Book Fair and Exhibit Promotes Literacy and Local SME Products

By Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman

KALIBO, Aklan- The Activity Area of CityMall Kalibo buzzed with excitement on November 7 as it was transformed into a haven for book enthusiasts with the first-ever Book Fair and Exhibit. Organized by the local small and medium-sized enterprises of Aklan, spearheaded by Roselle Opalyn Deslate, and in collaboration with the Movement of Gratitude, Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), CityMall Kalibo, STI College Kalibo, and Kalibo Cable Television Network, the event ran from November 7 to 13 and was open to the public.

The Kalibo Pilot Elementary School Girl Scouts and Star Scouts had a delightful day of interactive storytelling, games, and plenty of freebies. Grecilda P. Pinos, the School GSP Coordinator, and Nancy M. Ramos, the School Star Scout Coordinator, provided guidance and assistance to participants and their parents throughout the activities.

Council Executive Ferdielyn M. Abayon of the Aklan Girl Scout Council actively collaborates with organizations that support literacy, life skills, and character development, empowering girls to become engaged and responsible members of their communities. A standout moment of the event was the launch of my latest children’s book, “Arryn’s Pagatpat Tree.

” While I never envisioned myself as a children’s book author, I eventually realized it was not just a purpose in life but a source of insurmountable joy. Through storytelling, I create an enchanting world that inspires children to spark their imagination and embrace the wonders of life. Seeing kids light up while reading is my greatest motivation as an author and I hope the readers will love Arryn as much as they loved Little Star. While Little Star shares a journey of finding one’s true purpose and shining brightly to inspire others, Arryn’s story focuses on caring for the environment and volunteering for the greater good of the community. Through these stories, I hope to encourage young readers to explore, ask questions, and discover the magic in the world around them, while appreciating the valuable lessons and social relevance books can offer.

Beyond the book launch, the fair also featured an exhibit showcasing the handcrafted creations of local artists and the delicious delicacies of Aklan. The Book Fair and Exhibit celebrated the joy of reading and served as a platform for promoting community connection, literacy, and creativity.

A portion of the proceeds from the exhibit was dedicated to supporting Roselle Opalyn, a Chronic Kidney Disease warrior, by contributing to her dialysis treatments and maintenance medicine for the pseudoaneurysm in her left arm.