Isay Alvarez, Kuya Rich hold Read-Along with kids, elderly

‘OPENING DOORS TO NEW WORLDS’ Isay Alvarez and Kuya Rich Rodriguez acting what they read for the young and young-at-heart at the Inquirer Read-Along. —Eugene Araneta

MANILA, Philippines — Singer and actress Isay Alvarez and seasoned “kwentista” Rich “Kuya Rich” Rodriguez led a lively storytelling session ahead of the holiday spirit this Christmas at the Inquirer Read-Along for children and the elderly held on Nov. 28 at the Christmas Village of Okada Manila in Parañaque.

The latest read-along, organized in partnership with Okada Manila, was joined by 20 children from Virlanie Foundation and 10 elderly residents of the Santa Maria Josefa Home for the Aged.

“This afternoon we are not just reading books together, we are opening doors to new worlds. Unlocking adventures and connecting hearts through the transformative power of books,” said Okada’s vice president for hotel operations Robert Scott, who welcomed the participants together with Connie Kalagayan, Inquirer assistant vice president for corporate affairs and executive director of Inquirer Foundation.

Alvarez read the story “Wishing Well” by Annie Pacana-Lumbao, about a mother teaching her child the significance of a single coin and how it can both save and fulfill wishes.

“I would say that we, as Filipinos, should all have an advocacy like this—promoting reading,” said Alvarez, who joined the Inquirer Read-Along for the first time.

“You’ll notice that many kids today have lost interest in reading because of social media, and the result of that is not good for their studies and their growth. I think we’re really lacking in this area—we’re not giving enough emphasis on reading,” she said.

Youths and communities

Rodriguez read the story “Sa Bagong Planeta” (In a New Planet) by Fenny de los Angeles-Bautista and Elmer Gatchalian—a story about empowering the youth to engage in their communities, particularly their development.

For Kuya Rich, stories like these are excellent examples of how future generations can come together to create an inclusive community. They also help children understand that their voices matter in society and that their ideas are valuable.

He further highlighted how literature, in general, serves as a powerful tool for passing down knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next.

“One of the things people can resonate with is with literature. By passing on the stories and lessons from the past, …each generation carries forward the insights and experiences that can guide the next generation. And one of the best ways to do this is simply by sharing a story,” he said.

The read-along session was also in line with Philippine Daily Inquirer’s 39th anniversary theme “Bridging Generations, Empowering Communities.”

Children actively participated in the storytelling event through reading, interactive question-and-answer games, and a “mano po” session, where kids demonstrated their respect to the elderly participants.

Interaction

The event went beyond storytelling, offering attendees a fountain show, a tour of the Christmas Village, relaxing massages, delicious food and snacks, and a chance to meet Okada’s mascot. Participants were also treated to gifts from both the Inquirer and Okada.

Czarina Allen Santos, resource development officer at Virlanie Foundation, shared that the program’s engagement between children and the elderly is especially meaningful for the kids, who don’t often have the opportunity to interact with grandparents.

Sister Concepcion Heras of the Santa Maria Josefa Home for the Aged noted that the participants from her group enjoyed the program, learning valuable lessons even as they also shared their insights with the children.

The read-along session was hosted by Inquirer Lifestyle writing editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo.

Launched in 2007, the read-along is an Inquirer corporate social responsibility project that encourages reading habits among children. —Nathalie Grace Adalid, Inquirer Research