Inquirer Read-Along Archives - The Philippine Daily Inquirer at 39

Girl power takes flight in Inquirer Read-Along with PAL

admin — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 03:12:41 +0000

The March 21 storytelling session featured celebrity guest reader Patricia Tumulak, first officer Lilybeth Tan-Ng and Read-Along veteran storyteller Dyali Justo. Returning to the Philippine Airlines Museum in Pasay City, where a session was held in August last year, the Read-Along welcomed around 20 children of PAL employees. Students from Sabang Elementary School in Sabang, San Jose, Camarines Sur, also joined virtually. The program began with a message from Idda Aguilar, manager of internal and public relations, marketing department at PAL, who warmly welcomed the children and their parents. “This read-along is a celebration of dreams, possibilities and the inspiring journeys of women who take flight,” Aguilar said. The session focused on empowering stories for children, especially young girls, that emphasized the value of perseverance and achieving one’s dreams while breaking gender stereotypes.

Skirts and skies

Tumulak, a beauty queen and actress, read “Isay’s Skirt is Getting Smaller” written by Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag and illustrated by Abigail D. Gabriel. It tells the story of the girl Isay who, while having her old school uniform altered for a better fit, learns about resourcefulness and practicality. Tan-Ng, who also serves as the assistant vice president for pilot affairs at PAL, read “Fly With Her,” which tells the story of Ira, a girl who achieves her dreams of becoming a pilot. The read-along served as the launch of the storybook written by Irish Bautista and Mica Dela Rosa and illustrated by Kim Alexis Santiago. “We want little girls to have open minds and be creative and reach for their goals [not bound by] the usual stereotypes,” Tan-Ng said during the forum that followed. “Know that if you want something, any kind of career, you just go for it.” Addressing the parents, she said supporting their children’s dreams is just as important as encouraging them to dream high. To cap this part of the program, the children had an activity where they made paper planes out of a dedicated page from the storybook.

Easier to connect

Justo narrated “The Maiden Who Defeated the King,” as retold by Christine S. Bellen and illustrated by Elbert Or. The story is about a wise and brave woman who consistently met the challenges given to her by a king. Justo, familiar to Read-Along participants as “Ate Dyali,” said being a mother and an educator allowed her to connect easier with children, an advantage that women storytellers have. “When you face children, they don’t perceive your gender,” she said. “What they see is you as a storyteller.” Also present at the event was Capt. Stanley Ng, president and chief operating officer of PAL. Inquirer Lifestyle editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo hosted the program, which was also livestreamed on Inquirer social media platforms. Launched in May 2007 by the Inquirer Research Department and Junior Inquirer, the Read-Along program aims to promote love of reading among children.

The post Girl power takes flight in Inquirer Read-Along with PAL appeared first on The Philippine Daily Inquirer at 39.

Hidilyn Diaz makes it a weighty ‘Read-Along’ session

admin — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 03:06:15 +0000

MANILA, Philippines — Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz led the storytellers at the first Inquirer Read-Along session of the year. Diaz was joined on Tuesday by Basa Bookstore and The Storytelling Project founder Rey Bufi, in a session that gathered pupils from Marikina City and Cavite and Camarines Sur provinces. The day’s stories imparted lessons on the safe and responsible use of the internet. Sponsored by PLDT, Smart, and the Department of Justice-Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-Iacat), the activity coincided with the observance of Safer Internet Day, an international effort aimed at protecting children from online dangers. Around 30 students from Saint Alphonsus Liguori Integrated School in Cavite and Victorious Home School in Marikina City took part in the activity held at the Inquirer’s main office in Makati City, as part of the newspaper’s long-running program to promote the love of reading among the youth. The Read-Along session was also streamed live on Facebook, with Grades 5 and 6 students from Sabang Elementary School in Sabang, San Jose, Camarines Sur joining the session virtually. Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne Lapuz of DOJ-Iacat underscored the significance of protecting youth in digital spaces, while Philippine Daily Inquirer president and CEO Rudyard Arbolado encouraged the participants to remember the lessons from the stories and share them with their families.

Real-life connections

One of the highlights of the event was Diaz’s reading of “What I Cannot Find in Google,” a story written by Genaro Gojo Cruz that explores the importance of human experiences and real-life connections that go beyond what a simple online search can provide. In an interview, Diaz, who won the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 2021, shared her passion for reading and how books had helped shape her understanding of life. “It’s important to believe in yourself because no one—no bully or anyone who says you can’t do it—truly defines you. At the end of the day, what matters most is what you tell yourself,” she said. After her reading session, Diaz thrilled the children by showcasing her Olympian strength, lifting a few of them with her arms. Bufi, a seasoned storyteller, read “Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala,” a storybook developed by PLDT and Smart in collaboration with Kids for Kids PH and the Positive Youth Development Network. The story follows the journey of a young girl who explores the metaverse and learns about her rights and the potential dangers of the digital world.

