Philippine Book Festival 2024 Wants to Make Books More Accessible
The National Book Development Board Philippines is gearing up for the much-anticipated second edition of the Philippine Book Festival (PBF), promising an even grander celebration of literature, culture, and the arts. It is scheduled to run from April 25 to 28 at the World Trade Center in Pasay. Entrance is free.
"This is an engaging activation space that brings together large-scale procurers of books and learning materials and the Philippine publishing industry, with Philippine creatives at the heart of it," said NBDB Chairperson Dante Francis Ang during a press launch on April 3.
He added that the four-day event is "highly representative" of NBDB's commitment to "a more robust programming three years ago." PBF celebrates Philippine culture and encompasses the agency's long-term goals "to provide access for every Filipino reader, democratize distribution, and enable our publishers and authors to keep producing Philippine books."
"We once again emphasize the fact that there is a need for us and our partners to continue working against the lack of access and against the imbalances in our book import-to-export ratio. By saturating the market and our schools with relevant, accessible, and affordable Philippine author books. The PBF is one way to address the many gaps that are indicative of a much larger systemic problem, something that we sought to respond to three years ago," added Charisse Aquino-Tugade, NBDB Executive Director.
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This year's festival boasts an array of exciting highlights, including exclusive book signings, meet-and-greet sessions with renowned authors, insightful talks, and interactive workshops. Notable sessions include:
- A Day with Gwy Saludes, which is an exclusive opportunity to meet the author, features a book signing session.
- Ambeth Without the Overcoat, where historian and bestselling author Ambeth Ocampo will lead a book signing session.
- Trip to Quiapo, a scripwriting workbook by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Ricky Lee.
- Dahling Nick: A Tribute to National Artist Nick Joaquin, which will honor the legacy of the renowned writer.
- Aklat Para Sa Accla: New Trends in Boys Love and Girls Love, where emerging trends in literature will be explored
- Comics Can Change the World, which is discussion led by Patti Ramos.
- Zine-making 101, which is a workshop on crafting independently-produced zines led by Komiket's Bunny Luz.
Aside from the book-selling and displays by book publishers, there will also be a display of rare books curated by the National Library of the Philippines; the Book Bar, a special book nook where attendees can stay and read; Cosplay Filipiniana that celebrates Philippine literary characters; the exhibit Guhit Pambata that focuses on works of renowned children's book illustrators; and the Tabuan Food Hall.
This diversity of offerings is made possible by NBDB's collaboration with the Book Development Association of the Philippines, Komiket, the Philippine Educational Publishers Association, and the Philippine Board on Books for Young People.
The Philippine Book Festival runs from April 25 to 28 at the World Trade Center in Pasay. Entrance is free.
