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Meet the Author: Dr. Yangky Embodies Lifelong Learning from Womb to Tomb By: Mheryll Giffen AlfortePublished July 2, 2024 5:00 PM Dr. Estrella “Yangky” R. Agustin From the moment they enter the world amidst the blinding lights and the distinct faces of cooing parents, children begin to make out the shapes and sensations around them. This marks the beginning of a journey of discovery and growth—a lifelong process from womb to tomb. Children’s natural curiosity and desire to learn should be nurtured throughout their lives. Formal education builds upon this foundation as they grow, providing them with knowledge and experiences to equip them for their journey. However, lifelong learning transcends beyond the corners of classrooms and textbook pages. It involves a person’s ongoing pursuit of knowledge, self-improvement, and ability to adapt to evolving circumstances and ideas. One such learner and educator, Dr. Estrella R. Agustin, affectionately known as “Dr. Yangky,” is the epitome of embodying the principles of the transformative power of lifelong learning. “My teaching–learning experience is life span – from womb to tomb,” Dr. Yangky said in an interview with The Inteligente Publishing, Inc. (TIPI). At 70 years of age, Dr. Yangky’s insatiable curiosity has led her to excel in not just one but various exceptional professions throughout her life – Teacher, Musician, Music Therapist, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Life Coach, and Author. Professional and academic achievements Starting her career in music, Dr. Yangky was heavily influenced by her parents.  “In music, my parents were my inspiration. On my father’s deathbed, he told me to take up music, learn to play the piano, and serve the Lord. On the other hand, my mother wanted me to specialize in music therapy,” Dr. Yangky said. Yet, at the core of her being, Dr. Yangky’s passion and thirst for knowledge propelled her into another path where she envisioned herself as a Journalist/Writer and Psychologist. And that she did. Dr. Yangky’s exceptional academic and professional achievements are a testament to her belief in the transformative power of education. Her drive towards the continuous learning process is not just a personal journey but a source of inspiration and encouragement for others. An accumulation of her various passions, interests, and influences in life, Dr. Yangky pursued and finished her education with a Bachelor of Music, Master of Family Life and Child Development, Master of Arts in Music, Majoring in Music Therapy, and PhD in Education, Majoring in Educational Psychology.  For many years, she has trained early childhood teachers, child development workers, special education, receiving teachers who handle children with exceptionalities (those diagnosed with giftedness and neurodevelopmental disorders), parents, and other paraprofessionals. A perpetual learner, Dr. Yangky also has certifications in Liturgy and Music at the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music in Quezon City, Dementia Care, Neurologic Music Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Neurolinguistic Programming. On being an author and writer Dr. Yangky’s deep-seated passion for education and learning naturally extended to her writing books for children. As an author, she leverages her teaching experiences as a music teacher, preschool teacher, and developmental and music therapist to structure her books according to the needs of her target learners. She has encountered all types of learners – from individuals with age-related issues to those with neurodevelopmental disorders and are developmentally delayed. According to Dr. Yangky, education should be a specialized experience that recognizes and celebrates every individual’s unique characteristics and needs because each child is special and different. “They need to learn the same concepts and develop skills, but teaching should be tailored-fit, and the curriculum’s content must be age/condition-appropriate, socially relevant, and aesthetically motivating,” Dr. Yangky said. One of her initiatives as an educator geared towards the development of children is writing the workbooks “Getting Ready to Write” and “Ready to Write,” published under TIPI. “Getting Ready to Write”, a writing workbook by Dr. Estrella “Yangky” R. Agustin published by The Inteligente Publishing, Inc. These writing textbooks adopt a step-by-step approach to developing the children’s love for writing. This approach encourages the children to move to the next level of learning without fear. The workbooks generally aim to develop the children’s fine motor skills, teach them to follow directions, and let them learn new words as a doorway to developing receptive and expressive language. Therapy through books and music Dr. Yangky believes that when trained in bibliotherapy, teachers can help children gain healing and therapeutic benefits from books. Bibliotherapy involves using literature as a tool for therapy to aid individuals in coping with emotional and psychological difficulties. It can be particularly beneficial for children with distinct learning characteristics, providing a secure and interactive method for addressing their needs. “If teachers are trained how to handle unique learning characteristics. Bibliotherapy is also what is done with cancer patients and children who were/are victims of abuse,” Dr. Yangky said. She added that, in addition to books, music can be a therapy or ‘treatment’ for those with psychobiological, neurological, and spiritual needs, as it is the neuropathway to learning.  Her passion and knowledge of Music Therapy are evident in her intrinsic musical inclination, which makes music a medium for teaching, enlightening, and empowering others.  “Music therapy is different from Music Education, (it is) different from music performance […]  Music is an arousal for the whole body and mind to move. It activates thinking, feeling, and movement. It nourishes the soul, stabilizes feelings, and regulates movement. It is a word carrier so children can be helped with their memory, expressive and receptive language,” she said. Currently, Dr. Yangky also lends her expertise to St. Peter Life Plan and Chapels by heading Music Therapy sessions and offering a safe space for self-expression and emotional release through healing melodies and therapeutic rhythms. Her work has significantly improved the well-being of the community members, demonstrating the transformative power of her lifelong learning journey. Dr. Yangky concludes by highlighting the importance of remediating literacy of Filipino youth at home and in early childhood. “Start in early childhood simultaneously with parenting roles. Undergrad Curriculum should have common subjects in

