Celebs’ fave reads—and what they wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole

First of two parts

If not for the opportunity to connect with their supporters or promote themselves for free, many show biz celebrities said they prefer making themselves scarce on social media.

Asked what they enjoy doing in their spare time, most of the celebrities we interviewed said they would rather read a good book.

To coincide with the 131st anniversary of the National Library of the Philippines yesterday, we asked about the topics that our favorite stars prefer—and avoid—reading during their downtime.

Sue Ramirez

SUE RAMIREZ

Actress Sue Ramirez is surprisingly into the more serious stuff.
“I’m very interested in reading about history and science, as well as on mental illnesses,” she told the Inquirer.

“These days, people don’t pay much attention to mental illness. They brush it aside and say that it’s all in the mind. Yes, it is a psychological thing; this is why we have to pay more attention to it. It has taken the lives of many victims.”

Sue said she hardly reads news stories these days.

The actress, who in the past has become the topic of news stories herself, observed: “The real world has become too toxic already. The last time I checked the news, a mayor was shot to death. I’ve decided to just pray for everyone, for things to be all right again. I guess that’s what all of us want, anyway.”

Jun Robles Lana

JUN ROBLES LANA

Filmmaker Jun Robles Lana couldn’t agree more.

He said reading about politics has become “so stressful. It’s like people are being vocal online, but nothing truly concrete is happening. No one is taking physical action. It can get frustrating.”

This is why Jun prefers reading human interest stories, “and those two- or three-minute reads that we find online. To me, they’re relaxing. I don’t have to think so much,” he explained.

“If I have a little more time, I look for stories based on real events,” he pointed out. “It can be a book, a documentary or a short clip.”

Winwyn Marquez

WINWYN MARQUEZ

When she isn’t busy, actress-beauty queen Winwyn Marquez reads romantic novels, especially those by Colleen Hoover, and adult fiction books by Jenny Han.
“Nakakakilig. They transport you to a different dimension… and to different realities,” she observed. “I don’t like suspense or horror stories, or those with a lot of killings. I avoid them and prefer the easy-reads.”

Noel Comia Jr.

NOEL COMIA JR.

When he isn’t busy with film and TV projects, Noel Comia Jr. (“Kiko Boksingero”) is a regular student at OB Montessori in Greenhills, San Juan.

“I do school work every day. During my downtime, I like reading mystery and science-fiction books. I also like historical books,” the young actor said. “I don’t have a topic that I avoid. Even politics entertains me. If you want someone to talk to about your political views, just look for me.”

ARTHUR SOLINAP

Actor Arthur Solinap has been into biographical books lately, particularly those dishing about the lives of famous sports personalities.

“I’m currently reading something on (former professional basketball player) Allen Iverson. I haven’t finished it yet, though,” he shared with the Inquirer.

Arthur said he doesn’t like thrillers, “not because I’m easily spooked. I avoid it because, since I’m relaxing, I don’t want to think too much, especially when I’m left alone at home. I just want to read feel-good things.”

Depending on his mood, Arthur said he could read fiction, too, “but it has to be something that I could easily finish. I don’t want those that will make you wait for a whole year for the next installment.”

(Conclusion tomorrow)