Outstanding police, military majors lead Read-Along session

COMMANDING ATTENTION Army Maj. Ron JR Villarosa, one of this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino awardees, is also one of the storytellers who took part in the Nov. 12 Read-Along held at the Inquirer office in Makati City. —Jecko Sanjorjo

MANILA, Philippines — Last week’s Inquirer Read-Along presented, among other storytellers, two officers from the police and the military who are among this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino awardees.

Being exemplars of public service, Police Maj. Mark Ronan Balmaceda and Army Maj. Ron JR Villarosa were apt choices as bearers of inspiring tales for the more than 60 children who attended the two Read-Along sessions on Nov. 12.

Balmaceda read the story “Dindo Pundido” by illustrator Jomike Tejido—about a firefly that shows courage to help his siblings.

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In an interview, the police major emphasized the importance of reading, particularly for young people who are still developing their intelligence and personalities.

“These days, if you are not knowledgeable in literature and if your focus is purely on labor, you’ll really end up falling behind,” Balmaceda said. “You won’t be as knowledgeable of your environment.”

Villarosa read a story titled “Mister Beetle’s Many Rooms,” about a beetle who learns to live harmoniously with other creatures.

He said the experience of reading to kids brought out his inner child.

“In my line of work, I have seen so much negativity, so much violence. You have to get the inner child [out] just to remind you that the world is still beautiful,” Villarosa said.

Valuable platforms

The Read-Along also featured actress Andi Abaya and recent Pinoy Big Brother runner-up Kai Montinola, who were joined by their fathers Jomini Abaya and Kennett Montinola during their storytelling session.

Completing the lineup were veteran storytellers Posh Develos and Dyali Justo who have been associated with Inquirer Read-Along for many years now.

The morning session led by Andi and Jomini Abaya began with the unveiling of a colorful backdrop as witnessed by Inquirer officials, Metrobank Foundation’s Excellence Awards Unit program officer Reginald Baticulon, and Guyito, the Inquirer’s official mascot.

The Abayas shared the story of “Arroz Caldo ni Lolo Waldo” by author and teacher Becky Santos-Gerodias, about a grandfather whose hard work and perseverance lead to a better life for his family.

Habit of reading

Develos read the story “Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Lola” by the late playwright and author Rene O. Villanueva, about a grandmother who saves her town from a devastating storm.

Her inspiration to become a professional storyteller, Develos said, came from her admiration for an aunt, who would captivate her with stories from the Bible when she was young.

For the afternoon session, Kai and Kennett read “Ang Huling Puno” by author and screenwriter Richard G. Reynante—about the last remaining tree in the city, which is about to be cut down.

Another Villanueva story, “Ang Dalawang Haring Siga,” was read by Justo—about two macho kings locked in a bitter, lifelong rivalry that has torn their kingdoms apart.

Livestreamed

The Nov. 12 Read-Along, held at the Inquirer office at the Media Resource Plaza in Makati City, was hosted by Inquirer Lifestyle editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo and livestreamed on Inquirer’s social media platforms.

Among the participating schools were Doña Basilisa Yangco Elementary School in Mandaluyong City and Laguna State Polytechnic University in Los Baños town.

Launched in May 2007 by the Inquirer Research Department and Junior Inquirer, the Read-Along program aims to promote love of reading among children.