Young mathematician John Patrick Solano has earned his second Palanca distinction. This feat shows his exceptional skill not only in math but also in writing. Through his works, he hopes to inspire children to pursue learning. He also wants them to develop positive values and use their skills to excel in the future.
His poetry collection, “Odd Numbers,” recently won first prize in the poetry written for children category of the 71st Palanca Awards. The piece stood out for its excellence. It also marks his second win in the prestigious annual literary competition.
From Poetry to a Passion for Numbers
Solano’s literary journey began with writing poetry in high school. As part of the school publication, he had the privilege of seeing his works published on campus.
A bright future in literature awaited him. Even so, he chose to study mathematics in college, a subject he had struggled with as a child. In one of his essays, Solano recalled how hard it was to grasp math’s complexities. He even questioned why it mattered.
Still, Solano refused to give up. He entered the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, determined to overcome his struggle with numbers. Over time, he grew to love mathematics.
“Malaking tulong ang practice ng pagsusulat para maibahagi ko ang kahalagahan ng math sa mga bata, at yung sarili kong journey sa pag-aaral nito.” In English, he said that writing practice has helped him share the value of math with kids. It has also helped him document his own journey of studying it.
Reading with children in his community
In 2013, he began gathering kids in his community every Sunday. He read them stories. He also taught them science, math and art concepts. As he watched them grow to love reading, writing and making art, he discovered how fulfilling it was to be part of their learning journey.
This experience inspired him to study further. He enrolled in a graduate program in Malikhaing Pagsulat (Creative Writing in Filipino) at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. Through the course, he gained a deeper understanding of writing.
He also found a mentor in fellow Palanca award-winning author Eugene Y. Evasco. Evasco once told him: “(Patuloy na) magsulat ng mga kuwentong may pag-asa. Kahit na malungkot ang pinagdadaanan ng mga tauhan, magpakita pa rin ng pag-asa.” In English, the advice means to keep creating narratives that showcase hope. Even when characters face unfortunate circumstances, writers should strive to ignite a glimmer of hope.
A scholarship in 2017
In 2017, another door opened for Solano. He received a full scholarship for a Master of Science in Mathematics at the Prince of Songkla University in Hat Yai, Thailand.
His studies kept him busy exploring math concepts and theories in depth. However, his love for writing never faded. He regularly sent opinion pieces about his trials and triumphs in learning. Eventually, major newspapers in the Philippines published them.
Writing for children
After returning to the country, he threw himself into literary writing. By 2020, he had published his first children’s book. He then released three more through various Philippine children’s publishers.
His Palanca-winning poetry collection, “Odd Numbers,” explores mathematical concepts for fourth to sixth graders (9 to 12 years old).
“Dahil sa advocacy ko na ilapit yung math sa mga bata, nag iisip po ako ng math topics like counting, addition, at prime factorization na pwede kong gawan ng kuwento o tula. With the guidance of the K to 12 Math curriculum ng DepEd, kumukuha rin po ako ng ideas o topics na recommended for each grade level.” He explained that his advocacy is to make math interesting for kids. Therefore, he writes stories and poems on topics like counting, addition, and prime factorization. He also looks for ideas that the K to 12 math curriculum of the Department of Education recommends for each grade level.
Through his works, he hopes young learners will grow to love numbers, much like he did later in life.
“Unfortunately, yung pagtuturo sa bata natigil po dahil sa pandemic. Noong medyo lumuwag na yung restrictions last year, bumalik po ako sa kanila, malalaki na po sila lahat so nahihiya na rin sila magpaturo. Pero tinutuloy ko po ang advocacy ko sa pagsusulat,” Solano shared. The COVID-19 pandemic put their learning sessions on hold. He went back last year when the restrictions eased. By then, the kids had grown a lot and become shy. These days, he pushes forward with his literacy advocacy through writing.
Academic achievements
Solano’s achievements in both math and literature have given him the confidence to make his mark in the world of learning. He encourages young learners to build habits of reading and curiosity. In turn, he inspires them to see their natural talents and potential for growth, however hard the road.
What’s next for Solano?
“Gusto ko pong magsulat ng mga kuwento, tula, at essays tungkol sa iba pang topics bukod sa math para maibahagi ko pang lalo yung mga ideya na mayroon ako, makuha ang atensyon ng mas marami pang kabataan, at ma-engganyo silang mag-aral.” He hopes to write more stories, poems, and essays on varied topics aside from math. This way, he can further share his ideas, capture the interest of more children, and encourage them to develop a love for learning.
By profession, Solano manages data and statistics at the Asian Development Bank. He has published four children’s books with Tahanan Books, Adarna House and Chikiting Books of the Vibal Group.
He earned his first Palanca Award in 2016 in the ‘Tula para sa mga Bata’ category (Poetry Written for Children in the Filipino Division) for his poem ‘Tiniklop-tiklop na Bugtong.’ He was also a fellow for the Palihang Rogelio Sicat in 2017. In 2014, he took part in the Cordillera Creative Writing Workshop and the Angono Summer Writers’ Workshop.
Solano is also a member of Mensa Philippines. This non-profit organization offers a space for intellectual exchange and support among its high-IQ (intelligence quotient) members.
