14/02/2026
In celebration of Valentine's Day, let me share a spread from the recent children's book I had the pleasure of illustrating, Ang Pinakamasarap na Birtdey Keyk by Carl V. Lin (permission from author granted!). This particular part is my favorite, both in terms of literary technique and as an abridged version of how these characters became a couple. I find the technique of repetition fun and appropriate for the target audience. Sometimes adults find it difficult to explain to children what love is, but this part shows a few things that a child might recognize as love--care, simplicity, and consistency. Love is not always about grand gestures; a consistent expression of care is (I think) more important.
Here is the English translation
Tatay Jun: I brought her to school. (The lady is a school teacher)
Child: Then?
Tatay Jun: I brought her to her house.
Child: Then?
Tatay Jun: I brought her to the market.
Child: Then?
Tatay Jun: I brought her to places she needed to be.
Child: Then?
Tatay Jun: I brought her to church.
Child: Then?
Tatay Jun: Then we went home together.
For those interested in having a copy of the book, you may send me a message.
To my English-speaking friends, the translation is still in the works.
Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!
