Did you know that the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2026 brings together the full spectrum of of Philippine literary life?
The writers whose pages many of us grew up with – Ricky Lee, Virgilio Almario, Ambeth Ocampo-will be on hand along side trade-book favorites Jonaxx and Ron Canimo, kidlit masters Eugene Evasco and Luis Gatmaitan, and komiks legends Manix Abrera and Pol Media. Viral reads, poetry, pop fiction, indie zines, and award-winning titles every kind of reader finds their people here.
On March 14, 2026, the Final Stage will host the 43rd National Book Awards (NBA) – honoring the authors, illustrators, editors, translations, 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 story telling this day.
The PBF is more than 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 beyond if it is shared, celebrated, and felt together.
National Book Development Board (NBDB)’s Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2026 Media Launch was held on February 26, 2026 at JRich Corporate Center, 16 Sto. Domingo Ave, Quezon City, 1114 Metro Manila,
During the event, Charisse Aquino-Tugade, Executive Director, NBDB, has shared an opening message regarding the PBF 2026. She is someone who deeply believes in the power of Filipino stories. She is not just a public servant, but as a storyteller, a mother, and a reader who has seen, firsthand, what books can do to a life.
She mentioned that the Philippine Book Festival is a marketplace – and we must celebrate that Authors deserve royalties. Illustrators deserve fair compensation. Editors, designers, printers, and booksellers deserve recognition and livelihoods. When books move, the industry thrives. And when the industry thrives, new voices get the chance to rise.
PBF is more than a marketplace. It is a third place – and in a world where most of our interactions are filtered through screens, where the boundaries between work, home, and school have all but dissolved, we all need a place where we can gather freely, without expectation or agenda. At PBF, you will find spaces for conversation, for creation, for curiosity.
PBF 2026 runs from March 12 to 15, 2026 at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, in Mandaluyong City. FREE Entrance for ALL.
Recently, Romualdez camp rebukes claims over the flood control. No plunder case, no guilt.
The camp of former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez rejected attempts to pin plunder and other serious crimes on him, underscoring that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) itself made clear its referral to the Ombudsman was “issued without finding or conclusion of guilt or liability.”
In a statement, Atty. Ade Fajardo, lawyer and spokesperson of Romualdez, said recent statements attributed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should not be misconstrued as proof of wrongdoing.
“We take note of the DPWH Secretary’s statement. However, it is important to clarify that a DPWH ‘recommendation’ is not a finding, much less a determination of guilt,” Fajardo said.
Fajardo categorically denied reports suggesting that the ICI had recommended the filing of plunder or other serious charges against the former Speaker.
“It is not true that the ICI has recommended to the Ombudsman that former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez be charged with plunder or other serious crimes related to the flood control or 2025 budget issue,” Fajardo said.
On the contrary, he pointed out that the ICI itself underscored the absence of any adverse conclusion against Romualdez in its referral to the Office of the Ombudsman.
“In fact, the ICI made it clear in their referral report that it was ‘issued without finding or conclusion of guilt or liability on the part of former Speaker Romualdez,’” he added.
Fajardo said Romualdez respects institutional processes and is confident that the Ombudsman will assess the matter independently and fairly.
“We respect due process and will await the Ombudsman to independently evaluate the submissions based on evidence, not press conference soundbites,” he said.
Press Release (August 14, 2025) – Irene Sarmiento, award-winning writer of children’s book Tabon Girl and young adult novel Stray Cats, is the first author from the Philippines to be invited to this year’s White Ravens Festival, held from July 13 to 17 at the Blutenberg Castle in Munich, Germany.
A native of Quezon City, she moved from the Philippines to Texas in 2011 and now works as a pediatric occupational therapist for children with special needs in northern Colorado.
In an interview with the National Book Development Board (NBDB), Sarmiento shared that “it was in college when I won my first Palanca [award] in the now defunct future fiction category and made me realize I have two lives [studying occupational therapy and writing]. But I never really questioned whether I should stop or keep writing.”
She added, “As a writer, I recognize that in this unequal world, we who are marginalized have to assert our humanity, and this is my way of doing that. I am a Filipino writer talking to multiple cultures in my works. I am both a writer and a healthcare practitioner.”
