2025 Book Nook Conference | Uniting and Nurturing the Reading Culture.

Over 80 reading space advocates, storytellers, and educators across the Philippines gathered for the annual Book Nook Conference 2025, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

The conference, held from August 20-22, aimed to consolidate the best practices as well as challenges faced by area coordinators for The Book Nook Project, a flagship program by the NBDB which aims to address the country’s reading crisis by setting up reading and storytelling spaces across the Philippines. Themed Sug-álaw: A Grand Encounter of Stories, Cultures, and Communities, the three-day event discussed the best sustainability practices and community-building tips to ensure book accessibility in different regions of the country.

Almost four years since its launch, The Book Nook Project has expanded its presence in different regions of the country. Over 100 Book Nook sites are currently established in various provinces, cities, and barangays, with more than 20 additional sites to be unveiled this year.

“The Book Nook Project has always been committed to making quality books more accessible not just in urban centers, but also in the most remote reaches of the country,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

The first two days of the conference included sessions and workshops centered on strengthening and digitalizing Book Nook services in the regions as well as developing effective literary engagements. For the third day of the conference, Book Nook area coordinators joined a two-part cultural tour within Iloilo City.

Reaching out to communities

The first half of the tour brought reading space advocates to the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in Iloilo, where they visited the area’s local Book Nook site. Aside from the museum tour, participants also joined in on various activities, including the patadyong race, museum object hunt, and bookmark-making.

The Book Nook Project then visited the Book Nook Nabitasan Integrated School in Barangay La Paz, where the conference participants conducted storytelling sessions and literary activities with the students. Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, award-winning children’s book author, encouraged high school students to express themselves through movement and writing. Meanwhile, storyteller and inspirational speaker Rey Bufi showed future educators and librarians the process of building storytelling communities in Iloilo City.

“The stories we read from our books–from our local prose, our myths, poetry, and legends–are all creations of the Filipino community. It is only apt that we do right by the people who bring so much color, life, and richness to our nation’s culture. Our grand encounter this year, as we call it, bears fruit only when we see our reading communities more deeply involved in nurturing our nation’s reading culture,” NBDB Readership Development Division Officer-in-Charge Daniel Mariano said.

Addressing the country’s reading gaps

Spurred by the country’s reading gap, the conference urged participants to collaborate with fellow reading space advocates. Beyond a theoretical exercise, the three-day event featured a series of workshops which ranged from building sustainable community reading spaces to leveraging digital platforms for wider reach. The conference also highlighted Iloilo City's reading community, with a full day of reading activities that took place at the NMP-Iloilo City and the Nabitasan Integrated School in Barangay La Paz.

The Book Nook Project, one of the NBDB’s major projects under its Readership Development Division, was launched in 2021. It adheres to the belief that aklat para sa lahat (books for everyone) should be a basic human right. With over 100 Book Nook sites scattered across the country, the NBDB remains committed to fostering love of reading at a young age by making Filipino-published books more accessible and easily available to students and young readers.

To learn more about the National Book Development Board and its upcoming activities, visit https://books.gov.ph, and follow the NBDB through its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

There's More to your Sensitive Skin | Cetaphil's National Health Skin Mission Now on its 6th Year.

When it comes to sensitive skin, most people think they’ve got it figured out: until they don’t.

What many still don’t realize is that sensitive skin is no longer just about occasional redness or dryness. It has evolved. Today, it’s triggered by a complex mix of stress, pollution, lifestyle choices, and climate change, making symptoms harder to decode and manage. While skincare advice is everywhere, the overload of information can often do more harm than good, especially for skin that’s already compromised.

