DLSU Human Library Marks its 5th Anniversary

 

The DLSU Libraries celebrated its 5th Human Library anniversary on 14 August 2019 at the Exhibit Area of The Learning Commons, 6th floor Henry Sy, Sr. Hall. The anniversary featured the Human Library exhibit.highlighting the photos of the previous Human Library sessions through a perceptual art of the number five, signifying five years of “breaking stereotypes and reducing discrimination.” 

Human Library Committee with the Human Books

The De La Salle University Libraries hosted the First Human Library in the Philippines on 14 August 2014. Since then, it has been the venue to confront personal clarification about one’s preconceived opinion in an individual through face-to-face dialogue. It also creates the experience of learning in dealing with social issues like prejudices in a professional and civilized manner.

The program was divided into two parts. The first part was a forum entitled "Human Library Practices in the Philippines” where guest speakers shared their institution's Human Library experience -  how they started, their practices, and also their struggles. The second part was the 17th Human Library breakout session where the readers and human books had a dialogue.The session presented human books on the following subjects:​  tattoo artist, fashion blogger, Muslim, informal settler, and ex-convict.

The speakers in the open forum were: 1) Mr. Jay Michael Diola, Head Librarian of De La Salle Zobel, 2) Ms. Angeline Abelardo, Head of the Administrative and Logistic Committee Human Library of University of the Philippines Los Baños, University Library, 3) Ms. Grace Ann M. Valondo, Officer-in-Charge, Reference and Multimedia Services Librarian of University the Assumption Libraries, Pampang and, 4) Ms. April R. Manabat, Chair HL 2017-2018 of the De La Salle University Libraries Manila, and 5) Ms. Ana Maria Fresnido, Director of Libraries 2006-2017, De La Salle University.

After the open forum, a congratulatory message from the Human Library founder, Ronni Abergel, was played during the program.

  

 The Human Books

 Tattoo Artist by Venchen Gaticales

Venchen Gaticales

Mr. Venchen Gaticales is the owner/tattoo artist of Inkmaiden 2.0: The Collection in Las Pinas City.  His expertise includes mastery of computer application with exposure to web graphic designing, conversion of design to web pages, and creation of e-learning modules using Interactive multimedia.  He has won various awards as a tattoo artist during the Utol Patattooka On the Spot Tattoo and Rockatatz 2 On the Spot Tattoo contests.

 

 Not (Just) a Fashion Blogger by Shai Lagarde

Shai Lagarde

Shai has been creating styles and stories before she became known in the world of fashion blogging. 

She performed on stage, ventured into journalism, experimented with photography, clothes, makeup, and video production starting at a seemingly young age. Turn the pages of this fashion blogger as she has more storytelling to do.

Truth Behind the “Sins” by Jeeffa Acmat

Jeeffa Acmat

 Jeefa is a student taking up Library Science and Organization at The National Teachers’ College, Manila. She is known to have a cheerful disposition by her friends and colleagues. A not so typical Muslim teenager as she describes herself, behind the vivid colors of the piece of fabric she uses lies the secrets of the youthful Jeefa.

Poverty, Facebook and How to Help a Street Kid by Edwin Nombre

Edwin Nombre

Edwin’s life experiences made him believe that everything is possible. He was once a street dweller with a family who relied on trash and junk for a living. Driven by the passion to help others who share the same experience as his, Edwin continues to inspire and give hope after experiencing his own share of compassion from others too. Witness a story defining what it really means to “pay it forward”.

 

Tatak Rehas by Perdito Gozo

Perdito Gozo

 A decade and a half - behind rusty bars and cold walls - was time enough for Pedrito to stop convincing himself to abide by a punishment of iniquity he never committed. Free at last! By then after, he entered a covenant to be a better light to those who took the law into their hands. His story is a testament to perseverance and inspiration.