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Cultivating Young Minds and Global Spaces at the SM Book Nook
Celebrating World Book Day with SM Malls
By Simpol |
Kids from neighboring communities of SM North Edsa were treated to an all-out World Book Day celebration to inspire a love for books and reading.
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Malls are usually the go-to spots for retail therapy or catching the latest blockbuster. With friends and family, it is a great place to cool down and wander around on your free days.
However, SM North Edsa recently traded shopping bags for storybooks, transforming its space into a vibrant wonderland of imagination. It is a testament and proof that the magic of reading is alive, well, and thoroughly contagious.
In celebration of World Book Day, the SM Book Nook—the community reading and learning initiative of SM Cares—joined forces with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the International Board on Books for Young People-Philippines (IBBY-PH).
World Book Day is one of the highlights of National Literature Month this April, which was also launched by NCCA at Book Nook in SM North Edsa.
A Sanctuary for Stories
Far from being a one-off event, this lively celebration highlighted the year-round mission of the SM Book Nook. Designed to make literature and learning accessible and fun for all ages, the cozy hub serves as a neighborhood sanctuary for creative gatherings, storytelling sessions, and interactive workshops.
We hope more kids fall in love with reading,” shared Joaquin L. San Agustin, SM Supermalls executive vice president for marketing. “We truly believe one good experience with a book can inspire a child’s love for reading and hope this will lead to more creative, thoughtful, and empowered individuals and communities.”
San Agustin further emphasized the evolving role of these modern community spaces, adding,
Kids were delighted to hear Dr. Eugene Evasco’s Pintong Maraming Silid. Evasco is one of the most awarded children’s book writers in the Philippines and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.
We’ve always believed our malls can be more than places to shop and dine—they are places where people can learn, connect, and grow. SM Book Nook is our way of making reading and learning more accessible and part of everyday life.”
Chef Miggy Cabel Moreno reads ‘Si Migoy, AngBatang Tausug” by authors Nelson Canlas and Dr Isabel Cabel Moreno-Go.
Bringing Words to Life
This vision of community connection resonated deeply with the event’s partners. Maricel Diaz, the NCCA division chief for program monitoring and evaluation, along with Julius Corotan, an IBBY-PH representative and the vice president for corporate communications and creative media head of the Vibal Group of Companies, both emphasized the vital importance of literacy.
They noted that stories possess a unique ability to shape young minds while seamlessly bridging the gaps between different cultures, generations, and communities.
Consequently, the afternoon lineup felt less like a traditional classroom lesson and much more like a festival of imagination.
The storytelling kicked off with multi-awarded chef and cultural advocate Miguel “Miggy” Cabel Moreno, who completely captivated young audiences from neighboring communities. He treated them to a read-aloud session of Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug, the historic first children’s book dedicated to Tausug cuisine and culture.
Making the moment even more special for the children was the surprise attendance of the book’s co-author, Nelson Canlas.
Following that cultural feast, celebrated children’s book writer Dr. Eugene Evasco opened doors—quite literally—to the audience’s imagination with a delightful reading of his book, Pintong Maraming Silid.
Finally, capping off the afternoon with an unexpected twist was rap icon and poet Aristotle Pollisco, widely known as Gloc-9. He delivered powerful performances of “Upuan” and “Bagsakan” from his seven-part chapbook poetry series, Makata Sa Pinas: Mga Tula ni Aristotle Pollisco.
Through his set, Gloc-9 powerfully demonstrated to the kids that a love for reading can express itself through modern poetry, music, and everyday rhythmic expression.
Kids can discover Southeast Asian heritage, stories, and culture at the ASEAN Corner at Book Nook, SM North Edsa.
Hands-On History and Global Horizons
Beyond listening to the pros, the young attendees got to step into the spotlight themselves. In addition to taking center stage for their very own read-aloud session, the children customized library tote bags and personalized handmade bookmarks.
Meanwhile, over at the NCCA’s ASEAN Corner, the adventure turned global. There, the children discovered Southeast Asian heritage firsthand by exploring vibrant national costumes, books, and traditional games.
Interestingly, this World Book Day bash also served as a major highlight for National Literature Month, which kicked off at the very same venue with the launch of “Lathalaya: An International Open Library.” Led by the NCCA in partnership with various foreign embassies and cultural institutions, that opening program was graced by National Artist Virgilio S. Almario.
For those looking to extend their literary travels, this open library brings together a specially curated selection of books representing:
Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia
Hungary, India, and Iran
Pakistan, Ukraine, and Spain (via Instituto Cervantes)
The Korean Cultural Center, Alliance Francaise de Manille, and the Japan Foundation
The National Library of the Philippines
This global collection remains open for readers to explore until May 7, 2026, at the SM North Edsa Book Nook.
While major celebrations like World Book Day offer a beautiful reminder of why literacy matters, the learning never truly stops. Long after the banners are packed away, the SM Book Nook remains open as a place where communities can exchange big ideas, dive into creative activities, or simply stumble upon their next favorite book.
Readers can find their next escape at SM North EDSA (The Annex, Level 3) or at SM Podium (Level 5).
