Participants at Tikoy 101 dive into the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese New Year by learning about tikoy, its symbolism, and how it brings families together for prosperity and good fortune. This hands-on session at Book Nook celebrates culture, storytelling, and the joy of shared traditions.
SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, Book Nook pioneer Architect Shereen Sy and Australian Ambassador HK Yu unveiled the first Australia Corner in Manila at the SM Podium.
Readers of all ages gather for an engaging book reading session, immersing themselves in the magic of storytelling. Through shared stories and interactive discussions, Book Nook fosters a love for reading, learning, and creativity, making literature more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Participants dive into the world of comic creation with Kwentoon, exploring how illustrations and storytelling blend to create engaging narratives. Through hands-on workshops and interactive sessions, Book Nook inspires young artists and writers to craft their own stories and unleash their creativity.
Attendees create their first handmade lantern, celebrating cultural traditions through craft and storytelling.
Young artists participate in a Paint Your Partner workshop, discovering new ways to tell stories through visual art.
TREX Photography
Families, artists, and students explore Book Nook’s interactive activities like the Book Nook Reading Festival, where books, storytelling, and creativity come to life. Co-organized with BookShelfPH, this event brings together literary enthusiasts for an inspiring experience. In the photo, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario captivates his audience, sharing the wonder of reading.
Participants explore the art of Still Life in Watercolor at Book Nook, learning techniques to bring colors, textures, and everyday objects to life on canvas. This hands-on workshop fosters self-expression, creativity, and artistic confidence, proving that every brushstroke tells a story.
Participants get hands-on in a terrarium-making workshop at Book Nook, designing their own miniature green spaces while learning about sustainability and the art of plant care. This interactive session encourages creativity, mindfulness, and a deeper connection with nature — one tiny ecosystem at a time!
Book Nook, a free reading and activity space, continues to foster learning and creativity by offering an expanded lineup of storytelling sessions, art workshops, and cultural activities at SM Aura and SM Podium.
Beyond book readings, this year’s program includes hands-on experiences such as watercolor painting, lantern-making, and comic creation, allowing participants to explore storytelling through art. Live poetry readings, silent book clubs, and book launches provide a space for literary minds to connect and share ideas.
Architect Shereen T. Sy, the pioneer behind Book Nook, emphasized the initiative’s goal of making learning accessible to all. "Stories bring people together. Through Book Nook, we celebrate creativity while making learning accessible to all," she said.
At SM Podium, the Australia Corner introduces visitors to international storytelling, while events like Tikoy 101 and the Book Nook Reading Festival highlight diverse literary traditions.
Book Nook thrives through the support of communities, partners, and volunteers, demonstrating that literacy and creativity flourish when people come together. Visitors are encouraged to bring a book to donate or swap and immerse themselves in a space where stories, art, and culture come to life.
For updates on upcoming events, follow @SMBookNook on Facebook and Instagram.
