Committed to promoting holistic learning and community engagement, the UP Diliman College of Engineering Library (EnggLib), as part of the UP Diliman Arts and Culture Festival, held “Express to Destress 2: A Workshop Series for Wellness and Inclusion” on February 24, 25, and 27. The program provided students, faculty, and staff with a meaningful space to pause, reflect, and reconnect through art and meaningful conversations.

The first day, Crafting Calm: Mindful Making Through Hands-On Art, introduced 49 participants to paper quilling and 45 participants to soap carving, where patience and attention to detail transformed simple materials into intricate creations. These activities encouraged mindfulness and offered a quiet reprieve from academic pressures, allowing participants to engage in self-care through creativity. The sessions were facilitated by Ms. Carina C. Samaniego and Ms. Pauline Mae S. Dela Cruz, whose guidance fostered a supportive and reflective learning environment.

On the second day, Drawing Reflection: Expressing Emotions Through Colors and Forms, a total of 36 participants explored the expressive power of art through oil pastel drawing, while 59 participants enjoyed the creative freedom and pressure-free environment during the paint-by-numbers session. These activities emphasized the value of process over perfection, as individuals translated emotions into colors, shapes, and strokes. Facilitators Mr. Uriel B. Cui and Ms. Shaira Irina V. Pama guided participants in discovering how creative expression can support emotional clarity and mental well-being.

The final day featured the Human Library session, where sharing lived experiences fostered inclusion, empathy, and open dialogue. A total of 66 attendees had the privilege of engaging with the “Human Books”, who openly shared their lived experiences, offering perspectives on identity, resilience, grief, and hope. Among the speakers were Mr. Fire Sia, co-founder of Side B Philippines, who discussed LGBTQ+ experiences; Mr. Henry James B. Escaño, who reflected on personal growth through grief and resilience; and Ms. Kayla Erika V. Juanzo, who shared her journey of living with a physical disability. These conversations created a safe and inclusive space where participants could listen, learn, and connect on a deeper level.

Through this project, EnggLib demonstrated that libraries can be dynamic spaces that support not only academic success but also personal well-being. By incorporating creative workshops and opportunities for sharing lived experiences, the library continues to nurture an environment grounded in expression, empathy, and community. More than a set of activities, the event underscored the importance of pausing amidst academic demands to create, reflect, and connect—an essential part of overall wellness.