Read to Lead brings grandparents and grandchildren together through reading, storytelling, and shared experiences
In celebration of the upcoming Grandparents’ Day, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Sa Iyo Lolo at Lola Yantok Aming Alay (S.I.L.Y.A.) launched Read to Lead on September 9 at the Uptown Mall Atrium, introducing new Mini-Me rocking chairs designed especially for young readers.
The initiative brings grandparents and grandchildren together through reading and storytelling, creating spaces where stories, lessons, and meaningful conversations can be shared across generations.
The launch was led by Tito Alcala, Founder of S.I.L.Y.A.; Tinay Villanueva, Senior AVP and Head of Marketing of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls; Camsy Elviña, General Manager of Uptown Bonifacio; Rey Bufi, Founder of The Storytelling Project; and Elaine Antolin, Managing Director and Head of Artistshopcares.
Read to Lead brought together S.I.L.Y.A. rocking chair setups, live storytelling activities, and a dedicated reading lounge. The celebration highlighted reading as a way to nurture children’s knowledge, curiosity, and confidence.
It also marked the continued partnership between Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and S.I.L.Y.A., built on a shared commitment to creating spaces that recognize and celebrate grandparents.
A Seat for Young Readers
At the heart of this year’s celebration are the new S.I.L.Y.A. Mini-Me Chairs, smaller companion rocking chairs designed for children aged 10 and below.
Placed alongside the signature S.I.L.Y.A. rocking chairs, the Mini-Me Chairs give grandchildren their own seat beside their grandparents, creating opportunities to read, listen, talk, and share stories together.
Supporting the experience is Biblio, which partnered with Megaworld Lifestyle Malls to create Reading Lounges at Uptown Bonifacio and Eastwood City. The mini-libraries allow children to borrow and read books on-site while enjoying the regular S.I.L.Y.A. rocking chairs and their new Mini-Me counterparts.
The Mini-Me Chairs will also be available at Venice Grand Canal, Lucky Chinatown, San Lorenzo Place Mall, Southwoods Mall, and Twin Lakes.
Meanwhile, Festive Walk Iloilo and Alabang West Parade will welcome painted S.I.L.Y.A. rocking chairs featuring works by local artists, extending the initiative’s celebration of artistry, community, and Filipino heritage.
The Wonder of Stories
The launch also featured an interactive storytelling session led by Rey Bufi, fondly known as Kuya Rey, founder of The Storytelling Project and a longtime advocate for making reading enjoyable and meaningful for children.
The storytelling session was joined by young learners from Maple Bear Canadian Preschool in Upton Bonifacio, who took part in the interactive reading experience and brought the spirit of Read to Lead to life.
Kuya Rey read Saan-Saan, a story inspired by his personal life and written by award-winning children’s book author Russell Molina. It follows siblings Hiraya and Likha as they journey aboard a magical space-dyip through distant planets, enchanted forests, and worlds beyond their own.
The story captures the spirit of Read to Lead, showing how books can introduce young readers to new places, ideas, and perspectives while nurturing curiosity and imagination.
The Storytelling Project has brought reading and storytelling programs to communities across the Philippines since 2012, encouraging children to discover the joy of books while equipping educators and volunteers to carry the advocacy forward.
Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Reading
Through Read to Lead, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and S.I.L.Y.A. bring reading and storytelling into everyday spaces, giving grandparents more opportunities to share stories, wisdom, and life lessons with younger generations.
By making reading a shared experience, the initiative aims to nurture the knowledge, curiosity, character, and confidence of young readers as they grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
For updates, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call (02) 8462-8888.