Critical thinking

Bufi, in an interview, emphasized that stories could empower children to navigate topics that were difficult to discuss. “We can’t stop the spread of technology, and all sorts of information is available online now, too. So what we need to develop among kids—that we can also develop through storytelling—is critical thinking,” Bufi said. “When they grow up, they can practice critical thinking skills by asking questions,” he added. Safer Internet Day, according to PLDT and Smart assistant vice president and head of stakeholder management Stephanie Orlino, is intended to encourage everyone who uses the internet to spread awareness on how they can make online spaces safer and kinder. The session was hosted by Inquirer Lifestyle writing editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo. Also present at the event was Inquirer assistant vice president for corporate affairs and Inquirer Foundation executive director Connie Kalagayan, who gave the closing remarks.

The post Hidilyn Diaz makes it a weighty ‘Read-Along’ session appeared first on The Philippine Daily Inquirer at 39.

Isay Alvarez, Kuya Rich hold Read-Along with kids, elderly

admin — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 08:03:44 +0000

MANILA, Philippines — Singer and actress Isay Alvarez and seasoned “kwentista” Rich “Kuya Rich” Rodriguez led a lively storytelling session ahead of the holiday spirit this Christmas at the Inquirer Read-Along for children and the elderly held on Nov. 28 at the Christmas Village of Okada Manila in Parañaque. The latest read-along, organized in partnership with Okada Manila, was joined by 20 children from the Virlanie Foundation and 10 elderly residents of the Santa Maria Josefa Home for the Aged. “This afternoon we are not just reading books together, we are opening doors to new worlds. Unlocking adventures and connecting hearts through the transformative power of books,” said Okada’s vice president for hotel operations Robert Scott, who welcomed the participants together with Connie Kalagayan, Inquirer assistant vice president for corporate affairs and executive director of Inquirer Foundation. Alvarez read the story “Wishing Well” by Annie Pacana-Lumbao, about a mother teaching her child the significance of a single coin and how it can both save and fulfill wishes. “I would say that we, as Filipinos, should all have an advocacy like this—promoting reading,” said Alvarez, who joined the Inquirer Read-Along for the first time. “You’ll notice that many kids today have lost interest in reading because of social media, and the result of that is not good for their studies and their growth. I think we’re really lacking in this area—we’re not giving enough emphasis on reading,” she said.

Youths and communities

Rodriguez read the story “Sa Bagong Planeta” (In a New Planet) by Fenny de los Angeles-Bautista and Elmer Gatchalian—a story about empowering the youth to engage in their communities, particularly their development. For Kuya Rich, stories like these are excellent examples of how future generations can come together to create an inclusive community. They also help children understand that their voices matter in society and that their ideas are valuable. He further highlighted how literature, in general, serves as a powerful tool for passing down knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next. “One of the things people can resonate with is with literature. By passing on the stories and lessons from the past, …each generation carries forward the insights and experiences that can guide the next generation. And one of the best ways to do this is simply by sharing a story,” he said. The read-along session was also in line with the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s 39th anniversary theme “Bridging Generations, Empowering Communities.” Children actively participated in the storytelling event through reading, interactive question-and-answer games, and a “mano po” session, where kids demonstrated their respect for the elderly participants.

Interaction

The event went beyond storytelling, offering attendees a fountain show, a tour of the Christmas Village, relaxing massages, delicious food and snacks, and a chance to meet Okada’s mascot. Participants were also treated to gifts from both the Inquirer and Okada. Czarina Allen Santos, resource development officer at Virlanie Foundation, shared that the program’s engagement between children and the elderly is especially meaningful for the kids, who don’t often have the opportunity to interact with grandparents. Sister Concepcion Heras of the Santa Maria Josefa Home for the Aged noted that the participants from her group enjoyed the program, learning valuable lessons even as they also shared their insights with the children. The read-along session was hosted by Inquirer Lifestyle writing editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo.

The post Isay Alvarez, Kuya Rich hold Read-Along with kids, elderly appeared first on The Philippine Daily Inquirer at 39.

