Celebrating Words, Culture, and Connection: Día del Libro 2025 Invites Manila to a Day of Literary Wonder

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Manila is about to be swept into a whirlwind of stories, colors, and culture this April as the Instituto Cervantes de Manila and the Embassy of Spain invite everyone to a grand celebration of the written word – the much-awaited Día del Libro 2025 (World Book Day).

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Makati, this annual literary fiesta transcends language and borders, turning the city into a buzzing hub for bibliophiles, artists, and culture lovers of all ages. It's not just an event—it’s a cultural phenomenon, a tribute to Spain’s literary legacy, and a bridge between the Filipino and Hispanic worlds.

A Day When Books Come Alive

Traditionally celebrated on April 23rd to honor the death anniversaries of literary giants Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, Día del Libro (Day of the Book) has grown into a global movement. In Manila, it is reimagined with a uniquely Filipino-Spanish flavor, featuring a bustling book market, live performances, and a smorgasbord of artistic experiences.

Whether you're a lifelong reader or a curious wanderer, this event promises more than just books. It offers a full day of family-friendly activities—from storytelling sessions and poetry readings to musical concerts and art exhibits.

And yes, as tradition goes, don’t miss the timeless custom of receiving a red rose with every book purchase—a nod to the Catalan “Diada de Sant Jordi” that sparked this beautiful celebration.

More Than Just a Book Fair

This year’s event is more ambitious and inclusive than ever, with collaborations from over 40 institutions across the literary, cultural, and diplomatic spectrum. Co-organized with the support of esteemed partners like AECID, Ayala Corporation, Make it Makati, the PTC Group, Acciona, Vibal Foundation, NCCA, NBDB, and more, the celebration becomes a melting pot of cultures and stories.

Adding even more vibrancy are the contributions from embassies of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, México, Panamá, and Venezuela, alongside publishing houses and organizations such as Ateneo University Press, FEU Publishing House, Milflores, Komiket, Romanceclass Books, and many others, turning this event into a true celebration of international literature and Filipino creativity.

An Invitation to Rediscover Our Shared Stories

The Día del Libro 2025 is more than a festival—it is a reminder of the power of literature to bridge generations, inspire minds, and connect nations. As we leaf through pages of history, poetry, fiction, and dreams, we’re also leafing through the shared experiences of humanity.

So whether you're searching for your next great read, hoping to meet your favorite author, or simply looking for an enriching weekend experience, the Instituto Cervantes and the Embassy of Spain warmly invite you to join the festivities.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this joyful, dramatic, and deeply inspiring celebration of words. Viva el libro! Viva la cultura! See you at Día del Libro 2025!

For more updates on cultural events and community celebrations, follow Wazzup Pilipinas – your pulse on everything vibrant, relevant, and inspiring.

A Nation in Stamps: PHLPost Unveils Historic Triple Launch at National Philatelic Exhibition 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A celebration of history, artistry, and Filipino pride will come alive this April 23 to 25 as the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), in partnership with the Philippine Philatelic Federation Inc. (PPFI), stages the 2025 National Philatelic Exhibition (NaPEx) at the Lucky Chinatown Mall Atrium, in the heart of Binondo — the world's oldest Chinatown.

NaPEx 2025 isn't just another exhibit—it’s a cultural odyssey immortalized in ink and paper. Over three thrilling days, PHLPost is set to launch three powerful events that promise to tug at the hearts of Filipinos and philatelists alike.

Day 1: April 23 – Love the Philippines, One Postcard at a Time

The opening salvo marks the official unveiling of the “Love the Philippines” Postcards, a visual love letter to the beauty of the archipelago. This collection aims to inspire a renewed passion for travel and patriotism, spotlighting the nation's most iconic destinations, natural wonders, and cultural treasures. It’s more than just mail—it’s movement.

Day 2: April 24 – Golden Glory in Paris Immortalized in Stamps

The spotlight on Day 2 shifts to national pride as PHLPost honors the nation’s heroes from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, led by none other than double gold medalist Carlos Yulo. These commemorative stamps immortalize Filipino excellence on the global stage, turning moments of victory into collectible treasures that will outlive lifetimes.

Day 3: April 25 – A Kaleidoscope of Culture: Philippine Festivals Stamps Launch

Bringing the event to a grand, colorful finale is the launch of the Philippine Festivals Stamp Collection. From Sinulog to Panagbenga, these vibrant designs capture the rhythm, tradition, and festive spirit of the Filipino soul. These stamps are not just art—they are echoes of drums, dancers, and devotion preserved in tiny masterpieces.

The Heartbeat of NaPEx: The National Stamp Competition

NaPEx 2025 is also hosting the country’s most competitive philatelic showdown with 17 of the nation’s most passionate stamp collectors showcasing their carefully curated collections. From themes like “My Teacher, My Hero” by Christian Ronel Austria to “Life and Legacy of Cory Aquino” by Amelie Lopez, and “Ancient Chinese Art Treasures” by Robert Tiu Sy, each display offers visitors a visual narrative of history, heritage, and humanity.

Collectors like Jasmine Goforth (Davao-themed), Fernando Lozano (Timeless Heroines), and Jewel Vernice Abrenica (Philippine National Heroes) offer collections not only rich in rarity but also in storytelling. A diverse mix of veteran philatelists and rising young enthusiasts, the competition is a testament to the timeless allure of stamp collecting.

