Celebrating Filipino Literature: SM Book Nook Reading Festival Ignites Passion for Storytelling

 

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In a vibrant celebration of Filipino literature and creativity, the SM Book Nook Reading Festival welcomed 500 enthusiastic book lovers to SM Aura on January 31, 2025. The festival transformed the Book Nook into a dynamic hub of literary engagement, bringing together renowned authors, emerging writers, publishers, and readers of all ages for a day filled with inspiration, connection, and shared passion for storytelling.

A Convergence of Literary Giants and Rising Stars

The festival was graced by distinguished literary luminaries including National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma), whose presence added gravitas to the event. Other notable personalities such as Dean Tony Laviña, Hans Pieter Arao, and Jayson Fajardo engaged with attendees, offering insights into their creative processes and literary journeys.

Beyond established authors, the festival created space for emerging voices in Philippine literature. Independent authors like Therese Villarante-Langit connected with readers, showcasing the vibrant diversity of contemporary Filipino storytelling.

These meaningful interactions between authors and readers highlighted the festival's role in bridging generations and perspectives through literature, creating memorable moments for attendees who seized the opportunity to have their books signed and engage in thoughtful conversations with their literary heroes.

Interactive Storytelling: Fostering Collective Creativity

One of the festival's most innovative features was the "Pass the Plot" board, which invited participants to collaboratively build a story, sentence by sentence. This interactive element transformed storytelling from a solitary endeavor into a community experience, demonstrating how narratives can evolve through collective imagination.

Throughout the venue, various activities catered to different interests and age groups. Participants engaged in lively quiz games testing their literary knowledge, while historical fiction readings transported attendees to different eras of Philippine history. The festival's inclusive approach ensured that everyone from seasoned book club members to young readers found something to capture their interest.

A Celebration of Filipino Literary Culture

The festival buzzed with creative energy as spoken word poetry performances by teens and young adults added contemporary artistic expression to the mix. A special session on zines conducted by BBZ introduced attendees to the world of independent publishing, highlighting alternative avenues for creative expression.

Publishers including Bookshelf PH (co-organizer of the event), Grana Books, and Aklat Alamid showcased their latest publications, offering festival-goers a glimpse into the current landscape of Philippine publishing. For aspiring authors, a valuable session on copyright law provided essential information about protecting their creative work.

Cultivating a Culture of Reading and Knowledge-Sharing

In a symbolic gesture embodying the festival's spirit, publishers and authors came together to donate books to the SM Book Nook. This meaningful act, witnessed by SM Book Nook pioneer Shereen Sy, underscored the collective commitment to promoting literacy and making literature accessible to more Filipinos.

The presence of SM Cares Assistant Vice President Richard A. Caluyo, festival co-organizer and BookShelfPH co-founder Monette Quiogue, and SM Aura Regional Operations Head Stephanie Co highlighted the institutional support behind initiatives that promote reading and literary engagement.

More Than Just a Book Event

The SM Book Nook Reading Festival transcended the conventional book fair format by creating an immersive experience that celebrated every aspect of literary culture. From the captivating reading by author Bambi Rodriguez that enthralled the audience to the energetic discussions that flowed throughout the venue, the festival exemplified how literature continues to unite and inspire Filipinos.

As participants departed with signed books, new connections, and fresh inspiration, the festival left an indelible mark on the Philippine literary community, reinforcing SM Book Nook's role as a vital space for nurturing Filipino storytelling and creativity.

For those interested in participating in future literary events and community programs, more information is available at the SM Supermalls website: https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/

This article celebrates the SM Book Nook Reading Festival held on January 31, 2025, at SM Aura, which brought together 500 book enthusiasts to celebrate Filipino literature through author meet-and-greets, interactive storytelling, workshops, and performances.

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