Paglayag Poetry Book by Kim Derla

Hello, friends! 🌊✨

I’m excited to share my latest book, “Paglayag,” which is the third installment of my Pagpag Series. This book is filled with poems and essays that highlight the value of every journey and destination in our lives.

The Beauty of Ordinary Travels

In Paglayag, I’ve fallen even more in love with poetry. Each poem expresses feelings we often experience—hopes, dreams, and challenges. The essays reflect contemplations that opened my eyes to new perspectives on traveling. From the places I’ve visited to moments spent traveling alone or with friends, all of these have added color and meaning to my experiences.

You’ll also find essays about getting lost—those moments that led me to unexpectedly beautiful sights. This really happened to me when I travelled solo. I must say that these stories mirror my journeys in life, which are not always straightforward. There are lots of detours. But still, these detours allowed me to see things I often overlook.

This book is dedicated to those who feel their journeys are ordinary. I want to show through this book that, despite simple days, there is beauty and something special hidden within. Hihi! Life is full of stories, and within each story lies a unique lesson we can carry in our hearts.

A big thank you to Kuya @darmurilloart for the meaningful book cover! Thanks also to Rizzamaruja for the illustrations that brought the pages to life. And, of course, to Ate Elizabeth Galit for her thorough proofreading. I also can’t forget Sir Edsel of Lifebooks, who has supported my work since 2014. ❤

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copies now! This is available for 100php each here. Haha! If you’d like signed copies, just send me a DM on this page.

Yay! I’m just so happy! I hope you continue to support my books. Thank you all! :))

Until next time,
Kim

Pagsibol ranked 3rd in National Book Store’s bestsellers list

Several months after traditionally publishing Pagsibol, I was in awed when it reached the bestsellers list in National Book Store for the month of September 2024. Who would have thought (again) that my humble work is now another bestseller. Thank you, Lord. So much to be grateful for talaga.

Pagsibol is a collection of poems and essays about growth, and self-appreciation. The contents of this book is indeed close to me. My poems here are somehow inspired by my experiences as I navigate the world with a better and lighter perspective.

From the word itself, Pagsibol, this book sprouted and bloomed because of my experiences lately about life. I hope people who will read this book will realize the value of patience and growth–that everything has its own time, really.

If you’re interested, you can still purchase this book in Shopee, Lazada, National Book Store, or even in Tiktok Shop. My publisher has made this book accessible for all. Hehe. Please support! 🙂

Source: National Book Store Facebook Page

As of this writing, I am working on my third poetry book. The third book is about exploring, navigating, and journeying in life with a positive outlook. 🙂 Can you guess the title? 😀

My Pending Book Reviews

I have read a lot of books for the month of April. I just don’t have the time to post it here. (Or am I just making excuses?)

Here are some of the Filipino books I’ve read. Most of these books are purchased during the Philippine Book Festival 2024. Some books are given for free.

Ang Bangin sa Ilalim ng Ating mga Paa ni Ronaldo S. Vivo Jr.

It’s my first time reading Filipino Crime Fiction, and I must say, the narration and choice of words are superb and unrestrained. 😅 The description of the theme is also striking. The book is just so timely. It’s just so sad that some scenes in the book are the realities in our country. This book is good for series adaptation.

Maliit na Bagay lang ang Nakapupuwing ni Rommel Rodriguez

This book includes short stories about origins and legends. Sir Rommel’s storytelling is so effective. Truly fitting for short stories and narratives. Fleeting, yet profound. I didn’t finish this book in one sitting because reading more than five short stories without a break is just overwhelming for me.

Mula sa Kilometer Zero of Josue Mapagdalita

The author of this book gave free ebook version of his book. I like the overarching theme of the book. All short stories here are remarkable and unique in their own ways. The first story started at Kilometer Zero –which is in Roxas, Ermita Manila.

Then, as each story unfold, the next titles of the chapter are all names of places. I like how the short stories here are written. Short yet striking. However, for me, reading short stories straight could be really tiring. I didn’t finish this book in one sitting as well. But I do love the theme and the ‘atake’ of this book. The author is so kind too! I think that makes the overall reading experience fun.

Alagwa (Poetry Anthology of Teddy, Lean, Allan, and Beth)

The imagery and metaphors in the poems are subtle but carry weighty themes. All poems here paint vivid pictures about a writer’s life, and a poet’s perspective about the world. You’ll find yourself staring blankly at some poems while reading it. The collaboration between the authors in this anthology is just so remarkable. From light to heavy poetry, all of their poems are truly a joy to read.

I’ve also read the poetry books Sansaglit and Pasakalye written by Lean. These poetry books are light and fun to read despite some of the heavy themes and scenarios it tackle.

