10 things you shouldn’t miss at this year’s Philippine Book Festival
There’s a wealth of activities to enjoy—author meet-and-greets, book signings, panels, workshops, storytelling sessions, live performances, even a cosplay competition
The Philippine Book Festival (PBF) is back and the National Book Development Board Philippines (NBDB) promises an even bigger event than last year’s.
“We’re going to have more than 160 exhibitors, hundreds of programming … it will be a real treat for everyone,” said NBDB executive director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.
Happening April 25 to April 28 at the World Trade Center in Pasay, the festival will bring together publishers, authors, artists, educators and readers for a celebration of Philippine literature, culture and arts. The event is part of the NBDB’s effort to promote a culture of reading and develop the publishing industry in the Philippines. “Last year’s Philippine Book Festival was such a dynamic gathering of publishing professionals, educators, families, students and creatives.
I believe it was unprecedented in the way that it brought together these different segments of the publishing, education and creative sectors—which is what the publishing industry can certainly benefit from: a stronger community, a place for conversations and sustained collaborations,” said NBDB chair Dante Francis M. Ang II.
The first PBFl, held in 2023, had over 50,000 attendees. This year, they’re expecting more. Attendees will include more than 750 book evaluators and procurement officers from the Department of Education. The festival is longer—four days instead of three, to give them plenty of time to scope and evaluate books they will be purchasing for public school libraries and library hubs all over the country.
“Malaking bagay na tinutugma ang aming mga gawa sa mga guro (It’s a big thing for our work to be given the chance to connect with teachers),” said Beth Parrocha, a children’s book illustrator who has worked on over 70 titles.
Four realms
Parrocha did the visual design for the festival while children’s book illustrator Liza Flores did the layout. “I had fun doing all the visuals. It’s a great opportunity for any artist to be given the whole World Trade Center as a canvas for my art,” Parrocha said.
The PBF is divided into four realms—Kid Lit, Komiks, Booktopia and Aral Aklat—each one with its own exciting lineup. There’s a wealth of activities to enjoy—author meetand-greets, book signings, panels, workshops, storytelling sessions, live performances and even a cosplay competition featuring Philippine literary characters.
Here are 10 things you shouldn’t miss:
1. Meet historian and bestselling author Ambeth Ocampo at his book signing session, “Ambeth Without the Overcoat,” Main Stage, April 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
2. Learn from National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee at his session, “Trip to Quiapo,” Main Stage, April 26, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
3. Get to see rare manuscripts up close, as the National Library will showcase its Rare Book Collection.
4. Check out the Book Bar, a library that’s filled with award-winning books.
5. Literature celebrates love, all kinds of love. BL and GL fans, head to the Creator’s Lab for the “Aklat Para Sa Accla: New Trends in Boys Love and Girls Love” session, April 28, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
6. Find out how “Comics Can Change the World” at a workshop with Patti Ramos, April 28, 10 a.m. to noon at Creator’s Lab.
7. Learn how to make your own zine at the “Zine-making 101” workshop on crafting independently produced “fanzines” led by Komiket’s Bunny Luz, April 27 10 a.m. to noon, at Creator’s Lab.
8. Celebrate one of the country’s literary greats at “Dahling Nick: A Tribute to National Artist Nick Joaquin,” April 26, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Main Stage.
9. Enjoy “A Day with Gwy Saludes,” Main Stage, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 28.
10. See your favorites come to life at the Cosplay Filipiniana! Philippine Literary Characters Cosplay Competition on the Main Stage, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., April 28.
The Philippine Book Festival is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April 25 to April 28 at the World Trade Center. Admission is free. Register at philippinebookfest.com.
