The SM Book Nook Reading Festival turned SM Aura into a literary wonderland on January 31, 2025, drawing in 500 book enthusiasts of all ages. More than just a book event, it was a vibrant celebration of Filipino storytelling, creativity, and community. From author meet-and-greets to engaging workshops and live performances, the festival offered something for every book lover.
A Storytelling Experience Like No Other
One of the standout moments of the festival was the launch of SM Book Nook’s “Pass the Plot” board. This interactive storytelling activity had participants co-writing a narrative, one sentence at a time—proving that the power of storytelling thrives in collaboration.
Literary heavyweights like National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma), Dean Tony Laviña, Hans Pieter Arao, and Jayson Fajardo made special appearances, offering fans the chance to connect, have their books signed, and gain insights from some of the country’s finest writers. Independent authors, including the well-loved Therese Villarante-Langit, also took center stage, engaging with readers and sharing their work.
More Than Just Books—A Celebration of Community
In a heartwarming gesture, authors and publishers came together to donate books to the SM Book Nook, reinforcing the festival’s mission of fostering a culture of reading and knowledge-sharing. This collective effort highlighted the power of literature in building connections and inspiring future generations of readers.
Engaging Activities for Every Bookworm
From thrilling book quiz games to immersive historical fiction readings, the festival was packed with activities that catered to all interests. Thought-provoking book club discussions sparked engaging conversations, while spoken word poetry performances from young artists brought a modern twist to traditional storytelling. Independent publishing also took the spotlight, with a zine-making session led by BBZ and the latest literary releases from publishers like Bookshelf PH, Grana Books, and Aklat Alamid. A session on copyright law provided valuable knowledge for aspiring authors looking to navigate the publishing world.
A Festival That Inspired and Connected
More than just an event, the SM Book Nook Reading Festival proved to be a gathering of minds, stories, and shared passions. It brought the literary community closer together, offering inspiration to both seasoned and aspiring writers alike.
Want to be part of SM’s future literary and community events? Stay updated by visiting: https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/.
