Month: February 2026

  • The Philippine Book Festival: A National Stage for Filipino Books and The Ultimate Book Experience

    The Philippine Book Festival (PBF) is the country’s only book festival dedicated exclusively to Filipino-authored and published works. Powered by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), it brings together thousands of Filipino books, educational materials, and creative works in a single space for culture, learning, and conversation—and, more than a marketplace, a shared third place for readers, writers, teachers, illustrators, publishers, students, families, and literary enthusiasts, all under one roof.

    Since its launch in 2023, the PBF has steadily grown in reach and scale across its first three editions. PBF 2026 runs from March 12 to 15, 2026 at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, in Mandaluyong City.

    Into the Gubat

    This year’s PBF gathers under the theme Gubat ng Karunungan—The Rainforest of Knowledge. A gubat is alive, layered, and interconnected, and our literary ecosystem is no different. Featured as the festival’s four signature realms, each one represents a distinct corner of Philippine literature and learning: different audiences, different genres—one forest, thriving and alive.

    Kid Lit is built for young readers, featuring picture books, learning materials, and titles that nurture a lifelong love of stories.

    Komiks brings the universe of Filipino comics to life, honoring the legends of the form while spotlighting emerging visual storytellers.

    Booktopia is a meeting ground for the many voices shaping the Filipino literary imagination—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, and more.

    Aral Aklat is dedicated to learning, featuring textbooks, teaching guides, and educational resources for classrooms, teachers, and library hubs across the country.

    The Philippines is a nation of many languages, many regions, many voices—from Luzon to Mindanao, from the city streets to rural barangays, from fantasy novels to research publications. Every story
    strengthens this ecosystem
    . Maglakad. Maglibot. Maligaw. Every reader is an explorer, every page a forest.

    Creative Corners of PBF

    Alongside its four realms, the PBF stages exhibitions that connect the literary with contemporary creativity—from rare historical texts to art installations. Past editions have featured:

    • The Rare Books Collection from the National Library of the Philippines, including facsimiles of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
    • The Ang INK art installation, featuring the creative works of children’s book illustrators
    • The History of Komiks by Randy Valiente
    • Mundo ng Trese by Kajo Baldisimo
    • NCCA School of Living Traditions
    • NCCA-PVAS art installation and exhibition

    For this year, five activation spaces complete the festival experience:

    Lugar Lagdaan is your go-to spot for book signings. Meet the people behind the stories you love.
    Bahay Ilustrador is where illustrators, comic artists, and graphic storytellers show how images speak louder than words.
    Gubat ng Karunungan is a forest of learning, workshops, and masterclasses for curious minds of all ages.
    Fiesta Stage is the main stage, the heartbeat of PBF, where grand performances and epic panels unfold.
    Umpukan is the chill zone for intimate talks and idea-sharing sessions where conversations flow freely.

    Together, these creative corners add new layers of visual and cultural depth to the PBF.

    The Audience Pulse

    From 2023 to 2025, the PBF drew more than 120,000 visitors and, through its partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), helped generate PHP 946 million in institutional book sales in 2024
    alone. Beyond retail, the festival has reshaped how books reach classrooms: through a coordinated review process between DepEd and the NBDB, regions can now identify and acquire books that reflect
    their local contexts and students’ needs
    .

    The Vision of PBF

    The PBF was launched as a national effort to improve access to quality, affordable Filipino-authored books, addressing long-standing gaps in distribution for both retail and institutional buyers. At the festival’s opening, welcome remarks from DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Sonny” Angara and NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade will set the tone for discussions that will shape the future of educational resources in the country.

    The PBF Experience

    PBF 2026 brings together the full spectrum of Philippine literary life. The writers whose pages many of us grew up with—Ricky Lee, Virgilio Almario, Ambeth Ocampo—will be on hand alongside trade-book
    favorites Jonaxx and Ron Canimo, kidlit masters Eugene Evasco and Luis Gatmaitan, and komiks legends Manix Abrera and Pol Medina. Viral reads, poetry, pop fiction, indie zines, and award-winning titles: every kind of reader finds their people here.

