The Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2025 is set to bring Filipino-authored books to the spotlight on March 13-16, 2025, at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the event serves as both a marketplace and a space where book lovers can immerse themselves in Filipino literature.
Relive the magic of last year’s event and see why the Philippine Book Festival remains a must-visit fairytale land for book lovers — discover more about the 2023 edition here.
A Marketplace for Filipino Books
NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade emphasized the importance of the PBF in making Filipino-authored books more accessible to readers nationwide.
“We created a marketplace for Philippine books because it’s difficult for Filipinos to easily access them. We sat down with the Department of Education (DepEd) to address this problem, and now we have the PBF, which is this marketplace for Philippine books, but also a site for the DepEd to purchase quality education materials for schools across the country,” she explained.
The PBF has played a crucial role in increasing the availability of Filipino-authored books in schools. Since its first edition, DepEd has purchased PHP925 million worth of books, ensuring their presence in all regions of the country. For 2025, DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara has allocated an additional P2.4 billion to further expand book procurement.
“We’re very excited to work with the DepEd, and they’re going to focus on our titles in this marketplace that we created,” Aquino-Tugade added.
Here are the key programs of the Philippine Book Festival 2025:
More Than a Marketplace: The PBF as a “Third Place”
Beyond being a book marketplace, the Philippine Book Festival 2025 is designed as a “third place”—a space outside of home and work where people can gather, engage, and explore books in a welcoming environment.
“A book is like a product, a knowledge product, but a unique one because for the younger generation to like a product, it has to be cool enough. That is why this year’s PBF is not just a marketplace but also a ‘third place,’ where they can actually read and enjoy books outside of an academic setting,” Aquino-Tugade said.
Visitors can participate in various activities, including storytelling sessions, drawing workshops for aspiring komikeros, discussions on queer literature, and interactive experiences for families and book lovers.
Discover how book reading and storytelling nooks are bringing the joy of reading to Filipino Indigenous communities — learn more about this inspiring initiative here.
National Artist Ricky Lee’s Gratitude to the PBF
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee highlighted the struggles of Filipino-authored books in bookstores, where they are often hidden in less prominent areas compared to foreign titles.
“I would like to thank the NBDB because through the PBF, Pinoy-authored books are not bit players or ‘extras’ anymore but main protagonists or ‘bida’ even for only four days in a year where all eyes will be on local authors like myself,” Lee said.
He also expressed appreciation for the opportunity PBF provides for Filipino authors to personally connect with their readers. “With the NBDB, they do everything to show to the world the undeniable fact that Filipino authors are outstanding and exceptional.”
Here is the updated calendar of activities at the Philippine Book Festival 2025:
Experience the Magic of PBF 2025
Aquino-Tugade encouraged book lovers to make the most of the event. “Bring a tote bag and money because there’s lots to buy with discounts. Bring a pen because you’ll probably run into your favorite authors and you can have your books signed. And wear good shoes because you have a lot of ground to cover.”
Don’t miss this celebration of Filipino literature! Mark your calendar for March 13-16, 2025, and join the Philippine Book Festival at SM Megamall. Follow our Good Balita for more updates!
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