The SM Book Nook Reading Festival, held from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on January 31, 2025, was a dreamscape for book lovers. Stories jumped from pages to conversations, performances, and shared moments of joy.
I arrived at SM Aura around 8:30 AM, eager to explore Book Nook for the first time. Just past the entrance stood a striking book arch that led into a lush, grassy pathway lined with booths where various publishers displayed their books and exclusive goodies such as keychains and stickers. Every book on display was carefully arranged to highlight its essence. As a college student under the non-fiction track, I noticed Bookshelf PH’s Non-Fiction section, which featured “The Digital Dilemma: Why Government Services Must Evolve” by Reyner M. Villaseñor, a compelling guide to digital transformation grounded in local insights and practical solutions, and “Jasmines in Her Hair: Poetry for the Soul,” a poignant collection of romantic poems by Kalpesh Desai that explores love, loss, pain, reconciliation, and the beauty of finding love again.
The festival opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, charged with anticipation. A crowd of book lovers gathered, their eyes gleaming with the same excitement I felt. As the ribbon was cut and applause echoed throughout the venue, I could sense the collective passion for Filipino literature in the air. The welcoming remarks that followed reminded us all of why we were there: to celebrate the stories that shape us and the creativity that sustains our literary culture.
I couldn’t help but notice that most of the crowd consisted of children, their energy filling the space as they eagerly participated in the “Pass the Plot!” activity. This fun and interactive storytelling game fueled their imagination. Some gathered in groups, playing and collaborating on stories. In contrast, others browsed through Bookshelf PH’s Children’s section and Tambayang Pambata books, quietly flipping through pages, wholly immersed in the world of stories. Watching them brought back memories of my childhood: the feel of a book in my hands, the anticipation of turning each page to see what happens next, the vibrant colors leaping off the paper. It was heartwarming to see these children share the same passion for books, especially in today’s digital age. There was something so fitting about seeing them with books in hand.
The meet-and-greet with renowned Filipino authors was one of the festival’s most unforgettable moments. Hearing about it felt surreal, especially since National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, also known as Rio Alma, made an appearance. His presence embodied decades of literary excellence, and hearing him discuss Philippine literature's evolution was humbling and inspiring. Independent authors like Therese Villarante-Langit added fresh energy to the event, alongside the invaluable contributions of figures like Hans Peter Arao, Dean Tony La Viña, the “Sari-Sari Stories: Family Edition” writers, Jaffy Fajardo, and Rossana Hwang, each bringing their dynamic perspectives.
The festival celebrated the joy of reading in various forms rather than just meeting authors. The literary quiz game filled the space with an electric buzz. Participants huddled over their screens, their fingers poised to tap the correct answers. Gasps and cheers erupted with each correct response, demonstrating that Filipino readers are just as enthusiastic about their literary knowledge as they are about their favorite books.
The storytelling sessions were among the festival’s most heartfelt moments. Watching children gather around, their faces full of wonder as animated voices brought characters to life, reminded me of why stories are essential. There’s something special about how a well-told tale can transport a listener, whether young or young at heart. Seeing families share this moment made me realize how storytelling connects generations.
The festival also offered valuable insights for aspiring writers. Publishers including Grana Books, Aklat Alamid, San Anselmo Publications, Inc., Isang Balangay Media Productions, Alagwa Books, Plaza Books, Southern Voices Printing Press, Tambayang Pambata, and Rossana Hwang filled the venue with books and conversations. I moved from one booth to another, browsing through stacks of beautifully crafted books, chatting with publishers, and discovering stories I never knew I needed.
As the festival ended, I took a moment to absorb everything. The Book Nook Reading Festival was more than just an event. It celebrated Filipino literature in its various forms, where stories were honored, creativity thrived, and book lovers could come together.
Walking away with new connections and a heart full of inspiration, I knew this was only the beginning of my literary adventures. My first experience at a reading festival event had been more than I could have hoped for. It was a reminder that stories can unite people, and as long as we celebrate them, their magic will never fade.
By Justina Torres