A Gathering of Philatelic Passion

Beyond the exhibits, NaPEx 2025 brings together stamp lovers from across the country and the globe. PHLPost, through PPFI, unites various organizations such as the Filipinas Stamp Collectors' Club, Philippine Stamp Collectors' Society, Philippine Chinese Philatelic Society, International Philippine Philatelic Society, and local groups from Leyte, Naga, Cebu, and Quezon. Notable philatelic icons like Robert Tan, Reynaldo Ong, Hans Becker, and Jeremiah Eufemio will also lend their expertise and collections to the celebration.

A Free Event for All Ages

Starting daily at 2:00 PM, NaPEx 2025 is free and open to the public, offering not just a trip down memory lane, but a unique chance for new generations to discover the magic of stamps. Visitors can immerse themselves in talks, witness live stamp unveilings, and perhaps even start their own collections.

Rediscovering the Art of Sending Love

In an age of instant messages, NaPEx 2025 reminds us of the enduring charm of handwritten letters, of stories captured in stamps, of emotions sealed in envelopes. PHLPost’s commitment to preserving this legacy through innovation and celebration proves that the love for stamps is far from fading—it is flourishing.

So come April 23 to 25, take a walk through history, culture, and pride. NaPEx 2025 isn’t just an exhibit—it’s a movement.

The Wazzup Pilipinas founder encourages all Filipinos to witness this rare tribute to history, culture, and identity—beautifully captured in miniature works of art.

POWER CRISIS BY DESIGN: How Meralco and San Miguel’s Broken Promises Are Leaving Filipinos in the Dark

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the simmering heat of another Philippine summer, the burden of ballooning electricity bills has become all too familiar for millions of households. Yet behind the cold numbers on your monthly Meralco bill lies a tale of betrayal, manipulation, and a deep-rooted system designed to protect profits—at the cost of the public’s welfare.

At the epicenter of this unfolding crisis is a delayed promise: a 1,200-megawatt baseload power supply from Excellent Energy Resources Inc. (EERI), a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation (SMC). The Department of Energy (DOE) has confirmed that EERI’s failure to deliver on time will again cause tight power supply conditions and drive up prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). And who bears the brunt of these price hikes? The already overburdened Filipino consumer.

But make no mistake—this is not a mere accident. It is part of a pattern.

A Vicious Cycle of Delay, Denial, and Deception

This is not the first time Meralco and SMC have been in the spotlight for questionable conduct. Back in 2022, when fuel costs surged, SMC’s subsidiaries SPPC and SMEC sought to terminate their Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) with Meralco, citing unsustainable operations. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) denied the move, but SMC went to court—and won. Soon after, these same companies returned to Meralco’s bidding process, won again, and are now again failing to deliver.

This leaves Meralco with a convenient excuse to buy from the WESM—where prices are notoriously high—then pass on the additional costs to you, the consumer.

A System Built for Corporations, Not Citizens

Year after year, Meralco—the country’s largest power distributor—finds itself at the center of scandal after scandal involving questionable rate hikes, overbilling, and contractual violations. Yet accountability remains elusive. Despite repeated failures, its 25-year franchise was recently renewed, signaling to the public that delays, broken contracts, and skyrocketing rates are business as usual.

Even more alarming: Meralco continues to eye expansion into other franchise areas, such as BATELEC II in Batangas, potentially bringing its flawed practices to even more communities.

The game is rigged. The rules are bent. And the referees are either silent—or complicit.

The Cost of Silence

Every broken contract, every delayed power delivery, every unexplained surge in your electric bill points to a deeper truth: our energy sector is no longer governed by public service. It is steered by private conglomerates who bend rules, break promises, and pass the consequences to powerless consumers.

The power crisis we face is not the result of unforeseen events or bad luck. It is by design.

A Call to Action: Investigate, Audit, Reform

PARE (Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy) is demanding more than just answers—we are demanding justice.

We call for a full, independent audit of Meralco, covering:

All active and terminated PSAs

Rate applications and price adjustment mechanisms

Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) and capital expenditures

Operational and maintenance expenses

Contracting history—especially with habitual violators

But an audit alone is not enough. The Energy Regulatory Commission must finally do its job. Delayed PSAs should trigger public penalties and supplier reevaluation—not silence and backroom excuses.

Moreover, the House Committee on Energy, chaired by Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, and the Senate Committee on Energy, led by Sen. Pia Cayetano, must hold a joint congressional inquiry to investigate how major players like San Miguel wield their influence. It's time to ask the hard questions: Are current procurement mechanisms delivering affordable and reliable power—or just reinforcing corporate monopolies?

Power to the People

This is not just about electricity. This is about fairness. This is about a right. This is about justice.

We urge every Filipino to stay vigilant. Hold Meralco and San Miguel accountable. Demand transparency. Demand reform. Because the Filipino people deserve more than broken promises and bloated bills. They deserve a power sector that serves them—not exploits them.

No more excuses. No more passes. No more powerless consumers.

By Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE)

It’s time to reclaim control. Not just over electricity—but over truth, justice, and our future.

The lights may still be on—but the system is broken. And it’s time to fix it.