ILOILO CITY — Proyekto Volunteers Network, Iloilo Provincial Library and Archives, and Rotary Club of Iloilo City are inviting Senior High School and College students across Iloilo Province to join the BigBooks Storytelling Festival. The Young Storytellers Development Program offers a creative learning experience for aspiring writers, artists, and performers.
A Creative Journey for Young Storytellers
The program transforms ideas into stories, digital storybooks, BigBooks, and meaningful storytelling experiences for children. Participants will learn to develop narratives, create engaging visuals, and perform stories that captivate young audiences. It is a chance to inspire and be inspired.
Whether you are a budding writer, illustrator, designer, or storyteller, the festival welcomes all students with a passion for sharing stories. No prior experience is required—only a willingness to learn, collaborate, and create. The program aims to nurture creativity and build confidence.
Workshops in Story Development and Performance
Through a series of workshops, participants will gain skills in story development, digital storybook creation, storytelling performance, and BigBook production. These hands-on sessions will be led by experienced mentors from the partner organizations.
The workshops are designed to be interactive and practical. Participants will work individually and in groups to craft stories that resonate with children. They will also learn how to bring those stories to life through voice, movement, and expression.
From Ideas to BigBooks and Beyond
Selected works will be transformed into physical BigBooks, which are oversized storybooks ideal for group reading. These BigBooks will be showcased through a school caravan, reaching children in various communities across Iloilo.
The festival culminates on November 28, 2026, with interactive storytelling sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to read their stories to children, creating magical moments of connection and joy. It is a rewarding experience that leaves a lasting impact.
Important Dates and How to Join
The application deadline is October 15, 2026. The program runs from October to November 2026, with the festival and storytelling event on November 28, 2026. Interested students must register online via the provided Google Form link.
Participation is subject to program guidelines and a selection process. Applicants are encouraged to read the program guide for full details. The organizers look forward to welcoming passionate young storytellers from across the province.
A Call to Create, Tell, and Inspire
This initiative is more than a competition; it is a community-building effort. By empowering youth to tell stories, the festival fosters literacy, creativity, and empathy. Children who hear these stories benefit from enriched imaginations and a love for reading.
The organizers believe that everyone has a story worth telling. The BigBooks Storytelling Festival provides the platform, mentorship, and audience to make those stories shine. It is an invitation to create, tell, and inspire.
