Walk Run Fly for the WPS 2025 is the First-Ever Naval Aviation Freedom Flight Run, supported and joined by diverse people from the diverse communities in the Philippines and beyond, was successfully held on September 14, 2025 at Villar City, Daang Hari, City of Bacoor, Cavite.
It’s a Run for a Cause in support of the Naval Air Wing of the Philippine Navy and celebrating the 78th Founding Anniversary of the Naval Air Wing.
The First-Ever Naval Aviation Freedom Flight Run has bring together of the diverse fitness enthusiasts, aviation professionals, advocates, and communities to support the advocacy of the Naval Aviation Freedom Flight Run.
To honor our maritime protectors & support vulnerable fishing communities is the aim of the Naval Aviation Freedom Flight Run. It also aim to raise funds for fishing communities in Zambales, supporting sustainable livelihoods. The event proceeds will directly benefit fisherfolk affected by territorial disputes and environment challenges.
The Naval Aviation Freedom Flight Run supports the Naval Air Wing’s mission of safeguarding Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea and uplifting coastal communities in Zambales.
The National Book Development Board (NBDB) recently rolled out a spirited send-off for more than 100 Filipino publishers, authors, illustrators, and creatives bound for the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair (FBM), happening from October 15 to 19, 2025 where the Philippines takes the spotlight as its Guest of Honour (GoH).
The evening celebration, held at the 2025 Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center on September 11, 2025, brought together the country’s diverse delegation for networking and a toast to this historic moment in global publishing.
Guests at the send-off were given an exclusive first look at the Philippine Pavilion – a 2,300 square-meter cultural space featuring daily author talks, installations, performances, and more than 65 interdisciplinary programs highlighting Philippine literature and creativity.
“The National Book Development is here to ensure that all of you are ready to present our books to the world,” said NBDB Executive Director and Philippines as Guest of Honour (PhlGoH) Project Co-Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade. “Because when we step into Frankfurt, we bring not just our stories and books, but also the diverse voices and imaginations of the Filipino people. This is our chance to show the world that the Philippines’ creative industries are worth investing in.”
At the Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest, oldest, and most prestigious book fair and rights marketplace where the global “who’s who” in publishing gathers annually, the Philippine delegation will showcase the richness of Philippine publishing, spanning contemporary and speculative fiction, poetry, children’s literature, nonfiction, and graphic novels and comics.
This historic milestone is made possible through the collaboration of the NBDB, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.
As Guest of Honour, the Philippines will enjoy unprecedented visibility at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, opening doors to translation deals, international rights trading, cultural exchanges, and global readership growth.
Festive yet forward-looking, the send-off marked the culmination of years of preparation, and the start of an extraordinary journey as the Philippines takes its boldest leap yet onto the biggest global stage for books and ideas.
To learn more about the National Book Development Board and its upcoming activities, visit books.gov.ph, and follow the NBDB through its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.
Manila, Philippines – The National Book Development Board (NBDB), the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), and Primetrade Asia, Inc. opened the second Asian Rights Fair–Manila (ARF-MNL) 2025 yesterday, 8 September, at the SMX Convention Center.
Under the theme Archipelago of Stories, the ARF-MNL is the first of its kind in the country, bringing together publishers, agents, and industry leaders from across Asia and beyond to explore translation opportunities, rights exchanges, and regional collaborations. It follows the Philippine publishing industry’s renewed efforts to strengthen ties within Asia, and comes as the country prepares to be Guest of Honour at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest book fair.
In her welcome remarks, NBDB Executive Director and Philippines as Guest of Honour Project Co-Director Charisse Tugade emphasized the importance of stories crossing borders, noting that while “a Malaysian reader may rarely encounter Philippine works, and a Filipino student may not know the powerful voices from Indonesia, Thailand, or Central Asia, these stories—our stories—deserve to be shared.”
Since assuming leadership in the NBDB in 2021, Tugade has been a pioneering figure in expanding the Philippine book market, spearheading flagship projects on industry development and boosting the country’s presence in international markets such as Bologna, London, and most notably, Frankfurt.
The ARF-MNL’s opening program featured industry leaders, including Hasri Hasan of Malaysia; Yani Kurniawan of Indonesia; Sartika Dian of Thailand; Bayan Kabylash of Kazakhstan; and Jérôme Bouchaud of France. Philippine publishers Ned Parfan (UST Publishing House) and Rica Bolipata-Santos (Ateneo de Manila University Press), with Jun Matias (Precious Pages Corporation, Lampara Books) as moderator, joined the discussions, which spanned topics from academic markets and digital platforms to translation initiatives, literary prizes, and regional distribution.
