MAKATI CITY — The Stacks University, a free four-week learning series hosted at The Stacks in One Ayala, concluded its successful inaugural run last Saturday with a final session and graduation ceremony. The program, which ran every Saturday, transformed One Ayala's beloved reading hub into a space for inspiring conversations, creative exchange, and community growth. The closing event featured guest speaker Tori Tadiar, a Filipino comic artist and illustrator, who shared insights on world-building and comic creation.
A Four-Week Journey of Learning and Connection
Presented in partnership with Fully Booked, Penguin Random House, and 8Letters, The Stacks University brought together a diverse lineup of respected authors, illustrators, editors, and creators. The series opened with psychologist and author Carl Cervantes, followed by editor Bambi Eloriaga-Amago. Subsequent sessions featured author M.C. Tolfo on immersive storytelling, and a panel with illustrator Jomike Tejido, content creator Solene Dream, and author Gerald Esmailzadeh discussing graphic novels, Instagram marketing, and author branding. The program was designed to be an engaging and interactive experience, with each session limited to 30 participants to foster meaningful dialogue.
Building on a Vision for Community Spaces
The Stacks University was an extension of The Stacks, a permanent reading and book-swapping space that transformed a transit-heavy mall into an unexpected destination for readers and creatives. As Jorelle Balitbit, Cluster Marketing Lead – Makati, noted, "Our Common Place reflects Ayala Malls' commitment to creating spaces that add value to everyday life. The response to The Stacks showed us that people are looking for more than a place to pause, but also for opportunities to discover, connect, and grow". The success of The Stacks University demonstrates the growing demand for slower, more thoughtful spaces in the city—places where conversations begin through shared stories, and learning happens beyond the classroom.