Takeaways:

In order for me to finish reading a book, I need to write all the books I’m planning to read on a checklist. I wrote these books on a small piece of paper and posted it at my work station. This post-it reminded me not to procrastinate and scroll different apps mindlessly.

I hope to read more Filipino books again and write reviews.

Ikaw? What’s the last Filipino book you’ve read?

Pagsibol Book by Kim Derla

With the success of “Paghilom,” I’m now back to the literary scene with my latest work, “Pagsibol.”

Before talking about my new book, I want to express my gratitude to my friends and readers who have supported Paghilom. It all began in 2021, and within a year, “Paghilom” found its way onto the shelves of many readers nationwide. It has become a bestseller both in National Book Store and Lifebooks’ Shopee Store online. The overwhelming support, with over 5,000 copies sold, has truly been humbling and inspiring.

So, what is “Pagsibol”?

“Pagsibol” is a collection of poetry and prose that has themes of self-growth and the process of embracing one’s season. At its core lies the metaphor of blossoming flowers. In Filipino, “Pagsibol” draws the imagery of a seed evolving into a flourishing plant, symbolizing growth and transformation.

My inspiration for “Pagsibol” came from a period of feeling lost and disconnected post-pandemic. That time, I wasn’t quite sure of my next steps in life. There were moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. I feel like everything around me seemed so unfamiliar.

Yet, through some reflections and lots of alone time, I came to realize that every phase of life serves a purpose—that even in darkness, there exists the promise of light and growth. This realization forms the essence of “Pagsibol.”

The Process

Looking into the creation process of “Pagsibol,” I aimed to craft a collection that not only motivates but also instills hope and resilience in its readers. It is a reminder to embrace the ever-changing seasons of life with courage and grace.

Regarding the cover design, I entrusted the talented Kuya Dar (@darmurilloart) to capture the essence of the book. He came up with vibrant illustrations of indigenous Philippine flowers such as sampaguita, waling-waling, and rafflesia. Fun fact: not all rafflesia variants are stinky!

Realizations After Self-Publishing Again

Reflecting on my experience of self-publishing for the third time, I believe that I’ve focused on essential aspects of the process. I focused on selling the book instead of other merch. While I still offer freebies like bookmarks and postcards, I opted for more cost-effective solutions for items like stickers. Additionally, I’ve embraced a better approach to marketing, adapting to changes in social media algorithms to reach a more audience.

I have so many challenges in choosing what platform to use to sell my books. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to delivering my work to readers through other channels instead of the orange app. Now, I am using my Facebook page to sell Pagsibol. I collect orders via private messages and collect some orders via Google Forms. Though this takes more time, this approach is the best option for me.

I hope Pagsibol will be a source of inspiration to my readers just like Paghilom. 🙂 Thank you for your continued support in my craft. I hope you pre-order my book, too!

Prinsipe Bahaghari 2024 Rerun

If you like the book The Little Prince, you will also like its Filipino puppet play version, Prinsipe Bahaghari. It is shown in Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati, on January 19- 21 and 26-28, 2024. We watched the show last January 27, 3:38PM.

*Image c/o Teatro Mulat ng Pilipinas (Mulat Theater) Facebook Page*

Prinsipe Bahaghari tells a story about the adventure of the Rainbow Prince as he finds his companion who would help him care for his flower, the Gumamela, and will keep her safe on his home planet. In this quest, he meets different characters and makes a friend with the Storyteller who proudly shares his joys and challenges in life.

It is my first time watching a puppet play. I am amazed how Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas gave life to the story, characters, and narration. Let me tell you more about this experience!

Stage Design

I like the simplicity of the stage design. It complements to the visual effects and the animations of the puppet play. How the production team maximized the wooden pallets, and the simple fabrics really amazed me. The gumamela flowers too are beautiful. They reminded me of my sixth grade project in Home Economics.

The Puppets

I really thought that the puppets were made of steel. But, upon asking the casts (who held and manipulated the puppets), I was informed that the puppets were made of rattan. Rattan is a flexible and natural material that can be weaved into many different things, including furniture. There were different puppets such as the cat, the snake, the Rainbow Prince, and the Storyteller.

The Translation

The original manuscript used rose, but the Filipino adaptation used gumamela. There are many kinds of gumamela in the Philippines. I love how this flower is chosen for this play. It look so Filipino for real. Also, the play emphasized that they maybe many of gumamelas but one is special because it’s chosen and it’s loved. The lessons in the original book are really translated contextually in its Filipino adaptation. I hope that the kids who watch the play with us learned a lot from it, too.

Overall, Prinsipe Bahaghari is really extraordinary. The puppeteers manipulated the characters well to deliver the emotions and to tell a heartwarming story. Prinsipe Bahaghari also has a perfect blend of humor. I specifically like the joke about a snake, eating the moon, and farting after. Is this a Bakunawa reference? This is such a funny part of the play. I really have a memorable experience. Looking forward to watch more plays this year!