    Honoring Filipino Stories

    On March 14, the Fiesta Stage will host the 43rd National Book Awards (NBA)—honoring the authors,illustrators, editors, translators, and publishers whose work has shaped and sustained Philippine
    literature. It is the festival’s day set aside entirely for the recognition of excellence and affirmation of the strength, creativity, and diversity of Filipino storytelling today.

    The Philippine Book Festival is more than a gathering of books. It is a gathering of the nation’s voices—where writers meet readers, teachers meet students, and communities come together around stories
    that are unmistakably ours. Literature lives when it is shared, celebrated, and felt together.

    Come witness Filipino literature in its grandest form, in its fullest expression.

    We will see you at the Philippine Book Festival 2026!

    REFERENCE:

    NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD (NBDB) COMMUNICATIONS

  • PHILIPPINE BOOK FESTIVAL 2026 Strengthens its Commitment to the Growth of Local Publishing

    PHILIPPINE BOOK FESTIVAL 2026 Strengthens its Commitment to the Growth of Local Publishing

    During the 2026 Philippine Book Festival Media Launch that was held on February 26, 2026, the National Book Development Board (NBDB)has announced the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2026 – the country’s only book festival dedicated exclusively to Filipino-authored and published works.

    The NBDB is all set for the 4th Philippine Book Festival (PBF)— the country’s only marketplace dedicated exclusively to all-Filipino books and published works, and a shared third place for publishers, writers, illustrators, readers, educators, and industry stakeholders.

    The festival runs from March 12 to 15, 2026 at the Megatrade Hall, 5th Floor, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

    CHARISSE AQUINO-TUGADE is the Executive Director of the National Book Development Board (NBDB), a cultural worker, the primary mover behind CulturAid, the founder of The Manila Collectible Co., and the founding Director of Museo ng Muntinlupa.
    With interdisciplinary experience spanning the public and private sectors, she creates an environment that empowers and amplifies voices, connecting communities and organizations that might otherwise not cross paths. As the NBDB Executive Director, she envisioned and spearheaded The Book Nook, storytelling and reading communities that provide Pinoy books for kids and kids-at-heart from Ifugao to Tawi-Tawi, as well as the Philippine Book Festival, the country’s premier all-Filipino book fair.

    “With the continued interest we saw in the last few years, we are encouraged by the growing appreciation for Filipino stories and content,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

    “The strong public response affirms that there is a meaningful demand for books that reflect our own culture, languages, and lived experiences.”

    Building on that momentum, the NBDB sees PBF 2026 as an opportunity not only to expand visitor turnout and exhibitor participation but also to strengthen access to locally produced books and learning materials. In a milestone for the festival, Day 1 (March 12) will be open to the general public for the first time, welcoming all readers alongside the Department of Education (DepEd) and its book
    evaluators from across the country.

    Four Realms, One Rainforest

    PBF 2026 reimagines its four signature realms within a rainforest-inspired setting. Aral Aklat highlights books as tools for learning and discovery, featuring textbooks and teaching guides. Booktopia invites visitors to explore the breadth of Filipino fiction and nonfiction. Kid Lit nurtures early readers through interactive, child-friendly experiences. Komiks celebrates the visual richness of Filipino comics and graphic storytelling.

    This year’s lineup brings together the full spectrum of Philippine literary life. National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, and prominent historian Ambeth Ocampo will be on hand for book signings alongside trade-book superstars Jonaxx and Ron Canimo, kidlit masters Eugene Evasco and Luis Gatmaitan, and komiks legends Manix Abrera and Pol Medina. GMA Network, together with PaperKat Books, will also launch “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” at PBF 2026.

    Beyond the realms, the festival offers a range of spaces for connection: Lugar Lagdaan for book signings and reader-author meetups; Bahay Ilustrador for a look into the world of visual storytellers; Gubat ng Karunungan for workshops, talks, and masterclasses; the Fiesta Stage for major programming and performances; and Umpukan for informal community conversations.

    The NBDB, in cooperation with the National Library of the Philippines, will also feature facsimiles of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, Doctrina Christiana, and Fr. Manuel Blanco’s Flora de Filipinas—rare works
    that anchor the festival in the Philippines’ deep literary heritage.

    A highlight of the four-day run is the 43rd National Book Awards (NBA), to be held on March 14, 2026 at the Fiesta Stage. The NBA acknowledges the works of authors, illustrators, editors, translators, and publishers whose books have helped shape the country’s literary landscape.

