It took Renato "Jojo" Barja nearly two decades to collect these stories.

Each child in this collection is based on an actual, if fleeting, encounter in the city and suburbs of Manila. Jojo does not know why the fates chose him - but over the years,walking down the street, riding a jeepney, or even just watching television - strange, interesting, sad, challenged, and wonderful children have been revealing themselves and their stories to him.

Download and read all his stories: https://www.canvas.ph/s/CHILDREN-STORIES.pdf

Proceeds from sales and resales of these artworks will benefit the children's literacy programs of the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (https://canvas.ph)

Renato Barja's Children's Stories

Lola named me after the actor Ronald Reagan. She says she loved watching his cowboy movies.
When I graduated class valedictorian, she said that if I keep on studying hard, I might become president of the Philippines someday, just like Ronald Reagan did in America!
I’m not so sure about that. I think I’d be happy if I just had a good job, maybe working as
a prison guard like my Tito Jun.

Reagan #5

What is the value?

Details