As part of our 45th Anniversary, we'd like to share with you these "Laking Adarna" stories. These are messages from friends of the company, beloved customers, and partners, whose lives have been impacted by our service as much as our House has grown from their support.
This letter is from Jay Menes, one of Adarna House's former storytellers.
To Adarna House,
As a young boy, reading was always a part of my life. But like many children from less privileged backgrounds, I didn’t grow up with many books. In our small neighborhood in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila, children’s books were rare treasures. Most of the reading materials available were komiks, magazines, and the occasional newspaper. Children’s books were considered a luxury—either too expensive or simply out of reach, with no nearby library to access them.
Despite this, I continued searching for storybooks wherever I could find them. But it wasn’t until much later in life that I found myself not only immersed in children’s literature but also becoming one of its most passionate advocates.
Everything began to shift in 2002, when I attended a book-based storytelling workshop at Museo Pambata with my wife, Mercy, a Preschool Teacher at St. Therese Private School in Mandaluyong. I didn’t fully know what to expect—but what I discovered there would go on to change the course of my life forever.
From that moment on, I never stopped reading stories to children. That same year, I became part of a passionate group—Alitaptap Storytellers’ Club—which gave me a platform to grow as a storyteller and as an advocate for early literacy. I still remember the stories that became my earliest favorites: Si Tembong Mandarambong, Si Tiktaktok at Pikpakbum, and Si Dindo Pundido. These books became my companions on the journey of bringing stories to life for children across the country.
From 2004 to 2016, I worked as a freelance workshop facilitator and storyteller for Adarna House Publishing. Those years were a gift—filled with joy, wonder, and deep meaning.
In October 2016, however, I chose to resign to fully devote myself to Storyhouse Philippines, the storytelling advocacy I had founded in March 2011. Through Storyhouse, I had already been promoting the art of oral storytelling and sharing the magic of Filipino folktales, but the call to focus entirely on this mission grew stronger. Ultimately, I concluded my contract of agreement with Adarna House and dedicated myself wholeheartedly to this purpose.
Looking back, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. My storytelling work with Adarna House allowed me to reach countless young minds—from public and private schools to village daycares and provincial learning hubs. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of sharing Adarna’s exciting stories with nearly a million children, igniting their imaginations and fostering a love for reading.
Some of the titles that never fail to enchant and captivate my audiences include: Si Pilong Patago-tago, Si Ching na Takot sa Dilim, Si Pilandok at ang mga Buwaya, Ang Mahiyaing Manok, Si Hugo ang Pahamak na Hunyango, Araw sa Palengke, Ang Pambihirang Sombrero, When Color Came to Town, La-on and the Seven-Headed Dragon, and But That Won’t Wake Me Up. These are not just books—they are Filipino treasures that have sparked laughter, curiosity, and fun learning.
Thanks to the generosity of Adarna House, I was able to build a cherished personal collection of these beloved books. My four children grew up surrounded by them, enjoying the beautiful Filipino stories that captivated their interests and deepened their love of reading. I truly believe that their passion for books was both ignited and nurtured at home.
I’m proud that our household stands as a living testament to the belief that the journey of reading begins within the family.
Every year, we eagerly anticipated the Manila International Book Fair—especially when I had a gig with Adarna House. It became our bonding moment and a most memorable tradition: during the fair, I would give each of my children their own budget to pick out books they loved. This was my way of teaching them that reading should be a joy—not an obligation—and that the best books are the ones they choose for themselves.
As I reflect on all these moments, I return to one simple truth: I owe much of my journey to the love and support of the people behind Adarna House.
To Ma’am Emelina S. Almario and the Sales and Marketing Team—thank you for believing in me and for opening the doors that led to this lifelong advocacy. To Ms. Fiona Fajardo, who spearheaded many of the projects I had the privilege to be part of—thank you for helping me discover my “why.” Your vision and leadership gave purpose to my performances. You reminded me time and again that what we do is never just entertainment—it’s about building futures, nurturing minds, and uplifting Filipino culture through books.
Through this letter, I hope to emphasize the impact that Adarna House has had not just on my life, but on the lives of thousands of children and families I’ve met over the years. Reading books to children gave me a purpose. Adarna books gave me the tools. And the children— their laughter, wonder, and questions—gave me the fire to keep going.
As Adarna House celebrates its 45th anniversary, I want to express my heartfelt thanks and warmest congratulations. You have played—and continue to play—a vital role in shaping generations of Filipino readers. May you continue to inspire writers, illustrators, storytellers, educators, parents, and most of all, children, for many more years to come.
Who knows? One day, I might find myself reading Adarna books to my grandchildren in New Zealand — bringing with me not just a suitcase of stories, but a heart full of wonder. After all, some tales are simply too magical to leave behind.
From a proud Laking Adarna,
Jay Menes
Founder, Storyhouse Philippines est 2011
Alumnus, The Festival Academy
Member, International Storytelling Network RIC and Federation of Asian Storytellers Member, NCCA – Committee on Dramatic Arts (Theater)
Member, Cavite/Imus Historical Society and Imus City Artists Registry
The story of Adarna House continues in upcoming essays. Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch the next release.