In 2014, I started an independent small press called Sawaga River Press. It is the publishing arm of a nonprofit that I created 2008 called Libro Para Sa Tanan (Books for All) which promotes literacy in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines, where I’m originally from, by donating adult and children’s books to public elementary and high school libraries.
Sawaga River Press values diversity and equity in publishing, as well as the right to self-represent.
Sawaga River Press is committed to publishing books that explore and celebrate children’s experience in the Filipino diaspora. We aim to create diverse children’s books that bolster self-esteem and foster a sense of belongingness. We publish children’s books that will encourage children to read and learn about their cultural and ethnic roots.
Sawaga River Press is currently working on its second book, Jack Meets Agio, slated to be published in the spring of 2019. More details will be coming soon!
Sawaga River Press published its first trilingual book, Mama, Mama, Do You Know What I Like? in October 2016.
To check out the book’s site and to see our progress from the drawing board to publication, please follow the link: MamaMama.net
To check out the Sawaga River Press, please follow the link: sawagariverpress.com
