Reading Right Now: Zero O'Clock by C.J. Farley

 

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When We Read, We Never Walk Alone: An Interview with Ms. Andrea Posner Sanchez, Editorial Director of Little Golden Book

On October 4, 2025, the ARMY of Bangtan (AoB), in partnership with Fully Booked and Penguin Random House, hosted a joyful book party to celebrate the launch of BTS: A Little Golden Book Biography. Parents and children filled the space with laughter and excitement as they joined games, raffles, and a read-aloud of the beloved children’s book.

For ARMYs, this event marks a milestone worth cherishing. A beautiful moment where two icons meet. BTS and the Little Golden Book series come together to leave both children and adults with a legacy of inspiration, creativity, and love that will last for generations to come.

As AoB’s Bangtan Hermana, librarian, author, and ARMY, I was deeply honored to be given the chance to interview Ms. Andrea Posner-Sanchez, albeit online and through Ms. Jennifer Javier and Rafa Ashraf, of Penguin Random House. 

Ms. Posner-Sanchez is Editorial Director of Little Golden Books. In this interview, Ms. Posner-Sanchez shared the creative process behind bringing BTS: A Little Golden Book Biography to life.

ARMYs, both young and old, will be delighted to learn about the thoughtful decisions and care that went into every page. Readers of all ages will come away inspired, seeing how pop culture can open meaningful avenues for learning, imagination, and connection.

1. What inspired Little Golden Books to include BTS in its iconic biography series, and what does their story bring to young readers that felt essential to highlight?

When considering who to feature in a Little Golden Book Biography, we look for notable and inspiring people from diverse backgrounds. When author Jan Ann suggested BTS, I honestly didn't know much about them aside from the fact that they were enormously popular. I did some research and quickly learned that BTS doesn't just make terrific music. What sold me on the book was watching footage of RM at the UN General Assembly urging young people to "Speak Yourself". That was just one inspiring moment Jan Ann included in her manuscript. Other parts of BTS's story we felt were essential to highlight for our young readers include overcoming obstacles, working together, and not giving up on one's dreams.

2. The Little Golden Book Biography series has featured changemakers, artists, and leaders across history. How does BTS’ inclusion reflect the series’ commitment to introducing children to figures who shape culture?

There is no doubt that BTS has shaped culture! They significantly increased global interest in K-pop and South Korean culture through their relatable music. Their countless Korean-language hits such a Mic Drop, Idol, Spring Day, prove that music transcends language. And they took artist-fan relationships to a whole new level by using social media to directly engage with fans around the world.

3. From an editorial perspective, what were the most important values or messages you wanted to emphasize in the BTS Little Golden Book—especially for children just learning to read?

The members of BTS exhibit so many good qualities that are beneficial for young children to read about. As an editor—and a mom—I especially appreciate how kind, respectful, empathetic, and gracious RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are.

4. BTS’ journey is deeply rooted in themes of resilience, creativity, and hope. How do you see their story resonating with families and children outside of the fandom?

Everyone loves a success story! Through a combination of talent, hard work, perseverance, and staying true to themselves, BTS overcame challenges as they chased their dreams to become global superstars. Even people unfamiliar with their music can appreciate that.

5. Looking ahead, what role do you think books like this play in bridging popular culture and children’s literature, especially in helping young readers discover joy in reading through the lives of people they admire?

Any book that inspires a child to read is a good book. The more you read, the more you improve your literacy skills. Reluctant readers especially may be more inclined to pick up a book about their favorite actor, athlete, or K-pop group rather than try to read and comprehend an unknown story. Little Golden Book Biographies about pop culture icons are a terrific way to help encourage a love of reading.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit the nearest Fully Booked in your area and get a copy! Read with your child! Shine! Dream! Smile!

Books, Beats and BTS: He's Always Been This Hoseok

When Hoseok danced inside the elevator in the Butter MV, I was wrecked. He filled that small rectangular space with light and joy. His energy grabbed me in and my heart that was isolated by the pandemic opened to full bloom. Hoseok has that power. Hoseok has that charisma. This led me to listen to his first album, Hope World. It was illuminating in its playful riddling of life lessons and offering comfort along the way.

That’s why, I always believed in Jung Hoseok—not just as an idol, but as an artist, a visionary, and a storyteller. Long before the world applauded or stood in awe at his solo concert, I saw the spark. I saw the depth behind the smile, the intelligence behind the dance, the brilliance behind every verse.

