Mayor Duterte and the making of Davao (Book Launching)

Unveiling of the Duterte Book (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

As you enter the doors of the SMX Convention Center, you will notice the Indian inspired doorways and cocktail area.

In a memorable evening of August 5, 2016, Filipinos and the Indian community in Davao City gathered to witness the much awaited launching of the book that sets its lens to Mayor now President Rody Duterte and the transformation of Davao City.

The project is a collaborated efforts of the Davao Christian Bible Channel, Inc., and the Davao Medical Education & Management Services  headed by Dr. David Pillai. 

Ms. Abrina giving her Opening and Thanksgiving Message to the audience (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

The President wasn't able to grace the event however he was duly represented by Atty. Melchor Quitain Sr. Atty. Quitain mentioned in his speech that there are two irony that can be seen in the event. First, there are much more Indian people present in the launching than Filipinos gracing the event. The DMEMS gathered their Indian national students during the event to see and support the project which also speaks of the good relationship India and Davao City has. 

The second irony was, it took a foreigner (Indian) to compile all the details, information and to actualize a book about the City's beloved mayor and it's transformation. For Dr. Pillai, it is the Indian community's, also his, form of gratitude to the mayor and the city for accommodating the Indian students in their academic journey in the city. This also extends to the good and friendly relation we have to India.

Dr. Pillai giving his message (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Chief Legal Counsel Salvador "Sal" Panelo (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

With the joy of having Davao City as a partner of the Indian community, the book launching was graced by the Ambassador of India to the Philippines himself, H.E Lalduhthlana Ralte and the Official Representative of Philippines to India H.E Teresita Daza.

H.E Lalduhthlana Ralte, Ambassador of India to the Philippines (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

In the speech of Dr. Pillai, he said that compiling the bits of history and the vital information about the mayor wasn't easy at all. They even collaborated with the writers of Piglasapat (a political student organization from the Ateneo de Davao University) to make the research more efficient.

Some copies of the book were donated to the City Government of Davao and the proceeds of the first 1,000 copies will be donated to President Duterte's charity projects.

Dr. Pillai receiving a plaque from the City Government of Davao (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Let's grab a copy of the book and get to know more of Davao City and President Rody Duterte.

(Photo credit: Team Acosta)

(Photo credit: Team Acosta)

(Photo credit: Team Acosta)

(Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Team Acosta: Representatives (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

National Children's Book Reading Day 2016

Grades 2-4 students of UIC attentively participating to the story telling of Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

In the middle of the SM Lanang Premier were kids in pink gathered for a fun learning activity.

As part of the celebration of the National Children's Book Reading Day 2016, the SM Cares organized this simple yet fun way of story telling. In partnership with Unicef, National Bookstore, Vibal and SM Cares, the students of the University of Immaculate Conception were able to hear stories told by Supermom, Sarah Gilomen Vilasco and Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta.

Grades 2-4 students of UIC attentively participating to the story telling of Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Grades 2-4 students of UIC attentively participating to the story telling of Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Councilor Acosta read "Ang Dalawang Haring Siga" to the kids. They gathered near Councilor Acosta and listened very carefully. The kids were so attentive that whenever Councilor Acosta asks questions in between, they accurately answer. They even give answers that seemed to be too advanced for a kid to know. The aim of the activity is for children to learn life lessons from wonderful books and help them appreciate the value of reading in this modern era where technology and gadgets dominate.

Children receiving their gift packs from SM Cares (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Children receiving their gift packs from SM Cares (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

After all the story telling, the kids received gifts from the SM management and shared donuts from Krispy Kreme. Overall, the activity was filled with smiles and new learning that the kids receive from the moral of the stories. 

UIC Gradeschool teachers posing with Ms. Sarah and Councilor Mabel Acosta (Photo credit: Team Acosta)

Further Knowledge:

Emotionally engaging stories affect more areas of the brain than rational, data-driven messages – meaning that they are far more likely to resonate with your employees.

Source: https://www.melcrum.com/research/strategy-planning-tactics/science-behind-storytelling