A Book Review of Nasaan si Nanay, Nasaan si Tatay? by Angelito "Bimbo" Papasin Illustrated by: Jan Carlo B. Sarmiento

Nasaan si Nanay, Nasaan si Tatay?

Authored by: Angelito "Bimbo" Papasin

Illustrated by: Jan Carlo B. Sarmiento

Published by: Atikha Overseas Workers & Communities Initiative Inc. 

With the Assistance of: AusAID Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

Philippine/copyright 2010

Image source: http://www.atikha.org/batang-
atikha/book/nasaan-si-nanay-nasaan-si-tatay.html

 Nallah's Courage Above the Challenge

by: Alyanna Mariel R. Enriquez

              Nallah woke up one morning realizing that she was all alone with her beloved dog, Shaggy. Where could her parents be?  “Nasaan na si Nanay? Nasaan na si Tatay?”  she wondered. To her surprise, she and Shaggy had company. It’s her Tita Mommy! She was well taken care of by her Tita Mommy, the sister of her mother, but what  really happened to Nallah’s parents? Where could they have been and why did they have to leave Nallah without saying goodbye? The situation for Nallah was definitely not easy especially since she was only a little girl. She became very timid and gloomy, not like the cheerful and happy Nallah that she used to be. Although she made a wrong turn when she had found out about the truth, she was certainly able to make her courage surface out of the challenge.

      Reading the book was heartwarming. It was truly a beautiful story but before going through the details of the book review, I find it important to give due credit for those people who have exerted much effort to make this book a reality. I admire Ms. Estrella “Mai” Dizon-Añonuevo for being the Executive Director of Atikha Overseas Workers & Communities Initiative Inc. and Atikha itself. I have learned a lot in the foreword section that Ms. Estrella Dizon-Añonuevo  wrote and also from the webpage of the said organization.

   “Atikha is a non-government organization that provides economic and social services to overseas Filipinos and their families in the Philippines. The organization aims to help address the social cost of migration and tap the development potential of migration.” (Source: http://www.atikha.org/)

   “Atikha has been reaching out to the children of OFWs to be able to help them cope with separation and to empower them to respond to the challenge of migration.”(Source: foreword section of the book)

    Atikha does not only provide books for the children of OFWs, it has been developing other kinds of activities that “provide information and value formation for children of OFWs” (Source: foreword section of the book) for 15 years already in the year 2010. In fact, the launching of Batang Atikha Book Series was only a part of their other programs and projects that live up to their aim of giving support for the children of OFWs. The organization opens up opportunities for the children that they may be able to reach their full potentials as they conquer the challenge of separation and other issues that they face because of their parents’ migration.

     Congratulations are first in order for the author, Mr. Angelito “Bimbo” Papasin, and the illustrator, Mr. Jan Carlo B. Sarmiento, for this noteworthy book. 

    The story itself is very good. It has a smooth flow, it’s simple and understandable to children, it’s heartwarming, realistic and more importantly, it’s inspiring. It shows how children would initially react to the problem of separation from parents who work abroad but at the same time it’s inspiring because it  also shows the children how to respond to the challenge properly and positively. 

    Reading the book led me to identify the many values present in the story. Even the characters carry and radiate among themselves the values of the story. It’s a great way to show how each person makes a sacrifice but is still confident and convinced that his/her love and relationships are worth sacrificing for. Nallah, the main character of the story, has demonstrated a lot of good values. She is a good daughter to her parents even though she made a mistake. Instead of giving up on the situation, she chose the better part which is to humble herself, and understand and forgive her parents. Her courage can inspire other children of OFW parents. 

    Another set of values I have observed in the story is our very own Filipino values. The Filipino language is used, in a respectful, creative, and dynamic tone. “Po” and “opo” have been generously used in the dialogues. I was then thinking to suggest: Why not add an English translation for the book? Then I realized that the book was purposely made for the children of Overseas Filipino Workers. I see that the use of Filipino language is meant for the children to learn and appreciate more the beauty that our very own language possesses. 

     The last value that I would like to emphasize is the value of family. It is important for the children to cherish their own families so that when they are at the right age, they will be able to build their own loving families. What Nallah had experienced may have been traumatic in a way but the story shows that it’s possible to surpass life's daily challenges if love is constant in the whole family. No matter what challenges come their way, they would be able to conquer them and these challenges would turn into blessings and make their family even stronger than it already was before.

    I also commend the water color illustrations of the book. They are very creative and simple. They have beautiful and attractive effects that stimulate and inspire a child’s artistic side. This would be a good start for the children to develop their own drawing skills. Some illustrations, however, need better consistency, clarity, and layout; still, the illustrations are very good and aid a lot in making the story come more alive and appealing. 

   Overall, it’s a very good book. At P170, it may seem more expensive compared with other children’s books, but as stated in the foreword of the book, “The proceeds of the book sales will go to the various programs of Atikha for the children of OFWs.” Maybe for the next edition of the book, the team of Atikha could add processing/gaming activities at the last part of the book. I had a wonderful and meaningful time reading it and I highly recommend it. The book can make an impact on the readers especially the target audience, the children of OFW’s. It should help them have a better understanding of their situation, so they can build  a stronger and more enlightened relationship with their parents even as challenges are present. 

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     Alyanna Mariel R. Enriquez is currently a first year college student studying Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Education in Miriam College. She is passionate about teaching and she strives for the best in her studies as she believes that this is her vocation/calling in life where she may be fulfilled loving and serving her neighbors, herself and above all, God. She hopes that in the future, she would be able to successfully teach and inspire her neighbors especially the youth that they may grow into productive, loving and faithful children of God.