Some Days You Can’t Save Them All Book Review

I have been in a reading slump for the previous months. What kept me busy was the Korean drama series that I have been watching. But after purchasing books during Manila International Book Fair 2023, I decided to pick up a book and dedicated time to reading it.

The first book that I have decided to read is the non-fiction book written by Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All. Doc Ron is a pediatric neurosurgeon, teacher, and writer. He became a fellow of the 58th UP National Writers Workshop. He currently works as an associate professor at the UP College of Medicine. When we met him during his book signing, he is so kind and humble. He asked questions to us before signing our books. Hehe.

The book cover says a lot to what the collection of essays is all about. Its refreshing shade of blue looks calming, and pleasant. The illustrations on the cover are so meaningful. Each icon truly represents something about the essays in the book. In short, maganda.

Some Days You Can’t Save Them All contains personal anecdotes, and stories about his patients. He has written each essay as if he weaves the emotional rollercoaster of life in a hospital. His medical tales will surely make you cry or laugh. His collection contains his stories about his journey from medical school to becoming a full-fledged doctor. He has deliberately described his humble beginnings.

What I love most about this book is his skill in humanizing the medical profession. He has written essays about loss, pain, and the saddest stories in the corner of a ward. But at the same time, he manages to balance those kinds of stories with stories of success, good news, and happy endings.

His remarkable essay for me is Where I Got Extra Money When I Was A Medical Student. He said:

As hard as it may seem to believe during the most difficult of times, there is never a shortness of kindness in this world.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All

Despite the sad reality that the medical scene in the Philippines portrays, some people are still willing to help. In this essay, he mentioned the people who generously lend him a hand when he was a student. After reading this line, I paused from reading a book and tried to absorb this line. Nakakatulala lang talaga.

Yes, there will still be people who are willing to help. Someone out there will help. It may be difficult to believe, but this is possible, I guess. 🙂

My Favorite Lines from the Book

I survived by taking things one day at a time.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All

I took this line by heart. I totally agree that we could still succeed by taking things one day at a time. I am used to rushing things. I always wanted to finish the tasks on my list. But this line reminded me to slow down, and be more relaxed.

Everybody is in such a hurry to achieve something or become someone, that we forget to be thankful for what we have in the now. We are always where we are meant to be.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All

Hehe. The message is somehow the same with the first line. This line is found at the last pages of the book. I believe it is also a gentle reminder for us to be grateful for what is happening at the moment.

I only have this advice to give: First, never settle for anything less. … And second, stay honest.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All

It is a good reminder for me–that despite what’s happening around me, I should continue producing quality outputs and never be satisfied with the mediocre. It inspires me to keep going and to keep creating something meaningful.

My Final Verdict

5/5! This book is beautifully written, heartwarming, and truly engaging collection of essays that will leave a mark in your heart. The essays here contain reminders that will make you reflect on the incredible human connection. Doc Ron is so kind and humble in person, too. Plus 5 stars!

Read this, please! 🙂

Under the Queen’s Umbrella Review

Under the Queen’s Umbrella is about Queen Hwaryeong who is supposed to act with dignity and grace as she raises her troublemakers aka sons. She needs to raise them with proper education and correct values. However, there seems to be tons of challenges.

This is the official poster. (Photo is not mine.)

This Korean Drama is one of the best Korean Historical Fiction that I have watched after Scarlet Heart Ryeo. This series presented strong female characters and the way they carry themselves inside the palace.

The past historical dramas that I’ve watched mostly depicts patriarchy, and the competition to the throne. However, this series highlighted the role of the women in the society.

From giving birth, to raising the child, to handling their responsibilities, a queen definitely needs to always strive for excellence. This is what the protagonist has been doing throughout the story.

Queen Hwaryeong showed how she stood up agains the norm concerning their people and her sons. She has shown proper judgment in every situations. She acts accordingly and always does everything with a plan.

Here are the most notable characters in the series. (Photo is not mine.)

She also demonstrated great power in protecting her sons. She pushed them to be the best grand princes that they can be no matter what situation they are in.

There are other female antagonists, such as Queen Dowager, the first Concubine, and the deposed Queen. I like how each character was differentiated from one another. They have one common denominator (which is being related to the King), but this just complemented the uniqueness of each female character.

This series ended on its highest rating. I am looking forward for Season 2 if there’s any.

Xiu Yang: Self-Cultivation for a Happier, Healthier and Balanced Life

This book is simple yet it is filled with wisdom that allows its reader to reflect about their lives. Xiu Yang is an interesting self-help book that is calm to read. It sounds like a friend who sits with you at the park, looking at the people who pass by.

