MANILA, Philippines — Heartwarming Christmas tales and inspirational stories were told to over 100 children during the Inquirer Read-Along’s thanksgiving celebration at the Philippine Daily Inquirer office in Makati on Saturday. The special Read-Along session featured as guest storytellers multiawarded actor Allen Dizon and Ann Abacan, principal of Sophia School in Meycauayan City, Bulacan.
First-time guest storyteller Dizon read “Bertdey ni Dyisus bukas: markang pula sa aking kalendaryo,”written by Alberta Angeles and illustrated by Jeric Sadullo, which tells about an excited young boy’s countdown to Christmas throughout the 12 months of the year.
Dizon said everyone should emulate a child’s excitement for Christmas not just once a year but every single day to realize peace in the community.
“We should always think that it is Christmas so that we will always be understanding, joyful, generous and patient. Maybe there would be fewer conflicts if we would think that it is always Jesus’ birthday,” Dizon said in Filipino.
Dizon also stressed the importance of having a leader that will guide the children in adopting the hobby of reading in the age of social media.
It was Dizon’s first time to read to a group of children, but he said he wanted to continue to instill a love for and interest in reading, especially with the children in his province.
Dizon, with Judy Ann Santos, stars in Brillante Mendoza’s “Mindanao,” an official entry in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival.
Abacan read “Hipon and Biya,”written by Carla Pacis and illustrated by Joanne De Leon, about a shrimp and a goby fish realizing the value of each other’s friendship despite their differences.
After the program, Dizon gave the kids crayons and coloring books featuring his movie while Loi Herrera of Guardian Angels of America Foundation gave stuffed toys. Special prizes were also provided by Read-Along supporter Diwata Paredes.