Let’s get things straight: There are more book bazaars beyond those that are housed in huge convention centers. Plus, you can save way more if you go for pre-loved books that are still as good as new! There are quality books everywhere – Morayta, Divisoria, Escolta, and even in ukay-ukays. These gems are just waiting to be found, but if you’re not the type of person who would explore the entire stretch of Manila in search of secondhand and rare books, the Word Wonder: A Book Bazaar at the Century City Mall will be perfect for you.

To guide you in your 3-day journey, here are things you should know, photos with some of the best titles and prices that I saw, and interesting spots that you might want to check out:

WHERE: Century City Mall (4^th Floor and 5^th Floor, Events Center)

From the ground floor of the mall, you can take either the escalator or the elevator going up the 4^th floor. You’ll easily spot a white-walled area with a registration table when you get there. That will be the first stop of your Word Wonder journey where you’ll find a mix of arts and crafts, books, and food. Make sure to save a lot of money because way more books are waiting for you at the 5^th floor. You can take the stairs or elevator going to the Events Center of the mall.

WHAT: Books for as low as P10, arts and crafts

Over 10,000 books, magazines, comic books, bookmarks, stickers, and arts and crafts are available at the venue. Most of the books are pre-loved but in mint condition, thus the price range of P10-P3,000. I suggest that you head over to the 5^th floor first because most of the young adult books are there. Classic novels, magazines, and artsy items are at the 4^th floor.

The books came from the collection of The Reading Room, Book Ends, Porch Reader Philippines, Romance Class, OMF Literature, Inc. and Save Our Schools Network.

Other activities and talks, which you can attend for FREE, are:

AUGUST 31 (FRIDAY)

• 4 PM: Word Wonder Doodle Day Workshop
• 6 PM: Wanggo Gallaga

SEPTEMBER 1 (SATURDAY)

• 1 PM: Geoselle Dela Cruz
• 2 PM: Monique Obligacion
• 3 PM: Making Children’s Books: A Workshop by Beverly Wico Siy
• 6 PM: Manix Abrera of Kikomachine Komiks

SEEPTEMBER 2 (SUNDAY)

• 1 PM: Save Our Schools Network
• 2 PM: Tet Mora’s The Love of Reading Starts at Home Workshop
• 4 PM: Word Wonder Mandala-Making Workshop
• 6 PM: CARA Welfare Philippines talk

WHEN: August 31 – September 2, 2018

Make the weekend more enjoyable by getting the books that you’ve been looking for at a lower price! Best time to go is in the morning when not a lot of shoppers are in the mall. The venue is already open by 11 AM and sellers will start packing up by 9:00 PM.

MUST-HAVES: The most interesting finds in the venue

Complete Series and Novels (Hardbound/ Paperback)

Surprises Out of Boxes: New, used, and vintage books (can be ordered through Amazon)

Porch Reader Philippines 

RomanceClass Books

P50 Magazines and Books from Local Authors

Copperazo Accessories

Upcycled Accessories from Further

Stickers + Arts and Crafts

+ FOOD!

TIP: Bring an eco bag (and lots of cash) if you’re planning to buy a lot of books. Most of the sellers place the items in brown bags. Eco-friendly!

Let us know what you were able to buy at the Word Wonder! For questions, you may get in touch by following Manila Millennial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For instant updates about the bazaar, visit:

Word Wonder: A Book Bazaar

Facebook: Century City Mall 

Instagram: @centurycitymallph