I have this problem where I cannot walk into a bookstore and then walk out empty handed. I'm a big…read morebookworm and saying goodbye to an entire store filled with books without a book for myself is just unthinkable. That's like hiring a prostitute, giving her a hug, and then sending her away. Actually, it's worse than that. EXPLOIT THE OPPORTUNITY, methinks. This is especially hard when it comes to secondhand or cheap bookstores like Bookay-Ukay. This place is amazing. It is filled from ceiling to floor with books - and not the usual crap you see in chain bookstores, either. You can tell that these titles were handpicked by whoever manages this place, and you're sure to find something you like in this hole-in-the-wall. My girlfriend had to drag me away from these books. I wanted to buy the entire building.

Finally visited the store, saw one of my fave comic books and bought it. never knew that I could…read moreget one for a such a low-cost. I'll definitely visit the store again for sure.

I stumbled into the Lagusnilad underpass one rainy afternoon last month, dodging puddles and trying…read moreto cut through from Taft to City Hall. Wasn't even looking for books--just wanted dry feet--but there it was, this cozy little chaos of shelves tucked between the clothing stalls. The smell hit me first: old paper, a bit of dust, and that unmistakable comfort of a real secondhand bookstore. The guy behind the counter (think his name was Aj?) looked up, smiled like he'd been expecting me, and asked what I was in the mood for. No pressure, just genuine curiosity. I ended up spending almost an hour there, flipping through worn paperbacks and hardcovers that felt like they'd lived interesting lives. Found a beat-up but complete set of Garcia Marquez short stories for P250 and a pristine copy of "The Shadow of the Wind" that I'd been hunting forever. Prices were ridiculously fair--nothing over P400--and the selection is surprisingly deep for such a small space: classics, Filipino lit, sci-fi, even some niche non-fiction. They've got everything neatly sorted by genre now (huge improvement from the early days I've heard about), and if something's buried in the back, they'll dig it out without making you feel like you're inconveniencing them. What really sealed it for me was the conversation. We chatted about favorite authors, he recommended a couple of newer Filipino titles I hadn't heard of, and even held a book I wanted for a few days when I realized I didn't have enough cash. Super chill, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about books--not just selling them. I've been back twice since, and every time it feels like visiting an old friend who happens to run the best hidden bookstore in Manila. If you're anywhere near Intramuros or Taft, duck in--you won't regret it. Absolute gem. Five bright, dusty, book-scented stars.

I was commuting alone, on my way to San Agustin Church (Intramuros) to attend my very first school…read moresanctioned rally. From the LRT Central Terminal Station, I needed to cross Padre Burgos Avenue, so I instinctively followed the foot traffic that led me to the Lagusnilad underpass. Inside were a number of stalls selling clothes and other knickknacks. But something else caught my attention as I was passing by - a small secondhand bookstore! As a certified bookworm, I was pleasantly surprised. The makeshift shelves added character to the store. Some books were arranged by genre, while some were just randomly piled up one over the other. I imagined that getting one from the bottom would be like playing a game of Jenga. They have a wide selection of novels, textbooks and even some magazines that won't burn a hole in your pocket. I saw works by Oscar Wilde, Dan Brown, George R.R. Martin. Since I was in a middle of a commute and it wasn't practical to carry a heavy bag of books, I couldn't buy all the stuff I wanted. I settled for a Dual-language Book of French Stories (by the likes of Voltaire, Camus, etc.) for only P100. I later found out that this humble store had a Facebook page. They post their new acquisitions and even accept reservations. How neat is that? For me, I discovered a real hidden treasure when I literally found "Books from Underground" (that's the name of the book store).

From the founders of Bookay-Ukay, this small place full of books is quite similar to the original…read morestore, with a variety of books, from bestselling authors like Paulo Coelho to not-so-mainstream finds like Chocolat by Joanne Harris. They also have old books you won't find in National Bookstore or Powerbooks anymore, like Sweet Valley High and Nancy Drew. Those books certainly brought me down memory lane. The books are grouped according to categories, though there are no category titles. The books are slightly cheaper than the books you would find in mainstream bookstores, but still more expensive than those you would find in other secondhand bookstores like Booksale. But if you're just near BookFellas or Bookay-Ukay, why not buy from them if you find a book you like, also to support small local businesses like these? I remember buying hard-to-find books from Bookay-Ukay. I would do the same for BookFellas, should I find a book I really like. On my first visit, though, I was just happy browsing. BookFellas is located just beside two food places, Happy Kitchen and Abra Miki ni Nanay. So, when you get hungry after book browsing, you can conveniently eat at any of these places. In my case, I browsed books while waiting for my order.