Outstanding police, military majors lead Read-Along session

admin — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 08:18:48 +0000

MANILA, Philippines — Last week’s Inquirer Read-Along presented, among other storytellers, two officers from the police and the military who are among this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino awardees. Being exemplars of public service, Police Maj. Mark Ronan Balmaceda and Army Maj. Ron JR Villarosa were apt choices as bearers of inspiring tales for the more than 60 children who attended the two Read-Along sessions on Nov. 12. Balmaceda read the story “Dindo Pundido” by illustrator Jomike Tejido—about a firefly that shows courage to help his siblings. In an interview, the police major emphasized the importance of reading, particularly for young people who are still developing their intelligence and personalities. “These days, if you are not knowledgeable in literature and if your focus is purely on labor, you’ll really end up falling behind,” Balmaceda said. “You won’t be as knowledgeable of your environment.” Villarosa read a story titled “Mister Beetle’s Many Rooms,” about a beetle who learns to live harmoniously with other creatures. He said the experience of reading to kids brought out his inner child. “In my line of work, I have seen so much negativity, so much violence. You have to get the inner child [out] just to remind you that the world is still beautiful,” Villarosa said.

Valuable platforms

The Read-Along also featured actress Andi Abaya and recent Pinoy Big Brother runner-up Kai Montinola, who were joined by their fathers Jomini Abaya and Kennett Montinola during their storytelling session. Completing the lineup were veteran storytellers Posh Develos and Dyali Justo who have been associated with Inquirer Read-Along for many years now. The morning session led by Andi and Jomini Abaya began with the unveiling of a colorful backdrop as witnessed by Inquirer officials, Metrobank Foundation’s Excellence Awards Unit program officer Reginald Baticulon, and Guyito, the Inquirer’s official mascot. The Abayas shared the story of “Arroz Caldo ni Lolo Waldo” by author and teacher Becky Santos-Gerodias, about a grandfather whose hard work and perseverance lead to a better life for his family.

Habit of reading

Develos read the story “Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Lola” by the late playwright and author Rene O. Villanueva, about a grandmother who saves her town from a devastating storm. Her inspiration to become a professional storyteller, Develos said, came from her admiration for an aunt, who would captivate her with stories from the Bible when she was young. For the afternoon session, Kai and Kennett read “Ang Huling Puno” by author and screenwriter Richard G. Reynante—about the last remaining tree in the city, which is about to be cut down. Another Villanueva story, “Ang Dalawang Haring Siga,” was read by Justo—about two macho kings locked in a bitter, lifelong rivalry that has torn their kingdoms apart.

Livestreamed

The Nov. 12 Read-Along, held at the Inquirer office at the Media Resource Plaza in Makati City, was hosted by Inquirer Lifestyle editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo and livestreamed on Inquirer’s social media platforms. Among the participating schools were Doña Basilisa Yangco Elementary School in Mandaluyong City and Laguna State Polytechnic University in Los Baños town. Launched in May 2007 by the Inquirer Research Department and Junior Inquirer, the Read-Along program aims to promote love of reading among children.

The post Outstanding police, military majors lead Read-Along session appeared first on The Philippine Daily Inquirer at 39.

Stories of flight mark Inquirer Read-Along with PAL

admin — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 07:57:13 +0000

MANILA, Philippines — The Inquirer Read-Along program reached new heights, as it were, as it found a partner in Philippine Airlines (PAL) for its latest storytelling session for children. A session held at the Philippine Airlines Museum in Pasay City on Aug. 31 featured celebrity guest readers Jasmine Omay and Ronnie Liang, who are both pilots, and Read-Along veteran Rich Rodriguez. Held as part of PAL’s Family Day activities, the event kicked off with PAL executive vice president and general counsel Carlu Fernandez giving the opening remarks, where he encouraged the young audience to develop a love for reading and learning. “My children grew up as book lovers and that’s something we cultivated when they were young,” Fernandez later said. “It serves a lot of purposes. It facilitates learning, creativity, imagination and innovation. All of these things serve children well when they grow up.”

Taking flight

Omay, the Miss World Philippines 2024 First Princess, also leads “Bahay na Papel,” an education advocacy project that helps children in indigenous communities in Tarlac. For the session, she read Iris Gem Li’s “The Boy Who Touched Heaven,” a fantasy tale about an Ifugao boy who, with the help of his family and some kind animals, was able to reach the sky. Like the main character, Omay said, she was able to ‘’touch the sky’’ as pilot through a scholarship. When aspiring for high goals, the youth should not forget that the greatest lift they need may still come from their roots, she added. Actor-singer Liang read “Ang Patsotsay na Iisa ang Pakpak (The One-Winged Patsotsay)” by the late Rene O. Villanueva. It tells of a group of winged yet flightless creatures who discovered they could take off together like birds, despite their individual limitations, through mutual trust and cooperation. Liang said the story packs an important message for children as it introduces them to the adage: “No man is an island.”

