HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE: OUR NEW ABNORMAL
In what has been universally acknowledged as the digital age, it might seem ironic and foolhardy to mount a Philippine Book Festival that literally champions the published book - with no digitized, online version in sight. But that’s exactly what our National Book Development Board (NBDB) did last June 2 to 4 at the World Trade Center - and it travels to SMX Davao this Aug. 18 to 20.
Billed as the largest traveling book festival in the Philippines, the booths featured Filipino authors, artists, and writers, via physical books created by local publishing houses. With activities such as meeting your favorite author, joining workshops and interactive exhibits, and of course, purchasing books. The three days became more than just a book fair, but a real book experience.
Now I’m the first to confess a weakness for physical books that I can hold in my hand, with crisp, freshly pressed pages that I can smell. The tactile sensation of holding a book works wonders for me, but I acknowledge that I’m probably in the minority - so it was a pleasant surprise to find so many enthusiasts milling around the Philippine Book Festival area, and perusing the booths and books. And I’m certain NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade was encouraged by the palpable show of public support. There is, after all, an audience for these physical manifestations of Filipino creativity.
Andrea Pasion-Flores of Milflores Publishing, at the opening ceremonies of the Festival.
Andrea Pasion-Flores gave one of the inspirational talks of the morning program. She’s the owner and publisher at Milflores Publishing, a company she acquired in 2020. She readily jokes about how the acquisition of the company was irresistible given her own married surname; and acknowledges the uphill battle publishers now face. But she’s ready to meet the challenge head-on, and true to her maiden name, says it’s been a lifelong ‘Pasion’ to run a publishing house.
Gianna Montinola at their FEU Publications booth.
Gianna Montinola corralled me as I was heading to the exit, and I’m so thankful she did. Taking me to their Far Eastern University (FEU) Publications booth, she was extremely proud of their book, Walk Manila, written by Dr. Lorelei de Viana. Winner of the 39th National Book Awards for Best Book in Humor, Sports, and Lifestyle, the book features 100 historic sites and structures in Manila, and shares fascinating footnotes about the streets, corners and landmarks of historic Manila. What’s unique with the book is how there’s an inner front cover folder, where one finds appended maps, with suggested walking tours for different areas.
From the Port Area and Intramuros, to Tondo, Binondo, Malate, and Quiapo, and on to Paco, Sampaloc, Sta. Mesa, Pandacan; these maps provide informative and learned walking tours for those interested in Manila’s rich heritage, and are ready to explore Manila at street level. De Viana is the former dean at FEU’s Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts, and refers to the book as part of FEU’s heritage advocacy, promoting their role as an active steward of conservation.
For those planning to attend the Davao leg, know that the festival is wonderfully organized. There are four main sections; Kids Lit, where books for kids and young adults can be sourced; Booktopia, where a diverse range of topics is covered; Komiks Land, where there are both classic and new comics, and collectors are welcome; and Aral Aklat, where students can uncover new textbooks. Across this sectioning, you’ll find a bevy of established publishing houses, standing side by side with indie publishers.
Speaking of indie publishers, a shout out to Mara Sy-Coson, who launched her Exploding Galaxies yesterday, with the Philippine publication of Wilfrido Nolledo’s But For The Lovers. I’ve written about Mara and Exploding, and how they intend to publish forgotten masterpieces of Philippine literary fiction. Wishing her success in this noble venture; as even in the best of times, literary fiction is a tough sell.
At last week’s Philippine Book Festival, NBDB Executive Director Charisse Tugade and Cong. Toff de Venecia.
I loved how NBDB Executive Director Tugade had the likes of Senator Mark Villar, Congressman Toff de Venecia, and Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano attending her event, and pledging support to this community of creatives and publishers. The creatives are behind content production, and unless AI completely takes over, I don’t think their contributions and importance are imperiled. But at a time when the digital age seems ready to engulf us, and diminish the relevance of the physical book form, there is the nagging question of what is the touch point for the content’s engagement with its intended public.
My most important takeaway during my hours spent at the festival’s first morning, was how there is a Filipino public eager to consume local content; and that keeping the young aware and engaged with books is of the utmost importance. Hoping the NBDB continues to get the support it richly deserves.