AFCC 2024: Spotlight on the Philippines – Celebrating the Rich Tapestry of Filipino Children’s Literature By: Abigael Joice Francisco, Mheryll Giffen Alforte & Miguel Anton FloresPublished June 4, 2024 5:00 PM Philippine’s country stand at the National Library Singapore for AFCC 2024. Photo from the National Book Development Board Philippines. In the landscape of children’s literature, where every page holds a new adventure and every story sparks curiosity, the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) 2024 stood as a tower of inspiration and innovation. As the curtains rose on the AFCC 2024, hosted at the prestigious National Library of Singapore, anticipation mounted for an enchanting journey into the world of storytelling. A vibrant event dedicated to the celebration and promotion of children’s literature, now in its 15th edition, brought together writers, illustrators, publishers, educators, and literary enthusiasts from around the world, all united by a shared passion for enriching the lives of young readers. The AFCC 2024 Theme: ”Curiosity”. Photo by Asian Festival of Children’s Content Official Page. This year’s AFCC carried the theme of “Curiosity,” inviting attendees to embark on a quest to unlock the boundless wonders of imagination. Curiosity, the insatiable thirst for knowledge and discovery, serves as the guiding light illuminating the paths of young readers as they explore the realms of literature. Philippine Delegation at the country stand. Photo by the National Book Development Board. At the heart of AFCC 2024 was the Philippines, shining brightly as the Country of Focus. The Philippine delegation, with some of the nation’s best Children’s and Young Adult book authors, illustrators, and publishers, flew to Singapore under the wing of the National Book Development Board (NBDB). Bringing its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse literary traditions, the Philippines took center stage offering a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. From folk tales steeped in myth and legend to contemporary narratives reflecting the complexities of modern life, Filipino children’s literature captivates hearts and minds with its depth and diversity A presentation on “The Illustrator’s Playground: Drawing Place and Space in Picture Books” by Rommel Joson. Photo by the National Book Development Board Against this backdrop, AFCC 2024 set forth its themes and objectives, weaving together a tapestry of ideas and insights to enrich the landscape of children’s content. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions, the conference ignited creativity and sparked curiosity by celebrating the power of imagination and fostering a culture of creativity, inspiring writers, illustrators, and storytellers to push the boundaries of storytelling and craft narratives that resonate with the young readers. It also promoted diversity, empowered educators, and connected communities by championing children’s literature ensuring that every child finds themselves reflected in the pages of a book. Through building bridges across borders and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, they created a vibrant ecosystem where creators, publishers, educators, and readers could come together to share ideas, create partnerships, and shape the future of children’s content. The Inteligente Publishing, Inc.’s representatives and Evangeline Alvarez-Encabo after the panel discussion on “Outside the Box: Navigating Textbook Creation in K-12 Philippines”. Photo by the National Book Development Board. Fortunately, The Inteligente Publishing, Inc. (TIPI) was part of the Philippine delegation at the AFCC 2024. Equipped with nearly a decade of experience in textbook publishing and some new ideas to innovate supplementary educational materials for young Filipinos, TIPI brought valuable insight and fresh eyes to the international stage for the first time. Represented by Trixia Vail Dalumpines, Miguel Anton Flores, Mheryll Giffen Alforte, and Abigael Joice Francisco, TIPI showcased its ‘Theractivity™’ books at the AFCC exhibit along with many other beautiful Filipino-authored and Filipino-illustrated children’s books. On the last day of the festival, TIPI together with Evangeline Alvarez-Encabo, a professional lecturer at De La Salle University Manila and a textbook instructional product designer and editor, shared through an informative panel discussion, their experiences and recommendations with regards to textbook publishing in the Philippines. Theractivity™ books being colored and used by children at the Philippines’ country stand. Photo by the National Book Development Board. Curiosity takes on many forms, it is the first instinct that manifests in children at a very young age– and this year’s AFCC emphasized the importance of nurturing this childlike and innate wonder. The event was the pinnacle of exceptional and untold stories throughout the Philippines; it guided attendees, children and adults alike, into the transformative power of storytelling and literary worlds. These stories crossed borders, unveiling to the global audience children’s literature that are interwoven in the colorful tapestry of the rich and diverse heritage of Filipino culture. Aside from exploring creative narratives, AFCC 2024 also allowed writers, illustrators, and industry stakeholders to intervene and create multicultural dialogues that addressed the current trends and issues in the market of children’s content. Children’s stories should be told for more reasons than one. Not only for entertainment but also as a valuable medium for learning. The future looks bright for Filipino publishing and storytelling, and it will continue to flourish as long as every Filipino child has access to basic education and literacy, two of the most essential factors that ignite the growth of children’s publishing.

