Canvas: One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children

“Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them”. Book lovers will agree to this and it’s especially true for children. I remember when I was in early grade school, I can finish a book in one sitting. I used to say that I’ll just finish a chapter but then wasn’t able to put it down coz the story has gotten more exciting. At that time, I loved reading series, so finishing one didn’t mean I was all done hahaha…

Children are most usually influenced by the characters in the books they read. So, parents must always be on guard as to what books to buy. Kids can benefit a lot from reading books such as vocabulary expansion, help them to better understand and process more complex ideas, mental stimulation plus more! Activity and storybooks are the most popular and you can find great selections at www.lookingforjuan.com if you are shopping for your kids.

The website carries books for children from 4 to 12 years old. Last Christmas, they had a seasonal promo of buy-one-get-one on books with the discount code L4JPASKO2019. A lot of customers bought tons of books either for their kids or for gifting purposes.
It’s a win-win because for sure children who will receive those books will love the selections and customers were able to contribute to the site’s advocacy, the “One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children” campaign.

The goal is to send books to children in all corners of the Philippines particularly communities visited by horrific calamities, both natural (such as Typhoon Yolanda) and caused by man (like the armed conflict in Zamboanga). To date, they have given away more than 250,000 books to the underprivileged.

“When you buy from us, you are also helping us with our advocacy,” reveals Gigo Alampay, Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development (CANVAS).

So what can you purchase from them? Any of the approximately 30 titles that they have published since they started in 2005.

“BenCab’s Activity Book for Children” is an early introduction to the works of National Artist for Painting, Benedicto Cabrera through coloring, writing, and spot-the-difference activities, finger puppet and paper doll dress up. “Sino si Juan” takes the child on a discovery of what it means to be a Filipino through coloring pages, word games, puzzles, and more. These are just two of a handful. For every purchase of an activity book, two copies will be donated to their cause.

Their line up of storybooks is unique and very impressive. Multi-awarded writer, Butch Dalisay’s “Why Words Matter” is the latest addition to the collection. His reflection is complemented by the uniquely lyrical art of Marcel Antonio. “Nadia and the Blue Stars” is a tale of hope and has been used for psychosocial therapy to help children who were forced to flee their homes, either by man-made conflict or by natural calamities, to deal with the trauma of their displacements. “Ang Aklatang Pusa” was written by Palanca Hall of Famer Eugene Evasco with artworks by award-winning painter and sculptor, Jared Yokte.

“RizalPabeto” was published in celebration of Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary. Award-winning poet, fictionist, playwright, and essayist Vim Nadera wrote poems about Rizal, one for every letter in the alphabet, which is interpreted by the prominent contemporary painter, Elmer Borlongan in the tradition of Letras y Figuras.

These are just a few examples, log on to the website to see for yourself what other options are available.

For the not-so-young ones, merchandise infused with art images of some of the best Filipino artists can be purchased. You will find art cards, journals, fans, notepads, art magnets, limited edition art prints, and stickers.

Eco-friendly upcycled tote bags are also for sale. Requests for customized items for corporate gifts can be accommodated too. By shopping at www.lookingforjuan.com, your budget goes way beyond the receiver of your gift, your generosity touches lives outside your circle.

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