Ang Aking Anghel

Title of the Book: Ang Aking Anghel (My Angel)

Author: Segundo D. Matias, Jr

Illustrator: Kora Dandan-Albano

Year of Publication: 2011

Publisher: Lampara Books

By: May Anne Alcantara

My Angel (Ang Aking Anghel)

The book “Ang Aking Anghel” was published by Lampara Books, and it offers two languages: includes Filipino and English translation. The story was created by Segundo D. Matias, Jr. who is used in writing teleplays for ABS-CBN. And the book was illustrated by Kora Dandan-Albano,who illustrated over 30 books for kids.

(Left: Segundo D. Matias, Jr. Right: Kora Dandan-Albano)

The speaker of the story was the mother. It was started by presenting the hardships of the mother while being pregnant and how she took care of her health, for the sake of her child’s safety in her womb. She does not even bother what people will tell about her physical appearance. But then after nine months the time has come. “It’s you!” It is finally the first child she’s been waiting for. All the hardships she encountered during her pregnancy was paid off, when she saw the smile and when she was able to smell the sweet breath of her child. She made a plan for her child, she promised that she will never let her child to be sick, promised to never neglect the child and most important: that she will love her child no matter what. The mother said that she will give her child the most beautiful name (The name was not mention but I think the name was Angel. It is because of the title that has 2 meaning for the mother.) The mother’s plans are: (1) Sending her child to the best school and promised to be the tutor of her child. And will let the child to what course to take. (2) The child will work in a good sector. And lastly, (3) the child will have her own family. The mother said that she will never leave her child and she will be at her child’s side. For whatever hardships, problems and difficulties in life of her child may encounter, she will be there to accompany. That she is the first and last ally who is there to support, that no one can do for her child. And the mother emphasized in the end that she will never leave her child.

While reading the story, this made me think of my mom. All the sacrifices she did for me, and all the love she gave for me. The book somehow showed the personality of my mom, and her plans for me. Being a mother is not a joke, it is not easy.  Being a mother has only one goal, it is to raise their child/children well with so much love and support. The story wants us to realize that mothers sacrificed so many things for us. Since the day they knew that they are pregnant. It is their obligation and responsibility to have a healthy body for the sake of us. There are circumstances that they already forget about themselves because of taking care of us. Our mothers love us, unconditionally. Our mothers form us to be a good daughter, a good citizen and a good person. Until the end they are the ones with us.

The cover of the book is not that much attractive. But looking the pages, it was illustrated very well and I think Kora Dandan-Albano did her job well. It’s just that the cover of the book needs to be improved. The choice of words used in the story was easy for the children to understand it well and clearly. The flow of the story was right, thinking of that a male is the one who wrote it. It is good for the children that the story was made for them to appreciate the things done by their mothers. Maybe, if I would be given a chance to add things up in the story, I will make the child a moving character. I recommend this book for teachers that they may use this in teaching kids how to give importance to their mothers.

So, grab a copy!

May Anne Alcantara- finished my high school years at Holy Spirit Academy of Malolos, were I became a varsity player(volleyball) and belonged to the top 10 of the class. I am currently taking up BS Child Development at Miriam College in Katipunan.