2nd All-Filipino Book Fair: Celebrities and Authors Shine at WTC Manila

Unveiling Philippine Literature: The Philippine Book Festival 2024

The Philippine Book Festival 2024 is the largest all-Filipino book fair in the Philippines. It was launched by the National Book Development Board (NBDB) at the World Trade Center in Manila. NBDB Chairman Dante ‘Klink’ Ang II emphasized that the festival addresses challenges in the book publishing and education sectors. The event will run until April 28. During the opening, Ang emphasized the festival’s sole focus on Philippine books. He highlighted the event’s pivotal role in championing Philippine authorship and readership.

Redefining Literary Celebrations

Before the Philippine Book Festival, no book fair had ever spotlighted Philippine books. The festival aims to redefine literature by adding interactivity and festivity. “We want to bring joy to books, highlight the authors, and give them recognition.” Ang stressed, outlining the festival’s mission to revamp the book scene. It features various activities: book launches, signings, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibits, showcasing a diverse selection of Filipino-authored works.

This year’s festival, according to NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, curates the finest of Philippine content for families. On top of that, it also fosterss reading spaces that encourage conversation and collaboration. Distinguished figures like National Artist Virgilio Almario and Sen. Loren Legarda graced the festival’s opening. Their presence underscores the importance of promoting Filipino literature.

Promoting Reading Advocacy

The NBDB established the National Alliance of Reading Advocates (NARA). The goal is to respond to the 2023 National Readership Survey showing a decline in nonschool book readership,. This alliance unites readership advocacy groups nationwide to enhance collaboration and promote existing readership initiatives. Additionally, NARA aims to orchestrate readership campaigns, both online and offline. They aim to revitalize the national reading culture and facilitate cross-media adaptations of Philippine literary works.

Daniel Mariano, chief of the NBDB’s Readership Development Division, emphasized the need to rally reading advocates to reverse the declining readership trend. He envisioned a community of reading advocates supporting each other to foster a stronger national reading culture. Mariano urged allies to harness Filipinos’ love for stories across different mediums to promote literature and reading.

Meet the Authors: Engaging with Literary Minds

The Philippine Book Festival serves as an ideal platform for introducing the NBDB’s latest readership campaign. It is also encouraging active engagement with local authors and their works, fostering a deeper connection within the vibrant literary community. Among the festival’s highlights is the book signing event of pinoy middle-grade authors like Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte and many more. Pasaporte’s book “Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan” offers refreshing perspectives on Philippine mythology surrounding aswangs. His work stands out for its innovative take on traditional folklore, captivating readers with its imaginative narrative and exploration of Philippine cultural heritage. Don’t miss the chance to meet Pasaporte and get your copy signed. He will be at the CentralBooks Booth E27-E30 in the World Trade Center Manila on April 28, 2024, at 4:30 PM during the Philippine Book Festival 2024. He will be personally engaging with readers and signing copies of his book.

Beyond the allure of meeting authors, visitors revel in the diverse selection of published works and titles authored by Filipinos. Spanning from timeless classics to contemporary fiction, the festival caters to varied tastes, captivating every literary palate.

Enriching Festival Experiences

The festival experience is enriched with panel discussions and workshops. Experts share their wisdom and engage audiences in stimulating dialogues on storytelling techniques, publishing trends, and the future landscape of the industry. These sessions offer aspiring writers and avid readers alike the opportunity to glean knowledge and forge connections with fellow enthusiasts.

The festival’s Main Stage serves as the epicenter of special events and performances. Filipino artists showcase their creative prowess through book readings and live presentations inspired by literary works. With celebrity appearances, the festivities become electrifying, leaving attendees with lasting memories and a newfound zeal for Philippine literature.