The Art of Storytelling
Rommel Joson emphasizes the need for more children's books grounded in historical facts and events
Words Patricia Angela Moslares
Photos MET Museum Manila, Rommel Joson & Adarna House
March 20, 2025
In a discussion focused on children's books highlighting Philippine art and artists, Rommel Joson, alongside Laura Peh, shared his advocacy for bringing cultural stories to life for young readers at the Metropolitan Museum Manila on March 8, 2025.
At the end of the Marcos Era
Rommel was just 7 years old when the 1986 Snap Election took place. At the time, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., in the 20th year of his extended presidency, was the presidential candidate for the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL). On the opposing side, Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino, the widow of slain opposition Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., became the shared presidential candidate for the opposition parties.
As the election approached, Rommel asked his grandfather who he planned to vote for. “Siyempre KBL!” his grandfather replied, handing him a coin featuring Marcos' face. On election day, Rommel watched the events unfold at a relative’s home, observing without fully understanding the gravity of what was happening.
These small but significant moments in Rommel’s childhood fueled his deep research as an illustrator for Isang Harding Papel. Written by Augie Rivera, the book draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of Jenny Cortez, the namesake of the story’s main character.
Recollections of the past
‘Isang Harding Papel’ tells the story of Jenny, whose mother was imprisoned for protesting against the government. Each visit to the Philippine Constabulary becomes a bittersweet ritual, as Jenny shares the details of her life and asks her mother when she will be coming home. As a keepsake from their time together, her mother promises to give Jenny a paper flower after each visit—a single flower symbolizing their fleeting moments together. The flowers become both a reminder of their painful separation and a hopeful symbol of their eventual reunion.
Set during the era of Marcos' dictatorship, ‘Isang Harding Papel’ paints a poignant portrait of life under martial law, capturing the experiences of those whose voices were silenced or suppressed.
Paving for the brighter future
Rommel highlighted the importance of creating more children’s books based on historical moments. “In order to bring the past to life for children, you have to create more stories. You have to anchor them in factual events, in characters, and stories which are relatable and engaging. So maybe [then] we can encourage readers to learn more about history and unearth the truth about these events,” he emphasized.
He also addressed the criticism that Filipinos are forgetful, noting that the median age in the Philippines is between 25 and 26 years old. “It’s part of the artists’ responsibility to continuously tell stories about our past to bear in mind where we came from, and hopefully light the way to a better future,” Rommel stressed.
With historical revisionism on the rise, he argued that children's books based on real events are more crucial than ever. They lay a foundation for truth, helping young readers grasp history before encountering misinformation, protecting the accounts of those whose stories are often erased, and empowering the next generation to make wiser decisions for a better tomorrow.
Rommel Joson is a Filipino illustrator, painter, and an instructor at UP College of Fine Arts. He illustrated children's books like ‘Sa Iisang Batya,’ ‘Alikabok sa Liwanag,’ ‘Tahanang Hindi Tumatahan,’ and My Brother Ben.
