Books have the power to transcend time. They could be written decades ago but still remain relevant today and allow us to learn about the past. On the other hand, they can also explore concepts of what the future may hold. The wide scope that books offer is what we celebrate every year on World Book Day.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Book Day and Copyright Day is celebrated each year on April 23 to recognize the scope of books describing it as ” a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across culture”.
“Books, in all their forms, allow us to learn and to keep ourselves informed. They also entertain us and help us to understand the world, while offering a window into otherness,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said during last year’s World Book and Copyright Day celebration.
While a lot of books today can already be accessed in digital formats, many bookworms still prefer to hold physical copies of books to immerse themselves in what they read. For those in the latter, here are some spots to visits in the country:
Book Nook at The Podium
Located at the 5th level of the Podium Mall in Mandaluyong City, the Book Nook is a cozy community learning hub where bookworms can share their passion for reading.
“The Book Nook focuses on opportunities for social interaction and serves as a redistribution point of pre-loved books of the surrounding community,” The Podium Mall said.
The hub encourages visitors to bring a book to swap with another one or just simply sit, read or share.
Fullybooked Bonifacio High Street
While Fullybooked has several branches across the country, its flagship store at Bonifacio Global City is a must visit. With several levels of bookshelves you can get lost in, the store is a booklover’s haven.
A key element of the BGC branch is a book sculpture made of approximately 3,000 books at its center which was made by LA-based artist Mike Stilkey.
Additionally, there are certain areas where there are benches, allowing visitors to sit for a while as they browse books.
Solidaridad
For bookworms who are into local literature, a place to visit is the nearly 60-year-old Solidaridad bookshop in Ermita, Manila. This bookstore established by the late Philippine National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose carries an extensive collection of books from renowned Filipino authors.
Although smaller in size than commercial bookstores, this little bookshop is known to have the widest range of titles in Filipiniana books with books ranging from various genres such as fiction, classics, historical as well as a notable selection of books from the Asian region.
Mt. Cloud
Outside of Metro Manila, a popular bookstore among bookworms is the Mt. Cloud bookshop in Baguio City. This bookstore is known for its extensive selection of books from both mainstream and independent Filipino authors.
Notable for carrying hard-to-find titles, the bookstore also features a selection of Cordillera Literature and art books and local literary titles.
On top of selling books, the store also serves as a space where local writers and readers can gather as it frequently hosts book launches and reading activities.
#PropertyReportFeature
#FeaturedStory
