Reading books is one of the best habits anyone can have. It takes you to places you’ve never been to, introduces you to characters you actually might come across in real life, teaches you lessons you can learn at your own pace, and gives you endless knowledge that can equip you in your life struggles. It’s never too late to get into the habit of reading to help you get ahead.
Atty. AUGUSTO W. GO, president, University of Cebu: Reading has always been fun for me. It helped me kill time as a gangling young boy in school, cavorting with the Hardy Boys, imagining Della Street and Perry Mason arguing about the onslaught of cases to be resolved in court, and flying around the world with agents of Robert Ludlum. Reading in college was beneficial and inspiring. Non-fiction books have moved and horrified me: Hitler, Napoleon, Alexander the Great, the Caesars, etc.
MARLON R. RONO, senior VP, COO, Magsaysay Corp.: Reading is a passion that continually feeds me with new knowledge and ideas, which I eagerly share with people around me. It all began with the first page of the first book I read.
CHRISTINA SALINAS MANZANO, businesswoman: Reading gives you a deeper understanding of the world, and of who you are.
BJARNE SVEIN EIDE, businessman: Reading enriches our lives in the most economical way — we get to learn about different people, things, times and worlds without leaving the comfort of our homes. It is really fascinating how books can open up boundless opportunities for knowledge and learning.
Capt. VICTOR S. DEL PRADO: To keep updated and attain a high degree of confidence to perform my job, I’ve learned the importance of continuous reading. It also made my sea life enjoyable, traveling over vast oceans and seas in various parts of the world in the company of my friends — my books!
Dr. MARY LOU LACSON ARCELO, chair, JBL Foundation Maritime University: Reading is my life, my experience, my everything, my future. Since I grew up without a mother, it was through reading that I learned mothering, ethics, culture, vision, ideas, philosophies. When I read about people, I am inspired.
MARISSA OCA, president, Twenty Minutes at Bedtime — Read Aloud to Your Child: I grew up along with my children because of our reading together. The value of those voyages through books has been immeasurable. The habit anchored my relationship with my children in a most fulfilling way. I believe that a reading child will have a better understanding of the world and the human condition. Children who read will be prepared for better relationships with their families and their communities. They develop deep values, including an appreciation for the work that their seafaring parents do.
KJELL O. HJARTNESS, businessman: Looking back on the past 30 years or so, there is no doubt in my mind that reading had a lot to do with my choices in life. I was always interested in reading about different countries and different cultures, and this was how the Philippines first caught my attention.
Atty. MAXIMO JOSE LUIGI C. ABAD: Reading is healthy food for the mind. It is essential to learning. It is not only a basic skill, but an indispensable tool for critical and creative thinking.
TINA Z. MARIANO, head, Global Access Group, Smart Communications Inc.: Reading is having the power to see what you want to see, go where you want to go, and be who you want to be. Isn’t that the greatest power one can ever have?