The place to enjoy
BOOK CLUB (Saint Tonis
College, Inc. formerly
KCLC)
Official Facebook Page
BOOK CLUB (SAINT TONIS COLLEGE, INC.
formerly KCLC)
Testimonials
“The Book Club as a whole, and the storytelling sessions during lunch breaks in particular, have been very impactful both personally and professionally. As the initiator and supervisor of this initiative in my role as Head of the Library Services Department, I have seen how these activities inspire pupils to appreciate print books and spend less time on gadgets. It has been fulfilling to see young minds light up with curiosity and imagination through the power of stories. Professionally, this journey has strengthened my commitment to promoting literacy and fostering a culture of reading. I truly hope this activity will be sustained, as it has the potential to shape lifelong readers and learners.”
Divine Lovelle B. Liclic, MLIS
Director of Libraries/Book Club Founder and Initiator of the Lunchtime Storytelling Activity Saint Tonis College, Inc.
"As one of the co-initiators of the STCI Book Club, I can confidently say that the Lunchtime Storytelling Activity has profoundly shaped me as an educator. Witnessing the transformative power of storytelling firsthand – the way it ignited imaginations, fostered empathy, and built confidence in my fellow students – instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of narrative in education. The experience of crafting engaging narratives, actively listening to my peers, and providing constructive feedback honed my communication and interpersonal skills, invaluable assets in the dynamic classroom environment. I learned to adapt my teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles, just as we adapted our storytelling techniques to engage a wide range of interests within the Book Club. Moreover, the collaborative spirit fostered within the club, where we collectively created a supportive and inclusive space for all, has translated into my own teaching philosophy. I strive to create a classroom where every student feels valued, heard, and empowered to express their unique voice. The Lunchtime Storytelling Activity was more than just a club; it was a transformative experience that instilled in me a deep passion for education and a commitment to fostering a love of learning in my students."
Jeacille D. Ayeona
Co-initiator, STCI Book Club/ Former Librarian, Elementary Department, Saint Tonis College, Inc.
"The Book Club played a pivotal role in my high school years. Prior to joining, my reading skills were underdeveloped. However, through active participation, I cultivated a more imaginative and critical approach to reading, learning to think outside the box. The club provided a valuable social platform, fostering new friendships and a sense of belonging within the campus community. Furthermore, the Book Club significantly enhanced my self-confidence and helped me overcome stage fright. This was particularly evident when I, alongside my fellow club members, participated in a charity event organized by our school, "Catao, Lacnog," where we were tasked with storytelling to children. This experience, coupled with the ongoing support of the club, not only contributed to my academic development but also played a crucial role in shaping the individual I am today."
Harjay P. Tabios, LPT
Former STCI Book Club Member/ Student Journalist of the STCI Tonisian Reflectors, the Official STCI College Publication/ Now an Elementary Teacher at Saint Tonis College, Inc. Elementary Department
"I was deeply moved when I first witnessed the Book Club's Lunchtime Storytelling sessions for children. It was truly inspiring to see a school so dedicated to fostering a love of reading that an employee would willingly sacrifice their lunch break to share stories with the young students! When I was invited to speak to aspiring young storytellers, I readily accepted the opportunity to contribute to this valuable initiative. In fact, I was so inspired by this dedication that I was motivated to publish my own book, 'You Are!', making me the first published author from Saint Tonis College. I am confident that with the strong support of all stakeholders, this impactful reading program will continue to thrive for years to come."
Mayeth T. Valdez, MSTE
1st Published Author of Saint Tonis College/Author of “You Are! A Child’s Search for Life’s Ultimate Truths/ Former Program Coordinator, College of Teacher Education/ Former Director of Student Affairs and Services/ Former Director of Basic Education/ Currently the Director of Quality Assurance and Accreditation, Alumni Affairs, Promotion and Linkages, and Internationalization Saint Tonis College, Inc.
