Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Ultimate Fiesta for Book Lovers
The Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2025 has officially opened its doors at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, promising a four-day literary extravaganza like never before. As the country’s premier all-Filipino book festival, PBF 2025 aims to celebrate and promote Filipino-authored books, ensuring that local literature continues to thrive and inspire.
In true fiesta spirit, this year’s festival has been designed to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Philippine culture, with immersive installations, engaging activities, and a wealth of books that highlight the nation’s rich literary heritage.
A Grand Opening with Literary Icons
The opening ceremony, aptly named "Fiesta Simula," set the tone for the festivities with dramatic readings, musical performances, and messages from key figures in the publishing, education, and cultural sectors. Among the distinguished guests were National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario and National Artist for Film & Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, both of whom emphasized the importance of fostering a reading culture among Filipinos.
Charisse Aquino-Tugade, Executive Director of the National Book Development Board (NBDB), expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s edition, highlighting the festival’s mission to make Filipino books more accessible while also celebrating the country’s cultural identity.
What’s New at PBF 2025?
This year’s festival goes beyond book sales and signings—it’s a full-fledged cultural experience that immerses visitors in the heart of Philippine literature and traditions.
1. Fiesta-Inspired Design and Interactive Spaces
PBF 2025 has introduced visually stunning installations that pay tribute to the Philippines’ most beloved festivals. One of the standout attractions is the "Pakyáwan Plaza," a space inspired by the Pahiyas Festival that features a bahay kubo installation, a live mural, and traditional Filipino decorations.
2. Exclusive Book Discounts and More Events
Attendees can enjoy huge discounts on books, making it easier to build personal libraries filled with Filipino-authored works. The festival also features art workshops, storytelling sessions, and meet-and-greet opportunities with renowned Filipino authors and illustrators, including children's book artists Juno Abreu, Pepot Atienza, Danielle Florendo, and Paul Eric Roca.
3. A Nationwide Effort to Strengthen Filipino Literacy
A key highlight of the festival is the participation of over 650 teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd). As part of NBDB’s efforts to bridge the gap in book accessibility, the government has facilitated the purchase of P2.4 billion worth of books that will soon find their way into schools and libraries nationwide.
The Philippine Book Festival: More Than Just a Fair
The Philippine Book Festival is unlike any other literary event in the country. It’s not just about celebrating books—it’s about ensuring that quality Filipino-authored literature reaches every corner of the archipelago. Since its inception in 2023, the festival has led to the institutional sale of hundreds of millions’ worth of local books, ensuring that Filipino students from Batanes to Jolo have access to inspiring and educational materials.
Aquino-Tugade emphasized that this year’s festival goes beyond numbers.
“We’re ensuring that the books reaching students actually match their needs and mirror their realities. We’ve been training DepEd teachers on how to approach book selection in a way that is meaningful, ensuring that students can easily access and appreciate stories that resonate with their own experiences.”
She also reiterated that the PBF is a call to action—a reminder that it’s never too late to change the reading culture in the Philippines and break misconceptions about literacy, publishing, and readership.
A Must-Visit Event for Every Filipino Book Lover
The Philippine Book Festival 2025 runs from March 13 to March 16, and entrance is free. Whether you’re a die-hard bibliophile, a budding writer, a student looking for inspiration, or simply someone who loves stories, PBF 2025 is the perfect place to celebrate Filipino literature and culture.
About the National Book Development Board
The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the official book authority of the Philippines, committed to developing the local publishing industry and promoting the vibrant culture of Filipino authorship and reading. Follow NBDB’s social media pages (@nbdbphilippines) for updates.
Join the celebration! The future of Philippine literature is here.
Cover photo: Tarantadong Kalbo aka Kevin Eric Raymundo at his booth at the Philippine Book Festival 2025
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