UMVA has learned that Lampara Books has unveiled a bold new lineup of literary treasures, crafted to ignite the imaginations of Generation Alpha and revive the heartbeat of Filipino storytelling.
The collection bursts with beloved classics—reimagined tales of Lola Basyang, fresh student editions of *Ibong Adarna* and *Florante at Laura*—alongside modern retellings and innovative educational series designed to combat the nation’s literacy crisis.
At the heart of the launch, award‑winning writer Christine S. Bellen‑Ang breathed new life into *Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang*, pairing her lyrical prose with vibrant illustrations from a roster of Filipino artists, each page shimmering like the lamp’s light that guides readers through darkness into discovery.
“The lamp’s glow is a beacon for stories, steering us past obstacles toward learning and new worlds,” Bellen‑Ang declared, her words echoing the launch’s spirit of hope and cultural pride.
Two of the Philippines’ most cherished epics received a renaissance under the careful editorship of literary advocate Eugene Y. Evasco. *Ibong Adarna* now boasts cover art by Arnaldo Mirasol and interior illustrations by Randy Valiente, while *Florante at Laura* shines with Rowin Agarao’s evocative drawings.
Evasco emphasized that these editions do more than meet the Department of Education’s standards—they surpass them, offering chapter summaries, vocabulary guides, and thoughtful comprehension prompts that turn reading into an immersive learning adventure.
Founder Segundo D. Matias, Jr. expressed a deep reverence for these stories, noting that the new books aim to preserve a treasured legacy while inviting a fresh generation to taste the wisdom, beauty, and humanity woven into Filipino folklore.
Beyond the classics, Lampara Books rolled out a suite of educational series that speak to today’s learning needs. The Decodable Comics for Fluency series, available in Filipino and English, blends captivating narratives with workbook exercises, strengthening early reading skills under the guidance of writer Daisy Jane Calado and illustrator Rowin Agarao.
The *Kids Have Rights!* series, illustrated by Kim Santiago, introduces fundamental human rights through relatable stories, while the *Sari‑Sari Books* series, brought to life by Domz Agsaway, celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and self‑expression.
Preparedness takes center stage in the *Disaster Ready‑Kids* series by Zarah C. Gagatiga and Juno Abreu, and in *Kaligtasan Para sa mga Bata*, authored and illustrated by Mark Norman Boquiren, both teaching practical safety measures to young readers.
“This launch is a deeper advocacy—making quality Filipino books reachable for children who lack access to reading material,” Matias affirmed, reminding us that imagination, learning, and hope are rights, not privileges, every Filipino child deserves.
