de Leon, Mga Ako by Amalia Salamat and Jose Miguel Tejido, and Sup? by Ma. L. M. Fres-Felix and Paolo Lim. The Medallion books were short lived, and though a handful of young adult books were published in the years following, it was only in 2014 that the company invested in the genre again, releasing four new titles for intermediate readers and young adults that year.[8] This investment paid of, with two of those books, Supremo and Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tabon, winning National Children's Book Awards.[9] The latter, the first book in a series, also won a National Book Award.[10]
Comics
Adarna House began an imprint called Anino Comics in the early 2000s to "cater to readers fascinated by stories told and rendered in artful visuals". Its only books then were Mythology Class and After Eden by Arnold Arre. Anino Comics was revived in 2015 as part of the company's 35th anniversary celebrations.[11] Six books were published by the imprint that year, four of which were chosen as finalists for the National Book Awards.[12]
Non-fiction
In its first decade, Adarna House's reference books were composed only of books that would help parents, teachers, and other adults working with children in their duties. Eventually, this line of products would also cater to children and would feature Philippine culture, history, and iconography. A particular series called Adarna Science discusses science concepts and concerns in the Philippine setting.[13]
Awards
Several of Adarna House's books have won awards in the Philippines and internationally.
Philippine awards and recognition
| Institution | Year | Award | Title | Author | Illustrator | In print |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic Press Award | 1981 | winner | Patrolman Ngiyaw | Rene O. Villanueva | Renato Gamos | NO |
| Filipino Readers' Choice Award | 2012 | Winner, Picture Book Category | But that Won't Wake me Up | Annie Dennise Lumbao, Anelka Lumbao | Liza Flores | YES |
| Gawad Ceres Alabado | 1998 | winner | Ang Panganay | Felice Prudente Sta. Maria | Albert E. Gamos | NO |
| Gawad Surian ng Wikang Pambansa | 1982 | winner | Patrolman Ngiyaw | Rene O. Villanueva | Renato Gamos | NO |
| Gintong Aklat Award | 1981 | winner | Patrolman Ngiyaw | Rene O. Villanueva | Renato Gamos | NO |
| Gintong Aklat Award | 2000 | Award for Children's and Young Readers' Literature | Si Ching na Takot sa Dilim | Aleli Dew Batnag | Paul Eric Roca | YES |
| Gintong Aklat Award | 2000 | Award for Children's and Young Readers' Literature | Chenelyn! Chenelyn! | Rhandee Garlitos | Liza Flores | YES |
| Gintong Aklat Award | 2001 | Runner-up for Children's and Young Readers' Literature | Si Pilandok, ang Bantay-Kalikasan | Virgilio S. Almario | Kora Dandan-Albano | YES |
| Gintong Aklat Award | 2002 | Award for Children's and Young Readers' Literature | Abot Mo Ba Ang Tainga Mo? | Heidi Emily Eusebio-Abad | Jose Miguel Tejido | NO |
| Gintong Aklat Award | 2004 | Runner-up for Children's and Young Readers' Literature | Ang Madyik Silya ni Titoy | Russell Molina | Marcus Nada | YES |
| Gintong Aklat Award | 2004 | Award for Children's and Young Readers' Literature | Si Dindo Pundido | Jomike Tejido | Jomike Tejido | YES |
| Gintong Aklat Award | 2006 | Runner-up for Children's and Young Readers' Literature | Polliwog's Wiggle | Heidi Emily Eusebio-Abad | Beth Parrocha-Doctolero | YES |
| Gintong Aklat Award | 2006 | Award for Children's and Young Readers' Literature | 100 Questions Filipino Kids Ask Volume I | Abi Goy, Liza Flores, Paul Eric Roca, Isabel Roxas, Bernie Sim | YES | |
| National Book Awards | 1998 | Award for Children's Literature | Mayroon Akong Alagang Puno | Carla M. Pacis, translation by Danilo M. Reyes | Mariano Ching | NO |
| National Book Awards | 1999 | Award for Children's Literature | Ang Pamana ni Andres Bonifacio | Emmanuel Encarnacion | Photos by Nestor Rivera | NO |
| National Book Awards | 1999 | Best Design, Best Book for History | 100 Events that Shaped the Philippines | Edited by Emelina S. Almario, et al | NO | |
| National Book Awards | 2002 | Award for Children's Literature | Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Lola | Rene Villanueva | Ibarra Crisostomo | YES |
