FROM MANILA WITH LOVE: A Balikbayan Story Book Review

The “From Manila With Love: A Balikbayan Story” can be considered one of the best in children’s literature. Originally released in January 2015, this is the magical story of a girl experiencing her first visit to Manila with her Filipino mother. This new 32-page edition comes with additional features such as a glossary and translation of the Filipino language, adding more value to educating young children and their families. This story, as a children’s book and as a parent, is the perfect addition to a child’s library and paints a vivid picture of Filipino culture and the balikbayan life.

As soon as the young protagonist sets foot on Filipino soil in the rather hot Manila airport, one is immediately taken through the full experience of a balikbayan. It should also be noted that the described scenes and the illustrations used provide a wide range of colors, which makes it possible to feel the joy and enthusiasm of the young girl who finds herself in a new large city. The use of rhyming words in the verse brings out a form of rhythm into the story hence making it colorful and easy for children to follow.

The one area the story excels in, I believe, is the depiction of the theme of family ties and ethnic origin. The meeting between the young girl with her relatives is presented as heartfelt and genuine. The moment when she finally meets her grandmother whom she loves but never physically sees because of the distance is very touching. This part of the tale brings out the value of kinship and the thrill of reuniting with family members.

Documenting Anticipation, Hope, and Self-Sufficiency of Balikbayan

FROM MANILA WITH LOVE: A BalikBayan Story, although there is no more suitable place to talk about everything that was tackled in a FROM MANILA WITH LOVE: A Balikbayan Story book review, it is highly significant to note the existence of numerous significant aspects of the culture within the story. Standing out, the list of Filipino dishes, explained in detail, intrigues readers to check out the Philippines’ rich culinary offer. The addition of an actuality and Filipino version in this new edition adds another important dimension as it provides education in value-adding by giving children words they have never seen before about assistance they learn anew.

In its way, I believe the book is helpful for parents to explain complicated emotions and detailed cultures to young readers. The rhyming verse not only helps teach the various word patterns and provides an engaging way to read the story aloud to children but also helps to establish various language patterns. The illustrations are also worth mentioning as they cover a whole lot of aesthetic characteristics like bright colors and detailed illustrations that fit the text aptly.

Recommendations for Parents

In essence, for anyone in search of a fun, entertaining Filipino children’s book that is at the same time liberally laden with educational benefits, “From Manila With Love: A BalikBayan Story” is the perfect option to consider. It offers a fantastic chance for the children to discover their roots, as well as to realize the importance of being a balikbayan. Shared reading of this book can lead to discussions about families and their customs, how families differ, and special relationships between special people in our families.

To make the reading experience more engaging, parents can accompany it with activities such as cooking a Filipino meal, making crafts related to the Philippines, and writing letters to faraway kin. Such activities seem engaging and can assist children in establishing closer relationships with the story and their heritage.

Conclusion

From Manila With Love: A Balikbayan Story book review as it retold a touching story that would capture the true essence of what it is to be a Balikbayan. This, accompanied by the richness and appeal of narratives and colorful illustrations, makes it a valuable and culturally accurate book to read for children. Not only does it feature lively characters and interesting stories to hold the child’s attention but also imparts various lessons that, in the long run, would prove helpful to the child’s development especially when grown-up and a parent already, trying to teach his/her child the importance of culture.