The White Ravens Festival is dedicated to international literature for children and young adults, bringing together authors and illustrators from different parts of the world to read from their most recent works, lead writing workshops and other interactive events, and discuss their life and works. The festival has hosted various prominent authors such as Ingo Siegner from Germany, Micaela Chirif from Peru, Shaw Kuzki from Japan, Anete Melece from Latvia, Tuutikki Tolonen from Finland, MG Leonard from the United Kingdom, André Letria from Portugal, Yves Grevet from France, Jamshid Khanian from Iran, and Ondřej Buddeus from the Czech Republic, to name a few.
It is hosted by the International Youth Library (IJB) in Munich, Germany.
“The invitation was a huge surprise. It is important because it gave me the opportunity to tell them about the Philippines. It prompted the audience to know more about us [Filipinos]. It helped me to bring our works to the global stage,” Sarmiento said.
Aside from a radio interview, as part of the festival she attended eight interactive reading events across Germany with 10 different participating schools (and with 50 to 150 students in attendance each session) from July 13 to 17 this year. The event was under the patronage of the Bavarian State Minister for Science and the Arts, and featured renowned, multi-award-winning writers.
Sarmiento’s works, often about children overcoming challenges, have received recognition from prestigious organizations such as The Palanca Memorial Foundation, the Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards, and Stories to Change the World.
“My family and I always love books and stories. When I was eight years old, I won a short story writing competition called Young Minds, and it was the first time that I got really published, which started me on that trajectory,” said Sarmiento.
Her novel, Stray Cats, was named one of the Kids’ Choice winners at the National Children’s Book Award in 2024. It tells the story of Elisa Paz, an eighth grader in search of her best friend.
Her tips to aspiring Filipino writers? “You should speak in your own voice. Who knows? One of these days, someone might listen.”
Sarmiento’s participation in the festival coincides with the Philippines’ preparations as the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 15 to 19, 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).
Readers, creators and attendees are thrilled in attending and to celebrate with the Philippine International Comics Festival (PICOF) 2025 from July 5 – 6, 2025 at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2, Mandaluyong City.
Sixteen (16) Things You Can Do at PICOF 2025
Support over 200 indie comics creators launching over 100 new komiks!
Check out the exhibits (Mars Ravelo: Tales from the Magic Makinilya; Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free; Country of Highlight; PALESTINE & PICOF Official Selection).
3. Learn from comics professionals from the Philippines and around the world at the comic masterclasses!
4. Watch “Komiks With a K” by documentary film director/producer Jay Ignacio, National Book Award Winning Author For “Alandal.”
5. Early birds get a FREE copy of the TUWA Comics anthology!
6. Get your caricatures made at the Caricature Corner of the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas!
7. Watch Komiks in the making at the Panels for Palestine live drawing corner!
9. Read your komiks haul at the lounge area of NBDB’s Book Bar!
10. Discover comics from other countries with the international delegates!
11. Learn the lost of art style of Filipino komiks at HAGOD: The Filipino School of Brush Illustrations for Komiks by Randy Valiente!
12. Share the love for komiks by taking a photo of your #picofhaul at the photo booth!
13. Get a limited edition KOMET art toy in the KOMET corner!
14. Support Palestine! This year’s Country of Highlight is PALESTINE!
15. Learn from ‘Itaewon Class’ creator Gwang Jin in his masterclass INK & INDUSTRY: Korean Webtoons and the Industry Landscape!
16. Festival Programming
What to look out for:
COMICS MARKET–support over 200 Filipino comics creators and publishers and international guests releasing over 100 new komiks!
COMICS EXHIBITS–a tribute to Filipino komiks master Mars Ravelo, the country of highlight, Palestine, and the PICOF Official Selection!
COMICS MASTERCLASSES–the Cartooning Workshop with Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas, the Live Drawing session, “Komiks With a K” film screening and workshops with our international guests!
FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING–on the stage we have Artist Battles, Panel by Panel Comics Readings, a Komiks Trivia Night–and much more surprises
NBDB BOOK BAR–take a break and lounge in NBDB’s book bar, and take a photo of your #picofhaul at the photobooth
There’s so much more to love at #picof2025. The PICOF 2025 TEAM are glad to have the diverse attendees to celebrate Filipino komiks amongst others of Festival of Delight!
