THE BANANA is a common fruit, especially in Mindanao, where the rich soil, constant rain and occasional typhoons make it abundant. The fruit is carefully nurtured until it?s harvested, washed, boxed and shipped on boats and other vehicles.
This fruit, which is shaped like smiling lips, serves as the inspiration of Hernani Pizarro Geronimo, author of ?A Boat, A Banana and A Smile,? one of 10 winning children?s stories turned into a 24-page illustrated book by contest sponsor/publisher, Gig and the Amazing Sampaguita Foundation Inc. (GASFI), founded by Marissa Oca, in support of her advocacy in reading, ?20 Minutes at Bedtime.?
A human resources management professional, Geronimo works for Lapanday Foods Corp., a Davao-based, fresh-produce grower and exporter of Cavendish bananas and pineapples.
He says that, for the fruit to be enjoyed by its consumers half an ocean away, it must endure the thrills and perils of shipping?a unique voyage that his book celebrates.
For inquiries about Gig?s Seafarer Children?s Stories, call 400-4933 or 353-1267 loc. 826. E-mail gigfoundation@gmail. com or visit www.gasfi.com.
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Join the Boracay Halloween Photo Safari on Oct. 31-Nov. 2, or the Boracay Ati-Atihan Photo Safari on Jan. 21-24 next year. E-mail mandynavasero@yahoo.com, or call 899-1767.
