Gifts That Give Back

Books have always made great gifts.
I made birthdays and Christmases extra special, thanks to pop-up and lift-the-flap books I gave the kids when they were younger. I find giving books as gifts so special especially in this day and age since patience is rare among millennials.

Gadgets make the younger gen less patient and more irritable. And of course, reading is still a great way to spend quality time with the kids. So if you haven't done shopping for them, I suggest you visit www.lookingforjuan.com.

The website carries books for children from 4 to 12 years old. For Christmas, they are running a seasonal promo of buy-one-get-one on books if you use the discount code L4JPASKO2019 before you check out.

And you would want to buy a lot because the more you buy, the bigger your contribution to the “One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children” campaign.

Their goal is to send books to children in all corners of the Philippines particularly communities visited by horrific calamities, both natural (such as Typhoon Yolanda) and caused by man (like the armed conflict in Zamboanga). To date, they have given away more than 250,000 books to the underprivileged.

“When you buy from us, you are also helping us with our advocacy,” reveals Gigo Alampay, Founder and Executive Director of nonprofit organization, Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development (CANVAS).

So what can you purchase from them?

Any of the approximately 30 titles that they have published since they started in 2005.

“BenCab’s Activity Book for Children” is an early introduction to the works of National Artist for Painting, Benedicto Cabrera through coloring, writing, and spot-the-difference activities, finger puppet and paper doll dress up.

“Sino si Juan” takes the child on a discovery of what it means to be a Filipino through coloring pages, word games, puzzles, and more. These are just two of a handful. For every purchase of an activity book, two copies will be donated to their cause.

Their line up of story books is unique and very impressive. Multi-awarded writer, Butch Dalisay's “Why Words Matter” is the latest addition to the collection. His reflection is complemented by the uniquely lyrical art of Marcel Antonio.

“Nadia and the Blue Stars” is a tale of hope and has been used for psychosocial therapy to help children who were forced to flee their homes, either by man-made conflict or by natural calamities, to deal with the trauma of their displacements.

“Ang Aklatang Pusa” was written by Palanca Hall of Famer Eugene Evasco with artworks by award-winning painter and sculptor, Jared Yokte.

“RizalPabeto” was published in celebration of Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary. Award-winning poet, fictionist, playwright, and essayist Vim Nadera wrote poems about Rizal, one for every letter in the alphabet, which are interpreted by prominent contemporary painter, Elmer Borlongan in the tradition of letras y figuras.

These are just a few examples, log on to the website to see for yourself what other options are available.

For the not-so-young ones, merchandise infused with art images of some of the best Filipino artists can be purchased. You will find art cards, journals, fans, notepads, art magnets, limited edition art prints, and stickers. Eco-friendly upcycled tote bags are also for sale. Requests for customized items for corporate gifts can be accommodated too.