Filipino Creatives Bring Children’s Stories to AFCC 2026.

The Philippines returns to one of Asia’s most important gatherings for children’s literature this May, bringing a delegation of writers, illustrators, and educators to the 2026 Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC), happening from May 21 to 24, 2026, at the National Library in Singapore.

Now in its 16th year, the AFCC gathers creators, publishers, educators, translators, and media professionals from across the region under this year’s theme, “The Worlds We Make.” For Filipino creators, the theme resonates with work already deeply underway: stories drawn from more than a hundred languages, over seven thousand islands, and the many different childhoods that make up life in the Philippines.

Recognized as one of Asia’s foremost platforms for children’s literature and young adult (YA) fiction, the AFCC brings together the full range of professionals who shape what young readers encounter. Its program spans panel discussions, presentations, workshops, lectures, masterclasses, and networking sessions, all oriented toward the creation and appreciation of quality children’s content rooted in Asian experiences and narratives.

The Philippine delegation is composed of grantees under the National Book Development Board’s Children’s Creative Nation Grant (CNG), a program that supports Filipino creators in developing stories for children and young adults while building connections within the regional publishing community.

Angela B. Napeñas will join “Anthropomorphism & Learning to Care: Building Nature Stewardship Through Animal Stories” on May 21, a panel on how animal characters can help young readers better understand nature and environmental responsibility. Also, Kristin Garanchon will lead “Worldbuilding for Picture Books: From Concept Sketch to Narrative Universe,” a workshop on building cohesive story worlds through illustration and narrative design.

On May 23, Tori Tadiar will participate in the “Illustrator’s Portfolio Review”, “Worlds of Fantasy Comics,” and “Young Heroes Claiming Old Myths: Big Worlds, Bravery, and Fantasy for Kids” sessions that explore Philippine fantasy comics, folklore, mythology, and young heroes in children’s literature.

For NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, the delegation’s participation speaks to something larger than a single festival appearance. “Every time Filipino creators take their work to an international stage like AFCC, they are doing more than presenting their books. They are making the case that our stories have always had something distinct and necessary to say, and that the next generation of readers, here and across Asia, deserves to encounter them.”

NBDB Director Maria Carolina Tapia will also represent the Philippines in an industry sharing and networking session on the international children’s content landscape on May 23. “Filipino children’s stories carry the richness of our islands, languages, and lived experiences. Through AFCC 2026, we hope to bring these stories to more readers, publishers, and partners across the region, and affirm the place of Philippine children’s literature in the wider Asian and global publishing landscape,” said Tapia.

The NBDB said the country’s participation in AFCC 2026 reflects the continued growth of the Philippine children’s book sector, which remains among the most active and widely read segments of local publishing.

Through classrooms, libraries, homes, and translation initiatives, Filipino children’s books continue to reach young readers in the Philippines and abroad. Participation in AFCC offers Filipino creators an opportunity to present Philippine children’s content to a broader regional audience and strengthen their presence in the global publishing landscape.

The NBDB continues to support Filipino authors, illustrators, publishers, and creatives through programs that expand the reach of Philippine literature for children and young adults.

For updates on AFCC 2026, visit the official festival website or follow NBDB’s official platforms.

NBDB Highlights Filipino Authors, Creatives, Publishers, in Philippine Book Festival 2026.

THE National Book Development Board (NBDB) formally opened the 4th edition of the Philippine Book Festival today, March 12, at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, marking the start of a four-day celebration of Filipino books, stories, and the industry that brings them to life.

NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade led the opening ceremonies alongside Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, before an audience of publishers, authors, illustrators, readers, educators, and industry stakeholders gathered to witness a milestone: for the first time in the festival’s history, opening day was fully open to the general public.

“This is also why the creative and cultural industries surrounding Filipino literature matter as much to this festival as the books themselves. The illustrators, the visual artists, the designers who shape how a book is seen before it is ever read—their presence here is not peripheral,” Aquino-Tugade said. 

A Filipino reader who has never thought of themselves as a reader is more likely to become one in a space that feels alive, that feels like it was made with some care and imagination, than in one that simply stocks titles. The argument the PBF keeps making, year after year, is that Filipino creative work deserves exactly that kind of space. Not a corner. Not a footnote. A room of its own, for a few days at a time, for as long as it takes for that to stop being something we have to fight for,” Aquino-Tugade added.

The presence of DepEd Secretary Angara at the opening underscored the festival’s role not only as a literary event but as a strategic platform for education. Day 1 brought together DepEd book evaluators, or “scopers,” from across the country, who used the PBF as an opportunity to review and identify locally produced titles for potential uses as Supplementary Learning Resources in public school classrooms and libraries.