Referencing Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Jules Verne, 1869) in his debut album wasn’t just source of inspiration. It was proof of the world he was building, the worlds he would take us to. As one of the pioneers of science fiction, Verne explored the themes of autonomy, curiosity and freedom in Captain Nemo— the same way Hoseok explored identity and agency in a highly structured industry while seeking for harmony. That kind of imagination, passion, discipline, and heart? That’s not ordinary. That’s Hoseok.

So today, as he takes the stage alone—bold, brilliant, and unapologetically himself—I want to say: To me, he’s always been this Hoseok.

And I’ll keep believing in every version of him yet to come.

#BTS_Jhope

My BTS Inspired Reading List for 2025

 

Talk of Books with Author Trina Velilla-Milan on Araw ng Pagbasa

Today is Araw ng Pagbasa. Trina Velilla-Milan, children's book author and doting parent to a teenager, has an interview on books, reading and the relationships we foster as readers for life. 

1. What books define your writing life?

          As a preschool teacher, I was exposed to reading a lot of children’s books. I, then realized the importance of these books in a child’s development and in beginning reading. How books are introduced at a young age will help the child appreciate books better. Later, then did I discover that some children’s books are more than just words in pages but can be also symbolic once read more deeply.

          “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” By: Eric Carle and “The Giving Tree” By: Shel Silverstein defined my writing life. Incorporating art in the illustrations with simple, easy to read words for beginning reading and with a deeper meaning and lesson that can be applicable to children young and old.

2. What books would you recommend to your son, Sandro, now that he’s a teenager?

          Great question! I would like to start simple. He has been reading the books assigned in his Reading classes but aside from that, I would like him to read “Who Moved My Cheese” By: Spencer Johnson, an easy read on how to see life. Understanding that life can get hard and other circumstances may not be as predictable but learning to go with it, to listen, to learn and to equip oneself with the right tools to navigate thru life.

3. What book or story you wish you had written?

          “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – The Little Prince” By: Antoine De Saint-Exupery (1943)

The Little Prince is a book I wish I had written. A story that can be read over and over. A book with a lot of takeaways. Observations on life, relationships and human nature topics that interests me. This book helped me grow and there would be new learnings after every read. The famous quote is life changing to many and a great reminder for us to realize that sometimes it is in our heart of hearts that know what our eyes failed to see. What is relevant to one is something we cannot see but could be something we feel.

4. Which author of children’s book do you wish to have a conversation with?

          I wish to have a conversation with the most-translated, most-adapted, most-read and most beloved children’s book author Antoine De Saint-Exupery. Conversations on life, human nature and how he came up with such a timeless story that even after so many years, his story is still alive in all of us.

5. How do you select books to read – for your own and for Sandro?

          Most of the books I read are self help books. Books that can help me be a better person, creating my attitude, understanding myself and human nature in general. Unfortunately, Sandro is not much of a reader. Not as much as I would want him to be. I am still hopeful and patiently opening his mind to the world of books. Starting with the easy books like “Together is Better” By: Simon Sinek. This book can be used a conversation starter. Throwing in some comics too to get him to read and sustain his interest.

Trina was our featured author last October in the blog where she talked about her children's book with us, What the Sun Says to the Moon. Read the interview here!

Information on her book orders:

 

ORDER LINK: https://www.ukiyotophilippines.com/product-page/what-the-sun-says-to-the-moon GOOGLE PLAY: https://books.google.com/books/about/What_The_Sun_Says_To_The_Moon.html?id=yOmoEAAAQBAJ Last copies of the books are available at the Pinto Art Museum https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=pinto+art+museum&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-ph&client=safari#

Recommended Reads on World Teachers Day 2023

@titazeeh7 #WorldTeachersDay2023 #booktok ♬ Creative - Vin Music

A Day at Net 25 with Love and Everythaaang!

Will make more kuwento in the coming days. 

@djahjumma

Nood tayo! Will be on Love and Everythaaan! https://fb.watch/ko82sUTFRB/

♬ original sound - TitaZee

PPT Presentation: Books and Building an ARMY of Readers

Kuwentong Bangtan: From ARSD to Reading and Book Promotion

 

Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram

Isang post na ibinahagi ni Zarah Gagatiga (@zarah815)

Reading @PandemicTimes (1 of 3): Reading books opens the door to acts of creation.

Good morning to the learning community of the Jose Rizal College. This is my first time to join you as a resource speaker. It is truly an honor to speak before you about books, reading, its joys and challenges during a most memorable moment in human history. For who would think books and reading are essential for survival a time like this? Today, I am going to present three ideas about books and reading, as well as the joys and the challenges they bring, as necessities in life in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.

Books and reading are essential for survival because:

1.      Reading them opens the door to acts creation.

2.     Books provide a structure that develops disciplined thought/thinking.

3.     Books and reading builds community. 

1.      Reading books opens the door to acts of creation.

 I am going to show/mention some book covers. Let me know who among you have read them: Demian. Into The Magic Shop. The One Who Walked Away from Omelas. Human Acts. Kafka on the Shore. These books are special to me. Of the five, I have only read two namely, The One Who Walked Away From Omelas (which is actually a short story) and Kafka On the Shore. I am currently reading Into the Magic Shop. Can you guess why these books mean a lot to me?

Kim Namjoon, BTS’ leader has read all those books. (I am ARMY and he is my bias). Apart from that, being the lyricist and poet, he is on top of conceptualizing the songs and albums that they create, produce and release on a regular basis. All four books and one short story are inspirations and references of their songs and music video. Since BTS debuted in 2013, they have never stopped creating and producing singles, albums, MVs and reality shows. They have been very prolific. When COVID-19 took the world by surprise, they were the first group of artists who released a single, staged an online concert, performed remotely and continued on doing so until their live concert this month.

There are many factors that attribute to this productivity namely, a system of government that feeds and supports the creative industry of SK; a production outfit that allows them artistic freedom; and the given nature of BTS or Bangtan as brilliant, talented and authentic artists. However, Kim Namjoon’s penchant for reading books, I believe, play a big part in keeping the creative juices flowing.

Let us watch the MV of SpringDay, where The One Who Walk Away from Omelas is referenced and its themeintegrated into the concept of the MV.

Omelas is a short story by Ursula Le Guin. It tells of the story of an ideal society that depends its existence on the suffering and oppression of another, in this instance, a child. Those who cannot live with this reality leave Omelas. Taking this message of the story into the theme and concept of the song and its MV, Spring Day has become one of Bangtan’s compelling works.

 At the time of its production, Bangtan’s popularity was on the rise not only because they are made up of seven gorgeous boys but they also sing and perform songs replete with socio-cultural issues relevant to the society. One such example is Spring Day as it touches on a real-life tragedy that involved the drowning of 100 plus SK students who had a trip off to sea. It is known in SK modern history as the Sewol Tragedy. How the authorities handled and resolved this tragedy was very controversial. Bangtan chose to pick this up and merge it with the theme of Omelas which resulted to a powerful song and MV that portrays the loss, grief, guilt and uncertainties of growing up and dying young either figuratively or realistically. In the end of the video, the boys left an inn/dorm called Omelas, rode a train into an unending winter where they stopped at a leafless tree. A hopeful sign as they gather together stating their choice to leave a place of sorrow and regret.

In Spring Day, we see a combination of themes taken from a work of fiction and from events in real-life, as well as the feelings and the personal experiences of the boys/Bangtan. Imagine taking away Omelas in the equation? The lyrics, as well as the music would have played out differently. The visual images may not have the same gravity if Omelas was removed from the MV. What the story did for the the MV was to amplify its message and themes. The viewer or the audience can now access the MV from various channels, metaphors, sounds and images. Omelas, in this process of creation, is not an accessory but a vital link to the different parts of the MV in general. Books and literature for this matter become tools for creation. Literature was created as a form of art and by reading them, it moves the reader to create one too, or another art form if we take the example of BTS.

Kim Namjoon is continuously inspired by the books he is reading and we see these books and their message, themes and even technology permeate the art and music of Bangtan. It is a gateway to acts of creation as well as a component of the art that is being created. What is amazing is that, KMJ, including Suga, V and JK are known to be active readers. We see them reading in the recently concluded season of In the Soop.

READ to be better at something. READ to create. READ to live.

 

My Reading Inventory Part 2: Books That Got Me Through 2020

 

Bookish Conversations and Self Publishing

Von Totanes, Director of the Rizal Library, introduced me to Techie Lopez via Messenger. Techie is an aspiring author who is at a crossroads. She has written a story but could not decide where to bring her manuscript. Finally, after chatting online, she decided to self publish. 

When I met her last week, she was already applying for an ISBN. Overwhelmed but undaunted, she told me the process she has gone through so far. As a response, I showed her copies of my published books and told her of my own publishing story. She asked how I started out as an author. I introduced her to the system and the ecology of the book industry. She was pleasantly surprised to find out that a supportive community awaits her in Philippine Children’s Literature. 

Before we parted ways, I gave her copies of my books. We took a selfie, of course! It made it on social media and this is what she said of our meeting and about my books —

Zarah Gagatiga is a teacher librarian, a storyteller, a blogger, and an award winning author (both in the Philippines and abroad).  Her generous heart, encouraging spirit and passion to develop quality children’s literature in the Philippines is inspiring. Thank you, Von, for introducing me to her ❤️

Here are some of her other books, all meaningful, easy to read with great artwork by talented illustrators. They’re very affordable in bookstores. 

This is not the last I will be seeing Techie. I am sure of that! 

Library as Culture: A genuine love for books and reading

There are wonderful conversations about books that has been going on in my social media neighborhood, especially in Facebook. One on-going conversation is happening over at a "secret" online book club whose members are mostly Titas of Manila who love to read. A friend invited me to join and, as I am always in search for good books, nice people and bookish events, I gave in. 

Here is the question that got me engaged. It is a recurring question in all book clubs I joined in.

What was the first book that ever made an impression on you?

My mother is a librarian. She borrowed books for me in the library where she worked back when I was young. She brought home Dr. Seuss; The Little Red Hen; dinosaur books and non-fiction books; graphic novels and YA. She did this until I was in high school but I knew and felt, I had to buy my own books and build my own library. I went to a small town Catholic school where the library’s stock of books is limited. So I learned to save up for books I want to buy for my own reading. Hello Book Sale! I basked in the freedom of deciding for my own reading pleasure. It was only later in life when I realized how important choice is in learning how to read. 

While I appreciate growing up with books, I give props to my lola who ran a sari-sari store. It was there where I discovered komiks! Aliwan. Funny Komiks. Wakasan. Filipino Komiks. And all the series of Pinoy horror and romance. She rented these komiks out to readers. I read them for free! Somewhere among those komiks, I read Gerry Alanguilan. Yep. Go ahead. You can carbon date me now. 😂

If I got asked this question a few years back, ten or fifteen years ago, I would have given a different answer. But now, I think, it is the people in my family who introduced me to books I am grateful for. That’s how I want to be, moving forward. I will continue bringing books and readers, and readers to books closer to each other. Naks!

Speaking of reading origins, here are links to previous blog posts. 

Reading as a Hobby

My Life as a Reader

With Friends Who Read and Love Books

World Read Aloud Day: Kids and Grown Ups Reading

Filipino Librarians Read

What about you? What was the first book that ever made an impression on you? What is your reading history? 

Books. Technology. And, Design Thinking!

Since my summer began in early June, I have been to several round table discussions and meet-ups with friends in the education sector and in the book industry. Our topics of conversation range from reading, to books, the creation of information and knowledge, ways to communicate these resources to them and the behavior we apply as we consume them. I discovered and validated three things.

One, technology unceasingly advances in an unbridled manner. Information is continuously exploding. Flooding us in and out of our thinking process. We find ourselves swimming against the current. Well, except for the generation Z, who seem to adapt perfectly well in the ebb and flow of the tides of information. Then again, it seems that they could not go deeper into the heart of the ocean, where more nutritious information and amazing knowledge rest. The digital divide widens between generations, as well as the tech haves and have nots. You have the technology to fish, then you get them. Hook, line and sinker.

Already, there are talks of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. But, there I was talking to publisher friends at how diverse today's readers and users are and this diversity affect the choices of reading materials created and produced. Long ago, their model for book and knowledge distribution follows a linear path. Books go to bookstores, schools and libraries. With the web, wifi and the cloud, everything is out there like an eat-all-you can buffet.

That's number two. Librarians and publishers need to work together to offer reading materials that are programmed to help, assist, aid and inspire readers make informed choices. We also share the same sentiments in the creation and provision of access of books to our readers. A publisher friend is looking at strengthening their research and development unit to channel production and marketing to realistic gains. I am considering demand driven acquisition and one of the concerns I have is whether to subscribe to an ebook lending system. Like my publisher friend, I will turn to research to find answers.