Bridging Home: The Inteligente Publishing Inc., participates in the First BaliKyusi Reintegration Fair for OFWs by Abigael Joice FranciscoPublished March 15, 2024 5:00 PM The Inteligente Publishing, Inc. staff with officers from DMW, OWWA, QC PESO, QC MRC, and other social partners The bustling heart of Quezon City became a beacon of hope and opportunity as The Inteligente Publishing, Inc. took center stage as a key participant, offering invaluable resources aimed at empowering Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, in the First BaliKyusi Reintegration Fair on Feb. 6 at the Risen Garden, Quezon City Hall Compound. With the event tailored to empower OFWs after their journey back home, The Inteligente Publishing, Inc. showcased financial literacy books to help them manage their finances effectively, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills for navigating the complexities of finance upon their return. Additionally, they presented book titles designed to assist the children of OFWs in developing conflict and dispute resolution skills, ensuring a smooth transition and adjustment for the entire family. By providing OFWs and their families with necessary tools and knowledge, The Inteligente Publishing, Inc. exemplifies a commitment to supporting returning heroes in their reintegration journey. Their participation underscores the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in Quezon City to empower OFWs and facilitate their successful return to their homeland. The 1st BaliKyusi Reintegration Fair at the Risen Garden, Quezon City Hall Compound. Photo by OWWA-NCR Looking onto this initiative, the Quezon City Migrants Resource Center, in collaboration with various government agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and different social partners, the fair stood as a testament to the city’s commitment to supporting its returning heroes. With the resonating theme, Sa Kyusi, Mayroon kang baBALIKan, the event promised abundance of resources and opportunities for the OFWs and their families. Recipients of DMW and OWWA’s livelihood assistance. Photo by OWWA-NCR At the heart of the fair, the DMW and OWWA conducted an awarding ceremony honoring 150 OFWs as recipients of the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Award, the Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay Award, and help from the Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP). These initiatives signify a crucial step towards economic empowerment and sustainable reintegration for returning OFWs. Quezon City Migrant Services Division Head, Djohanna Delia G. Ravelo during her welcome remarks. Photo by OWWA-NCR The BaliKyusi Reintegration Fair for OFWs proved to be a pivotal event, bringing together key figures dedicated to supporting returning OFWs as they reintegrate into their local communities. As part of the opening remarks, Djohanna Delia G. Ravelo, Head of Quezon City’s Migrant Services Division, echoed this sentiment emphasizing that returning OFWs have a place to come back to, with ample opportunities and a warm reception awaiting them. The “BaliKyusi Reintegration Fair”, as she highlighted, was just the beginning of a series of programs aimed at assisting returning OFWs and their families in the city Department of Migrant Workers OIC, Atty. Hans Leo J. Cacdac delivered his inspirational speech. Photo by OWWA-NCR Meanwhile, Department of Migrant Workers OIC, Atty. Hans Leo J. Cacdac underscored the importance of reintegration in an OFW’s migration cycle, emphasizing the need for pre-departure planning and resilience upon return. He echoed the theme set by the Philippine President, stressing the courage and strength required for both departure and return, as OFWs encounter a new Philippines (Bagong Pilipinas) upon their homecoming—a sentiment that resonated deeply with attendees of the fair. Similarly, Mohammad I. Victor, Chief of the OWWA NCR Programs and Services Division, emphasized OWWA’s commitment to intensifying efforts to reach OFWs at the grassroots level, coordinating closely with local government units to implement programs tailored to barangays. He assured returning OFWs and their families of the government’s readiness to provide support through OWWA’s programs. Flower arrangement demonstration by Negoskwela. Photo by Nomer Pascual In addition to The Inteligente Publishing, Inc., numerous other companies participated in the fair, offering services ranging from skills training to employment assistance. Some of the prominent companies that participated in the event included the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Banco de Oro, Philippine National Bank, Manulife, Sunlife, Pru Life UK, Swiss IT Academy, Allianz Synergia, EEI Corporation, Ryder & Sparks Prime Corporation, Get Klean In Particular, Negoskwela showcased a captivating demonstration of flower arrangement, fascinating attendees with the artistry and skill involved in creating beautiful floral displays. TESDA staff demonstrating the process of making hand soap. Photo by Nomer Pascual. Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), offered a hands-on demonstration on hand soap making, empowering participants with practical knowledge and skills in creating essential household products. These demonstrations not only provided valuable insights into entrepreneurship and vocational skills but also highlighted the diverse talents and expertise of returning OFWs as they reintegrate into their communities. Department of Migrant Workers OIC Atty. Hans Leo J. Cacdac addressing an OFW’s query Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, the BaliKyusi Reintegration Fair exemplified Quezon City’s commitment to supporting OFWs in building a brighter future for themselves and their and other families. Amidst insightful remarks and empowering messages, OWWA NCR personnel remained on site to address queries and concerns, reaffirming their dedication to serving the needs of OFWs and their families. As the event drew to a close, the resounding message of hope and empowerment echoed through the halls of the fairground. With the support of the Quezon City Migrants Resource Center and the partners, OFWs are not only welcomed back with arms but were also provided with tools and opportunities to thrive in their home country once again.