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Category: Press Release

  • The Last Trophy Property on C-5: A Rare Development Site with Eastwood Lineage

    The Last Trophy Property on C-5: A Rare Development Site with Eastwood Lineage

    This high-visibility C-5 site offers the scale, timing, and conditions that have historically enabled billion-peso developments.

    C-5 Trophy Site: Where the Next Empire Begins

    Before Eastwood City became a landmark, it was land assembled with conviction during a period of national uncertainty.

    After the EDSA People Power Revolution, Andrew Tan courageously entered the real estate industry by founding Megaworld in 1989. Success followed through disciplined vision rather than immediate dominance.

    By the mid-1990s, Megaworld began developing Eastwood City, an ambitious master-planned township that redefined urban development in the Philippines.

    Then came a defining test.

    The Asian Financial Crisis hit during Eastwood’s development phase.

    Capital became scarce, and confidence declined, leading to stalled or abandoned projects across the region.

    Eastwood continued.

    Eastwood was not created by crisis, but its resilience was proven during its peak.

    The foundations of a real estate empire were established under the pressure of the crisis.

    A bold land acquisition evolved into the country’s first cyberpark, a “live, work, play, learn” ecosystem that became the birthplace of the Philippine BPO industry and generated significant long-term value.

    A Familiar Pattern, Reappearing Along C-5

    Today, a similar opportunity is available.

    Along C-5, which is emerging as Metro Manila’s parallel growth corridor to EDSA, is one of the most visible undeveloped parcels: a 62-meter frontage site with scale, access, and immediate development potential.

    This site is positioned as the C-5 Trophy Property.

    Its value comes not only from scarcity but also from its lineage.

    This site shares the same early land-assembly origins as Eastwood, established before the market recognized its potential.

    A Corridor at an Inflection Point

    Opportunities like this arise during periods of transformation, before the market fully reflects their value.

    C-5 is entering that phase.

    Once considered a secondary route, C-5 is now evolving into a parallel growth corridor to EDSA, driven by infrastructure expansion, greater interconnectivity, and the entry of institutional capital.

    What is unfolding is not incremental.

    It is structural.

    Traditional uses no longer define land along this corridor. Instead, its value is determined by what it can immediately support at scale, such as data infrastructure, logistics, or institutional campuses.

    In this environment, only a few sites have the characteristics to keep pace with today’s capital.

    The C-5 Trophy Property is one of them.

    The Three Layers of Value

    The C-5 Trophy Property stands out not only for its location but also for its layered value:

    1. Institutional Value

    A sizable, flexible parcel that can support multi-phase, large-scale development.

    2. Legacy Value

    A direct connection to Eastwood’s early land assembly, which has proven to be a wealth multiplier.

    3. Emotional Value

    Established destination behavior generates consistent foot traffic and lasting place recognition.

    A Different Kind of Buyer

    This site does not lend itself to traditional development approaches.

    It is intended for:

    • REIT-backed developers pursuing scale and yield
    • Data center and infrastructure operators requiring immediate execution

    In other words:

    Buyers who recognize value before the market validates it.

    The Real Question

    The question is no longer:

    What is this property worth today?

    The better question is:

    What does this site become in the hands of the right capital?

    Because before Eastwood became Eastwood, it was simply land, waiting for conviction.

    Closing Thesis

    The last time a site like this was assembled, it created an empire.

    This time, it is being offered as one.

    C-5 Trophy Property.

    Where the next empire begins.

    Investors and buyers considers the location, design, structural, and other factors of a certain real estate property in the diverse city.

    For Inquiries

    This property is presented to a select group of investors, developers, and institutional buyers.

    For more information, detailed materials, or to arrange a private discussion, please contact:

    CATHRINA TANTAMCO

    Commercial Property Investment

    PRIME Philippines

    +63998 845 0943

    REFERENCE: PRIME Philippines

  • A Taste of the Islands: URC Flour’s ‘SUGOD BAKERY’ Showcases the Best of Regional Bread Culture

    A Taste of the Islands: URC Flour’s ‘SUGOD BAKERY’ Showcases the Best of Regional Bread Culture

    URS Flour’s ‘SUGOD BAKERY’ showcases the Best of Regional Bread Culture in the Philippines.

