Books, at times, could make the waiting and down time in our travel not-that-boring. For instance, we could read a good book while waiting at the airport lounge when the flight is delayed.  For others, however, reading a book goes beyond a filler of dead air. So, let’s review some of the bookstores when you arrive in Philippine reading territory:

4. Used books. There are a number of stores selling used or pre-owned books. There’s Booksale or Books for Less. If you’re lucky, you’ll pick up a good novel, business or other books at a really cheap price. There may be other stores dealing with used books, so please let us know through the comment section.

3. National Bookstore. It’s THE national bookstore, its slogan suggests. Some branches carry only school supplies and a limited variety of books, while other branches may have a wider selection. Still, National Bookstore is better known for school supplies (think paper, pens, pencils, notebooks, etc.) than books.

2. Powerbooks. I’m a card-carrying Powerbooks member (see Powerbooks website). This is the only bookstore that I took time to fill up the membership application form. This is where I mostly go because of the business books. In Trinoma mall, Powerbooks stands side-by-side with a huge toy store, Toy Kingdom, yet the choice is a no-brainer for my 3-year old son: he would run with glee past the toy store, then go directly to the children’s section of Powerbooks. There was a time when bookstores, like National Bookstore, don’t allow people to read the books. The change in policy is perfect because my son goes through the contents first before deciding which  one to buy.

1. Fully Booked. I don’t know if it has a membership program, but I don’t really care. I still am comfortable with Powerbooks. However, if you’ve been to Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street, Fort Bonifacio, maybe you’ll understand why I placed it as the first in rank (see Full Booked website). True, the Powerbooks in SM Megamall also serves coffee, Fully Booked at The Fort has a Starbucks inside, at the 3rd floor of the 4-floor book haven. Half of the second floor is children’s bookstores, which means my kid enjoys the place enormously (but he still calls it Powerbooks).

These are my opinions and feel free to express yours. There are other bookstores, just like the Solidaridad or a different bookstore (so far, I found one in Serendra and one in Eastwood, Libis). Again, if you know other great bookstores in other areas of the Philippines or if you have a different opinion, please feel free to let us know through the comment section below.