In celebration of National Children’s Book Day, the Buglas Writers Circle, in partnership with the Bacolod City Public Library and GEM Publishing, held the official book launch of “Si Juan Pusong at Iba Pang Kuwentong-Bayan ng Negros” on July 15 at the Bacolod City Public Library, Hernaez Street, Bacolod City.
The book, “Si Juan Pusong at Iba Pang Kuwentong-Bayan ng Negros,” published by GEM Publishing, is a collection of retold folktales from Negros, written in accessible language for young readers and illustrated by the late Pastor Arthur Bayles, Daniel Bayles, and Elijah Bayles.
The Buglas Writers Circle thanked all partners, participants, and supporters who continue to believe in the power of local stories.
The event opened with an invocation led by Pastor. Dan Mijares, regional director of the International Care Ministry Foundation, followed by welcome greetings and remarks from Ma. Victoria Bingco, Bacolod City Public Library head librarian.
Meanwhile, representing the City Government of Bacolod, Councilor Wilson Gamboa, chair of the SP Committee on Bacolod History, shared words of support, alongside cultural messages from Greta Memoria, CEO Jorophil Land Development and Leisure Corporation lawyer John Orola, and Black Artists of Asia founder and film director and cultural worker, Louis Dormido.
The launch was honored by the presence of representatives from various sectors and organizations, including City of Bacolod officials, Art Association of Bacolod – Negros, Bacolod Artists of Asia (BAA), Circulo de Bacolod, CANVAS, APISNO, broadcasters, educators, librarians, and fellow writers.
A key highlight of the evening was the book reading of selected folktales by members of the Buglas Writers Circle, featuring authors Gina de los Reyes and Tracy Serdevilla.
The program concluded with closing remarks delivered by Buglas Writers Circle President, architect Daniel Bayles, who emphasized the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural identity and shaping values for future generations.
This event marked not just a launch of a book, but a renewed call to nurture literature rooted in Filipino heritage.*
