Storytelling workshop kicks off 7th Inquirer Read-Along Festival

On Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, the Inquirer Read-Along Team conducted at the Philippine Daily Inquirer main office in Makai one-day intensive storytelling workshop, which was attended by 123 students aged 7 to 12 from schools in Metro Manila and Cavite province. (Photo by ROMY HOMILLADA / Inquirer)

The Inquirer Read-Along Storytelling Workshop saw its biggest number of participants on Saturday at the main office of the Philippine Daily Inquirer in Makati.

Now on its sixth year, the one-day intensive workshop was attended by 123 students aged 7 to 12, accompanied by 11 teachers as their storytelling coaches, from 10 schools in Metro Manila and Cavite province.

Faculty members from Sophia School in Meycauayan, Bulacan, led by principal Ann Abacan, facilitated the morning session of the workshop. They discussed the basics of book-based storytelling, including body language and the delivery of appropriate questions.

Veteran storyteller Dyali Justo of Adarna House presided over the afternoon session, which focused on storytelling techniques in eye contact, facial expressions, diction and voice modulation, poise and pacing.

Only the workshop participants, who have not won in any previous storytelling contest, are eligible to join the elimination round of the storytelling competition on Sept. 23, also at Inquirer main office.

Ten contestants will proceed to the semifinal round on Sept. 30, from which five will emerge as finalists to compete for the title of Festival Storytelling King/Queen during the second day of the Inquirer Read-Along Festival on Oct. 7.

With the theme “Hope for the Children, Hope for the Country,” the two-day festival of marathon storytelling on Oct. 6-7 at Inquirer office will feature celebrities and role models as guest storytellers.

Those interested in joining the festival may call Odeng Orolaza, (02) 897-8808 ext. 330 or e-mail [email protected]. Slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Inquirer Read-Along is a corporate social responsibility of the Philippine Daily Inquirer which aims to teach love for reading among children. Since 2007, more than 20,000 children ages 7 to 13 from over 50 cities nationwide have joined the program, which have featured over 400 celebrities and role models as storytellers. /atm