The highly anticipated Philippine Book Festival (PBF) is gearing up for its second consecutive year, promising an even grander spectacle than before. Organized by the National Book Development Board Philippines (NBDB), this traveling extravaganza is set to unite publishers, authors, artists, educators, and avid readers under one roof at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from 25 to 28 April 2024.
Spanning four days, the PBF aims to showcase the diverse tapestry of Philippine literature, culture, and arts. Far beyond a traditional book fair, this event blends elements of education, entertainment, tourism, and shopping, catering to audiences of all ages. One of the festival’s highlights is its extensive collection of published works, boasting an array of titles that encapsulate the essence of Philippine storytelling. Attendees can look forward to a series of engaging talks and workshops featuring prominent figures from the literary world.
Among the anticipated sessions are exclusive book signings and meet-and-greet opportunities with acclaimed authors like Gwy Saludes and Ambeth Ocampo. Additionally, thematic discussions on topics such as the evolution of Filipino comics and the art of zine-making are sure to captivate attendees’ interests.
Beyond literary pursuits, the festival offers a plethora of attractions, including the Rare Book Collection by the National Library of the Philippines, the Book Bar showcasing award-winning titles, and the Cosplay Filipiniana competition celebrating iconic literary characters. Adding a culinary dimension to the festivities, the newly introduced Tabuan Food Hall invites guests to indulge in delectable fare while immersing themselves in the world of literature.
With dedicated realms catering to children’s literature, comics, fiction and non-fiction, and educational materials, the PBF ensures there’s something for every literary enthusiast. Specialized areas like the Creators Lab and Kids-at-Play zone promise engaging activities tailored to specific interests.
“This year, we have more authors and we bring together the best of Philippine content for the entire family. The country needs more reading spaces that encourage conversation, creation and collaboration. Ang Philippine Book Festival ang nagsisilbing panghikayat ng NBDB sa iba pang mga organisasyon na lumahok at makiisa sa mga programang nagtutulak sa mga Filipino na magbasa dahil ang aklat ay para sa lahat,” according to NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.
The event extends its impact beyond mere celebration by facilitating book procurement for public school libraries in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). Over 750 book evaluators and procurement officers are slated to attend, ensuring wider access to quality educational materials across the country. Visually, the festival is set to dazzle, with renowned designers Marc Vincent Soriano, Liza Flores, and Beth Parrocha lending their creative prowess to the event. Parrocha’s innovative realm designs, inspired by the four elements, promise to immerse visitors in a visually captivating experience.
“The Philippine Book Fair is a program that, on the one hand, is about celebrating Philippine culture, but on the other hand, encompasses our agency’s long-term plans: improve access for every Filipino reader, democratize distribution, and enable our publishers and authors to keep producing Philippine books,” said Chairperson Dante Francis Ang II.
The Philippine Book Festival welcomes all enthusiasts and curious minds from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on 25-28 April 2024, with admission free of charge. For more information and registration, please visit www.philippinebookfest.com.