There are two things I know about narra – that it is our national tree and that it is good as furniture. The former, I learned in elementary school and the latter, I picked up from the number of “wow” I would hear every time it is pointed out that a cabinet or a bench or a table or a door is made of narra.
I don’t even know if I’ve ever seen a narra tree and I just found out that there is a possibility that I may never see one. I might be overreacting a bit but that possibility is in the horizon if we don’t get our act together. At the moment, the narra tree is categorized as a vulnerable species. If uncontrolled logging and rapid urbanization continue, the majestic tree and its yellow blooms can become extinct.
Where did I pick up all that? From a children’s book!
The narra tree stands tall in the story by Glory Moralidad. Entitled The Perfect Tree, the 36-page paperback relates the tale of a village popular for its narra tree. Sadly, the tree is getting old and dying. This worries the datu and his subjects, what will happen to them once the reason behind their fame is gone? Their journey to a solution is quite an adventure peppered with lessons.
“The Perfect Tree is a fun and educational story that will teach children the importance of saving the environment,” Glory says. “It’s a nod to Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, The Nightingale,” she adds.
Alongside her words are the vivid illustrations of Danielle Florendo, a Baguio-based artist, Fine Arts teacher, writer, and Ilustrador Ng Kabataan member. “It’s wonderful to be passionate about our native flora and how they help us. This book also teaches us to help preserve and protect the greeneries that give us life!” Danielle enthuses.
After the presentation of narra tree facts, The Perfect Tree closes with suggestions on how each one of us can do our share in saving the environment. So after being inspired by what you read, you do not have to look far to know how you can take immediate action.
Glory hails from Iloilo, it is no surprise then to see her story written in two languages, every page has easy-to-read text in English with accompanying Hiligaynon translations.
This is not the first time that Glory has published a children’s book. she has previously released Insoy, the Timid Bawa (2017); Peacemaker (2017), Paulo Putot (2017), The Frog and the Flies (2017), and All in a Child’s Day Poetry Book (2020). She sees The Perfect Tree as a continuation of her other five works. “One editor told me not to rush things. She said, ‘it takes as long as it takes to get it right’, and I’m ecstatic it’s out there now,” reveals the registered author of the National Book Development Board, member of the Book Development Association Philippines, and member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Her involvement with children does not stop at being a writer. Glory is the founder of Bata Ako Ph, an advocacy group that aims to improve the lives of Ilonggo children by empowering them with information and providing them access to their needs. The hope is to be able to extend a holistic approach that will pave the way for these kids to grow up as leaders.
Bata Ako Ph was lauded as one of the regional awardees of 2022 in the Search for Outstanding Volunteers by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). The recognition is much deserved given the group’s accomplishments.
Bata Ako Ph was particularly busy last November 2022, during National Children’s Month. Their calendar was packed. There was the “Bata Ako, Magpabulong Ako” Medical Mission at GT Malls Pavia together with the Order of Asclepius and the Department of Health VI. They also hosted their annual Kids Day Out! program at the National Museum Western Visayas for the students of Iloilo National High School (INHS). On the same day, they conducted the DigiTalino Training of the ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme (ADLP) which aims to combat misinformation and disinformation. They gave away activity books and school supplies to children supported by the Quota Club of Iloilo. More books and Christmas packs were distributed through the Iloilo City Government. Plus there was the “Bata Ako, Hampang Ko” session at GT Malls Pavia where children were treated to a magic show, games, and storytelling sessions.
“Books and literacy programs play an important role in protecting and building a better future for children,” Glory points out.
I agree 100%! believe that when a child develops a passion for learning, he or she is pretty much set for life. Nothing can get in your way when you have a learner’s mindset. You can do anything and be anything! And the quickest, most accessible way to learn is to read.
And we can start planting a love for reading (and for the environment) with The Perfect Tree.
Get your copy now for only P250. Click this link to order. Or you can go to Amazon.
The Perfect Tree may also be purchased at the following establishments:
Palabasalibro Bookstore – 3rd Floor, The Grid, Donato Pison Ave, Mandurriao, Iloilo City / info@palabasalibro.com / 0977 423 7155)
Esquina Coffee – 7 Libertad Street, Corner Santa Isabel St, Jaro, Iloilo City / esquinacafeiloilo@gmail.com
Pumplepie Books & Happiness – Nuvali, Laguna / hello@pumplepie.com
Mt. Cloud Bookshop – 1 Yangco Road, Corner Brent Rd, Baguio / (074) 420 9154
And soon on Etsy, Lazada, Shopee, National Bookstore, and Fully Booked.
