QUEZON CITY — Philippine history found a playful new way to reach younger readers as historian and author Dr. Ian Christopher B. Alfonso launched the Children’s Edition of Dogs in Philippine History at the NHCP Presidential Car Museum in Quezon Memorial Circle on October 4, coinciding with World Animal Day.
The launch also marked the third anniversary of the original Dogs in Philippine History, Alfonso’s extensive work exploring the centuries-long relationship between Filipinos and their canine companions.
Presented in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Philippine Historical Association, the new edition reimagines stories from Alfonso’s historical research for a younger audience, combining history and storytelling with colorful illustrations by Filipino artist Pepot Atienza.
Making the book even more accessible to Filipino children, the Children’s Edition was launched in three languages—English, Filipino, and Cebuano.
Bringing history closer to children
During the launch, Alfonso shared with guests the process behind transforming the original Dogs in Philippine History into a book designed especially for children.
The challenge went beyond simply shortening the original material. The stories had to be presented in a way that younger readers could understand and enjoy while retaining their connection to Philippine history.
Atienza’s illustrations add another dimension to that experience, turning historical narratives into colorful scenes and characters that can capture a child’s imagination and curiosity.
Together, Alfonso’s storytelling and Atienza’s artwork offer young readers an unusual doorway into history: through the dogs that lived alongside Filipinos and became part of their homes, communities and stories.
One story, three languages
One of the highlights of the morning was a multilingual storytelling session, allowing guests to hear selections from each of the three editions.
Award-winning poet, writer and educator Dr. Vim Nadera brought the Filipino edition to life through his storytelling, while Christian Joseph Bonpua presented the Cebuano version. Alfonso himself took the stage to read from the English edition.
The three readings demonstrated how the same stories can reach children from different linguistic backgrounds while encouraging an appreciation for Philippine history at an early age.
NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, who attended as Guest of Honor, joined the celebration together with representatives of the historical and literary communities. Also present was Ismael Magallanes, Senior Curator of the NHCP Presidential Car Museum, which hosted the event.
A book—and experience—to take home
Following the program, guests who purchased copies of the newly launched books were given the opportunity to have them personally signed by the author and the illustrator themselves. For this writer, that moment carried a little more meaning.
Yours truly has been a fan of Alfonso’s work since his guest appearances on TV5’s History with Lourd. That appreciation eventually led to meeting the historian last year and having my personal copy of the original Dogs in Philippine History signed by him. This year’s launch brought the story full circle.
Not only did I get to witness the Children’s Edition officially introduced to readers, but I was also fortunate enough to have the newly launched books signed by both of them.
The latter was another special moment. I have followed Atienza’s work since encountering him at the 2025 Philippine Book Festival, making the opportunity to meet him again—and have his illustrations sitting alongside Alfonso’s signature in the new books—a memorable addition to my growing collection.
For a history enthusiast and book lover, there is something particularly rewarding about meeting the people whose research, words and art eventually find a permanent place on your bookshelf.
A new generation discovers history
At its heart, the Children’s Edition of Dogs in Philippine History demonstrates that learning about the past does not always have to begin with battles, dates or monuments. Sometimes, it can begin with a dog.
By introducing children to history through animals that are already familiar and beloved, the book provides another way for young Filipinos to become curious about the people, communities and experiences that came before them.
Launching the book on World Animal Day made that message particularly fitting. The event celebrated not only books and Philippine history, but also the animals that have lived alongside Filipinos and, in their own quiet way, became part of the country’s story.
With its English, Filipino and Cebuano editions, the newest incarnation of Dogs in Philippine History now gives a younger generation the chance to discover those stories for themselves—one paw print, one illustration and one page at a time.
MNLToday.ph was present at the launch of Dogs in Philippine History: Children’s Edition at the NHCP Presidential Car Museum in Quezon City.
