The Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2025, the country’s largest all-Filipino book event, successfully concluded after four exciting days at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, drawing over 40,000 visitors and setting new milestones for local authors and publishers.
Relive the excitement of past celebrations and see how the Philippine Book Festival continues to uplift Filipino literature with record-breaking milestones!
A Celebration of Filipino Literature
Organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the festival showcased thousands of books, interactive exhibits, storytelling sessions, and workshops for aspiring writers and illustrators. The event featured Pakyawan Plaza, a visually stunning Pahiyas-inspired bahay kubo, alongside realms highlighting iconic Philippine festivals, such as Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival, General Santos City’s Tuna Festival, and Baguio’s Panagbenga Festival. Renowned children’s book artists Pepot Atienza, Juno Abreu, Paul Eric Roca, and Danielle Florendo designed these creative spaces.
Authors and Publishers Thrive at PBF 2025
For many Filipino authors and publishers, PBF 2025 provided an unparalleled opportunity to connect with readers. The enthusiastic crowds and long lines for book signings overwhelmed many writers with gratitude.
One author described the festival as a dream come true: “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. To see readers connect so deeply with our work is both humbling and inspiring.”
Step into a literary wonderland and discover why the Philippine Book Festival is a must-visit haven for book lovers with its magical celebrations of Filipino storytelling!
Independent publisher Kyra Ysabel, a solo exhibitor, shared her success: “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, publisher of the best-selling Trese series, highlighted the event’s impact on sales: “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 Day 1 this year.”
Another exhibitor, PaperKat Books’ Head of Publishing Kath Eustaquio-Derla, credited the new venue for attracting 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.”
Celebrate the best of Filipino literature—explore the remarkable books that won the 40th National Book Awards and see how the Philippine Book Festival continues to champion local storytelling!
A Historic Boost for Public Schools and Libraries
One of the festival’s most significant achievements was the procurement of ₱3 billion worth of books for distribution to public schools and libraries nationwide. The Department of Education (DepEd) meticulously reviewed books for potential inclusion, assisted by NBDB’s book counselors, a new initiative introduced this year.
NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “With the help of NBDB’s book counselors, the scoping process of our partners from DepEd was more seamless and insightful than ever before. They were able to select books that will truly enrich the learning experience of students across the country.”
NBDB posted its appreciation for people who supported the PBF this year:
Elevating Philippine Literature
The overwhelming success of the Philippine Book Festival 2025 reaffirms the growing appreciation for Filipino literature and the NBDB’s dedication to fostering a vibrant literary ecosystem. With record-breaking attendance, engaged publishers, and a historic milestone in book distribution, the event stands as a testament to the transformative power of books in shaping the nation’s future.
Want to see more Good Balita highlights from book festivals and awards? Stay updated with the latest news on Filipino literature and publishing by visiting GoodNewsPilipinas.com!
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