The Magic of Apo Mayor by Grace D. Chong

The Magic of Apo Mayor, written by Grace D. Chong and illustrated by Beth Parrocha-Doctolero won the First Prize in the Palanca Awards in 2001, in the short story for children category. It is about Apo Mayor, an old man, who has significant influence in a place called Umingan.

Apo Mayor says the word Es-wes (or what sounds like it) when he approves of something or when something great is done. You’ll have to read the book to actually find out what Apo Mayor means. The book also features a boy named Teo (and who is the character in Grace Chong’s Oh, Mateo books) and teaches kids positive values like caring for the environment, respecting old people, and taking responsibility for one’s actions, etc. It also highlights the fact that everyone is capable of doing some good — even kids — and while others may perceive little acts of kindness as insignificant, good behavior, in itself, is always great.

I like getting the Oh Mateo books (e.g. All Aboard with Five Lolas) for my kids as they teach positive, Filipino values. The books come in both English and Filipino versions (in just one book) so your child can be more at ease with both languages. It even comes with a glossary. The drawings are also nice and colorful.

Oh Mateo books will do for slightly older kids. The book says it is appropriate for kids aged 8 and up but my daughter enjoyed it even when she was three. Given the length and the quality of the stories, kids up to the age of 10 can probably enjoy these books.