So it never ends - thinking, and finding out solutions to problems. I need to go back and review the Design Thinking principles I learned from my Head of School back in 2014. Because, in Design Thinking, compassion, creativity and critical thinking all come into play when finding out solutions to problems.

Book Review: Uprooted

Uprooted
Naomi Novik
Del Rey, 2015

A predictable beginning, a roller coaster ride in the middle and an ending that satisfied the romantic me.

The novel has several cliches but Naomi Novik is a fascinating storyteller who centers her characters at the heart of human suffering, desire and joy. Her wizards and witches are all too human, far from the wizened sages and mages of fantasy. They appear to be stereotypes and yet, their personalities, once matched and mixed in relevant events in the novel result in a wonderful, funny, scary and fascinating alchemy that shows the complexities of life.

For example, Ballo’s bookish approach to magic versus Alosha’s detachment to power is a mirror to humanity’s use of resources and technology and the many ways of dispensing them. Focus on the contents of a book and knowledge becomes rigid and stale. Power and ambition, among other things, corrupt so a personal indifference to both can save, not just life but the soul as well. Indeed, the tension of the opposites is a strong issue in the novel which is best depicted in Agnieszka and Sarkan’s relationship. Her magic is intuitive and organic while his is precise and logical. With chants, stories and songs, she wields her power with great effect. Sarkan, on the other hand is concise and practical like math. But together, their workings combined is a force that can shake the earth, make the oceans rise and move the stars from its firmament. Together, they are amazing despite their stark differences.

Uprooted isn’t great but it is alluring, charming and made me want to read Novik’s other stand alone novel, Spinning Silver.

Rating: 4 Bookmarks

When Friends Recommend Books To Read

Because I was in a reading slump for months now, I posted a request for book recommendations over on Facebook and Twitter. Within minutes, friends sent their replies! Now I have enough titles to consider and acquire until the year ends.

I am sharing the titles I got from book lovers and readers in social media.

1.  Immaculate, Everything, Everything and Little Fires Everywhere
2.  Circe and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
3.  Verity by Colleen Hoover
4.  Mary Russell Mysteries 
5. Sorcery and Cecilia
6. Stargirl 
7. Love, Stargirl.
8. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
9. Wonder by RJ Palacio
10. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver 
11. Becoming by Michelle Obama.
12. America is Not in the Heart by Elaine Castillo
13. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
14. The Last Unicorn
15. Insurrecto
16. Good Omens
17. American Gods
18. Uprooted by Naomi Novik
19. Spinning Silver
20. The Bear and the Nightingale 

From this list, I picked Uprooted by Naomi Novik. The female lead character narrates the story. It is a  first person point of view that is interesting, strong and convicted. The book was published in 2015 and if not for friends, I would have missed this wonder of a story. I will be posting my review, of course! 

Dear Ms. Z: Answers to Your Life as a Reader

For Teacher Twinkle, and to loyal readers of the blog.

1. What is your earliest memory of reading/of a book?

I can still remember the smell of the book my mother read aloud to me when I was a child of five or four. It was a book about a little red hen and a cunning fox. I can no longer recall how the story goes but the smell, I remember well. It smelled of mantekilya and fresh pandesal. 

And then, there was the dinosaur book my mother brought home from the library where she worked. The book was big and so were the dinosaurs that regaled every page. Most impressive for me were the diplodocuses that moved in herds. One spread of the book showed how long a diplodocus is by lining up several buses to illustrate its length and stacking up a good number of people to show its tremendous height. I wondered if such animals really existed so I asked my mother this question. She had nothing to say but, a few weeks after, she brought home a children's encyclopedia volume D. That was my first lesson on research and reference sources. 

How can I not love books when the ones that made an impact on me as young child amazed me and aroused my sense of wonder. Furthermore, I had associated a book read aloud to me with comfort food. What joy!

Later on, my mother brought home Dr. Seuss, Frog and Toad are Friends, Encyclopedia Brown, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. She brought me to the library where she worked and there, I met cool librarians and teachers working with kids my age and older. In the library where they worked, they have shelves for the works of children who wrote stories and books. In the library where they worked, I was allowed to choose books I could read. 

One particular summer I visited the library, I met King Midas, the Greek Gods and Jose Aruego's Juan and the Aswangs. I read Dumbo and Peter Pan, and as the years progressed, I was introduced to Judy Blume and Katherine Patterson. All the Newbery and Caldecot awardees of the time, I got to read them as well the Printz Prize winners during my high school years. Yes, I read foreign authors.

