Goodwill Bookstore’s 75th anniversary celebration

34th Manila International  Book Fair  activity area, SMX Convention Center, Pasay City- Philippines

stage area with blue and white balloons

Hundreds of important personalities, suppliers, friends, employees and media were  at the activity area within the SMX convention center on the momentous occasion to celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of the Philippines well-loved bookstores – Goodwill Bookstore.

Beloved pioneers of the ” where-to-find-hard-to-find-books”, Goodwill Bookstore’s Don Manuel Cancio and Doña Juana Cancio ( photo from Goodwill Bookstore )

History : Goodwill Bookstore was founded in 1938 by Don Manuel Cancio and Doña Juana Cancio . Since it’s inception,  Goodwill bookstore is considered as one of the pioneer bookstores in the country.   hard to find books, distributor of Japanese published children’s and origami books. 

Dr. Nona S. Ricafort- CHED Chairperson

The event started with Goodwill Bookstore employees presentation . A short message was delivered by Ms. Nona Ricafort ( CHED chairperson)

CHED: http://www.ched.gov.ph/chedwww/index.php/eng/The-Commission/Commissioners/Commissioner-Nona-S.-Ricafort

L-R Ms. Joanna “Jophie” Cancio Suplico, Tommy Suplico and Mrs. Maria Teresa  Cancio-Suplico

Wazzup Pilipinas  and  Collector’s Connection were very fortunate to be given an opportunity to cover this rare event.  Other book exhibitors were also invited to this event.

Goodwill bookstore secretariat

For its Diamond Jubilee, one can truly expect Good Books, Good Value, Good Service, Good Education, and GOODWILL from one of the country’s pioneering bookstores.

dance production

 candle  lighting ceremony together with the employees

Mr. Gilbert C. Teodoro and Mrs. Monica Prieto- Teodoro

Ms. Christine Bersola -Babao together with Mrs. Maria Teresa Cancio-Suplico , Mr. Tommy Suplico  and Ms. Joana Suplico. 

Ms. Christine Bersola-Balabao – current television host of TV channel 5 morning show”Good Morning Club.” She was given a plaque of recognition by Mrs. Maritess Cancio -Suplico  during the event.  According to Mrs. Bersola- Babao- ” She  knew Mrs. Suplico in 1997 ” and the Goodwill family  .

Ms. Christine Bersola -Babao with her award

Aside from getting a lot of local and intentional accolades from her 5 book titles . Ms. Tintin Bersola ‘s books were also a certified ” BEST Sellers” .    All her five book titles were  published by Goodwill bookstore.

Mr. Johnny Litton hosted the event together Ms. Bersola

Her first book “Bryan Learns His Lesson” (2004), written when Anya was still in her womb and illustrated by Julius, tells of the story of the boy who realized how lucky he is the hard way. “Basura Monster” (2005), illustrated by Cedric Ryan de Guzman, educates the youth to care for the environment. “The Story of Christine” (2006) reflects Tintin’s own experiences in finding her identity and how she coped with her insecurities as a young girl. For this book, she received a special citation from the 30th Catholic Mass Media Awards.

Mr. Tony Meloto – of Gawad Kalinga and friends

Her latest book “Bakit Siya Meron? Bakit Ako, Wala?” (2008) brings the message of the Christ-Child to its young readers by going beyond material things and learning to count life’s blessings and “Si Kontra, Si Bida, at si Big Boy Buwaya” ( 2010) . Tintin’s children’s books are published by Katha, the publishing arm of Goodwill Bookstore.

ceremonial toast

an  ABS-CBN associate producer Mr. Bimbo Papasin, had a penchant for bedtime stories back when he was a toddler was also given an award he won the Catholic Mass Media Award (CMMA) for Best Short Story for Children for his book, Ang Batang Nangarap ng Kapayapaan (The Child Who Dreamt of Peace). in 2010.  ” Best Seller”  unfortunately , Mr.  Papasin was not able to make it to the event.

group picture

There were 2 interesting books that was also launched during the event, a beautiful softbound book entitled ” The Art of Thesis & Dissertation Writing ” by Dr. Nona S. Ricafort and ” a coffee table book about ” Goodwill Bookstore”

Ranchy Cuna

Professor Guillermo Gómez Rivera is an academic director of the Academia Filipina de la Lengua Española

 Loyal  employees were given recognition  . The event was capped with more songs and dances . While the guests were treated to a sumptuous cocktail meal .

cocktail

Note: I would like to CONGRATULATE  the organizers of the event for their 75th anniversary . Maraming Salamat Po sa Inyong Lahat!