Four Realms, One Rainforest

PBF 2026 reimagined its four signature realms within a rainforest-inspired setting drawn from this year’s theme, Gubat ng Karunungan. Aral Aklat highlights books as tools for learning and discovery, featuring textbooks and teaching guides. Booktopia invites visitors to explore the breadth of Filipino fiction and nonfiction. Kid Lit nurtures early readers through interactive, child-friendly experiences. Komiks celebrates the visual richness of Filipino comics and graphic storytelling.

This year’s lineup brings together the full spectrum of Philippine literary life. National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, and prominent historian Ambeth Ocampo will be on hand for book signings alongside trade-book superstars Jonaxx and Ron Canimo, kidlit masters Eugene Evasco and Luis Gatmaitan, and komiks legends Manix Abrera and Pol Medina. GMA Network, together with PaperKat Books, will also launch Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre at PBF 2026.

Beyond the realms, five activation spaces gave the festival its distinctive character. Lugar Lagdaan serves as the hub for book signings and reader-author meetups. Bahay Ilustrador puts the craft of visual storytelling front and center. Gubat ng Karunungan hosts workshops, talks, and masterclasses. The Fiesta Stage anchors major programming and performances. Umpukan provides space for informal community conversations.

In cooperation with the National Library of the Philippines, the NBDB also features facsimiles of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, Doctrina Christiana, and Fr. Manuel Blanco’s Flora de Filipinas—rare works that anchor the festival in the Philippines’ deep literary heritage.

A highlight of the four-day run is the 43rd National Book Awards (NBA), to be held on March 14 at the Fiesta Stage. The NBA acknowledges the works of authors, illustrators, editors, translators, and publishers whose books have helped shape the country’s literary landscape.

Into the Gubat ng Karunungan

This year’s festival gathers under the theme Gubat ng Karunungan, or Rainforest of Knowledge. The key visual, crafted by returning artist and designer Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, follows two characters, Yaz and Ye-ey, as they journey through a teeming rainforest, taking in its flora, fauna, and falls. Drawing on his daily life at the foot of Mount Banahaw in Lucban, Quezon, Atienza wove recycled paper into the artwork as a deliberate gesture: the same trees that give us paper carry the stories we tell.

“Our stories, our books, and our karunungan all start here—in the biodiversity we need to protect,” he said.

A Festival Dedicated to Philippine Literature

For Aquino-Tugade, the festival’s significance runs deeper than the four days it occupies. “The Philippine Book Festival is positioned not only as a literary event but also as a third place that connects key players in the publishing and education sectors,” she said. “By convening publishers, institutional buyers, educators, and readers in a single venue, the festival supports broader efforts to improve access to quality Philippine books and sustain the local publishing industry. Let’s make the Philippines not just a nation of readers, but a global powerhouse of authors and creators,” Aquino-Tugade concluded.

Philippine Book Festival 2026 Strengthens Its Commitment to the Growth of Local Publishing.

THE National Book Development Board (NBDB) is all set for the 4th Philippine Book Festival (PBF)— the country’s only marketplace dedicated exclusively to all-Filipino books and published works, and a shared third place for publishers, writers, illustrators, readers, educators, and industry stakeholders. The festival runs from March 12 to 15, 2026 at the Megatrade Hall, 5th Floor, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

“With the continued interest we saw in the last few years, we are encouraged by the growing appreciation for Filipino stories and content, ” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade. “The strong public response affirms that there is a meaningful demand for books that reflect our own culture, languages, and lived experiences. ”

Building on that momentum, the NBDB sees PBF 2026 as an opportunity not only to expand visitor turnout and exhibitor participation but also to strengthen access to locally produced books and learning materials. In a milestone for the festival, Day 1 (March 12) will be open to the general public for the first time, welcoming all readers alongside the Department of Education (DepEd) and its book evaluators from across the country.

Four Realms, One Rainforest

PBF 2026 reimagines its four signature realms within a rainforest-inspired setting. Aral Aklat highlights books as tools for learning and discovery, featuring textbooks and teaching guides. Booktopia invites visitors to explore the breadth of Filipino fiction and nonfiction. Kid Lit nurtures early readers through interactive, child-friendly experiences. Komiks celebrates the visual richness of Filipino comics and graphic storytelling.

This year’s lineup brings together the full spectrum of Philippine literary life. National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, and prominent historian Ambeth Ocampo will be on hand for book signings alongside trade-book superstars Jonaxx and Ron Canimo, kidlit masters Eugene Evasco and Luis Gatmaitan, and komiks legends Manix Abrera and Pol Medina. GMA Network, together with PaperKat Books, will also launch “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” at PBF 2026.

NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

Beyond the realms, the festival offers a range of spaces for connection: Lugar Lagdaan for book signings and reader-author meetups; Bahay Ilustrador for a look into the world of visual storytellers; Gubat ng Karunungan for workshops, talks, and masterclasses; the Fiesta Stage for major programming and performances; and Umpukan for informal community conversations.

