MANILA, Philippines — Eleven students from different schools made the cut to the semifinal round of the 9th Inquirer Read-Along Festival Storytelling Competition on Saturday.

Ninety-one young storytellers from 13 schools in Metro Manila, Bulacan and Cavite joined the elimination round held at the main office of the Philippine Daily Inquirer in Makati.

The semifinalists are:

Irish Claine Lorenzo and Erika Zeurie Herrer of St. Alphonsus Ligouri Integrated School (Cavite).

Gain “Jessica” Seo, Joan Brianna Del Callar and Romeo Elijah Roldan of The Seed Montessori School.

Lee Zceskamae Botin, Laurice Lana Aquino and Casey Aaliyah Mendoza of Optimus Center for Development.

James Zeus Manuel and Elysse Portalio of School of Saint Anthony.

Mary Gold Tiara Eliang of Antonio Regidor Elementary School.

Prior to the semifinals, all contestants attended the storytelling workshops held the previous weekends. For the elimination round, contestants were given two minutes to read their chosen book.

Inquirer Lifestyle writing editor and Inquirer Read-Along host Ruth Navarra-Mayo headed the board of judges, which included Inquirer photographer Grig Montegrande and Ang Pinoy Storytellers’ Posh Develos.

Other schools that participated in Saturday’s elimination rounds were College of Saint Anthony (Bulacan), Divine Grace School, Ilugin Elementary School, Maybunga Elementary School, Chiang Kai Shek College, Good Shepherd Elementary School, MSA Whiz Kids Academy, and Philippine Navy Officers Wives Association – Child Learning Center.

Five finalists will be chosen during the semifinal round on Nov. 9.

The finals of the festival storytelling competition will be held on the last session of the read-along festival on Nov. 23 at 2 p.m., also at the Inquirer main office and the winner will be crowned festival queen or king.