Waiting

waiting for the coffee to brew,
waiting for the traffic to subdue,
waiting for the clock to strike five,
waiting for the weekend to arrive.

waiting for the phone to ring,
waiting for the doorbell to sing,
waiting for someone to arrived,
waiting for news that makes us thrive.

it feels like life is just composed of waiting,
a series of moments, and anticipating,
the next thing to happen or occur,
without realizing, time has become a blur.

but amidst all this waiting,
we often forget to appreciate,
the moments that make up our day,
the simple joys that come our way.

the sunrise, the flowers, the breeze,
the laughter, the love, the ease,
perhaps it’s time to stop waiting,
and start living, and appreciating.

Quiet the Noise

The world can be an unreliable critic,
With comments that cut deep and leave you sick.
From people who don’t know or care for you,
As if they are perfect, with a flawless view.

Their words can wound, leaving scars on your heart,
And tear your confidence and joy apart.
But don’t let them get inside your head,
For their opinions don’t define who you are.

Don’t let their criticism bring you down,
Or make you feel like you are about to drown.
Don’t let their negativity dim your light,
You are strong, you are a beautiful sight.

The world can be harsh, but you can rise above,
And show to everyone who you really are.
Remember that their words don’t define who you are,
You are more than enough, their words are just trash.

You are more than the labels they try to stick,
More than the criticisms that make you feel sick.
You are a masterpiece, a work of art,
A masterpiece created from your heart.

For the world is full of noise and chatter,
But only you know what truly matters.
So hold your head high, and stand your ground,
For in your own skin, true beauty is found.

Let go of the noise that clouds your mind,
And don’t let their words make you blind.
Remember that their words are not a reflection,
Of who you are or what you can be.

Take their criticism with a grained of imperfection,
And be the best version of yourself you can see.
Let your inner voice be your ultimate guide,
You know who you are, let your own light shine.

Play the Fool

As we grow older, we often lose that spark,
And forget the magic that’s hidden in the dark.
We focus on the serious, and let go of the fun,
And in the process, our inner child is undone.

Sometimes we take ourselves too seriously,
Striving for success, always busy and delirious.
But life is too short to never let loose,
So let’s play the fool and harness our inner child’s juice.

In the chaos of the world, it’s easy to lose sight,
Of the simple pleasures that bring us delight.
But with the eyes of a child, the world becomes new,
And all of life’s possibilities shine through.

Playing the fool doesn’t mean you’re less of an adult,
It’s a way to release stress, to recharge and exult.
So let go of your worries, your fears, and your pride,
And harness your inner child’s spirit, with arms open wide.

Embrace the silliness, the whimsy, and all the fun,
Let yourself go, feel the warmth of the sun.
The world is your playground, the stage for your show,
So dance like no one’s watching, let your creativity flow.

Explore your inner child, the one who’s pure and free,
Who’s not afraid to fail, and try new things with glee.
For in her heart, there’s a world of wonders and delight,
That’s just waiting to be discovered and brought to light.

Let the child inside you take the reins,
And show you the joys of life that remain.
Feel the wind in your hair, the grass beneath your feet,
And let your soul dance to its own beat.

Play the fool, let your imagination glide
Into a world of wonder, with nothing to hide.
Embrace your inner child, let her guide the way,
As you discover the joy of living each day.

Living Poem

You are a living poem, my friend,
A masterpiece waiting to be penned,
With unique experiences to lend,
And emotions that will never end.

Amidst this world of noise and care,
You are a breath of fresh air to share,
Offering salvation everywhere,
A balm to soothe and hearts repair.

In moments of peace and rare sanity,
Your voice rings out with clarity,
Whispering silently your heart’s desire,
Fanning the flames of your inner fire.

So let your light shine bright and true,
Embrace the beauty that is you,
Share your story with the world anew,
For your words have the power to renew.

You are a living poem, waiting to be read,
With words that can inspire, uplift, and heal,
So let your heart guide you, let your pen lead,
May your soul’s melody inspire others to believe.

