“Am I in a fantaserye or a book launch?” I wondered during the Moymoy Lulumboy 3: Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay press conference last Saturday.
My very own signed copy of Moymoy Lulumboy 3: Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay!
The latest book in the popular Filipino fantasy book series by author Segundo “Jun” Matias, Jr. and illustrator Jomike Tejido was officially introduced through an imaginative presentation by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). We were transported to the world of Gabun through a combination of convincing acting, immersive music and out-of-this-world costumes.
A colorful PETA interpretation of Moymoy Lulumboy 3: Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay. The mini-play, as well as the book launch, was directed by Mr. Raul Alfonso.
The Moymoy Lulumboy 3 book launch was held by its publisher Precious Pages Corporation on September 17, 2016 at SMX Convention Center, Meeting Room 5. It was released in time for the 37th Manila International Book Fair, a major event that local bookworms (including me!) look forward to every year.
Behind-The-Scenes: The Making of Moymoy Lulumboy 3
Segundo “Jun” Matias, Jr., the award-winning author who is the force behind Lampara Books, and Jomike Tejido, a prolific, award-winning visual artist, gave us a sneak peek behind the creation process of Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay.
A behind-the-scenes sneak peek by Segundo “Jun” Matias, Jr. and illustrator Jomike Tejido on the making of Moymoy Lulumboy 3: Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay
Sir Jun reminisced that his own experiences while growing up influenced him as he wrote the book for children and young adults. “Yung childhood memories ko siguro sa probinsiya, yung mga nakikita ko… Hindi pa ako nakakakita ng aswang,” he clarified as the room burst into laughter.
Sir Jun admitted that he could relate to Moymoy, but that there was also a difference between them. “I was being bullied. Na-bu-bully si Moymoy,” he opened up. “Matapang si Moymoy. Sa totoo, matatakutin ako. Binaliktad ko lang!”
Author Segundo “Jun” Matias, Jr. and illustrator Jomike Tejido gearing up for the Moymoy Lulumboy 3: Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay press conference
Jomike, in turn, revealed that he especially enjoyed illustrating Moymoy Lulumboy 3. “Interesting siya kasi mas may grasp na ako sa world na puno ng mga creatures,” he explained. “Mas madami yung creatures, mas nag-e-enjoy ako.”
The Story Behind the Series
Did you know that there was only supposed to be one Moymoy Lulumboy book? Sir Jun Matias explained that he only originally intended Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Batang Aswang to be a stand-alone novel. However, fan reactions and requests were so overwhelming that he decided to expand it into the series we know today.
Fresh copies of Moymoy Lulumboy 3: Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay at the official Book Launch during MIBF 2016
Readers are not just interested, but also invested, in the future of Moymoy. This unique boy is the long-lost son of a goddess and an aswang. He and his twin Alangkaw are the future of Gabun, the world of the tibaro, otherworldly creatures based on Filipino mythology.
The first book in the series, Ang Batang Aswang, was all about establishing the universe of Moymoy Lulumboy and introducing the cast of characters. The plot starts to thicken in the second book, Ang Nawawalang Birtud.
The third book, Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay, was easier and more fun to write and illustrate, Sir Jun and Jomike both agreed, since the world of Moymoy was already established through the first two books. The story is mainly about the twins’ search for their long-lost goddess mother, Diyosang Liliw. It also explores the transition of Moymoy from a child into a preteen adolescent who starts noticing girls. He develops a crush on their childhood friend Hasmin, who has an interesting secret of her own. Moymoy is definitely growing up!
What’s In Store for Moymoy Lulumboy and His Fans?
How many books should we readers expect the Moymoy Lulumboy series to have? Sir Jun said that he is considering writing four books in all. He speculated that his next book may possibly be the last and final volume in the series. He didn’t say it was his final decision though so fans like us can still hope that he will write more stories about Moymoy in the future!
Fangirl picture with Mr. Segundo “Jun” Matias, Jr. the author of Moymoy Lulumboy 3: Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay. Trivia: Sir Jun is also my publisher at Lampara Books! My comment to Sir Jun after his TV interview: “Sir, ang hirap maging artista, no?” 😀
Everyone held their breath as someone asked this question: “Will Moymoy Lulumboy have a happy ending?” Sir Jun was honest enough to admit that he wasn’t sure yet what the ending will be. That means we have to wait for the next book to find out!
As a writer, I understand Sir Jun because you cannot always predict what you write – the characters and story seem to take on a life of their own. I have a confession though: I’m rooting for Moymoy to have a happy ending after all that he’s been through (plus, I simply like happy endings!). I have a feeling other readers are hoping for the same thing. Let’s keep wishing and praying for a happily-ever-after for our brave young hero.
Now excuse me as I start to read my signed copy of Moymoy Lulumboy 3: Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay!
#MoymoyLulumboy #LamparaBooks #PreciousPages #BookLaunching #PressConference #MIBF2016 #WritersLife #BookwormBites #Books #LaurenVMacaraeg #LaurenMacScribbles
#Event: Moymoy Lulumboy 3: Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay Book Launch, Sept. 17, 2016, SMX Convention Center, MIBF 2016
Mr. Ricky Lee in the house! We were all thrilled to see the legendary Filipino scriptwriter at the Moymoy Lulumboy press conference.
Fangirl selfie with Mr. Ricky Lee! Close na kami… feeling ko lang 🙂
My seatmates and NFFs at the Moymoy Lulumboy press conference: Mommy blogger Michelle Polancos, her pretty daughter and commercial model Ashley, and fellow bookworm Clev Garcia
*FILIPINO TO ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS:
1. Fantaserye = A fantasy-themed TV program. A television show genre that is popular in the Philippines.
2. “Yung childhood memories ko siguro sa probinsiya, yung mga nakikita ko… Hindi pa ako nakakakita ng aswang” = “My childhood memories in the province, the things I see… I haven’t seen an aswang yet”
3. Aswang = A Philippine mythological creature with shapeshifting abilities
4. “I was being bullied. Na-bu-bully si Moymoy,” he opened up. “Matapang si Moymoy. Sa totoo, matatakutin ako. Binaliktad ko lang!” = “I was being bullied. Moymoy was also bullied.” he opened up. “Moymoy is brave. To be honest, I’m a scaredy-cat. I just turned things upside-down!”
5. “Interesting siya kasi mas may grasp na ako sa world na puno ng mga creatures,” he explained. “Mas madami yung creatures, mas nag-e-enjoy ako.” = “It’s interesting because I have a better grasp of this world that is full of creatures,” he said. “The more creatures there are, the more I enjoy.”
6. Ang Batang Aswang = The Aswang Kid
7. Ang Nawawalang Birtud = The Lost Virtue
8. Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay = The Search for Mother