The NBDB, in cooperation with the National Library of the Philippines, will also feature facsimiles of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, Doctrina Christiana, and Fr. Manuel Blanco’s Flora de Filipinas—rare works that anchor the festival in the Philippines’ deep literary heritage.

A highlight of the four-day run is the 43rd National Book Awards (NBA), to be held on March 14 at the Fiesta Stage. The NBA acknowledges the works of authors, illustrators, editors, translators, and publishers whose books have helped shape the country’s literary landscape.

Into the Gubat ng Karunungan

This year’s festival takes its theme from the richness underfoot and overhead: Gubat ng Karunungan, or Rainforest of Knowledge. The key visual, crafted by returning artist and designer Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, follows two characters, Yaz and Ye-ey, as they journey through a teeming rainforest, taking in its flora, fauna, and falls.

Artist and designer Joffrey "Pepot" Atienza.

Drawing on his daily life at the foot of Mount Banahaw in Lucban, Quezon, Atienza wove recycled paper into the artwork as a deliberate gesture: the same trees that give us paper carry the stories we tell. “Our stories, our books, and our karunungan all start here—in the biodiversity we need to protect, ” he said.

A Festival Dedicated to Philippine Literature

“The Philippine Book Festival is positioned not only as a literary event but also as a third place that connects key players in the publishing and education sectors, ” Aquino-Tugade said. “By convening publishers, institutional buyers, educators, and readers in a single venue, the festival supports broader efforts to improve access to quality Philippine books and sustain the local publishing industry. ”

“Let’s make the Philippines not just a nation of readers, but a global powerhouse of authors and creators, ” Aquino-Tugade concluded.

2025 Book Nook Conference | Uniting and Nurturing the Reading Culture.

Over 80 reading space advocates, storytellers, and educators across the Philippines gathered for the annual Book Nook Conference 2025, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

The conference, held from August 20-22, aimed to consolidate the best practices as well as challenges faced by area coordinators for The Book Nook Project, a flagship program by the NBDB which aims to address the country’s reading crisis by setting up reading and storytelling spaces across the Philippines. Themed Sug-álaw: A Grand Encounter of Stories, Cultures, and Communities, the three-day event discussed the best sustainability practices and community-building tips to ensure book accessibility in different regions of the country.

Almost four years since its launch, The Book Nook Project has expanded its presence in different regions of the country. Over 100 Book Nook sites are currently established in various provinces, cities, and barangays, with more than 20 additional sites to be unveiled this year.

“The Book Nook Project has always been committed to making quality books more accessible not just in urban centers, but also in the most remote reaches of the country,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

The first two days of the conference included sessions and workshops centered on strengthening and digitalizing Book Nook services in the regions as well as developing effective literary engagements. For the third day of the conference, Book Nook area coordinators joined a two-part cultural tour within Iloilo City.

Reaching out to communities

The first half of the tour brought reading space advocates to the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in Iloilo, where they visited the area’s local Book Nook site. Aside from the museum tour, participants also joined in on various activities, including the patadyong race, museum object hunt, and bookmark-making.

The Book Nook Project then visited the Book Nook Nabitasan Integrated School in Barangay La Paz, where the conference participants conducted storytelling sessions and literary activities with the students. Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, award-winning children’s book author, encouraged high school students to express themselves through movement and writing. Meanwhile, storyteller and inspirational speaker Rey Bufi showed future educators and librarians the process of building storytelling communities in Iloilo City.

“The stories we read from our books–from our local prose, our myths, poetry, and legends–are all creations of the Filipino community. It is only apt that we do right by the people who bring so much color, life, and richness to our nation’s culture. Our grand encounter this year, as we call it, bears fruit only when we see our reading communities more deeply involved in nurturing our nation’s reading culture,” NBDB Readership Development Division Officer-in-Charge Daniel Mariano said.

Addressing the country’s reading gaps

Spurred by the country’s reading gap, the conference urged participants to collaborate with fellow reading space advocates. Beyond a theoretical exercise, the three-day event featured a series of workshops which ranged from building sustainable community reading spaces to leveraging digital platforms for wider reach. The conference also highlighted Iloilo City's reading community, with a full day of reading activities that took place at the NMP-Iloilo City and the Nabitasan Integrated School in Barangay La Paz.

The Book Nook Project, one of the NBDB’s major projects under its Readership Development Division, was launched in 2021. It adheres to the belief that aklat para sa lahat (books for everyone) should be a basic human right. With over 100 Book Nook sites scattered across the country, the NBDB remains committed to fostering love of reading at a young age by making Filipino-published books more accessible and easily available to students and young readers.

To learn more about the National Book Development Board and its upcoming activities, visit https://books.gov.ph, and follow the NBDB through its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

The 43rd National Book Awards | Nominations Now Open!

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Filipino Critics Circle (FCC) are now accepting nominations for the 43rd National Book Awards (NBA).

