Poets, book-lovers and supporters of original works gathered last April 23 at the SM Megamall Activity Center to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day.

Spearheaded by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) in partnership with The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and SM Megamall, the event, “Reading Rocks, Copyright Rules!” opened with a motorcade that had several decorated trucks going around the Ortigas Business Center, and members of the NBDB giving away bookmarks to onlookers.

In Megamall, poets from the UP Institute of Creative Writing like Gabriela Lee and Francis Paolo Quina, as well as big names like Benilda Santos and Jose “Pete” Lacaba, read verses from various pieces.

There were also musical numbers from the IPO Choir and the band Flying Ipis.

A number of artists dressed in black and white staged an act that consisted of hugging people in the audience.

Beauty queen Patricia Fernandez was crowned as the “Paraluman ng Panitikan” by Teo Antonio.

“Reading Rocks, Copyright Rules!” is also a reminder for everyone to respect copyright and original work. NBDB chair Flor Marie “Neni” Sta. Romana-Cruz said that the prevalence of the Internet has also allowed the use of other people’s work without the proper acknowledgment.

“We want to give honor to all writers whose works have been celebrated and properly acknowledged,” she said.