By Vanessa Therese T. Ledesma, The Centralian Link Intern

Young learners from CPU Kindergarten light up the Henry Luce Library Conference Room during Book Character Day 2026 on February 13, bringing beloved storybook characters to life in a joyful celebration of reading, creativity, and imagination.

Colorful costumes and wide smiles filled the Henry Luce Library Conference room on February 13, 2026, as the young learners from the CPU Kindergarten brought their favorite storybook characters to life during the Book Character Day 2026. It was a heartwarming celebration full of reading, expression, and creativity among kindergarten students.

Parents, guardians, teachers, interns, and pupils gathered to witness a heartwarming showcase of talent and storytelling. The program opened with a prayer led by Pastor Justine Palmes-Mije, the Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry. In her message, she thanked parents, guardians, and teachers for their continued support of the learners. She emphasized how reading and imagination can help children grow, reminding everyone that every story ultimately points to the greatest story of all: the love of Jesus Christ.

Serving as the Master of Ceremony, Ms. Chilou B. Batoon, smoothly guided the audience through the day’s activities, while Prof. Rhea E. Abalayan, Pre-Kinder Adviser, led the singing of the National Anthem. The program commenced with an energetic opening number performed by the learners, under the guidance of the interns. Dressed in colorful costumes, kindergarten pupils, along with their teachers and interns, brought storybook magic to the stage.

One of the main highlights of the event was the “Maikling Kwento” presentation by the kindergarten learners. Confidently delivering their lines in Tagalog, the pupils showcased their storytelling skills while portraying animals, princesses, fairies, and well-loved storybook characters, delighting the audience and demonstrating their language development and creativity. Adding to the excitement, the children performed the classic song “Old McDonald Had a Farm,” with pupils dressed as various farm animals, transforming the stage into a lively and cheerful farm scene.

Meanwhile, the Pre-K Peace and Hope class presented a creative twist on a familiar nursery rhyme through their performance of “17 Little Ducks,” filling the stage with enthusiasm that drew cheers from the audience. Another anticipated segment featured the Character Impersonation presentations of Kindergarten Mercy, Goodness, Gentleness, and Kindness classes. The young learners dressed up as well-known characters like Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Tinkerbell, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Rapunzel, Belle, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and so much more. Their performances showed creativity and reflected the good values that these characters represent.

The celebration concluded with a lively closing number, led by the learners and interns. Afterwards, the Alma Mater song was sung, led by Mrs. Krisel F. Fabila, JK Adviser. To formally close the event, Ms. Via F. Dumenden, Serials Filipiniana Librarian, led the closing prayer, thanking God for the successful celebration and the joy shared at the event.

The day concluded with a photo session featuring faculty members, staff, interns, and learners from the JK, Pre-K, Mercy, Goodness, Gentleness, and Kindness classes, capturing memorable moments from the celebration.

More than just a display of colorful costumes and lively performances, Book Character Day 2026 became a special moment for the children. It is a reminder of how stories shape their imagination, values, and dreams as young Centralians, which they can certainly bring as they grow older.