The cover of ‘Rajisms’ illustrated by by Ivan Reverente of Ilustrador ng Kabataan
By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
Photos courtesy of Alma Miclat
A book on funny quips and witticisms from an eight-year-old boy will be launched via zoom and livestreaming this February.
Young author Maharadya Miclat-Janssen, Raja for short, is excited for the launching of his book, “Rajisms,” and eagerly awaits for the day on Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.
#RAJISMS covers Raja’s quips from the time he was 2 to the present on diverse topics like food, bilingual mix-ups, religion & house rules, world, geography & travel, politics, learning to read, arts, historical and world views, gender & politics, literature and creating stories, and new normal.
The book’s Foreword written by his mother, UP Professor Banaue Miclat-Janssen, says: “Kids say hilarious things. I cannot help but keep a record of my son Raja’s quips as experienced by my parents, his father and me.” Finding his thoughts amusing, even unconventionally funny for a small kid, she started posting his quips on Facebook. Friends prodded her to compile them in a book.
The book also features Raja’s stories titled “Hyperion” and “Mixels” and highlights six of his paintings at ages 3 and 4. Book design and illustration is by Ivan Reverente of Ilustrador ng Kabataan (INK).
Jointly published by the Maningning Miclat Art Foundation, Inc. (MMAFI) and Erehwon Center for the Arts, the book to be launched via Zoom livestreamed at Maningning Miclat Artist Facebook page, will have a program with guests including Raja’s pre-school teacher James Abao, his first pediatrician Dr. Emma Llanto, painting mentor Nasser Lubay, and 12-year-old singing sensation Harriette Wharmby, and emceed by Ateneo professor and playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas.
Interested parties may order the book through: maningningfoundation@gmail.com or viber/text 09995042898. Payment for the book can be coursed through BPI Savings Account 3089-1344 -03; or GCash: Banaue M. 09995042898. Delivery charge will be on the buyer.