MANILA, Philippines – Bookworms, expect a more enchanting experience in the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2025!
Organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), which has been at the forefront of advancing the country’s reading and literary industry, the PBF’s third edition promises to be “more than a marketplace.” So expect a lot of fun activities beyond getting a fresh haul of books.
When is the book festival?
The PBF will run from March 13 to 16 at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
The four-day book fair will again offer thousands of literary works, books, art pieces, among others.
“The PBF is our love letter to the Philippine book industry — its writers, illustrators, publishers, and booksellers,” said NBDB executive director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.
“It will be more than a marketplace. It is a necessary intervention in the national conversation on readership.”
What are the other activities?
Filipino talents will be put in the spotlight, providing them with a platform to showcase local works.
The Filipino-first approach will allow local writers to enjoy the limelight more than foreign ones, according to Ricky Lee, a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.
“Because of this, we could be the star, even if just for a second. It will only prove that Filipinos are great writers,” Lee said in Filipino.
More than just the typical book signings and authors’ meet-and-greets, the PBF will have live murals, film screenings, poetry contests, and writing workshops, among other activities.
There will also be a contest for guests who will dress up as their favorite Filipino cosplay character on top of an illustration contest for aspiring book cover artists.
What are the literary genres offered?
Just like in its first three iterations, there will be distinct “festival realms” to be offered in this year’s PBF — the different literary genres tied with popular Philippine fiestas.
Aral Aklat, which will display text books and other educational materials, will have a Pahiyas Festival theme designed by Pepot Atienza.
Booktopia will adopt a Panagbenga festival theme conceptualized by Danielle Florendo and will offer fiction, nonfiction, and poetry books.
Kid Lit, which will be dedicated to children’s books, will have a Dinagyang festival theme by Juno Abreu.
Komiks will feature the Tuna Festival designed by Paul Eric Roca to showcase local comics, and other animations.
The Philippine Book Festival was first held in 2023 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City before going to SMX Davao City in the same year. In 2024, the event was again held at the World Trade Center.
– Rappler.com