Are you ready to watch and listen the music of Sarah Geronimo and James Reid, live at Enigma Music City? And HONOR is giving away 100 FREE tickets, here’s how!
Manila, Philippines, February 5, 2025 – The viral HONOR X9c 5G is set to power the Enigma Music City 2025 on February 8, 2025. Pop royalty Sarah Geronimo will be headlining the much-awaited music gathering alongside James Reid, Arthur Nery, Adie, and the queens of Drag Race Philippines Season 3. And great news! HONOR is giving away FREE tickets. Read on to know full mechanics.
“We are more than ecstatic to partner with Enigma Music City in uplifting the local music scene. We are with them in championing the amazing local talent of the Philippines. This is also our way to show our gratitude to our loyal HONOR fans for the success of HONOR X9c 5G. With that, we are giving away 100 FREE tickets. Visit our social media pages to know more,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
First 100 registrants will secure a ticket, and the form will automatically close once limit is reached
Get your very own HONOR X9c 5G!
The all-new HONOR X9c 5G redefines durability with its innovative HONOR Anti-Drop Display. Designed to withstand accidental drops, this display enhances the overall user experience by enduring falls from heights of up to 2 meters. It boasts advanced protective shields and ultra-tempered glass, ensuring comprehensive coverage against impacts. Paired with the industry’s first Cushioning Airbag Protective Case and a Fully Wrapped Curved Screen Protection Layer, these features work together to significantly reduce damage from impacts and scratches. With an IP65M certification, the device provides all-around protection thanks to its three-layer waterproof structure, allowing it to resist water exposure and function effectively even after being submerged.
For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.
About HONOR
HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enables people to become a better version of themselves.
PinoyCon is thrilled of the meet & greet the cast (Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, Alden Richards & Sanya Lopez) of Pulang Araw at Pop Up Play – PinoyCon 2024.
The fans and supporters of GMA celebrities are excited to meet and greet Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, Alden Richards & Sanya Lopez, the cast of the new mega series “Pulang Araw” at One Ayala, Makati City on July 13, 2024. Don’t miss out this opportunity to explore diverse cultures and talents across the diverse cities of diverse nations of Asia.
For their fans who loves art, there will be a showcase of Pulang Araw Fan Art Competition Entries on July 14, 2024. Diverse artists will show their talent, skills and creativity of the diverse arts in the diverse community in general.
To know about the new GMA mega series and role of your favorite local celebrities, join the meet & greet the cast of Pulang Araw at Pop Up Play – PinoyCon 2024 in One Ayala, the venue partner for the 1st Pop Up Play PinoyCon 2024!
The National Book Development Board (NBDB)’s Philippine Book Festival (PBF) held on April 25 – 28, 2024 at World Trade Center Metro Manila is one of the grandest PBF this year 2024 entitled “PHILIPPINE BOOK FESTIVAL 2024”, “It’s Not Just A Book Fair, It’s a Book Experience.”
For me, it’s not just a book fair but it’s great art and book experience to witness the authors, publishers, artists, poet, creators, influencers, actors, book lovers and others personalities showing their great support to the Philippine Book Festival 2024. The exhibitors and guests were glad and enjoyed supporting the books, arts and creations related to Philippine literature, culture, entertainment, art, education, poetry and lifestyle in general showcase in the Philippine Book Festival at World Trade Center Metro Manila. They were thrilled to greet and meet their favorite authors, artists, actors, leaders, influencers and other personalities in the PBF 2024.
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate of the Philippines, delivered a speech and mentioned of her support of the Philippine Book Festival. She also encourages everyone to support Philippine Book Festival and make it viral as many stories, and she would relish the sight of children going back to reading books, and reading the books written published by Filipino authors and Filipino publishers.
Despite of my schedules related to personal & business activities, I managed to attend the grand opening of the NBDB’s PBF 2024 last April 25, 2024 at World Trade Center Metro Manila. It’s a great book experience with the art of advocacy to support the Philippine Book Festival this day & beyond.