Unprofessional, disrespectful and rude! If I could rate them 0 stars I would, the attendants was…read morevery rude. my friends and i entered and started browsing and talking about comic books we liked when all of a sudden we heard the attendants behind the counter say "wala yan, magpapalamig lang yan" (they're just here to cool off, they wont buy). we got annoyed, paid for our comic books and just left. we've bought from this branch multiple times before but we're never going back there again.

Believe it or not, Filbar's has been around since 1979. I remember going here with my dad and my…read morebrother -- both comic geeks -- when I was very young. It made such an impression on me that I found myself going there years later to feed my own nerdy needs. To categorize them just as a comic book store would be a big mistake. While bulk of their products do include comics from big wigs like DC, Marvel, Vertigo and more, they do have so much more than that. Graphic Novels are among the many things you'll find here. We'll technically speaking, it can fall into the comic book category as well. What I love about Filbar's is that they carry works by local artists. I was extremely impressed that they have Arnold Arre's collected works for Mythology Class and it's priced at less than P500. For someone who has pored over every page of Mythology Class in my college days, this is really a gem of a find. When famous Pinoy inker and local graphic novel legend Gerry Alanguilan came out with Elmer in 2011, this was my first place to look for a copy. Thankfully, I did get my hands on one. They also have a lot of comic-inspired shirts, posters and bags. Of course, they have collectible toys, too. I've been looking into collecting Funko POP lately and of course, they would be my top pick for sourcing my first ever piece. I can't wait to get my hands on that Dancing Groot Funko POP. Filbar's keeps the fangirl/geek in me alive!

I'm probably the only Pinoy I know who hates the concept of Filipino time, and as such, when my…read morefriends and I decide to meet up, I'm often the first to arrive. To kill time, I always, ALWAYS go to the bookstore. It's not difficult for me to wander around a bookstore, find a gem that I can read or leaf through for hours and hours. Before I know it, my phone starts beeping incessantly, flooded with messages from my friends, asking me where the hell I am. Fully Booked in Rockwell has always been one of my favorite bookstores in the metro, partly because I've been going here since it was still called Page One, and located at the ground floor of the mall. The book selection, from the new age section, the cooking section to the graphic novels (if this gives you any indication of what kind of person I am) are always well-stocked. I even enjoy the bestsellers they have on display, which are always timely and unique. The layout of the store is large enough for me to always find a quiet spot to read without being harassed by anything or anyone - except maybe for my cellphone. I should just probably put it on silent mode, I guess.

There are three major bookstores in the Philippines: National Bookstore, Powerbooks and Fully…read moreBooked. National Bookstore is the most comprehensive when it comes to textbooks but Fully Booked is the best with all others. They have a great selection, far more detailed and complete than other bookstores. They also have a lot of rare books and special editions. Aside from their collection, the customer service of Fully Booked is fantastic. The staff is always bright-eyed and well-mannered. They smile with you and easily remember who you are. They also have several services that are unique to Fully Booked branches alone. For one, you can reserve books before they even come out. Once the book becomes available Fully Booked will notify you through text that your book has arrived. You can also have books transferred from one branch to another. If a book is only available in the Fort or even, Cebu, you can have it transferred to the branch nearest you. Another service is if the book that you want is out of stock, you can ask them to replenish their inventory. All these are of no extra cost to you. Also, if the book that you want isn't in their database, you can request them to order it for you also with no extra charge. Most bookstores charge double for this service. Downside, it will usually take them 4 to 8 weeks to get here but that's usually the estimate regardless of where you ask it from. There's also a common misconception that Fully Booked is the more expensive bookstore. People think they charge more for their books, if you scout around though and compare prices you will be surprised to find that more often than not, Fully Booked is the one that sells the book at a lower price. I am speaking of the same quality, the same edition; it's cheaper.

