Ernesto “Nanie” Guanlao in his free library. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
In Makati City in MetroManila in the Philippines, there’s a large sign outside the front of an otherwise unassuming house, stating “free reading to the public.” Over the last 15 years, Ernando “Nanie” Guanlao has transformed his home into a library, open to anyone and everyone.
Starting with only 100 books, the 63-year-old former accountant has spent the last years collecting books for the library. He now piles up more than 1,000 books every year.
Guanlao’s library is open to anyone and everyone.
“My home, my library. It’s free, for everybody. You’re welcome to drop in, to talk to me, to see me, enjoy my place,” Nanie says, “books are my mission, they are here simply to make people happy.”
Watch his story here:
The WorldRemit app helps people support initiatives like this back home by letting them send money straight from their smartphone, instead of having to travel to a money transfer agent. Those receiving money– often in developing countries – can collect the funds as mobile money, bank transfer, for cash pickup or as a mobile airtime top-up.
WorldRemit’s service is available to senders in 50 countries. It offers transfers to more than 125 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. WorldRemit customers send 400,000 transfers every month.
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