Two well-known TV personalities, Kris Aquino and Chris Tiu, graced separate Inquirer Read-Along sessions inspiring hundreds of children to develop good reading habits.

Known for their impressive spiels while hosting their top-rating television programs, Kris and Chris led the storytelling that provided the kids helpful pointers in life while emphasizing the importance of reading in their young lives.

Kris, who currently hosts the ABS-CBN programs “Boy and Kris,” “The Buzz” and “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal,” owes most of her accomplishments to good reading habits she nurtured since she was a child. Her father, the late senator Benigno Aquino Jr., regularly bought books for her while they lived in exile in Boston, Massachusetts when she was nine years old. Kris continues this habit to this day, with a new book to read each week despite her busy schedule.

During her session with famed storyteller and ex-Batibot regular Bodgie Pascua, Kris called some of the children to read along with her a story about a child ashamed of her mother being a tricycle driver. After the read-along session, she emphasized the important lessons the story wants to convey—love of family and giving value and respect to the means of livelihood each member pursues.

“It is important that you also understand what you read,” Kris says.  She also reminded them not to take reading for granted, even if they continue to watch TV.

“Pag kasi sinabi kong magbasa lang kayo, mawawalan naman ako ng trabaho,” Kris says in jest.

Meanwhile, Chris told his young audience in his read-along session the importance of reading for a topnotch athlete like him.

Chris, who is also host of GMA 7’s “Pinoy Records” and “Ripley’s Believe It or Not,” says reading broadens his awareness and keeps him up to date. “Everyday, I read newspapers, sometimes magazines (to keep me informed),” he says. He is also a bookworm not picky on the genre—be it suspense, action, inspirational, or even humor. He reveals reading at least two hours a day despite his lengthy and strenuous TV show tapings and basketball team practices.

This popular Ateneo varsity standout, who led the Blue Eagles to the 2008 UAAP seniors basketball championship, read along with the kids and reminded them: “Start early in making reading as a habit, because it can make you smarter. Don’t be like me, I started late. While you are still young, read more books, newspapers, anything that has the right values.” With Marjorie Gorospe

Here’s the INQUIRER.net VDO on Chris Tiu’s Read-Along session:

Here’s the INQUIRER.net VDO on Kris Aquino’s Read-Along session: