SM Book Nook, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the International Board on Books for Young People-Philippines (IBBY-PH), recently marked World Book Day at SM North Edsa with distinguished authors and artists coming together to celebrate the power of stories and inspire a love for books and reading among children.
The celebration is one of the program highlights of SM Book Nook, the community reading and learning space of SM Cares, making literature and learning accessible and fun for all ages through year-round activities such as book readings, storytelling sessions, workshops, and creative gatherings.
“We hope more kids fall in love with reading. 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,” shared SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin. “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”, he added.
Event partners NCCA Division Chief for Program Monitoring and Evaluation Maricel Diaz and IBBY-PH representative and Vibal Group of Companies Vice President for Corporate Communications and Creative Media Head Julius Corotan, also emphasized the importance of reading and the ability of stories to shape young minds and connect cultures, generations, and communities.
Bringing stories to life was multi-awarded chef and cultural advocate Miguel “Miggy” Cabel Moreno, who captivated young audiences from the mall’s neighboring communities with Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug, the first-ever children’s book about Tausug cuisine and culture – the attendance of one of the book’s co-authors, Nelson Canlas, made the read-aloud session even more special for the kids. Meanwhile, celebrated children’s book writer Dr. Eugene Evasco opened doors – quite literally – to the young audiences’ imagination and curiosity with a delightful reading of his book, Pintong Maraming Silid. Capping off the afternoon was rap icon 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 – showing how stories and a love of reading can come to life through poetry, music, and everyday expression.
Kids enjoyed meeting the guest readers, personalizing their very own library tote bags and bookmarks, and took centerstage in a read-aloud session of their very own. At the NCCA’s ASEAN Corner, kids discovered Southeast Asian stories and heritage through national costumes, books, and games.
World Book Day is one of the highlights of National Literature Month, which was also launched at Book Nook in SM North Edsa with “Lathalaya: An International Open Library”. Led by the NCCA, in partnership with foreign embassies and cultural institutions, the opening program was graced by National Artist Virgilio S. Almario. The open library brings together a specially curated selection of books from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hungary, India, Iran, Pakistan, Ukraine, Spain/Instituto Cervantes, Korean Cultural Center, Alliance Francaise de Manille, Japan Foundation, and the National Library of the Philippines – available for readers to explore until May 7, 2026 at Book Nook, SM North Edsa.
While occasions like these serve as meaningful reminders of why books and reading matter – the stories and learning continue at your most-loved SM Book Nook, where communities can exchange ideas, participate in creative and educational activities, or discover their next favorite story. Book Nook is located at SM North EDSA (The Annex, Level 3) and SM Podium (Level 5).
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About SM Cares
As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into long-lasting, impactful improvement.
About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences.
As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations.