National Artist visits MakatiMed for book giveaway and signing for his first children’s book
National Artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, in collaboration with the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (Canvas) and Makati Medical Center, held a book giveaway and signing event for his first children’s book, “BenCab Activity Book for Children: Imagine, Play, Color, Learn.”
Held at the Main Lobby of MakatiMed, the event attracted more than a hundred hospital guests, majority of whom were children who received a free copy of the book. Event participants also lined up to have their likeness drawn by caricature sketch artists.
BenCab also visited some pediatric patients admitted at the hospital to personally give them copies of the limited-edition activity book and wished them a speedy recovery.
The BenCab activity book, launched on September 20 at The Peninsula Manila, is part of a yearlong celebration of BenCab’s 50 years as an artist in 2015. Widely hailed as a master of contemporary Philippine art, BenCab has exhibited his artwork in the Philippines and in Asia, Europe, and the United States. The book featured original BenCab art, with activities written by Karen Joy Desamparado-Foronda, a child development professional, level coordinator, and teacher.
According to Canvas, the book is ideal for children aged 6 to 10, and enables interaction with selected works of the National Artist through coloring, word search, writing, and other activities. It also includes learning tools to introduce concepts of nationalism, environment, gender, and art appreciation.
Canvas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting greater awareness and appreciation for Philippine art, culture, and the environment. This book was Canvas’ 20th publication with the support of Makati Medical Center and other sponsors.
The new title will be included in the roster of books to be given away to underprivileged children through the One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children Campaign, which aims to inspire children to love reading by donating its award-winning books to public schools, hospitals, and disadvantaged communities throughout the country. This campaign promotes independent reading and creative thinking in Filipino children, while also exposing them to the best of contemporary Filipino art and literature.
National Artist BenCab poses with a MakatiMed employee and guest.
BenCab signs a book for a young fan.
Event participants line up to have their likeness drawn by caricature sketch artists.
Ideal for children aged 6 to 10, the “BenCab Activity Book for Children: Imagine, Play, Color, Learn” enables interaction with selected works of the National Artist through coloring, word search, writing, and other activities.
BenCab personally gives a book to a pediatric patient admitted at the hospital.
