Istorya Studios Bookshop fosters a love for reading within its community while prioritizing Filipiniana titles
In the gateway to the northern Philippines, a quiet village in Guiguinto, Bulacan, is home to a bookshop that fosters a love of reading. Once a garage, this space has transformed into a haven for Filipino titles, celebrated for their cultural significance.
Istorya Studios, both a publishing house and a bookshop, is the brainchild of visual artists Rodel Tapaya and Marina Cruz. The journey began when Rodel created a card game for his children, designed to complement their Araling Panlipunan lessons. “That's where our publishing journey started—with the cards,” he shares with Art+. “Then our love for books and book creation came to life,” he adds. “We've always dreamt of having a bookstore in the village,” Marina confesses.
Being visual artists means prioritizing the creation of art that brings them joy. This philosophy, shared by Rodel and Marina, also shaped their approach to making books. “We don’t have a target audience. What we want is to create and enjoy what we do,” Rodel explains.
Initially, they aimed to produce prints of game cards and comics, as these two media closely aligned with their artistic practice. They saw the potential to create engaging materials that could also spark conversations about history. “I want children to learn about the history of the Philippines,” Rodel shares.
This vision is reflected in the design of the bookshop’s facade, created by Archie Oclos. It portrays a grandmother telling stories to children, symbolizing the heart of their mission.
Read full article here via Art+ Magazine