In this children’s story, it’s not just one person who becomes the hero, but five friends who have brightened the day of children and adults alike in Kuwentong Pambata last February 23.

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Kuwentong Pambata (KP) is an annual flagship project by HEIGHTS Ateneo that aims to inspire Filipino children through stories. For 2025, HEIGHTS collaborated with TUGON Ateneo to bring the book “Ang Mahiwagang Magkakaibigan sa Bayan ng Ligaya” to life in a vivid storytelling for the girls of Tahanan Sta. Luisa (TSL) in Antipolo, Rizal.

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TSL is a home for former street girls who experienced abuse. Aside from providing a family-like safe space complete with house parents, TSL guides these girls’ development through a holistic program that allows them to flourish through spontaneous activities, including those in art, music, gardening, cooking, and sports. Thus, from Lira’s forte in music to Luntian’s knack for plant-growing, the characteristic powers in the storybook reflect the TSL girls’ daily lives.

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“Sobra kaming excited about this book kasi it’s the first time din po na may organization na gumawa ng book dedicated to the girls,” expressed TSL Director Joy Tabaosares. “I know for sure this book will inspire the girls, and maa-appreciate din nila ‘yong mga sarili nila, kasi makikita nila sa book ‘yong mga sarili nila—na part sila ng society pa rin.”

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(We are so excited about this book since it’s the first time that an organization made a book dedicated to the girls. I know for sure this book will inspire the girls, and they will also appreciate themselves because they will see themselves in the book—[they will see] that they are still part of society.)

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The HEIGHTS-made storybook chronicles the adventure of Likha, Lira, Luntian, Linam, and Liksi as they channel their powers to help the village of Ligaya. When a water monster threatens to flood their home, the five friends band together in a colorful display of their strength and, more importantly, their solidarity.

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Reinforcing the moral of the story, the value of growth through collective action left its mark on the TSL girls. “Kahit anong pagsubok ang dumating, kailangan pa rin ng tulong ng bawat isa (Whatever challenge comes your way, you still need the help of everyone),” one of them mused.

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The TSL Director, however, believes the girls could relate to Likha most, given their shared creativity and the significance of artistic self-expression in their healing journey. “Tumulong talaga sa kanila [ang art] kasi mayroon kaming mga girls dito na grabe ‘yong trauma, pero when we introduced [them to] art, naging expressive sila… From that, mas na-inspire sila to do more… kasi feel nila na may someone na naniniwala sa kanila—sa art nila.”

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(Art really helped them because we have girls here whose trauma was extreme, but when we introduced [them to] art, they became expressive... From that, they become more inspired to do more… because they feel that someone believes in them—in their art.)

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Notably, KP 2025 is the first time HEIGHTS partnered with TSL. KP Director and HEIGHTS Managing Editor for External Affairs Brylle Principe emphasized that the collaboration was a testament to the power of collective effort, pointing out how the missions of HEIGHTS, TSL, and TUGON aligned with each other. “Together, we have created a project that not only shows the importance of storytelling but also highlights the role of creativity in igniting social action.”

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When asked to describe KP in one word after the project, TUGON Externals Vice President Bea Marasigan called it inspiring. “I am inspired by the talent and dedication of the KP team, and of course, by the TSL girls, whose lively and creative spirits shine in the books, because their artistic perspective shows how we can overcome any challenge.” 

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A TSL girl beautifully encapsulated this idea of creativity shining in the face of life’s challenges. Upon sharing that she loved Likha, she explained that it is because she also adored painting, specifically with sunsets as subjects. “Dahil para sa ‘kin po, kapag lumulubog ang araw tapos lumilitaw ulit, para pong gumagawa ng panibagong araw ang Diyos para sa mga bata tulad namin (Because for me, when the sun sets and emerges again, it’s like God is making a new day for children like us.).”

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A balance of artistic and optimistic, the TSL girls in KP 2025 embody how art and literature can guide healing and empowerment for Filipino youth. Like the hope that comes with the sun peeking through darkness, stories will always be filled with the potential for new beginnings after past experiences, and Kuwentong Pambata will always strive to be that channel for our partner communities.

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Kuwentong Pambata’s book launch will be on April 4, 2025 and will be open to the Atenean community. More details will be announced on HEIGHTS Ateneo’s social media pages. Limited slots available.

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