    Every province in the Philippines has a story, and more often than not, that story is told through its bread. From the crusty, carabao-shaped Pinagong of Quezon to the melt-in-your-mouth Pastel of Cagayan de Oro, our regional bread culture is a delicious map of Filipino identity. Recognizing this rich heritage, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Flour is hitting the road with SUGOD BAKERY, a high-energy campaign that celebrates these local treasures while providing the “secret ingredient” to help them reach their full potential.

    The Secret Behind the Local Crust

    What makes a regional specialty truly iconic? It is the perfect balance of tradition and quality ingredients. Whether it is the dense, satisfying bite of a Sariayahin bread during the Agawan Festival or the pillowy softness of Mindanao’s favorite pastries, URC Flour has quietly been the backbone of these recipes for decades.

    By providing world-class, locally-milled flour, URC ensures that the soul of regional baking remains intact while meeting modern standards of taste and texture. SUGOD BAKERY is an invitation to discover how premium wheat flour products can elevate a simple community staple into a world-class culinary experience.

    VIBRANT COLORS, RICH TRADITION AND BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR BAKERS.

    The streets of Lucban are officially in full bloom! But this year, the energy is reaching a whole new level WITH the participation of URC Flour’s SUGOD Bakery Campaign.

    “The Pahiyas Festival has always been a grand celebration of bounty and the incredible craftsmanship of the people of Lucban. This year, we are especially thrilled and grateful to have URC Flour as our partner in bringing the SUGOD BAKERY campaign to our town. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to URC Flour for choosing to celebrate with us and for investing so deeply in our community through this special event,” said Ms. Aiza Andaya, OIC Budget Officer and Chairman of the Sponsorship Committee, Lucban, Quezon. “This collaboration is a significant boost for our local economy, as it directly empowers our neighborhood bakers—the hardworking hands behind our beloved local breads” shared Andaya.

    Celebrating Success at the Heart of the Festivals

    To ensure maximum excitement and community impact, URC Flour has partnered with Local Government Units (LGUs) to embed the SUGOD BAKERY experience into the country’s most vibrant celebrations. This isn’t just a business tour; it’s a cultural celebration where modern technology meets age-old recipes. Bakers and food enthusiasts can catch the movement as it ignites the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban and the Agawan Festival in Sariaya

    Onward to Modern Tradition: An Unstoppable Movement

    URC Flour is bridging the gap between time-honored traditions and the future of baking. At every stop, SUGOD BAKERY will make local festivals into centers of discovery. Here, bakers can master new production methods and innovative marketing tips to grow their shops without losing their unique local flavor. It’s the perfect time to learn something new, step into the spotlight, and take your business to the next level.

    EMPOWERING THE FILIPINO BAKER. Building on the solid foundation of the BIDA sa Masa program, the SUGOD BAKERY Campaign is now fueling a new era of growth, giving our community bakers the tools and expertise they need to expand their businesses and master the art of baking.

    Through the Sugod Bakery campaign, URC Flour is traveling across the country to help and support local baking. The Local Government Units (LGU) gain a partner in grassroots development, while bakers walk away with new skills in food safety, marketing, and advanced production.

    CELEBRATING SARIAYA’S FINEST AT THE AGAWAN FESTIVAL. The energy was electric in Sariaya, Quezon, as URC Flour joined the vibrant festivities of the Agawan Festival. For this year, a number of festivals from Luzon to Mindanao will be visited by the SUGOD BAKERY caravan, as URC Flour continues its commitment to fueling the passion of Filipino bakers and honoring the rich culinary traditions that bring our communities together.

    REFERENCE: URC PR

  • The Amenity Studio Opens at Conrad Manila

    The Amenity Studio Opens at Conrad Manila

    In Partnership with “Heures d’Orange” Afternoon Tea at C Lounge, The Amenity Studio Opens at Conrad Manila.