It was only in college when I read my first Filipino novel. 

2. What or who made you like reading/books?

I think I answered this question already. See number 1. 

But I wish to stress that if not for my grandmother's knack for storytelling, I wouldn't enjoy my mom's reading aloud as much. The stories my grandmother told me prepared me for more fantastic stories found in the printed page.

3. Did anyone read to you when you were a child? If yes, who was this? 

Refer to questions 1 and 2 as I have mentioned people in my family as influential to my reading journey. 

My school teachers read aloud from textbooks. Our school library was limited. My grandmother, other than being a fascinating storyteller, had a sari-sari store and she rented out komiks. I read Aliwan, Funny Komiks, Filipino Komiks, etc. So, there. That was another literacy experience of reading from my childhood years.

In high school, I had a small circle of friends and we were all book lovers. We had book swaps and reading time. Then we talk about the books we have read at lunch and at recess. Ah, my wonder years!

4. Do you still like reading until now?

Yes. It is the reason why I never left school librarianship. What I discovered over the years is that, those who love books and reading are willing enough to share this love with others. Now this is the reason why I am still in the board of the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY).

5. Why do you like reading/books?

Books spark joy! I want to share the joy books bring with others. 

Dear Ms. Z: Your Life as a Reader

I got this request from Teacher Twinkle Caro, my  friend from PBBY.

Good day! 

I’m giving a talk on motivating children to read and I would like to cite some real-life experiences of avid readers like you. I hope you have the time the answer a few questions:

1. What is your earliest memory of reading/of a book?

2. What or who made you like reading/books?

3. Did anyone read to you when you were a child? If yes, who was this? 

4. Do you still like reading until now?

5. Why do you like reading/books?

Thank you very much! Your answers will be very much appreciated. 😊

I will post my answers in the blog tomorrow.

3x3 Round Up: Filipino Librarians Recommended Reads

As the month of January draws to a close and  we welcome the month of hearts and art, here is a quick round up on the 

Joseph Marmol Yap sent in his list of books, two of which have been adapted into 

movies. His 3x3 made me consider setting up a “BookFlix” display in the library. Powerful stories and well crafted storytelling are reasons that inspire film makers and movie producers to render a book into another media format. Johann Frederick Cabbab, librarian by day and comic book and graphic novel writer by night sent in three titles of Pinoy made comic books that were all bought from the annual Komikon and Komiket. I still have to attend both events soon! 

Ann Grace Bansig, school librarian and civic volunteer, recommended titles of young adult novels. 

Do you have these books in your library yet? Last but not least, Kevin Conrad Tarrobal Tansiangco lists down self help books and inspirational readings for when bumps and humps are encountered along in the journeys of life. Think bibliotherapy!

So, that’s it pancit! Who are the librarians the blog will have as guests to share their books to us? Your guess is as good as mine!

Fukubukuro at Fullybooked

I started 2019 with books, reading and time for good friends.

 A few days after the New Year, I met with friends, Darrel Marco and Ann Grace Bansig for a holiday get together. We missed Audrey Anday so, another reunion was scheduled. We met at a bookstore, of course, in Fullybooked and headed to a nearby Japanese cafe for an early dinner. Apart from our passion for books and reading, we also share the same advocacy, a love for travel and food!

Imagine our surprise when we found out that Fullybooked is still running the Fukubukuro reading and book promotion. For Php 2,000.00, we got a Fukubukuro with three books and a journal.

Fukubukuro is a combination of two Japanese words, fuku, meaning luck or good fortune and, fukuro, for bag. Fukubukuro is a lucky bag which store owners use to put in mystery objects from their stores to sell to customers. It is a Japanese custom in the New Yera for stores to sell fukubukuro at a very low price.

I suppose the contents of our Fukubukuro bag from Fullybooked contained books that we truly deserved to get.

Darrel got the copy of Antoine De Saint Exupery's The Little Prince, a pocket book edition that he can bring with him in his travels. Ann Grace got the DIY book for travelers and tourists that is aptly titled, The Best Things In Life Are Free (Lonely Planet). As for me, I took the journal and Robert Greene's The Laws of Human Nature because, well, I am already a certified #titasofManila.

After all the internal drama and struggles of 2018, I feel I have just begun a new life cycle. What better way to chronicle this journey but through journal writing and reading books to accompany me in this life journey.

Fukubukuro, indeed!