“Being a storyteller at the Saint Tonis College, Inc. Book Club has been an incredibly enriching experience. Each session is a journey, not just through the pages of a book, but into the hearts and minds of a supportive community. Sharing stories has allowed me to connect deeply with the curious minds of the pupils, exploring diverse perspectives and drawing inspiration from our sessions. The Book Club fosters an environment of growth, where every reader’s voice matters. Whether delving into timeless classics or discovering contemporary gems, I’ve found every moment to be both enlightening and rewarding. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to grow as a reader and as a person in such a nurturing and passionate group. Thank you, Saint Tonis College, for making this journey so memorable!”
Lucky P. Roaquin, RN, MAN, LPT
Published Researcher/ Peer Reviewer, Sage Publications/ Former Dean, College of Nursing, Saint Tonis College, Inc.
“A literary writer and essayist during my college days, I have always believed that the profound impact of reading stories to young children cannot be overstated. Although I am a nurse by profession, I have been an advocate of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations on the provision of quality education. My participation in the STCI Book Club as a lunchtime storyteller ignited afresh within me my lifelong love for language, a deep appreciation for the power of narrative, and a keen understanding of the human condition. Long before I could articulate complex emotions or grapple with abstract concepts, stories provided a window into the vast and wondrous world beyond my own. They introduced me to diverse characters, sparked my imagination, and fostered empathy and compassion. The act of sharing these stories, of witnessing the wonder and curiosity in the eyes of young listeners, instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and a desire to use my own writing to connect with others, to entertain, to inform, and to inspire. Reading to children has not only shaped me as a writer but also as an individual. It has taught me the importance of clear and concise communication, the power of active listening, and the enduring value of human connection. The joy of sharing a story with a child is a gift that continues to enrich my life in countless ways."
Hope Lulet A. Lomioan, RN, MSN
Director for Quality Assurance and Accreditation, Alumni Affairs, Promotion and Linkages, and Internationalization – Tertiary Saint Tonis College, Inc.
“Reading has always been a core part of my life — whether for academic knowledge, gaining insights, or simply easing boredom. Surprisingly, in 2019, when I became the Acting President of the STCI Book Club, my role of going to the library in leisure time evolved into something much deeper. It was no longer just about reading; it became more about leadership, teamwork, and self-discovery. This was my very first exposure to leadership outside the classroom and it was also a pivotal point that sparked the epiphany that I had the ability to make a meaningful difference. For me, it was this insight that motivated me to step beyond my comfort zone, inspiring me to create change not only within the club but also beyond the school and into my wider personal and professional life. This odyssey of growth extended into my professional development through one of our Club’s most memorable activities: Lunchtime Storytelling sessions with junior high school and elementary students. Back then, my limited vocabulary and fear of public speaking made this task formidable. However, as I immersed myself in reading Bible stories and sharing them with the children, I found a safe space to practice and improve. Their innocence and eagerness to listen gave me the confidence to overcome my stage fright. Week after week, this constant repetitive exposure not only expanded my vocabulary but also allowed me to analyze meanings beyond the text and lines, which further developed my fluency in storytelling. It was at a later time that I found myself more comfortable not only in speaking to children but also in speaking to the public as well—a skill that would later become invaluable. Among all the experiences I had in the club, the memory that stands out most is our Christmas party. Despite being a small club with limited members, we celebrated, not just the holidays, but also the hard work and dedication that kept the club thriving despite the challenges we faced. That celebration wasn’t just about festivities; it was about honoring our commitment and the victories we achieved together. We would go to Catao, a far flung village in Tabuk, to rea to young children. This experience gave us the realization that leadership isn’t defined by the size of a team but by the strength of its collaborative effort. Reflecting on my time with the club, I would advise our future junior members my key insight: that growth isn't only about improving yourself but also with those around you holistically. Mentor your juniors, share your insights and guide them to take the reins when the time comes. True leadership lies in building a legacy that ensures the club’s practices and principles endure and that growth is not only about personal success; it’s about building a community where everyone can thrive. As I venture through with my present life, I carry with me the lessons I learnt during my time in the STCI Book Club. It wasn’t just a place to read—it was a foundation where my confidence, communication skills and leadership abilities were nurtured. It was those experiences that gave me the courage to pursue other leadership roles and for that, I will always be grateful to the club that shaped the person I am today.”
Alexis Busway
Former President, STCI Book Club