There is no pleasure quite like reading a book.
In Makati City’s La Fuerza compound, Kwago “Chief Librarian” Czyka Tumaliuan is hoping to indulge bibliophiles by providing highly curated used and new books in an independent book bar she’s putting up.
“Literature, coffee, and a good conversation – this is what the book bar offers in three words,” Tumaliuan said in a press release.
At the same time, she sees the new venue in co-working and events space Warehouse Eight as a way for local publishers and writers to showcase their work.
“Kwago is not only a bookstore; it’s an alternative learning platform. The bookstore is there to help sustain the independent press community, so they can make more weird, unpopular stuff, and afford to quit their full-time corporate jobs even if only a few people read and appreciate what they make,” Tumaliuan shared.
Ultimately, her goal is to have a reading nook in every Filipino home, and to build a smarter and more creative Philippines.
The book bar will be co-designed by visual artist Jem Magbanua, and will offer fiction-inspired drinks to be developed by YDG (Your Daily Grind) Coffee founder Marco Tarog and Hey Handsome bartender Matthew Carpio.
“A breakout space for deep dialogues, learning, and a quiet cup of coffee fits” the energy of the La Fuerza compound, say the owners of Warehouse Eight. “We’re giving a home to an idea we believe in and will help her bring it to life.”
To be able to launch and operate fully this year, Kwago and Warehouse Eight are organizing a two-day fundraiser at their location on January 27 and 28 – a weekend – from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Entrance is free, and all sales at the bar and store will directly fund the construction of the book bar. According to the press release, guests can “freely donate furniture, money, artworks, zines, books, and other things that can be used and repurposed for the book bar.”
Attendees can look forward to fiction-inspired drinks; a play-your-own-vinyl lounge; free prints and zines; drunken poetry reading; and conversations about the indie press community.
Organizers want to share the vision of Kwago and Warehouse Eight, while promoting collaborations and fostering support for the creative community.
Follow the #KwagoBookBar event page for more details: Bit.ly/BookbarFundraising.
