Nakikisilong: A Mangrove Tale Wins Recognition at the 2025 Severino Reyes Awards

 

We are proud to share that Nakikisilong, one of our beloved children’s storybooks, has received an Honorable Mention at the 2025 Severino Reyes Awards, a national recognition given by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY).

Written by a young author whose roots run deep in environmental storytelling, and brought to life through the heartfelt illustrations of Richard Red Elli, Nakikisilong invites readers—both young and old—to take shelter in the quiet wisdom of nature.

A Story Beneath the Leaves

Set in a vibrant mangrove ecosystem, Nakikisilong follows the story of Betong and his friend Nimfa, who love spending time in their treehouse perched on a mangrove tree—the “palapat.” But the tree they thought was theirs turns out to be a shared home: filled with insects, birds, mollusks, and other fascinating creatures. What starts as irritation grows into wonder and respect as Betong learns that humans are not the only ones seeking shelter.

This gentle, poetic story becomes a powerful invitation for children to practice empathy—not only toward others, but toward nature itself.

From Sketches to Shelter: The Illustrator’s Reflection

For illustrator Richard Red Elli, receiving the award is a heartfelt milestone:

“Sobrang saya at karangalan para sa akin ang pagkapanalo ng aklat sa Severino Reyes Award 2025. Sa bawat pahina na aking iginuhit, gusto kong ipakita ang damdamin ng bata at ang kanyang pagbabago—mula sa inis patungo sa pag-unawa at paggalang sa mga hayop na dati niyang ayaw.”

His layered illustrations tenderly mirror Betong’s emotional journey, from annoyance to awe—a transformation that many young readers will find deeply familiar.

A Journey Rooted in Nature

The author of Nakikisilong shares that the story began as an “ecopoem” in a creative writing class at De La Salle University, inspired by a reflective morning spent observing a real mangrove tree in Hagonoy. The piece evolved, shaped by years of environmental advocacy and creative workshops, into a children’s story rich with empathy and ecological awareness.

"Nakakatuwang isipin na ang simpleng kuwento na ito ay na-appreciate at kinilala... Sana mas marami pang batang Pilipino ang makabasa ng Nakikisilong at matuto mula sa karanasang ipinapakita sa aklat."

The story, rooted in lived experience and environmental reflection, reminds us that the natural world is not just a backdrop for our lives—but a shared home we must learn to respect and protect.

More Than a Medal

Receiving recognition from PBBY and the IBBY Philippines Selection Committee affirms the importance of stories that speak up for nature. Stories like Nakikisilong remind us of our smallness, our interconnectedness, and our responsibility.

To everyone who brought this book to life—from teachers, mentors, and illustrators to environmental advocates and children—it is your love for both literature and the earth that makes stories like this possible.

This award is not just for the book—but for the forest, the tide, and the tiny beings that dwell beneath the palapat.

Haven’t read Nakikisilong yet? This is your sign. Find shelter in its pages—available now through Southern Voices Book Collection.