The Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP) is set to bring a massive selection of local books to "Aklatan," the first all-Filipino online book fair on Aug.16 to 18.
"Let's support our local authors and publishers at the first-ever all-Filipino digital book fair. All your favorite local titles in one place at amazing discounts!" BDAP wrote on Facebook.
The bookfair will be held via online shopping platform Shopee, as face-to-face mass gatherings are prohibited under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Over 40 local publishers will participate, including Adarna House, Anvil Publishing, Ateneo de Manila University Press, Precious Pages and Lampara House, Summit Media, University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, and the University of the Philippines Press.
Also joining the bookfair are Filipino presses 19th Avenida Publishing, Alpha Stream Marketing, Asia/Pacific Circulation Exponents, Ateneo de Naga University Press, Bookware Publishing Corp, Central Books Supply, Chapter House Publishing, Christian Literature Crusade, Church Strengthening Ministry, Cunanan Map House, FELTA Multi-Media, FEU Publications, Forefront Books Co., Inc., Great Books Trading, Institute of Spirituality, MSA Publishing, New Day Publishers, OMF Literature, Our Daily Bread Ministries Philippines, Philippine Christian Literature, Inc., Phoenix Educational Services, Inc., Saint Mary's Publishing, Salinlahi Publishing House, San Anselmo Publications, St. Matthew's Publishing, Tahanan Books, Wizard Publishing Haws, and WS Pacific Publications.
In 2019, Aklatan was held at the Megatrade Hall 3 in SM Megamall in November.