As I Live & Read: Cebu’s Most Satisfying Attractions for Bookworms

Enter the mind-bending world of literature at Cebu’s finest book havens.

Photo from Fully Booked

We all have our unique preferences for different things—whether it’s the taste of food, the taste in beverages, or the taste in music. But there’s one kind of taste that resonates deeply with our minds: the taste for words. And where can we savor these remarkable words? In books, of course.

Books are the literary equivalent of cinematic entertainment, like watching a movie in your head. It’s not just the entertainment that draws bookworms to reading; it’s the sense of escapism and the calming effect it brings. Books help set aside negative thoughts, offering a chance to dive into another world.

Photo from Beauty and the Beast

For those who eat words for breakfast, we’ve got a treat for you as Cebu offers a treat with some of the best spots to find great books. —perfect for clearing your mind of any negativity.

NATIONAL BOOK STORE

Photo from National Bookstore

Needless to say, the largest bookstore chain in the Philippines. If you’re the kind of reader who takes recommendations from Booktok, then National Book Store or NBS is the top choice for you, with various romance novels, Wattpad stories, and other forms of Philippine literature.

The good thing about this store is that they stock their shelves with whatever book or which author is trending in the media. So you don’t need to worry for that book you’re looking for to run out, there’s more where that came from if you visit NBS.

They also offer some other important materials for your troubles—affordable school supplies, art supplies, Cebuano dictionaries, and everything you need whether you’re a reader, an artist, or a student. Whatever it is, the National Book Store has you covered.

Photo from National Bookstore

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

Regular prices start at Php 299.00, depending on the book. For more information, visit their website or call to inquire. 

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: G/F, 2nd/F Mango Plaza, Gen. Maxilom Ave. cor. J. Osmeña St., Cebu City, Cebu City, Philippines

  • By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin the exact location above as your destination. There are other more branches here in Cebu, you can also pin “National Book Store Cebu” to your digital map, and click on the branch closest to your location.
  • By Commute: From Andoks, Mabolo, near Saint Joseph and Patriarch Parish, ride a 03B jeepney and ask the driver to drop you off at the National Book Store. No need to specify—he knows exactly which one you mean.

FULLY BOOKED

Photo from Fully Booked

Searching for timeless classics? Fully Booked is the perfect place to explore. While they offer a great selection of modern literature, the store is best known for its impressive collection of classics.

That’s not the only impressive thing about Fully Booked—it’s their wide variety of selections. They don’t just stock today’s best sellers but also those from the past. Fully Booked never forgets the classic authors, they keep their legacies alive because these timeless works are what make literature truly worth studying.

Photo from Fully Booked

If you’re a fan of Cebuano authors, you might even have a chance to meet some of them here. Stories have been told from book shoppers that they don’t usually meet their favorite authors in book signing events, but on a lucky encounter at Fully Booked. Are you willing to take that chance? Visit now at any branch near you!

Photo from Fully Booked

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Collins Classics books – Php 179.00
  • Prices may vary on the book. Check out their website for more information.

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Level 2, The Terraces, Ayala Center, Cebu City, Cebu

  • By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin the exact location above as your destination. There are other more branches here in Cebu, you can also pin “National Book Store Cebu” to your digital map, and click on the branch closest to your location.
  • By Commute: From SM City Cebu, ride a 04L jeepney and instruct the driver to drop off at The Terrace of Ayala Center Cebu.

BOOKSALE

Photo from Official Group of Booksale Cebu Branches

Looking for something with a lower price? Here’s a bookstore you’ll enjoy browsing; Booksale. One of the most affordable bookstores in Cebu. If you’re not a picky reader, take a look at the rarest books they sell. Why only choose familiar books? Their stories may be as jaw-dropping or mind-bending as you never thought they would be.

There’s more. They also have a large variety of textbooks you definitely need for your studies, especially for college students when they need affordable sources for their thesis. All you might need for class is available at Booksale.

Photo from Official Group of Booksale Cebu Branches

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Prices start at Php 50.00. They may vary depending on the book.

OTHER INFORMATION

  • Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Telephone Number: (02) 8819 0448
  • Email Address: [email protected]

HOW TO GET THERE?

Location: Lower Ground Floor, SM City Cebu, Juan Luna Ave Ext, Cebu City, 6000, Cebu

  • By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “SM City Cebu” as your destination. Once inside, descend to the lower ground. Ask around where to find Booksale.
  • By Commute: From Ayala Center Cebu, ride a 04L jeepney, it will take you straight to SM City Cebu. If you’re from Parkmall, ride a 01K jeepney, it also leads straight to SM.

BOOKCHIGO CEBU

Photo from Bookchigo’s Official Facebook Page

Discover this brand new affordable bookstore in Cebu with all the popular titles you love. Books you once saw at famous stores are now available at Bookchigo, and at unbeatable prices. But there’s more—a special treat for you bookworms!

Can’t afford to spend hundreds of pesos per book? Not to worry, because Bookchigo also offers a books-per-kilo warehouse. Instead of pricing each book individually, this store prices them by the kilogram. As one of the most affordable bookstores in Cebu, they let you fill your cart with as many books as you can carry—literally. No need to stress about the value of a single title, just the weight of your haul.

Looking for a cozy atmosphere? Bookchigo also features a mini coffee shop where you can sip and savor your new books. Visit Bookchigo Cebu and explore thousands of books waiting to be discovered!

Photo from Bookchigo’s Official Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • Warehouse – Php 200.00 per kilo
    • Stay tuned for sales announcements at their Facebook page.
  • Retail – Price starts at Php 250.00 per title
    • Stay tuned for new arrivals at their Facebook page.

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Behind McDonald’s, Bangbang II, San Miguel Road, Cordova, Cebu

  • By Commute: From SM City Cebu, ride a V-hire bound to Cordova for only 50 pesos transportation fee. After crossing the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, instruct your driver to drop you off at McDonald’s. You can find Bookchigo just behind that restaurant.
  • By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to Bookchigo Cebu. Crossing the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway is the closest way to go. If you can find Cordova’s McDonald’s, you can find your destination, it’s the only McDonald’s in Cordova.

CEBU CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

If you can’t afford to buy any book at all, you can also borrow. Visit now in one of Cebu’s oldest public libraries and browse their variety selection of books. They have all the genres you need in fiction and non-fiction. Fantasy, sci-fi, and thrillers for fiction. Then there’s children’s literature and its own special section for your children where they can learn and read in peace.

As for you scholars, if you need to keep your budget from spending too many sources, try searching for their most trusted textbooks. Especially for our professional historians, you can find everything you need to know about Cebu in this public library.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

RATES

  • You can borrow any book you want, but for a limited amount of time. No charge.

OTHER INFORMATION

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Exact Location: G/F, Rizal Memorial Library and Museum Bldg, Osmeña Blvd, Lungsod ng Cebu, 6000, Lalawigan ng Cebu

  • By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cebu City Public Library”.
  • By Commute: At the front gate of Saint Joseph and Patriarch Parish, ride a 03B jeepney and instruct your driver to drop you off at Fuente Osmeña Circle. From the bus stop, it’s only a walking distance to your destination. You can take the street between McDonald’s and Dewfoam furniture store, and walk there straight ahead. You’ll reach your destination.
Photo from Beauty and the Beast

What are you waiting for, mga Sugboanong readers? Sit back, relax, and feed your mind with an awe of wondrous literature!

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