First administered by the Filipino Critics Circle or the FCC (formerly known as the Manila Critics Circle) in 1982, the NBA honors the most outstanding books written and published in the Philippines. In 2008, the FCC partnered with the NBDB to co-administer the awards.

“The National Book Awards not only rightfully honor the best works produced by our country’s finest minds and talents, they also provide an occasion for us to take stock of the zeitgeist, our writers’ current preoccupations, and where our book industry is headed,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

The deadline for nominations is on September 7, 2025. To be eligible, authors and publishers should be NBDB-registered while their works must be published in 2024 and have significance, soundness of content, quality of craft, readability, grammar, copy editing, structure of thought and ideas, and style.

“The National Book Awards serve as official recognition of the quality and relevance of winning books, highlighting their contributions and relevance to the growth of Philippine literature, across multiple categories and genres. The NBA is important to us as Filipinos, as we recognize books that matter to us, as a people, while also serving as a portal of possibilities for readers outside of our country,” said FCC Chair Dean Francis Alfar.

He added, “the roster of winners for any given cycle provides a curated list of the best contemporary writing, reflecting not just Filipino sensibilities, but also what concerns and hopes we have, seen through the lens of both fiction and nonfiction.”

Books published for the first time by a Philippine publisher and works with local editions previously published by foreign authors are also eligible for the awards for as long as it has been locally published.

Under the literary division, books will be recognized in categories such as novel, short fiction, nonfiction prose, anthology, drama and film, literary criticism and cultural studies, literary history, media studies, poetry, graphic novel and comics, and translation.

Meanwhile, in the non-literary division, books will be awarded in fields of art, professions, social sciences, history, journalism, humor, sports, lifestyle, and business, food, science, spirituality and theology, and philosophy.

Photo credit: NBDB on Facebook.

Every year, the NBA honors a different regional language. This year, it will be Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) and Kiniray-a. All books published in these languages within the last three years (2022-2024) are eligible for the awards regardless of genre.

Finally, the Best Book Design award will be given to the work with the best overall design, which encompasses the cover, typeface, dimensions, layout, type of paper, binding, and printing. A Publisher of the Year award, or the publisher with the highest total number of winners in all categories, will also be given.

“The Filipino Critics Circle and the National Book Development Board recognize the challenges of writing, editing, illustrating, translating, designing, and producing books. We encourage publishers of all stripes, as well as authors, to submit books for consideration. Being part of the list of finalists is an achievement in and of itself, bringing more awareness of your book to the reading public,” Alfar said.

All nominations shall be submitted through the official online nomination form. Two printed copies of the book shall also be submitted together with one digitally non-editable watermarked PDF. For nominated titles under the Translation category, submissions must also include either one printed copy or one digitally non-editable watermarked PDF of the original work from which the translation originated. For complete submission guidelines, check out this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1761KPKJ3H/

The nominated books will undergo a round of deliberations from which no more than five titles will be chosen as finalists per category. The finalists will be required to submit an additional eight copies of their books to the NBDB; non-submission will mean disqualification from the selection. In the final deliberation, one winner will be picked from the finalists of each category. The winner of each category, except the Publisher of the Year, will receive PHP 40,000.00. 

Multi-awarded Writer Irene Sarmiento Makes History as First Filipino Author at Germany's White Ravens Festival.

Irene Sarmiento, award-winning writer of children’s book Tabon Girl and young adult novel Stray Cats, is the first author from the Philippines to be invited to this year’s White Ravens Festival, held from July 13 to 17 at the Blutenberg Castle in Munich, Germany.

A native of Quezon City, she moved from the Philippines to Texas in 2011 and now works as a pediatric occupational therapist for children with special needs in northern Colorado.

In an interview with the National Book Development Board (NBDB), Sarmiento shared that “it was in college when I won my first Palanca [award] in the now defunct future fiction category and made me realize I have two lives [studying occupational therapy and writing]. But I never really questioned whether I should stop or keep writing.” She added, “As a writer, I recognize that in this unequal world, we who are marginalized have to assert our humanity, and this is my way of doing that. I am a Filipino writer talking to multiple cultures in my works. I am both a writer and a healthcare practitioner.”

The White Ravens Festival is dedicated to international literature for children and young adults, bringing together authors and illustrators from different parts of the world to read from their most recent works, lead writing workshops and other interactive events, and discuss their life and works. The festival has hosted various prominent authors such as Ingo Siegner from Germany, Micaela Chirif from Peru, Shaw Kuzki from Japan, Anete Melece from Latvia, Tuutikki Tolonen from Finland, MG Leonard from the United Kingdom, André Letria from Portugal, Yves Grevet from France, Jamshid Khanian from Iran, and Ondřej Buddeus from the Czech Republic, to name a few. It is hosted by the International Youth Library (IJB) in Munich, Germany.

