Do you want to promote your book?

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Intellectual Property Law Enforcement, Student Academic Groups, Publishers Sign Statement of Cooperation Against Content Piracy

Rex Education hosted a press conference recently, bringing together key organizations committed to educating people about piracy and stopping the illegal reproduction and distribution of copyrighted content.


Present at the event were leaders and representatives from the Philippine Association of Law Schools, the Association of Law Students of the Philippines, the Legal Education Board, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, the National Book Development Board, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation, Association of Administrators in Hospitality Hotel and Restaurant Management Educational Institution, the Philippine Librarians Association, the Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business, the Philippine Association of Collegiate Schools of Business, Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators, Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines, Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities and the Philippine Educational Measurement and Evaluation Association. 

Piracy is defined as the unauthorized reproduction and distribution of copyrighted content, including but not limited to books, movies, music, and the like. In the Philippines, anti-piracy legislation is strengthened by Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines which protects and secures the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, artists, and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations.

The press conference is a part of REX’s anti-piracy campaign, which was launched last September 16, 2022 at the Manila International Book Fair. The primary objective of the campaign is to curb, if not eradicate, content piracy by educating, communicating, and instilling among our colleagues, families, and children a true appreciation of the value of one’s own work. REX’s efforts in this direction are also in recognition and support of the relentless hard work of intellectual property law enforcement agencies in the country.

“We should continue to educate, communicate, and instill among our colleagues, families, and children a true appreciation of the value of one’s own work. In this sense, we are all duty-bearers. But above that, we are Filipinos,” said Atty. Dominador Buhain, chairman of Rex Education. “ Aside from our laws, what also binds us are our values, our sense of pakikipagkapwa, of pagpapakatao, our pride in our own work, and our respect for each other and of each other’s work.”

Over the past year, the campaign has gained the attention of various organizations with similar sentiments. Stakeholders from the education sector, along with consumers and learners, have all come together to express their support for the movement. Above all, there is a call to protect creators and all their intellectual property in all its forms.

“Throughout our rich history, we recognize and respect one truth about what we do: We are able to accomplish so much because of our people. REX has immense pride for the talented and hardworking individuals who pour their creativity, knowledge, and skills in the development of our learning materials, and these are not limited to books,” said Atty. Dominador Buhain, chairman of Rex Education.

For more information regarding REX’s efforts, feel free to watch the “Proud Ako” anti-piracy campaign video that was launched at MIBF 2022. Visit www.rex.com.ph to support Rex Education in its endeavor of protecting the publishing industry.

Friday, February 17, 2023

Book Feature: Bisikleta ni Pepe + Exclusive Interview with Author Dexter Baño Jr.


'Bisikleta ni Pepe' is a creative storytelling attempt for young children is a synergy and a merge of timelines between the lives of an ordinary Filipino student, Jose de Jesus, and the young Pepe Rizal. Through the help of a magic bicycle he inherited from his grandfather, Jose de Jesus was able to traverse through time and understand the life of Pepe Rizal.

This book is written by Dexter P. Baño Jr. who is currently finishing his Master's Degree in Business Administration as a full scholar at Quantic School of Business and Technology in Washington DC. He is also the founder of the first commercial spaceflight company in the country, Orbital Exploration Technologies, Inc. As a community-minded individual, he dedicates every Saturday afternoon to teaching math, arts (painting and sculpting), linguistics, music, good manners, and business to students from low-income households. He is also active in waste management projects at both commercial and government levels. He is a prolific poet, essayist, painter, and sculptor.

His mentor, Pedrito "Bobot" Navarro is an active member and a Knight Commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, our country's only official knighthood chartered under Republic Act 646. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and many other organizations. 

Sharing with you our exclusive interview with Author Dexter Baño Jr.

1. Can you share with us something about the book that isn't in the blurb?

The main character came from a really poor family.

2. What inspired the idea for your book?

I am fascinated by Dr. Rizal since I was a kid. Having an aunt living near Dapitan became an advantage to me. Every time we go to the province, I always request that I shall visit Talisay to rekindle my admiration for our hero. 

For me, Dr. Rizal is an image of a real Filipino. He has a concept of how the Philippines should function and behave. Most of his teachings still remain relevant today. Now, I found it challenging and I still find it challenging to make Rizal relatable to the younger generation. So I decided to make the story child appropriate by making it a bit creative without distorting history.

3. How long did it take you to complete the book?

Took me 2 years to finish, but 9 years before printing.

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

Oh, the research process. You need to make sure that all the historical accounts are accurate while ensuring that it is being told in a creative way.

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

We need to learn and embrace the ideals of Dr. Rizal. We just know Rizal as one of our National Heroes and maybe the man on one peso coin. In reality, Rizal became a human. He encountered a unique reality during his childhood. Even though he was brought up in a relatively wealthy household, he experienced pain and sorrow like all of us.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or writing the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

I started talking to many experts for the second volume of this series. I acknowledged the fact that the next part will be more serious and mature. I visited one of my hometowns, Talisay in Dapitan where Rizal also stayed during the last years of his life. This will be more thrilling considering that Rizal was so adventurous during his time. Maybe, the two characters could finally meet. I am still unsure.

7. Where can they buy your books or find out more about you?

National Book Store, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Google Play Books, Apple Books


---------------
Thank you, Author Dexter for agreeing to this interview. We are happy to learn more about you and your book and we are looking forward to the second volume of the series. 

--------------------------

We love supporting authors! Do you want your book to be featured?