Amid densely populated areas, busy streets, and modern skyscrapers, a multitude of cultural heritage sites can be found in Manila. One of those is the Lagusnilad pedestrian underpass, one of the oldest underpasses in the country, which was built in 1963.

Over time, the historic underpass deteriorated and became clogged with vendors’ makeshift stalls. Some found beauty in the deteriorating decades-old underpass when they discovered Books from Underground —a thrift bookstore with a wide selection of literature where you can get a good deal.

In the early 2000s, before the bookstore opened, the owners sold to their circle of friends. Then there was a time when they sold books on the sidewalk of Manila City Hall until they discovered there was a vacant space at the underpass. That is how the name Books from Underground came about.

One of the many shops in the underpass is Books from Underground. Some sell clothing and slippers, but this is the only shop that sells used books. The books were simply stacked to the ceiling of the underpass, and the barrier of their charming shop was made of chicken wires. It appears that one lives in a chaotic world, and the books provide an escape.

As part of the Manila City government’s cleaning and rehabilitation initiative to preserve the historic city, the Lagusnilad Underpass was included. The bookshop was one of many vendors forced to close during the 2019 clearing operations.

Because of the large selection, Books from Underground provides affordable books and books that can enlighten people. Aside from novels, it has books that will educate people about economics, history, social science, and even law.

The Lagusnilad underpass now features murals and photographs of Manila’s landmarks, highlighting the city’s rich history. Many people were relieved to learn that their beloved bookstore could continue to operate in the walkway’s sole vending space.

Reading may not be a prevalent culture in the Philippines. That is why we must popularize selling and offering books in public places such as underpasses. Books from Underground is essential because it promotes reading as a medium of learning.

In some ways, having a public bookstore promotes a love of reading. If we make books accessible to the general public, such as those passing through the underpass, it will hopefully spark interest and passion for books.