    Manila, Philippines — A new destination for refined gifting and scent-led experiences arrives as The Amenity Studio officially opens its doors at Conrad Manila. Located on the ground floor, the store introduces a thoughtfully curated selection of premium hotel amenities and fragrances, bringing the essence of luxury hospitality into everyday rituals.

    Marking its debut, The Amenity Studio partners with Conrad Manila for “Heures d’Orange”, an exclusive afternoon tea experience at C Lounge. Inspired by the Hermès Hôtelier Collection, the offering transforms signature scent notes into a refined culinary journey—where fragrance and flavor come together in a seamless, sensory pairing.

    Guests are first invited into a fragrance discovery, where they may choose from five Hermès scent testers, each thoughtfully paired with a corresponding tea. Eau d’Orange Verte offers a fresh and uplifting profile, much like Earl Grey; Un Jardin sur la Lagune is vibrant and expressive, just like mango strawberry tea; Eau de Merveilles Bleue is delicate and light, reminiscent of jasmine tea; Eau de Merveilles, presented as a wearable pendant, reveals a warm sweetness alongside chamomile; while Terre d’Hermès brings an earthy depth, complemented by sencha green tea. Curiosity unfolds as guests explore each fragrance—an intimate sensory journey that heightens anticipation for what follows.

    The experience continues with a thoughtfully composed menu of savory and sweet selections, each inspired by Hermès fragrances. Savory creations include Un Jardin en Méditerranée (duck prosciutto, fig-orange compote, brioche), Un Jardin sur le Toit (crab meat, green apple, avocado emulsion), Twilly d’Hermès Eau Ginger (tuna, ginger, savory crisps), and Eau de Citron Noir (cucumber, lemon labneh, black lime dust).

    Sweet indulgences follow with Eau des Merveilles (orange and praline dark chocolate bonbons), Un Jardin sur le Toit (apple and pear rose choux), Un Jardin sur le Nil (mango rose macaron), and Eau de Pamplemousse Rose (grapefruit and thyme almond tartlets). Completing the experience are freshly baked scones, including classic buttermilk and Eau d’Orange Verte (orange peel buttermilk scones).

    More than a retail space, The Amenity Studio is envisioned as a lifestyle concept—one that elevates the way people experience scent, gifting, and self-care. The store currently features the Hermès Hôtelier Collection, known for its distinct fragrances and timeless formulations, presented in travel-sized formats that embody both practicality and indulgence.

    “At The Amenity Studio, we wanted to create a space where luxury is experienced, not just purchased,” shares Mitch Garcia-Arce, founder of The Amenity Studio. “From curated amenities to collaborations like ‘Heures d’Orange,’ our goal is to bring the sensibility of fine hotels into everyday living—making each moment feel considered and elevated.”

    The collaboration with Conrad Manila reflects a shared vision of refined hospitality—where attention to detail, craftsmanship, and guest experience take center stage. With “Heures d’Orange” available exclusively at C Lounge, guests are invited to discover a new way of experiencing scent beyond the traditional, through taste, texture, and atmosphere.

    Now open at the ground floor of Conrad Manila, The Amenity Studio welcomes guests and visitors to explore its collection and discover a new expression of modern luxury—one that is intimate, sensory, and thoughtfully curated.

    For updates on Amenity Studio exclusive offerings, and upcoming collaborations, follow @amenitystudioph on Instagram and Facebook.

    For more information on Conrad Manila’s latest offerings, please contact +632 8833 9999 or email MNLMB.FB@ConradHotels.com

    REFERENCE: STORYTELLER PR

  • LUXE: Crown Asia Unveils a New Standard of Upscale LivingAcross North and Central Luzon

    LUXE: Crown Asia Unveils a New Standard of Upscale LivingAcross North and Central Luzon

    Crown Asia continues its expansion across North and Central Luzon at LUXE: Living in Unrivalled Elegance, an exclusive event where cultural immersion, gastronomy, and vision converged to express upscale living. Held at The Granary in Pampanga, the sensorial experience embodied Crown Asia’s structure, style, and sophistication. A 270-degree panoramic LED stage transformed the venue into a first-class cabin, transporting attendees through stopovers inspired by scenes from Europe and South America, global design influences that shape its signature communities.

