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Sat 4 October 2025

Young author advocates for pediatric cancer patients

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High school student Jacqueline Dominique “Nikki” Go has released her newest book, “The Adventures of Damgo: Leon in the Water World,” the follow-up to her book “The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands.”

Damgo is an astronaut who travels outer space in search of creatures and places to help. The astronaut’s next foray takes him to a blue planet covered in water where he meets a chameleon named Leon who seeks Damgo’s assistance in clearing his habitat. More than a children’s book, Nikki’s story is made more special as the illustrations are creations of the patients of Bahay Aruga, a free halfway house for pediatric cancer patients. “Leon in the Water World” contains artworks by Bahay Aruga’s John Vincent Villena, Samantha Manuntag, Brince Jester Bongat, Ethan Jean Naluz, France Zhyren Palacay, Crystel Ann Medrano, and Trisha Mae David; Two year-old Brince is the youngest artist, while John Vincent, 15 years old, is the oldest.

The collaboration began over two years ago when Nikki and her friends decided to teach watercolor painting as art therapy to the kids at Bahay Aruga. Later, the book project started taking shape. “We let their imagination run wild. We read to them the storyline to give them an idea,” Nikki said of the budding artists.

Other Bahay Aruga wards became more curious. Next thing Nikki knew, their art therapy sessions were packed. “A lot more patients joined us until they became a crowd. The crowd was happy and excited to be there.”

The book’s environmental theme stems from Nikki’s desire to promote the cause. “These issues have been prominent in today’s world. It’s important to be aware about what’s happening in today’s world,” the young author explains.

In her bio in the book, Nikki speaks of having lost family members to cancer, which is why she was motivated to improve the emotional wellbeing of the Bahay Aruga patients, if not the physical.

The Bahay Aruga kids have been her source of inspiration. Nikki says, “In spite of their sickness, they are curious to learn more. Even if they are a bit unwell, they would push through with painting because they enjoy the activities. The children react positively.”

Nikki and her publisher Bookshelf PH have announced that the third in Damgo’s adventure series, “Nix and the Wonder Cave,” is in the works. Nikki, now 16 years old, vows that her partnership with the Bahay Aruga children will persist through the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation; proceeds of the book sales are channeled to the said foundation.

Says Nikki, “Even after I graduate from high school, I would like to continue this legacy.”
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