Philippine Book Festival 2025 - An Overwhelming Success and A Win for Local Authors and Publishers.

After four exciting days bustling with books and packed with fun-filled activities, the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) came to a close with an overwhelming attendance of more than 40,000 visitors, reaffirming its status as the country’s premier celebration focused solely on Filipino books, authors, and publishers.  

The National Book Development Board (NBDB), which founded the PBF in 2023, decided to hold the event at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. It was the perfect venue since PBF 2025 was not just a gathering of the who’s who in publishing but also a transformative moment for the local book publishing industry. There, the authors, publishers, educators, and readers gathered in an unprecedented show of support for Philippine literature.

Festival goers enjoyed browsing the thousands of books for sale, participated in the various exhibits, storytelling sessions, and even workshops for aspiring authors and illustrators. Visitors were in awe of the marvelous Pakyawan Plaza, which features an intricately designed Pahiyas-inspired bahay kubo.

Other realms highlighted popular festivals like the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City, the famous Tuna Festival in General Santos City, and Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City. These four realms were all designed by renowned children’s book artists Pepot Atienza, Juno Abreu, Paul Eric Roca, and Danielle Florendo, respectively.

Heightened visibility and record-breaking engagement

As soon as the doors opened, the air of excitement was felt all over. Filipino authors and publishers could not hide their excitement as they were at the center of an enthusiastic audience’s attention, with visitors eager to meet their literary idols, discover new stories, and celebrate the richness of local storytelling in the next four days.

One author said the attention they received at the PBF 2025 was something that many other authors like himself can only dream of. Seeing the long lines of visitors eager to have their copy of the book signed by their favorite author was truly a sight to behold. He said that to see readers connect so deeply with their work is both humbling and inspiring.

For publishers, the agency’s support translated into heightened visibility and record-breaking engagement. Many expressed deep gratitude to the agency for its continuous and untiring efforts in elevating the Philippine book publishing industry to an even higher level. Kyra Ysabel, a solo exhibitor and independent publisher, was thankful for the PBF: “As a solo exhibitor and an indie publisher with only two books out, I sold about 150 copies in four days. It wouldn’t have been possible without this platform.”

Nida Ramirez of 19th Avenida Publishing House, the publisher behind the best-selling Trese series, also shared about her experience: “We're very happy, because this is a very successful Philippine Book Festival iteration. In terms of sales, what I can say is our sales last year from the entire 2024 PBF was our sale just for just Day 1 this year.”

Another exhibitor, PaperKat Books’ Head of Publishing Kath Eustaquio-Derla, shared that they were able to exceed their target sales three times, adding that the new venue likely helped draw more visitors: “The natural foot traffic and the easy access to public transportation helped in getting more people to come in and check out the event."

A historic boost for public schools and libraries

One of the festival’s most impactful outcomes was the landmark ₱3 billion worth of books procured for distribution to public schools and libraries nationwide—an investment that will empower millions of Filipino students with access to homegrown literature and learning materials. The scopers from the Department of Education (DepEd) carefully reviewed books for potential inclusion in public schools and libraries, received assistance and expert guidance from the NBDB’s book counselors, another innovative idea introduced by the NBDB for this year’s festival. This made the scoping process not only efficient but also engaging, allowing the scopers to explore a diverse selection of quality books that align with educational needs.

“With the help of NBDB’s book counselors, the scoping process of our partners from DepEd was more seamless and insightful than ever before,” according to NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade. “They were able to select books that will truly enrich the learning experience of students across the country.”

A festival that continues to elevate Philippine literature

After four fruitful days, the resounding success of the Philippine Book Festival 2025 proved to be a strong testament to the increasing appreciation for Filipino-authored books, and the critical role of initiatives introduced by the NBDB in fostering a thriving literary ecosystem.

With overwhelming public support, engaged publishers, and a historic milestone in book procurement for public schools, the festival also stands as a firm attestation of the power of literature in shaping the nation’s future.

 

Haier Run for Future Possibilities Returns in 2025 with a Bigger Mission.

Following the resounding success of its inaugural event, Haier Philippines is bringing back the Haier Run for Future Possibilities on May 25, 2025 (Sunday) at Block 20, MOA Complex, Seaside Blvd, Pasay City. Now on its second year, the run continues to blend fitness, fun, and a deeper purpose—supporting access to education for Filipino children.

The 2025 edition carries forward Haier’s mission to go beyond home innovation and give back to communities. For every step taken by participants, Haier will donate to initiatives aimed at improving learning opportunities for the youth—making each stride truly meaningful.

