In this new Filipino children’s book, a boy shines in rainbow clothes
Written by Pola del Monte for CNN Philippines
A regal antique armoire — painted in lush green and carved with decorative patterns — is swung open on the cover of “I Like Wearing Rainbows.” The book’s laminated dust jacket is cut out in the middle, following the edges of the closet’s French doors. Its hole presents a glimpse of the cardboard cover underneath: an image of the book’s flamboyant protagonist.
The boy is draped with layers of fabric. The page is splashed with rainbow colors and whimsical patterns, and the plethora of garments overwhelm him. But he poses with one arm on the hip. Though his face is concealed by a crimson dress, his body language exudes confidence. It is as if he is claiming ownership of the tiny space he inhabits.
The initial painting by Lui Manaig used as basis for the story writing contest.
“I Like Wearing Rainbows,” winner of the 28th Romeo Forbes Children’s Story Writing Competition, tackles significant themes through its vibrant artwork and sympathetic storytelling. The premise of writer Agay Llanera’s story is simple — a boy indulges in playing with his grandmother’s clothes. He pulls open his closet and picks from piles of clothing: a yellow skirt, a shimmery pink top, a ruffled purple dress. He wears them one by one, running and twirling in jovial innocence, while his grandmother sings and applauds.
Tension ensues when he blithely steps out of the closet and into the kitchen. His father turns red and yells: “Boys don’t wear dresses.”
Social issues through symbolism
The closet — along with its rainbow-colored contents — plays a significant role in the story that it is almost a character on its own, much like the chandelier in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of The Opera.” Acknowledged as a metaphor for people hiding part of their identity, the closet on “I Like Wearing Rainbows” delivers a universal truth: that grownups ascribe their own meanings to objects, while children just see things as they are.
The impetus of the book is a painting. The Romeo Forbes competition, run by the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS), begins with an artwork that spawns submissions from about 100 writers. The winning piece launches a series of original artworks that will comprise a fully illustrated storybook for children.
The prompt, as well as all the artworks in the book, were designed by Lui Manaig, a contemporary visual artist who explores social concerns through his work — from gender identity, notions of diversity and equality, to acts of self-representation.
The storybook that combines the artistry of Manaig and the prose of Llanera thrives on visual clues — closets, rainbows, and a generous use of color (not limited to blue and pink). The imagery captures the child’s playfulness and innocence. She writes about the clothes: “their colors piled high like buildings,” and “cover[ed] my feet and pool[ed] on the floor like melted ice cream.”
Llanera’s writing is sympathetic without being dramatic, casual without being insensitive. She tackles complex concepts in the book including grief and the weight of other people’s judgment.
But the book is not a coming-of-age story, nor does it mention anything about sex or gender. In fact, there are no labels mentioned throughout the 48 pages of the book, and by the end of it, we remain in the dark if the protagonist is queer, gay, a transgender child, or a crossdresser (or none of the above).
“[The story is] not too preachy,” Llanera tells CNN Philippines Life about her approach. “[It’s just a] narration of events. It just is.”
Artist Lui Manaig working on a painting for "“I Like Wearing Rainbows.”
"['I Like Wearing Rainbows'] presented an interesting character with whom readers might identify...The fact that the story was related to LGBT+ issues was fortuitous, but had very little to do with our decision to publish the story,” said Gigo Alampay, Founder and Executive Director of CANVAS. “It was among the best stories that were submitted,” he added. “Nothing else matters after that except to make sure that we are able to publish the best version of the picturebook so that our young readers will enjoy reading it, as much as we did."
The approach helps normalize the conversation. As a children’s book, it does not engage the young reader in the nuances of SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) — although that may be implied. The boy likes wearing rainbows, but this doesn’t mean he’s meant to be put in a box. The joy he experiences when playing with his grandmother’s clothes may take root in something deeper, but that is not what this book explores.
At its core, “I Like Wearing Rainbows” is a story about love and acceptance for people who do not fit society’s heteronormative beliefs.
“It could be a depressing topic,” Llanera says, “but the artwork gave it a kid-friendly vibe.”
For Manaig, the book celebrates representation: “I wanted it to be a symbol of moving forward.” Before, he narrated, people like him didn’t have a platform to see that they belonged. “But there are a lot of us,” he said. “I want the kids to feel validated about their choices — that pink and blue are not the only colors in the world.”
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The book is available for ₱1,200 and can be purchased via lookingforjuan.com, a local online store of children’s books published by CANVAS. Every purchase of “I Like Wearing Rainbows” via lookingforjuan.com will be matched with a donation of two books to disadvantaged communities. CANVAS is a nonprofit organization that works with the creative community to promote children's literacy, explore national identity, and deepen public appreciation for Philippine art, culture, and the environment. You can also read the book online through the CANVAS website.
