MANILA, Philippines—A book-swapping program launched Saturday as a spinoff of the Inquirer Read-Along program attracted the biggest crowd yet for a regular reading session at the Philippine Daily Inquirer offices on Chino Roces Avenue in Makati City.
“Books4Books” or B4B was conceptualized as a result of separate focus group discussions held last year with Read-Along participants and their parents. One of the findings in the discussions was that while some kids had developed a love of reading, they did not have access to storybooks.
Passion for reading
“The B4B is one way to highlight the Read-Along in engaging children to be passionate about reading by making it more accessible. We’re happy the office now has more room to accommodate this program. I’m hopeful that because of this, the love and passion for reading will get more encouragement,” said Inquirer president Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez, who led the launch after the readings by new and veteran storytellers
In the audience of about 200 children were students from Makati public elementary schools F. Benitez, La Paz and Rafael Palma. The Makati Sporting Association, Virlanie Foundation and Child Hope Asia Philippines also brought their wards with them.
“With B4B, you can own just one book but have access to more than 700 books in our Inquirer Children’s Library,” said Minerva Generalao, Research Department head and Inquirer Read-Along project coordinator. “We also aim to teach kids how to use a library,” she added.
Addressing the children, Romualdez said: “I’m happy you were able to make it today. I hope you enjoy yourselves. Listen well and remember that reading is very important. We can all improve our lives by reading.”
Returning Read-Along storyteller Ann Abacan, principal of Sophia School in Meycauayan, Bulacan, kicked off the session with Rebecca Añonuevo’s “The Shy Rooster.” Her son, 9-year-old Kahlil, read “Ang Prinsipeng Ayaw Magsalita” by Cristino Laureado, while two other Sophia School students, Timon Luther Rodriguez and Erika Mariel Rivero, acted out the story in the background.
Costumed members of the Ateneo de Manila High School Debaters, led by their captain Henry Fernando and moderator Fe de Jesus, capped the session with their reading of “Magnificent Benito and his Two Front-Teeth.”
Ateneo debaters Clyde Maramba, Paolo Magabo and Stanley Magno narrated the story, while Anton Sison, Miguel Ramirez, Dan Remo and Basilio Claudio acted out the parts of the characters.
Funny, interactive
Augie Rivera, who wrote “Benito” with his wife Michelle, answered questions after the segment. “It was fun watching the story come to life. The students did a good job. Their performance was funny and interactive—pretty much the way my wife and I imagined it to be,” he said.
The Ateneo debaters also turned over more than 100 books as a donation to the Children’s Library, while regular Read-Along attendee, 10-year-old Eman Paloma, turned over six titles.
“Ateneo is celebrating its sesquicentennial with the theme of nation-building. Volunteering for the Read-Along is a way to contribute to building a nation of readers and leaders,” De Jesus said.
Importance
“As debaters, we know the importance of reading. Before we debate, we should be aware of what’s going on. So we have to do a lot of research and reading. Our wish is to somehow influence others to realize the importance of reading,” Fernando said.
Added Maramba: “I was nervous at first but because the children were energetic and warm, I became more at home. It was very fulfilling. I would like to be a storyteller again, given the chance.”
Eleven-year-old Alvin Pagamocan has been to the Read-Along several times, but Saturday’s session was different as he was chosen to act out the role of Onyok, the Shy Rooster. “I have attended the session 10 times, but now I performed in front of the other kids. It was very enjoyable.”
Ten-year-old Eva Tablada said her favorite story was that of Benito. “From the story, I learned you don’t have to be perfect to be productive,” she said.
Benito was also the favorite of 9-year-old Charlene Rapadas, who came to the session for the first time with mom Chinky. “I liked the story because the storytellers were funny,” said Charlene.
Favorite storytellers
Justine Cruz, an 11-year-old first-timer, said his favorite storyteller was Kahlil Abacan. For Joceline Crisolo, Brian Fabor and Jan Michael Mangahis, on the other hand, Benito’s story was their choice.
“It was fun,” said Joceline, 9. “I learned how to not be ashamed of what I have,” Brian, also 9, added. Jan Michael, 8, said he loved Benito “because his teeth are like mine.”
Rowena Baldeo, a teacher from F. Benitez, said her students’ attendance at the Read-Along was timely because they just started a similar program in school. “I’m happy because the kids seemed to be very active and participative,” she said.
Makati Sporting Association coordinator Ana Marie Tan said the children loved the readers’ costumes. “The kids still talked about the costumes after the session was over,” she said. “I also think it’s a good idea that children tell stories to other children. That way, they understand the stories better.”
Saturday’s session, hosted by Libre editor in chief Chito de la Vega, Junior Inquirer writer Ruth Navarra and Sophia School sixth grader Michelle Samaco, was held in cooperation with Krispy Kreme, Energen and Nutri-C juice by TriDharma Corp. Books from Vibal Publishing were given away to the children.
The Inquirer Children’s Library collection has grown with donations from commercial publishing houses and private persons. Among the donors are Adarna House, Vibal Publishing, National Book Store Foundation, the Perth-Manila Book Project, Joy and Bea Cruz, Eman Paloma, Henry Fernando and the Ateneo Debaters.
About 50 children from F. Benitez also registered as the first batch of B4B participants after the session.
The next Read-Along session will be on Aug. 8, 10 a.m., at the Inquirer main office in Makati City. Interested participants may call Ellen Caparros at 8978808 loc 329. For the B4B program, please bring two 1×1 ID photos.
The Perth-Manila Book Project 
