I love a good story. Are stories important to you? What type of story do you love? Stories teach inspire and connect us with one another. When a dear friend introduced me to Summit Media's, Dream Big Book Series of Inspiring Filipino's, I was hooked. One of my favorite books suggests that when moving to a new culture/country you should read the important literature of the area. The stories of Nanay Coring, Ap and the Aquino's inspire teach and connect us to the Philippines. This is a perfect starter series not just for kids but adults as well.

|Nanay Coring|

Nanay Coring is the inspiring story of Socorro Ramos, aka Nanay Coring, a relentless spirit who built the most successful bookstore in the nation from the humblest of beginnings. Nanay Coring's story encapsulates the entrepreneurial Filipino spirit perfectly. Would you believe National Book began originally as a window shop? Office supplies were sold through a window and handled by Nanay Coring herself. Through hardships of weather calamities and home disasters, with each blow Nanay Coring persevered and evolved National Book triumphantly into what it is today.

“‘I wanted to help people learn, since I myself was poor but eager to learn,’ says Socorro ‘Nanay Coring’ Ramos, founder and chairman of National Bookstore

”

|Ninoy, Cory, and Noynoy|

Sometimes goodreads just says it better than I can:

Ninoy, Cory, and Noynoy retells the story of how a family strengthened by faith, molded by difficulties and inspired by nationality, became the Philippines’ symbol of democracy and people power. Ninoy, Cory, and Noynoy also tells how President Noynoy Aquino, at a tender age of twelve, learned that the Philippines is more than just a country, it’s home – a home worth fighting and living for. Not only does he carry the name of his father and his grandfather, he also carries in his shoulders the mission and vision his parents died for. A heartwarming and touching story about dreaming big, fighting hard and never giving up, Ninoy, Cory, and Noynoy sets to inspire and remind readers the value of family and love for the country more than anything. Ninoy, Cory, and Noynoy was developed with the help of Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, and the Office of the President of the Philippines.

This book was important to me as a foreigner to understand the history of the Aquino family and the history of the People Power Revolution. In addition, when we feel invested personally in a country we create positive attachment. Learning the meager history of our host country that I know, I do in fact feel more connected.

|What's Ap|

Bepot! Bepot! Filipino! Filipino! Please tell me you know the Black Eyed Peas song, Bepot? If not, stop reading and go listen then come back and finish. What's Ap? is the unfamiliar story of a familiar face. The story of Allan Pineda Lindo is one that resonates so well with children. The inspiring story starts with his humble beginnings in Pampanga and follows his journey to stardom in Los Angeles. The best part about purchasing the book; Ap donates all proceeds to his charity which supports poverty stricken children in the Philippines. Go buy the book!

The more we learn about our home/host country and it's people, the more invested and connected we feel. Whenever I walk into a National Book I can't help but think of where it all started. Now, it's time for me to make my way through some of Jose' Rizal's influential work.