Lampara Books’ culturally relevant titles to fill gaps in children’s knowledge

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PETA storytelling session

The new lineup of Lampara Books

A NEW LINEUP of literary materials by local publishing house Lampara Books has been released — including a collection of Lola Basyang stories and student editions of Ibong Adarna and Florante at Laura — with the goal of honoring the long-standing traditions of Filipino storytelling and encouraging cultural appreciation in Gen Alpha.

The books include Filipino classics, modern retellings, and innovative educational series. With consideration of the nation’s literacy crisis, Lampara Books aims to publish “accessible, values-based, and culturally relevant literature for Filipino children and families.”

Highlighted is the newest collection, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, retold by award-winning writer Christine S. Bellen-Ang, brought to life by various Filipino illustrators, and inspired by the iconic stories of Severino Reyes.

“Ang liwanag ng lampara ay simbolikong ilaw ng mga kwento at pagkukwento, umaakay at gumagabay sa atin sa dilim at sa mga balakid ng daan tungo sa pagkatuto, nagbubukas ng maraming mundo. (The light of the lamp symbolizes the light of stories and storytelling, which hold us and guide us through the dark and the obstacles in our journey to learning and discovering worlds),” Ms. Bellen-Ang said at the book launch on May 19.

“Nagpapatuloy ang liwanag ng lampara sa mga kwentong taglay ng ating mga aklat pambata. (The light of the lamp shines on in the stories found in our children’s books),” she continued.

Two of Philippine literature’s most enduring masterpieces were also given new life: Ibong Adarna and Florante at Laura, edited by another children’s literature advocate, Eugene Y. Evasco. The former features cover art by Arnaldo Mirasol and interior illustrations by Randy Valiente, while the latter has illustrations by Rowin Agarao.

“Hindi lamang namin layunin na maipabasa ang mga teksto. Sinikap namin lampasan ang kaririwang inihingi ng DepEd sa ganitong puri ng aklat (We don’t just aim to have these texts read. We worked hard to exceed the usual requirements of the Department of Education with these kinds of books),” said Mr. Evasco of these editions.

Thus, they offer an enriched reading experience through chapter summaries, vocabulary guides, and comprehension prompts for students and teachers.

“These stories have long occupied a cherished place in Filipino childhood,” said Segundo D. Matias, Jr., founder of Lampara Books and Precious Pages Corp. “Through these new editions, we hope to preserve their legacy while allowing a new generation of readers to discover the beauty, wisdom, and humanity found within Filipino storytelling traditions.”

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
In line with its mission to promote literacy and holistic learning, Lampara Books also launched several educational series that address current learning needs and the social development of children.

There’s the Decodable Comics for Fluency series in Filipino and English, which reinforces foundational reading skills for beginners. Written by Daisy Jane Calado, coordinated by Victor A. Villanueva, and illustrated by Rowin Agarao, the series combines engaging storytelling with workbook-based exercises that support comprehension and language development.

Also included in the launch is the Kids Have Rights! series by Michellan Sarile-Alagao, illustrated by Kim Santiago. This introduces children to their fundamental rights through accessible language and relatable narratives.

To celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and self-expression, the Sari-Sari Books series by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz, illustrated by Domz Agsaway, has been published as well. Its goal is for a new generation of readers to appreciate individuality and social understanding.

The inclusion of the Disaster Ready-Kids series by Zarah C. Gagatiga, illustrated by Juno Abreu, introduces the concept of practical safety measures and disaster preparedness to children. Meanwhile, Kaligtasan Para sa mga Bata, written and illustrated by Mark Norman Boquiren, promotes public safety awareness among young Filipinos.

“This launch highlights a deeper advocacy — making quality Filipino books accessible to children with limited or not access to reading materials,” Mr. Matias said. “At its heart is the belief that imagination, learning, and hope are not privileges, but rights that every Filipino child deserves.” — Brontë H. Lacsamana