Irene Sarmiento at the 2025 White Ravens Festival.

“The invitation was a huge surprise. It is important because it gave me the opportunity to tell them about the Philippines. It prompted the audience to know more about us [Filipinos]. It helped me to bring our works to the global stage,” Sarmiento said.

Aside from a radio interview, as part of the festival she attended eight interactive reading events across Germany with 10 different participating schools (and with 50 to 150 students in attendance each session) from July 13 to 17 this year. The event was under the patronage of the Bavarian State Minister for Science and the Arts, and featured renowned, multi-award-winning writers.

Sarmiento’s works, often about children overcoming challenges, have received recognition from prestigious organizations such as The Palanca Memorial Foundation, the Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards, and Stories to Change the World.

Photo credit: Ludwig's Gymnasium.

“My family and I always love books and stories. When I was eight years old, I won a short story writing competition called Young Minds, and it was the first time that I got really published, which started me on that trajectory,” said Sarmiento.

Her novel, Stray Cats, was named one of the Kids’ Choice winners at the National Children’s Book Award in 2024. It tells the story of Elisa Paz, an eighth grader in search of her best friend.

Her tips to aspiring Filipino writers? “You should speak in your own voice. Who knows? One of these days, someone might listen.”

Sarmiento’s participation in the festival coincides with the Philippines’ preparations as the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 15 to 19, 2025.

Meranaw Identity and Heritage at the Heart of the 1st Marawi Children's Book Fest.

The National Book Development Board (NBDB), in partnership with Aklat Alamid, will host the first-ever Marawi Children’s Book Fest on June 27-29, 2025 at the Mindanao State University’s main campus.

The event aims to equip authors, illustrators, and publishers with the necessary skills and knowledge in producing children’s books, while highlighting Meranaw culture and traditions.

“There should be available quality and accessible Maranao books that represent who they are and the way they live. In the 2023 National Readership Survey results, there was a notable decline in reading non-school books, which was at 43% for children. Access to books emerged as the primary reason for the decline, with limited awareness of public libraries and constraints in time and distance,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

She added, “NBDB’s grant supports publishing stakeholders in enhancing their skills and knowledge through professional development events such as the Marawi Children’s Book Fest. We encourage other organizations to initiate events such as this.”

In a list compiled by Aklat Alamid, only around 20 children’s books from different regions in the country feature Muslim stories from 1990 to 2012 but were mostly authored by non-Muslim Filipinos. The next year, 2013, marked a new milestone as the number of titles featuring Muslim stories increased to more than 100 titles by 2023. With the implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education starting in the 2012-2013 school year, different mother tongues, including those spoken by Muslim Filipinos, were used in reading materials for early-grade level students.

“The seminar-workshop aims to orient the participants on the importance of books for Meranaw children and to guide the preselected authors and illustrators in the process of developing the picture books,” said M.J. Cagumbay Tumamac, popularly known as Xi Zuq to his readers, who is also the co-founder and administrative head of Aklat Alamid.

He added, “As part of a larger project, [we aim] to develop four picture books on Meranaw culture, created by Meranaw authors and illustrators, written in the Meranaw language, and for Meranaw readers.”

The festival takes on deeper significance in the context of post-siege Marawi, where the 2017 conflict left physical and emotional scars on the community. In the years since, educators, parents, and cultural advocates have underscored the role of storytelling in rebuilding Maranao identity and heritage, as well as promoting healing and fostering peace.

Meranaw Orthography, Storytelling Sessions, Bibliotherapy

Photo credit: Hanna Usman on Facebook.

One of the main events at the workshop is a panel discussion titled Stories of Hope: Meranaw Voices from Marawi, which will present peacebuilding efforts in the community and share tools for education and empowerment with the participants.

Meanwhile, there will also be an expressive, interactive, and visual storytelling session on two culturally rich children’s books, Si Jalal Ago So Ranaw and Ranao Monster. These stories are rooted in Meranaw culture and the natural beauty of Lake Lanao, the largest lake in Mindanao.

The three-day event will also include discussions and workshops on the importance of Meranaw children’s books, Maranao orthography, children’s books illustration, and bibliotherapy. In a hybrid format, the book fest is expected to gather 150 participants including students, parents, teachers, authors, publishers, and novice illustrators. The speakers and facilitators are from the MSU-Main Campus, the City Schools Division of Marawi, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement Inc., and Aklat Alamid.

The event is in partnership with the university’s Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center, the City Schools Division of Marawi, and the Division of Lanao del Sur 1 under the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

With the Marawi Children’s Book Fest, the NBDB and Aklat Alamid are working together to reclaim narrative spaces for a community whose stories deserve to be read, heard, and cherished.

Rex Education Unveils New Book Titles, Organizes Fun Games and Activities at Philippine Book Festival 2025.