    Into the Gubat ng Karunungan

    This year’s festival takes its theme from the richness underfoot and overhead: Gubat ng Karunungan,or Rainforest of Knowledge. The key visual, crafted by returning artist and designer Joffrey “Pepot”
    Atienza, follows two characters, Yaz and Ye-ey, as they journey through a teeming rainforest, taking in its flora, fauna, and falls.

    Drawing on his daily life at the foot of Mount Banahaw in Lucban, Quezon, Atienza wove recycled paper into the artwork as a deliberate gesture: the same trees that give us paper carry the stories we
    tell. “Our stories, our books, and our karunungan all start here—in the biodiversity we need to protect,” he said.

    A Festival Dedicated to Philippine Literature

    “The Philippine Book Festival is positioned not only as a literary event but also as a third place that connects key players in the publishing and education sectors,” Aquino-Tugade said. “By convening publishers, institutional buyers, educators, and readers in a single venue, the festival supports broader efforts to improve access to quality Philippine books and sustain the local publishing industry.”

    “Let’s make the Philippines not just a nation of readers, but a global powerhouse of authors and creators,” Aquino-Tugade concluded.

    About the National Book Development Board

    The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the Philippines’ book authority mandated to develop and strengthen the local book publishing industry. It works to expand access to quality Philippine
    books, promote a culture of reading, and support the growth of local publishing, while ensuring that Filipino authorship and literary production remain visible, competitive, and sustainable in both
    national and international contexts.

    Follow @nbdbphilippines (Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok) or visit books.gov.ph to learn more.

    REFERENCE:

    NBDB Communications

    #PhilippineBookFestival #PBF2026 #MagbasaTayo #AklatParaSaLahat #NBDB

  • Camella Forecasts Multigenerational Living as the Next Frontier in Philippine Real Estate

    Camella Forecasts Multigenerational Living as the Next Frontier in Philippine Real Estate

    Multigenerational living—where grandparents, parents, children, and extended relatives reside within a single household—has long been a hallmark of the Filipino way of life. Deeply rooted in the spirit of bayanihan, the collective sense of unit, it embodies a social landscape where emotional bonds, practical interdependence, and cultural continuity are valued in equal measure. Historically prevalent in ancestral homes, this living arrangement has become increasingly common in urban and suburban contexts, driven by economic realities, demographic shifts, and shifting real estate market dynamics.

    Why Do Filipino Families Choose Multi-Generational Living

    Recognizing the Filipino tradition of extended families living under one household, Camella has introduced multigenerational homes, designed with ample living spaces that foster privacy and interaction.

    Over the years, the Philippine housing sector has undergone significant transformations, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of the residential model. Data from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) show that extended or multi-family households increased from 25 percent in 1990 to 29 percent in 2020, while homes for nuclear families declined from 71 percent to 61 percent over the same period. Figures from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also note that escalating property prices—up to 6.5 percent year-on-year as of 2022—combined with inflationary pressures and metropolitan congestion, have made multigenerational homeownership a pragmatic and financially feasible strategy, enabling families to consolidate resources, secure premium locations, and invest in real estate properties as a form of inheritance.

    Design imperatives for a dynamic market

    For real estate, this creates opportunities to reimagine residential design to meet the needs and preferences of larger, more complex households. Homes must be configured with privacy to foster shared experiences while allowing each generation the autonomy they require. Adaptability has also emerged as a critical priority, with flexible spaces that provide shifting functions, provisions for auxiliary kitchens, and convertible open or enclosed areas, ensuring the house they purchased remains relevant through decades of change.

    Inclusivity further strengthens the appeal of a multigenerational home. Accessibility features such as step-free entries, wider doorways, and non-slip flooring enable senior family members to age in place with comfort, while enhancing safety for all. Aesthetic harmony is given equal importance, as designs that merge traditional architectural cues with modern styling can resonate across age groups—satisfying the sentimental preferences of older residents while aligning with the contemporary tastes of younger residents.

    A home for generations

    Camella continues to uphold its mission of making homeownership attainable and adaptable to the aspirations of Filipino families, ensuring that every generation finds a space they can truly call their own.

