TEN ENTRIES out of 150 participants were proclaimed winners in the Gig Writing Contest for children?s books. The theme of the competition tackles issues that seafarers? families can identify with and aims to promote positive human values.

Hernani Geronimo, who wrote ?A Boat, A Banana and A Smile,? is a seaman?s son.

Andrea dela Cruz (?Judith and the King of the Sea?) majored in Communication Arts at UST. Her mom, Inquirer SIM?s Pennie Azarcon dela Cruz, couldn?t be prouder.

Poetry collection

Eliza Victoria (?Jeremy?s Magic Well?) won the Palanca this year for her poetry collection, ?Reportage.?

Cherrie Anne Remoroza (?The First Day?) is a first grade teacher at a school for boys.

Joaquin de Jesus (?Quentin and His Violin?), an Atenean, is a lover of Spanish culture and history.

Raechelle Castellon won for ?Lost at Sea,? while teacher Kathleen Aton-Osias? winning entry was ?The Perfect Present.?

Political saga

Sylvia Mayuga (?A Tale of Tong-its?) continues to write about our country?s political saga.

Edilberto Sulat Jr. (?See, I?m Holding Daddy?s Hand?) contributes music reviews to PDI?s Entertainment section, while Czarina Vijulet Jusi (?Why Uncle Martin Can?t Fix My Bike?) is a law student at UP.

Marissa Oca began Gig and the Amazing Sampaguita Foundation, Inc. (Gasfi) as a tribute to her late son, Gig. The winning entries, which will be awarded today at the Establishment at the Fort, will be published as children?s books by Gasfi.

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Join the Mandy Navasero Batanes Photo Safari on January 22-25, February 5-8, May 7-10 and June 4-7, and explore Coron and Guimaras in March and April. E-mail mandynavasero@yahoo.com