The National Book Development Board (NBDB) launched the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) on June 2, 2023, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The festival is a celebration of Filipino literature and culture, and it features a wide variety of books from Filipino authors and publishers.
The atmosphere at the festival was electric. People were excited to browse the books, meet their favorite authors, and participate in the many activities that were offered.
There were rows upon rows of booths filled with books of all genres, including history, non-fiction, horror, and children's literature. The PBF is the first book festival in the country to feature only Filipino content. It is a great opportunity to learn about Filipino culture, discover new books, and meet other book lovers.
NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade welcomes guests at the Philippine Book Festival, the first ever traveling book festival in the Philippines.
The festival was a laudable exhibition, and it was no surprise that it was the brainchild of NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade. She has been a tireless advocate for Filipino literature and culture, and this festival is a testament to her passion.
"The National Book Development Board is here with you to ensure that we have access to reading materials. It is time to give our voice primacy, to highlight our own content, the works of our Filipino creators. Today, we have the Philippine Book Festival. Three days, 140 publishers, thousands of books, and 192 events,” she said, during her welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony of the festival.
The festival lasts until June 4, 2023, 9 p.m. Here are some photos of the festival, on its first day:
The entrance to the Philippine Book Festival at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Philippine Revolution reenactors stand in attention to welcome guests at the first day of the festival.
The exhibition hall is turned into a book lover's paradise.
Booths from various publishers are seen throughout the festival hall.
Children's literature is given prominence in the book festival.
Publishing houses from the Ateneo, University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, the University of the Philippines, and more, were given spaces in the exhibition hall as well.
Philippine Revolutionaries take an interest in literary arts during the Philippine Book Festival.
The Manila Bulletin was also present during the book fest.
Various nooks for reading were provided by the organizers for the young and young-at-heart to read books and rest.
Join the Philippine Book Festival from June 2 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and June 3 to 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Entrance is free for all! Register now at www.philippinebookfest.com to get your unique QR badge.