Chapters of Community: Book Nook’s April Stories

  At Book Nook, every month reads like a story of connection—and this April, the chapters were filled with color, compassion, and community....

 At Book Nook, every month reads like a story of connection—and this April, the chapters were filled with color, compassion, and community. Across its branches at SM Podium and SM Aura, Book Nook welcomed readers, artists, and partners to take part in creative, inclusive, and meaningful activities that brought literature to life.

At SM Podium, the month began with a burst of imagination during the Beaded Bookmark Activity, where over 200 participants crafted their own keepsakes—tiny tokens of creativity that marked more than just pages. This spirit of artistic expression continued with the "Just Believe" book launch by Dr. Micky Macorol, presented in partnership with BookShelfPH. His poetry and prose encouraged readers to find strength in self-discovery and the power of belief.

Children and families take part in the Beaded Bookmark Activity at Book Nook SM Podium, where over 200 participants created handmade bookmarks—symbols of creativity and connection.

Dr. Micky Macorol shares insights from his newly launched book “Just Believe” in an intimate discussion and signing event at Book Nook, hosted in partnership with BookShelfPH.

April also celebrated environmental awareness through a heartfelt Read with Us session featuring an Earth Day book reading, where Anya Santos-Uy, author and storyteller, read "Alpabeto at Kalikasan" and "Pinky the Picky Butterfly" to children from the Bear Ye One Another Burden Orphanage—a session hosted in partnership with iBBY Philippines. 

Meanwhile, self-confidence and sustainability were front and center during the Always Be Chic workshop, led by author, speaker and host KC Leyco and again made possible with BookShelfPH. Participants explored how fashion choices can reflect both style and environmental consciousness.

Author and sustainability advocate KC Leyco an inspiring workshop at Book Nook, teaching participants to express their style while embracing sustainable fashion choices.

Author and storyteller Anya Santos-Uy reads her books to young audiences during the Earth Day-themed Read with Us session at SM Podium, held in partnership with iBBY Philippines.

Book Nook SM Podium also became the proud site of a significant milestone: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Autism Society Philippines (ASP). This partnership launches Book Nook’s inclusive hiring initiative, which will see talents on the spectrum take on roles at Book Nook locations across the country—starting with Podium.

Over at SM Aura, readers gathered for a special Book Talk and Signing featuring best-selling author Samantha Sotto-Yambao, who shared her latest novel "Water Moon" in a cozy, reflective afternoon made possible in partnership with National Bookstore. The event celebrated literature’s ability to transport and transform, inviting readers into a world of emotion and imagination.

SM and ASP formally sign the Memorandum of Understanding, marking the start of a pioneering inclusive hiring program for talents on the autism spectrum.

Best-selling author Samantha Sotto-Yambao meets readers at SM Aura for a special Book Talk and Signing of her latest novel, “Water Moon.”

As April closes, Book Nook SM Aura will also go on a brief pause, preparing for an exciting new chapter and journey ahead. This short intermission will allow us to refresh and reimagine the space—renewing our promise to serve the SM Aura community even better. Readers and partners are encouraged to stay tuned for what’s next, as we look forward to creating even more fascinating stories with you along the way.