02/12/2025
It’s a wrap!🫶❣️
What an incredible journey it has been! Our 91st National Book Week Celebration, held from November 24–28, 2025, was a resounding success, thanks to the collective effort, enthusiasm, and support of everyone involved. With the theme “Tulay ang Pagbasa sa Bukas na Puno ng Pag-asa” (Reading is the Bridge to a Future Full of Hope), this year’s celebration truly lived up to its promise—becoming a vibrant platform for learning, fellowship, and inspiration.
The week kicked off with a warm and welcoming opening program that set the tone for what was to come. Our medical students were greeted with the simple yet thoughtful gesture of free coffee and bread, fueling their minds and spirits as we began the celebration. The orientation that followed provided valuable information on library policies and guidelines, ensuring everyone was well-informed and ready to make the most of the week. The Q&A session was an engaging highlight that kept the energy high, with lucky participants walking away with some amazing prizes, a testament to the excitement and camaraderie that filled the air.
A standout moment in the celebration was the generous donation of two sets of Marrow Notes books from Marrow Philippines, through the kindness of Mr. Prakash Kumar Singh, Country Representative. These high-yield medical reference books will be an invaluable resource for our International Medicine Doctors (IMD) at the Brokenshire School of Medicine, especially those preparing for the FMGE and NEXT exams. On behalf of all our students, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Marrow Philippines for supporting the academic success of our learners and for being a true partner in their educational journey.
The culmination of the celebration, held on December 2, 2025, was nothing short of spectacular. Once again, our students were treated to fresh coffee and bread—small comforts that made a big difference as we celebrated the closing of such a meaningful week. The Medical Library Trivia Quiz was a fun and engaging activity that saw students coming together, not only to test their knowledge but to bond over shared experiences. The contest brought out their enthusiasm and creativity, making it one of the most memorable moments of the entire celebration.
It was also a moment of pride and recognition as we honored the Top Library User and Top Book Borrower from both our international and local medical student populations. Additionally, we proudly celebrated the winners of the Short Story Writing Contest and the Digital Poster Making Contest, who were awarded cash prizes and certificates for their remarkable work. These talented students demonstrated the power of creativity, storytelling, and artistic expression—qualities that we hope will continue to flourish throughout their academic careers.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication, hard work, and unwavering support of so many individuals. From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the following people:
Cristy Jane D. Madanlo, RL, our Medical Librarian, who served as the tireless facilitator and organizer of this entire event. Her leadership and vision made this celebration a reality.
Ms. Arien A. Acejo, RL, College Librarian, whose energy and enthusiasm as the dynamic Master of Ceremonies kept the spirit of the event alive.
Ms. Cristine A. Otero, RL, MLIS, LRMC Unit Head, for her exceptional leadership and guidance throughout the celebration.
Dr. Jeahr E. Inabangan, Chairman of the Library Committee, for his steadfast commitment to our library’s mission.
Dr. Felix C. Chavez Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services, whose unwavering support has been a cornerstone of our success.
Our esteemed Judges for the contests, who took time out of their busy schedules to evaluate the creative work of our students.
All our librarians and library staff, especially Ma’am Lynda Jumadil, for their tireless efforts in ensuring everything ran smoothly and seamlessly.
And last but certainly not least, a huge thank you to all the participants who made this celebration so special. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and active involvement were the driving force behind every event, and it was your energy that truly brought this celebration to life.
Looking forward, we encourage all our medical students to continue participating and making their mark in next year’s events. Together, we will continue to build bridges through reading, knowledge, and hope for a brighter future. Let us never forget that through the simple act of reading, we open doors to new worlds and possibilities. 🌉📚✨
✍️ Cristy Jane D. Madanlo
📸 The Lamp and Cristy Jane Madanlo