National Book Store was established by Socorro Cancio-Ramos and José Ramos in 1942. The couple began with a small bookstore located near the Escolta district in Manila, selling textbooks, school supplies, and popular reading materials.

During the Japanese occupation in World War II, strict censorship greatly reduced the demand for books. To survive, the business temporarily shifted to selling everyday necessities such as soap, slippers, and candies. Near the end of the war, the original store was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Despite this setback, the founders rebuilt the business on Rizal Avenue, where it resumed selling books and educational materials. A few years later, another disaster struck when a typhoon damaged the store, yet the family continued rebuilding and expanding the business. These experiences became central to the company’s identity of perseverance and resilience. [2]

Throughout the following decades, National Book Store steadily expanded across Metro Manila and eventually throughout the Philippines. By the 1970s and 1980s, it had become the country’s leading bookstore chain, opening branches in major commercial districts and shopping malls. Today, the company remains one of the most recognizable retail brands in the Philippines. [3]

National Book Store offers a wide range of products, including:

• Books (fiction, nonfiction, academic, children’s books, and reference materials)

• School supplies

• Office supplies

• Art and craft materials

• Educational toys

• Greeting cards and gift items

• Office furniture and organizational products

• Printing and educational resources in selected branches

The company also operates online through its e-commerce platform and official stores on major online marketplaces, allowing customers across the Philippines to purchase products digitally. [4]

National Book Store operates over 260 branches nationwide, making it the largest bookstore chain in the Philippines. Its retail formats include:

• National Book Store Superbranch – flagship stores with expanded selections.

• National Everyday – community-focused stores offering essential school and office supplies.

• National Book Store Express – smaller convenience-style outlets.

• NBS Outlet Stores – discount locations for bargain books and stationery.

The company also operates specialty retail brands such as Art Bar, which focuses on premium art and creative supplies, and Kids Ink, which specializes in children’s books, educational toys, and learning materials. [5]

Vision

To be the most trusted and most accessible partner in helping Filipino families and communities live balanced, creative lives through meaningful hands-on moments that inspire imagination, deepen connections, and nurture lifelong learning.

Mission

To help Filipino families and communities achieve balanced living affordably by providing quality books, educational materials, creative tools, and inspiring experiences that complement their digital lives, spark imagination, and foster meaningful connections. [6]

National Book Store emphasizes the following core values:

• Integrity

• Virtue

• Accountability

• Leadership

• Unity

• Excellence

• Service-orientedness

These values are rooted in the philosophy of founder Socorro “Nanay Coring” Ramos, whose leadership emphasized hard work, resilience, and dedication to education. [7]

In 2004, National Book Store established the National Book Store Foundation (NBSFI), its charitable arm dedicated to improving access to education for underprivileged Filipino children.

Major initiatives include:

• Project Aral, which distributes school supply kits to students.

• Project Aklat Book Drive, encouraging book donations to public schools.

• Library construction and improvement projects.

• Book donation programs for underserved communities.

According to the company, the foundation has donated millions of school kits, helped millions of students, built hundreds of libraries, and distributed hundreds of thousands of books nationwide. [8]

For more than eight decades, National Book Store has been regarded as the Philippines’ leading books and school supplies retailer. It serves students, teachers, professionals, artists, businesses, and families, particularly during the annual back-to-school season. Its combination of affordable pricing, nationwide presence, and extensive product selection has made it one of the country’s most recognizable retail brands. [9]

1. National Book Store

2. About Us – National Book Store

3. National Book Store

4. Mission and Vision – National Book Store

5. National Book Store Foundation | Literacy & Education Programs Philippines

6. National Book Store History – 9 Things You Didn’t Know

7. National Bookstore

8. Justin Aquino’s Blog: National Bookstore: History

9. About Bookmark – Bookmark the Filipino Bookstore