Read-Along Session with Ronald McDonald. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — A healthy and safe world is a happy world.
This was the message of the virtual Inquirer Read-Along session held on Saturday to mark the 16th anniversary of the project that aims to promote a love of reading among children.
The storytelling event, held in partnership with McDonald’s Philippines and Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines Inc. (RMHC), featured McDonald’s chief happiness officer, Ronald McDonald and professional storyteller Rich Rodriguez.
Some 60 students from Manggahan Elementary School, Antonio Regidor Elementary School, and The Seed Montessori School joined the storytelling session via Zoom. The program, hosted by Inquirer Lifestyle writing editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo, was also broadcast live on Inquirer’s social media channels.
During the session, McDonald read Russell Molina’s “Super M,” which told the story of a young boy named Mac Mac, whom his grandfather refers to as Super M. When a virus broke out, their adventures were hampered, and their safety was at risk.The story is from the Ronald McDonald Read to Learn program, which also aims to teach reading to Filipino children.
In her opening remarks, Marie Angeles, executive director of RMHC, stressed the organization’s commitment to improving the quality of reading for every Filipino child.
“By reading, we widen our knowledge, imagination, mental sharpness and other things that are necessary for building a good future,” Angeles said.
Jann Caitlin Jao, McDonald’s corporate communication manager, also attended the online event.
Rodriguez read “Just Add Dirt” written by Becky Bravo and illustrated by Jason Moss. The book is about Miguel, a young boy who grows small plants all over his body after refusing to take a bath for several days, exposing him to a variety of health issues.
All participating kids who joined the session will receive McDonald’s gift certificates and books while winners of the question and answer portion will receive toys from McDonald’s. Launched in 2007, the Inquirer Read-Along is an Inquirer corporate social responsibility project that encourages reading habits among children.