| National Book Awards | 2002 | Best Young Adult Literature | Anina ng mga Alon | Eugene Y. Evasco | YES | |
| National Book Awards | 2005 | Special Citation for Children's Literature | Si Diwayen, Noong Bago Dumating ang mga Espanyol | Augie Rivera | Paolo Lim | YES |
| National Book Awards | 2005 | Special Citation for Children's Literature | Si Jhun-Jhun, Noong Bago Ideklara ang Batas Militar | Augie Rivera | Brian Vallesteros | YES |
| National Book Awards | 2005 | Special Citation for Children's Literature | Si Juanito, Noong Panahon ng mga Amerikano | Augie Rivera | Jose Miguel Tejido | YES |
| National Book Awards | 2005 | Special Citation for Children's Literature | Si Pitong, Noong Panahon ng mga Hapon | Augie Rivera | Marcus Nada | YES |
| National Book Awards | 2005 | Special Citation for Children's Literature | Si Segunda, Noong Panahon ng mga Espanyol | Augie Rivera | Pepper Roxas | YES |
| National Book Awards | 2006 | Award for Children's Literature | The Yellow Paperclip with Bright Purple Spots | Nikki Dy-Liacco | May Ann Licudine | YES |
| National Book Awards | 2006 | Award for Children's Literature | The Cat Painter | Becky Bravo | Mark Ramsel Salvatus III | YES |
| National Book Awards | 2007 | Award for Children's Literature | The Boy Who Touched Heaven | Iris Gem Li | Sergio Bumatay III | NO |
| National Book Awards | 2008 | Best Translation | El Filibusterismo | Translation by Virgilio S. Almario | YES | |
| National Book Awards | 2008 | Best Translation | Noli Me Tangere | Translation by Virgilio S. Almario | YES | |
| National Book Awards | 2012 | Best Leisure Book | 100 Questions Filipino Kids Ask Volume II | YES | ||
| National Book Awards | 2014 | Best Graphic Literature in Filipino | PilandoKomiks: Mga Pagsubok sa Karagatan | Borg Sinaban | Borg Sinaban | YES |
| National Book Awards | 2015 | Best Novel in a Philippine Language | Si Janus Sílang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon | Edgar Calabia Samar | YES | |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2010 | Best Read for Kids | Araw sa Palengke | May Tobias-Papa | Isabel Roxas | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2010 | Best Read for Kids | Can We Live on Mars? | Gidget Roceles-Jimenez | Bru Sim | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2010 | Best Read for Kids | Just Add Dirt | Becky Bravo | Jason Moss | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2014 | Save the Children/First Read Award | Bahay Kubo | Pergylene Acuña | YES | |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2014 | Kids' Choice Award Finalist | May Darating na Trak Bukas | Rio Alma | Sergio Bumatay III | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2014 | Best Read for Kids | Hating Kapatid | Raissa Rivera Falgui | Fran Alvarez | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2014 | Best Read for Kids | Ngumiti si Andoy | Xi Zuq | Dominic Agsaway | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2014 | Best Read for Kids | The Little Girl in a Box | Felinda V. Bagas | Aldy C. Aguirre | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2014 | Best Read for Kids | What Kids Should Know About Andres and the Katipunan | Weng D. Cahiles | Isa N. Natividad | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2016 | Kids' Choice Award Finalist | Marvino's League of Superheroes | Rae Rival-Cosico | Jamie Bauza | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2016 | Kids' Choice Award Finalist | Nawawala si Muningning | Michael M. Coroza | Tokwa S. Peñaflorida | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2016 | Best Read for Kids | Dumaan si Butiki | Gigi Constantino | Ray Nazarene Sunga | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2016 | Best Read for Kids | Haluhalo | Eli F. Camacho | YES | |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2016 | Best Read for Kids | Salusalo para Kay Kuya | Ergoe Tinio | JC Galag | YES |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2016 | Best Read for Kids | Si Janus Sílang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon | Edgar Calabia Samar | YES | |
| National Children's Book Awards | 2016 | Best Read for Kids | Supremo | Xi Zuq | Al Estrella | YES |
Some of Adarna House's books also bear medals awarded to the work prior to publication.
