Ang Huling Babaylan [The Last Babaylan]

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Nakasulat ako ng isang kwento tungkol sa isang batang babae na natuklasan ang kanyang kapangyarihan bilang inapo ng mga babaylan upang protektahan ang kanilang lupang ninuno, na angkop para sa mga mambabasang may edad na 11 hanggang 12.

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Ang Huling Babaylan (Filipino)

Umaalingawngaw ang tunog ng agong sa buong kabundukan habang unti-unting nilalamon ng naglalakihang traktora ng kompanya ng minahan ang gilid ng burol. Sa loob ng masukal na kagubatan, hawak ng labing-anim na taong gulang na si Tala ang isang lumang kuwintas na gawa sa tanso at mga buto ng hayop—ang tanging naiwan sa kaniya ng kaniyang lola. Sa kaniyang bawat hakbang, tila bumubulong ang mga puno, at sa kaniyang mga ugat, nagigising ang isang sinaunang kapangyarihang matagal nang naidlip. Siya ang huling tanggulan ng lupaing minana.

The Last Babaylan (English)

The heavy chime of the agong echoed through the mountain range as the massive tractors of the mining company tore into the hillside. Deep within the dense rainforest, sixteen-year-old Tala clutched an ancient necklace of brass and bone—the only heirloom left by her grandmother. With every step she took, the trees seemed to whisper, and within her veins, an ancient power long asleep began to stir. She was the last line of defence for her ancestral domain.

Vocabulary List

1. Babaylan

• Pronunciation: [bah-bye-lahn]
• Meaning: A traditional Filipino shaman, healer, or spiritual leader, historically women or feminized men, who act as intermediaries between the physical and spirit worlds.
• Example Sentence: In pre-colonial times, the babaylan was deeply respected for her wisdom and knowledge of herbal medicine.

2. Agong

• Pronunciation: [ah-gohng]
• Meaning: A large, deep-bossed gong made of brass or bronze, traditionally used by various indigenous groups in the Philippines to signal gatherings, rituals, or warnings.
• Example Sentence: The village chief ordered the striking of the agong to warn the community of impending danger.

3. Masukal

• Pronunciation: [mah-soo-kahl]
• Meaning: Dense, overgrown, wild, or untamed (usually referring to forests, jungles, or vegetation).
• Example Sentence: It is easy to get lost in the masukal parts of the mountain without a local guide.

4. Minana

• Pronunciation: [mee-nah-nah]
• Meaning: Inherited; something passed down through generations, such as land, traditions, or physical traits.
• Example Sentence: Protecting the minana land of their ancestors was a sacred duty for the entire tribe.

5. Tanggulan

• Pronunciation: [tahng-goo-lahn]
• Meaning: A stronghold, defence, rampart, or protector; a person or place that provides safety and defence against attacks.
• Example Sentence: The brave warriors stood as a fierce tanggulan against the invaders.

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Wira Hijau Putrajaya [The Green Hero of Putrajaya]

 

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Sebuah buku cerita yang mengisahkan perjuangan seorang remaja menggunakan teknologi hijau untuk menyelamatkan Putrajaya daripada jerebu, direka khas untuk pembaca berumur 10 hingga 14 tahun.  

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Malay: Wira Hijau Putrajaya

Pagi itu, Dataran Putra yang selalunya tersergam indah diselimuti jerebu tebal berwarna kelabu, menenggelamkan kubah hijau Masjid Putra yang ikonik. Di dalam bilik stornya, Akmal yang berusia enam belas tahun sedang mengetatkan skru terakhir pada "Aero-Pulse"—sebuah dron pembersih udara buatan sendiri yang dibina daripada barang-barang kitar semula. Batuk-batuk kecil ibunya dari ruang tamu menjadi pembakar semangat. Sambil memandang ke luar tingkap, Akmal tekad; bandar pintar pentadbiran negara ini tidak boleh tewas kepada pencemaran, dan masanya telah tiba untuk teknologi hijaunya bertindak.

English: The Green Hero of Putrajaya

That morning, the usually magnificent Dataran Putra was swallowed by a thick, ash-grey smog, completely obscuring the iconic green dome of the Putra Mosque. In his makeshift workshop, sixteen-year-old Akmal tightened the final screw on the "Aero-Pulse"—a homemade, air-purifying drone built entirely from recycled tech scrap. Hearing his mother’s muffled coughs from the living room fuelled his resolve. Staring out the window at the choking haze, Akmal knew Putrajaya wasn’t just a smart city on paper; it was his home, and it was time for his eco-tech to clear the air.

Vocabulary List / Senarai Kosa Kata

No.	Malay	English	Definition / Context
1	Tersergam	Magnificent / Grand	Standing out grandly or majestically (used for buildings or landscapes).
2	Jerebu	Smog / Haze	Atmospheric obscurity caused by dust, smoke, or pollution.
3	Kitar semula	Recycled	Converting waste materials into new, usable objects.
4	Tekad	Resolve / Determined	Having a strong, firm desire or fixated mind to achieve a goal.
5	Pencemaran	Pollution	The introduction of harmful or poisonous substances into the environment.