    Vista Land Group Head for Mega Manila and North and Central Luzon, Ailene R. Sarmiento, welcomed guests and partners, setting the tone for LUXE: Living in Unrivalled Elegance.

    Vista Land Group Head for Mega Manila, North Luzon, and Central Luzon, Ailene R.  Sarmiento, shared in her speech, “Each of the refined residences we unveil reflects the premier Crown Asia philosophy: a vision of unrivalled elegance that continually reaches for what is more strategic, more stable, and more sought-after. It is our compass and our cabin class, a perspective of prestige that always points forward and rises higher.”

    Opening the grand event were stirring symphonies from the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Singer and Aliw Awardee Sheena Lee, whose renditions of classic Italian arias filled the hall with operatic opulence, captivated the audience.

    Cocktails opened the occasion, elevated by symphonies from the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Guiding guests was entrepreneur, actress, and model Anne Gauthier, while performances by singer, songwriter, and Aliw Awardee Sheena Lee, whose renditions of classic Italian arias, captivated the audience. A gastronomic journey was expertly prepared by Linelle’s, whose menu mirrored the character of each refined residence.

    The Crown Asia North and Central Luzon team stands united in support of the expansion of upscale living across the region.

    Vista Land executives, business partners, and distinguished guests gathered at The Granary in Pampanga for LUXE: Living in Unrivalled Elegance in North and Central Luzon.

    Concluding the evening was a toast led by Architect Ryan E. Erese, Vista Land Master Planner, who celebrated “the splendor of Pangasinan, the strength of Tarlac, the sophistication of Subic, the harmony of Bataan, and Bulacan’s progressive pulse,” a fitting finale to a night that truly felt LUXE.

    A crown of communities in Central Luzon

    Crown Asia continues to unfold beyond established epicenters across Luzon, reflecting a transformation shaping the national sector. With infrastructure improvements, economic expansion, and clusters of commerce, residential requirements are extending beyond the capital into provincial cities and corridors. Crown Asia responds by providing themed developments that serve as addresses of aspiration and as trophy homes that testify to their residents’ triumphs.

    Crown Asia’s presence begins with Sonvielle in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, a vital gateway connecting flourishing municipalities and facilitating commerce and connectivity. Its role as a center for trade, education, and services, made possible by TPLEX, has encouraged steady population and residential demand. Sonvielle is defined by the light of elegance and the luster of living well. Spacious homes, scenic streetscapes, and state-of-the-art amenities meld to create an environment where sunshine and sophistication coexist.

    Meraveia lies within a province that is gaining prominence in Central Luzon. Tarlac, near the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), New Clark City, and the Clark Freeport Zone, is at the intersection of infrastructure and investment, spurring residential interest among families and professionals seeking opportunities in the area. Meraveia anticipates growing demand through a themed development that complements the Tarlac landscape. It integrates residences within invigorating surroundings that emphasize openness and opportunity. For homebuyers seeking premium entry into Central Luzon’s economic core, Meraveia will have residents marveling at its prime location.

    Subic has long served as a harbor for logistics and leisure, continuously attracting investors with business vitality and bayside recreation. Luzerra reflects this environment as a themed development that combines architectural elegance within an aspirational atmosphere. Lush landscapes reminiscent of Italian loggias balance privacy with proximity to commercial and coastal destinations, offering residents refined residences in one of Zambales’ growth centers.

    Crown Asia launches Aymara in Balanga, Bataan. The city has steadily evolved into a center for governance, education, and commerce in Central Luzon. Its access to Bataan’s Freeport Area and civic institutions continues to attract technology-driven enterprises and employment. Aymara introduces a South American appeal to a themed development, adding a people-oriented perspective to their living spaces through landscaped areas and amenities that support inclusion and interaction.

    Chateau Nissa, Belterre, and Granvida in Bulacan

    Crown Asia establishes European-themed residential developments across three locations, with a rising residential trajectory driven by travel efficiency to and from Metro Manila.