Sessions on the Southeast Asian market were led by Atty. Dominador Buhain, Philippine Educational Publishers Association Chair Emeritus, for the Philippines; Malaysian Book Publishers Association/ASEAN Book Publishers President Shake Faisal for Malaysia; and Intan F. Anggraini for Indonesia. Ranya Bakr introduced participants to the Arab publishing market, while Arthorn Techatada of Elite Creative Agency and Edmund Wee of Epigram highlighted the role of literary prizes in raising Asian voices, and Maria Christina Pangan-Cagalingan of the NBDB Philippines and Duangporn Sudhisomboon of Publishers Ande Booksellers Association of Thailand shared insights on grants available to publishers and authors across the region.
The second ARF-MNL welcomed notable publishing professionals from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, and Kazahkstan, including Ampaporn Borwornratansilp, Worawit Kitikusoun, Kiridaren Jayakumar, Netrnudda Malicum, Khatthiya Banmai, Patcharee Boonchauy, Sasithorn Teth-uthapak, Jintana Srithilah, Mohd Khairulanuar Bin Manshor, Nurin Afiqah Binti Azlan, and Evelyn Ghozalli.
The ARF-MNL is organized by the BDAP, led by its president, Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores. By showcasing Asia’s publishing landscape, the ARF-MNL reaffirms its mission to make regional literature more visible to the world, and to one another. The program will be followed by the Rights Marketplace on 10–11 September 2025 at the Manila International Book Fair, also at the SMX Convention Center.
The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. The agency is at the forefront of developing the Philippine publishing industry and safeguarding the country’s vibrant culture of authorship and reading. To learn more, visit our social media pages (@nbdbphilippines).
This September, the country’s biggest celebration of books is back—and REX is making it extra special!
The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) returns this September 2025, and Rex Education is set to mark the occasion with a milestone celebration. As the company commemorates its 75th anniversary, REX is bringing extra excitement to the country’s biggest book event through free admission tickets, exclusive promos, and a showcase of its journey in championing education.
Running from September 10 to 14, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the celebration begins with a special treat from REX—free admission tickets. What’s great? Claiming a pass is quick and easy! Just scan the QR code below, download and print the ticket, and present it at the entrance. With this free ticket in hand, guests are in for a 5-day treat at the fair—filled with books, fun learning activities, and new offerings waiting to be explored.
Promos, discounts, and exclusive deals await you!
Along with free admission, visitors can look forward to special promos, exclusive discounts, and exciting surprises to be announced in the coming days. Expect budget-friendly deals on activity books, storybooks, and other educational resources, as well as discounts on some of REX’s bestselling titles in Basic Education, Higher Education, and Law.
Raffle prizes and fun activities for young children will also be part of the REX booth experience, making it a highlight for teachers and families, especially, their little explorers. With thousands expected to attend, visitors are encouraged to come early to catch the best offers before they run out.
A 75-Year Journey—A Celebration with Every Edukampyon
For Rex Education, MIBF is a tradition that supports its mission of nurturing every child for lifelong learning. This year, as REX celebrates seven and a half decades of standing alongside Filipino learners, its presence at the fair takes a deeper meaning. The booth will not only showcase books and learning solutions but also highlight the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped REX’s 75-year journey. From publishing trusted titles to creating innovative educational tools, REX has always walked hand in hand with teachers, parents, students, schools, and learning communities in championing quality education for all.
As MIBF 2025 opens its doors, REX invites every Edukampyon to join in this milestone celebration. Whether you are searching for affordable and high-quality books, exploring new resources for teaching and learning, or simply enjoying the love of reading with your family or friends, REX will always have something special for you.
The MIBF has long been the country’s biggest and longest-running book fair, bringing together over 200 local and international exhibitors and consistently drawing massive crowds each year. It has become a gathering where readers, teachers, students, parents, and professionals connect, share their love of reading, explore educational resources, and create memorable experiences together.
For updates on promos and activities at the fair, follow REX on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the official MIBF website at www.manilabookfair.com.
See you at MIBF 2025! We can’t wait to welcome you to REX’s booth!
The Book Launch: “The Life and Adventures of Architect Gilbert Yu,” was held on August 20, 2025 at Manila Diamond Hotel, 27th FL-Constellation, Roxas Blvd., Cor. Dr. J. Quintos St., City of Manila.
The book tells the inspiring journey of a young man who dared to dream and persevered through life’s challenges to achieve those dreams.
It offers an inside and intimate look at an extraordinary success story than began with the most humble beginnings.
A Filipino-Chinese born and raised in Manila, Yu would become not just one of the country’s most prominent and successful architects of his time, but also an enduring pillar of Philippine Architecture. His story is a timeless blueprint for triumph, shared prosperity and lasting success.
During the event, speakers shared their views and lessons about the life and adventures of Architect Gilbert Yu.
