By Lauren V. Macaraeg
“Is this a musical production or a publishing event?” I wondered during the enjoyable Moymoy Lulumboy 4: Mga Dulot ng Digmaan book launch.
Checking out my signed copy of Moymoy Lulumboy 4: Mga Dulot ng Digmaan while at the book launch ?
The book launch began with a colorful mini musical by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) that swept us away to the fantasy world of Moymoy, the tibaros and apos, and other Philippine mythological creatures. Although I was already expecting a play because of last year’s launch, I did not expect it to be this elaborate and immersive. The theatrical performance successfully set the tone for the press conference that followed, where multi-award winning author and publisher Segundo “Jun” Matias, Jr. and prolific illustrator Jomike Tejido talked about their latest novel.
PETA outdoes itself! This year’s mini musical featuring Moymoy Lulumboy Book 4 is even more fantastic than last year’s production number on Book 3 ?
Mga Dulot ng Digmaan, the fourth installment in the Moymoy Lulumboy young adult book series, was officially launched by Lampara Books and Precious Pages Corporation last September 16, 2017, Saturday. The press conference, which was organized by Mr. Toots Tolentino, was held during the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2017 at Meeting Rooms 2-3, SMX Convention Center. The annual book fair was jam-packed with Filipino book lovers of different ages and backgrounds (including me, of course!).
Our Hero Moymoy is Growing Up
Moymoy Lulumboy may not be an ordinary boy, but just like any other child, he goes through the process of growing up. He also experiences the growing pains that are an unavoidable part of adolescence.
One of the major challenges that an older Moymoy faces in Mga Dulot ng Digmaan is an unexpected false accusation. Although he does his best to restore the gold stolen by the villain Buhawan, he is wrongfully accused of stealing a missing gold piece for himself. Will he be able to clear his name and find the gold so he can help reverse the curse of the tibaros? Book 4 holds the answer to this question.
However, growing up is not all about problems. There is the kilig factor too! Readers who enjoy a sprinkle of romance in stories (like me!) can look forward to Moymoy falling in love someday. Sir Jun admits that Moymoy may have a possible love interest in the future. He did not mention the name of the mystery girl so we’ll just have to wait and see who she is. (I do have my own guess who Moymoy’s future ka-love team might be. Do you?)
Moymoy Lulumboy experiences changes, not only in his character and personality, but in his physical appearance also. From a scrawny little boy, our lead character has transformed into a tall and well-built young man. Everyone at the press conference suddenly chattered excitedly when we found out that Moymoy now has abs! ?
Behind-the-Scenes: The Creation of Moymoy Lulumboy 4
In order to reflect the changes in the lead character, Moymoy Lulumboy, both the author and illustrator of the book series have modified their writing and illustrating styles as they worked on Mga Dulot ng Digmaan.
“Iniba ko ang boses ko,” author Sir Jun Matias said. “Expect a darker Moymoy.”
Illustrator Jomike Tejido, on the other hand, shared that Book 4 was the first time in the series that he created the illustrations digitally from start to finish.
“Iba ang hagod,” Jomike said, while challenging the readers to see if they can notice the change in his style.
However, although the two creators’ styles may evolve with the development of the book series, their inspiration for Moymoy Lulumboy stays the same.
Segundo “Jun” Matias, Jr. and illustrator Jomike Tejido answer questions about Moymoy Lulumboy 4: Mga Dulot ng Digmaan ✏
When asked what their favorite part was of creating the Moymoy book series, both Jomike and Sir Jun remained focused on the characters and creatures that populate the world of Gabun.
“[Drawing] new non-human creatures,” Jomike promptly replied.
“[Favorite ko] yung emotional development ni Moymoy,” Sir Jun answered.
Like Jomike, Sir Jun also shares a fascination for mythological creatures. Which one is his favorite? “Manananggal,” he said. “Kasi nahahati siya! Na-a-amaze ako na buhay pa rin siya kahit nahati.”
How many more books can we expect featuring Moymoy and his friends? Sir Jun says that he hasn’t decided yet exactly how many books the series will have. He did tell us that the series may be extended, although only while Moymoy remains as a young adult. He wishes for the future books to also belong to the young adult genre.
Of course I had to have my copy of Moymoy Lulumboy Book 4 signed! Fangirl moment with book author & publisher Sir Jun Matias ✒
Still, that’s great news for us Moymoy fans. That means we still have several Moymoy Lulumboy novels to look forward to.
In the meantime, let me stop writing so I can start reading the fourth book!
[For those who are curious about last year’s Moymoy Lulumboy Book 3: Ang Paghahanap Kay Inay book launch and the progression of the first three books, check out my blog post from last year: www.laurenvmacaraeg.com/2016/09/23/moymoy-lulumboy-3-ang-paghahanap-kay-inay-book-launch-the-adventure-continues/ ]
Reunited with the hardworking Lampara Books team. With Ms. Aiko Buduan-Salazar and Ms. Hazel Daga-ang. Blooming kahit pagod! ?
Illustrator Jomike Tejido doodled a sword on my copy of Moymoy Lulumboy Book 4 during the book signing. Fierce! ✒
Catching up with my PHR writer friend, Ms. Sofia, and other bookworms ? Aja!
#MoymoyLulumboy #MoymoyLulumboyBook4 #LamparaBooks #PreciousPages #BookLaunch #PressConference #MIBF2017 #WritersLife #ReadersLife #BookwormBites #Books
#Event: Moymoy Lulumboy 4: Mga Dulot ng Digmaan Book Launch, Sept. 16, 2017, SMX Convention Center, MIBF 2017
#LaurenMacScribbles #LaurenMacDoodles by #LaurenVMacaraeg