Note: Notice how "bilik stor" (storeroom) was adapted to "makeshift workshop" in English to better reflect Akmal's tech-savvy, inventive personality!

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The Tree That Talked Too Much

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A story for readers aged 6 to 9 about a talkative tree that can't stop giving advice to every bird that lands on its branches. I hope you and your young readers enjoy this botanical tale!

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The Tree That Talked Too Much

The ancient oak at the edge of the meadow wasn’t old because of its deep roots or its 

thick, gnarled bark; it felt old because it simply never stopped talking. Every time the 

wind rustled its leaves, it wasn't a sigh, but the start of a lecture. "You're building that 

nest all wrong, you know," the oak boomed down at a frantic sparrow balancing a twig. 

Before the sparrow could even chirp a reply, a blue jay landed on a higher branch, only 

to be immediately bombarded with unsolicited commentary. "Blue is a bold choice for 

migration season, dear friend. Have you considered blending in more?" The birds of 

the forest didn't visit the oak for shade or acorns anymore; they came only if they were 

prepared for an earful of leafy wisdom.

Vocabulary List

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning	Example Sentence
Gnarled	[nahld]	Knotted, rough, and twisted, especially because of old age.	The oak's gnarled branches stretched out like long, wrinkled fingers over the meadow.
Rustle	[ruhs-uhl]	To make a soft, muffled crackling sound caused by movement.	The wind caused the leaves to rustle, making it sound like the tree was whispering secrets.
Bombard	[bom-bahrd]	To attack continuously with questions, criticisms, or information.	The talkative tree would bombard any creature that landed on its branches with endless advice.
Unsolicited	[uhn-suh-lis-i-tid]	Not asked for; given or done voluntarily without invitation.	The sparrow flew away quickly, tired of hearing the tree's unsolicited opinions on nest building.
Migration	[mahy-grey-shuhn]	The seasonal movement of animals from one region to another.	A flock of geese stopped to rest before continuing their long migration south for the winter.

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Sơn Tinh, Thủy Tinh Nhí [Little Mountain & River Gods]

 

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Tôi đã viết một câu chuyện dành cho trẻ em từ 6 đến 8 tuổi kể về cuộc phiêu lưu tưởng tượng của hai người bạn nhỏ trong hố cát dựa trên truyền thuyết Sơn Tinh, Thủy Tinh.  

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Bản tiếng Việt

Dưới cái nắng dịu của buổi chiều, chiếc hố cát ở sân chơi trường mẫu giáo đã biến thành một vương quốc huyền thoại. Sơn Tinh Nhí, tay cầm chiếc xẻng nhựa màu xanh, nhanh nhẹn đắp một ngọn núi cát thật cao để bảo vệ lâu đài vỏ sò của mình. Đối diện cậu, Thủy Tinh Nhí đang cười khúc khích, tay cầm chiếc xô đỏ đổ ào một dòng nước mát lạnh làm ngập các rãnh xung quanh. Truyền thuyết cổ xưa giờ đây trở thành một trận chiến vô cùng đáng yêu giữa hai người bạn nhỏ, nơi những ngọn núi bằng cát đối đầu với những làn sóng bằng nước trong chiếc xô nhựa.

English Version

Under the gentle afternoon sun, the preschool sandbox transformed into a mythical kingdom. Little Mountain God, wielding a blue plastic shovel, quickly piled up a tall sand mountain to protect his seashell castle. Across from him, Little River God giggled as he poured a cool bucket of water from his red pail, flooding the surrounding trenches. The ancient legend was reborn as an adorable battle between two toddlers, where mountains were made of sand and tidal waves came from a plastic bucket.

Vocabulary List [Danh sách từ vựng]

1. Sandbox

• Tiếng Việt: Hố cát, hộp cát (chơi của trẻ em)
• Pronunciation: /ˈsændbɒks/
• Meaning: A shallow box or hollow in the ground filled with sand for children to play in.
• Example: The children loved building castles and digging tunnels in the school sandbox.

2. Mythical

• Tiếng Việt: Thần thoại, kỳ ảo
• Pronunciation: /ˈmɪθɪkl/
• Meaning: Existing only in ancient myths or stories; imaginary or legendary.
• Example: The storybook was full of dragons, unicorns, and other mythical creatures.

3. Wield

• Tiếng Việt: Cầm, nắm, sử dụng (vũ khí hoặc công cụ)
• Pronunciation: /wiːld/
• Meaning: To hold and use a weapon or tool effectively.
• Example: The little boy wielded his plastic sword like a brave knight.

4. Trench

• Tiếng Việt: Rãnh, mương, hào nước
• Pronunciation: /trentʃ/
• Meaning: A long, narrow ditch dug into the ground.
• Example: They dug a deep trench around their sandcastle to protect it from the incoming waves.

5. Reimagine

• Tiếng Việt: Tái tưởng tượng, hình dung lại (theo cách mới)
• Pronunciation: /ˌriːɪˈmædʒɪn/
• Meaning: To interpret or imagine an old story, concept, or artwork in a new, creative way.
• Example: The new cartoon reimagines the traditional fairy tale in a modern, futuristic city.

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