For decades, the National Book Store (NBS) has been a household name for back-to-school shopping. It’s where generations of Filipinos bought notebooks, pens, art materials, and last-minute project supplies. For many students, a visit to the NBS is almost a rite of passage.

And now, the cherished bookshop giant is turning a new page. This time, it’s opening its doors to young creatives, art lovers, foodies, and city wanderers in a new place meant not only for shopping, but for staying, discovering, and interacting.

NBS Park, which transforms its old warehouse into a creative and lifestyle attraction, is located next to the National Book Store Group’s offices along Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City. The area has been reimagined as an “urban oasis,” a mix of industrial architecture, lush flora, and contemporary design accents that create a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere.

NBS Park is a departure from the traditional mall model, bringing together art galleries, food concepts, coffee places, recreation centers, and lifestyle stores into one thoughtfully curated communal space. The idea is designed to combine art, gastronomy, and shopping into a place that seems sophisticated yet approachable, especially for young people looking for new experiences around the metro.

The destination’s pulse is its vibrant art scene. One of its cornerstones is 125 Projects, an art hub formed by Gwen Bautista that supports experimental and contemporary Filipino art. The gallery offers an intimate space for established and new artists to display thought-provoking works and push the frontiers of creativity.

Another big draw is Gajah Gallery, which has a reputation for displaying modern art from Southeast Asia. It features regional masters and emerging talents and acts as a bridge connecting artists to the international art market through selected shows.

But NBS Park is more than just gallery hopping. It also caters to individuals who view food and coffee as part of the creative process.

If you’re craving comfort cuisine, Astro serves dishes produced with ingredients obtained from local small and medium farms. Many of the components are produced in house, resulting in comfortable recipes made with care.

Engkanto Taps, the official taproom of the award-winning Engkanto Brewery, is a great place to hang out for craft beer lovers in the evenings. The facility marries local craft brews with upscale pub grub, making it a great spot for late-night talks and casual meetings.

There is also a strong coffee culture in the park. Lucky Roasters is a roastery and lab dedicated to espresso blends and seasonal single-origin beans, while Type A Coffee offers up handcrafted cold brews, pour-overs, espresso beverages, and specialty beans for those in need of a caffeine fix or a productive afternoon hangout. Honestly, if it’s not too hot or humid, taking your coffee at Type A’s alfresco table is an experience you would truly enjoy: natural fresh air thanks to the plants around you, industrial designs of the surroundings, plus the quiet yet sophisticated ambiance it has.

Meanwhile, Pluck presents elevated comfort cuisine with a contemporary rotisserie and wine bar concept that combines succulent roasted chicken with a chosen list of natural wines for a cozier dining experience.

NBS Park also offers venues for enjoyment and design inspiration. Partee Golf is bringing a fun social club vibe to the indoor mini golf experience. While design-minded visitors may check out modular furniture pieces by DNA and KKLC.

Lastly, Porcelanosa offers exquisite Spanish-made tiles and interior solutions for architectural and interior design fans that adds grace to contemporary settings.

NBS Park is a blend of art, food, and design culture, an uncommon combination in Metro Manila, where there is a growing need to find places where people can slow down and engage with their environment in innovative ways. For young Filipinos looking for their new favorite weekend getaway, NBS Park shows that the National Book Store is no longer merely a location to get supplies for creativity. It’s a place where creativity itself is coming alive.