I got this book in Lazada during the Big Bad Wolf sale. This is my second Chinese self-help book. I’ve also read Yang Sheng: The Art of Chinese Self-Healing, and I must say I love these ideas and beliefs.

This book contains practical tips on how to cultivate oneself to be happy, healthy, and obtain a balance life. I love how these tips are simple. These tips are attainable.

According to the author, Xiu Yang’s central aim is to help remind not our faults, but our potential to experience a true sense of balance and well-being.

Xiu means to cultivate. Yang means to nurture. And Xin means heat.

Xiu Yang values the quality rather than the process.

In the first chapters of the book, she shared the long-term support for our happiness. There has to be knowledge, compassion, wisdom, and insight. These words seem to be simple but the book elaborated how these concepts are crucial to happiness.

What I loved the most is her idea about compassion. She said,

“When you cultivate compassion, you begin to see the things that poison your mind or heart are just visitors, rather than permanent residents.”
Mimi Kuo-Deemer, Xiu Yang

I strongly agree to this concept. I love how the author reminds us that the trials we see are only temporary, not permanent. I will write this quote on my board for sure.

When it comes to health, she clearly stated that nutrition, body clock, and exercise are important. We should align certain rhythms with the patterns found in the natural world.

She stated how our body replenishes for a specific time in a day. She has this whole cycle about our body clock. She also described what are the activities that should be done by that time. Example, wake up between 5:00am-7:00am, and do some meditation, and walking.

Moreover, she also cited the things that we should eat. She gave suggestions related to exercising as well. She included poses, and basic movements that help in breathing, and qi flowing.

Lastly, to have a balanced mind, one has to handle emotions, too. She cited Mindfulness of Emotion by Michelle McDonald.

R – Recognize your emotion (label or name it)

A – Allow (Accept it, not fix)

I – Investigate (Be curious how this emotions feels in your body.)

N – Not Personal/ Non-Identification (This emotion does not define you.)

This acronym is a helpful mindset to those who are struggling in handling their emotions. This could be of help, of course, with proper guidance.

“The ancient Chinese believed that the heart’s natural capacity was like the midday sun: radiant, warming, spacious, and expansive. They believe that the heart supports our life and infuses it with qualities that make us complete as human beings.”
Mimi Kuo-Deemer, Xiu Yang

In conclusion, I love how everything is described in this book. It is calming, and relaxing. It reminds people to maintain balance, and see the extraordinary in every little thing.

I hope you give this book a try. 🙂

I cried after reading Find Your Surrendered Place by Bo Sanchez

Where is your surrendered place? In life, we need a place where we can be at peace with God. We need a little corner in our life where we can spend time praying to the Lord.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, we need to meditate in our surrendered place.

This is Bo Sanchez only printed book in 2021. He has written it after recovering from COVID19. I never hesitated to purchase this book because it is indeed meaningful. It added value to my life.

My Takeaways from Find Your Surrendered Place by Bo Sanchez

1. Surrendering doesn’t mean you are weak. It means that you are courageous enough to trust God wholeheartedly.

2. When we surrender, we believe that God will always be with us in this journey.

3. When we surrender our fear of death, only then we can live life fully.

4. Meditation is important.

5. Let us surrender the lifestyle of hurry. At the end of the day, only the most essential will really matter.

6. Surrender our emotional leftovers. Hatred, guilt, and fear. We should let them go.

7. Our surrendered place is not a Lala Land. It’s a quiet place where we communicate with God.

You should also read this book if you like reading books about healing, meditating, and praying. If you are just barely making it in life, read this book to feel better.

May you have a meaningful 2022 ahead.

What book are you currently reading? Any book recommendations?

Why I love Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

This is a super late book review about Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. This has been in my cart for some months. I’ve decided to buy it as a gift for myself.

“Be led by your curiosity and keep busy doing things that fill you with meaning and happiness.” 🥰

What’s your Ikigai? What is something that gives you meaning and happiness?
This book is a must-read. This book helps its readers to fully understand their reason for living by knowing their ikigai.

Ikigai does not have to be grand. Sometimes, it could be the simplest thing in life, and that is okay. It differs from one person to another.

This book also gives an overview about the Japanese secret to a long and happy life. The authors are so specific in their explanation. They included diet, exercise, and way of living. They share how people in a certain place in Japan live longer than others.

Major takeaways from Ikigai

Each setback is an opportunity to grow.
Worrying about things that are beyond our control accomplishes nothing.
It is not what happens to you, but how you react that matters -Epicletus
Ikigai is the reason why we get up every morning.
Once you discover your ikigai, pursuing and nurturing it everyday will bring meaning to your life.

Have you read this book? Share your favorite quotes, too. Here’s mine.

This is the sign that you should grab a copy of this book. Go read it, friends. 🙂