SM celebrates World Book Day at the Book Nook
There’s a whole world of books out there, and through books you can discover the world. Reading makes dreamers and optimists out of us, sets us on the right paths and helps us charter our way through uncertain seas. Pick up a book and get into its story, and suddenly you are not alone. You might find yourself on some far-flung island in the archipelago, surrounded by unknown people and creatures, time travelling to the past or future. You can delve into true history and discover how you got to be exactly where you are today.
Fully aware of the power of books to transform minds, lives and communities, SM Book Nook, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the International Board on Books for Young People–Philippines, recently celebrated World Book Day at SM North EDSA. The goal was to encourage children to discover the romance of reading and fall in love with words, tales and cultures. For an afternoon, a full audience of children was able to enjoy storytelling sessions, crafts and learning more about our Southeast Asian neighbors.
“Today, we’ve gathered a community of children to let them fall in love with reading,” said SM Supermalls executive vice president for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin. “Everything is very accessible on the net but we want children to go back to the basics of reading a book, smelling the pages, turning that leaf. They can transport themselves to a different world or see a different side of reality. That’s why we celebrate World Book Day not just today but every day. We have our Book Nooks at the Podium, here at North EDSA and are expanding the one at SM Aura.
“We’ve always believed our malls can be more than places to shop and dine—they are place where people can learn, connect and grow. SM Book Nook is our way of making reading and learning more accessible and a part of everyday life,” he adds. In high school, Joaquin was the vice president of the Library Club of Ateneo and understands the value of reading.
The afternoon started with a storytelling session by multi-awarded chef Miguel “Miggy” Cabel Moreno who is known for championing his native Tausug cuisine. Appropriately, he read the tale of Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausog, the first-ever children’s book on Tausog food and culture. One of the book’s co-authors, Nelson Canlas, was also in attendance.
Next was the celebrated children’s book writer Dr. Eugene Evasco, who literally opened the doors of the young audience’s imagination with Pintong Maraming Silid. He was followed by rap artist and poet Aristotle Pollisco or Gloc-9, who performed Upuan and Bagsakan from his seven-part chapbook poetry series Makata sa Pinas: Mga Tula ni Aristotle Pollisco.
After the kids met the authors, they were able to decorate their own tote bags and book markers, before exploring the NCCA’s ASEAN corner to learn about Southeast Asian stories, costumes and games.
Even while World Book Day is already over, the SM Book Nooks continue to provide opportunities for reading for SM mall visitors of all ages. Visit Book Nook at SM North EDSA Annex Level 3, and SM Podium Level 5.
