For MTRCB chair Grace Poe, reading is evermore

Grace Poe may have first been introduced to the public as the daughter of Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces but has since slowly but surely stepped out of their shadow. As Chairman of the MTRCB (Movies Television Ratings Classification Board), she has earned the respect of the movie producers and television station owners for her even and impartial governance of the industry she was put in charge of. The public has also seen and listened to her in many televised interviews on controversial TV program infractions and admired her manner of resolving them. 

There is talk she may embark on a political career soon, so before she gets too busy I asked her to share her favorite books with us.

1.The Fountainhead — Ayn Rand

On the surface, the story is about a young architect and his struggle to uphold his artistic vision. However, Ayn Rand is more than just a fiction author. She is an erudite and articulate writer who presents her arguments philosophically, and convincingly argues the point of individualism over collectivism.

The Fountainhead is not an “easy read.” But, as you unravel the profound thoughts of Rand, you can’t help but be in awe of her genius.

2. The Camel Club

3. Stone Cold

4. Hell’s Corner

5. The Collectors ­ David Baldacci

A series of novels centered on five protagonists who have disparate backgrounds and are unlikely heroes. Their shared interest is their obsession with the truth and their level of paranoia over what they perceive as an on-going conspiracy among high ranking officials in the US government and corporate America.

Fast paced, action packed and very entertaining.

6. Empress Orchid — Anchee Min

The story of an unforgettable character — the heroine Dowager Cixi, “from her humble beginnings to her rise as the Empress Dowager”.

This book will transport you to a period that is almost unimaginable; where the cultural norm subjects women to accept self-denial, sacrifice and suffering.  One can’t help but marvel at the determination and strength of the main character.

7. To Kill A Mocking Bird — Harper Lee

Perhaps one of the most popular novels on racial inequality. The reader is taken back in time to the racially divided American South. With the issue of race at the center, the characters of Lee rally the readers to value racial tolerance, integrity and heroism.

8. America: A Citizen’s Guide to Democracy Inaction — Jon Stewart, Ben Karlin, David Javerbaum

The writers of The Daily Show with John Stewart poke fun at historical and political figures in the U.S. Hillarious, witty and insightful.

9. Noli Me Tangere

10. El Filibustrismo — Jose Rizal

Required reading for every Filipino high school student. These novels by Rizal will always be relevant. The author does not just tell a story of an event, he tells the story of the characters that lead up to those events and we see a bit of ourselves in them.

P.S. for children’s books

1. Love You Forever — Robert Munsch

2. Miss Rumphius — Barbara Cooney

Perfect stories for parents to read to their children. The stories are sentimental and present  the legacy of love and life’s lessons that parents want to convey and impart to their children.

I always hold back my tears when I read these books  to them.