On a quiet residential street in Makati City, an ordinary doorstep has become a haven for book lovers, overflowing with thousands of paperbacks and hardcovers. At the center of this open-air library is 75-year-old Hernando "Mang Nanie" Guanlao, a former employee turned self-taught librarian who navigates his densely packed shelves with steady enthusiasm. Twenty-five years after placing his first books outside his home, Guanlao remains devoted to his work and has no plans to stop.
What began with just 50 books from his personal collection has grown into a vast, community-supported library. Guanlao operates on an honor system: passersby can browse the shelves, sit and read, or take home as many books as they like, without registration, fees, or return deadlines. Readers are simply encouraged to return the books when they finish or pass them along to someone else. The library thrives on the generosity of the community. On average, around 300 books change hands each day through donations, borrowing, and giveaways, with activity increasing on weekends.
Guanlao's work extends far beyond his neighborhood. Aware of the lack of educational resources in underserved communities, he regularly sorts through donations and packs boxes of books for public schools across the Philippines. He also works with Indigenous communities to provide educational materials for children in remote areas, helping hundreds of donated books reach young readers who might otherwise have limited access to them.
At 75, Guanlao remains active and committed to keeping his library running. He spends his days organizing donations, moving heavy boxes, and making sure books remain free and accessible to anyone who wants to read.
How old are you and how old do you feel?
"I'm 75 years old, and I'm ok."
What helps you maintain your physical, mental, and social well-being?
"I have discipline in my eating. I don't like processed food. Meaning, those with preservatives. Because, basically, I used to practice yoga. So I know the good side and the bad side of foods. So, besides that, the service I do giving away books is a blessing in disguise. Because I get exercise from lifting the donated, gifted books here. Heavy ones, boxes upon boxes. Then we transfer them, unload them. Then we carry them. So, that keeps me fit and strong up to this age of mine. Because I don't rely on any porter to help me. So, from 9am to 9pm... I'm still okay. I can still fight off my own weariness."
What advice do you have for aging well?
"Your spirit guide will decide whether it's right or wrong. Talk to it. Right? Knock on it so it gives you guidance. Through prayer, through doing lots and lots of good deeds for others, you will be given guidance by... what Catholics call angels. What others call a spirit guide. Well, I learned to... talk to that, to collaborate so that... in the things I do every day and... in the coming time where many will benefit, to solve the problems of our community. That's just it. If you don't ask it, it won't speak. We need to talk to our subconsciousness."
Life expectancy 2023
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