Tony Labrusca on reading books & older women

MANILA, Philippines — Something in the power of reading to transport one elsewhere makes Tony Labrusca engrossed with the experience in quite the same way his apparent appeal to older women does.

The Glorious star was the special entertainer during the Scholastic Readers Cup 2019 held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) last Aug. 20. The event was Scholastic’s tribute to its 233 partner schools that champion reading, especially those that met or exceeded the reading goals set forth by the leading publishing and education company.

“I’m like a dog with a bone when I find something that interests me, like a good content to sit down with, you know,” he told The STAR backstage after serenading the delighted crowd of educators and bookworms with his voice and good looks.

First noticed in TV commercials, the rising film and TV series figure shared his thoughts about his girl-magnet reputation that makes him a heavy fan favorite. He recalled that at 19, a woman considerably older than him expressed special liking for him.

He related, “That was a foreshadowing of anything that would happen and it’s not a bad thing. It has been working out for me and it’s a huge part of my career and it is what makes me successful right now.”

Tony would rather not go into details of his appeal for women of certain age. But he truly embraces the fact. “It used to be a running joke but now it is my reality. It’s my destiny that there’s something about me that gravitates older women,” he pointed with a rather wholesome smile.

As for his reading habit, Tony noted that his favorite books involve Harry Potter and Percy Jackson because they “entrance and transport me to another dimension.” He also buys inspirational books, declaring, “I love the feeling of being inspired.”

The actor, who is set to do an international movie, expressed appreciation over Scholastic’s mission “to encourage more schoolchildren to become lifelong readers.” The Readers Cup, which annually recognizes diligently achieving schools, aims to motivate students to read at least 40 books in a school year or one book a week.

Representatives from Scholastic’s partner schools were awarded by Scholastic Asia chief marketing officer Foo Lung Choe, along with Scholastic Philippines GM Fritzie Cruz and national sales manager Maureen Belen. Out of the 220 schools that competed this year, 72 schools won over the challenge, and the Top 3 schools for each of the four categories (based on school population) were eventually awarded the Readers Cup. 

Scholastic CEO Richard Robinson said something about the connection between successful people like Tony and the value of reading: “Finding the right book at the right time can light an emotional spark within children that motivates them to read more, understand more and read joyfully. When that happens, the world opens. Everything becomes possible.”

Tony added, “Humans are superficial beings. We want to have something in our hands that we can feel. There’s satisfaction in that. That’s why some people post on social media their book collections.”

This year’s Scholastic Readers Cup declared the following schools first placers in their respective categories: Nuestra Senora De Guia Academy (126 books), Saint Mary’s Angels College of Valenzuela (177 books), Iloilo Scholastic Academy (192 books) and Casa Del Niño Montessori School Ciudad De Calamba (152 books).

For details on Scholastic’s education initiatives, visit www.scholastic.asia.