Arkipelago Books The Filipino Bookstore

ar.chi.pel.a.go: (n) a group of islands, e.g. The Philippine Islands
The last time we were in town on vacation, this store popped up on my handy dandy Unilocal app when I was searching nearby businesses; what a nice fluke for us. As Filipino Americans, it’s not everyday that the b/​f and I can visit a bookstore that caters to our people. What am I talking about? This is the only bookstore we’ve visited that caters to Pinoys or others who want to learn about Filipino culture. It’s quite small, but there is a nice selection of genres, including history, language, children’s, art, cookbooks, and poetry, as well as crafts imported from the PI. The kind owner, Maria Romero, was there to chat with us and let us know that the store has been around for 20+ years. We spent quite a bit of time in the humor section, but I finally settled on «Survival Tagalog; How to Communicate without Fuss or Fear – Instantly!» I need this in my life since my Spanish is better than my Tagalog because my parents never spoke to my brothers or I in the native tongue. Arkipelago gets five stars for offering such a unique resource to the community all these years. It will definitely be a place we return to again. Salamat!

Came here to buy a book for my daughter’s book report. I figured it would be great for her to share with her class since she’s half Filipina, the heroes of our country. Native books aren’t readily available on Amazon, B&N or local libraries. It really sucks to have to sit here, waiting for the owner to open, the one place for this resource, close to an hr after the posted opening time. Why bother posting business hours!!! Filipino time! So typical!

We may have a counterpart in the Los Angeles metro area, but I doubt it’s as delightful and down to Earth as this Mission gem.
Scored a Tagalog primer and some children’s books for white boy me on a recent trip to San Francisco but the best part was I got to have an extended, rambling Q and A with Ms. Marie Romero. She gently steered me towards what I needed book-​wise and then indulged me as I proceeded to ask about intel and advice on RPI access to libraries and books.
I also asked her, Why exactly is Ilocano novelist F. Sionil Jose so damned hard on Filipinos?
Her detailed, diplomatic answer was a highlight of my trip. That’s the kind of place this is – thoughtful, well-​considered, articulate, on point and all this with great kindness and care.

I didn’t know about the bookstore until recently. Decided to check it out while I was in the city. Initially, I was planning on buying bilingual story books for my 9 year old sister but then I found more than what I was looking for! History, cookbooks, songbooks, politics, and even «Suplado Tips».
The owner, Ms. Maria, was very nice! I look forward to going back after finishing the books I bought.

My favorite bookstore in SF!
Thanks Arkipelago for being a landmark bookstore for Fil-​Ams and Pilipinos here in San Francisco and the greater bay area. Their selection is unparallel, you can’t find any of these books anywhere else! The lady behind the counter is so passionate about Phillipine literature and has made it her calling to make these books available to the public. Thanks auntie Maria!

Did you know that Arkipelago Philippine Books is the ONLY Pilipino bookstore in all of North America!!!
I stayed at the nearby GOOD Hotel for the weekend, and discovered this bookstore while researching for nearby stores. The woman who runs Arkipelago, Ms. Romero, is amazingly kind, friendly and knowledgeable about all things Pilipino.
While compact in size, this store is filled with much love and care. When I asked Ms. Romero about something as specific as a story about a «Turtle and a Monkey» Folktale, she instantly knew what I was talking about. When I asked if she had any books on Pre-​Colonial History, she pulled out a selection of books she thought would interest me. From Architecture to Design, Language to Cookbooks, or History to Music, Arkipelago has something for everyone interested in learning more about Pilipino culture!
This bookstore is amazingly rare, I only wish that we had something like this in San Diego /​National City! As a home away from home, I look forward to visiting every time I am in the area.
P. S. Don’t forget to check in on foursquare for a 10% off discount :)

I had to buy a book here for one of my classes (Babaylan, $ 35).The actual bookstore looked really interesting. I’ve never seen so many books about Filipinos/​the Philippines. I really want to go back and actually take a look at their selection.
The only problem that I have with this store is its location. I don’t feel very comfortable walking around that area.
PS
I really like the little tote bag that they give away when you purchase something.