What a fiesta! Over 40,000 visitors captivated this year’s Philippine Book Festival (PBF) and energized the 4-day event at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. PBF 2025 was held recently and was powered by the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

Rex Education the leading book publisher and education solutions provider in the Philippines, participated joyfully and showcased its latest titles by Filipino authors, including Filipiniana titles. REX’s main booth unveiled academic titles from basic, college, and law education, with every offering thoughtfully developed by various experts in the field.

Mr. Paolo Sibal, Ms. Charisse Tugade (Executive Director, NBDB),
and Atty. Dominador Buhain (Chairman and President, Rex Education).

NBDB aptly chose the fiesta theme to make the event merry and fun-filled. Some of the country’s most famous celebrations, such as the Dinagyang Festival, were highlighted during the occasion. In keeping with the festive and celebratory mood, REX offered exclusive deals and big discounts and joined in the fun with exciting games and prizes.

Moreover, REX held a stamp-collecting activity at its Lakbay Aklat booth to give guests an immersive experience. Those who completed the activity received prizes. Additionally, REX organized a Scavenger Hunt where the participants learned more about the company’s offerings while also exploring the event in a fun, engaging way. Those who joined the Scavenger Hunt also received prizes and tokens or REX keepsakes.

What’s more, REX also brought out its Photoman to give guests and learners alike unique photo opportunities to celebrate their learning journey at PBF 2025. This was a great way to capture the event, preserved in a photograph. All these activities and more were a hit with PBF patrons.

Atty. Buhain with some members of the REX team.

REX’s booths demonstrate the company’s commitment to authors, learners, and all book lovers, providing quality Filipino-made books, learning materials, and a dynamic platform for educators and publishing professionals. This year’s PBF, with its fiesta theme, striking and vibrant visuals, and interactive aspects, truly appealed to young children and the young-at-heart. It was a fusion of engaging, experience-based settings with entertainment, education, and shopping convenience.

The Philippine Book Festival 2025, through NBDB, was also an excellent opportunity for the Department of Education (DepEd) and the country’s publishers to connect and strengthen year-long relationships, just as REX and DepEd did during the event. This collaboration enabled DepEd to make large-scale institutional purchases of various learning materials at competitive prices, with the goal of promoting the love of reading to Filipinos and help resolve issues of access and literacy.

As NBDB and DepEd continue the ever-evolving and challenging task of uplifting education in the Philippines through fairs such as the Philippine Book Festival 2025, rest assured that Rex Education will remain a steadfast ally and will provide support in every way possible.

Congratulations, PBF 2025!

Best Philippine children’s books honored at The Severino Reyes Medal 2025.

The International Board on Books for Young People-Philippines (IBBY-PH) formally awarded today the winners of this year’s The Severino Reyes Medal, during a ceremony held at the National Library of the Philippines in Kalaw Avenue, City of Manila.

Nakikisilong by author Eljay Castro Deldoc, illustrated by Richard Red C. Elli, and published by Southern Voices Printing Press, was named “Best Storybook,” while Sa Iisang Batya by Christopher Rosales and illustrator Rommel Joson, published by Brilliant Creations Publishing, won “Best Picture Book.”

2025 Severino Reyes Medal winners Eljay Castro Deldoc and Krie R. Lopez.
Photo credit: GMA News.

Author Krie R. Lopez’s Oha: A Story Told in One Eternal Second, with illustrations by Mikke Gallardo under Milflores Publishing, meanwhile, won in the “Young Adult Literature” category. A special citation was also awarded to author Mon Sy, illustrator Ara Villena, and their publisher Adarna House for Mga Tagapagtanggol ng Lupang Ninuno for its moving tribute to the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines and their deep ties to the land, culture, and language.

The Severino Reyes Medal, now in its second year, is organized by IBBY-Philippines in collaboration with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), the National Book Development Board (NBDB), and professional librarian organizations: Philippine Librarians Association Inc. (PLAI), Association of Librarians in the Public Sector (ALPS), and Philippine Association of School Librarians Inc. (PASLI). As custodians of knowledge and champions of literacy, librarians play a pivotal role in shaping young readers' literary experiences.

Special Citation was awarded to Mon Sy and Ara Villena.
Photo credit: Adarna House.

The annual event honors creative excellence in Filipino children’s and young adult literature, being named after the beloved playwright and storyteller Severino Reyes, the creator of Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang. The heirs of Severino Reyes also provided guidance and support to this award, which recognizes the best picture books, storybooks, and young adult books published in the Philippines.

A selection committee was tapped to choose an “Honor List” from hundreds of entries submitted by local publishers. This year’s panel was headed by Dr. Dolores Carungui from NLP. Other committee members were Jose Tomas Fernando and Melody Madrid from NLP; Carol Tapia from NBDB, Maria Victoria dela Cruz and Charito Basagre from PASLI; Easter Wahayna-Pablo and Lucila Raquino from ALPS; and Elisa Garcia and Kevin Conrad Tansiongco from PLAI.

