Calling all bibliophiles! The Philippine Book Festival is returning this month and the events are jam-packed like a fiesta. Running from Mar. 13 to 16, it will be held at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
Spearheaded by the National Book Development Board, the biggest all-Filipino book event aims to emphasize Philippine literature where Book shopping, performances, contests, activities, and author meet-and-greets await book lovers. And don’t worry about getting inside; since the event’s mission is making Filipino literature accessible, admission is free for all.
The book event will have the theme of Filipino fiesta, apparent in the Festival’s main visuals and colours, and will be split into four Philippine festival-inspired sections
Kid Lit (Dinagyang Festival) – designed by Juno Abreu, this area will be full of picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels. It is an interactive area tailored for children, aiming to immerse young readers in literature.
Booktopia (Panagbenga Festival) – designed by Danielle Florendo, this area will circulate fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and many more. It is focused on offering a rich selection of the universal experience of being Filipino.
Komiks (Tuna Festival) – designed by Paul Eric Roca, this area will highlight the diverse range of Filipino comics and comic artists, opening the discussion of progression of Philippine graphic storytelling.
And last but not least, Aral Aklat (Pahiyas Festival), designed by Pepot Atienza, will be a collection of educational materials, textbooks, and teacher manuals.
This year’s PBF also involves a contest called Cosplay Filipiniana Fiesta, where bookworms can portray their favourite characters in Philippine literature, and spoken word poetry competition. Dream Book Cover is another exciting and challenging activity where young artists can spontaneously illustrate their own book covers.
Book enthusiasts can also meet and greet Filipino historian and author Ambeth Ocampo in his book signing event, “From Noli to Now: the Ambeth Ocampo Special”, on the third day of the Festival, Mar. 15, from 3pm to 5pm.
In the media launch of PBF back in February, National Artist Ricky Lee urged book lovers to visit the festival, inviting them to support local authors and artists as a majority of book retailers put foreign writers at the forefront.
“Medyo nakakadismaya,” he said. “One time, hinanap ko ‘yung scriptwriting manual ko na “Trip to Quiapo,” nakita ko kasama ng mga map of the Philippines sa bookstore. And that happened more than once.”
“Kung parang sa pelikula, para kaming mga extra lang,” he added. “Kaya maraming salamat sa NBDB dahil dito sa Philippine Book Festival, mga bida kami—maski minsan lang.”
Through this four-day event, NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade shared that the PBF’s ultimate goal is to put Filipino literature at the forefront and create a community where one can engage with another through books. “We just want everyone to enjoy and have fun.”
Aquino-Tugade also expressed her anticipation that PBF will make people subscribe to Philippine literature. “In this festival, when you bring your children, they will feel the same way you felt,” she said. “I’m 44, so I remember going to the bookstores. They were filled with books, and just smelling the pages and then sitting down and reading.”
Aside from the aforementioned activities, the festival is also jam-packed with many more stories and events to explore, and since the programs are consecutive each day, every literature lover can enjoy attending these programs.
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