The young tells, as they are the narrators of the time.
At this year’s Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), young Filipino storytellers from Grades 1 to 6 took center stage during the annual Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026 competition. As these enthusiastic kids brought beloved Lampara Books stories to life, they showcased not only their vibrant creativity and stage presence, but also built a deeper appreciation for Filipino literature.
Even in today’s increasingly digital world, the competition highlighted how vital reading remains for developing confidence, critical thinking, self-expression, and social awareness. Reflecting this passion, Mr. Segundo Matias Jr., President of Lampara Publishing House, shared a brief quote that underscores their core advocacy:
Makinig tayo sa mga bata”
Advocating For Children’s Literacy and Comprehension
Furthermore, Lampara Books actively champions true reading comprehension through Let’s Read! Magbasa Tayo!, an explicit and systematic learning resource created by Reading Intervention Specialist Teacher Daisy Jane Calado.
Serving as one of the semi-finals judges, Teacher Daisy observed:
Napakahuhusay ng mga bata in terms of sa stage presence and voice. Pero, napaka-konti lang ng nakapagtawid ng mensaheng kwento. So that tells us a lot about comprehension.”
She adds,
Bago ka makapagkwento, kailangang nauunawaan ko ang kwento mo.”
To bridge this gap, the Magbasa Tayo! initiative offers targeted, step-by-step guidance tailored to each learner’s specific needs. As Teacher Daisy shared:
Pupuntahan natin yung mga bata where they are. Kung nasaan yung difficulty nila sa pagbabasa, merong material na para sa kanila”
Consequently, when children genuinely comprehend what they read, everything else follows. Those who understand their stories stand out effortlessly, keeping intentional communication, understanding, and personal connection at the very heart of reading.
Over 416 Batang Kuwentista Shared their Stories
Meanwhile, this year’s contest brought together over 416 participants representing public, private, Catholic, Montessori, integrated, alternative, and homeschool communities across the nation. Every child brought a published Lampara storybook to life through creative storytelling, filling the SMX Convention stage area with an enthusiastic crowd of supporting parents and friends.
In Category A (Grades 1 to 3), the top finalists delivered captivating performances: Catriona Xia C. Gatucan from Jose Rizal University performed Becky Bravo’s ‘Eto na si Kulasa (illustrated by Domz Agsaway); Zander Skye H. Saplagio from Notre Dame of Greater Manila presented Lauren V. Macaraeg’s Ang Mahiwagang Bag ni Mama (also illustrated by Domz Agsaway); and Ameera Estelle E. Incognito from Saint Alphonsus Liguori Integrated School shared Mark Norman Boquiren’s Ang Mahalagang Misyon ng mga Batang Pekiro (illustrated by Lui Buan).
Similarly, Category B (Grades 4 to 6) showcased remarkable talent: Czarina Sophia L. Hinanay from Manresa School performed Maita S. Salvador’s Ang Munting Sapatos ni Anya (illustrated by Al Estrella); Ma. Daniela C. Mejos from Cresdaville Elementary School presented Genaro R. Gojo Cruz’s Ina ng mga Pusakal (illustrated by John Ronnel Popa); and Alamela G. Cacho from Meridian International Learning Experience performed Jaylord S. Losabia’s Si Toyo at si Suka.
Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026
Ultimately, Lampara displayed the official winner board at the event stage area.
For Category A, Catriona Xia C. Gatucan won 1st place, Zander Skye H. Saplagio earned 2nd place, and Ameera Estelle E. Incognito took 3rd place. Over in Category B, Czarina Sophia L. Hinanay claimed 1st place, followed by Ma. Daniela C. Mejos in 2nd place, and Alamela G. Cacho in 3rd place.
Regardless of final placements, every child who participated proved that reading is a powerful catalyst for positive change—because, after all, a child who reads is a child who leads!
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