| Institution | Year | Award | Title | Author | Illustrator | In print |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature | 1992 | First Prize, Short Story for Children (Filipino Division) | Nemo, Ang Batang Papel | Rene O. Villanueva | Haru H. Sabijon | NO |
| Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature | 1995 | First Prize, Short Story for Children (Filipino Division) | Papel de Liha | Ompong Remigio | Beth Parrocha-Doctolero | YES |
| Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature | 1995 | Second Prize, Short Story for Children | Estrellita the Little Wishing Star | May M. Tobias | Mary M. Tobias | YES |
| Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature | 1996 | Third Prize, Short Story for Children (Filipino Division) | Ang Mahiyaing Manok | Rebecca T. Añonuevo | Ruben de Jesus | YES |
| Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature | 1999 | Third Prize, Short Story for Children (Filipino Division) | Xilef | Augie Rivera | Beth Parrocha-Doctolero | YES |
| Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature | 1999 | Second Prize, Short Story for Children | Magnificent Benito and His Two Front Teeth | Augie Rivera, Mike Rivera | Jason Moss | YES |
| Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature | 2003 | First Prize, Short Story for Children | The Greediest of Rajahs and the Whitest of Clouds | Honoel Ibardolaza | Brian Vallesteros | YES |
| Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature | 2004 | First Prize, Short Story for Children | The Cat Painter | Becky Bravo | Mark Ramsel Salvatus III | YES |
| Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature | 2009 | First Prize, Short Story for Children (Filipino Division) | Mahabang-Mahabang-Mahaba | Genaro R. Gojo Cruz | A. Ghani Bautista Madueño | YES |
| Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature | 2013 | Third Prize, Short Story for Children (Filipino Division) | Salusalo para Kay Kuya | Ergoe Tinio | JC Galag | YES |
| Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature | 2013 | First Prize, Short Story for Children | Marvino's League of Superheroes | Rae Rival-Cosico | Jamie Bauza | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1984 | Illustrators' Prize | Ang Kamatis ni Peles | Virgilio S. Almario | Renato Gamos | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1993 | Illustrators' Prize | Terengati, Ang Binatang Nag-asawa ng Diwatang Tagalangit | Victoria Añonuevo | Nikhus Katindoy | NO |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1994 | Illustrators' Prize | Nemo, Ang Batang Papel | Rene O. Villanueva | Haru H. Sabijon | NO |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1995 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Bru-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha...Bru-hi-hi-hi-hi-hi | Ma. Corazon Remigio | Roland Mechael Ilagan | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1995 | Salanga Prize Finalist | Alamat ng Ampalaya | Augie D. Rivera | Kora D. Albano | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1996 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Ang Itim na Kuting | Natasha Vizcarra | Ferdinand Guevara | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1997 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Federico | Eugene Y. Evasco | Paul Eric Roca | NO |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1997 | Salanga Prize Honorable Mention | Chenelyn! Chenelyn! | Rhandee Garlitos | Liza Flores | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1997 | Salanga Prize Honorable Mention | Ang Bisikleta ni Momon | Rebecca T. Añonuevo | Jo Ann A. Bereber | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1998 | Salanga Prize Honorable Mention | Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel (BP) | Luis P. Gatmaitan | Beth Parrocha-Doctolero | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1998 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Mayroon Akong Alagang Puno | Carla M. Pacis, translation by Danilo M. Reyes | Mariano Ching | NO |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1999 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Ang Tatlong Kahilingan ni Julian | Rebecca Añonuevo | Breiner Medina | NO |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 1999 | Salanga Prize Honorable Mention | Misteryo! | Eugene Y. Evasco | Avid Liongoren | NO |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2000 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Nasaan Si Kuya Emil? | Germaine Yia | Michael Adrao | NO |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2001 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Bakit Matagal Ang Sundo Ko? | Kristine Canon | Mariano Ching | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2002 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Uuwi na ang Nanay kong si Darna! | Edgar Samar | Russell Molina | NO |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2002 | Salanga Prize Honorable Mention | When I Cross the Street | Lin Acacio-Flores | Moose Maravilla | NO |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2003 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Sandosenang Kuya | Russell Molina | Hubert Fucio | NO |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2004 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Papa's House, Mama's House | Jean Lee C. Patindol | Mark Salvatus III | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2005 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | The Yellow Paperclip with Bright Purple Spots | Nikki Dy-Liacco | May Ann Licudine | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2007 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Tight Times | Jeanette C. Patindol | Sergio T. Bumatay III | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2008 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Naku, Nakuu, Nakuuu! | Nanoy Rafael | Sergio Bumatay III | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2009 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | May Higante sa Aming Bahay | Rhandee Garlitos | Ferdinand Guevara | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2012 | Salanga Prize Honorable Mention | The Little Girl in a Box | Felinda V. Bagas | Aldy C. Aguirre | YES |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2012 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Ano'ng Gupit Natin Ngayon? | Russell Molina | Hubert Fucio | NO |