Fully Booked Katip is a place I regularly pass by whenever I get picked up. My dad comes from the…read morenorth, so I chill at Regis Center while waiting for him. This particular branch is really fun to stay in, because it's hardly ever full. The staff are used to dealing with the "college kid" demographic, and know all the latest Young Adult or Romance hits, and are very responsive when you want to have one ordered from another branch to be picked up or to pre-order a book. It's especially nice to hole up in the back part of the branch or in the couch seat in one corner and just will the hours away. There's fancy stationary and pens available too, if you find yourself short of any. Another thing I love about it is how it's right next to a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch, where you can enjoy your latest book buy with some warm tea and pastries to keep you company.

Fully Booked is the heaven of book lovers! They have great selections of all sorts, and even a…read morego-to for comic books and graphic novels. The store gives a classy and comfortable vibe. Conveniently placed in Katipunan, students, teachers and even parents are the usual customers who drop by at this branch. I personally go to Fully Booked to buy quality art supplies that may not be found in other bookstores. I also find some of their items exclusive that's great for gift shopping. This particular branch may not be big enough to house the particular item(s) you're looking for, but the staff can help you find them at the other bigger branches in the metro. The downside for me is that their items can be pricey and buying from there can make your wallet cry :( However, the place for me can be a good treat-yourself once in a while. It will also help to avail their membership card if you're planning to buy books and supplies there regularly. I will surely drop by Fully Booked once in a while to update myself with cool art stuff and perhaps buy a book as well. :)

As a Christian Catholic, I had always been looking out for religious items and new prayer books…read moreespecially as a very busy college student. I also like searching for my guardian angel's statues, you know, for guidance and as part of my religious collection at home. St. Paul's offer almost everything Catholic: with prayer books, Bibles, calendars with the saints' feasts, rosaries in the form of bracelets, necklaces, etc., and other religious matters. Also, as a lector/commentator in my parish, St. Paul's is where I buy the misalette (a copy of the Bible's readings and order of the Holy Mass) which I use for practice. Overall, if you have the food court to nourish your physical body, St. Paul's is the counterpart for nourishing your soul.

This shop is at the second floor of the Ayala mall and easily caught our attention - very…read morebeautifully decorated, spacious and cozy. They sell second hand books - they have a lot of books on hand and they were stacked neatly for easier browsing. They also have cool items like scratch maps, globe stress ball, adventure banks, etc. Highly recommended for book and novelty item enthusiasts.

After spending a good part of the day witnessing the enticements and rewards of capitalism, you…read moremight feel a desire no matter how faint to feed your soul for a change. That's when it's time to look for a book which offer inspiration and upliftment of the spirit. Enter PCBS or Philippine Christian Bookstore. Browsing through their titles, one may be pleased to discover scholarly and competent commentaries on the Bible, moving stories of people's real-life experiences of grace, theologies of various religious themes, and self-help books. They also sell CDs of contemporary religious music and popular radio broadcasts. You can also find decorative items with scriptural quotations and beautifully-printed calendars featuring artistic pictures and appropriate lines from the Bible. A visit to PCBS is really an experience which is worthwhile for any sincere soul seeking the truth about life's meaning or for anyone who just wants to take a break from the chaos of this busy world that never seems to stop for rest.

With more and more interest going into the "nerdy" or "geek" culture, comic shops and hobby shops…read morehave arisen to provide specialty shop services to the growing population. So, where would one go for both? One option would be Filbar's, which manages to sell comic books, cards and figurines of superheroes and occasionally favorite fantasy characters from Japanese Anime as well. With these shops scattered all over, one can imagine a network of these subcultures managing to tell each other about the latest small place where one can pick up a comic or a toy or even a card game that caters to their hobbies and interests. This branch of Filbar's in particular is conveniently located inside a mall and looks more like an open stall than an enclosed store thus permitting even girls like me to get in on the trend. The layout and location of the store diminishes any sense of hesitation that uninitiated yet curious passersby may feel and the general interest magazines displayed in the front portion seems to be an effective ploy to get any mall-goer to do the first step: check out the store. With Filbar's around, we can be comfortable showing our curiosity and openness for this new culture.