This month, we are thrilled to feature Ballesteros on My Mind: My Hometown in the Philippines by Dr. Rey E. de la Cruz. In this special edition, Dr. de la Cruz shares his personal reflections and the inspiration behind his heartfelt story. Read on to discover his thoughts on capturing the essence of his hometown and how Ballesteros has grown from a cherished memory into a story that resonates with readers worldwide.
Ballesteros on My Mind: My Hometown in the Philippines by Dr. Rey E. de la Cruz
I have always been gifted with childhood memories. But they needed to be shared through stories in a reunion book (Arrieta family) and a magazine (“Filipinas”) … Margaret Fashing, a retired library-science teacher, encouraged me to write a picture book: “Ballesteros on My Mind: My Hometown in the Philippines” … Film historian Nick Deocampo suggested a children’s film: “Ballesteros on My Mind – The Film.” … Now,
Ballesteros belongs to the world!
Rey E. de la Cruz, Ed.D., Positively Filipino correspondent, writes from Chicagoland when he is not loving the arts and longing for his hometown in the Philippines: Ballesteros, Cagayan. He was the first documented film student (University of the Philippines) and high-school film teacher (San Beda University) in the Philippines. An educationalist, he originated and disseminated the use of the ancient Philippine board game sungka as a teaching strategy. He was awarded the Gawad Balagtas for Drama in Filipino by UMPIL, the Philippines’ largest organization of writers, “for his pioneering creative spirit that imagined and expanded what can be possible for today’s modern theater.” Far-out dreams, visionary storytelling, and bold theatricality defined the plays he wrote and directed.
Read about Pamana Children’s Library story and our mission by visiting our page on the Rizal Center website: https://rizalcenter.org/programs/pamana-childrens-library/.
Follow us on Instagram
We’re now on Instagram! Follow us at @pamanalibrary_chicago for updates on our collection, events, and activities as we celebrate Filipino culture and heritage. Join us in a nurturing love for Filipino literature and exploring the beautiful stories that connect us all!
Support the Pamana Children’s Library
At Pamana, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling and the joy of books to connect generations and celebrate cultural identity. Our mission is to inspire young minds by sharing the rich traditions, values, and stories of the Philippines, fostering a sense of community. Since our opening in December 2023, our dedicated volunteers have engaged Filipino families in the greater Chicago area through enriching story times and cultural events.
To sustain these vital programs, we kindly ask for your support through one-time or monthly donations. Your contributions directly benefit the children and families we serve.
As the program of the Rizal Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donations may be tax-deductible.
Thank you for considering a gift to help us continue our mission!
Donate now
Leave a Reply