Rafael Rosell encourages reading among youth

CEBU, Philippines – In this age of computer games and other digital entertainment, Kapuso actor Rafael Rosell finds it important for kids today to rediscover the joy of  reading.

He encourages today’s youth to value physical interaction and pursue activities that will cultivate their imagination, saying, “Play outside, enjoy the presence of each other and read more books to unleash your creativity and engage your mind.”

Growing up with outdoor games and books as his childhood pastime, Rafael (who hails from Daanbantayan, Cebu) readily agreed to participate in this year’s celebration of Araw ng Pagbasa through a storytelling activity spearheaded by GMA Network for 80 kids from Daang Tubo, Barangay UP Campus, an adopted community of the network under its CSR platform, Kapuso ng Kalikasan.

Araw ng Pagbasa is the annual culminating activity of National Reading Month which takes place in November. Since its inception in 2008, the nationwide activity encourages participants to observe the celebration through various activities such as storytelling sessions and declamation contests.

As the children eagerly listened, Rafael read the life story of GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon from a book titled, “Kapuso Mo, lawyer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon.”

Produced by LG&M Corporation as part of its Go Negosyo Children’s Storybook series, the book narrates how family values played a role in helping Gozon overcome challenges and paved the way for his success.

With education as an integral focus area of GMA’s corporate social responsibility efforts, GMA Corporate Affairs Assistant Vice President Teresa L. Pacis emphasizes the importance of literacy among the youth.

“This simple storytelling activity is one way for us to spark the kids’ interest in reading,” she shares. “More than providing an alternate means of entertainment, reading also fosters learning with the wealth of information which can be found in books.”

Aside from the storytelling event, GMA turned over more than 100 children’s books to Barangay UP Campus’ library, most of which were donated by GMA G.I.V.E.S. (Guide, Interact, Volunteer, Educate, Serve), GMA Network’s corps of employee volunteers. (PR)