Though I have been to this bookstore before just to browse, and have even attended various events at the Bayanihan Community Center, which houses this wonderful business, I just attended an Arkipelago hosted event for the very first time. It was their first author event of the year and featured two books that immediately caught my attention just based on their titles, «Way of the Ancient Healer» by Virgil Mayor Apostol and «Filipino Tattoos» by Lane Wilcken. The event not only delivered great insight from both authors, but it also featured a cultural performance by Diwa Kulintang that featured authentic Kalinga instruments. Because the night actually provided more of an experience with a showcase of live music, authentic instruments, as well as an introduction that featured an ancient prayer, I was immensely impressed.
My previous experiences at Arkipelago were great based on the fact that you could find obscure content that can’t be found at Borders or Barnes & Noble. However, this event blew me away and really showed the expertise of the staff with regards to their books and other cultural products. Because so many of the books looked so fascinating, I couldn’t help but pick up a third book on top of the featured ones. The books were pricey but worth every cent because this business deserves to thrive and the staff knows their stuff. Can’t wait to finish these books and head back to check out more of their stock.
5 stars for being an excellent resource for the community, and in organizing events in which all community members can benefit.
Like someone else mentioned earlier, better to park your car on Mission than on 6^th St. Just sayin.

I got here late, so I didn’t get to spend as much time looking around as I wanted to. I came in to purchase a Little Manila calendar which they sold for $ 15 instead $ 10 which they usually go for but I figured it’s going to support the store. I was also able to purchase «Welcome to America» photo. I thought they stopped printing this photo, so I was so stoked to find this! I know it’s not like the originals that came out some years ago. I believe they were in sepia tone and were much larger. Can’t wait to see this up at home!!! Most Definitely coming back!!!

I’m all for supporting Filipino owned businesses especially when the business is as great as this place. I mean, how often are you able to find such a well stocked Filipino bookstore?
The ‘auntie’ that owns this place is really friendly and doesn’t try to push you into buying anything that you don’t want. My first I visit to the store, I quickly went in and tried to get out as quickly as possible thinking that owner would try and push me into buying something. My second visit, I brought a girlfriend as a buffer and told her to stop me from buying anything I don’t want just in case the owner tried to get us to buy something. not once did I feel pressured into buying anything at the store, the owner asked me once if I needed any help finding anything and when I told her ‘no’ and she left me alone until I called for her help. If you’re looking for a Filipino cookbook, history book or even a book of poems she’s got it. One of the greatest finds, in my opinion, is her selection books on the 16^th century Filipino.
The downside is that her merchandise can cost you and arm and a leg, literally. Most paper back books will run you about $ 30, most likely because you wouldn’t be able to find half of the stuff that she carries at your local Barnes and Noble’s.
Just note that if you plan on making a visit, do your homework and find out her hours of operation because the past few times I’ve tried stopping by her store I always seem to catch her when the store is closed.

An incredible resource for anyone interested in Filipino culture. And by culture, I DON’T mean what they try to sell you as «culture» on The Filipino Channel. Physically this bookstore has a small selection, but they have access to a much larger inventory, and you can visit their website for a list of available media. The staff is extremely accommodating and will help you find what you need. However, expect a back order delay.
For what it’s worth, I usually avoid walking through the mess on 6^th Street and approach the bookstore from Mission instead.

Coming to cities in the U.S. and visiting them as a Pilipino American, you get to learn about enclaves (not ghettos) of your own fellow Pilipinos who have moved to the U.S.A for a better life for them and their children.
In San Diego (there is National City and Mira Mesa), In SF (SOMA and Daly City as well as other smaller areas). Staying in the SOMA area this weekend and walking around Mission st, I happen to walk and see a sign saying Bayanihan Community House. Bayanihan is the Pilipino word for Cooperation amongst villagers or townsfolk. You do it in the Philippines as well as here in the US where it can be intimidating.
As I walked around the SOMA area, I saw more signs of Filipinos that actually work, live and have businesses in the same area. Things you find out walking. Arkipelago (pilipino word for Archipelago) bookstore caught my eye when I saw that they had a easy learning book that was good for introduction for small kids. Some of the words are not even commonly used unless you are in the Philippines but they were nice. There were other books for sale and they are available in the Internet which will be great.
If you also need to find out about some Filipino-​American events in the area, this Community House/​Bookstore will be a nice start. Filipinos are as great a part of the San Francisco community as the other Asians especially the Japanese and Chinese. If you want to know more about Filipinos and the culture and of course the history, go visit the store and get something to read, they also have the usual Pilipino knick knacks or t-​shirts but visit for the Filipino books!

Philippine books are rare. So how rare is it to find a Philippine bookstore? Almost as rare as it is to find a holographic first edition Charizard Pokemon card in a booster pack.
Okay, that was corny, but honestly, if you don’t know where you’re looking… this place is hard to find. The Arkipelago Bookstore is actually inside of the Bayanihan Community Center at Mission. While it’s a small cluttered area, this place actually has all sorts of cool stuff.
From traditional Philippine clothing such as the tubular Malong from Mindanao to the classy Barong Tagalog from the days of the Spanish régime, there is a wide array of stuff to find here…
Oh yeah, the books. At first glance, the books might actually seem a bit pricey. But in all seriousness, they’re deservedly so. Philippine books are ridiculously hard to find and this place has everything from novels, to history books, to dictionaries, to cook books, and my favorite – manuscripts and instructions on Philippine Folk Dance.
Of course, if you don’t have access to the place, they have a website… with shipping and handling. It’s up to you.