This year, Cetaphil’s National Healthy Skin Mission (NHSM) returns with a bold reminder: “There’s More to Your Sensitive Skin.” Now in its sixth year, the campaign in collaboration with Watsons aims to go deeper—educating Filipinos on the many faces of sensitivity, from redness and irritation to rough texture and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

This year’s theme is “There’s More To Your Sensitive Skin,” chosen because Galderma, as Cetaphil’s parent company, noted that most Filipinos don’t know that sensitive skin is a skin condition, not a skin type. “The Philippines is number one in ranking in terms of sensitive skin in Southeast Asia, and number six globally,” said Louie Roxas, General Manager at Galderma Philippines. “With this partnership with Watsons, our vision is for every Filipino to have healthy skin.”

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in providing topnotch dermatological skincare solutions and expert advice to Filipinos, to help them understand that the way to healing sensitive skin is more than just knowing you have sensitive skin. It’s also having the knowledge on how to improve your skin’s health,” said Frank Patricio, Controller, Skincare, Cosmetics & Fragrances - Beauty Business Unit for Watsons.

Introducing the Soothing & Comforting CICA Line

Headlining this year’s campaign is the launch of Cetaphil’s latest innovation: the Soothing & Comforting Range, specially developed to instantly reduce redness and provides up to 24 hours of skin barrier protection.

More than just a temporary solution, the new line addresses sensitivity at its core, thanks to Cetaphil’s Power Trio Blend:

• Centella Asiatica – a proven anti-inflammatory that calms and supports skin healing
• Allantoin – a gentle soothing agent that helps relieve discomfort
• Pentavitin – a powerful hydrator that locks in moisture for long-term barrier protection

What sets this range apart is its dual-action approach: it soothes visible redness and strengthens the skin barrier to prevent future flare-ups—an essential upgrade for those who’ve outgrown short-term fixes.

Anne Curtis Leads the Mission

Bringing both star power and relatability to the campaign is Anne Curtis, Cetaphil’s brand ambassador and the featured guest at the NHSM 2025 launch.

“As someone who’s always on the go, I’ve learned how stress, pollution, and even constant makeup can trigger sensitivity. It’s not just about products anymore—it’s about understanding what your skin really needs,” Anne shares. When she became a mother, she noticed her skin changing. “After giving birth, I noticed I was more prone to hyper-pigmentation. I didn’t know this meant I had sensitive skin too.” Her personal journey mirrors the campaign’s message: sensitivity is deeper than it appears, and it deserves expert-level care.

Attendees of the launch can expect exclusive product experiences, limited-time promos, personalized skin consultations, and first dibs on the new Soothing and Comforting Range —making this not just a launch, but a full-on movement toward healthier, stronger skin.

There’s More to your Sensitive Skin

Whether you’re dealing with flare-ups, flakiness, or unexplained redness, Cetaphil’s message this year is clear: it’s time to look beyond the surface. According to Mark Sarmiento, Business Unit Head at Cetaphil, they noted that the Filipino skin care enthusiast has a misunderstanding about sensitive skin. “When the average person thinks they have sensitive skin, they assume that is the only problem. But our learnings from skin experts and Cetaphil Science is that there are different types of sensitive skin: sensitive skin that is redness-prone, hyperpigmentation-prone, or even for babies.”

With dermatologist-developed solutions and a deeper understanding of sensitive skin, Cetaphil is here to help you understand it, treat it, and protect it with targeted solutions, no matter what kind of sensitive skin..

For more information on Cetaphil and the National Healthy Skin Mission, follow @CetaphilPH on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Cetaphil products are available at Watsons, SM Beauty, and Watsons online.

5 Things That Will Actually Help Your Mental Health.

Taking care of your mental health doesn’t need to feel like another job on your to-do list. Most of the time it comes down to simple things you can build into everyday life. When you let it slide, everything else feels harder and heavier, but when you pay attention to it, the rest of life starts to flow a little easier. The best part is you don’t need anything fancy to feel the difference. A few straightforward habits can help you feel more balanced and less weighed down.

Photo credit: Arindham Chowdhury.

Sleep

Sleep is the number one tool your brain needs. You can be eating well and exercising but if you’re not rested, none of it sticks. Good sleep isn’t just about time in bed, it’s about switching off properly. If you’re glued to your phone at night, your brain never resets. Build a routine that tells your body it’s time to slow down. Reading, stretching or calming music all work. When you wake up rested, patience, focus and energy all return in ways you probably forgot you had.

