To officially kick off my search for libraries and bookstores, I decided to start my literary tour in The Silahis Center. This lovely old building is found in Calle Real del Palacio, Intramuros. The word silahis means the rays of the sun (it also means bisexual). The center is divided into four departments: Silahis Arts and Artifacts, Chang Rong Antique Gallery, Tradewinds Books and Galeria De Las Islas.
I have a penchant for old things and memorabilia, which is why I decided to make a bookstore in Intramuros my first destination.
As soon as I entered the bookstore, I literally let out a squeal of delight (that the cashier approached me) when I saw their Filipiniana collection. There were a lot of history books and some of which are already out of print!
The bookstore also featured the usual items one would see in a Filipiniana collection: Rizal books, F. Sionil Jose and children’s books.
I also came across some books published in different dialects / languages. Here’s an example:
There are piles and piles of books on sale!
The bookstore is also friendly for people who want to take their time to browse books.
The cashier was also very friendly and referred me to go to Solidaridad Book Shop but I told her I was saving that trip for another time. After happily sharing to her my purchases, she told me to check out the different departments. My personal favorite, other than the bookstore, is the gallery on the fourth floor.
I don’t really know much about art but I was particularly drawn to the sketches and prints found inside the paper room. I liked the prints they made out of zinc plates. The assistant curator was nice enough to give me a short tour around the gallery. I learned about an artist named Antonio Doctor Garcia. The details in his works are amazing! Unfortunately, taking pictures of of specific artworks wasn’t allowed. So here’s a general view of the sketches and prints:
The Silahis Center also showcases a huge collection of Filipino and Asian antiques and crafts.
Hi! Your literary tour sounds really interesting. I’m a bibliophile myself and I was wondering if your tour is open to others (like me!). If you are, I’d really like to join you in your next tour (and I know a few of my friends who would, too).
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Ling, what do you have in mind? My next stop shall be Solidaridad Book Shop. 🙂
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Nye, kaw pala yan. When are you planning to go? It’s pretty toxic here now but can I come with? Will tell other gladyses, too 🙂 This can be one of those tours where people experience the culture and then end with a get together at some cafe or something. But, either way, I want to come!
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Congrats on your first stop! 🙂 Keep on writing and sharing.
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Thanks… And I’ll be waiting for another cheesy post! 🙂 wanna tag along next time? Maybe you can take better pictures.
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Have you checked out Solidaridad Book House? I’ve been there once, to purchase a collection of essays from the Big Man himself, F. Sionil Jose, and had that book autographed by him as birthday gift for my youngest sister. There are lots of interesting titles (literature, political, etc.) and his office is at the third floor. 🙂 I hope I could visit to The Silahis Center. (If I could still find time… 😦
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Yes, the cashier (of Silahis) was telling me to go there! Although I haven’t gone there yet. It’s owned by F. Sionil Jose, if I’m not mistaken. 🙂 If you’re planning to visit the Manila International Book Fair this week in SMX, MOA, Tradewinds of Silahis is a regular exhibitor.
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Do you have more great artciles like this one?
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