How far would you go to win the hand of the woman you love? In the case of Lupito, the protagonist in Canvas’ latest children’s book, Si Lupito at ang Baryo Sirkero (Lupito and the Circus Village), he walks on burning coals, captures a wild horse, and crosses a tightrope to prove himself worthy of a beautiful woman with unusual talents and who comes from a family of circus performers.

Written by Rowald Almazar, Si Lupito at ang Baryo Sirkero is based on an artwork by Jose Santos III and was the winning entry in the 3rd Romeo Forbes Children’s Storywriting Competition organized by Canvas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of Philippine art, culture, and the environment.

Si Lupito at ang Baryo Sirkero is Almazar’s first book. An accounting graduate who now works for a major Philippine newspaper, Almazar learned to read with Funny Komiks under his mother’s watchful eye. It was his love for reading that encouraged him to try out writing.

A CPP Thirteen Artists awardee, Santos has an art studies degree from the UP. He taught for seven years at the UP College of Fine Arts.

Artworks from Si Lupito at ang Baryo Sirkero will be on display at the Ayala Museum’s ArtistSpace until July 21.

To read the story and preview the artworks online, click here.

Related stories:
Coming Soon from Canvas: Si Lupito at ang Baryo Sirkero
Romeo Forbes Storywriting Contest Winner Announced