Bookshelf PH recently launched Blankscape, an online digital magazine for writers and artists. The launch event, which was held at SM Aura’s Book Nook, gives writers and artists a platform to share their work with the world.

In the endless concrete jungles of Metro Manila, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. The towering buildings and the bustling multitudes who live and work here often leave little room for individuals to truly express themselves.

Filipinos are often exposed to false information, particularly from social media influencers. And what was once a space for free expression, social media has now become overcrowded, with algorithms favoring popular and trending content.

This shift often drowns out the voices of original creators and smaller artists, making it harder for them to be seen. As a result, the need for a dedicated platform where Filipino creatives can showcase their work and gain the recognition they deserve has never been more urgent.

Fortunately, Bookshelf PH, a local publisher, has taken a bold step to address this need.

Bookshelf sees new worlds calling

During their latest “Write Side of Bookshelf” session at the SM Aura Book Nook, Bookshelf PH officially unveiled Blankscape, a digital magazine dedicated to providing a safe and supportive platform for Filipino creators. Blankscape is a space where writers, artists, and photographers can showcase their work, polish their craft, and receive the attention they deserve.

The magazine is neatly divided into four categories: Strokes for paintings, Stanzas for poetry, Sentences for prose, and Shots for photography.

These sections cater to various forms of creative expression, ensuring that artists from different disciplines have a place to share their work. Whether it’s a deeply personal poem, a striking photograph, or a thought-provoking short story, Blankscape is committed to giving every piece the spotlight it deserves.

The name Blankscape is a clever blend of “blank space” and “landscape,” representing an empty canvas—a world waiting to be filled with life, color, and imagination. Through this initiative, Bookshelf PH aims to nurture creativity and provide a platform where Filipino creatives can develop and share their craft, one page at a time.

The joys of creation

To celebrate the launch of Blankscape, attendees at the event participated in a unique creative activity. Armed with pencils and paper, they were given ten minutes to create works based on the theme “Escape.”

The theme perfectly encapsulated the essence of Blankscape — encouraging creators to escape the noise and constraints of the outside world and find refuge in their creativity.

As the activity concluded, several participants shared their creations with the audience. One particularly memorable piece featured a drawing of a child lost in the pages of a book, with their imagination carrying them to new, unexplored worlds.

This simple yet profound image resonated with the audience, capturing the transformative power of storytelling and artistic expression.

Behind the Dream

Monette Quiogue, co-founder of Bookshelf PH, addressed the audience with humility and humor.

“I can’t draw to save my life,” she joked, “but even though I can’t draw, I still want to help others who can.” Her words highlighted the core mission of Blankscape: to support creatives by offering them a platform where they can flourish.

Monette shared the inspiration behind Bookshelf PH, revealing that the publisher was born out of a need she noticed during the pandemic — a shortage of books about Filipino businesses and local stories.

Over time, Bookshelf PH expanded its scope to include a wide range of creative endeavours, and now, with the launch of Blankscape, it hopes to do the same for Filipino artists and writers.

“We believe that every creative deserves a place where they can explore their ideas and grow as artists. Blankscape is that place—a blank canvas where you can create freely,” Monette said, summing up the vision behind the platform.

A call to creatives

With the launch of Blankscape, Filipino creators finally have a dedicated space to showcase their talents, free from the noise of social media algorithms and crowded digital landscapes.

Bookshelf PH invites all creatives—whether you’re an artist, writer, or photographer—to submit their work and become part of this growing community of like-minded individuals.

Blankscape is now accepting submissions at https://www.blankscape.media, so if you’re ready to take your art to the next level, this might be the blank canvas you’ve been waiting for.

4o