Inclusivity

Rodriguez, a professional storyteller, narrated Russell Molina’s “Ang Madyik Silya ni Titoy” (Titoy’s Magic Chair), which provided lessons on inclusivity and overcoming challenges. It’s about the adventures of a young boy and his wheelchair-bound friend, Titoy, and their travels to outer space to underwater realms. About 40 children of PAL employees were gathered for the session hosted by Inquirer Entertainment reporter Marinel Cruz and researcher Nathalie Grace Adalid. Livestreamed on Inquirer’s social media platforms, the session was also the first to be held outside the newspaper’s Makati City office since end of the pandemic. Launched in 2007 to promote the love of reading among children, Read-Along has become the company’s longest-running corporate social responsibility project. —Inquirer Research

The post Stories of flight mark Inquirer Read-Along with PAL appeared first on The Philippine Daily Inquirer at 39.

Inquirer Read-Along turns 17: Of kids’ health and an actor’s regret

Dolce Abuan — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:48:52 +0000

MANILA-Philippines — Staying healthy and keeping illnesses at bay by minding what you eat and keeping your body clean. Such basic lessons are made more fun for children during the 17th anniversary celebration of Inquirer Read-Along, the paper’s long-running educational advocacy. Held in partnership with McDonald’s Philippines and Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines Inc. (RMHC), the May 7 session featured McDonald’s “chief happiness officer” Ronald McDonald, veteran actor Ricky Davao, and professional storytellers Ann Abacan and Dyali Justo. The program kicked off with a video message from RMHC executive director Marie Angeles, who underscored the importance of reading in developing children’s written and oral communication skills.

‘My mistake’

“Through reading, your imagination will also expand, build discipline and give you inspiration and courage in whatever you face,” Angeles said. Davao, who returned to Read-Along for the third time as celebrity storyteller, narrated the story “5 Seconds Only” by Hannah Lyn Creencia, which told of a girl who fell ill due to food poisoning. It was an object lesson for kids — and parents — on being mindful of food safety and nutrition. Earning cheers and rapt attention during his reading, Davao made extra references to the coronavirus pandemic, telling his listeners to take health precautions seriously — like washing hands thoroughly — even with the health crisis long past. In an interview, he encouraged the children to develop reading habits while still at their age, saying his own failure to do so in his youth was one of his regrets as an adult. “When I started directing in the mid-’90s, I realized my mistake of not reading a lot during high school and college,” he said. “I should have read more literature, for example. Only when I became an actor and director did I realize how important it was. So I’m sort of cramming now.” Davao said he now also valued reading as an “exercise for the mind” that can help stave off the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (See related story in Inquirer’s Entertainment, Page E5). Ronald McDonald read “Go!,” a story penned by Becky Bravo about a boy who would only eat junk food, an unhealthy habit that would make him miss out on many fun activities due to his low immunity and energy levels.

Dirty ‘metamorphosis’

Abacan and Justo read another book by Bravo titled “Just Add Dirt,” spicing up their performance with singing and dancing. “Dirt” is about a boy who ended up growing plants from various parts of his body after refusing to take a bath for several days. The plants served as a metaphor for diseases and other maladies resulting from poor hygiene. The illustrated story encourages children to keep not just their bodies clean but also their homes and rooms tidy. The May 7 session gathered about 30 children from Good Shepherd Montessori School and La Paz Elementary School in Makati City. Inquirer Lifestyle writing editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo hosted the program that was also live streamed on Inquirer social media platforms. —INQUIRER RESEARCH

The post Inquirer Read-Along turns 17: Of kids’ health and an actor’s regret appeared first on The Philippine Daily Inquirer at 39.

Inquirer Read-Along turns 17: Of kids’ health and an actor’s regret

admin — Tue, 07 May 2024 08:14:40 +0000

‘My mistake’

Dirty ‘metamorphosis’

Abacan and Justo read another book by Bravo titled “Just Add Dirt,” spicing up their performance with singing and dancing. “Dirt” is about a boy who ended up growing plants from various parts of his body after refusing to take a bath for several days. The plants served as metaphor for diseases and other maladies resulting from poor hygiene. The illustrated story encourages children to keep not just their bodies clean but also their homes and rooms tidy. The May 7 session gathered about 30 children from Good Shepherd Montessori School and La Paz Elementary School in Makati City. Inquirer Lifestyle writing editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo hosted the program that was also livestreamed on Inquirer social media platforms. —INQUIRER RESEARCH

The post Inquirer Read-Along turns 17: Of kids’ health and an actor’s regret appeared first on The Philippine Daily Inquirer at 39.

