Photographed by Kieran Punay
Photographed by Kieran Punay
Read Vogue Philippines at The Book Nook on the fifth level of SM Podium, a cozy and creative space where storytelling, style, and community meet.
After the success of its first location at SM Aura Premier, Book Nook is a community-driven library and learning hub located on the fifth floor of the SM Podium. It was created from the vision of Shereen Sy, a Singaporean architect and the wife of SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy Jr., who was inspired by street libraries and book exchanges while studying in Australia. Sy envisioned creating similar spaces in the Philippines that would not only promote a love for reading but also foster a sense of community, reflecting the Filipino spirit of bayanihan.
Designed by acclaimed Filipino architect Royal Pineda of Royal Pineda + Architecture Design, renowned for landmark projects like the New Clark International Airport and the Sacobia Bridge, the space embodies a seamless stream of organic forms with a feel that can be described in Tagalog as maaliwalas. The bookshelves, crafted from pure white cylinders and lined with expanded metal mesh, evoke a sense of optimistic futurism. These sleek, modern elements contrast beautifully with the soft, undulating lines of the earthy ergonomic benches, tables, and chairs, creating a harmonious blend of structure and fluidity.
In this modern forest of knowledge, each shelf is thoughtfully curated around a specific theme, offering a rich tapestry of subjects such as Art and Music, Health and Fitness, Self-Help, Science and Technology, Business, Architecture, Engineering, Mathematics, the Humanities, Law and Politics, Classic Literature, Fiction, and Non-Fiction. The collection also highlights Philippine History and includes a dedicated Australian Corner, which features a selection of children’s books, novels, and educational materials about Australia.
In collaboration with SM Podium’s Book Nook, Vogue Philippines now features a dedicated bookshelf that celebrates craft, culture, and creativity. Thoughtfully curated, the selection includes books that inspire, as well as an archival collection of Vogue Philippines print issues; available for visitors to browse, from the breakthrough Maiden Issue to the latest May edition featuring Pom Klementieff. As Shereen Sy beautifully put it, “Book Nook is a gentle reminder that stories have the power to connect us. And sometimes, all it takes is a quiet corner and an open book.” Or, perhaps, an open magazine.