    Camella has taken a key step toward meeting this demand with its newest premium residential line, crafted for multigenerational living. Designed to reflect the aspirations of Filipinos in extended households, it offers expansive house models, including Fiona, Gianna, and Hera, ranging from 140 to 170 square meters, on lot sizes from 130 square meters, giving ample configurations for multiple private retreats and communal gathering zones.

    Through intentional planning, bedrooms provide privacy for each generation, while expansive kitchens—often with auxiliary cooking areas—anchor forever homes as functional and social sanctuaries. Open-plan living and dining areas allow for flexibility, easily transforming to host milestone celebrations or quiet evenings of shared success. Outdoor features, such as balconies, pocket gardens, patios, and carports, extend the livable space, offering both routine and recreational benefits.

    Adding a distinctive edge to its residential portfolio, Camella also introduces three-storey townvillas called Tiara and Chiara—housing innovations designed for hybrid home-and-work lifestyles. These residences are ideal for pioneering professionals seeking to integrate career and home life seamlessly, as well as expanding entrepreneurs who require multipurpose spaces for both living and running a business.  With dedicated floors that can be configured as private workspaces or family quarters, the townvillas deliver the versatility needed to meet the diverse requirements of today’s multigenerational households.

    As family structures diversify, Camella expands its residential portfolio with house models tailored to every life stage. For growing households of Overseas Filipinos, Camella offers spacious configurations to accommodate the dynamics of family life. Recognizing the Filipino tradition of extended families living under one household, it has introduced multigenerational homes, designed with ample living spaces that foster privacy and interaction.

    Camella has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of Filipino families, setting the standard for future residential neighborhoods and creating a benchmark for accessible yet aspirational living. Through its modern editions, Camella continues to uphold its mission to make homeownership not only attainable but also adaptable to the aspirations of Filipino families, ensuring that every generation finds a space they can truly call their own.

    The next frontier in Philippine housing

    Camella has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of Filipinos, setting the standard for future residential neighborhoods and creating a benchmark for accessible yet aspirational living.

    In a nation where family is both foundation and framework, the residential developments that will lead the market are those designed for all generations. By adapting cultural insight, market intelligence, and future-ready design, Camella not only responds to a growing housing segment—it defines it. These are homes that honor tradition while embracing innovation, creating living spaces that stand as legacies: adaptable, inclusive, and attuned to the evolving lives of the Filipino families who will call them their own.

    The Philippines’ largest homebuilder

    Camella is the flagship brand of the Philippines’ largest integrated property developer, Vista Land, providing homeowners with over 600,000 homes in 1,250 beautifully designed communities across  49 provinces and 147 key cities and municipalities.

    The leading and preferred housing brand with a nationwide geographic reach, Camella builds thriving communities that embody innovation and progress with family and community life at its center, creating a legacy of value for generations to come.

    The new Camella home series honors tradition while embracing innovation, creating living spaces that stand as legacies: adaptable, inclusive, and attuned to the evolving lives of the Filipino who will call them their own.

    To know more about Camella and its developments across the islands, visit www.camella.com.ph and follow @CamellaOfficial. Make your forever home a reality!

    REFERENCE:

    Ralph Raymond Rufino

  • Firmness, Fairness, and Full Preparedness: Chairman Garcia’s Message to Voters and Candidates

    Firmness, Fairness, and Full Preparedness: Chairman Garcia’s Message to Voters and Candidates

    The Chairman of COMELEC recently issued an statement of firmness, fairness, and full preparedness to Voters and Candidates.

    In a comprehensive public statement, George Erwin Mojica Garcia, Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), highlighted the Commission’s readiness, integrity safeguards, and commitment to inclusive and credible elections.

    Swift but Careful Ballot Printing

    On the printing of ballots for the March 14 Antipolo City 2nd Congressional District Special Election, Chairman Garcia emphasized operational preparedness. He explained that ballot printing could begin immediately and be completed within days. However, speed would never compromise quality.

    Every ballot, he assured, will undergo strict verification, checked thoroughly for clarity, cleanliness, smudges, misprints, or defects that would require reprinting. The Commission is prepared to complete the entire process within five working days, demonstrating both efficiency and meticulous attention to detail. His message was clear: preparedness must be matched by precision.