Tales of everyday heroes at 13th Inquirer Read-Along Festival

admin — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 05:23:25 +0000

MANILA, Philippines — After almost three years of holding storytelling sessions online, the Inquirer’s long-running educational advocacy resumed in-person activities with the 13th Inquirer Read-Along Festival on Nov. 21. Carrying the theme “Celebrating Life Through Stories of Inspirational People,” the festival told tales of everyday heroes to more than 70 school children gathered at the paper’s Makati City office. Featured storytellers included award-winning actress and children’s book author Rita Avila, Star Magic actor LA Santos, Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino awardees Edgar Durana and Police Major Mae Ann Cunanan and veteran storytellers Dyali Justo and Ann Abacan. Durana, a special education teacher and coordinator at Don Jose Ynares Sr. Memorial National High School, read the story “Papasok na kami ni Nanay sa Paaralan (My Mother and I Are Going to School)” by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz, about a mother determined to finish her studies while raising her young son. Durana, who said his child-centered advocacy is aligned with the Inquirer’s read-along activity, told his young listeners that by always being “kind and cheerful, helping others easily follows.” Santos advised the children to be “good and to follow their heart’s desire (as it) can lead them to achieve their dreams.” The actor read Krissie Zamora-Martinez’s “Basurero ang Tatay ko (My Father is a Scavenger),” about a young boy who takes pride in his father’s honesty in doing his job. The third story also told of a child’s appreciation for a parent—her mother—and the many sacrifices she makes while working as a tricycle driver. Justo read the heartwarming “Bakit Hindi Naka-lipstick si Nanay? (How Come Mother’s Not Wearing Any Lipstick?)” by Grace D. Chong, the last story in the morning session attended by students from Good Shepherd Montessori School in Pasig City and Chair of St. Peter School in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Officer’s tale

Abacan opened the afternoon session held for students from Doña Basilisa Yangco Elementary School in Mandaluyong City. She read “Ang Malaking Kahon ng Sorpresa (The Big Box of Surprise),” written by Genaro Gojo Cruz and illustrated by Bernadette Solina-Wolf, about a child’s excitement at seeing his mother again after her many years of working abroad. “Patrolman Ngiyaw,” a story by Rene O. Villanueva, with illustration by Renato Gamos, followed next and was read by Cunanan, a police officer. The story resonated with her, this head of Police Community Relations in the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said, adding that it reflects the hard work the police force is doing to earn the trust of the community. In keeping with the festival’s theme, Avila read “Ginto’t Pilak (Gold and Silver),” about the life of Olympic gold medalist for weightlifting Hidilyn Diaz. The book was written by Diaz and Eugene Evasco, and illustrated by Tristan Yuvienco. Avila encouraged parents and children to read books together, saying this was a good memory that children will carry with them. The actress herself has written children’s books, including “The Invisible Wings,” “The Tale of Bentot Lembot and Ging-ging Astig,” and “The Tale of Ronron Meron and Lala Wala.” Her books have been nominated for the Jaime Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards.

For National Reading Month

The Inquirer Read-Along Festival is an annual event organized by the Inquirer Read-Along team to celebrate National Reading Month every November. Its 13th edition held earlier this week was in partnership with Metrobank Foundation, with its assistant executive director Joyce Dyan Tee, Inquirer president and chief executive officer Rudyard Arbolado, and Inquirer executive editor Volt Contreras formally opening the event. The storytelling sessions were hosted by Inquirer Read-Along volunteers Louie Bacani and Ruth Navarro-Mayo.

The post Tales of everyday heroes at 13th Inquirer Read-Along Festival appeared first on The Philippine Daily Inquirer at 39.

Inquirer Read-Along

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 06:06:32 +0000

Launched in May 2007 by the Inquirer Research Department and Junior Inquirer, the Inquirer Read-Along program aims to promote love for reading among children aged 7-12 through storytelling sessions with celebrities, professional storytellers, and other volunteers. To date, thousands of children from all over the Philippines have attended more than 200 read-along sessions held in the Inquirer main office in Makati and in outside venues. For inquiries, please contact Miner Generalao 897 8808 loc 346 or Odeng Orolaza 897 8808 loc 330 or email oorolaza@inquirer.com.ph

The post Inquirer Read-Along appeared first on The Philippine Daily Inquirer at 39.