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Author Segundo Matias Jr. on winning Severino Reyes Medal, showcasing Filipino books at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2024

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Gary Ann Lastrilla

<p>Esteemed Filipino book author Segundo Matias Jr. has been awarded the Severino Reyes Medal for Best Young Adult Book for his book series Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Batang Aswang. The award was bestowed by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Philippines. </p><p>Segundo, fondly called ‘Kuya Jun’ in the industry, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. He noted, &quot;Severino Reyes Medal is organized by IBBY PH. International organization ang IBBY. Malaking karangalan. Marami ang lumahok kaya masaya ako at napili ang Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Batang Aswang. Pangalawa, ang judges ay batikang librarians. Dalubhasa sila sa wastong panlasa at de kalidad na aklat. Magsusulat akong muli.&quot;</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsegundo.matias.3%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02JQFe7KAGCtyWQ4s7ufKcTXMoCLWvVPmiHJYy9q1jkhWf1Sv7TiJYGpib8tSCmUsil&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500&amp;preview=comet_preview" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Published by Lampara Publishing House Inc. and illustrated by Jomike Tejido, Segundo revealed that the inspiration for the book aimed to humanize Philippine mythical creatures. &quot;Gusto kong ipakita na kahit anong creature rito sa mundo, three-dimensional character din siya,&quot; he said. </p><p>Likewise, he drew from his childhood experiences, growing up in the province. “Kung mababasa mo kay Moymoy, half of it, medyo ako... I’m very, very curious with everything,&quot; he said, relating to the protagonist of the story. </p><p>The book also garnered international attention with English writer Neil Gaiman, author of the Coraline novel and Sandman comics, requesting for a signed copy from Segundo, which he gladly gave. </p><p>A three-time Carlos Palanca awardee, Segundo is known for his bestselling books for children and young adults. He is behind Precious Pages Corporation, which published the iconic Precious Hearts Romances pocketbooks, as well as Lampara Publishing House, known for producing children’s reading materials. </p><p>Aside from winning the Severino Reyes award, Segundo also celebrated being able to showcase Filipino children’s books at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2024 in Italy. </p><p>In a Facebook post, he said, “Espesyal sa akin ang Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Maraming taon ang nakalipas, nang unang pumunta ako rito, nalula ako sa ganda ng mga aklat pambata. Nakita ko ang walang katapusang paglikha ng sining para sa aklat pambata para sa buong mundo. Noon ako [nagpasyang] ipagpatuloy ang Lampara Books para sa batang Pilipino.</p><p>“Sana’y makita ito ng lahat; ang halaga ng bawat henerasyon para sa pag-unlad ng mundo, na nagmumula sa paghubog ng mga bata sa pamamagitan ng mga aklat. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas sa kauna-unahang pagsali sa Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Lagi sana natin itong gagawin para di mahuli ang Pilipinas sa bagong impormasyon at mga kaalaman para mga kabataan. Huwag kalilimutan na ang aklat (printed) ay isa ring teknolohiya na di dapat pahuhuli,” he concluded. </p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsegundo.matias.3%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02i4ohCSfmxAhiJ2iipw8ThiAG7QUJSh4ooKNjEBHC5Cgu95462jNj4wjkFUxz9ucSl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500&amp;preview=comet_preview" width="500" height="729" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>The Filipino children’s books featured were Luntian: Ang Bungang May Pakpak by Liwliwa Malabed, Alamat ng Rosas by Segundo Matias Jr., Tahi-Tahi by Russell Molina, Misteryo! by Eugene Y. Evasco, How Rosang Taba Won a Race by Dean Francis Alfar, Ako ay May Titi by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz, Ako ay May Kiki by Glenda Oris, and Papuntang Community Pantry by Eugene Y. Evasco.</p>

<p>Segundo Matias Jr. shares inspiration behind his award-winning book series '<i>Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Batang Aswang.'</i></p>

Segundo Matias Jr. shares inspiration behind his award-winning book series ' Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Batang Aswang.'