Architect Gilbert Yu shared three lessons for the next generation of designers during the Book launch, celebrates a life from zero to skyscrapers. Some lessons he wants to impart to architects are Architectures goes beyond design, Architects must be knowledgeable in business, and Architects must be forward thinking. He mentioned about the advocacy of building lives and structures in the community – an eco-friendly and sustainable living.
Starting from humble beginnings as one of nine children of a sari-sari store owner, Yu worked his way through school and became a licensed architect in 1970. He co-founded G&W Architects, which delivered several landmark developments in Bonifacio Global City, including Sapphire Residences, Kensington Place, Grand Hamptons, and Blue Sapphire.
Architect Gilbert Yu has been an advocate for housing affordability, high construction standards and consumer protection in the real estate industry.
The Authors of Book is Ms. Iris Gonzales, a journalist and columnist for The Philippines Star.
ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Over 80 reading space advocates, storytellers, and educators across the Philippines gathered for the annual Book Nook Conference 2025, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB).
The conference, held from August 20-22, 2025 aimed to consolidate the best practices as well as challenges faced by area coordinators for The Book Nook Project, a flagship program by the NBDB which aims to address the country’s reading crisis by setting up reading and storytelling spaces across the Philippines. Themed Sug-álaw: A Grand Encounter of Stories, Cultures, and Communities, the three-day event discussed the best sustainability practices and community-building tips to ensure book accessibility in different regions of the country.
Almost four years since its launch, The Book Nook Project has expanded its presence in different regions of the country. Over 100 Book Nook sites are currently established in various provinces, cities, and barangays, with more than 20 additional sites to be unveiled this year.
“The Book Nook Project has always been committed to making quality books more accessible not just in urban centers, but also in the most remote reaches of the country,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.
The first two days of the conference included sessions and workshops centered on strengthening and digitalizing Book Nook services in the regions as well as developing effective literary engagements. For the third day of the conference, Book Nook area coordinators joined a two-part cultural tour within Iloilo City.
Reaching out to communities
The first half of the tour brought reading space advocates to the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in Iloilo, where they visited the area’s local Book Nook site. Aside from the museum tour, participants also joined in on various activities, including the patadyong race, museum object hunt, and bookmark-making.
The Book Nook Project then visited the Book Nook Nabitasan Integrated School in Barangay La Paz, where the conference participants conducted storytelling sessions and literary activities with the students. Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, award-winning children’s book author, encouraged high school students to express themselves through movement and writing. Meanwhile, storyteller and inspirational speaker Rey Bufi showed future educators and librarians the process of building storytelling communities in Iloilo City.
“The stories we read from our books–from our local prose, our myths, poetry, and legends–are all creations of the Filipino community. It is only apt that we do right by the people who bring so much color, life, and richness to our nation’s culture. Our grand encounter this year, as we call it, bears fruit only when we see our reading communities more deeply involved in nurturing our nation’s reading culture,” NBDB Readership Development Division Officer-in-Charge Daniel Mariano said.
Addressing the country’s reading gaps
Spurred by the country’s reading gap, the conference urged participants to collaborate with fellow reading space advocates. Beyond a theoretical exercise, the three-day event featured a series of workshops which ranged from building sustainable community reading spaces to leveraging digital platforms for wider reach. The conference also highlighted Iloilo City’s reading community, with a full day of reading activities that took place at the NMP-Iloilo City and the Nabitasan Integrated School in Barangay La Paz.
The Book Nook Project, one of the NBDB’s major projects under its Readership Development Division, was launched in 2021. It adheres to the belief that aklat para sa lahat (books for everyone) should be a basic human right. With over 100 Book Nook sites scattered across the country, the NBDB remains committed to fostering love of reading at a young age by making Filipino-published books more accessible and easily available to students and young readers.
To learn more about the National Book Development Board and its upcoming activities, visit https://books.gov.ph, and follow the NBDB through its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.
Reference & Media Contact (Press Release – September 02, 2025):
The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. The agency is at the forefront of developing the Philippine publishing industry and safeguarding the country’s vibrant culture of authorship and reading. To learn more, visit our social media pages (@nbdbphilippines).
Beyond spin through the holidays at the One Stop Record Fair in Trinoma.
Audiophiles and collectors have a reason to celebrate the holiday season early as the One Stop Record Fair: Vinyl in Motion makes a comeback at the Ayala Malls TriNoma Activity Center from September 12 to 16, 2025.
Get into the holiday vibe at this five-day record fair and score early the best vinyl records, turntables, other audio equipment and various collectibles from 40 participating sellers.
Be ready to dig through crates filled with vintage and newly released vinyl records—with most at a discounted price—spanning all genres, as well as cassette tapes and CDs, from Mamsy Records, Spin the Reel Music Trade, Perfect Day Records, Sounds Inc.,Vinyl Fields Records, Rudys Record Store, D’ Neighbor’s Stuff ,Vicor Records among others. Buy that dream turntable or just window shop from Rega and Audio Technica. Speakers, headphones, earphones and other audio gear from Marshall and vivo will also be available.
