NATIONAL BOOK STORE READ OUT LOUD CHALLENGE

"Reading not only is as essential as breathing, but just as I have experienced, it will lead to many exciting passages marked with success." ~Socorro "Nanay Coring" Ramos, Founder of National Book Store and an advocate for literacy

For the past years i grew up sneaking inside National Book Store just to read few pages and had written down some lines and inspirational quotes from different books. I remember during my high school years my favorite National Book Store branch was at Megamall, I could barely stay there the whole free time i got. Well, way back I couldn't afford to buy the books i really wanted to read if i'll only rely on my allowance but as i grew old I came to realize that i got lots of collections of books (from inspirational, entrepreneur, up to the latest pockbooks, etc).

Socorro "Nanay Coring" Ramos

Founder of National Book Store and an advocate for literacy

I am rich with books yes and I am rich with the privilege of reading them. Books have their own unique effect on each individual. When I get to hold books in my hands and flip through its pages, words enchant me, opening my minds to new experiences even if I am just reading it. 

There are books that inform and educate people, from general facts about life to how to cook exotic dishes. There are also books that take you on exciting adventures, scare you through thrilling feats, and of course, books that make you feel all kinds of love – even the unimaginable. 

Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a book and adding it to your bookshelf, knowing that you’ve been changed by what you read. While there may be thousands of books published out there, some just stick with us and are worth sharing with the rest of the world.

Spreading the love for reading among Filipinos is at the core of National Book Store (NBS).  This year, the country’s favorite book store is celebrating 75 years of creating a growing nation of readers and being a strong advocate for education. I just can't imagine it has been 75 years long since National Book Store was established and I am not even born yet not even my parents.

As part of the festivities, National Book Store (NBS) recently launched the Read Out Loud Challenge (ROLC) on Facebook and Instagram, aiming to promote the love of reading among Filipinos while supporting a good cause. The mechanics are simple. Post a video of yourself reading out loud an excerpt from your favorite book and challenge 3 other people to do it. When you upload to either Facebook or Instagram, add the hashtag #ReadOutLoudChallenge and tag National Book Store (@nbsalert).

For every 75 videos posted, the NBS Foundation will set up a library in an public school, complete with Project Aklat racks that consists of DepEd-approved books. Project Aklat is an initiative started back in 2006 by the NBS Foundation, and 400 libraries have been set up since then. Now, with the ongoing ROLC campaign, NBS aims to set up 100 libraries nationwide. 

Benguet Camilo Lucaben

With such a worthy cause, it’s no surprise that celebrities, authors, and social media influencers have taken on the ROLC.  Leading them is no less than the founder of NBS and an advocate for literacy, Mrs. Socorro Ramos or Nanay Coring, as she is fondly called.  

 2015 Project Aral Gen P. Del Rosario

Itbayat Central School Batanes

While the ROLC will promote and support Project Aklat, the NBS Foundation will also launch the 8th year of Project Aral this April 7,2017 in all NBS branches nationwide. Project Aral aims to visit and help over 150 communities who lack basic school necessities. That’s why in this year’s Project Aral, there will be two different kits: The first kit which costs only 25 pesos contains 2 notebooks, 2 pencils, a sharpener, and an eraser. The second kit costs 50 pesos and  contains 2 notebooks, 2 pencils, a sharpener, an eraser, and a pair of slippers – a great gift for children who currently have to make their way to school barefoot. But whatever kit you purchase will surely bring a smile to many Filipino children. 

These are just a few of the activities in store for Filipinos as part of National Book Store’s 75th anniversary. There will be more to come, but for now, celebrate with NBS by accepting the Read Out Loud Challenge to spread the love for reading and help set up libraries nationwide. Time to bring your favorite lines to life! Shop online at nationalbookstore.com. Visit the NBS Blog (blog.nationalbookstore.com) and follow them on social media (@nbsalert) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. 

"Read a book and you'll find yourself travelling for a lifetime"