Ghosts, monsters take center stage in Inquirer Read-Along session

YOUNG star Nicole Estrada chooses “Let No One In” for her storytelling session. JILSON TIU

MANILA, Philippines—Halloween came early this year as stories featuring ghosts and monsters were featured in yesterday’s Inquirer Read-Along session held at the Inquirer office in Makati City.

Rising young star Nicole Estrada read “Let No One In,” written by Gerald Tejada and illustrated by Elaine Ramos, a story about a boy left home alone and his encounter with monsters which pretended to be visitors.

Sophia School teachers Crisalie Villaluz and Marnie Buenaagua read “Si Ching na Takot sa Dilim,” written by Aleli Dew Batnag and illustrated by Paul Eric Roca, a story about Ching’s adventure to overcome her fear of the dark.

Estrada shared that this was her first time to read aloud to kids. “I really felt nervous. But since I am generally outgoing, I think that helped me feel more at ease while reading. I also love kids; it was not very hard for me to interact with them,” she said.

She added: “The experience was really fun. I didn’t know what to expect. I feel thankful that the kids … cooperated well.”

According to her, events such as the Read-Along are meaningful “because children, while they are still young, can already learn that reading is not only limited to schoolbooks that some may find boring.”

“Not everyone likes reading, but if you find the right book for you, I’m sure you are going to love it,” added Estrada, an alumna of the first TV5 reality talent search “Artista Academy,” who now stars in several TV shows like “Jasmine” and “Wattpad Presents.”

“You learn many lessons from books. In my case, reading has helped me widen my vocabulary. It is good that while the kids are still young, they are encouraged to read books,” she said.

Ruselle, a Grade 5 student from St. Anthony, said she liked Estrada’s story as it stressed the importance of being brave and responsible. “It teaches us not to let strangers inside the house when our parents are not around,” she told the Inquirer.

Estrada said that she wished that children would also learn the importance of obeying their parents and not talking to strangers. She added that the story was timely as children, through social media, can fall prey to unscrupulous individuals.

Krista, 10, said that just like Ching, the character in the other story, she was also afraid of the dark. “I always pray before going to bed so I would feel safe,” she said.

For Jerenhil, 10, of F. Benitez School, monsters were not to be feared “because they are only fictitious.”

The Read-Along session, hosted by Junior Inquirer editor Ruth Navarra, was in cooperation with Virlanie Foundation, St. Anthony of Makati Montessori Inc., F. Benitez Elementary School, Dunkin Donuts, and Jan Bautista and Hans Apolinar of TV5 network.

The next sessions will be held at the 4th Inquirer Read-Along Festival on Nov. 12 and 13 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City which will feature Read-Along ambassadors Inquirer President Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez and singer-actress Nikki Gil, among others.

Slots are still available for schools who want to join the festival. For inquiries, call Ellen at 8978808 loc 329 or e-mail [email protected].