The Ayala Triangle Gardens at the heart of the business district of Makati City became livelier on 26 April despite the oppressive heat of the Philippine dry season as Instituto Cervantes de Manila, the government agency of Spain that promotes Spanish language and culture, once again brought the Spanish tradition of celebrating books and the written word, the Día del Libro or World Book Day, which has grown to become one of the anticipated cultural events in Metro Manila and is known for its very convivial atmosphere.

Formally opened by the Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines, Miguel Utray, Día del Libro 2025 was held in collaboration with Ayala Land, Inc., Make It Makati, Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, and AECID (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation) Philippines.

Women visitors were given roses as they arrived or when they purchased books, echoing the centuries-old tradition. The air was redolent with paella being cooked at the row of food stalls. While a cellist performed onstage, people enjoyed this quintessential Spanish dish with sangria as well as the several activities held on that day such as book launches, discussions, author signings, free Spanish classes, street art making, games, storytelling sessions, and musical performances.

The book fair was at the heart of Dia del Libro, participated in by several local publishers including the newest independent publisher, Sirena Books, established by writer John Iremil Teodoro. After debuting at the Iloilo Mega Book Fair in Iloilo City, Iloilo, it made its presence felt at Día del Libro. Manned by multi-awarded actress Sunshine Teodoro, its booth featured its first two books — the anthology Writing From Home: Endless Black Ink on Rice Paper, edited by Dr. Isidoro Cruz and Dr. Alice Sun-Cua, and Iloilo City on my Mind: Personal Essays by Sun-Cua. Sun-Cua was present to sign her book.