Metro Manila is filled with mainstream bookstores like National Bookstore, Fully Booked or Powerbooks but there’s none like Mang Danny’s. Along the busy Manila streets you’ll find him with his pop-up bookstore stored with bestsellers that would catch anyone’s eye. According to him, he frequents Manila City Hall, Quiapo and sometimes even Padre Faura. The books he sells are good quality firsthand copies of books that are 20-30% off. Frequent buyers or sukis tend to charm their way into purchasing the books for an even cheaper price. Mang Danny sells four to five books per day.
When asked why he thought of selling books, Mang Danny replied with “Gusto ko tanggalin ang paniniwala ng mga nakakakatanda na hindi nagbabasa ang mga kabataan ngayon. Sa totoo lang, nagbabasa rin ang mga estudyante ngayon. Kaya rin ako nagbebenta ng libro, gusto ko rin na ipromote ang pagbabasa sa mga dumadaan dito kung saan ako nagbebenta ng libro.” Books from authors like Dan Brown, John Grisham, Haruki Murakami, John Greene and etc. According to Mang Danny, one of the most in demand books are books by Nicholas Sparks.
To non readers out there, here’s what Mang Danny has to say: “Dapat silang magbasa dahil mas maraming natututunan sa libro. Dapat rin natin tangkilikin ang mga gawa ng manunulat upang umusbong ang literature dito sa Pilipinas.”
the FAURA PROJECT
