Village Connect
On January 31, 2025, the SM Book Nook Reading Festival at SM Aura became a vibrant hub for literature lovers, drawing 500 attendees eager to immerse themselves in Filipino storytelling. From interactive storytelling to thought-provoking discussions, the festival fostered creativity, connection, and a shared love for books.
A Storytelling Experience Like No Other
A standout feature of the festival was the launch of the “Pass the Plot” board—an innovative activity that turned storytelling into a collaborative experience. Participants contributed sentence by sentence, weaving a unique narrative that showcased their collective imagination.
The festival also featured a stellar lineup of literary figures, including National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma), Dean Tony Laviña, Hans Pieter Arao, and Jayson Fajardo. Readers seized the chance to meet these literary icons, get their books signed, and engage in insightful discussions. Rising independent authors, such as Therese Villarante-Langit, also shared their works, inspiring aspiring writers in the audience.
Building a Reading Community
A touching moment of the event was the donation of books to the SM Book Nook by publishers and authors. This collective effort reinforced the festival’s mission—to cultivate a culture of reading and knowledge-sharing in the community.
A Day of Learning and Creativity
The festival kept attendees engaged with a variety of activities. Book lovers participated in fun quiz games, explored historical fiction readings, and joined thought-provoking book club discussions. Spoken word poetry performances brought a modern touch to the event, while a session on zine-making with BBZ introduced visitors to independent publishing. Meanwhile, publishers such as Bookshelf PH, Grana Books, and Aklat Alamid showcased their latest titles, and a special session on copyright law provided valuable insights for aspiring authors.
More than just a literary event, the SM Book Nook Reading Festival was a celebration of Filipino storytelling, a gathering of passionate readers and writers, and a source of inspiration for the next generation of literary voices.
For more information on SM’s community programs and ways to get involved, visit: https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/.
