Plug: World Book and Copyright Day

April 23, 2008 is World Book and Copyright Day (in the future, I'm wondering whether "book" and "copyright" will still be associated with each other). Locally, Instituto Cervantes is celebrating the event.

From Avalon.ph:

Although it’s only summer, Instituto Cervantes is already getting ready for the rainy season as a deluge of books arrives on April 19 at the third edition of Día Internacional del Libro (International Book Day).

Instituto Cervantes celebrates Día del Libro or International Book Day, an event that aims to promote the love for reading and the written word. Regularly celebrated on the 23rd of April, World Book Day was inspired by a tradition from Barcelona, Spain that celebrates St. George’s Day, where men and women exchange a rose for the gift of a book.

Coming after last year’s successful run, where guests had their pick of books and the chance to witness and participate in activities such as wine and cheese-tasting, dance classes, concerts, and free Spanish classes, the 3rd Día del Libro promises to be even grander and bigger.

Opening its doors to bibliophiles, culture lovers, and the curious on April 19 from 10 am to midnight, Instituto Cervantes revives the grand Barcelonan tradition with the Día del Libro book fair.

Giving the gift of a rose with every purchase of a book, flowers will be overflowing as book lovers take advantage of rock bottom prices. Publishers and book stores are bringing in thousands of titles covering a wide range of subjects, with brand new copies available at prices starting from Php20.00.

Together with books and roses, Instituto Cervantes dazzles guests with even more treats. Free Spanish and Latin dance classes, and guided tours are among the delights that guests can expect during Día del Libro.

Visitors can get a taste of the rich Spanish culture with poetry readings, and film showings, featuring several well-known Spanish and Latin American actors and actresses, including recent Oscar winner Javier Bardem. Renowned choreographer and dance master, Myra Beltran, gives a fiery performance entitled Not Mine at 3pm.

And to cap off the celebrations, get ready to party with fabulous dance performances, overflowing Spanish food, festive Latin music and more at the Día del Libro Fiesta!

Oh, and if you need the address to Instituto Cervantes, here it is:

855 T.M. Kalaw St.
1000 Ermita, Manila
Filipinas