Daily TribuneShare
(L-R): SM Cares assistant vice president Richard Caluyo, SM Book Nook Reading Festival co-organizer and BookShelfPH co-founder Monette Quiogue, and SM Aura regional operations head Stephanie Co
The "Pass the Plot" board at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival ignites collaborative storytelling, inviting participants to build a narrative sentence by sentence.
National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma) inspires readers and shares his literary journey at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival at SM Aura.
Authors and publishers, with SM Book Nook pioneer Shereen Sy (8th from right), unite to donate books at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival, promoting a love of reading.
The audience is enthralled as author Bambi Rodriguez reads from her latest work.
Last 31 January 2025, the SM Book Nook Reading Festival, held in SM Aura, drew 500 book lovers of all ages for a dynamic celebration of Filipino literature and creativity. Visitors were treated to author meet-and-greets, lively performances, and informative workshops, providing them with a rich array of literary experiences.
One of the festival's highlights was the launch of SM Book Nook's innovative "Pass the Plot" board. This interactive activity encouraged participants to co-create a story, sentence by sentence, showcasing their collective creativity.
A major highlight of the event was the presence of renowned literary personalities such as National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma), Dean Tony Laviña, Hans Pieter Arao, and Jayson Fajardo. Attendees had the unique opportunity to connect with these esteemed authors, get their books signed, and engage in insightful conversations. The festival also showcased emerging talent, with popular independent authors like Therese Villarante-Langit connecting with readers and sharing their work.
A heartwarming moment unfolded when publishers and authors united for a meaningful cause — donating books to the SM Book Nook. This symbolic gesture underscored the collective mission of promoting a culture of reading and knowledge-sharing.
The festival buzzed with activity throughout the day. Attendees participated in fun quiz games, delved into historical fiction readings, and engaged in thought-provoking book club discussions. Spoken word poetry performances by teens and young adults added a contemporary flair, while a session on zines with BBZ offered a glimpse into the world of independent publishing. Publishers like Bookshelf PH, Grana Books, and Aklat Alamid showcased their latest titles, and a special session on copyright law provided valuable information for aspiring authors.
The SM Book Nook Reading Festival proved to be more than just a book event. It was a lively community gathering, a celebration of Filipino storytelling, and a source of inspiration for both established and aspiring writers.