Movement

Movement is like medicine for your mind. It doesn’t need to be a gym session or a strict routine. A short walk outside is often enough to break up anxious thoughts and give you space to breathe. The key is finding something you don’t hate, so you’ll actually do it. That could be dancing, yoga, cycling or even gardening. It doesn’t matter what it looks like. What matters is making it a regular part of your day so your body and mind both get the release they need.

Photo credit: Esra Afsar.

Mindful breaks

You can’t be switched on every second without feeling the effects. Taking mindful breaks keeps you from tipping into burnout. That could be stepping outside with a cup of tea, putting your phone down for ten minutes or sitting quietly with your eyes closed. Some people like journaling or stretching, others just need a pause in the noise. Whatever form it takes, that reset helps you return to things with more calm and perspective.

Healthy choices

What you put in your body has a direct impact on how steady you feel. Living on caffeine and sugar highs will leave your mood all over the place. Balanced meals, plenty of water and less junk can do more for your head than you might expect. Some people also find that cannabis used responsibly helps lower stress and create calm, though it’s always important to know your limits and be safe. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s making small choices that leave you stronger over time.

Another day, another trip to the mall with my favorite bunch. :)

Connection

Human connection is one of the best protectors for your mental health. When you isolate yourself, problems pile up. When you reach out, they get lighter. That doesn’t mean deep conversations every day. A laugh with a friend, a quick call, or meeting someone for coffee can be enough. Checking in with people you care about reminds you that you’re not on your own. Connection makes hard days easier and gives you the perspective you can’t always find on your own.

The 43rd National Book Awards | Nominations Now Open!

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Filipino Critics Circle (FCC) are now accepting nominations for the 43rd National Book Awards (NBA).

First administered by the Filipino Critics Circle or the FCC (formerly known as the Manila Critics Circle) in 1982, the NBA honors the most outstanding books written and published in the Philippines. In 2008, the FCC partnered with the NBDB to co-administer the awards.

“The National Book Awards not only rightfully honor the best works produced by our country’s finest minds and talents, they also provide an occasion for us to take stock of the zeitgeist, our writers’ current preoccupations, and where our book industry is headed,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

The deadline for nominations is on September 7, 2025. To be eligible, authors and publishers should be NBDB-registered while their works must be published in 2024 and have significance, soundness of content, quality of craft, readability, grammar, copy editing, structure of thought and ideas, and style.

“The National Book Awards serve as official recognition of the quality and relevance of winning books, highlighting their contributions and relevance to the growth of Philippine literature, across multiple categories and genres. The NBA is important to us as Filipinos, as we recognize books that matter to us, as a people, while also serving as a portal of possibilities for readers outside of our country,” said FCC Chair Dean Francis Alfar.

He added, “the roster of winners for any given cycle provides a curated list of the best contemporary writing, reflecting not just Filipino sensibilities, but also what concerns and hopes we have, seen through the lens of both fiction and nonfiction.”

Books published for the first time by a Philippine publisher and works with local editions previously published by foreign authors are also eligible for the awards for as long as it has been locally published.

Under the literary division, books will be recognized in categories such as novel, short fiction, nonfiction prose, anthology, drama and film, literary criticism and cultural studies, literary history, media studies, poetry, graphic novel and comics, and translation.

Meanwhile, in the non-literary division, books will be awarded in fields of art, professions, social sciences, history, journalism, humor, sports, lifestyle, and business, food, science, spirituality and theology, and philosophy.

Photo credit: NBDB on Facebook.

Every year, the NBA honors a different regional language. This year, it will be Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) and Kiniray-a. All books published in these languages within the last three years (2022-2024) are eligible for the awards regardless of genre.

Finally, the Best Book Design award will be given to the work with the best overall design, which encompasses the cover, typeface, dimensions, layout, type of paper, binding, and printing. A Publisher of the Year award, or the publisher with the highest total number of winners in all categories, will also be given.