    Zero Tolerance for Premature Campaigning

    Chairman Garcia issued a strong reminder to candidates to strictly observe election guidelines, especially since the Antipolo election will be conducted manually. Premature campaigning, vote-buying, and the misuse of public funds will not be tolerated.

    He warned that COMELEC will closely monitor violations, particularly the distribution of money or goods during prohibited periods. The Commission will not hesitate to disqualify candidates who break the rules, a stance he noted has already been proven in past enforcement actions.

    This firm posture reinforces COMELEC’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process.

    Early Voting and Inclusive Participation On Election Day, March 14, 2026, COMELEC will reimplement its successful Early Voting Hours from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM. These hours are exclusively reserved for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant voters. The initiative reflects the Commission’s continuing effort to make elections more accessible and humane.

    Chairman Garcia also confirmed coordination with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to allow qualified detainees who are registered voters in Antipolo’s 2nd District to cast their votes. He stressed that no eligible Filipino should be left behind when it comes to the right to vote.

    Bangsamoro Registration and Modernization Push

    Following the postponement of the March 30 elections in the Bangsamoro region, COMELEC resumed voter registration from February 9 to March 30, 2026. Through the Register Anywhere Program (RAP), Bangsamoro residents from Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and the Special Geographic Area may register in Highly Urbanized Cities and capital towns without returning to their provinces.

    Chairman Garcia strongly advocated for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election to be automated, explaining that conducting a fully manual election in the region would pose serious logistical and operational challenges.

    Transparency and Respect in Campaigning In line with its transparency commitment, COMELEC released online the Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) of the seven Antipolo candidates, allowing voters to be properly informed about those seeking office.

    Chairman Garcia also appealed for respectful campaigning, avoiding excessive noise, traffic disruption, and community disturbance. He reminded candidates that the Anti-Discrimination Resolution remains in effect. Personal attacks, discriminatory remarks, and below-the-belt tactics can lead to disqualification, as demonstrated in previous cases.

    A Clear Standard for Elections

    Through his message, Chairman Garcia projected a leadership style defined by preparedness, fairness, inclusivity, and strict enforcement of the law. His words serve not only as guidance to candidates but as reassurance to voters: elections will be conducted with order, transparency, and accountability.

    For COMELEC under his leadership, democracy is not merely administered, it is actively safeguarded.

    Reference:

    Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas

    President and Editor-in-Chief

    TAG Media Group

  • Rising Tigers Magazine to Host Wellness Within: A Forum on Health Balance and Longevity

    Rising Tigers Magazine to Host Wellness Within: A Forum on Health Balance and Longevity

    Rising Tigers Magazine has announced to host a forum with theme “Wellness Within: A Forum on Health Balance and Longevity”.

    Makati City, Philippines, February 18, 2026 — Rising Tigers Magazine, led by President and Editor-in-Chief Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, will bring together leaders from government, business, and key sectors for the upcoming health and wellness forum on February 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Berjaya Makati Hotel. The forum highlights the growing importance of health security as a foundation of national resilience and inclusive economic growth.

    Organized in strategic partnership with various embassies in the Philippines, the forum aims to share global best practices and promote a holistic approach to health, wellness, and longevity.

    The forum will feature distinguished speakers H.E. Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, CIAC PCEO Joseph Alcazar, John Calub, Dr. Carl Balita, Master Hanz Cua, and Cory Quirino, who will share insights on health systems, wellness innovation, and sustainable approaches to public health. The panel sessions will be moderated by Philippine Information Agency – National Capital Region Director Emver Cortez, who will help guide meaningful discussions among policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders.

    “This forum is a platform for alignment, where leadership, policy, and innovation meet for the greater good,” said Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas.
    Through keynote addresses and panel discussions, the forum positions healthcare not only as a social responsibility but as a strategic investment in the nation’s future, supporting inclusive growth, stability, and public welfare.

    Rising Tigers Magazine invites organizations and stakeholders to join this important national dialogue and explore partnership opportunities aligned with shared goals.

    For inquiries, please contact +63 977 897 8877 or email president@rising-tigers.asia.

    Together, let us help build a stronger nation through accessible products and services for all

    #RisingTigers #NationBuilders

    Reference:

    Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas

    President and Editor-in-Chief

    Rising Tigers Magazine