MANILA, Philippines - National Book Store is foregoing its usual Christmas campaigns in favor of Project Aklat, a book drive that encourages loyal patrons of National Book Store to buy and donate books for as low as P30.
In addition, for the first time in over 65 years, National Book Store is getting an endorser. Dingdong Dantes will be the spokesperson for the project which will focus on giving back to the community, getting damaged libraries rebuilt and giving the Filipino youth a chance to get an education.
Trina Alindogan, chairman of the National Book Store Foundation, points out that, “It was really a perfect match between National Book Store and Dingdong. Both our foundation and Dingdong’s Yes Pinoy Foundation support education for the youth. And in this case, our working together is really a case of the sum of the parts creating a bigger whole.”
Alindogan also shares the meeting with Dingdong was rather serendipitous. During an autograph signing for Dingdong’s bookazine at one of the National Book Store branches, the National Book Store Foundation found about the advocacies of Yes Pinoy Foundation and National Book Store founding chairman Socorro Ramos decided to donate 5,000 school supply study kits to Dingdong and Yes Pinoy Foundation.
“I was actually quite surprised by the donation,” shares Dingdong. “I wasn’t expecting the donation then all of a sudden Nanay Coring is on stage turning over all of these school supplies to the Yes Pinoy Foundation. It was perfect timing because just the night before, I was meeting with the Yes Pinoy group and we decided to help rehabilitate one of the schools that was damaged by Ondoy. So the school supplies could not have come at a better time.”
With so much that needs to be done and so much that can be done, everyone involved with Project Aklat finds themselves excited over the potential of National Book Store teaming up with Dingdong and his Yes Pinoy Foundation. Alindogan adds, “A lot of people want to help but don’t really know how. Or maybe they can only afford P50 and they don’t know where to bring that donation. Project Aklat is really a perfect opportunity for everyone to help. And imagine what a difference we can make if every single one of us just contributed one book.”
Perhaps it was perfect timing or perhaps it was just fate. But after all that happened, it was not difficult for National Book Store and Dingdong to find themselves working together towards a common goal. What is very clear however, is that at only P30, it takes so little to make a difference in a person’s life.
National Book Store’s Project Aklat runs until Dec. 31 and books for as low as P30 may be purchased and donated at all National Book Store branches nationwide.
Meanwhile, Family Feud welcomes Dingdong. Beginning Nov. 30, Dingdong steps as the game master of Family Feud bringing a brand-new level of excitement and thrill on the No. 1 game show that has endeared and captivated the hearts of families time and again.
Dingdong’s slew of achievements in the industry is beyond compare and as he sets forth on his new project, he is primed to deliver his winning style, natural charisma and energy that make his supporters swoon over him even more.
The new milestone in his career further displays his versatility and talent in hosting for the first time in a daily game show. Viewers should look forward to Dingdong’s magnetic charm and appeal as he interacts and jokes around with the contestants and studio audiences.