Rita Avila launches 2nd children’s book

RITA Avila reminds young readers not to be judgmental.

Actress Rita Avila waited long for the big launch of her second book, “Si Erik Tutpik at si Ana Taba.” But on the big day, it rained nonstop.

She turned to Fr. Cris Robert Cellan, director general of St. Paul’s Philippines, who said, “Even if there’s only a few us, let’s push through with it.”

Much to her surprise, family and friends trooped to the St. Paul’s headquarters in Makati on that “stormy day” in July.

Among the stars who turned up were Melissa Ricks, Kiray, Arlene Muhlach, Jestoni Alarcon, Maila Gumila, Afi Africa, Deydey Amansec and Jean Garcia. Singer Jamie Rivera sang two songs, “Somewhere” and “I’d Give My Life for You.”

Beneficiaries

EFREN Peñaflorida

CNN Hero and street educator Efren Peñaflorida and the orphanage Cribs are the beneficiaries of the book.

The event was hosted by Avila’s husband, TV director Erick Reyes, to whom the book is dedicated. “He taught me the true meaning of kindness and strength,” Avila said.

Her gift

“I’ve always loved stories for children,” added Avila, Ana Marie Errea in real life. “This book is my gift to the young and young-at-heart.”

“Si Erik Tutpik at Si Ana Taba” is the followup to her publishing debut, the inspirational “Eight Ways to Comfort with Grace,” which she wrote after the death of her baby Elia Jesu.

For this second book, she turned to childhood memories. “I was chubby as a kid, while my husband was skinny,” Avila explained. “We were both teased by other kids.”

She wishes to remind young people to look beyond the superficial and not be judgmental.

Meaningful

Award-winning scriptwriter Ricky Lee wrote in Filipino on the book’s back cover. “[The story is] simple but meaningful and filled with lessons: That a good heart comes in many shapes and sizes. That in spite of our differences (in skin color, gender, religion, ideology), we can strive to get along. It’s a timely message for young and old alike.”

Actors Coco Martin and Julia Montes wrote blurbs for the poster. Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes are helping promote the book.