That time when Marikit and the Ocean of Stars was longlisted for a book award. Or two.
In Marikit is a warning that says, “Promises we break will break us.” I must have been broken too many times, for I have broken a promise I’ve made earlier this year: that I will be more visible here (no thanks to the latest acquisition of Twitter, a.k.a. our favorite hang out). I had so many things to tell you! Too many things to blog about! But every now and then, I’d wonder if they’d seem too boring, for they were truly nothing but breaths and daydreams and daily little miracles coming from this small, sweaty corner of the world.
But I am here, and I am back, and I have stories to tell. I am rarely on social media now, only coming back to Twitter only to repost what matters as of the moment: end the genocide, free Palestine. This has been going on for more than 200 days. Almost a year. And while it is amazing to see efforts are made to stop it (including the brave in-campus protests done in universities all over the world), the ones with higher worldly powers aren’t doing anything to change the fate of the Palestinians trapped in their very own land.
There are many ways to help them. One, support Care for Gaza, which offers on-the-ground efforts to provide supplies for the Palestinians in need. There’s a man-made famine out there, and the Palestinians had been forced to live through winter and now summer in tents. This fundraising community makes sure that food, hygiene products, and other essentials reach the Palestinians in the quickest way possible. Two, buy e-Sims! This initiative aims to provide Palestinians internet connection and consequently, convey their current status across the world. Three, make wise purchasing decisions. And four, when you can, amplify the Palestinian voices on social media.
We can only do so little, but the least we can do is to stand in favor of humanity, justice, and equality.
I am proud to tell you that Marikit and the Ocean of Stars is longlisted for International School of Beijing’s Panda Book Award, with one of my beloved Filipino authors also on the YA roster, Mae Coyiuto’s Chloe and the Kaishao Boys.
To see the full list of Panda Shortlists 2024-2025, go here.
I am also delighted to say that Marikit and the Ocean of Stars is among the nominees of Hawai’i’s Nēnē Award! To belong to this list of marvelous, breathtaking books is already an honor!
My biggest thanks to everyone who picked up Marikit and the Ocean of Stars and considered my little magical book for these awards. What joy it is, as a writer, and as a tiny drop in the book community, to be seen like this!
Maraming, maraming salamat po.
C
