Born out of an academic requirement, Jacqueline Dominique Go first conceptualized Adventures of Damgo. Today, she is making significant strides in bringing not just Damgo’s story to life but also sharing the stories of the children of Bahay Aruga.
BookshelfPH hosted a live book reading of the first entry in the Damgo series, titled Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands, at SM Aura’s Book Nook on November 27, 2024. Go was present for a brief Q&A session following the reading.
But First, What Is Damgo?
Damgo is the author’s charity project, aimed at raising awareness and providing support for the children of Bahay Aruga, an organization in Manila that shelters pediatric cancer patients. The story follows an astronaut named Damgo who travels the universe, lending a helping hand to those in need. The book explores themes of adventure, environmental awareness, and companionship. It is a heartwarming and hopeful tale that emphasizes what we can do for ourselves and our planet.
During the event, Go participated in an open forum where she shared insights about her creative process and her future plans for the Damgo series.
A Collaborative Effort with Bahay Aruga
Go reflected on the process of illustrating the book. The artwork in Betta and the Dry Lands was created by the children of Bahay Aruga, who were taught various art techniques to bring Damgo’s whimsical universe to life. From mastering watercolor techniques to learning how to color within the lines, both Go’s family and the children poured their efforts into visualizing Damgo’s world.
Challenges in Writing Damgo
Go also discussed the challenges she faced while writing the book. Like many authors, she found that starting a new draft was one of the most daunting obstacles. Writing an entire book from scratch can be intimidating. Although she follows Aristotle’s story arc, she prefers beginning with the story’s high point—the climax. Starting at the turning point allowed her to structure the rest of the narrative more effectively.
What’s Next for Damgo?
While each book in the Damgo series is a stand-alone story, Damgo’s adventures are interconnected. Go revealed that she has plans for future installments in the series and that the children of Bahay Aruga are eager to contribute to the next book.
At just sixteen years old, Go demonstrates that age is no barrier to achieving remarkable things. Her vision for change, coupled with the determination to see it through, highlights the courage it takes not only to start a project but to complete it and make a meaningful impact. Grab a copy of The Adventures of Damgo now!
by Nicole Samson