MANILA, Philippines—Christmas was celebrated early at Saturday’s Inquirer Read-Along with the pre-launch of a story by broadcaster and children’s book author Christine “Tintin” Bersola-Babao.

Complete with a Christmas tree, colorful lanterns and Santa hats, some 140 children were treated to stories that teach the value of sharing and friendship.

Joining Babao were teachers Nerry Denilla and Salie Villaluz of Sophia School in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

Babao read “Bakit Sila Meron? Bakit Ako Wala?,” a Christmas story she wrote. Saturday was the first time the story—the book of which has not been formally launched—was read in public. The book launch will be on Nov. 21 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

“Bakit Sila Meron? Bakit Ako Wala?” is about the friendship of two children from different social classes. Often comparing their lives, each longs for what the other has. The story concludes on Christmas Eve when both realize it is important to count one’s blessings and happiness should not be based on material things.

Real essence of Christmas

Babao said the story was about “the real essence of Christmas, which is sharing, friendship and family.”

“Why does he have those things and I don’t is a question we ask ourselves at least once in our lives, whether you are rich or poor. But in the end, we realize how truly blessed we are. We just have to count our blessings,” she added.

An Inquirer Read-Along veteran, Babao made her third appearance before the children. In the past she read “Basura Monster,” “Bryan Learns His Lesson” and “The Story of Christine,” all of which she authored. Her books are published by Katha Publishing Co. Inc., the publishing arm of Goodwill Bookstore.

Learning to love reading

“Helping others learn to love reading has always been an advocacy of mine. In fact, I take advantage of any opportunity to read,” said Babao.

Babao, together with her 3-year-old daughter Antonia, is one of the celebrity spokespersons of the National Book Development Board. The personalities read poems by renowned Filipino authors like Nick Joaquin, Virgilio Almario and Jose Lacaba which are heard by LRT 2 train commuters over a public address system.

Denilla and Villaluz of Sophia School led in an interactive reading of “Baha” by Eugene Evasco and published by Gintong Salakot, and crowd favorite “Monica Dalosdalos” by L.E. Antonio and P.T. Martin published by Adarna. Their segment was a huge hit drawing laughter from the audience.

Children’s wishes

Gay Castañeda, a community worker in Barangay Pag-asa, Mandaluyong City, brought along 40 kids who said the event was “enjoyable.”

“The activity was educational but fun and interactive. It also teaches love for reading, which we would like to instill in the children of our barangay,” Castañeda said.

Before ending the session, Babao asked the children what their Christmas wishes were. While others wanted toys, others wished for their parents who were abroad to be able to spend Christmas with them.

Sponsors

Saturday’s session was held in cooperation with Krispy Kreme and Ronald McDonald House Charities of McDonalds Philippines. Prizes were provided by Vibal.

Most of the children were from Hands on Manila, Virlanie Foundation and Barangay Pag-asa.

Inquirer Read-Along was launched in May last year by the Inquirer Research Department, Library and Junior Inquirer to promote the love of reading among children through storytelling sessions with celebrities and volunteer readers.

Award of excellence

It recently received the Philippine Quill, an award of excellence in corporate and business communication, from the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines.

Yesterday was also the culmination of the Inquirer Christmas book fair which offered discounts and other promos from Scholastic, Tahanan Books, Vibal, OMF Literature and Adarna Publishing.

The publishing houses will donate books equivalent to 10 percent of their total sales to the Inquirer Read-Along. In turn, the program will donate books to the libraries of communities that need it.

A special Read-Along session will be held on Nov. 29 for street children and will feature athlete-actor Enchong Dee.