Bookshelf PH Chronicles: A Filipino Family’s Christmas Literary Adventure

In a bahay na bato glowing with parol and capiz lanterns, the Reyes family gathers around their beloved bookshelf for their annual Christmas tradition. Each family member chooses a book to read aloud, spinning tales that spark laughter, nostalgia, and reflection.

“The Digital Dilemma” - A Modern Bayanihan

Tatay Joel, the tech-savvy barangay council member, kicks off the night with The Digital Dilemma: Why Government Services Must Evolve. “Imagine if government offices worked like Grab,” he jokes, sharing stories of how technology can transform public services. Kuya Jun nods. “Sana LTO takes notes,” he quips, earning a laugh. But the family discussion turns thoughtful: how can the bayanihan spirit help modernize systems for all Filipinos?

“Jasmines In Her Hair” - Hugot for the Heart

Ate Mia, the family poet, chooses Jasmines In Her Hair: Poetry for the Soul. Her reading of verses about love and identity leaves Nanay misty-eyed. “Ang hugot,” she says softly. The family falls into a comfortable silence, each reflecting on how poetry speaks to the soul.

“Monsters and Magic” - Kwento for Healing

Nanay Marites picks Monsters and Magic: NLP Coaching and Counselling Stories. The tales of self-discovery resonate with her and her best friend, Aling Bebang, who’s still grieving a loss. “It’s like facing your inner monsters and finding magic in healing,” Nanay shares.

“Sari-Sari Stories: Family Edition” - Slices of Home

Lolo Ben takes everyone back in time with Sari-Sari Stories: Family Edition. Reading a story about sibling rivalry, he reminisces about arguing with his brother over chores back in the province. “Parang tayo!” Dino exclaims, sparking a round of shared memories and hearty laughter.

 “Fish Series” - Underwater Adventures

Seven-year-old Dino eagerly grabs Fish Series. He reads about a curious fish navigating challenges with courage, making Lolo lean over and whisper, “Parang ikaw, Dino.” The young boy beams, proud to share his story with the family.

“Private Iris” - Mystery Night

Tita Bea, the family’s Sherlock Holmes, picks Private Iris: The Secretive Sleuth. As she reads, everyone tries to solve the case alongside Iris. “Mas suspenseful pa ‘to than Korean dramas,” Ate Mia jokes, sparking laughter and playful banter.

“Surprise Journey” - A Life-Changing Pilgrimage

Lola Flora selects Surprise Journey: A Spiritual Memoir. She reflects on the author’s transformative experience and recalls the family’s pilgrimage to Antipolo. “Life’s detours often lead to unexpected blessings,” she says, her voice full of wisdom.

“Traveling” - Finding Inner Peace

Nanay ends the night with Traveling: A Spiritual Seeker’s Guide. The book’s gentle reflections encourage the family to pause and appreciate their blessings. Tatay shares his favorite memory of climbing Mount Apo: “The view up there feels like God’s whisper.”

A Merry Ending

As the clock strikes midnight and the noche buena feast awaits, the Reyes family lingers a little longer by their bookshelf. “Bookshelf PH didn’t just bring us stories—they gave us moments like this,” Tatay Joel says, his voice thick with emotion.

In true Filipino fashion, their Christmas ends not with grand fireworks but with heartfelt stories, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for the season’s magic.

Grab your copies of Bookshelf PH’s Christmas curation of books here.

ABOUT BOOKSHELF PH

Bookshelf PH is an online bookstore and book publisher in the Philippines. The organization’s goal is to promote a richer Filipino literature that will contribute to individual empowerment, and in the aggregate, nation-building. At the core of these aspirations is the belief that the surest and simplest path to personal and professional growth is through reading, whether through physical books, ebooks, or audiobooks. Bookshelf PH thus welcomes collaboration with all book lovers in the country, including everyone from freelance writers and interns to local booksellers, self-published authors, and brands that aim to publish a book.