DON Manuel H. Gutierrez Sr. Elementary School of Matina District, Davao City, held its annual Book Character Costume Parade on Friday, November 22, 2024, celebrating reading, imagination, and creativity. The highly anticipated event was attended by several students, teachers, and even parents, who dressed up as their beloved book characters and paraded around the school's gymnasium.
Several book characters, from classic literature to modern favorites, were brought to life as participants donned colorful costumes of superheroes, fairies, princesses and princes, and even legendary but lesser-known characters.
Janna Gwenn D. Montalvo, a third-grade student, said dressing up as Ariel the Mermaid is perfect for her since she loves reading magical stories.
"I even have my red wig and tail-inspired skirt!” she enthused.
Montalvo's classmate, Bea Corisis also joined as Princess Belle of "Beauty and the Beast".
The Grade 2 teachers also joined in the fun as they dressed themselves as Minions, while third-grade teachers were dressed as Alice in Wonderland. Grade 5 and 6 teachers also dressed as Dalmatians and Pirates, respectively.
Reading coordinator and fourth-grade teacher Irish Gonzaga said that the book character parade is more than just a costume event; it’s a way to encourage a love of reading and creativity in students.
“The parade is a wonderful way to bring books to life and inspire our students,” Gonzaga added.
The participants were judged after the parade where winners in every grade level were awarded for having the best character costume.
The event did not only earned praise of the students but parents as well, noting that it fostered a sense of community and enthusiasm for literacy.
“This is something my kid looks forward to every year,” said Regill Etulle , whose child dressed as clown, and received a special award for having the best book character costume in Grade 4.
For Don Manuel H. Gutierrez Sr. Elem. School, the Book Character Parade is a beloved tradition that continues to remind everyone that reading is not only educational but magical.
The event is in celebration of 2024 Pambansang Buwan at Araw ng Pagbasa (PBAP), which is held every November, with the theme “Sa Pagbasa May Pag-asa". Janice D. Montalvo ,EdD, Don Manuel H. Gutierrez Sr. Elementary School, Matina District, Division of Davao City