Scholastic Asia – PBBY Project: You Write to Me, I’ll Write to You

you-write-to-me-ill-write-to-you

WHAT IF YOUR MANUSCRIPT IS READ AND CRITIQUED BY THE MAN WHO DISCOVERED J.K. ROWLING?

Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, is giving a chance to Filipino writers living in Asia to submit a short synopsis and the opening pages of their unpublished chapter book or novel and stand a chance to be shortlisted to receive a review and written feedback by the man who discovered J.K. Rowling, Mr. Barry Cunningham, on their submission.

In partnership with the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), You Write to Me, I’ll Write to You is a manuscript critique initiative of the Scholastic Asian Book Award (SABA) in an effort to further encourage and inspire Asian writers. The manuscript critique initiative aspires to motivate writers while assisting them to get their manuscript in shape and recognizing excellence in Asian writings.

A total of 6 entries (the brief synopses and opening pages of 6 manuscripts) will be shortlisted to receive a review and written feedback from Mr. Cunningham, and only the most outstanding entry from the shortlist will receive a review of the complete manuscript.

“It is truly remarkable to be able to work with a prolific name like Barry Cunningham in the international children’s literature scene to provide his critique and review on unpublished manuscripts written by Filipinos living in Asia,” said Joyce A. Bautista, Trade Manager of Scholastic Philippines. “It will be a privilege to unearth some of the most talented Filipino writers in Asia and a chance not to be missed by them to have their manuscripts critiqued and reviewed by Mr. Cunningham.”

“The birth of this idea came from the Scholastic Asian Book Award (SABA) and we hope that through this initiative, more Filipino writers in Asia will submit their manuscripts to the SABA and stand a chance to get their work published,” she added.

“This is a great opportunity for Filipino writers,” said Tarie Sabido, Chair of the PBBY. “This initiative will stir up even more interest in writing novels for children and teens and will help those who wish to submit to the Scholastic Asian Book Award. For the winners, getting feedback from Barry Cunningham will be a very exciting and valuable experience.”

Mr. Cunningham, who is the Publisher of Chicken House Books – home of great reading – has had an impressive career in publishing. He has worked with all the great names in children’s books including Roald Dahl and became one of the best-known names in publishing after he signed up J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

You Write to Me, I’ll Write to You, is open to all Filipino writers living in Asia, who are 18 years of age and above. Manuscripts submitted must be chapter books or novels intended for children to young adults between age 6 and 18 years old, and must be Asian in content. The closing date for all submission entries is April 2, 2017, 5:00pm (Philippines time). Selected entries will be informed via email in June.

For more information on how to enter, visit scholastic.asia/youwritetome.

About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational services and children’s media. Scholastic creates quality books, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, magazines, multi-media and other products that help children learn both at school and at home. The Company distributes its products and services worldwide through a variety of channels, including school-based book clubs and book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, on-air, and online at www.scholastic.asia.

About PBBY

The PBBY or Philippine Board on Books for Young People, is a private, non-stock, non-profit organization committed to the development and promotion of children’s literature in the Philippines. The PBBY is the lead agency in the celebration of National Children’s Book Day (NCBD).

* PR courtesy of Scholastic Philippines

Philippine Readers and Writers Festival

PRWF Poster

Join National Book Store and Raffles Makati’s Philippine Readers and Writers Festival featuring Pulitzer award winning author Adam Johnson and bestselling authors Paula McLain and Anna Todd Books from August 26 to 28, 2016 at the Raffles Makati.

Admission is free! Attend three days of book signings, discussions, and panels about books, literature, and culture from top Filipino writers and artists. The Paula McLain and Adam Johnson talk and book signing will be on August 27 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. respectively. The Anna Todd talk and book signing will be on August 28 at 2 p.m.

All events will be held at the Raffles Makati with registration starting at 9 a.m. everyday. Sign up at http://www.readersandwritersfestival.com to receive the latest updates on the events.

Tag #GoReadWrite2016 to join the discussion.

RSVP to the event: http://bit.ly/PRWF2016.