Books on the Honor List.
Photo credit: IBBY PH

Honor List

Making it to the Honor List of selected titles for this year’s “Best Storybook” category are:

• Pretty Peach by author Reni Roxas and illustrator Adrian Panadero, published by Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing
• 𝘚𝘪 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘪 𝘈𝘵𝘴𝘢 𝘛𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘶 (𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘪 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘰𝘱) by author Vanessa Mae Empasis Segura and illustrator Octopus & Whale, published by 8 Letters Bookstore and Publishing
• 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘚𝘪𝘣𝘰𝘭: 𝘈𝘯𝘨 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘋𝘪𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘢 (𝘈 𝘖𝘯𝘦-𝘰𝘧-𝘢-𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴) by author Mark Norman Boquiren and illustrator Kata Alamon, published by Lampara Books
• 𝘙𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘯: 𝘈𝘯𝘨 𝘕𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘬𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢 𝘐𝘣𝘰𝘯 (𝘙𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘯 : 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘉𝘪𝘳𝘥) by author Neil Omar B. Gamos and illustrator Rhea Kristine U. Elnar, published by Johnny and Hansel Publications

For the “Best Picture Book” category, the following were named to the Honor List:

• 𝘚𝘪 𝘒𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘴 𝘐𝘯𝘪𝘴 (𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘰), by author Mary Ann A. Ordinario and illustrator Danielle Florendo, published by ABC Educational Developmental Center Children’s Book, Inc.
• 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘢 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘪 𝘓𝘰𝘭𝘢 𝘈𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘪𝘭𝘢 (𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘮𝘢 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘵) by author Jacqueline V. Franquelli and illustrator Aldy C. Aguirre, published by OMF Literature Inc.
• 𝘈 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘐𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 by author Mary Ann A. Ordinario and illustrator Danielle Florendo, published by ABC Educational Developmental Center Children’s Book, Inc.
• 𝘒𝘢𝘶𝘣-𝘰𝘧𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘪𝘫𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘜𝘵𝘢𝘩: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘵𝘢𝘩 𝘊𝘢𝘷𝘦 by the indigenous people of Balbalan, Kalinga and author Danielle Florendo, who also illustrated the book, published by Alamid Publishing House

The following were named to the Honor List for the Young Adult Book category:

• 𝘐 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘕𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 by author and illustrator E. Manawari, published by E. Manawari / Mariel C. Mantilla
• 𝘍𝘰𝘭𝘬𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘈 𝘒𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘦 by publisher, author and illustrator Joan D. Saga-oc
• 𝘖𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩, 𝘖𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 by author Johnny Boneo (self-published) and illustrator James Irwin Esparas
• 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭 by author Ronald Molmisa and illustrator Nixon Na, published by OMF Literature Inc.

Philippine books make their mark at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025.

The Philippines made a stunning comeback at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2025, with a strong presence that highlighted the country's growing role in the international book market.

This year's event—which took place from April 26 to May 5, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre—was defined by the collaboration between the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), alongside a number of Filipino publishers who were keen to make their mark in the Arab market. Notably, all participating publishers are members of the BDAP, further underscoring their commitment to elevating Philippine publishing on the global stage.

Photo credit: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

The Philippine delegation was jointly led by NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade and BDAP President Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores. The publisher-focused lineup was composed of Atty. Pasion-Flores herself (Milflores Publishing), Ken Ortiz (Anvil Publishing), Jhorie Arciga (University of the Philippines Press), Gwenn Galvez (REX Education), Mary Ann Ordinario (ABC Educational Development Center), Cindy Wong (8Letters Bookstore and Publishing), Ruth Ann Octaviano (Central Books), and Jerico Silvers (J. Silvers Publishing). Together, they represented a variety of literary genres, from scholarly works and children's books to graphic novels and poetry.

The Philippine delegation at the ADIBF 2025.

Having a publisher-focused delegation is a strategic move, as the Philippine book industry targets more opportunities for distribution and translation. Each publisher promoted a carefully curated number of works that reflect the Philippines' literary diversity, from visual narratives in the form of comics to educational materials that convey the country’s culture and values.

“For the Philippines, the Arab book market is still largely untapped,“ said Aquino-Tugade, “and it’s time that we change that because, as our participation at Abu Dhabi has confirmed, our stories are very much in demand in this part of the world. To call it a significant market would be an understatement as it's also notably a point of convergence for many of the most interesting players in the book world, including Egypt, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan.” Aquino-Tugade continued, “These are countries that actually picked up our rights at the fair. We're setting our sights to new markets and readerships, and I think we were able to do just that at Abu Dhabi."

