New York PCG Celebrates National Literature Month with ‘SARI-SARI STORYTIME’
New York PCG Celebrates National Literature Month with ‘SARI-SARI STORYTIME’Ms. Hanna Usman (left photo, center) and Ms. Christina Newhard (right photo, center) captivate the audience with their storytelling.(Photo by Joey Magaso)NEW YORK, 05 April 2025 – In celebration of Philippine National Literature Month, the Philippine Consulate General in New York and Sentro Rizal New York hosted Sari-Sari Storytime, a special storytelling session featuring bilingual children’s books Jalal and the Lake by Hanna Usman and Kalipay and the Tiniest Tiktik by Christina Newhard, at the Philippine Center.The event was held in partnership with Suló: The Philippine Studies Initiative at New York University, The Georgiu Library of New York University, The Filipino School of New York and New Jersey, Bakás Pilipinas, and Sari-Sari Storybooks—a notable publisher of Philippine bilingual children’s literature.Founded by Filipino-American Christina Newhard, Sari-Sari Storybooks is dedicated to telling Philippine stories in both English and Philippine regional languages, such as Meranaw, Hiligaynon, Cebuano, and others. The project celebrates the country’s linguistic diversity, encourages mother tongue-based learning, and serves as an important resource for Filipino children growing up abroad who seek to understand their heritage.The featured stories explored themes of bravery, friendship, and identity, set against the backdrop of distinct Filipino…