    Chateau Nissa in Plaridel is situated along one of the key transport nodes in Bulacan, serving as a main entry point connecting the province’s north and central areas. In Santa Maria, Belterre rises in an area experiencing ongoing urban migration, supported by commercial activity and improving road networks. Completing the cluster is Granvida in Baliwag, a city recognized for its long-standing role as a center for culture and commerce. These three represent the deliberation and design that complement the continued transformation of Bulacan into the leading gateway to Metro Manila. Learn more about Crown Asia developments nationwide. Visit  www.crownasia.com.ph and follow @CrownAsiaOfficial. Your trophy home awaits!

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Ralph Raymond Rufino

  • 2026 Bataan Freedom March, a 160km journey of valor concludes at Capas National Shrine

    2026 Bataan Freedom March, a 160km journey of valor concludes at Capas National Shrine

    Did you know that 2026 Bataan Freedom March is a successful 160km journey of valor?

    The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), in coordination with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Department of National Defense (DND), concluded the 2026 Bataan Freedom March.

    The historic two-day tribute, which retraced the 160-kilometer route of the 1942 Bataan Death March, culminated with a solemn ceremony at the Capas National Shrine—the hallowed ground of the former Camp O’Donnell.

    The 2026 Freedom March honors the 84th Anniversary of Valor and ensure that the harrowing sacrifices of Filipino and American heroes are never forgotten. By retracing the 100-plus kilometer route endured by our World War II heroes, the march served as a living memorial, transforming historical tragedy into a powerful display of national pride and resilience. As PVB First Vice President Miguel Angelo C. Villa-Real stated, “Eighty-four years later, we carry their torch to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten”.

    We extend our deepest appreciation to the hundreds of participants who answered the call of valor this year. From veterans’ descendants, military and police personnel, and other enthusiasts who joined for 10-kilometer segments, your presence turned this trek into a moving flame of bravery,” Villa-Real added.

    The marchers navigated the grueling Philippine heat, demonstrating the same endurance that defined our heroes decades ago. We salute your discipline in following essential safety protocols—from non-negotiable hydration to meticulous blister care—ensuring that every participant crossed the finish line safely.

    This massive undertaking across three provinces was made possible through the unwavering support of PVAO, DND, as well as the local government units of Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac for their logistical coordination; and major sponsor San Miguel Corporation. It is through this collaborative spirit that Freedom March was able to offer participation free of charge, keeping the legacy of our veterans accessible to all.

    The Bataan Freedom March is more than a walk-through of history; it is a commitment to the future of our nation. We encourage all Filipinos—especially the youth—to support this initiative in the years to come. Whether by joining the march, volunteering at hydration stations, or simply sharing the stories of our veterans, you help keep the “Freedom March Guidon” burning bright.

    Let us continue to walk together, remembering that the freedom we enjoy today was bought by the steps taken in 1942. We look forward to seeing an even larger contingent of “Sons and Daughters” of heroes at the starting line next year.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Readers Engage with Leaders at TopNewsAsia and Rising Tigers Magazine Signing

    Readers Engage with Leaders at TopNewsAsia and Rising Tigers Magazine Signing

    Readers and supporters of inspiring leadership gathered for a special magazine signing event featuring George Erwin Mojica Garcia, Chairman of the Commission on Elections, and Glenda V. Hufano, Past District Governor of Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District.

    The event was held on March 10, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at National Book Store located at SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philippines.

    Organized by TopNewsAsia and Rising Tigers Magazine, the gathering offered readers a rare opportunity to meet two distinguished leaders featured in the publications. The magazine signing was led by Editor-in-Chief Grace Bondad Nicolas, who continues to champion stories of leadership, governance, and community service through the magazines’ platforms.

    During the event, guests had the opportunity to interact with the featured personalities through a question-and-answer segment, which provided insights into Chairman Garcia’s leadership in the country’s electoral system and Hufano’s work in community development through Kiwanis.

    “I am always thankful to our featured leaders who, despite their busy schedules, made time to come and meet everyone,” said Grace Bondad Nicolas.

