From October 4 to 11, 2026, Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain, AECID Cultura, and other institutions, will present the 25th edition of PELÍCULA>PELIKULA, the Manila Spanish Film Festival, at Instituto Cervantes' Intramuros branch (Casa Azul) and Power Plant Cinema in Makati City.
For decades, mining has occupied a complicated place in the national conversation, caught in a tug-of-war between the promise of economic growth and the cost of environmental degradation.
Bridging cultures through storytelling! 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.
Communities across the country are coming together to celebrate the power of storytelling and creativity through Book Nook, a free reading and activity space designed to inspire learning, self-expression, and inclusivity.
Stories come to life at Book Nook! 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.
This year, Book Nook expands beyond book readings with a lineup of art workshops, cultural activities, and interactive storytelling sessions at SM Aura and SM Podium, inviting families, students, and aspiring creatives to explore new ideas and perspectives.
Bringing stories to life through art! 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.
A Hub for Learning and Creativity
Attendees create their first handmade lantern, celebrating cultural traditions through craft and storytelling.
Through watercolor painting, lantern-making, and comic creation workshops, participants learn to tell stories through art. Book Nook also hosts live poetry readings, silent book clubs, and book launches, creating a space where literary and artistic minds connect.
Young artists participate in a Paint Your Partner workshop, discovering new ways to tell stories through visual art.
In Australia Corner at SM Podium, visitors experience international storytelling, while cultural events like Tikoy 101 and the Book Nook Reading Festival highlight diverse traditions and literature.
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.Brushing creativity to life! 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.
“Stories bring people together. Through Book Nook, we celebrate creativity while making learning accessible to all,” said Architect Shereen T. Sy, pioneer of Book Nook.
Bringing nature and creativity together! 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!
A Collective Effort to Promote Literacy
Book Nook’s success is fueled by communities, partners, and volunteers, proving that literacy and creativity thrive when people come together.
A taste of tradition! 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.
Visit Book Nook at SM Aura and SM Podium and be part of a growing community that celebrates reading and creativity! Bring a book to donate or swap with select titles from the collection, and discover a space where stories, art, and culture come to life. Let’s share the joy of reading—one book at a time!
For the latest updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @SMBookNook!
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
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