Davao Reader's Haven

There's this rent-a-book store in Davao that has been around for years. It was formerly and conveniently located under our office in Galaxy Theater at Ilustre which gives me access to check it out once in awhile(which I rarely do).

I was in Grade 6 back then when I was brought there by a friend who shares the same interest with me reading books and Archie Comics. I was so amazed by their collection of Archie Comics and Sweet Valley from Kids to University. I envied that store for it's extensive collection! Grabe! Super! Super! T_T

I don't read Sweet Valley now, but still I want to collect the books because it was from there I learned to really love reading. In fact, it was Archie Comics at first in our school library in Davao Christian High School, but to collect Archie would be hard, because number 1 the ones I know which are in SALE are pretty expensive ranging from Php 100 and above and number 2 they have so many editions that I can't track them anymore.

So, I just borrowed comics from my uber rich Chinese classmates. I also ended up buying myself two editions but because I am soo nice I lent them to different people (the only two copies I have, which came from my allowance pa talaga) and now it's nowhere to be found! T_T. That was one of the "FIRST" first-hand stuff I bought using my allowance. *sigh* No use crying over spilled water.

I am drifting off the topic already. Anyway....

I wanted to become a member of the said rent-a-book place called Davao Reader's Haven or pretty much known by their readers as "Book Haven". Their membership at that time costs Php100. But, my mom at that time was against my reading Sweet Valley because she said it's too much non-sense and she preferred to see me reading her business books and during that time it was pretty boring to me. There goes my plan of being a member.

So, I would just stand outside and gaze longingly at the store(yes, I am that paranoid). I would not go inside because the place was a bit imposing for lil ol me to be in, and it's kinda embarrassing to go there if you're not a member.

I was in 1st year or 2nd year High School when they decided to transfer to a different location one day. They sold some of their pretty-used but in a good condition and plastic-covered books for as low as Php 10-50, which gave me a chance to be inside the place. The books they were selling were old Sweet Valley books and a few Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series. My allowance was pretty small that time but I really saved and bought one book a day.

One time, I have enough money to buy me a few good books on a Saturday when I saw their sign that they moved out. I was really devastated. But good enough they left a sketch of their new location. I hurriedly went to the new location but maybe I am not just good at map reading and I can't find their place or any stall with books, and so with a heavy heart I went home.

The prospect of finding it again was so nill. And... I really thought that place was a goner.

Years later..

I am in third year college now about to enter my fourth year.

Recently, I've been talking non-stop about "Book Haven" to anyone I know who loves books.

"Hey, do you remember the store.." and then telling them my story which I just narrated above and my desire to find it one day.

And then I'd tell my mom about it.. how she would not let me register and be a member (money at that time was not good, that's why even a mere 100 was regulated).

Yesterday, we(my family) passed by the place that was supposed to be the location of the "new book haven" years ago.

And I once again... said aloud to them..

"Diri lang diod tong Book Haven ba...." (The Book Haven would be located just here.....)... and I let my gaze wander to the place...

I was about to narrate my story when a GREEN SIGN that read "Davao Reader's Haven" appeared before my eyes.

"OMG! That's the book haven! It's there! It's there!"

I again narrated my story to them... of how I really want to find that place and now I saw it when I least expected it.

I said, "I will go there later".

And true enough I went there with my bro Paolo and my sis Darlene. My mom did not discourage, but in fact encouraged me to go there. (She wants my siblings to learn and love reading as well)

I did not take time thinking about registering and I pulled out 200php. Yes, yes they increased but I don't mind. I just want to be a member. They still have those sale items they have before. And I pulled out most of them and bought them. My bro and sis borrowed books in my account as well and I am to return it a week.

Their store downgraded a bit. No aircon, just a single electric-fan. It was pretty dusty and you're hand would go black while browsing their books in a few seconds. But, I don't mind.

I found it! Alas! Thank You !!! Ahh the joy of knowing the Law of Attraction and using it consciously . Hehe.

"Seek and you shall find"

- No matter how long it was. Thank You Father!

Mhmm.. Now.. I'm looking for anyone who sells a replica of the Illusionsit Wooden Locket! Anyone know someone who sells it? I'm also looking for Sweet Valley Twins books that I don't have.......