(SPOT.ph) Quiet spots in Metro Manila are so rare they're pretty much unexpected. Especially one right behind popular gigs-and-drinks spot Tomato Kick—but that's exactly what Bookfellas is. The online shop has set up camp at the end of the restaurant's driveway—quite literally a hole in the wall—located at 19 Malingap Street, Diliman, Quezon City. If you're already planning a visit, take note that they're open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays, and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays.
Although it opened on July 27, owner Dan Gaffud points out that there's still a lot to fix up. He's still in the process of classifying the books, he says, which cover practically all genres and types. "All walks of life, kung anong trip mo. Kung naghahanap ka ng tipong carpentry books meron d'yan. Hindi siya exclusive sa mga intellectual types—literary, philosophical—lahat ng pwede namin makuha," says Gaffud in a conversation with SPOT.ph.Â
People are more than welcome to look around and shop though, he says. Books range from just P10 to around P200, depending on the titles. And if the huge selection at Bookfellas isn't enough for the bibliophile in you, you can walk on over a block away to Gaffud's first shop, Bookay-ukay, at 78 Maginhawa Street.Â
Gaffud's love for books started way back when he was a Social Sciences major at the Philippine Normal University. He and his friends were always on the lookout for cheap books to read. "'Yong mga sobra namin na books, binebenta namin sa mga English Majors," jokes Gaffud. "Hanggang sa naging profession na siya."Â he adds. At one point, he recalls selling books at a waiting shed near the University of the Philippines - Manila with his friend Ajreash Laberinto of Books from Underground.Â
So whether you're on the hunt for a specific book or just need some time to unwind, Bookfellas deserves a spot on your list. It's a great place to escape from the endless hustle of Metro Manila.Â
