Hidilyn makes it a weighty ‘Read-Along’ session
Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz led the storytellers at the first Inquirer Read-Along session of the year.
Diaz was joined on Tuesday by Basa Bookstore and The Storytelling Project founder Rey Bufi, in a session that gathered pupils from Marikina City and Cavite and Camarines Sur provinces.
The day’s stories imparted lessons on the safe and responsible use of the internet.
Sponsored by PLDT, Smart and the Department of Justice-Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-Iacat), the activity coincided with the observance of Safer Internet Day, an international effort aimed at protecting children from online dangers.
Around 30 students from Saint Alphonsus Liguori Integrated School in Cavite and Victorious Home School in Marikina City took part in the activity held at the Inquirer’s main office in Makati City, as part of the newspaper’s long-running program to promote the love of reading among the youth.
The Read-Along session was also streamed live on Facebook, with Grades 5 and 6 students from Sabang Elementary School in Sabang, San Jose, Camarines Sur, joining the session virtually.
Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne Lapuz of DOJ-Iacat underscored the significance of protecting youth in digital spaces, while Philippine Daily Inquirer president and CEO Rudyard Arbolado encouraged the participants to remember the lessons from the stories and share them with their families.
Real-life connections
One of the highlights of the event was Diaz’s reading of “What I Cannot Find in Google,” a story written by Genaro Gojo Cruz that explores the importance of human experiences and real-life connections that go beyond what a simple online search can provide.
In an interview, Diaz, who won the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 2021, shared her passion for reading and how books had helped shape her understanding of life.
“It’s important to believe in yourself because no one—no bully or anyone who says you can’t do it—truly defines you. At the end of the day, what matters most is what you tell yourself,” she said.
After her reading session, Diaz thrilled the children by showcasing her Olympian strength, lifting a few of them with her arms.
Bufi, a seasoned storyteller, read “Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala,” a storybook developed by PLDT and Smart in collaboration with Kids for Kids PH and the Positive Youth Development Network. The story follows the journey of a young girl who explores the metaverse and learns about her rights and the potential dangers of the digital world.
Critical thinking
Bufi, in an interview, emphasized that stories could empower children to navigate topics that were difficult to discuss.
“We can’t stop the spread of technology, and all sorts of information is available online now, too. So what we need to develop among kids—that we can also develop through storytelling—is critical thinking,” Bufi said.
“When they grow up, they can practice critical thinking skills by asking questions,” he added.
Safer Internet Day, according to PLDT and Smart assistant vice president and head of stakeholder management Stephanie Orlino, is intended to encourage everyone who uses the internet to spread awareness on how they can make online spaces safer and kinder.
The session was hosted by Inquirer Lifestyle writing editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo. Also present at the event was Inquirer assistant vice president for corporate affairs and Inquirer Foundation executive director Connie Kalagayan, who gave the closing remarks.
