SM Aura’s Book Nook was transformed into a literary wonderland on January 31, 2025, as over 500 book lovers of all ages gathered for the first-ever Book Nook Reading Festival. More than just a day of reading, the festival was a vibrant celebration of Philippine literature, storytelling, and the community that keeps it alive.
With a lush book arch welcoming visitors into a world of stories, the festival kicked off with an energetic ribbon-cutting ceremony. “You are the community that makes a library,” said Shereen Sy, founder of SM Book Nook, setting the tone for a day filled with shared literary experiences. Attendees were treated to an immersive journey through storytelling, discussions, and interactive activities that made books come alive.
A Day of Learning and Literary Encounters
The festival opened with an engaging literary quiz game led by Robin Sebolino of Plaza Books, challenging participants with questions about Philippine history and literature. For many, it was a humbling reminder of the depth of knowledge preserved in books. “People still read printed books,” shared Monette Quiogue, Managing Partner of Bookshelf PH. “It’s rewarding to want to share them with the market.”
For the younger crowd, Kwentuhan sa Tambayang Pambata proved to be a magical moment. Classic and contemporary children’s stories, including Super Maya by Bambi A. Rodriguez and Guess How Marion Feels by Kaye Waitthk, were brought to life in animated storytelling sessions, keeping little listeners wide-eyed with wonder.
One of the festival’s most powerful moments was National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, fondly known as Rio Alma, sharing his personal journey with books. “Lumaki ako sa lugar na walang libro. Mobile units helped me. I was in Grade 4 when I read my first book and started reading comics when I was five. I taught myself how to read back then by connecting the photos to understand the words.” His words resonated deeply, highlighting the importance of accessibility in fostering a love for reading.
Authors, Publishers, and the Future of Filipino Literature
Beyond storytelling, the festival served as a platform for authors and publishers to connect with their readers. Notable names such as Hans Pieter Arao, Dean Tony La Viña, and Jayson Fajardo engaged in lively discussions on the evolution of Philippine literature. Independent authors like Therese Villarante-Langit also captivated audiences with their fresh perspectives.
A highlight of the event was the talk on “Understanding Copyright: What Every Creator Needs to Know,” led by FILCOLS. The discussion shed light on the importance of protecting the rights of Filipino authors. “Bakit walang nagrarally para sa karapatan ng mga authors?” FILCOLS posed, urging the audience to recognize the value of literary creators in shaping cultural narratives.
Publishers such as Bookshelf PH, Grana Books, Aklat Alamid, Bente-Bente Zine, Isang Balangay Media Productions, Plaza Books, Alagwa Books, San Anselmo Publications, Inc., Southern Voices Printing Press, and Tambayang Pambata showcased their latest titles, proving that the country’s literary scene is as diverse and dynamic as ever. From fiction to poetry to academic works, the booths offered a variety of reads that catered to every interest.
A Festival That Inspires
As the day wound down, attendees reflected on what made the festival truly special: the sense of belonging it fostered. “I learned a lot about the world because of books,” a participant noted, capturing the spirit of the event.
For many, the Book Nook Reading Festival was more than just a one-day event—it was a movement to keep literature alive and thriving in the Philippines. “At SM Cares, we believe that reading is a powerful tool for lifelong learning and community building. Supporting events like this reinforces our commitment to making knowledge accessible to everyone,” shared Chad Caluyo from SM Cares.
And as book lovers left with new reads in hand and inspiration in their hearts, one thing was clear: stories will continue to bring people together, today and always.