Goodwill Bookstores:

BRIDGES BOOKSTORE (632)723.0545, a showroom/retail branch in SM Cyber Two Bel-air, Makati GOODWILL BOOKSTORE the HUB (632)846.4935, and GOODWILL BOOKSTORE UP Manila, Padre Faura (632)536.6877.   CEBU (032)2i55.0826 and  DAVAO (032)300.7132.  Head Office : Sales & Marketing office is located is at the Penthouse, Goodwill Building 393 Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Brgy. Bel-air, Makati City.

Website Links:

Goodwill Bookstore : http://goodwillbookstore.com/

Goodwill Bookstore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodwillbookstore

Gawad Kalinga: http://www.gk1world.com/NewOurFounder

Gerardo De Leon stamp launching at the NCCA

Locsin Auditorium , National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, Intramuros , Manila -Philippines

NCCA- Leandro V. Locsin auditorium  stage area ( photo credit: Mr. Rey Ong de Jesus)

It was a very festive late afternoon when relatives , friends , celebrities , NCCA and Philpost officials were at the venue to grace the 100th birth anniversary of National Artist for Film .

Simaron film ( photo credit from NCCA)

Gerardo de León (September 12, 1913 – July 25, 1981) was an actor then  turned film director, who made his acting debut in the 1934 film Ang Dangal .

Actress Ms. Anita Linda and National Artist Mr. Bienvenido Lumbera

He was born as Gerardo Ilagan , a member of the famous Ilagan clan of Philippine motion pictures . The clan includes Mr. Robert Arevalo , Mr. Conrado Conde, Mr. Angel Esmeralda ,Mr. Eddie Ilagan, Mr.Ronaldo Valdez , Musical scorer Tito Arevalo and Mr. Gerardo De Leon ‘s daughter Ms. Liberty Ilagan .

Mr. Gerardo De Leon was a medical doctor by profession , but his ultimate love for film has won him over.

Ms. Anita Linda together with Ms. Liberty Ilagan

He made at least eight more films as an actor before he became a director. He made his directorial debut in 1939. Bahay Kubo starring Fely Vallejo ( who he later married)

During World War II, De Leon–who was living in Manila–was “selected” by the Japanese occupation authorities to direct several propaganda films aimed at the Filipino population to show them the “benefits” of the Japanese invasion and takeover of their country.

Ms. Liberty Ilagan

After the war ended De Leon and several of his staff were arrested by the new Philippine government, imprisoned and charged with collaboration with the enemy–an offense punishable by death. At their trial, however, many former guerrillas testified in De Leon’s behalf, and pointed out that while he was working for the Japanese making propaganda films he was at the same time involved in underground resistance work with the guerrillas. De Leon and his staff were cleared and released.

Mr. Robert Arevalo short speech

Nicknamed “Manong“, de León holds the sole distinction of being the most awarded film director in the history of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences’ FAMAS Awards , the Philippines’ Oscars. From 1952 to 1971, he was awarded seven FAMAS Awards.

Ms. Liberty Ilagan -daughter of Mr. Gerardo de Leon, Mr. Ceasar N. Sarino ( Philpost chair ) and Mr. Felipe M. De Leon Jr. ( NCCA chairperson  )

His film credits spanned over three decades- spanning from late 1930’s to the late 1970’s . Many accredit his works as part of the Philippine Golden Age of Movies . Gerardo de León died on July 25, 1981, aged 67.

ceremonial presentation of First Day Cover to Ms. Liberty Ilagan

Ms. Liberty Ilagan holds the framed stamps and FDC cover

The individual stamp cost Php 10.00 each and First Day Cover is available for SALE at the Manila Central Post Office – Liwasang Bonifacio -Ermita , Manila and Major Post Offices nationwide.

Special commemorative Gerardo De Leon framed stamps and FDC

Attention : Madam Elenita San Diego – Philippine Postal Corporation- Philatelic Section – Since the Philpost website is down for more than 1 1/2 months , a lot of philatelists , online writers, bloggers are clamoring that they will be furnish a technical description of the recent stamp issues like the quantity, perforation, water marks, printer , stamp designer. etc….   I think that WE the loyal Customers of Philpost want to get updated with the recent stamp issues and not just for a FEW anointed ones !