Storytelling at the Mall

A PLEASANT sight greeted early morning shoppers at the Robinsons Place Bacolod last July 11, 2012, when City Librarians Merlyn Corpuz, Greta Memoria, and their staff gathered the kids from different day care centers of Bacolod City for a storytelling session at the mall’s fountain area.

The special event was held in observance of the 29th National Children’s Book Day celebration being spearheaded by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People.

The gracious storytellers, who took time off from their busy schedules, were Mrs. Cecilia Sayson, wife of Bacolod City Vice-Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson; Bacolod City Councilor Mona Dia Jardin; and 2011 Golden Dove Awardee for Best TV Newscaster Ryan Gamboa of ABS-CBN Bacolod.

Parents as well as “yayas” attended the storytelling session, which aimed to impart valuable lessons among the kiddie participants.

The story of “Big Sheep and Small Sheep” told by Ma’am Cecilia, taught the value of sharing among siblings. The story of “The Talkative Turtle” told by Honorable Mona Dia Jardin taught the value of keeping one's mouth shut. The story of “The Bad Dream” told by Ryan Gamboa gave an explanation behind the occurrence of nightmares among small children.

I’m sure that young and old alike benefitted from the wonderful stories that were told and specially selected by the storytellers themselves.
Towards the end of the program, Certificates of Appreciation were given to the honored guests, while snacks and gift packs were given by the Rotary Club of Bacolod and ABS-CBN Bacolod respectively to the children-beneficiaries. As an added treat, the kids received coloring books and crayons from the Rotary Club of Bacolod–West led by its president Cosette Villaluz.

Greta Memoria would like to thank Miss Yasmin Aden Centeno of ETCS 2 for leading the prayer, and Dr. Joyce Deloso, Provincial Librarian for being the Master of Ceremonies during the storytelling activity at the mall.