Damdaman is the fifth of the language series. Damdaman introduces feelings in Tagalog/Filipino. This book was inspired by the makahiya plant. A common sight in the Philippine grasslands, the makahiya plant (Mimosa pudica) is famous for its tendency to curl up its leaves at the slightest tough, as if it were extremely embarrassed about physical contact, hence its name: "makahiya" is derived from the Filipino word "shame" or "shyness" (hiya).
About the title: Portmanteau or blending is when you clip two words and bring them together to form a new word. For example, 'motorized hotel' becomes 'motel.’ What we see in many Filipino names is a portmanteau of the parents’ names. Today this is commonly referred to as shipping names. This was how the title of this book was created. Damdam (feelings) + halaman (plants) = damdaman. Similarly, the term “damdamin” means feelings in Filipino.
Jocelyn “Joy” Francisco, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and writer and publisher of Little Yellow Jeepney. As a parent, Joy was inspired to write and self publish the book Little Yellow Jeepney and subsequent Filipino children’s books Oh My Kulay!, Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo...Ito Ay Obalo!, Abakada, and Pamilya Ko. The books are colorful and bright, with themes of family, food, and shapes, and include both English and Tagalog. The books introduce basic Filipinx language to help preserve the Filipinx culture and language, while reinforcing a sense of identity.