    Chairman Garcia encouraged everyone to vote and expressed his gratitude for the high voter turnout and peaceful conduct of the previous elections under his leadership. He also emphasized digital innovation in the electoral process, noting that advancements in technology have enabled faster transmission of election results.

    Hufano, on the other hand, shared that she will continue to help children through her connection with Kiwanis International. She mentioned that since childhood, she has had a heart for helping others, which inspired her advocacy to assist indigent communities. Many Kiwanis members also attended the event to show their support for her.

    Supporters, readers, and members of the public attended and took part in the engaging afternoon of dialogue, inspiration, and an exclusive magazine signing experience.

    Event Details:

    Date: March 10, 2026

    Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

    Venue: National Book Store, SM Mall of Asia

    For media inquiries and event details, interested parties were encouraged to contact the organizers of TopNewsAsia and Rising Tigers Magazine at +63 977 897 8877 or president@tagmedia.asia.

    Reference:

    Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas

    President and Editor-in-Chief

    TAG Media Group

  • Diplomacy Meets Media: Indonesian Trade Attaché Graces TopNewsAsia and Leading Women Magazine Signing

    Diplomacy Meets Media: Indonesian Trade Attaché Graces TopNewsAsia and Leading Women Magazine Signing

    Indonesian Trade Attaché Joins TopNewsAsia and Leading Women Magazine Event to inspire readers, supporters, and aspiring leaders in the community.

    On March 5, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, readers, supporters, and aspiring leaders gathered at National Bookstore for the first magazine signing event of the year hosted by TopNewsAsia and Leading Women Magazine, led by publisher Grace Bondad Nicolas.

    Adding significance to the occasion was the presence and support of the newly appointed Trade Attaché of the Embassy of Indonesia in the Philippines, Rahayu Ningsih, whose participation highlighted the growing relationship between media, diplomacy, and cross-cultural collaboration.

    The event featured two inspiring personalities whose stories represent leadership and innovation in today’s evolving society. The current cover of TopNewsAsia features Brian Poe Llamanzares, Congressman of FPJ Panday Bayanihan, while the maiden issue of Leading Women Magazine highlights young CEO Grace Santiago of Lync Solutions, released in celebration of National Women’s Month.

    More than 120 attendees participated in the exclusive meet-and-greet and magazine signing, creating a rare opportunity for readers to personally interact with the leaders whose stories they read about in print. What made the event even more meaningful was the insightful discussion on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Literacy, where Llamanzares and Santiago shared their perspectives on how technology is transforming governance, entrepreneurship, and the future workforce.

    The importance of a magazine signing goes far beyond autographs. It transforms journalism into a living conversation. For readers, it is an opportunity to engage directly with the people behind the headlines and cover stories. For the featured personalities, it becomes a platform to expand ideas, inspire dialogue, and connect with communities that believe in their vision.

    Events like this also reaffirm the continuing relevance of print media. In an era dominated by digital platforms, a magazine signing reminds audiences that printed stories carry depth, credibility, and permanence. When readers hold a magazine and meet the leaders featured in its pages, the experience becomes both personal and memorable.

    Another key advantage of the gathering was its educational value. Young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs present during the event gained valuable insights about the growing role of artificial intelligence and the need for stronger digital literacy skills in a rapidly evolving world. These discussions demonstrated how media events can serve not only as celebrations of publication but also as platforms for learning and inspiration.

    The objective of the gathering was clear: to create a meaningful space where journalism, leadership, and public engagement intersect. Through initiatives like this, TopNewsAsia and Leading Women Magazine continue to elevate conversations that matter, highlight leaders who make a difference, and encourage readers to become informed, empowered, and inspired members of society.

    Publisher Grace Bondad Nicolas expressed her sincere gratitude to National Bookstore for its continued partnership in promoting print media and fostering intellectual exchange through events like these.

    As the first magazine signing of the year, the event set the tone for more interactive experiences where stories printed on pages come alive through conversations, connections, and inspiration, reminding everyone that behind every magazine cover is not just a story, but a community ready to listen, learn, and lead.

    Reference:

    Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas

    President and Editor-in-Chief

    TAG Media Group

  • 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