‘Ready, Set, Read!’ Represents the Philippines for Best Children’s Programme at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2025
By Rebelyn Beyong
Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI)’s educational series Ready, Set, Read! was named the National Winner for the Philippines in the Best Children’s Programme category at the Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) 2025. Ready, Set, Read! was honored at the AACA Grand Awards Gala held in Singapore last December 4, representing the country on one of the region’s most prestigious stages for creative excellence.
Recognized alongside other national winners from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and New Zealand, the distinction highlights the show’s pivotal role in the Philippine educational landscape. The AACA celebrates excellence in film, television, and digital media across the Asia-Pacific region, awarding the "Goddess of Creativity" statuette to the finest content creators.
Championing literacy through media
The selection of Ready, Set, Read! as the national standard-bearer stems from its critical mission: addressing the learning gaps in English literacy among early-grade students. As KCFI’s flagship show for English, the series is meticulously designed to align with the Department of Education (DepEd)’s curriculum, ensuring that entertainment translates directly into classroom competence. By blending pedagogical standards with high-quality production values, this fun and engaging format has distinguished itself as a vital resource for teachers and parents aiming to strengthen reading comprehension and communication skills in Filipino children.
Edutainment at its core
What sets the program apart—and likely contributed to its recognition on the Asian stage—is its ability to make the technical aspects of learning English accessible and enjoyable. The series employs a multimedia "edutainment" approach, utilizing lively songs, nursery rhymes, dances, and vibrant animation to retain the attention of young learners. The narrative follows the adventures of Joji (Seth Dungca) and his diverse group of animal friends—Cathy (a cat), Ogot (a goat), Marj (a lizard), and Nene (a beetle). Together, they navigate lessons on reading, writing, and age-appropriate communication. This character-driven storytelling allows children to see themselves in the lessons, transforming the often-daunting task of language acquisition into a playful experience.
A legacy of excellence
This international recognition is the latest in a string of accolades for the video series. Ready, Set, Read! has previously received the Anak TV Seal in 2023 for its child-friendly content and a Special Citation for Best Children and Youth Program at the 44th Catholic Mass Media Awards. The program's success is also attributed to strong cross-sector partnerships. Collaborations with partners such as the Security Bank Foundation and the Rotary Club of Makati Premier District have been instrumental in producing the series and ensuring it reaches Filipino children nationwide.
Watch the playlist of Ready, Set, Read! episodes here.