I was lucky that my boss' connections can reach Neptune. He got Virgilio Almario to say yes when he asked him if I, an architecture student, can consult with him regarding my thesis. Known as the father of modern Filipino children's literature, he is also a respected poet, critic, teacher, and author of over 30 children's books. In 2003, he was declared National Artist for Literature. (Adarna House)
Sir Almario started Adarna House, the Philippines' first and largest publisher of children’s books. I could not ask for more! He's the one person in the world I knew who'd understand and appreciate the idea behind my thesis!
But of course, it wasn't that easy and it required a lot of lakas ng loob!
When we finally set a date for the meeting (through text), I had spent my days since then with butterflies on my stomach. I knew I had to prepare well for that meeting. So prepare I did! I made a PowerPoint presentation with animation (which I don't usually do on ppt), an excerpt of which is here and saved it on my iPad. I bought almost all of the children's books he wrote and the manuals of Adarna House on Storytelling and Activities for Children, at the Manila International Book Fair at SMX Moa.
I read about him in the website of Adarna and of UP College of Arts and Letters and... on Wikipedia and stalked him on FB, though all I was able to see there was a picture of a house on his cover photo.
And at 10AM on a Wednesday, I was there standing in front of his office door, waiting for him. I had to make a call for support for I cannot take it alone. And after that short phone call, everything was suddenly bearable and I felt stronger and able to face what challenge I've put myself into.
More about this after we meet again. Perhaps on a Thursday morning next semester. ;)
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