Race Details & Registration

Participants can choose among three race categories:

• 3K – PHP 900
• 5K – PHP 1,000
• 10K – PHP 1,200

All registered participants will receive a race kit that includes a singlet, RFID race bib, finisher’s medal, and a string bag. Runners in the 10K category will also receive an exclusive finisher’s shirt and bandana.

Registration is open until May 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Interested participants may sign up through this official link:https://rsrjevents.myruntime.com/.../haier-run-for-future...

Exciting Prizes for Winners

Haier will be awarding top finishers in both male and female divisions across all categories with high-value appliances:

10K Category

• 1st Place: T-Door Refrigerator
• 2nd Place: Top Load Washing Machine
• 3rd Place: Window-Type Air Conditioner

5K Category 

• 1st Place: 43" Smart TV

3K Category 

• 1st Place: Top Load Washing Machine

These prizes highlight Haier’s core commitment to creating smart, high-quality solutions that elevate everyday life at home.

A Run with a Cause

The Haier Run stands out not only for its premium prizes and festive atmosphere but also for its strong social advocacy. By tying every runner’s step to a greater cause, the event becomes more than just a physical challenge—it becomes a platform for meaningful change.

As Haier continues to champion innovation that cares, the Haier Run for Future Possibilities 2025 invites individuals and families to be part of a purposeful movement. Whether you're a competitive runner or a casual participant, your presence helps build a better, brighter future for the next generation.

For event details, visit: Haier Philippines Facebook Page

Enrollment Made Easy: PSA Birth Certificate Delivery with PSAHelpline.ph

It's almost that time of the year again! With most schools now on break, the next step is enrollment for the upcoming school year which is now reverted to the month of June. That means the kids still have at two months of not worrying about schoolwork or studying. For us parents, that means we have over a month of preparation for the new school year, and that includes buying books and school supplies, having uniforms tailored, and of course, enrollment and paying for tuition fees.

For first-time parents, wading into the world of school requirements can be a bit daunting. Schools usually provide a checklist of things that you need to submit prior to enrollment, and the most essential of them all - the PSA birth certificate.

Yes, your child’s PSA birth certificate and, if needed, your PSA marriage certificate. Securing these can feel like a hurdle, especially when juggling other enrollment tasks. Thankfully, there’s a smooth, digital solution. And no, it does not involve a PSA online appointment either.

With the rise of online services, getting your documents is no longer a day-long ordeal. Now, you can easily handle the PSA certificate online process from home. This is especially helpful during this busy season when you need to focus on your child’s needs. If you are worried about PSA delivery, PSAHelpline.ph provides a reliable way to have those important documents delivered straight to your doorstep.

Imagine this: instead of taking time off from all your errands to go to a PSA office, you are calmly ordering your PSA certificates with a few taps on your phone. This is the reality of using PSAHelpline.ph. It is designed to simplify the process, offering a straightforward way to obtain your birth and marriage certificates without the usual stress.

Why Choose Online Ordering?

• Ultimate Convenience: Time is precious, especially during enrollment. Online ordering saves you hours, allowing you to focus on more important things, like spending quality time with your child.

• Effortless Ordering: The website is designed for ease of use and can be accessed with a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop.

• Budget-friendly: Consider the savings on transportation and potential missed work. Ordering online can be a cost-effective choice.

• Direct Delivery: Skip the travel altogether. Your certificates arrive at your door, safe and sound.

• Flexible Payment: A variety of payment options are available, so you can choose the method that suits you best.

• Pick Up Delivery Option: Have your PSA certificates dropped off at your preferred National Book Store or Robinsons Department Store branch and then pick it up later. This works for busy parents and those that can’t commit to waiting for home deliveries.

• Secure Transactions: Your personal information is treated with the utmost care, ensuring a secure and reliable experience.

• No Appointment Needed: Ditch the worry of scheduling a PSA online appointment. Ordering through PSAHelpline.ph bypasses this step entirely.

The Simple Three-step Process

1. Order: Use your phone, tablet, or computer to place your order on PSAHelpline.ph.

2. Pay: Select your preferred payment method from the available options.

3. Receive: Your certificates will be delivered directly to your chosen address.

Added Peace of Mind

PSAHelpline.ph understands the importance of transparency. That is why they provide order tracking on their website, so you can monitor the status of your delivery. And if you have any questions, their customer support team is just a hotline call (02-87371111, Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 5PM, except during holidays) or email away (help@psahelpline.ph), ready to assist you.

Enrollment season can be a whirlwind, but it does not have to be overwhelming. By leveraging the convenience of online services like PSAHelpline.ph, you can streamline the process and focus on what truly matters: your child’s education. Let us make this enrollment season a smooth and stress-free experience.