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Our country is the so-called “Pearl of the Orient”. But of course. This is not to say, however, that we can’t celebrate with the rest of the Western – European – front in marking the World Book Day. In my humble opinion, this cultural tradition – this love for books – must be established as a global one, wherever in the world we may find ourselves.

Every year, you see, April 23 is regarded as a symbolic date for world literature as it marks the international day for books, known as the World Book Day ^[2](International Day of the Book or World Book and Copyright Day). The yearly event, initiated by Unesco in 1995, pays a worldwide tribute to books and authors as well as promotes reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.

Today, Instituto Cervantes will mark the special occasion – though two days earlier – with a day-long Open House and Book Fair ^[3]. So Manilenyos, you know where you should be. According to the official website, activities include -

- jazz shows; an electronic music concert by Drip (an amazing band which I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen in Saguijo); film showings; Spanish food fair; La Mancha wine & cheese tasting; free salsa & Latin dance classes; photo and declamation contests; and a Book Market where Instituto Cervantes will offer, at token price, more than 4,000 brand new books.

Aside from all these, the market will include a sale of books by popular Filipino publishing firms like Anvil, UST Publishing House and leading bookstores such as FullyBooked…all at 20% off. The token prices, the organizers say, start from twenty pesos each!

The Philippine Art Scene website ^[4]also announces that

as per Spanish tradition, every book buyer will receive a rose (while supplies last). In addition, the first 200 buyers will receive a free copy of the novel Don Quijote de la Mancha. Moreover, Filipino authors like National Artists Sionil Jose and Alejandro Roces, Gregorio Brillantes, Jessica Zafra, Charlson Ong, Sarge Lacuesta, Katrina Tuvera, Marjorie Evasco and Alice Sun-Cua will be present for book signing.

Déjenos tan que van todos, eh?

Instituto Cervantes is located at 855 T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Metro Manila. For further inquiries, please contact 5261482-85