This superhero wants people to read

ABS-CBN superserye Super Inggo may be a commercial venture, but it has never failed to send a consistently-strong message to viewers that to be a real superhero, one has to be empowered by being informed through various means, which includes reading different manuscripts.

"If you notice, the characters in the series discover their past through books," says ABS-CBN VP for Entertainment and Business Unit Head for Super Inggo Enrico Santos. "Boy Bawang, for example, learned that it is tragic for two superheroes, Super Islaw and Super Inday, to fall in love with each other by reading books."

He also adds that the importance of reading was also highlighted in the introduction of the history of Bugan, ang Halimaw sa Banga, one of the series’ main villains, among other crucial points in the superserye’s plot.

Indeed, more than just entertaining the kids via transporting them into the illusory world of Budong, the superheroes and the villains, Super Inggo tries to inculcate in its young viewers the most important, basic things in life: love for family, others, knowledge and God.

This is the reason the entire cast and the production team immediately approved the proposal of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) for the show to take part in the Get Caught Reading Campaign.

"The campaign does not go against the things that the show stands for," Enrico quips. "We are happy NBDB chose the show to represent its cause."

In early October last year, a few days after the agreement was signed, Super Inggo’s work for the campaign started. The concept for the pictorial was discussed, participating personalities finalized, the schedule fixed, the photographer chosen and photographs were taken.

Photographer Dan Cercado masterfully and patiently took the pictures of the stars – Zanjoe "Super Islaw" Marudo, Zaira "Jessa" dela Peña, Empoy "Petrang Kabayo," Herbert "Kumander Bawang" Bautista, Brad "Prince of Darkness" Murdoch, Kathryn "Maya" Bernardo, Alwyn "Paloy" Uytingco, Jomar Aquino, Helga Krapf, Visam Arenas, Kristoff Abrenica, Geoff Taylor, Empress "Ava Avaniko" Schuck, Sam "Boy Bawang" Concepcion and Makisig "Budong" Morales – for four days in four different locations.

"Shooting the cast for the advocacy is a feat," says Dan, one of the country’s youngest wedding and events lensmen. "Because I get to be a part of ABS-CBN’s highest-rating superserye and of a very worthy cause."

He also acknowledges the great support the production staff extended him – from business unit head Enrico Santos to directors Gilbert Perez and Malu Sevilla to production manager Raymund Dizon to executive producers Mio Siojo and Sheila Ocampo to associate producer Maya Aralar to the whole ABS-CBN Corporate PR.

"It was not easy to shoot the cast members during tapings, especially because we opted for ambient lighting," Dan adds. "But somehow, we pulled it through and I am happy with the final product."

After all the work was done, production manager Raymund Dizon says, "I’m glad we delivered the very good materials on time."

Raymund also hopes that through the photographs, Super Inggo fans will be inspired to read and, with the help of the campaign, will realize the value of reading.