Tales of heroism inspire kids in Read-Along

Popular actor Dingdong Dantes, a Marine reservist, treated children of military officers and enlisted personnel to stories about heroism during the Inquirer Read-Along session held Saturday at the Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The Read-Along was a highlight of Marines Family Day, one of the activities marking the 61st anniversary of the Philippine Marines.

About 44 children attended the session which featured the true story of Private First Class (PFC) Nestor Acero, a Marine who died in 1972 during a battle with Muslim outlaws in Sibalo Hill, Punay village, Sulu.

Acero was awarded a medal of valor (posthumous) for sacrificing his life to take care of his wounded comrades and to cover the withdrawal of the rest of the troops.

“Ang Kabayanihan ni PFC Nestor Acero,” published by the Philppine Marine Corps was written by 1st Lieutenant Cherryl Pontillas-Tindog and illustrated by Aquisinur H. Valencia and 2nd Lieutenant Wella R. Resbo for the Saturday session.

The story was narrated by three-time Read-Along storyteller Dantes. The actor was a guest reader in 2007 with special children from the Center of Alternative and Relevant Education and again last May at the Philippine Navy Headquarters.

“The Marines are close to me because I’m also part of the organization,” said Dantes who holds the rank of sergeant major.

“It’s good that values such as heroism are imparted to the children. This is a great activity that the families can do often,” he added.

Major General Rustico Guerrero, Marine Corps commandant, said both the children and their parents were happy with the read-along, adding that he might make it an annual event for the Marines.

“We find it (read-along) worthwhile for our dependents. So we will continue to do this. Maybe we can do this as an annual activity. We can even replicate this in other parts of the country,” Guerrero said.

Pontillas-Tindog, acting director of the Marines Public Affairs Office, kicked off the session with the story of David and Goliath, followed by Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines’ Posh Develos and Juvy Ibuyat, who told the story of “Carancal Laban sa Lindol.”

Written by Rene O. Villanueva and illustrated by Kora Dandan-Albano, “Carancal Laban sa Lindol” tells of Carancal’s encounter with a wild pig which caused an earthquake that toppled their houses.

Through the stories, the children learned about the values of bravery and heroism, said  Guerrero’s wife, Maricor.

‘Walang iwanan’

“First, it is important that the children get to know the story of Private First Class Nestor Acero. We have a statue of him here in the camp and the children see it but not everyone knows about his heroism,” said Maricor, who joined the children in a dance exercise.

“Second, through the story, the children were able to understand the culture of “walang iwanan” that is highly valued by the Marines. The story was able to emphasize the idea that Marines take care of each other no matter what.”

Lulu Tanalgo, wife of Brigadier General Romeo Tanalgo, for her part, said: “I think the children enjoyed the read-along session and they were excited about the prizes.”

Becoming a hero

Keshia Joysrhen Aguilar, 9, said that the story she enjoyed most was that on Private First Class Nestor Acero. She learned from the stories that everyone is capable of becoming a hero.

Angela Isabelle T. Velasco, 11, said she enjoyed the games and the stories of all the readers but her favorite was David and Goliath. “It made me want to read more,” she added.

Adeleine Marie C. Albalate, 8, said her favorite story was Carancal laban sa lindol. When asked what she learned from the story, she said  “that it is important to be brave and always humble.”

She also said she was proud of her parents and, like the other children, she was always praying for her father.

After the session, the children were given snacks courtesy of the Philippine Marine Corps Officers Ladies Club while the prizes for the question-and-answer portion were provided by the Frontliners Brotherhood Inc. With reports from Ana Roa, Marielle Medina, Sherryl Bilangel, Roxanne Abad and Odelyn Orolaz