Interestingly, the genres that garnered the most attention during the ADIBF 2025 were Children and Young Adult, Literature, and General Interest, among others. This further highlights the fascination and curiosity as to what Philippine literature can offer to readers and publishers from the Arab market and beyond.

Aside from the showcase, the Philippine delegation also hosted a reception last April 27, during which key figures in the Arab publishing and literary circles attended to learn more about stories from the Philippines. The collaboration between the NBDB and BDAP has been vital in promoting the visibility of Philippine books on the global scene. BDAP's participation in the event emphasized the importance of cooperation in fueling the development of the local publishing industry, making the Philippines an influential player in the global book market.

“One of the biggest accomplishments of this delegation was having myself, the NBDB, and the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver meet with the Arab Language Center,” said Atty. Pasion-Flores. “I think we will be coming into the Arabic market stronger in the next couple of years, particularly in 2027 where we are aiming to be the ADIBF’s Guest of Honor.” Atty. Pasion-Flores added, “There was a wide variety of books that people were looking for in retail. In terms of rights selling, the quickest results can be seen from the sales of children’s picture books. Apparently, 10% of the UAE's population is Filipino. We found a hunger for Filipino books, both for children and adults, that distributors there want to address. I think we can make an even stronger showing of Filipino books in the coming couple of years.”

The participation of the Philippine delegation in the ADIBF is part of the strategy to cement the Philippines as a center for creative content in Southeast Asia. With the country's appointment as the Guest of Honour for the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, the world's biggest book fair, the Philippines is poised to further expand its reach across global markets with the support of initiatives like the NBDB's translation subsidy program. This program provides funding assistance to foreign publishers who are willing to translate Filipino literary works into other languages, further boosting the international dissemination of Philippine literature.

Photo credit: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

At the closing of the event, the participation of the Philippine delegation in the ADIBF represents a major milestone in reaching the international market for Filipino-written books. The NBDB and BDAP are dedicated to further generating more avenues for Filipino authors and publishers to share their tales with readers around the world.

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.

 

Philippine Book Festival 2025 | Bigger, Better, In a New Location.

The Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country's biggest all-Filipino book festival is back - this time in a new location that is accessible to many. This year's PBF will be happening at the Megatrade Hall in SMM Megamall, Mandaluyong, City, from March 13 - 16, 2025.

Registration is FREE for the four-day book festival, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB). Every year, this project puts Philippine Books at the center if a fiesta brimming with events, performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with your favorite authors.

The Philippine Book Festival is back!

"In just over a month, we are bringing back the Philippine Book Festival. Now in its third year, the PBF started in 2023 as an attempt to create the largest marketplace for Philippine books that the country has yet to see. Now, it has become an important annual gathering for families, educators, creatives, and avid readers - all in the name of Philippine books.” said Charisse Aquino - Tugade, NBDB Executive Director.

The PBF's third edition promises to be more exciting, putting the spotlight on the country's famnous festivals, each one designed by some of the best and brightest Filipino artists working today.

The creative minds behind the PBF 2024. 
NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade with National Artist and scriptwriter Ricky Lee, together with the artists of PBF 2025 Realms - Paul Eric Roca, Danielle Florendo, Joffrey "Pepot" Atienza, and June Abreau.

The first is the glorious Dinagyang Festival for Kid Lit (the PBF's section dedicated to children's literature), designed by Juno Abreau, and the Komiks realm inspired by the famous Tuna Festival in General Santos City, with design by illustrator and painter Paul Eric Roca. Aral Aklat, the section dedicated to textbooks, draws inspiration from the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Quezon courtesy of Joffrey "Pepot" Atienza, himself a native of the province, and finally, Panagbenga or the Baguio Flower Festival for Booktopia (the section for fiction, non-fiction and poetry), with design by Danielle Florendo.

The festive atmosphere is made all the more exciting as the PBF 12025 moves to a new venue - at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. The NBDB believes this fresh location will bring new energy to the festival and draw and even larger audience.

NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

"The decision to move the PBF to a different and smaller venue is definitely a bold one. We hope to offset that with the venue's accessibility and generate higher foot traffic, as well as provide convenience for more visitors from other areas” shared Tugade.

The PBF is the largest all-Filipino book fair in the country and is one of the NBDB's flagship programs. NBDB, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this June has amped its readership efforts in the past four years, shifting to solutions-based programming to improve trade and distribution. Concerned with the lack of quality Philippine-authored books in libraries and bookstores across the country, Aguino-Tugade spearheaded the PBF in 2023, a retail activation space that celebrates Philippine books while bringing in revenue for publishing professionals.

The fair also showcases the creme dela creme of Philippine literature, culture, and content - all situated in an engaging, experienced-based setting that fuses entertainment, education, and learning. Positioning PBF as a favorite pastime (reading) among Filipinos, all for a good cause.

For complete details, visit the official Facebook page of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) https://www.facebook.com/NBDBPhilippines