12-year-old Pinoy in Saudi launches 2nd book

A 12-year-old Filipino boy in Saudi Arabia — Nigel William Canlapan — recently launched his second book at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.   Some 100 students from Philippine curriculum schools attended the launching of Canlapan's book "Snowstorm and the Bond" on January 12, the embassy said in a report on Friday.   During the book launching, Canlapan encouraged the students to write story books, the embassy said.   Canlapan's book is about Snowstorm the Wolf, a ferocious leader of the pack, who would do everything, even to the extent of self-sacrifice, to protect his family.

Snowstorm shows his skills in stalking prey and instinctive strength in killing enemies to protect his territory from would-be attackers.   When Snowstorm befriends a human, however, it signaled the beginning of an end to the battle between man and beast. The embassy said: "Aside from writing short stories, Nigel also composes songs. Admitting that he is a bookworm, he enjoys reading science fiction, suspense and thrillers. He has a passion for music and plays several musical instruments." Nigel dreams of becoming a rapper when he grows up, the news release added.    Canlapan also loves sports, especially soccer, basketball, and swimming.   His father Gerico is a photographer and a “Bagong Bayani Awardee” for culture and arts, while his mother Flordeliza is Acting Clinical Director of Nursing at the Riyadh Military Hospital.    The young author and his mother visited Ambassador Ezzedin Tago and gave him a copy of the book.   Tago encouraged the young boy to continue writing and to focus on his studies as well. - VVP, GMA News