Adding the warmth to the chilly days ahead are live DJ sets from Lourd de Veyra, Par Satelite, DJ Beejay Groovey D, Carlo Cordova, DJ Girltrendo, Bong Bautista, Sherwin Porta, Christian Combate, Carlo Tayag, Jojo Ortiz, Emil Catalan, Richard Ronquillo, Ely Carag and Kenneth Tanso.
Beyond music, the fair will also showcase art from Gigzilla, Fine Time Studios, Thet and Jurassic Crafts PH, Jecman and Dibuholabs, who will be offering prints, stickers and handcrafted works that highlight the creative energy of Manila’s art scene.
“This coming record fair is extra special because we’re welcoming the Christmas season with more merchants than ever before,” event organizer Sari Osorio said.
“We invite everyone to come, dig and discover music in all its forms. With 40 merchants and a festive lineup of activities, it is going to be our biggest fair yet.”
From carols on the streets to curated holiday playlists played at home, music has always added joy in the country’s famously long holiday season.
As Christmas draws near, the One Stop Record Fair: Vinyl in Motion promises to bring a festive gathering for people to start the holiday season with music that lasts beyond December 25, 2025.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Filipino Critics Circle (FCC) are now accepting nominations for the 43rd National Book Awards (NBA).
First administered by the Filipino Critics Circle or the FCC (formerly known as the Manila Critics Circle) in 1982, the NBA honors the most outstanding books written and published in the Philippines. In 2008, the FCC partnered with the NBDB to co-administer the awards.
“The National Book Awards not only rightfully honor the best works produced by our country’s finest minds and talents, they also provide an occasion for us to take stock of the zeitgeist, our writers’ current preoccupations, and where our book industry is headed,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.
The deadline for nominations is on September 7, 2025. To be eligible, authors and publishers should be NBDB-registered while their works must be published in 2024 and have significance, soundness of content, quality of craft, readability, grammar, copy editing, structure of thought and ideas, and style.
“The National Book Awards serve as official recognition of the quality and relevance of winning books, highlighting their contributions and relevance to the growth of Philippine literature, across multiple categories and genres. The NBA is important to us as Filipinos, as we recognize books that matter to us, as a people, while also serving as a portal of possibilities for readers outside of our country,” said FCC Chair Dean Francis Alfar.
He added, “the roster of winners for any given cycle provides a curated list of the best contemporary writing, reflecting not just Filipino sensibilities, but also what concerns and hopes we have, seen through the lens of both fiction and nonfiction.”
Books published for the first time by a Philippine publisher and works with local editions previously published by foreign authors are also eligible for the awards for as long as it has been locally published.
Under the literary division, books will be recognized in categories such as novel, short fiction, nonfiction prose, anthology, drama and film, literary criticism and cultural studies, literary history, media studies, poetry, graphic novel and comics, and translation.
Meanwhile, in the non-literary division, books will be awarded in fields of art, professions, social sciences, history, journalism, humor, sports, lifestyle, and business, food, science, spirituality and theology, and philosophy.
Every year, the NBA honors a different regional language. This year, it will be Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) and Kiniray-a. All books published in these languages within the last three years (2022-2024) are eligible for the awards regardless of genre.
Finally, the Best Book Design award will be given to the work with the best overall design, which encompasses the cover, typeface, dimensions, layout, type of paper, binding, and printing. A Publisher of the Year award, or the publisher with the highest total number of winners in all categories, will also be given.
“The Filipino Critics Circle and the National Book Development Board recognize the challenges of writing, editing, illustrating, translating, designing, and producing books. We encourage publishers of all stripes, as well as authors, to submit books for consideration. Being part of the list of finalists is an achievement in and of itself, bringing more awareness of your book to the reading public,” Alfar said.
All nominations shall be submitted through the official online nomination form. Two printed copies of the book shall also be submitted together with one digitally non-editable watermarked PDF. For nominated titles under the Translation category, submissions must also include either one printed copy or one digitally non-editable watermarked PDF of the original work from which the translation originated. For complete submission guidelines, check out this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1761KPKJ3H/
The nominated books will undergo a round of deliberations from which no more than five titles will be chosen as finalists per category. The finalists will be required to submit an additional eight copies of their books to the NBDB; non-submission will mean disqualification from the selection. In the final deliberation, one winner will be picked from the finalists of each category.
The winner of each category, except the Publisher of the Year, will receive PHP 40,000.00. For inquiries, contact awards@books.gov.ph.
The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the book authority of the Philippines. The agency is at the forefront of developing the Philippine publishing industry and safeguarding the country’s vibrant culture of authorship and reading. To learn more, visit our social media pages (@nbdbphilippines).
