Inspiring tales of love and appreciation were retold to 160 students of St. Alphonsus Liguori Integrated School (Salis) in Bacoor City, Cavite province, during the second school tour series of the Inquirer Read-Along program on Feb. 10.
Returning Read-Along storyteller and GMA 7 talent Kyle Vergara read “Munting Patak-ulan” by Gloria Villaraza-Guzman, a story about a little raindrop beginning to value his worth to living creatures.
“Just like the raindrops that enjoy providing water to everyone, you get this feeling of accomplishment whenever you help those in need,” Vergara said of the moral of the story—that help should always come wholeheartedly.
Grade 6 student Abbygail Parma, a finalist in the 6th Read-Along Festival Storytelling Contest last November, mimicked a curvy mother in retelling Segundo Matias Jr.’s “Sexy ang Mommy Ko”
Parma said she related to the daughter character in the story because her mother likewise does not conform to the standards of being “sexy.”
“We should not be ashamed of our mother whether they are sexy or not. Love knows no form and they will always be our mother no matter what,” Parma said.
Veteran storyteller Posh Develos of Ang Pinoy Storytellers read Rhandee Garlitos’ “Chenylyn! Chenylyn!,” which tells about a family who shows appreciation to their diligent househelp.
Some students volunteered to join Develos in reenacting the scene where Chenelyn catches the flu and she is taken care of by the family, with each member taking over the household chores.
Wearing a sparrow-inspired costume, Kinder 2 student Lee Andrei Azuprado read Jomike Tejido’s “Why Do Birds Build Nests?”. It was about a sparrow who learned how to value concern for others.
School director Cecilia Sipin said they were grateful that Inquirer Read-Along revisited their school after nine years. “The Inquirer Read-Along has inspired our students to read more,” she said.
Sipin said she has always emphasized to her students that developing reading skills would not only improve their communication abilities, but also their “inquiring minds.”
Friday’s session, hosted by Junior Inquirer editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo, was held in cooperation with Aida Balgomera and Didith Mendoza of Salis and Luvi Grande and Wilfred Villaruel of GMA 7.
Launched on May 7, 2007, the Inquirer Read-Along program aims to combat the declining readership among students by encouraging children to get into reading at a young age in order to build a nation of readers that is vital in building a nation of leaders.
For the past 10 years, over 20,000 children ages 7 to 13 from more than 50 cities nationwide have joined the sessions, which featured over 400 celebrities and role models as storytellers.
Schools and sponsors interested to participate in the program may contact Minerva Generalao at (02) 897-8808 loc. 346 or e-mail at festival@inquirer.com.ph. —RAFAEL L. ANTONIO, INQUIRER RESEARCH