Book Oasis BHL

21/03/2026

This World Poetry Day, celebrate the verses that move hearts, inspire minds, and keep our stories alive. 🖋️

14/03/2026

💯📚

09/03/2026

Book shipped!

05/03/2026

A modern tragedy.

11/12/2025

An artist who bridged poetry and punk, Patti Smith emerged with Horses in 1975 and helped define a new era of American music. She later became a celebrated author with memoirs such as Just Kids, which won the National Book Award, and M Train. Across her writing and performances, she examines creativity, memory, and the discipline of making a life in the arts.

11/12/2025

British author Sophie Kinsella, who penned popular chick lit novels including the "Shopaholic" series, has died aged 55 after being diagnosed with brain cancer, her family announced on Wednesday.

Read more: ⁦https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/showbizabroad/969137/shopaholic-author-sophie-kinsella-dies-aged-55/story/⁩

02/11/2025

In less than a year of observing people come and go in the bookstore, I’ve started noticing the difference between those who are genuinely drawn to books and those who aren’t. The young ones especially groups of students always catch my attention. There’s usually that one person whose eyes light up the moment they step inside, excited to browse the shelves. But then, their friends, the non-readers, would tease them like, “Ui, si ganito, bookworm pala haha!” or “Nerd ka pala!” As if reading these days has become a spectacle.

And so, that one eager reader would shy away a little, smile it off, and quietly retreat… only to come back alone later, reigniting that spark of excitement they had the first time.

I’m not surprised. Times change, and so do our habits and lifestyles. But seeing it unfold, it’s both bittersweet and hopeful. Because even if reading isn’t the trend it once was, there will always be that one person in every group whose heart quietly belongs to books… and they’ll always find their way back to the shelves.

25/10/2025

20/07/2025

YOU’LL WANT TO SPEND HOURS HERE

DISCOVER MAKATI'S HIDDEN LIBRARY WITH 25,000+ BOOKS — AND IT’S TOTALLY FREE!

Tired of loud coffee shops or cramped coworking spaces? There’s a better (and quieter) third space waiting for you in the heart of Makati. Nestled in the basement of the Union Church of Manila, right at the corner of Rada and Legazpi Streets, is the UCM Library—a hidden public library that welcomes anyone to read and stay for free.

With over 25,000 books and audio materials—from classic literature and best-selling fiction to theology, Filipiniana, and popular magazines—this air-conditioned sanctuary is the perfect escape for book lovers, students, remote workers, or even families. You’ll also find desktop computers, comfy seats, charging outlets, and a charming children’s section with board books and kid-friendly shelves.

The best part? You don’t have to spend a single peso to enjoy the space. Just bring a valid ID, leave it at the entrance, and you’re in. For those who plan to visit often, a P200 annual membership lets you borrow up to five books, use the Wi-Fi, and return materials through a drop box when the library is closed.

The UCM Library is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (closed on Thursdays, Fridays, and holidays), and also offers special events like storytelling, cooking demos, and even self-defense classes. And for passersby, a life-sized TARDIS at the entrance serves as a "Little Free Library"—take a book or leave one behind, no strings attached.

Whether you’re a Makati local or just visiting, this hidden gem is worth the stop.

Library Hours:

Mon, Tue, Sat – 9AM to 4PM
Wed – 9AM to 6PM
Sun – 10AM to 1PM

This story originally appeared on the SPOT. ph website. Graphics and edits by Destination PH.