Janine Gutierrez encourages kids to keep reading, make friends

Actress Janine Gutierrez, one of Inquirer Read-Along’s storytellers for the month of September, asks the eager students about the story they have read. JOHN PAUL R. AUTOR/INQUIRER

“Always stay curious and keep reading,” actress Janine Gutierrez encouraged children as she read Ines Bautista Yao’s “A Place Called Home” during the Inquirer Read-Along held early Saturday morning.

The story is about a young child’s quest to make new friends in his new home. The book is part of DMCI Homes’ Bata, TARA na! project that aims promote the love for reading.

During her storytelling, Gutierrez, who was greeted with loud shrieks, also encouraged the children to make friends.

“I wish that the children learned to be sensitive and friendly to other kids they interact with. I hope they learn to always be willing to listen and be kind to others. I hope they learn the value of friends so they would never feel alone.”

Gutierrez advised children to just keep reading and try different genres until they find what materials they would like.

“I asked the children if they like reading and many raised their hands. I asked what their favorite books to read are and they had different answers like science, fantasy, or history. So I think the best way to encourage children to read more is to let them read a wide variety of books and help them find what they are really interested in,” she said.

Other featured readers were 2016 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino awardees teacher Rujealyn Cancino, Col. Jocelyn Turla, and Police Chief Insp. Ryan Manongdo, and Sophia School principal Ann Abacan.

Around 120 children from Mandaluyong Elementary School, Gregorio del Pilar Elementary School, San Antonio Village Elementary School, Makati Sporting Association and Virlanie Foundation attended the event.

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