“The Filipino Critics Circle and the National Book Development Board recognize the challenges of writing, editing, illustrating, translating, designing, and producing books. We encourage publishers of all stripes, as well as authors, to submit books for consideration. Being part of the list of finalists is an achievement in and of itself, bringing more awareness of your book to the reading public,” Alfar said.

All nominations shall be submitted through the official online nomination form. Two printed copies of the book shall also be submitted together with one digitally non-editable watermarked PDF. For nominated titles under the Translation category, submissions must also include either one printed copy or one digitally non-editable watermarked PDF of the original work from which the translation originated. For complete submission guidelines, check out this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1761KPKJ3H/

The nominated books will undergo a round of deliberations from which no more than five titles will be chosen as finalists per category. The finalists will be required to submit an additional eight copies of their books to the NBDB; non-submission will mean disqualification from the selection. In the final deliberation, one winner will be picked from the finalists of each category. The winner of each category, except the Publisher of the Year, will receive PHP 40,000.00. 

Mastering the Art of Washing with L’art Du Lavage.

Haier Philippines brought together culture, fashion, music, and technology in a one-of-a-kind event where guests experienced firsthand the artistry and innovation behind Haier’s newest washing machine line.

Aptly called “L’ART DU LAVAGE — The Art of Washing”, the program kicked off with a touch of elegance as guests arrived to the sound of live violin music. A cultural dance performance followed, showcasing movement and color that celebrated artistry—an introduction fit for an evening that promised both style and innovation. Warm greetings from Haier executives, together with a video message from company representatives abroad, welcomed the audience and provided context on the inspiration behind the launch.

The highlight of the night was the dramatic unveiling of Haier’s new washing machine models. Presented through a fusion of models, dancers, and stage effects, the moment captured both the beauty of design and the sophistication of technology. The Haier HW140-BD14387GNU1, a 14.0 kg front-load washing machine, drew attention with its Direct Drive motor, colorful touchscreen panel, Wi-Fi capability, and advanced functions such as AI wash, smart dosing, ultra fresh air, and Haier’s Essence Wash 2.0. With its tempered glass design, it balances modern aesthetics with everyday practicality.

Alongside it, Haier introduced the HW120-BPD14367S8U1, a 12.0 kg model that carries a BLDC motor, colorful touchscreen, Wi-Fi, AI wash, smart dosing, and the same Essence Wash 2.0 system. Slightly smaller in capacity yet equally feature-rich, it provides households with a flexible option depending on their lifestyle needs.

Completing the lineup was the Haier HS120-BR1BU, a 12.0 kg washing machine equipped with Double Drive technology for enhanced cleaning performance and Fresh Air functionthat helps keep clothes hygienic and fresh even after the wash. With its modern design and efficient features, this unit added another dimension to the range, offering guests a clear look at Haier’s versatility in fabric care solutions.

Adding context to the launch, GFK speaker Timothy Lazaro shared insights on consumer trends in the home appliance market, emphasizing how technology and convenience continue to shape the way households choose their appliances. Beyond product discussions, guests were also treated to an interactive product experience area where they could explore the washing machines up close, observe live demonstrations, and see the technology in action. This hands-on element allowed the audience to appreciate not just the design but also the performance of the appliances.

As the night progressed, guests were treated to live performances, including a violin interlude and a dance showcase. Raffle draws brought excitement and energy, with winners taking home prizes that added to the celebratory atmosphere. Closing remarks and a final toast wrapped up the evening, leaving attendees with a lasting impression of how Haier continues to merge technology and lifestyle in meaningful ways.

By the end of L’ART DU LAVAGE, the message was clear: washing clothes is not only a daily necessity but can also be reimagined as an art form when paired with thoughtful design and advanced technology. Through this launch, Haier reminded its guests that caring for fabrics is not just about cleanliness—it is about preserving the beauty and comfort of everyday living.