Rhythmic sounds of indigenous music filled the air during the celebration of Peace Month at Saturday’s Inquirer Read-Along in Makati.
More than 100 children joined the session at the Inquirer main office which featured actor Ken Chan, Sophia School principal Ann Abacan and guest musicians from nongovernment organization (NGO) Ginhawa Inc.
Abacan opened the session with the story “Askal sa Kalye Kalinaw” by Eugene Evasco, accompanied by indigenous music courtesy of Maria Juliete “Yeyette” San Luis of Ginhawa Inc., a Quezon City-based NGO that strives to foster well-being through integrative, spiritually inclusive and creative programs and workshops.
Chan read “War Makes Me Sad!” by Mary Ann Ordinario-Floresta, which tells of the experience of a child in the midst of war.
Words and music
As Abacan read her story, the sounds of the gabbang, tungatong, bungkaka and patatag alternated in the background, courtesy of San Luis, her nephew David and her niece Coeli, both of whom are taking up music courses at the University of Santo Tomas.
“Askal” is about a dog that has five families taking care of her. In the different households, she is called by a different name. One day, the dog disappears and her various owners come looking for her. The search brings them together as they find they are looking for the same dog. And they live happily ever after when they find their pet has given birth to five puppies—one for each household.
“Music is one way for us to have peace,” said San Luis, adding that without using words, musicians create beautiful harmonies by being sensitive to each other. Thus, music becomes a way for peace.
Abacan and San Luis then introduced the indigenous instruments one by one, and chose 12 children to join the group in playing them. To cap the segment, San Luis led the children in playing a final tune, while the rest of the audience joined in the dancing.
First-time storyteller Chan admitted to being nervous before the session. However, he was quickly reassured by the eager responses of the audience. “The kids were very intelligent. They had an answer to all of my questions,” he said.
“The story I read was very eye-opening. I hope it was able to open the minds of the kids as well,” he added.
Children of war
“I was able to relate to the story because, for my latest show, my character as a child experienced being a refugee from disaster-torn Leyte,” Chan said. His latest television series, “Destiny Rose,” premieres on Monday.
Though his schedule is hectic, Chan said he always makes time for reading. He finds children’s books relaxing, citing “Alamat ng Butiki” by Rene Villanueva among his favorites.
More than 100 children from St. Alphonsus Liguori Integrated School in Cavite province, Mandaluyong Elementary School, Manggahan Elementary School, F. Benitez Elementary School and Virlanie Foundation came to the read-along session.
Grade 3 St. Alphonsus student Renato said he liked the part in Abacan’s story where the dog protected his blind master, Lean, from bullies.
His classmate, Marione, said he learned from Chan’s story that people should not resort to war because “children are the most vulnerable to its effects.”
Eight-year-old Alyza, a first-time Inquirer Read-Along participant, said she felt sad for the child in Chan’s story. “I’ll always pray that everyone will be safe from war,” she said.
Likewise, Grade 6 student Ericka from Manggahan Elementary School said it was important for children to always pray. “I’ll pray to Papa Jesus that He protect us and not let people fight each other,” she said.
Fresnida Bastero, level head of St. Alphonsus, joined her students at the session. “That was great fun,” she said. “Our students really enjoyed today’s session. We came all the way from Cavite and our trip this morning was worth it.”
Saturday’s read-along, hosted by Inquirer Metro’s Rafael Antonio, was held in cooperation with Lendl Fabella and Marian Domingo-Antonio of GMA Artist Center. The next session will be held on Oct. 10 at the Inquirer main office on Chino Roces Avenue in Makati City.
