'Ang Lihim ni Lea' author returns with new children's story adapted from KMJS

Multi-awarded children's book author and GMA writer Augie Rivera has set the bar for children's literature, with stories like "Isang Harding Papel," "Bayan ng Basura," and "Ang Lihim ni Lea."

Now, the pen behind the hit Kapuso shows "AHA!," "Pop Talk," "Tadhana," and "Tunay na Buhay" brings us another inspiring story that deals with social issues involving the young.

After "Ang Lihim ni Lea," the animated short film adaptation of your children's story, won several awards from international film festivals last year, your winning streak continues. What can you say about your accolades?

We are most proud of two homegrown recognition: the Ani ng Dangal Award for Cinema from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Film Ambassador award from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

Looking back, how did you come up with the story of Lea? Was there really a "Lea" in real life?

The story of "Lea" was a compendium of experiences and stories of abuse that I've come across in my extensive "pre-prod" before writing the story. During research, it was a serendipitous moment when I learned about the phenomenon called body dissociation or the sense of disconnection or detachment that a person feels when he goes through a very traumatic experience.

What response did you get from family members, especially children, who read the children's book and who saw the short film?

I've written quite a number of books on sensitive themes, but perhaps the most heartwarming feedback I got for "Lea" was an email that I got from a teenage girl, a UP student, and also a victim of abuse.

This email has encouraged me to continue the advocacy started by the book. Now, I want the story to reach and empower as many audiences as possible. That's why I've agreed to a friend's request to stage a contemporary dance piece based on the book at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in October 2019. My wife has also written a one-act musical play based on the book (yet to be staged).

There is a boom in Philippine children's book industry since the start of the pandemic. Children's short stories were translated into local languages and were circulated online. Do you think people read more during the lockdown? How does it affect the industry?

Now more than ever, there's an urgent need for content that will not only entertain but also educate young children hopelessly stuck at home. They also need books for their online schooling. Unfortunately, I think the pandemic has also greatly affected the industry in terms of book sales that publishers now have to actively participate in monthly "double digit sale" of online shopping platforms.

Your next children's story is set to be published by Lampara Publishing House, Inc. What is the story about?

"Niña Inocente" is the story of an unsuspecting child who gets lured into the vicious web of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC). I wrote it for "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" (KMJS) in 2018 as part of its special report on OSEC in the Philippines. I'm happy that KMJS and GMA gave me permission to have it published in book form so it can reach new audiences, and continue its advocacy. It couldn't have come at a much better time, especially now that, according to recent reports, there's an increase in OSEC cases in the country during the pandemic.

How different was your writing process for "Niña Inocente" compared to what you did when you wrote "Ang Lihim ni Lea?"

I wrote "Lea" in 2007, "Niña" more than 10 years later. Unlike "Ang Lihim ni Lea," "Niña Inocente" is based on the actual recollection of "Niña" (not her real name) who was around eight years old when she became a victim of online sexual abuse, and was already 18 years old during the interview. Both stories aim to raise awareness on child sexual abuse, and empower victimized children to seek help, speak out, and tell their stories, as Lea and Nina did.

What factors did you consider in transforming "Niña Inocente" into a children's short story?

I know that a lot of children are fascinated with RPGs (role playing games). I made use of that, so the character becomes more relatable, accessible, and "kid-friendly." Unfortunately, it was the same device used by the abusive computer shop owner to victimize "Nina," like a Pied Piper luring children to his lair.

Is having an advocacy important in writing children's books?

We can't write only about happily-ever-afters and rainbow-colored unicorns. Whether we like it or not, some children live under difficult circumstances. We need to hear their stories, too, and represent their experiences in the content that we produce for children.

When we present social realities, we empower and give hope to children who may be experiencing similar situations first-hand, and at the same time, we also teach empathy to those lucky enough not to be in such difficult situations.

When we expose children (and not shield them) to the different life experiences that are very far from their own, we also try broaden their perspective, we promote awareness and acceptance. We encourage them to become critical and ask about complex issues, and we make them care enough to dream, aspire, and participate in creating a better world for them to live in.

Augie Rivera received the 2020 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas para sa Panitikang Pambata sa Filipino from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Filipinas (UMPIL). In this time of pandemic, he encourages his fellow children's story writers to stay inspired and productive, and to continue writing content, in any way possible (mainstream media, social media, etc.) "for our chosen audience, the Filipino children."

Meanwhile, "Ang Lihim ni Lea" director Rico Gutierrez plans to have an online screening of the animated short film in December to cap off its run in the international festival circuit.

—MGP, GMA News