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Commentary Art and Creation Stories
1. Art and the Creation Stories is a book that continues to reap positive
recommendation from distinguished Doctors, Educators, School
Administrators, and parents too. Showing its wide applicability from Arts to
Psychology and Education. A recipient of the Cardinal Sin BestBook Award
for the Child and the Youth last September 17, 2015. The Author is Maria
Lourdes de Vera,a former Lower School Teacher. She is likewise the Artist
who painted the artworks in the book.
Dra. Alicia B. Tamesis, M.D. FPPS, MPH, Paediatrician and Adolescent
Medicine. Consultant: Fe del Mundo Medical Centre, Philippine Children’s
Medical Centre, St. Luke’s Medical Centre. She commented “This book is a
must have for everybody involved in child development. It is doubly significant
that the author Maria Lourdes A. de Vera took into account the cognitive level of
the child thus enriching learning. The authorintroduced an innovative way for the
child to know God and appreciate His creation – through Arts and Storytelling.”
“Highly specialized work!” A short commentary but captures the effort
invested by writing this book was made by Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, Jr. OP,
the Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, Seminary, University of Santo Tomas,
Espana, Manila, Philippines
A distinguished Nurse who recently visited the Philippines also commented on the contents of the book.
Victoria P. Berbano, BSN, RN, BS Psychology, MHA, Nursing Board Member, Philippine Nurses
Association of America, Nursing Board Member, Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego, Vice
President, Case management and quality Management, Milvali Health Care Company “This method of
teaching reflects the intuitive role of “imagery” by the storyteller. The important role of vision in the
interpretation ofthemanifestationofCreation in an ArtForm. Thesuccessofthisbook, doesnotstopatthe
end of a semester. It shall remain in the heart of the story teller as she experiences the response of the
students and the children he or she will touch. It is a privilege for me to have been able to experience
“Creation in an Art Form” Ms. Victoria Berbano alsosupportsthe“CauseofNurturing theArts in Children.”
An awarenesson theimportanceoftheArts, initiated by Maria LourdesdeVera, who is a Registered Nurse
and a BS Psychology graduate too. She gives creative arts workshops to teachers and students in private
and public schools by invitation.
A comprehensive introduction was made by the Publisher, Dennis G. Tamayo, CMF Director, Claretian
Communications Foundation, Inc. “Learning becomes fun and exciting through storytelling and painting.
Children havean innateloveofstoriescreatea senseofwonderand magic. Storiesteachusaboutlife, about
ourselves and about others. Thus, storytelling becomes a distinct way for children to develop an
understanding of respect and appreciation for other cultures. It can also promote a positive attitude for
people from different lands, races and religions. Likewise, Art is basic in teaching. Every subject area is
important, but no program for young Children could succeed without emphasizing art. Children at their
prime age are able to express their feeling and emotions in a safe way through making, looking at, and
talking abouttheirown artwork and theartofothers. Childrenarehelpedthroughartto develop perceptual
abilities while able to practice and gain fine muscle control and strengthen eye hand motor coordination.
These are few of the many things one can obtain through art.”
Sockie Fernandez, Director/Producer/Teacher, Philippines commented “I like it! It is intuitive and
intelligent”
2. Cecilia Legarda, Ph.D., A retired Assistant Chief, Commission on Higher Education, National Capital
Region. Gave her impression of the book. “The book Art and Creation stories is a wonderful method that
integratesthechild’sthinking,feeling and willing ability. Itpromotesindividualized methodofteaching that
is uniqueand adaptiveto the current time. It is creative and artistic and brings out the best in any child.”
Evanjelin A. Ante, Supervisor and Teacher,Special Therapy and Education Program (STEP),Harong kan
Sagrada Familia, Guanella Center Inc., Bogtong, Legaspi City “ After undergoing the Art and Creation
Storiesorientation, I feelrenewed fromwithin. As I amgiven the chanceto expressmyselfthrough artsand
movement– a healing process. I envisioned a happy, healed, creativeperson in me. I learned thatthechild
has a lot of potentials that can be tapped through the use of creative art.”
Maybellene M. Pardinas, Guidance Counselor, Special Therapy and Education Program (STEP),Harong
kan Sagrada Familia, Guanella Center Inc., Bogtong, Legaspi City “ I see the child as a seed thatneedsa
lot ofnurturing fromtheenvironmentalthough,itcan growon itsown. How it growswould also depend on
howit is being taken careof. As a teacher, I envisioned thatoneday, whatI haveplanted in my studentwill
be a full grown plant that will learn to bloom transcending time and seasons.”
“Ok syang Inspiration”, Mrs. Aileen Ramos, Mother, Grade school Students, School of the Holy Spirit,
Quezon City. Atty. Luther Ramos supports the “Cause for Nurturing the Arts in Children.” The couple
looks forward to brighter future for the book and the author as well. To reach more audiences.
A doting Father to a pretty daughter who is inclined to music and a Trader Nomer Diaz, commentedon
the book as a worthwhile reading literature that “Provides Interesting Information”
Mrs. Rheya Francisco,a devoted wife and a loving mother commented on the book as something that
nourishes the imaginative capacity of the child. Rich in amazing stories behind each chapter/lesson of the
Art book. Very interesting and a must read book for parents.
Willa P. Maglalang, Writer, Change and Creativity Advocate, Waldorf Parent “Art and The Creation
Storiesis a rarefind nowadays, primarily, becausethebook celebratesthegiftednessofevery child theway
any proud parentwould. Thebook speaksofthe child in a loving, respectfulway --- notsomeempty vessel
into which any onecan pourcold, dry information.Thebook hasclearly pointed outthata child is a present
waiting to unravel. Hecarrieswithin himso much freshnessand creativity,itwould bea greatdisservicenot
to let that out. And what a big help Art and the Creation Stories can be towardsthis end! Using the book
will not make artists of all children, but it could make creativity an integral part of their everyday life.
Something thatI observeto bewanting in so many ofourchildren nowadays. I seethebook asa catalystto
connect us all in the family again and the fiercest weapon any parent can wield against the desensitizing
effect of digital devices sometimes used as substitute for creative activity.”
Taking his residence in the Philippines and working asa Business Developer, a Fatherto an artistic daughter
Elvis Manyika is from Zimbabwe, East Africa. Having read theArt and Creation Stories. Hedescribesthe
book asa uniquely written thatgracefully targetsrelevanttopicswhilesimultaneously meanderingthrough
“Touchy” subjects. It gives the reader a refreshing perspective in life. Believing in the cause of “Nurturing
theartsin Children”. He supportstheAuthor’sadvocacy and hopesbring thefresh idea to African countries
as well. He further notes on its possibility of diminishing cultural barriers by opening avenues for greater
understanding among people of origins.