| Philippine Board on Books for Young People | 2013 | Salanga Prize & Alcala Prize | Ngumiti si Andoy | Xi Zuq | Dominic Agsaway | YES |
International awards and recognition
| Institution | Year | Award | Title | Author | Illustrator | In print |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava | 1983 | Honorable Mention | Beberoca | Virgilio Almario | Jose Tence Ruiz | NO |
| International Board on Books for Young People | 2005 | Outstanding Book for Young People with Disabilities | Xilef | Augie Rivera | Beth Parrocha-Doctolero | YES |
| International Board on Books for Young People | 2004 | Honour List | Sandosenang Kuya | Russell Molina | Hubert Fucio | NO |
| IBBY Sweden - Peter Pan Prize | 2013 | Winner | Naku, Nakuu, Nakuuu! | Nanoy Rafael | Sergio Bumatay III | YES |
| Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations | 1998 | 2nd prize | Sundalong Patpat | Virgilio Almario | Ferdinand Doctolero | NO |
| Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations | 1992 | Runner-up | Pandaguan, Bakit Namamatay ang Tao | Virgilio Almario | Albert Gamos | NO |
| Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations | 2002 | Encouragement Prize | Ang Mahiyaing Manok | Rebecca Añonuevo | Ruben de Jesus | YES |
| Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations | 2008 | Encouragement Prize | Naku, Nakuu, Nakuuu! | Nanoy Rafael | Sergio Bumatay III | YES |
| Samsung KidsTime Author's Award | 2015 | Grand Prize | Haluhalo Espesyal | Yvette Fernandez | Jill Arwen Posadas | YES |
| Samsung KidsTime Author's Award | 2015 | Grand Prize | Ano'ng Gupit Natin Ngayon? | Russell Molina | Hubert Fucio | YES |
| Samsung KidsTime Author's Award | 2015 | 2nd prize | Diego and Marie | Robert Magnuson | Robert Magnuson | YES |
| Samsung KidsTime Author's Award | 2015 | 2nd prize | Sandosenang Kuya | Russell Molina | Hubert Fucio | YES |
Services
Adarna House's main office is located in Quezon City. It has just one other branch in La Trinidad, Benguet. To make up for limited visibility, it holds book fairs in schools and participates in trade fairs throughout the year.[14]
The publishing house is also known for its storytelling sessions, called Kuwentong Adarna. Facilitated by a member of Adarna House's pool of storytellers, the sessions are done to encourage children to take up the habit of reading.[15]
Apart from storytelling, Adarna House also facilitates numerous workshops for children and adults. Regularly held during summer vacation, Klasrum Adarna for kids offer a variety of writing and illustration classes, while Klasrum offerings for adults include storytelling, teaching beginning reading, and library improvement among others.[16]
Adarna House also offers book development services to individuals and institutions out to commission the production of a book project. The services include copy writing, editing, research, illustration, art direction, and printing.[17]
Partners
Adarna House works with various organizations to carry out its primary goal "to educate and entertain the Filipino child." [18]
In partnership with DepEd and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)'s Bright Minds Read!, big books and a collection of lesson plans were developed to help public school teachers use children's literature as a springboard in building reading skills among beginning readers.
The Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Social Welfare (DSWD) and Development are major partners for the Early Childhood Development Project. DSWD also worked with Adarna House for Ang Buhay ni Bimboy, a guide for parents and day care workers in nurturing children.
As one of the main proponents of Teens Read, Too! (a year-long reading campaign for Filipino teenagers), the Filipinas Heritage Library has hosted many of the campaign's activities under its roof. It is through this partnership that the Pilar Perez novellas for young adults were created.
The Meralco Management and Leadership Development Center (MMLDC) Foundation works closely with Adarna House for Lakbay Kalikasan, which promotes environmental awareness through storytelling, puppet shows, and nature trips.
Adarna House serves the Philippine Board on Books for Young People as its Secretariat. With the logistical assistance of Adarna House, PBBY is able to organize its activities such as the National Children’s Book Day celebration, PBBY-Salanga Prize, PBBY-Alcala Prize, and the Salaysayan National Storytelling Competition.
The Reading Association of the Philippines came on board Adarna House’s Libro Mo, Libro Ko program to help identify beneficiaries for the program. For every pledge of donation to these beneficiaries, RAP offers free teacher training and Adarna House comes in with additional book donations.
In 2008, Adarna House and Reach Out and Read-Philippines launched the first bilingual board books in the country during the opening of Aklatang Adarna, a reading corner at the Philippine Children's Medical Center.
Two five-storybook series, Batang Historyador and Batang Katutubo, were completed with United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF).
References
- ^ National Commission on Culture and the Arts, article on Children's literature.
- ^ Ang Alamat ng Aklat Adarna, the first post on Masayang Magbasa! blog
- ^ a b Entrepreneur Magazine Archived May 23, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, article on the business of publishing books for kids.
- ^ Adarna House concept books Archived April 4, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ ROR-P Board Books
- ^ Adarna House 2007 Calendar
- ^ Pilar Perez Medallion for Young Adult Literature
- ^ 2014 MIBF book signing schedule
- ^ National Children's Book Awards 2016
- ^ National Book Awards 2015
- ^ Anino Comics relaunched: Light by Rob Cham, a new title announcement posted on the Adarna House blog
- ^ 35th National Book Awards Finalists for Books Published in 2015
- ^ Adarna House Online Bookshop: Reference Books
- ^ Biyaheng Eskuwela ng Adarna
- ^ Kuwentong Adarna
- ^ Klasrum Adarna
- ^ Adarna House FAQs Archived February 21, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Adarna House catalog