Came here because I was instructed to from my professor in the asian american class I was taking. I never knew this place existed, I’ve been around this neighborhood a few times because The Room Ultra Lounge and Club Six is close by and I never noticed it. Sure, it’s not in the best location, but I say give it a chance. I came in here and the feeling was so welcoming, it really feels like you’ve entered a filipino home. Everyone there were so happy and helpful.
The bookstore itself specializes in Philippine literature. Despite how small the store was it’s amazing at how large their selection is. I wanted to buy a whole bunch of books but unfortunately only had enough for the textbooks required for my class. I definintely want to come back and stock up on some books though. Overall this place is a like a diamond in the rough, I’m for sure going to come back one day.

I walked into this place and found a book store. The lady at the counter welcomed me and told me the history of the building, the store & why there wasn’t filipino food sold in the building… Regardless, she let me know where to go and she was just so nice. She reminded me of one of my aunts! Haha! Anyways, they had some interesting books in the shop and some pretty good cooking books that I want to pick up in the near future…
Cheers!

Heard about this store by word of mouth (aka, the Filipina telegraph) and took a hike from work to check it out. Inside, there were so many books and dvds and cds to look at, I needed more time. As it was, I bought a 2 cd set on learning Tagalog, a book on Filipino Vegetarian cooking and a book on Filipino martial arts. 70 bucks for everything and even though it might be cheaper on the internet, I really liked spending my money on a person that I can see and talk to. I’d give it 5 stars, but the neighborhood sucks. I’ll be back though!

A biased review, sure.
But you’re not gonna find too many places that sell books about the U.S. invading and ruthlessly murdering Filipino civilians during the U.S.-Philippine war or Basque people in the Philippines nor how to beat the living shit outta someone using Eskrima – the same type of Martial Arts Jason Bourne shows off in the movie series.
It’s got a cool name for a bookstore and like everyone else says – the lady behind the counter knows her shit. You’ll hear complaints about the neighborhood – but I personally love coming down here and chatting it up with the ninangs and ninongs.

*Review for book orders via phone-​will update later for in person visit*
I was invited to a book launch at the Bayanihan Community Center for two books written by the deceased author, Rev. Venancio «Benny» Calpotura, S.J. (Society of Jesus) organized by The Calpotura Foundation. Though I was unable to visit, I wanted to place an order for the collected writings of Fr. Calpotura that were condensed into two volumes: Vol. 1 — Formative Spirituality and Vol. 2 — Ignatian Spirituality.
I called the phone number listed on the invitation for Arkipelago Philippine Books (located inside the community center) and spoke with a very nice lady who gave me all sorts of information about the books in question as well as the bookstore itself. I gave her my credit card number for purchase and within a few business days, I received the two books by Fr. Calpotura, S.J. along with the receipt for the purchase. I look forward to ordering more items from this bookstore.
The other reviews tell you what I look forward to perusing ~ a bookstore devoted to all things Filipino from arts and crafts to current affairs. While I’m not certain this is the only Filipino bookstore of it’s kind in the nation, I look forward to a future visit quite soon.

Very very cute little store — once you know where it is and you can get over the weirdness of needing to be buzzed into the Bayanihan Community Center building this place is definitely worth a visit.
The lady behind the counter is soooo nice and will help you find anything you need. There’s traditional Filipino arts & crafts (i.e. woven fabrics, woodwork) as well as plenty of Flip reading materials, DVD’s and CD’s. If there’s something that not available Aunty behind the counter will definitely get your name and number down and let you know when it is.
I just wish the place was a little bigger — we have a huge Filipino community in the Bay Area, but (at least to my knowledge) so much of their history, hertitage and contribution to the general public is unknown. Hopefully more pioneers like the Bayanihan Center and Arkipelago will change this.

FYI– Arkipelago Philippine Books is now in a brand-​new location beside the Bayanihan Center on the corner of 6^th and Mission St. Arkipelago has been around for many years and it is the only store in the Bay Area that specializes in Philippine literature– everything from fiction to history, mythology, cooking, art, music, culture, photography, and even martial arts. You’ll also find recent works from Filipino-​American authors. Definitely worth a visit– you’ll find lots of good stuff.