MANILA, Philippines - The first time I entered Ripples Book and Gift Store, I didn’t feel like it was a bookstore. It was more like being received as a guest in an intimate living room filled with books. I listened to the calming music in the air as I went through checking the shelves where books are arranged more like in a library than a store. The pastel-colored interior with soft lighting enhanced the ambience. The members of the sales team greeted me with a smile, radiating their friendly energy. That made me feel more like welcomed in a relaxing spa. I could sense that they welcome their customers not as book buyers but more of as soul-searchers stumbling upon a book lover’s Eden. The entire concept of Ripples breathes life to books where no bookstore has ever thought of doing.
When asked why she christened her bookstore with an interesting word, Yasmin Nuno, who owns and runs Ripples for a year now, says that she wants to create a ripple effect of transformation in our society, which begins with every individual. Yasmin’s complex evolution, from her traditional family background to a much broader perspective of her Western-based education, has compelled her profoundly to find the underlying harmony in the conflicting beliefs and principles she grew up into. Her travels around the world opened her to a greater possibility. In one of her visits in Bath, England, an inspiration struck her. From then on, she envisioned a bookstore that would invite people not just to buy books, but to get in touch with the depths of their beings and the voice of our hearts.
Such rippling effect has in fact occurred. Within a small but expanding circles of people who are into spirituality and human potential, Ripples has carved its niche. The list of titles engages not just the interest of old-time readers but also piquing the curiosity of new ones. Some of them are not into anything except their conventional beliefs and practices, yet their visit to Ripples has opened their eyes to the vastness of wisdom found in many faiths and radical paradigms. Such opportunity engages people to have a deeper courage to face their personal issues and inner processes, and to gain a wider understanding of our innumerable differences.
Weekends at Ripples, particularly since the beginning of 2012, have also been anticipated for their unique events. One secret of this wonderful metaphysical bookstore is a homey and spacious room at the back of the store, where participants gather and listen to a number of invited lecturers and luminaries as they share their wisdom. The likes of crystal expert Noel Rosella, angel intuitive Nonoy Ozaeta, astrologer Resti H. Santiago, the meditation teachers of Brahma Kumaris, musician and spirit singer Yeyette San Luis, detox expert Agnes Prieto, abundance advocate Pido Aguilar and paranormal expert Jimmy Licauco have once graced Ripples’ intimate space for wisdom-charged afternoons that inspired and evoked powerful lessons for the soul.
Ripples is also a venue for one-on-one sessions to assist clients to achieve clarity and constructive changes in their process of inner work. Yasmin’s background in communication and counseling has triggered her more to open her store not only as a source of amazing books, but also as a venue for a much more intensive soul to soul conversations. She has also invited a number of life coaches, healing artists, tarot and other intuitive card readers, meditation teachers and workshop facilitators to open Ripples as a hub where people can find a spiritual refuge.
Add to that, Ripples, being responsive to the diversity of spiritual expressions, has expanded its product lines. Accessories, crystals and healing gemstones, gift items, empowerment/ affirmation card decks, tarot decks, the runes, greeting cards, and spiritual audio tracks all comprise its wide array of soulful implements, products that enrich a soulful experience.
I am grateful that as I have followed my interest in reading and searching for many books, as well as my calling in writing and teaching love, it has brought me to connect with Ripples. Ripples exactly mirrors how I envision a bookstore with a soul. In this chaotic world succumbed by our desire to buy more but deprived of true relationship with ourselves and others, Ripples echoes a transformative calling. Yasmin’s first-year of accomplishing a vision that she shares with people who want to make a difference like myself has done more than a good job. Ripples has not just enticed people through its customer service, interior design, or quality products, Ripples always speaks and listens to our soul.
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Ripples’ June 2012 Schedule of Events
June 12 & 26: “ Meditation on Twin Hearts by Institute for Inner Studies
June 16 to 17: “ The art and science of energy medicine through Pranic Healing by Institute for Inner Studies
June 23: “Writing from the Soul by Rem Tanauan
June 24: “Celebrating Our One Soul: The United Religions Initiative’s 11th Anniversary
June 30: “Write Right Away — A writing workshop by Pido Aguilar
Ripples Books & Gift Store is located on the 3rd floor of East Wing, Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas Ave. corner Edsa. (beside Japan Homes and Metro Dental).
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For inquiries and reservations, call 340-1214, 655-1982, 0922-8871158 or e-mail ripplesbgs@yahoo.com or like the store on Facebook.
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Send your comments to rmtanauan@hotmail.com or visit me at pathfinderscommune.com.