The Lola Basyang Gang

Meet one of Christine S. Bellen’s creative posses


Ang Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang ni Severino Reyes series of picture books for children gave Anvil important recognition from the book industry, including a Special Citation from the Manila Critics Circle and inspired other individuals and groups to adapt the stories made famous by an unforgettable character lovingly called Lola Basyang into other creative endeavors like a theatrical play and a television program.

This project brought together Anvil and a talented young writer, Christine S. Bellen, who in turn, introduced us to a truly original and creative force of children’s book illustrators. Here they are

Frances “Panch” C. Alcaraz is an award-winning artist who wrote and illustrated The Lost Necklace and Broken Eggs that were published in Japan and translated into different languages. For the Lola Basyang picture book series of Anvil, she illustrated Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin, Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon, and the forthcoming Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya. She currently teaches at the Ateneo. Visit her website: www.panchinyourhead.tk

Liza A. Flores has already illustrated eight books, including the award-winning Chenelyn! Chenelyn! She was president of the premier group of Philippine children’s book illustrators, Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang I.N.K.) from 2004 to 2006. She illustrated Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong, the forthcoming Sultan Saif, and Rosamistica, which was a finalist in the Gintong Aklat Awards. Liza now manages a design studio called Studio Dialogo. Visit her website: www.liza.ph

Hubert B. Fucio won the 2003 PBBY-Alcala Illustrator’s Prize for Sandosenang Kuya. He also illustrated Si Pagong at si Matsing. He loves illustrating children’s art for the Learn and Play Preschool. Hubert also plays the guitar and teaches a youth choir. The forthcoming Anting-Anting is the first Lola Basyang book he’s illustrated for Anvil. He’s also the illustrator of a forthcoming collection of children’s verses by Lara Saguisag.

Albert E. Gamos is a book designer and illustrator. He was recognized in 1992 by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) for his contribution to children’s literature. His illustrations for the book, Pandaguan, The First Man Who Died, won as runner-up in the 9th Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations in Japan. For Anvil’s Lola Basyang series, he illustrated Ang Plautin ni Periking, Si Pandakotyong and the forthcoming Ang Palasyo ng mga Duwende.

Ruben “Totet” De Jesus is one of the founding members and later president of Ang I.N.K. His book, Ang Mahiyaing Manok, won an Encouragement Prize in the 2000 Noma Concours in Japan as well as runner-up at the New York Showcase Exhibition of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Another book, Ang mga Anak ng Araw, won for him an Encouragement Prize at the 2002 Noma Concours. He illustrated Ang Alamat ng Lamok, Ang Prinsipeng Duwag and the forthcoming Ang Pitong Tanga for Anvil’s Lola Basyang books. He is a faculty member of the UP College of Fine Arts and is currently the chairman of the PBBY.

Elbert T. Or graduated with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the Ateneo where he currently teaches. He is a member of Ang I.N.K. and the creator of the comic books Siglo: Freedom, Cherry Blossom High, Cast and Two Color Truth, among others. He illustrated Ang Parusa ng Duwende and Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari for Anvil’s Lola Basyang series. Visit his blog: best viewed with eyes wide open