On August 13th, I had the pleasure of attending a book launch at the SM Podium Book Nook branch. It was a humble and cozy corner of the mall, with shelves filled with books from a wide range of genres, from lifestyle and cooking to fiction, poetry, children’s books, and even comics and manga. As the event began, I took my seat and listened as the author, Jacqueline Dominique “Nikki” Go, shared insights into the book’s plot and its creation.
“The Adventures of Damgo: Leon in the Water World” is the second book in a children’s series, with the first being “Betta and the Dry Lands.” The series follows an astronaut named Damgo who travels to different worlds, meets a quirky cast of characters, and discovers the wonders—and problems—of each new planet.
These stories also serve to convey themes of environmental awareness, specifically focusing on water pollution in “Leon in the Water World.” This is part of Nikki’s personal advocacy to instill awareness and a drive to help the environment in young readers. She hopes that by doing so, children will not only grow up with an understanding of what’s happening in our world but will also become advocates themselves, helping the environment in any way they can—from small acts like recycling to inventing new technologies.
This is a truly noble advocacy. Through colorful artwork and engaging narratives, Nikki's books are a fundamental step in instilling these important values in children. But what’s just as noble, if not more so, is the author’s use of the series to support cancer patients.
The vibrant watercolor illustrations in the book were painted by the children of Bahay Aruga, a free halfway house for pediatric cancer patients. Nikki and her team visited the house, interacted with the children, and helped them create the illustrations for the book. They read the storyline, taught the kids how to use watercolors, and then let their imaginations run wild. Every young artist who worked on the book is mentioned in the credits.
When asked why she chose to work with Bahay Aruga, Nikki explained that cancer has unfortunately run in her family. Back in 8th grade, she and her classmates completed a project on art therapy and how it can improve mental and emotional well-being. She has now expanded on that project by founding the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation, using it as an opportunity to support children with cancer. The children of Bahay Aruga responded to the project with immense enthusiasm and excitement.
Through the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation and the "Adventures of Damgo" series, Nikki hopes to not only educate children on environmental issues but also to support the kids of Bahay Aruga, lifting their spirits during a difficult time and inspiring them to keep dreaming. This is quite poetic, as the protagonist’s name, Damgo, is actually Bisaya for dream, inspired by the author’s Cebuano heritage.
At only 17 years old, Jacqueline Dominique Go has already taken significant steps in accomplishing her dreams and advocacies. With another installment of the "Adventures of Damgo" series already in the works and set for release next year, we will undoubtedly see more of the titular astronaut on his journey across the cosmos. And who knows? If we can come together as people, help our environment, and inspire hope not just in our children but in our fellow human beings, perhaps that adventurous spacefarer might just pay us a visit.
By Dennis Angelo Cresencio A. Solano