Meet the new generation of storytellers

• Catriona Xia Gacutan, a seven-year-old student, won first place in a storytelling competition for her performance of 'Eto na si Kulasa',sharing the importance of listening to parents.
• Czarina Sophia Hinanay, an 11-year-old student, also won first place in her category for her expressive storytelling of 'Ang Munting Sapatos ni Anya', which teaches the value of self-worth and potential.
• The storytelling competition highlighted the collaborative effort of teachers, parents, and publishers in promoting reading as a fun and engaging activity for children.

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The moment Catriona stepped onstage, she brought a story to life, diving straight into the world of her book. Czarina, on the other hand, took a more personal approach, immersing herself in the story, as if it were her own. 

Who would have thought these two kids, each with vivid imaginations, could make an audience stop and think? Storytelling is a talent, and books aren’t dead after all — even for these young digital natives.

Only seven years old, Catriona Xia Gacutan won first place for Category A after an amusing storytelling of ‘Eto na si Kulasa in the Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026 finals at the Manila International Book Fair. 

Catriona, a Grade 2 student at the Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong City, delivered an exceptional performance by role-playing Filipino traits highlighted in ‘Eto na si Kulasa. 

The story, written by Becky Bravo and illustrated by Domz Agsaway, is about a young girl asked by her mother to buy vinegar from the store, but goes on several adventures around the neighborhood before completing the errand. The story teaches kids to stay focused and to listen to their parents.

“Makulit din ako eh! (I’m also naughty),” Catriona playfully said, adding she wants to be like the character Kulasa. 

Czarina Sophia Hinanay, a Grade 6 student studying at Manresa School – Hijas de Jesus in Parañaque City, also bagged first place for Category B after an expressive delivery of Ang Munting Sapatos ni Anya.

Written by Maita Salvador and illustrated by Al Estrella, the story is about a pair of black shoes that realized its worth because of owner Anya’s imagination. The tale teaches the lesson of valuing one’s potential and worth.

Czarina, who’s 11 years old, said storytelling also taught her some lessons: “Trust the process, good work takes time, and believe in yourself.” 

Out of 416 participants nationwide, Lampara Publishing House Inc. selected only six finalists, who were divided into two categories: Category A for kids from Grades 1 to 3, and Category B for Grades 4 to 6.

All the finalists received recognition and cash prizes for bringing stories to life and reaching the final round of the storytelling competition. 

“Gusto naming ipalaganap na ang pagbabasa hindi boring,” said Segundo Matias Jr., Lampara Books president. “Gusto naming sabihin sa lahat na ang pagbabasa ay masaya, na nata-translate ito sa performance, no? Gusto naming ipakita sa ibang kapwa nila bata na masaya ang pagbabasa.” 

(We want to spread the word that reading isn’t boring. We want to tell everyone that reading is fun, that it can be translated through performance, right? We want kids to show other kids that reading is fun.)

Storytelling coach Raul Garcia, who’s also Catriona’s second grade teacher and adviser, said he saw her potential early on. 

“Noong Grade 1 pa kasi, na-witness ko na ‘yung galing n’yan. Sumasali siya sa mga co-curricular activities namin sa school. So from there, ‘yun ‘yung parang nakita ko na parang okay siya dito sa mga ganitong contest,” said Garcia, adding that the triumph is also an achievement for their school.  

(Since she was in first grade, I already witnessed her talent. She joins in co-curricular activities in our school. So from there, I saw that she’ll do well in these types of contests.)

Iby Paquibot, also a reading teacher and coordinator, said she encouraged Czarina to always believe in herself and her skills in storytelling.

“It feels good,” said Paquibot. “And I’m very proud because I know she’s enjoying it.” 

Sky Saplagio and Ameera Incognito earned second and third place honors, respectively, in Category A, while Ma. Daniela Mejos and Alamela Cacho also had a 2-3 finish in Category B.

“In events like this, naipakita natin na hindi magwo-work kung magulang lang, kung teacher lang, kung school lang, kung publishing lang. All need to work together,” said Daisy Callado, a teacher and reading specialist.

(In events like this, we have shown that it will not work if it’s just the parents, or just the teachers, or schools, or just the publishing. All need to work together.)

She also emphasized the importance of reading for easier learning and comprehension.

“Sinusuportahan nung ating mga nilikhang learning materials ‘yung step-by-step, ‘yung rudiments ng reading, para targeted, systematic, at structured ‘yung ating literacy instruction,” said Callado. 

(The learning materials support the step-by-step rudiments of reading, so the literacy instruction is targeted, systematic, and structured.)

Lampara Books, as well as the teachers, hope more students develop a passion for reading and storytelling like Catriona and Czarina.

“The world is evolving. Kung anong dumating, kailangan naming ituro sa bata kung ano ‘yung tamang pagharap sa buhay (Whatever comes, we need to teach the kids the right way to face life),” said Matias.

“Gusto kong ibahagi sa kasalukuyan, na itong social media or digital age, ang bilis-bilis mag-change,” he added. “Ngayon, may AI na. As a publisher, kami natataranta kasi hindi ganoon kadali gumawa ng book. Pero kailangan naming bilisan.”

(We want to raise awareness. Recently, this social media or digital age, it rapidly changes. Now, there is AI. As a publisher, we are panicking because it’s not that easy to make a book. But we need to hurry up.)

But no matter how the industry changes, the teachers simply hope the kids keep reading.

As Paquibot said: “My advice [to students] is to continue reading stories, because when they read stories, they get to know themselves, they get to discover new talents.” – Rappler.com

Angel Camille Dio is a Rappler intern studying BA Journalism at Polytechnic University of the Philippines.